Lust for Less: Strapless Jumpsuits

Like it or not, it appears jumpsuits will continue to be popular throughout spring '09. So here are some options for you in a variety of price ranges.

This Black Halo one has been worn by Brooke Shields and will run you $395 at Singer 22. You DEF need a belt to pair with it, I think a skinny red one would be nice!

I really like the slate color of this Paul & Joe jumpsuit, and the banded top just seems more secure to me. Buy at Net-A-Porter for $210.

This MICHAEL Michael Kors one includes the belt and still manages to be the most affordable! Buy at Macy*s for $190.

Pleated Drop Sleeve Top

I heart the pleats and over sized armholes, but the best thing about this top is that it was originally $68 and is now $20 at Victoria's Secret! Thank you Semi Annual Sale!

Nightingale Print Cardigan

Very pretty! I like how the floral pattern is offset by the colors, making it less girly but just as romantic. Buy at Urban Minx for $145.

Crystal & Tulle Bracelet

This is the kind of jewelry I imagine a fairy princess would wear: romantic and airy. A stunning Vera Wang piece, it will run you $295 at Saks Fifth Avenue and has a matching necklace for $395.

Another Bluefly Quickie

Gucci Scarves on super sale at Bluefly for the next 2 hours! Retailing for more than $300, they're now $129!

Vintage Menswear Blazer

I'm too petite to rock the over-sized blazer trend, but it appears to be continuing on until spring for you taller ladies! This one only costs $58 at Urban Outfitters, though be forewarned: I hear it has built-in shoulder pads.

Jason Wu Expands Line

Jason Wu is creating what may be a more affordable diffusion line. "In this economic climate, it's important to zero in on what our clients want," Wu says. And you thought the bad economy had no silver lining ;) The capsule collection, called The Exclusives, will supposedly have eight pieces: three dresses, two jackets, a knitted cardigan, a knitted T-shirt, and a skirt. It will be made available in more than 15 colors and fabrics that stores can secure as their exclusive. The fabric options include seasonless cashmeres and silk. The prices range from $390 to $780 wholesale, and the line hits stores in June. He will also be releasing a fur collection in fall 2009 with Saga Furs. Here comes PETA!

Via WWD

Shawl Collar Cascading Front Blouse

This may be the first blouse that's ever given me the impression of cozy before! It's hard to get me into a stiff, structured button down, though that may be 13 years of Catholic school uniforms fault! But I can totally see myself relaxing in this silk blend top, on sale for $180 at Gargyle.

Bow Side Ankle Booties

Still don't own enough booties??? Well here's a cute pair with a non-frilly side bow by Jeffery Campbell (becoming one of my favorite names in cute affordable footwear!). Buy at Free People for $145 in black or brown.

Split Sunglasses

More than a year ago I went looking for a pair of Chanel sunglasses seen on Nicole Richie and later an Olsen twin. Really I was looking for something similar, but much more affordable ;) I ended up giving up my online search and look what I just came across! A pair of split sunglasses at American Apparel for only $75! Though I prefer the real thing and I suppose the look is probably too dated now, maybe I don't care...

Grand Piano Tee

I love Laura Moshi's graphic tees, but they're so over priced! Luckily, this one is on sale at Revolve Clothing for $46.

Bluefly Private Sale

Tomorrow everyone can get an extra 25% off, but only those who click on my Bluefly link can get it today!

Vintage Inspired Coat

This coat will add a touch of old-school glamour to your day when venturing outdoors. The over-sized buttons and the amber gem makes makes this jacket a real standout. Best of all, its only $84.99 at Mod Cloth

Gray Sequin Skirt

Not sure what to wear for NYE? Pair this beautiful sequin skirt with different tops for a great, versatile look! If the dress code is vague, why not pair this with some tights, a casual black tank top and a nicer top over that - if you feel over dressed you can take off the nice top for a more relaxed feel! Buy at Cusp, originally $300 but now just $105.

Gray Houndstooth Dress

I was going to post a cute NYE frock, but I saw this fab houndstooth dress on sale and in my size and realized I desperately needed to convince one of you lovelies to buy it so I am no longer tempted! Find it at Yoox for $340.

Post-Holiday Binging

I hope everyone had a lovely holiday and got everything on their list! Alas, retailers have come up with a relatively new temptation: insane sales post-holiday! Not that there weren't sale before, but with the decreased consumer spending beforehand, it reaches new heights this week. Here are some tips to keep you from going bonkers before the New Year:

• Have a list of needs. I've needed a new pair of comfortable, black boots, chunky heel and above the ankle, for about six months now. Have I bought them? No. Have I bought other things I can't even remember and have worn once? Yes. Time for me to rearrange my priorities and stop impulse shopping!
  
