5 under $50: Curb Chain Jewelry

◈◈◈

Curb chains come in all shapes and sizes. From chunky and thin to geometric and ornate, these classic pieces are available everywhere and affordable.

These all-purpose pieces are very versatile. Don’t be afraid to pull out your pliers and turn a necklace into a few bracelets and earrings or customize your piece by interchanging large links, small links and mixed metals.

Never spend too much money on these simple accessories. If you have ever been to a jewelry wholesaler you know one can buy miles of chain for pennies. There are a ton of inexpensive options almost identical to high-end jewelry lines.

Whether wrapped around the wrist or safely secured at the neck the classic curb chain is a great everyday accessory option.

Here are a five under $50:

Forever 21 ~ Angular Chain Link Necklace: $12.80

ASOS ~ Pack of Three Mixed Chain Bracelets: $16.95

Topshop ~ Chain Hoop Earrings: $20.00

BaubleBar ~ Silver Link Ring: $32.00

ASOS ~ Extra Long Chain Necklace: $25.43

5 under $50: Summer Dress

☉☉☉

Take the guess-work out of summer outfits. With the simple summer dress, one can quickly and casually throw it on all summer long.

Look for universal prints and colors. If you choose a more trendy version, i.e neons and/or bold prints, it will be more recognizable and you will not get as much wear out of it. Let the summer dress be the base of any ensemble and change it up with different pairings: jackets, scarves, layers (crop-tops/slouchy tees) and accessories. These dresses will be in your closet for numerous summers to come. Here are five favorites all under $50.00.

Volcom ~ Festivus: $45.00

Element ~ Robin Striped Dress: $44.50

BB Dakota ~ Dora Stripe Dress: $49.00 (sale)

Hive & Honey ~ Floral Blousant Dress: $39.99 (sale)

Forever 21 ~ Casual Chambray Dress: $15.50

Easy Breezy: Summer Scarves

✠✠✠

This summer leave your statement necklace at home and add a splash of color with a lightweight scarf. This finishing touch is versatile, vibrant and adds an extra layer of style to any look.

From bold, graphic prints to floral bouquets, adding something extra to your ensemble has never been easier. The breezy, effortless nature of a lightweight scarf is perfect for summer. It pulls together a chic look and also acts as an extra layer of sunscreen. Functional and versatile, here are a few fresh new ways to wear your scarves this summer:

Turban: Take a long scarf and tie it into one knot on your forehead, then cross the ends around each other and tuck them in place behind your head. (This look is great for bad hair days)

Mini Caplet: Fold the scarf in half, diagonally, and tie the ends together around your neck – scarf should be draped on shoulders.

Belt:  Tie scarf around your waist or weave through belt loops to cinch the waist.

Experiment to find new ways to wear your favorite scarf: twist, braid, tie two scarves together… Here are a ton of different scarf options to choose from, separated into four categories: Stripes/Florals/Brights/Graphics.

STRIPES:

Mango ~ Cotton Sailor Style Foulard: $19.99

Juicy Couture ~ Chevron Striped Scarf: $68.00

J.Crew ~ Lemlem Gama Gauze Scarf: $125.00

Marc by Marc Jacobs ~ Jacobson Striped Modal Scarf: $180.00

FLORALS:

American Eagle ~ AEO Floral Scarf: $24.50

Forever 21 ~ Floral Scarf: $8.80

Rebecca Minkoff ~ Floral Explosion Silk Scarf: $210.00

J.Crew ~ Printed Summer Scarf in Bold Orange: $59.50

BRIGHTS:

J.Crew ~ Italian Summer Scarf in Belvedere Red: $45.00

Love Quotes ~ Knotted Tassel Scarf in Sunshine: $88.00

Mango ~ Basic Cotton Scarf in Mint: $19.99

J.Crew ~ Italian Summer Scarf in Brillant Purple: $45.00

GRAPHICS:

ALDO ~ Draughon: $22.00

Lucky Brand ~ John Robshaw Vines Print Scarf: $34.99

Tory Burch ~ Ikat Scarf in Turquoise Lucio: $155.00

Tillys ~ Aztec Pattern Scarf in Navy: $9.99

5 under $50: High-Low Skirts

☀☀☀

A new style trend for skirts this spring/summer features a unique high-low hemline. The high-low hemline, short in the front/long in the back, is like wearing a mini-skirt and a maxi-skirt all-in-one. This playful look shows the perfect amount of skin without being too daring.

