I’m so excited to introduce our newest contributor, Rebecca from one of my favorite blogs, Young Sophisticates!  If you love anything and everything romantic, classic, and sophisticated as it relates to fashion/style, you must check out her site and look for her monthly “Look for Less” posts…here’s her first one:

Young Hollywood has a new favorite trend: black lace dresses. Taylor Swift (in a drop dead gorgeous Jenny Packham) and a pair of stylish Emma’s (Watson and Roberts) have recently been spotted wearing short black lace dresses on the red carpet. This look is so chic when done right. It’s such a great look, but it’s hard to find a fabulous black lace dress without spending a bundle. A lot of times cheaper lace pieces can look downright tacky – you don’t want to look like a former contestant on Rock of Love, ever. Consider this style problem solved – CheapChica’s is on the case.

Now, you can look like a million bucks with your own sophisticated black lace dress without spending a fortune.  With any of these black lace dresses, you will look classy and sultry all at the same time!

For a look similar to Taylor Swift’s tasteful lace dress, try this stunner from ASOS for less than $80…

or why not test drive a sexy, chic asymmetrical lace dress a la Emma Roberts with this one shouldered dress also from ASOS…

and, if a dress entirely in black lace is a little too sweet for your taste,try this sheath dress with black lace detailing from Rachel Rachel Roy (one of the best budget lines out there!) at Macy’s for $129.

No matter how you cut it, lace is a growing trend that’s here to stay–and it’s not just for brides anymore!

You can get more of Rebecca’s style tips on her blog young-sophisticates.com and don’t forget to look out for her monthly Look for Less column here on CheapChicas!
-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)

Kate Middleton. She has been one of the most talked about girls as of late, and I have to say that I adore her.  And no, it’s not just because she is about to be a princess (although that is an added bonus)!

Yes, she is a very lucky lady, and seriously, how cute are they?  What I admire most about Ms. Middleton is how classy and refined she is.  Really, she seems like such a class-act, and I applaud her for that.  It’s grueling trying to find a tasteful girl in a sea of Miley Cyrus wannabes, so it’s no wonder that women of all ages, ranging from fifteen to sixty-five, are trying to mimic her style.

When she and Prince William announced their engagement, Kate wore a dress by London label, Issa, and it literally flew off the shelves within 24 hours of the announcement.  Great for the designer, but sad for us.

If you’re like me, and you can’t get enough of Kate’s elegance and good taste, then you’re in luck!  I’ve found some stylish alternatives to Kate’s much talked about blue dress, and you can wear these options anywhere from a party to a date, and yes, even an engagement announcement!

Also try pairing this simple wrap dress with the accessories below (keep it minimal!).  Unfortunately, I won’t be able to help you match the gorgeous rock on her finger or that handsome prince on her arm, but I’ll try for everything else.

Cheers!

-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)

Come Dec. 26, every store will be dipped in glitter, glitz and glam for New Years Eve (if they aren’t already). The New Years Eve dress can be a tricky thing to come across since it seems like the only option the give us gals is sequins dipped in more sequins (not that it is always a bad thing).

But for 2011, we suggest putting those sequins (or glitter) in a different place, say on your shoes? Go for a solid patterned or colored dress and slip into these fabulous “Dorothy 2011” style shoes. These Steve Madden Scandall shoes for $109 are perfect for New Years, or a fun night out with the girls.

They are fun, flirty, really draw the eye to the leg and they’re totally neutral so they go with everything! It is a great updated New Years Eve trend that will make anyone feel like a million bucks–even if you’re paring them with one of last year’s cocktail dresses! Who wouldn’t want to slip into these pumps and dance the night away into 2011?

And if you’re a little tight on money post-Christmas, check out this pair from Bakers that comes in 6 shades of glittery fun.

-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 love your blog! I check it every morning while I have my coffee at work. Yesterday I was flipping through the most recent People Magazine when I saw this dress on Jennifer Hudson and thought this dress would be perfect for the holidays!! I love the style of it. Please help me find out who makes it & where to get it, or something like it!

XOXO, Christina

Hey Christina!

You are right; Jennifer Hudson looks totally fab in that dress! I love the loose draping (that somehow emphasizes J-Hud’s rockin’ new bod!), the burnt sienna color that’s perfect for the colder months, the Grecian draping, and the asymmetrical skirt that brings to mind the tulip-look that has been everywhere this season. (I also am really digging those silver tipped Louboutin heels… but that’s another post for another day!)

I’ll give you the bad news first: that dress is Lanvin, so probably not the affordable brand you were hoping for! But here’s the good news… after some CheapChica style sleuthing, I’ve found some dresses that capture elements of the style without the luxury label price tag. For only $36, this Lulu’s find is strikingly similar to Hudson’s choice. The deep purple color is perfectly wintery and I adore the sexy slit in the back.

If you’re not digging that choice, it’s all about what you love the most about the dress… If you’re willing to give up the long sleeves, this charcoal wrap dress for less than $75 works–and with tights and a blazer or cardigan, it’s definitely wearable for winter.

Now if it’s long sleeves or nada, these other options are a tad pricier because they’re brand new for the season. If you’re all about rich color, I’d go for this deep purple Ella Moss number, and the asymmetries in these finds from Bailey 44 and MaxStudio are super creative and gorge!

I hope one of these suits you, Christina! Leave a comment letting us know what you think!

-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)