So summer is here finally and its time to pull those summer clothes out, show a little skin and show the world just how sassy you are. Oh not, but wait, you didn’t do any shopping. I know, you were waiting for the sales, waiting for the weather to break, waiting for someone else to buy it, and waiting for Christian Law to give you some pointers. It’s all good, you know I got you. Check out the pictures below courtesy of polyvore.com for some options.  (When you click the picture it takes you to a larger version where you can find the price and location of all the objects!)

FLOWER POWER

Flower Power by fresherthanchris featuring Forever21

SHOE FLY, BUY AWAY

SHOE FLY.. BUY AWAY by fresherthanchris featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

HAUTE ACCESSORIES

Haute Accessories by fresherthanchris featuring French Connection accessories

Christian Law

When you first get a job, they usually provide you with wardrobe do’s and don’ts, otherwise known as a dress code.   Usually this is spelled out and you can take your cues from there.  However, as we continue to work at a job, we find ourselves getting more comfortable and tend to adhere less and less to said dress code.    In addition, those who have their own sense of style tend to find the dress code limiting to the women who they feel they are.   Others aren’t aware of the difference between work and after-work clothes.   Hopefully I can provide some direction to help you SASSY women find the balance between work appropriate and your personal style.

1. The Right Shirt: As a woman, wearing the right shirt really sets the tone of an outfit.   Avoid wearing tops that reveal too much cleavage and are more suitable for the club.   Rocking a sexy forever 21 low silk poly blend shirt with a blazer doesn’t make it business casual, it only makes you look like you are cold.   Acceptable shirts include woven button down shirts, basic white v neck as well as two fer white shirts (which include a vest, or a belt, or a skirt all in one).  Of course you can be creative and wear all kind of shirts.  Do not limit yourself to a color or style.   Get creative.
   

   Banana Republic, $24.99

   

   INC, $49

2. Bottoms Up: Now that you have a few options top wise,  it is important to get the right bottom.  Fortunately for women, there are many options for career casual.    Of course, there is a direct relationship between what you have on top.   Therefore, if you have on a nice woven button down shirt, you should coordinate with a nice pair of wide leg trousers with a nice round toe pump.    If you are wearing a dress, pair with a nice pair of novelty leggings and an office appropriate flat.  If you are wearing a nice patterned blouse, you can pair that with a pencil skirt.  It is okay to wear denim, but make sure that the denim is dark denim or black and is form fitting.  There should be no holes, rips or anything too novelty.
   

   LNA Skirt onShopbop.com, $33

   

   Ann Taylor, $59.99

3. Finishing Touches: Once you have the shirt and bottoms, you should accessorize the outfit to complete the look.  You can accessorize with jewelry or throw a nice cardigan or blazer over the outfit.  You can finish off a nice basic cut and sew dress with a wide belt.  You can rock a patterned blazer with a brouche over a white tank and dark denim jean and boot.  The most important is to put your personal style on the outfit.

Rampage Boyfriend Cardigan on Overstock.com, $25

Belts on Overstock.com, $22.99

Christian Law

I consider myself pretty progressive, but I don’t think I am progressive enough to handle mantyhose – pantyhose for men.  It’s totally for real.

image source:e-mancipate.net

First I wondered, “why in the world would men want to wear tights?” but as the website clearly explains, pantyhose are not gender specific clothes and they have some health benefits (improves circulation) and sometimes it just happens.  Now I don’t personally know any men who have tried on pantyhose for fun and enjoyed it so much that they wanted to go out and buy a pair of their own, but hey, to each his own. And I can’t forget, they are fashionable.

E-mancipate is a movement for acceptance for male pantyhose.  Who am I to stand in the way of the movement. They even have a book.

So ladies, thoughts?  You gonna get your boo some mantyhose for the holidays.  You can get them here.

peace,
e.

image from stock.xchng

A new season, a new reason to buy tons of new clothes.  Marie Claire offers 5 ways to to get the clothes you want and not break the bank.