• Purchase classic necessities. I'm notoriously bad at this - how many cocktail dresses does one need in DC? Trust me, not many. I should be buying work trousers, long sleeved winter tops, etc. If you can't wear it for your daily routine, you should probably think twice.
• Investment pieces. Now's the time to buy something usually out of your price range and is now just barely affordable. A piece you plan to keep a looong time, so nothing too trendy! This could be anything from a J. Crew wool coat, some Tiffany's jewelry or a Chanel purse.

Now I have to go buy a new cocktail frock for NYE ;)

Rosette Cashmere Beanie

I'm such a sucker for a cute winter hat! This one has such a beautiful rosette, giant and yet not ostentatious (in my opinion at least!). Buy at Goldyn for $106.

Not sure when I'll be posting next, so everyone enjoy the holidays and try not to go crazy on post-holiday sales!

Couture Candy Sale Code

Get 25% off almost everything at Couture Candy with the code "25Day" until Dec 29.

Mischa Barton Headbands for Stacey Lapidus

Your wait is finally over, the headbands Mischa Barton has designed for Stacey Lapidus are available online! Starting at around $90, they're quite pretty but still a bit pricey for a headband.

Betsey Johnson Might Have a Target or H&M Line in the Works

Oo, I could totally get behind this! CEO of Betsey Johnson recently said "Ms. Johnson is planning a limited-edition design collaboration with a retailer that will likely launch in the fall." (She declined to offer specifics on the collaboration.) I think H&M would be a better fit, personally, but it'd be funny to see something from left field like Old Navy.

Via NY Mag

UPDATE: A rep tells People.com that the rumors are false, :(

Asymmetrical Puffer Jacket

Do my eyes deceive me, or does this puffer jacket NOT make the model look fat?? It's a Christmas miracle by Soia & Kyo! Buy this super cute, super warm-looking coat for $185 at Tobi.

Giraffe Print Velour Flats

So adorable, I can barely stand it! They look so cozy, the perfect thing to shuffle around the house in on a cold day. Buy in black, gray or brown for $55 at Yes Style.

Convertible Dangle to Stud Earrings

I may be a fashion addict, but I'm totally lazy with my jewelry, especially earrings. This pair seems to be made just for me, where you can wear just the star studs or attach the dangley drops for a special night out! Buy at Max & Chloe for $19.

Barney's Sale To Die For

OMG, this is WAY too tempting for me right now! Barney's Sale is up to 75% off, think a Prada clutch, originally $1,060 and now $316! Go forth and buy everything so there's nothing left for me to spend money I don't have on!

Scaled Handbag

The overlapping circles reminded me a little of fish scales, though a bit too round. Buy in black, bronze or silver for $58 at Mimi's Boutique - a new store listed by ShopStyle.

Twisted Trim Cardigan

I don't know if the twisted trim "mimics knotty wood" but it's certainly cute and fresh without being too out there. Buy in brown, black, blue or dark orange for $118 at Anthropologie.

Frayed Trim Blazer

This wool flannel blazer has a great preppy base with interesting detail like the frayed trim. Originally a pricy $348, it's now on sale for $105 at Shop Bop so don't delay!

Floral Silk Tie Neck Top

Ooo la la, this top feels so French, no? The abstract floral print is beautiful and cap flutter sleeves are so much more flattering than regular cap sleeves! Buy at Ron Herman for the sale price of $156.

Anna May Wong Tee

Anna May Wong was the first notable Chinese actress to appear in Hollywood films. The tee is organic and totally fab in an obscure, only cool kids will get it way. Buy at Smashing Darling for $34.

Piperlime Real steals

Piperlime's Real steals section is one of my favorite places to find cute shoes that are a great deal. I like this Chinese Laundry Cosmic boot on sale for $54.99. The zippers give it a fun rocker look, plus you can hide your license and credit cards in the side zipper when you go out for the night!

Gold Stripe Stirrup Leggings

You can be warm and still be festive with these 6126 leggings with gold foil pinstripes. Buy at Madison LA for $115, and use the code "STOCKING" at checkout to get an extra 10% off!

Ruffle Hem Tee Dress

This dress looks so comfy! Perfect with sandals if you're lucky enough to be going somewhere tropical this winter, or rock with a cardigan, tights and over the knee boots if you're stuck somewhere cold like me. Buy at Mick Mango for $207.

Hooded Swing Jacket

Have a pair of long, opera gloves you want to show off this winter? Pair them with a cute 3/4 sleeve coat! This one is in a great plaid and has a hood! Buy at 7 for all Mankind for $235.

Stud and Zipper Mini

Pair this with some ankle boots, tights and a torn up tee for rocker look this New Years! Buy at TopShop for $90.

Button Back Blouse

This Elizabeth & James blouse is a basic button down from the front, but has this great button down back too! Buy at Intermix for $245... hmm I wonder how hard it would be to make this yourself?

