Pick this up for yourself or give this as a gift to any girl who loves a great manicure. This four pack was featured in the J.Crew Holiday Gift Guide. I love Essie nail polish and so does J.Crew, they’re offering 2 different color sets for just $20!

Essie’s colors are effortlessly girlie and chic at the same time. Choose between the Vixen Vermillionare set and the Ballerina Clam Bake set. The Vixen set features statement reds, oranges, and pinks. But, I prefer the unique colors of the Clam Bake set (pictured left). The more subtle set is great for the season and you will still get that pop of color with clambake orange color.

Don’t forget about the little Cheap Chicas in your life, J.Crew also has a set for perfect mini Essie lovers in your life for $20 as well. These colors are fabulously girly…I might even like them better! I love the light blue and festive gold that can add sparkle to any occasion!

And if you’re giving these as a gift, make sure you wrap fast so you don’t keep them for yourself!

-Lilliana Vazquez
Lilliana is a nationally known style expert and television host.  You’ve seen her work on NBC, ABC, The Style Network, and We TV.  She is also the editor of The CheapChica’s Guide to Style, the go-to destination for fashionistas on a budget, and a contributor to Philadelphia Magazine.
(all photos courtesy of Lilliana and The CheapChica’s Guide to Style)

Now that Thanksgiving is over and done with, and the leftovers have all been gobbled up, it’s time to transition into full-on shopping mode.  Once you check everyone off your list, why not treat yourself to something special… and what better way to do that than with a dazzling little number that you’ll be wearing into 2011?

The perfect New Years Eve dress has got to be the sequined mini.  Like Lilliana, I lust after sequins, and what I love most about these cocktail dresses is that they leave a lot to the imagination. They’re stunning, memorable and eye-catching, they show a lot of leg (but not too much), yet they abide by one of my #1 rules: if there’s a lot of skin on the bottom, keep the skin on the top to a minimum, and vice versa.

Balmain never ceases to amaze us with their mind-blowing sequin designs: from blazers to tops, and of course, to dresses, these collections are always a celeb favorite (mine too; just wish I could afford it!).

Each season, my favorite piece from Balmain is almost always their fresh take on the sequined cocktail dress.  But I have to say that right now, I am absolutely loving this long-sleeved mini from French Connection.  It’s almost a carbon copy of a Balmain design, but I have to say that as much as I can’t get enough them, the French Connection dress is a heck of a lot more practical.

However, at a price tag of $298 + tax, it may exceed your budget, so I managed to find some other fabulous options at a fraction of the cost. Forever 21 has this one and this one for under $30 and I love the look of an asymmetrical sequin dress!

Can I also add that ASOS has come out with a dead-ringer for the Alice + Olivia sequined mini-dress that was spotted on so many fabulous ladies from Lauren Conrad to Marissa Miller last year?  I know it’s a tad bit early to start the hunt for the perfect New Years Eve dress, but this really is perfect, and what better way to count down to the new year than in a sparkly cocktail dress?  I can’t think of any better way, myself…

-Lilliana Vazquez
Lilliana is a nationally known style expert and television host.  You’ve seen her work on NBC, ABC, The Style Network, and We TV.  She is also the editor of The CheapChica’s Guide to Style, the go-to destination for fashionistas on a budget, and a contributor to Philadelphia Magazine.
(all photos courtesy of Lilliana and The CheapChica’s Guide to Style)

I’ll be spending New Year’s Eve at a friends loft party in New York City and while it may sound glamorous, the not so glamorous truth is that I’m a starving student with almost no budget for this big night out.  I can probably spend $50-100 on a new dress, but no more.  Problem is, everything I find looks super cheesy and cheap (in the bad way of course)! Oh and I need to wear silver shoes that were left over from a bridesmaid dress! Please help me find a dress that works!

Ariel-

Fear not! Cheap, yet chic is our specialty and there are plenty of options out there for you.  NYE is one of the biggest nights of the year and since everyone will clearly be dressed to the nines at this event, you don’t want to be the girl in the dumpy dress so I think I found two that will work perfectly with your budget, and with your shoes!

First up for under $50 is a classic LBD with a hint of sparkle and shine!  I love a full sequin dress for New Years, but they aren’t for everyone and they’re expensive! I also think that sequins can be better in small doses–like a jacket or a skirt or in this case a great belt!  This dress from Windsor is only $39.90 but it looks way more expensive.  I own a coral dress very similar to this one and it’s one of the most complimented dresses in my closet!  And since you saved so much on the dress, you can even splurge on a pair of statement earrings to complete your look!

Next suggestion for under $100 is this gold stunner!  I love the simplicity of this style and the sweetheart neckline is one of my faves when it comes to cocktail dresses.