1. Stay Within Your Budget. This is perhaps that hardest part of all.  So in order to stay within your budget, create a reasonable budget.  If you know you spend $100 a month on clothes, don’t budget for $50.  And if you do budget for $50, then only spend $50.  Simple in words, very difficult in real life.
2. E-Clip Coupons. I know, I’m not the best at this.  If you’re actually on your fav stores mailing list, you should get these in your email or in your real mail.  MC recommends subscribing to coolsavings.com to get coupons.
3. Hit Up Sales - Again, i you’re on a mailing list, you will definitely know when your favorite stores are having sales.  You can also subscribe to shopittome.com and get coupons from all the stores you love .  Oh and of course, check out the bougie baller, she ALWAYS knows how to get you a deal.
4. Don’t Splurge. Yes I know, essentially the same as #1 but the true way to not regret what you buy.
5. Indulge in fads sparingly. Yes, I know it difficult, but let’s be for real.  How much of what was hot last year is still hot this year?

Happy shopping ladies,
e.

I’ve seen so many dope Obama shirts on the streets lately.  Here are some of my favs.

Cafepress, $25.99

The National Online Shop, $20

Trendy Stars, $24.99

Obama Store (designed by Pharrell), $60

and of course from Barackawear, $20

What’s your fav Obama shirt?

peace,
e.

Target has certainly stepped up its game when it comes to affordable fashion. What has helped it gain a reputation for cute threads is its Go International campaign. The campaign, which began two-and-a-half years ago, brings known designers whose names are synonymous with style and high-end fashion to the national chain store. Beyond the Mossimo and Exhilaration labels, every several months a designer is selected to create an affordable clothing line exclusively for Target. In the past, names like Tara Jarmon (Paris), Luella Bartly (London), and Alice Temperley (London, but whose designs have a bit of a French flair) have become associated with the Target brand. The great thing about Go International is that Target keeps outdoing itself in terms who they snag as an exclusive designer. Starting next month, Thakoon, a Thai-born designer who is known for his feminine yet sporty looks, will create his line for Target, affordable and no doubt chic.
If you have a disposable income (I certainly don’t!), then you can definitely afford these Thakoon dresses:

Graffiti Gathered Dress, $1,175 / Floral Inside Out Dress, $1,250

However, if you are like me, a woman who loves to dress up and have fun, but doesn’t want to break the bank while doing so, the clothes that will be at Target from Thakoon will be more up your (price) alley. A few sneak peeks at the line reveal flirty skirts and dresses, tops for all occasions, and inexpensive accessories. In look one, the black-and-white plaid skirt costs $27 while the top is $23. The black dress, perfect for the cooler weather that will soon be upon us, $40, and the eye-popping red vest in look three costs $25 (and will also be available in yellow).

The best thing about having international designers create clothing for Target is that it frees you up to splurge on other accessories…like shoes. Have fun shopping!

-Sara

So it seems that since the release of Sex and the City: The Movie, countless amounts of women have claimed to have been inspired by the movie’s courageous fashion spread. Some have even gushed about how they went to see the movies for the clothes. Sadly some of the women I seen who say this, have not taken the message to heart (or to their closets). I’ve heard women say they could never be as sharp as “insert name” because its costs too much. I’ve heard women say “I don’t wear pumps because only the expensive ones are comfortable”. The summer has just nipped on our heels and I don’t see girls in any.

So in an effort to help, I’ve created a little must have guide for the summer. The most have things for the summers are the following.

1. FULL CIRCLE SKIRTS.

(Full Skirt (in print), 19.99 at VictoriaSecret.com)

A full circle skirt is an necessity this summer. It’s a flattering silhouette for all women. Full circle skirts come in all patterns and colors and having a few in your closet will be great for the summer. For a nice brunch with your girlfriends, rock a full circle skit (some are belted at the high end of a natural waist, thus giving you a cinched link) with a pair of heels and cute blouse or top, and you’ve got a summer look that’s comfortable, chic and feminine.

2. SHORT SEXY DRESS

(Aqua Drapey Tube Dress, $69 at Bloomingdales) (Aqua One Shoulder Fitted Dress, $98 at Bloomingdales)

Beyonce was referring to these in her video “freekum dress”, but in no way am I advocating rocking lamaes in all different colors. However, a sexy fitted short dress (only worn with pumps of course) is a necessity and can be found in many stores. However, buying a cheap short dress is not sexy. The best bet is to find an affordable one that is still a nice quality. Also buying a dress that is jersey is great for throwing in your suitcase and requires less maintenance. Jersey fabric is also flattering on all body types.