Standard Style Sale Code

Get an extra 24% off all sale items at Standard Style until midnight tonight! Use the code "SALE24" at checkout.

Lucite Choker With Cords

What a pretty statement necklace, perfect to pair with a brightly colored, but otherwise understated cocktail dress. Or even jeans and a tee! Buy at Active Endeavors for $185. Get 50% off all new and sale items with the code "wishlist50" before midnight tonight!

Aspen Fashion Week

From March 1-5, 2009 Apsen Fashion Week will be celebrating the "mountain lifestyleT" the five-day event will showcase the winter resort and ski wear markets with nightly fashion events, in-store presentations, and après-ski soirees. An estimated 15 designers will present their winter 2009/2010 collection to fashion buyers and press, and organizers expect that in 2010, the event will expand to include full-scale runway presentations.

Via FWD

Feather Trim Clutch

Wow, what an absolutely fab clutch for holiday fêtes! Available in blue or green, it's listed as $244 at Kate Spade. BUT they're having a 30% off sale which applies in the checkout, which means it's really $171! And its guaranteed to get delivered before Christmas Eve if you order before noon tomorrow, so hop to it!

Kira Plastinina to close nearly all U.S. stores by the end of the year

Another label in trouble! Kira Plastinina, the 16-year-old fashion designer--and daughter of the extravagantly wealthy Russian entrepreneur Sergei Plastinin--is having trouble surviving in the U.S. market. Although she currently operates 12 stores in the States, there are reports that the company has plans to close nearly all of them. The teen, whose father has spent $80 million to open her stores (which include 70 in Russia, 10 in Ukraine, and five in Kazakhstan) counts Paris Hilton as a friend and customer. According to reports, only one or two U.S. outlets will remain open.
I don't feel very bad for this girl considering her daddy bought her all of this. Her designs were fine and affordable, but they felt pretty comparable to even more affordable H&M, Wet Seal and other similar stores. Competition is just too high and she didn't stand out enough - she should have had her daddy pay big bucks to get her pieces in the "Gossip Girl" wardrobe.

Via FWD

Seahorse Back Cashmere Cardigan

I love cardigans with interesting graphic prints on the back! You can buy this one in navy at Revolve Clothing for $369 or in dove gray at Shop Bop for a dollar more.

Pedicure Flip Flops

OMG, this is the most genius, why didn't I think of that idea ever! Because hobbling around with toe separators in is possible but not quite as convenient. Plus, it makes a great last minute gift: fun yet functional and cheap! Buy at Intuition for $20.

Ruched Ruffle Tank

Not sure why they call this a vest... but it's still quite lovely! Buy at Pret A Portobello for the sale price of $38.

Faux Fur Trapper Hat

I don't care WHAT my boyfriend has to say, I love these hats ;) Worn with the ear flaps down, they're seriously the warmest I can ever expect myself to get, and they give an outfit a devil may care attitude. This one is only $34 at Urban Outfitters.

