Shopista on a Budget: All for Under $150!

This is a great everyday outfit, that looks great styled with big, fun bangles - and it is all under $150!!

This DKNYC "Boomerang Print Bigshirt" ($49.50) available at Bloomingdales is great. I love the sheer print, and pintucking detail at the front. Pair is with a pair of leggings or tights from American Apparel ($26.00) and these fabulous Aldo "Hurtgen" Pumps ($74.98) for an amazing look.

Shopista Look for Less: Leopard Coats

As the weather gets colder, it requires more and more layers to stay warm. One pattern that Shopista trendsetters are reaching for are leopard patterned coats. I love this Maximilian Animal Printed Dyed Mink Jacket, but for $6,500.00?! I found some great alternatives.

Adrienne Landau's "Cropped Leopard Faux Mink Fur Jacket" ($295.00) is a great choice. Or this Alice + Olivia Shrunken Faux-Fur Jacket ($395.00) has a great oversized Peter Pan collar with three-quarter sleeves - perfect to wear with long leather gloves.

This Aqua "Leopard-Print Faux Fur Jacket" ($188.00) available at Bloomingdales, is super soft and I love the longer length. Express also makes a great Faux Fur Leopard Jacket ($126.00) that is great dressed up or paired with jeans.

Fur Collars and Headbands

I got this amazing black fox fur headband and loop by Adrienne Landau ($121.00 on sale at Saks), that I am obsessed with. I have been looking for one for a while now, and I love the luxurious look and versatility - it is also super warm! Not only can you wear it as a headband, but you can pull it down and wear it as a collar.

I picked out some similar alternatives including this Surell Genuine Fox Fur Headband Wrap ($160.00) and this Eric Javits Fox Fur Loop ($250.00).

Fur collars are also great, because it can give a nice wool jacket the illusion of having a fur collar, but when you take your jacket off it adds a classy chicness to your look. Check out this Adrienne Landau Raccoon Fur Loop ($240.00), or for a splurge this Byte by Teso Fur Neckwarmer ($1,200.00) - so chic.

Shopista Look of the Week: Nautical Stripes

I have been seeing nautical stripes in every January Issue - blue and white stripes, rope detailing and brass. It will definitely be a look that you will be seeing as the weather warms. Check out some great styles below:

I love this Pink Tartan "Stripe Knit Nautical Jacket" ($110.00) with a contrast notched lapel and contrast long sleeves. Similarly Top Shop's "Strip Gold Button Cardi" ($50.00) has amazing gold button detailing.

This cashmere enriched knit dress by Reiss, the "Admiral Full Needle Knitstripe Dress" ($186.97), is so cute and totally embodies the nautical theme. Similarly Rugby by Ralph Lauren has a ton of great nautical inspired items including this fun "Whitlyn Ruffled Shirt" ($89.50).

Or for a fun purse, check out Kate Spade's "Watch Hill Zippered Darcy" ($345.00) that is a total homage to Rhode Islands secluded resort town on Block Island. And these See by Chloe "Flat Criss-Cross Sandals" are so fabulous, and totally compliment your legs.

Merry Christmas!

Shopista on a Budget: All for Under $165!

For any last minute holiday parties - here is an amazing outfit, and it is all under $165!

I love this Banana Republic vintage-inspired "Silk Pleated Dress" ($99.00) - the drop-waist silhouette is so flirty and feminine. Pair it with these Nine West "Banquo" pumps ($35.00 on sale), black tights ($10.00) and this AE "Pearl Rosette Necklace" ($19.50) for a sensational evening look.

Shopista Steal: Cynthia Rowley Crossbody Hobo

I was shopping at Bloomingdale's the other day, and came across this fantastic "Precy Pearl Leather Crossbody Hobo" ($198.00 down from $298.00) by Cynthia Rowley. It has a multitude of fun straps for a total boho chic feel. The front flat has a magnetic snap closure and the pearlized leather is so soft.

I love crossbody bags because they leave your arms free, and look great.

Shopista Look for Less: Party Bags

I have never seen so many amazing petite party purses - the are prefect to hold your essential items including lipstick, credit card and cell phone (you can leave your keys with your doorman). And although these clutches are small, the totally enhance your glamours going-out look with either a little color, sparkle or pizzazz. I am obsessed with this Bottega Veneta "Knot Capreto Ayers Clutch" with a push-lock knot closure, but for $1,980.00 there are definitely some equally fabulous alternatives.