3. MAXIMIZE THE MAXI

(Aqua Printed Maxi Shirred Tube Dress, $98 at Bloomingdales.com)

The maxi dress is an important dress for the summer. It’s a beautiful addition to the summer wardrobe. You can play it safe with a knit jersey maxi. However, to step it up, choose light fabrics like satin and silk organza maxi’s with floral patterns, ombre dye, and other beautiful patterns

4. PUMP IT UP

(Betsey Johnson “Felicia”, $150 at Bloomingdales.com) (Report Signature Shoes, $195 at shopbop.com)

Everyone who knows me, know how I always stress the importance of women in pumps. Pumps are NEVER out of style. The great thing about pumps is that you can never have too many or too many in the same color. I won’t go on and on, but I will say, the higher the better. I’ve listed a few options of shoes that you can buy to keep your summer wardrobe tight. In addition, may I please add that cheap shoes are a no no. Buying cheap shoes can totally KILL your outfit, especially when those cheap shoes are pumps.

If you cannot afford a lot of shoes, try your best by a pair of black, a pair of pattern (floral or leopard preferably) and pair of color pumps.

5. GLADIATORS!

(Gladiator, Old navy, $19.50)

Gladiator sandals are very popular right now. Definitely cop a pair.

6. CLUTCHES

(Jessica McClintock Ombre Frame Clutch, Macys, $52) (Jessica Simpson Pacha Clutch, Macys, $68)

Clutches are important part of your collection especially for going out in the summer. As for what kinds to get, there are way too many options for me to list them all. I will say that hitting the thrift stores and vintage stores are a great resource for clutch bags.

Hopefully, this small list will help you to center your thoughts on what to buy for the summer and what not to wear.

C.Law

The bible of the fashion world–Vogue–has many incarnations in a number of countries across the globe. There are a few issues during the year that garner press, most notably the thick September issue of the US edition. That usually boasts nearly one thousand pages filled with advertisements galore from various designers–Louis Vuitton, Zac Posen, Gucci, and Prada, to name a few. Top models (not to be confused with Tyra’s show) are found on page after page, striking fierce pose after fierce pose. Well, the July issue of one of Vogue’s cousins–Vogue’s Italian cousin, to be exact–has been in the news as of late. Why? Because it will be the magazine’s first all-black issue.

In response to the cry of “Where have all the black models gone?” Italian Vogue has answered, “Here they are!” The hope is that other fashion magazines will follow suit. Two of the models who will reportedly be in the issue are Ajuma Nasenyana, the leggy Kenyan model who walked in Martin Grant’s Spring 2008 and Vivienne Westwood’s Fall 2008 shows, and seventeen-year-old British stunner, Jourdan Dunn. Jourdan Dunn being chosen for the cover spot is unsurprising. She recently made headlines as the first black model since Naomi Campbell (who walked in 1997) to walk the runway during Prada’s Fall 2008 show. Since Naomi’s reign, it seems as though black models have fallen off. The move to create this issue comes from the dearth of black models that were seen (or not seen, as the case may be) during the Spring/Summer 2008 and Fall/Winter 2008 shows.

The question that has yet to be answered is why do so few designers book black models. A sufficient answer has not been given. Dame Vivienne Westwood, one of my favorite designers alongside Alexander McQueen, Martin Grant, and Tracy Reese, commented that the blatant disregard for hiring black models borders on racism. Her solution to the problem was to feature Ajuma in several ads. Aside from the fact that she creates far out designs that I find quite artistic, I knew there was a reason why I liked Dame Westwood.

What saddens me most about this is that US Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, she who was the inspiration (supposedly) for The Devil Wears Prada and who no doubt considers herself and her baby on the cutting edge, wasn’t the first to come up with the all-black issue. What makes it doubly worse is that her right hand, Andre Leon Talley, is black. C’mon, Andre! As a black man in the fashion world, he should definitely know and understand the struggle.

The Italian issue with Jourdan on the cover should be out towards the end of June. Be sure to look for it at a local Borders or Barnes & Noble. I, for one, can not wait.