Links à la Mode : December 18th

• 39thandbroadway.com - What really happens to Project Runway alumni and why we are sick of hearing, “You should go on Project Runway”!
• A Few Goody GumDrops - A Few Goody Gumdrops gets Bright for the Holidays with her new Orange Louis Vuitton Tote!
• All Chic - Christmas Jewels
• AlysiaMarie - This Month’s Celebrity Hair Trend; Ponytails!
• Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy - How to wear scarves without looking like an emo kid
• Caged Lilies - Pretty and CHEAP gifts for friends. everything under .
• Capitola Girl Jewelry Blog - Chasing the winter blues away by shopping handmade…
• Clutch 22 - Stylish gift giving on a budget - there’s still time to do your holiday shopping!
• Couture Allure Vintage Fashion - Couture Allure shows how to dress up your shoes for a touch of evening glamour.
• Debutante Clothing - A Tribute to Bettie Page: 5 Reasons We Loved Bettie Page
• Decline Designs - Petticoat tutorial - so your vintage skirts can have the look they deserve!
• Dirty Laundry - How-To: Boyfriend Jeans
• dramatis personae - Alternative Uses For Fur
• Dress Me Up Dollie - A little DIY chases the winter doldrums away.
• Fashion Birdcage - Of Cabbages & Kings Spring/Summer 09 Collection
• fashion fille - Fashion Fille spreads the cheer around through boosting fashionistas to enter the weardrobe contest.
• fashion in my eyes - Beauty&The Beast with Drew Barrymore
• Fashion Pulse Daily - Fashion Pulse Daily gives tips on how to get the biker chic look without having to jump on a Harley.
• Fashion Therapist - Where to find the perfect ugly sweaters for all your holiday themed parties:
• Fasshonaburu - A shopping gift guide for the self-proclaimed “hipster” on your list this holiday season!
• Going to Hell in a Handbag - Consumed by Coats
• greystrawberrys - whats in your make up box?
• Hot Beauty Health - The Smurfs enters beauty world with a Smurfette Collection
• In Life and In Fashion - Easy Holiday Dressing Tips
• Independent Fashion Bloggers - We Really Like Your Style
• Iole in fashion - Red (dress) fashion tree
• Iwanttowearit - Manicurist Yuna Park puts fashion in the fingers of the hottest models for the freshest magazines.
• Logical Harmony - How To Find Deals at Thrift Stores : Beyond The Basics
• Mademoiselle Robot - Interview with fashion photographer and club promoter Pavla Kopecna.
• Nico Assatly - Hot Holiday/Silver bells! cute look for the holidays !
• noiretro // style deficit disorder - Limi Yamamoto Spring 2009 collection & DIY Martin Margiela Sandal Booties
• Or False Glitter - Going grunge with Sonic Youth
• PONY RYDER - exclusive interview with TOPMODEL Iris Strubegger!
• Retro Chick - Comfy Christmas Glamour
• Shopping and Info - Shopping and Info loves what Jennifer Aniston wore to the Marley & Me Premiere.
• Style Amor - Alice In Wonderland Fashion + Movie Frenzy for 2010, Johnny Depp and Mad Hatter Fashion. Yes be ready
• Style Discovery - Confession of a jewellery addict and brining an order and clarity to a pile of necklaces.
• Style Symmetry - Eyeliah finds inspiration in the Wardrobe Remix Pool!
• Summershoes - 11 Steps to a perfect homemade manicure
• Sweety P Style Files - The Wardrobe Recession Diaries: Stalkin Clerks in the Mall and a Houndstooth Dress
• The Bare Skinny - The Bare Skinny gives you the scoop on the unmentionables: Undergarments
• THE COVETED - Last-Minute Gifts that Pamper and Relax

Marshall's Shoe MegaShop

Marshall's Shoe MegaShop sounds more exciting than it actually is...at
least that was the case with the store I visited in Las Vegas. The shoe
area was not larger than those at other Marshall's, and the shoes were
not better or more selective. Maybe it depends on which store you
visit...Did anyone encounter a better Shoe MegaShop?

House of Harlow 1960

Nicole Richie's accessory line is now available to buy or pre-order at Kitson. It's relatively affordable, with pieces as low as $12, and cute. Nothing really stands out to me, but that's probably because my taste in jewelry is less boho and more rawk. Though some of these pieces are totally giving me a slight art deco vibe, apparently everything has been lately!

Karmaloop 40% off the entire store

The double waistband on these jeans is so different and funky I couldn't resist. Normally, $105 at 40% off they were only $63 at Karmaloop with the code "SANTA" at checkout! I had to order down a size though, since things are starting to sell out fast. Time to cut back on the holiday treats!

(yay, my first post!)

Introducing Alyssa!

Hi everyone! With my insane schedule I know I've been neglecting you, that's why I convinced my friend Alyssa to start contributing, with a focus on affordable shopping! I know all of you are breathing a sigh of relief, as Kathy and I tend to focus on insanely expensive, lust-worthy pieces the average person would never think of actually buying!
Coming from a background in graphic design, Alyssa has recently come to appreciate the art of fashion as well. This has led to an ever increasing clothing budget. To balance it out, she is always on the lookout for fun and interesting fashions that stand out and are affordable, but is prone to the occasional splurge. She's having a great time traversing the world of designer fashions, and looks forward to sharing her discoveries with the Fasshonaburu readers.

Kate Moss’s Topshop Contract Renewed for Three Years

After eight best-selling collections, we get more Kate Moss for Topshop! She just signed a deal for at least three more years, and she's even going to expand to lingerie and accessories, I can hardly wait!

Via Telegraph UK

Tuxedo Tank

Need the perfect top to go with the sequin leggings you bought for the holidays? How about this fun, yet not overwhelming tuxedo-inspired tank by Development? Buy at Otte for the sale price of $144.

Celeb Style: What Goes Around Tee

Remind people of karma with this tee saying "What Comes Around Goes Around," worn recently by Victoria Beckham. Buy at Singer 22 for $75, but don't forget to use the code "HOLIDAY20" at checkout to get 20% off!

Lanvin <3 Acne

Yay the collaboration between Lanvin and Acne is now available online at Acne Studios! Items range from a pair of shorts for $410 to a denim trench for more than $1,300!

Cape Hoodie Coat

I love the style of hood this coat has - turning into lapels! And when worn down it's like a little capelet, how cute. Buy at Pixie Market for $242.

Long Leather Gloves

I was looking for fingerless gloves, but I'm totally distracted by these beautiful opera ones by DVF! On sale now at Matches in black or red for £108 or about $167 US dollars.