I just got back from LA on Thursday and since I’m heading back there next week, I’m kind of pretending that my cold, dark, winter days are very numbered…hence all my recent Spring purchases!

The truth is, Philly can be cold until late April so the chances of me actually getting to wear these anytime soon is slim to none, but is there anything better than having a great pair of sexy sandals looking at you every morning to help you get through the winter doldrums??

I’m a total sucker for shoes in this color and one of the reasons I got them, besides the fact that they were under $25, was because they will look great with my black tights that I’ve been living in all winter.

I hate seeing girls pair too-delicate strappy sandals with tights-it just irks me- but these shoes are substantial enough to balance out a dark, opaque leg! Click here to buy them…and they also come in black!

-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)

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)

Free People Ruffle Bodycon Dress: $88

Click it/Skip it: Click it! A youthful spin on the classic LBD this ruffled number will add flare to any night out.

Fit: Black is always slimming and there is no exception to the rule with this dress. While its labeled as a “bodycon” dress its made of cotton and does little to squeeze you in, but still accentuates your assets and does not make you look bigger. Plus the stretch fabric fits to your body and is easy to move in.

The statement of this dress is the ruffle top and I love it. The ruffles have movement and the look is flirty and fun. If you have a smaller bust it’ll add the illusion of a bigger cup size. The detailing on the ruffles makes dress look much more expensive and less basic.

Shopper’s Notes: This dress is downtown meets uptown. Its super fun for a night out and it’s sexy with out being overt. Style it with a wrist full of bangles and skip the conventional pumps for some fall booties or lace-ups. The dress can also be dressed down with a pair of strappy flat sandals. If you’re looking to add curves this dress definitely does that and if you already have them, show them off!

-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 toPhiladelphia Magazine.
(all photos courtesy of Lilliana and The CheapChica’s Guide to Style)

Ask any of my friends what my favorite accessory is and they will practically shout “BELTS”!! I love, love, love belts.

My favorite right now is a thin, braided belt, which came with a dress I had purchased from Forever 21. It’s the perfect length and color – tan – which goes with everything! I’ve been buckling it and then looping the tail of the belt through and letting it hang.

Liz of Late Afternoon perfects her knotted belt look with a vintage leopard dress and sandals..which is super easy to do… or you can also try something a little more classic, like a knotted belt with a boyfriend button up and a pair of shorts, for a casual daytime look.

The width of the belt can vary and I’m all about working with what you own, but if you’re going to shop for one, I prefer a skinny belt! I found this belt at online at Delia’s for only, $20 bucks or this western-style belt from Lulu’s for $11 also does the trick!

-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 toPhiladelphia Magazine.
(all photos courtesy of Lilliana and The CheapChica’s Guide to Style)

I am constantly looking for work-appropriate pants to wear with my earth-tone tops. I have such a hard time finding a pant that is not your typical brown or gray tweed flare wool pant from Express. Not that they don’t do the trick, but sometimes I need something different and a little more exciting.

I think these pants from ModCloth fit the bill!  They aren’t crazy, but they are different from your average work pant. And, because they are a little more funky, they would make a great day-to-night piece.

Linen pants are also my favorite thing ever! Problem is, it’s hard to find a pair that aren’t for lounging. These are more of a gauze fabric, but are still in the same category as linen. Bottom line, these pants will keep you feeling cool and comfortable.

These pants are a must for me and if they are for you too, go to Modcloth and shell out the $44.99 to have this staple piece in you wardrobe!

-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)