You Don’t Have to Spend a Lot to Look Like a Fortune


I wore this outfit to work and got so many compliments on my necklace.  People kept asking me if I had just bought it at our last jewelry trunk show.

That’s when I sort of had to giggle to myself as I meekly responded with a mysterious “no…”  I didn’t want to disappoint and seem like a traitor by having shopped elsewhere so I kept my un-lipstick-ed mouth shut.  But by the third time that I was asked, I couldn’t keep the cheap secret to myself and found myself whispering “Forever 21” to a shocked colleague.  I loved the expression on her face so much that I felt compelled to continue whispering, “It was only around 20 dollars” (while covering my hand over my mouth as if I were releasing top secret information).

I love mixing high and low brands!  I think it’s all about how you mix it up and style it up.  The rest of the outfit includes:

  • Zara blazer (around $49)
  • ruffle tee shirt from TJ Maxx (around $20)
  • jean skirt by Brooklyn Industries (bought on sale for only $15)
  • leather and fur boots by In & Out (yea like the burger)
  • designer purse that I brought to work not pictured here

Salute to Fall’s Military Trend

If you’re wondering how to apply Fall’s military trend without looking like G.I. Jane, read on.

photo from refinery29

The runways were awash in olive greens, neutrals, army prints, lace-up boots, epaulets and utilitarian accessories.  The above collection of runway photos is just a sampling of designers who obsessed and went a little (okay a lot) overboard with the military look (from left to right: Burberry Prorsum, Wayne, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Rag & Bone, Burburry Prorsum, Marc by Marc Jacobs, ).  I’m a fashion lover but I admit, these models look like they’re headed to Afghanistan’s Korangel Valley, not a place where you want to be.

Even if you’re clueless to the runway features and somehow missed the months of fashion magazines who all exalted this trend, one step into any department store will make you stand on alert wondering how you’re supposed get in line with this military trend.   To investigate how real people plan to and actually try out this military trend, I looked to a couple of my favorite resources.

The below Polyvore set features a glam downtown take that incorporates bronze buttoned shorts, chain detailing on the shoes, jacket and purse, and a military-inspired jacket.  Some might see this jacket and recall akward memories of band camp but to fashionistas, this jacket is so on trend.

Eve Tank
$46 – idontlikemondays.us
Cheap Monday tops »

Chain Fringing Drummer Jacket
31 600 SEK – mrsh.se
Cropped jacket »

Pyramid Stud Belt
7 GBP – oasis-stores.com
Wide belt »

The below outfit is a bit more subdued due to its color range.  It also incorporates this season’s shorts emphasis.  When wearing short shorts, you’ll want to balance out baring all that skin with something longer and possibly looser on top.  This set also does a great job adding a touch of glam with the necklace and standout Chanel brooch.

Marc Jacobs Chiffon bow blouse
$595 – net-a-porter.com
Camisole tops »

Lowe Jacket
195 GBP – allsaints.com
Military style jacket »

Wool cargo shorts
$105 – theoutnet.com
Military shorts »

Azzedine Ala?a Lace front shoe boots
965 GBP – brownsfashion.com
Platform heels »

FENDI – 120MM SHINY NUBUCK ANKLE BOOTS
590 EUR – luisaviaroma.com
Nubuck boots »



For another more subdued take on the military trend, take a look at the below chic outfit.  I’m loving the idea of wearing the little leather booties with a glam shirred skirt.

Military Green & Strong Chic - Trends for S/S

Linen-blend shirt
$180 – net-a-porter.com
Long sleeve tops »

Military Style Coat
$160 – topshop.com
Military style coat »

Naja Cutout Boots
$114 – ssense.com
Juicy couture boots »

TOM FORD Sunglasses
325 EUR – colette.fr
Tom ford sunglasses »

Fendi
gotdeal.com
Fendi bag »

For inspiration from real people, I look to Chictopia.com.  Here are some of the best looks -maybe some of these will inspire you!  What do you think?


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