I am in love with clothes. Perhaps that isn’t something I should admit, but it most certainly is the truth. I’ve had a thing about clothes and shoes and accessories since I was a young girl and I only have my dear mother to blame. She enabled the hobby by buying me those wonderful paper doll books. When I would tire of dressing and changing a doll in the clothes provided in the workbook, I would take pencil to printer paper and create my own designs. All of the designs mirrored trends of the moment by designers. One trend this season that has popped up seemingly out of nowhere is floral sprays.

Balenciaga’s Spring/Summer 2008 show was a hit. It set the tone for the trend we now see blooming this season—flowers everywhere! From dresses to skirts to tops, many designs are sporting spring blooms on their fabrics. Of course, as with any trend, it’s best not to overdo it. If you choose to add some petal prints to your spring and summer wardrobes, please do so in moderation (kind of like drinking alcohol, if you will). You want heads to turn as you sashay past looking fashionable and fabulous, yes, but not in the “Oh no she didn’t!” way. And whether you’re a fashionista on a budget or a lady who can splurge all she likes, you can still get up on the trend.

Here are several dresses that you can find in a variety of stores and price points:

Express, $128, Forever 21, $24.80

Vivienne Tam, $415

-Sara

A woman once told me that when you look good, you feel good. It’s really not secret that looking good is directly related feeling good and ultimately resulting in feeling fabulous. Sure, you may not sit front row at fashion week or have a subscription to women’s wear daily, but let’s face it, as a woman, (and a SASSY Woman at that), fashion is very important part of your life, and if it isn’t, it should be.

One of the reasons I decided to write for SASSY because a lot of women would always ask me for fashion advice. I’ve noticed that many women may love shopping, may love spending money, and may love new things, new items, new garments, but are not effective shoppers. In fact, I’ve seen women spend tons of money and still not have the pieces that are necessary to keep a timeless wardrobe with few key trendy pieces. On the flipside, I’ve seen girls spend little money and it shows. Instead of looking chic, they look cheap.

Here is the dilemma. How does one look fabulous without spending a fortune that they don’t have? How do you manage to find timeless pieces, awesome designer garments and trendy items without spending all your money at Easy Pickings, a Rave, or the express rack of clearance? More importantly, how do you create a wardrobe on a limited budget that doesn’t look like you got it all on clearance? How do you create a wardrobe where everything looks expensive, yet none of it was? These are the questions I plan to answer.

Before we get started with the best places to shop at, or how to find bargains, or any other great tips, you, as the reader, must understand the necessary precautions.

Understanding Quality
When shopping on a budget, it’s important to get the best quality for your money. While no one expects to you know the fabric content of every garment, it is important that while you shop, that you feel and touch every garment you are about purchase. If the quality feels weak, it should stay on the rack. This is important for all garments, especially denim. If you are not sure what great quality feels like, take a trip to a high end store and feel the quality of the garments. Compare them to where you were planning on shopping for a lesser price. Do your best to match the feel of the expensive garment to the feel of the less expensive garment. This will help you understand cheap quality versus great quality.

ASSES YOUR OWN CLOSET
Before you go adding more clothes to your collection, it is important to asses your own closet. Find out what you have that you can keep and what you have in your closet that you can get rid of. There may be some clothes that were great when you bought them, but you may need to get rid of them. Do you really still need those knockoff Manolo Blahnik timbs from Steve Madden? Maybe its time to throw away that cheap faux fur coat you got from Macy’s. These are the questions that you need to ask yourself . The more aware you are own closet, the easier it will be for you to determine what you need to buy versus what you need to throw out. The best part is that the clothes you get rid of, you maybe able to sell at a consignment shop or a thrift store, which will give you some cash to work with.

I know some of you are reading this blog with a raised eyebrow. I know these statements and questions are going through your head right now. Does he really know what he’s talking about? There’s nothing wrong with how I shop? I buy stuff from H&M and trendy stores, so it has to be fabulous! There’s no way I can get designer clothes in my size for less? Well SASSY ladies, I’m here to show you the way to be frugal, yet fabulous. I look forward to all your feedback and questions.

Welcome to the Frugal, yet Fabulous section of SASSY.