Club Monaco has some great clutches right now, including this sparkley "Jen Beaded Clutch" with metal beads ($79.00). Or if you want Rachel Zoe's signature stamp of shine, grab her "Double Faced Sequin Clutch with Removable Strap" ($120.00).

Or for some fun shaped clutches check out this Harmony Lane "Heart Purse" ($45.00) that is uber cute, and a total statement maker - similar to Judith Leiber's Heart N Soul clutch but for a fraction of the cost.

I also love Lauren Merkin's "Diana Suede Leather Disco Bag" ($195.00), that has a fun checkerboard-pattern and removable chain-link strap. JCrew also makes a more romantic vintage looking "Luciana Minaudiere" clutch ($148.00) that is super chic.

Shopista Look of the Week: Open Drape Jackets

I love the open drape front jackets - they are so versatile. You can dress up any pair of jeans or throw it on over a dress. I found an amazing light-weight jacket from H&M the other day ($59.00) that I wear with everything, and no one can ever believe I found it at H&M. Check out some other great jackets below:

Tory Burch's "Prescott Jacket" ($595.00) is so fun, featuring a bright tweed. Ali Ro also makes a great flutter front velvet blazer ($308.00) with puffed sleeve detailing.

Or for a look that sparkles, this Alice & Olivia "Sequin Tulle Cascade Cardigan" ($385.00) has a great 80's vintage feel to it. On a different note, this Illia "Leather Draped Jacket" ($354.20) is so fabulously unique with its draped fleece panels at the front.

For a similar style but in a vest, this Bruce "Drawstring Vest" in dark taupe ($203.00) is so fun and chic. And this Bruce CDC Draped Pocket Vest is also a great look and has unique knick slits at the collar.

Holiday Gift Guide: Splurges!

The Holiday Gift Guide continues.... so far I have done Gifts Under $100, $200 and $300, Stocking Stuffers and Gadgets, and this week is Holiday Splurges - those gifts that are totally worth the extra $$$!

Yigal Azrouel "Denim Leather Vest Jacket" ($1,350.00), Lanvin "Mini Pop Shoulder Bag" ($1,238.00)

Christian Louboutin "Bianca Slingback Platform Pumps" ($755.00), Adrienne Landau "Raccoon Fur Loop" ($240.00)

Diane von Furstenberg "Laffy Dress" ($545.00), David Yurman "Black Onyx, Diamond & Sterling Silver Button Earrings" ($1,370.00)

Chloe "Tamaris Leather Aviator Sunglasses" ($290.00), Torn by Ronny Kobo "Natalie Long Rabbit Fur Vest" ($559.00 down from $795.00)

Gryphon "Sequin Smoking Jacket" ($690.00), Oscar de la Renta "Cinnabar Bracelet" ($290.00)

Farrah Delaunay "Kampala Hobo" ($690.00), Dannijo "Celia Twisted Fringe Necklace" ($345.00)

In the News: Burberry creative head wins Brit Designer of Year

Chief Creative Officer Christopher Bailey won the 2009 Designer of the Year prize at the British Fashion Awards held at The Royal Courts of Justice in London last Wednesday night.

Burberry, who last month reported better than expected second-quarter revenue forecasts, said it expected to open about 15 mainline stores over the full year. This is in addition to the 122 retail outlets, 255 concessions, 90 franchise stores, and an e-commerce business in over 25 countries worldwide. Bailey is responsible for the design of all Burberry collections and products, as well as all advertising, corporate art direction, architectural design, multi-media content and overall brand image for Burberry.

Holiday Gift Guide: Gadgets

The Holiday Gift Guide continues.... so far I have done Gifts Under $100, $200 and $300, Stocking Suffers and this week it's my Gadgets Gift Guide!

Amazon's Kindle Wireless Reading Device ($259.00), Logitech Squeezebox Radio ($199.98)

Apple TV ($229.00), Citiz + Milk by Nespresso ($349.00)

Swarovski Lock Out Padlock USB Charm ($134.00), Panasonic RP-HC55-S Noise-Canceling Earbuds ($60.00)

Samsung 12MP Digital Camera with Front LCD ($300.00), Bose SoundDock Series II Digital Music System ($269.00)

Still to come... Holiday Splurges!