This color gold is also the right shade gold, if you know what I mean…subtle, not shiny! Gold dresses have also been one of the hottest trends on the red carpet so its sure to turn heads from both guys and girls!  And while you might be tempted to go matchy-matchy with gold shoes, that would be the wrong choice.  Your silver ones are the perfect contrast and they’ll help highlight the silver rhinestone buttons!

And if I’m off the mark with these two picks, browse through the selection of dresses on Windsor’s site. You can even sort by “Dresses Under $50″ so you won’t be lusting after something you can’t afford! Gotta love that!

-Lilliana Vazquez
Lilliana is a nationally known style expert and television host.  You’ve seen her work on NBC, ABC, The Style Network, and We TV.  She is also the editor of The CheapChica’s Guide to Style, the go-to destination for fashionistas on a budget, and a contributor to Philadelphia Magazine.
(all photos courtesy of Lilliana and The CheapChica’s Guide to Style)

Jackie Kennedy, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn… Lucille Ball?  I’m talking about fashion icons of yesteryear… But who knew that goofy redhead was such a trendsetter?  Well, we can thank “I Love Lucy” for putting polka-dots on the fashion map.  I have to say that I have always been a fan of polka-dots, when done right, and now they’re everywhere (again)…  Yay!  This time around, we owe it to big names like Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana, Moschino and Miu Miu for modernizing this look altogether.

Think this trend is a little too 1950’s housewife meets Blair Waldorf?  Then put your own spin on it, similar to what Dolce & Gabbana did for fall 2010.  They modernized the look that once only belonged to Minnie Mouse and itsy-bitsy bikinis, and gave it a subtle, sexy twist.

This look is easy to pull off, so long as you keep one thing in mind at all times: don’t go overboard.  Keep it simple, and keep the spots to a minimum.  You don’t want to step outside looking like you just stepped off the set of “101 Dalmatians!”  Polka-dots can be very chic when worn correctly.  If you’re hesitant at first, a pair of polka-dot tights like these are a surefire way to go for this time of year.  They’re extremely versatile, and they add character to those little black ensembles that so many of us wear in the wintertime.  If you’re going for a more whimsical look and your motto is “the more spots the better”, then go for a polka-dotted skirt, top, or even dress.

I love a great chiffon polka-dotted piece, as they add a fresh, airy feel to any outfit.  Who knew that polka-dots could feel so contemporary and elegant?

-Lilliana Vazquez
Lilliana is a nationally known style expert and television host.  You’ve seen her work on NBC, ABC, The Style Network, and We TV.  She is also the editor of The CheapChica’s Guide to Style, the go-to destination for fashionistas on a budget, and a contributor to Philadelphia Magazine.
(all photos courtesy of Lilliana and The CheapChica’s Guide to Style)

As the temperature keeps falling, so do the hemlines. The Maxi Skirt is a look that was sure to follow after the obsession that was and still is the Maxi Dress. I can’t tell you how excited I am! Some of you might think the maxi skirt is too risky but I’m telling you, it’s not!

The biggest question I get about these skirts is how to wear them without looking matronly, frumpy, nun-ish or just like a straight up hippie!! I think the answer (like it is for most things) is in the styling from head to toe (specifically toe, the shoes matter the most). Take your cute from fashion risk-taker Mary-Kate Olsen’s…she’s only 5′0″ and in this photo she not only looks amazing (and surprisingly tall) but she’s also doing showing a very easy and simplified way to wear this piece!

For a bohemian look match a fuller skirt maxi with a loose top, a fur vest, some killer heel clogs, and lots of bangles.

For a more sophisticated look pair a straight maxi with textured tights, platform heels and a feminine blouse in a soft material like silk.

And for a more casual day look match a knit maxi with your favorite riding boots, a comfy knit top or chunky sweater, and a leather jacket to top it off!

With so many options how could you go wrong?! And if you’re feeling nervous about this trend-don’t! One of these looks will work for you. Just have fun dressing up this skirt to suit your personal style!

-Lilliana Vazquez
Lilliana is a nationally known style expert and television host.  You’ve seen her work on NBC, ABC, The Style Network, and We TV.  She is also the editor of The CheapChica’s Guide to Style, the go-to destination for fashionistas on a budget, and a contributor to Philadelphia Magazine.
(all photos courtesy of Lilliana and The CheapChica’s Guide to Style)

Ever since my ears were pierced I have been the ambassador of all earrings large and dangling . That was my thing. But, the embellished necklines and statement necklaces (Olivia Palermo is the queen of these!) we have seen the past couple of seasons meant something had to give in the bling department. So, I have become a new fan of small and subtle.

Understated earrings can ensure that your look has polish from head to toe without overdoing it. Whether you are having one of those days when a sleek pony is all you have time for or you are sporting loose locks, you can never go wrong with a little stud.

Nordstrom has always been my go to accessory shop due to their continuous ability to replicate the high-end jewelry trends on a budget. This season is no exception. I got these pyramid studs, similar to Anita Ko’s running $275 a pair, for only $18! I wear them non-stop!!!

They add the perfect hint of bad girl glam without being overdone. I also love the vintage, ladylike feel of slightly larger stud earrings with faux stones like these from Charlotte Russe for only $4.00!

Some of these even come in handy three packs, like the plastic ones you bought when you were twelve, so if you get sick of one pair you can always rotate. With so many other statement pieces available to us this season, it’s ok for the ears to take a back seat…in sparkle of course, not in style.

-Lilliana Vazquez
Lilliana is a nationally known style expert and television host.  You’ve seen her work on NBC, ABC, The Style Network, and We TV.  She is also the editor of The CheapChica’s Guide to Style, the go-to destination for fashionistas on a budget, and a contributor to Philadelphia Magazine.
(all photos courtesy of Lilliana and The CheapChica’s Guide to Style)

Forever 21 Leaf Embellished Chiffon Jacket: $29.80

Click it/Skip it: Click it!

This flirty number is perfect for fall. I love patterns so much right now and you can never go wrong with a little sparkle!!

Fit: This jacket fits just as its shown, and its true to size (Medium for me..remember Forever21 tends to run small) It was a smidge longer on me because I am not as tall as the model. However, I love the fit, its slightly cropped and the sleeves are 3/4 length. It has the cut of a very lightweight blazer.

Like most of Forever21 its made of polyester, but the lining is made of cotton so its not itchy or uncomfortable. In the photo the leaf embellishment seems to be pretty sparkly but it is much more subtle in person. The best part…it looks really expensive!

Shopper’s Notes: This jacket is great to have in your closet for those nights when you have nothing to wear. It can elevate even the most basic white/grey tank and jeans. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to spend $30 on a very thin jacket from Forever, but I am so glad I did. I love the jacket and I think it will last more than a few nights.

-Lilliana Vazquez
Lilliana is a nationally known style expert and television host.  You’ve seen her work on NBC, ABC, The Style Network, and We TV.  She is also the editor of The CheapChica’s Guide to Style, the go-to destination for fashionistas on a budget, and a contributor to Philadelphia Magazine.
(all photos courtesy of Lilliana and The CheapChica’s Guide to Style)

This week, I can’t help but write about another look from the Burberry Prorsum S/S 2011 collection.  I can never resist the styling of a feminine dress with a motorcycle jacket.

It’s a great look for day to night because you can dress it up, or dress it down.  If you’re gearing up for a night out, then this look is perfect because you can take the jacket off for a dressier, feminine look, or you can keep the jacket on for a more casual, edgy look.  It’s the perfect balance!

I recently saw this affordable leather jacket from Express that you can either wear with one of your feminine frocks, or with a pair of jeans- and to make things better, you can choose from ivory, camel, or black!

I also love really feminine, flirty dresses, and you won’t feel guilty splurging on them because you can wear them through the entire year- in the summer without a jacket, and in the fall/winter with your motorcycle jacket, a chunky belt, and even tights, in order to make them look a little less summery.

My favorites are these dresses from Top Shop, ModCloth and Forever 21.  You can even pull different looks from your own wardrobe in order to add to this fun style!

-Lilliana Vazquez
Lilliana is a nationally known style expert and television host.  You’ve seen her work on NBC, ABC, The Style Network, and We TV.  She is also the editor of The CheapChica’s Guide to Style, the go-to destination for fashionistas on a budget, and a contributor to Philadelphia Magazine.
(all photos courtesy of Lilliana and The CheapChica’s Guide to Style)

Tucker is known for its signature prints and vintage-inspired silhouettes and this is definitely reflected throughout her collection for Target-which you know we’re obsessed with!

The line consists of beautiful, feminine printed dresses, tailored skirts, but what’s really making me take a second look are the gorgeous jackets! The two that really stood out to me (maybe because we’ve finally had a hint of cooler weather) were the Hooded Wrap Jacket in Orange Herringbone and the Trench in Green Herringbone.

The Hooded Wrap is right in line with the camel-colored trend of the Fall – and who doesn’t love to have a hood?! The more sophisticated Trench is military-inspired and adds a touch of masculinity to any printed dress and tights.

Both are under $60 – a great buy for a great piece! The collection is only available at Target until October 17, so hurry – if it’s like any other collaboration they do, these are sure to go fast!!

-Lilliana Vazquez
Lilliana is a nationally known style expert and television host.  You’ve seen her work on NBC, ABC, The Style Network, and We TV.  She is also the editor of The CheapChica’s Guide to Style, the go-to destination for fashionistas on a budget, and a contributor to Philadelphia Magazine.
(all photos courtesy of Lilliana and The CheapChica’s Guide to Style)