This style is uber flattering on any body shape. The asymmetric hemline creates a lengthening effect that instantly makes legs appear longer. Showing-off a little leg can be an effective way to elongate the entire frame.

Styling these skirts is simple. Depending on the color or print of the skirt, it is always safe to coordinate with pared-down basics. Try a simple tee, tank or my favorite – a slouchy grey sweatshirt top. The high-low hemline provides the perfect showcase for this season’s quintessential shoe. Show off your favorite flats, sandals, wedges or booties.

The high-low skirt is available everywhere in a multitude of colors, prints and textures. Here are 5 under $50:

Zara ~ Skirt with Asymmetric Hem: $39.90

Asos ~ River Island Heart Hi-Lo Midi Skirt: $38.27

Express ~ Hi-Lo Hem Maxi Skirt: $49.90

Forever 21 ~ Sheer Floral High-Low Skirt: $19.80

Nordstrom ~ Rubbish – Asymmetrical Circle Hem Maxi Skirt: $42.00

Mix-n-Match: Spring Suits

⍒⍒⍒

Mix and match your favorite coordinates to create the perfect Spring suit. The blazer and short combo is a refreshing way to transition into Spring. From statement making florals and prints to original color combinations, discover new outfit ideas for the warm season ahead. Here are a few pieces that will mix-n-match effortlessly to ‘suit’ anyone.

Net-A-Porter ~ Rag and Bone 42nd Street: $450

Topshop ~ Structured Blazer: $130.00

Net-A-Porter ~ Elizabeth & James Bruce Floral Print Silk Jacket: $395

Shopbop ~ Elizabeth & James Colby Shorts: $235

Forever 21 ~ Sweet Polka Dot Romper: Out of stock

J.Crew ~ Scalloped Short: $118

Tribal Trend: Accessories

ΩΩΩ

Tribal-inspired jewelry is on trend this season. Available in chunky bib necklaces, stacked resin bangles, angular earrings and bold rings, these pieces look effortlessly exotic. Experiment with mixed materials and textures including: wood, feathers, metals and fabrics. Play with color and natural elements then just layer them all together. Perfect for upcoming music festivals this look exemplifies a bohemian spirit.

Free People ~ Bay Avenue Engraved Geo Bracelet: $28.00

Piperlime ~ Sabine Tribal Pendant Necklace: $22.00

RevolveClothing ~ House of Harlow 1960 – Totem Pole Earrings: $65.00

Endless ~ Fiona Paxton Tribal Goddess Midnight Arrowhead Ring: $175.00

Forever 21 ~ Textured Bracelet Trio: $7.80

To The Max: Pleated Maxi Skirts

◈◈◈

Add a bit of spring to your wardrobe… and step with a brightly-colored pleated maxi skirt. These pieces are popping up everywhere and are available in the most beautiful colors.

Wear these vibrant spring colors now by coordinating with bulky sweaters and cardigans. When the weather permits – transition effortlessly into spring with a simple tee or tank, sandal or espadrille. Wear a statement piece – necklace/earrings/bag/shoe – that plays with color scheme. Example – turquoise and red, royal blue and yellow, purple and lilac… 

The shape of these skirts can often camoflauge the waistline, to avoid this, wear a belt or find a maxi skirt with a different color waist band (yellow skirt pictured).

Topshop ~ Pleated Maxi Skirt: $40.00

Piperlime ~ Hive & Honey Pleat Maxi Skirt: $59.00

Bloomingdales ~ Alice + Olivia – Shannon Pleated Maxi Skirt: $396.00

Shopbop ~ Tibi Maxi Pleated Skirt: $330.00

Forever 21 ~ Pleated Maxi Skirt: $24.80

NYE Outfit Inspiration #3: Party Shorts

✯✯✯

NYE Inspirations end with Party Shorts. There are so many fun shorts available, leather/sequin/bright colors. Find a pair that works for you and make them the spotlight of the outfit. In this pairing the focal point are these adorable fringe houndstooth shorts. All items coupled with the shorts are simple and structured.

Wishing everyone a fun, exciting and safe New Years! See you in 2012!

Ashling

Alexander Wang ~ Tissue Skinnyracerback Tank: $59.00

Topshop ~ Crop Back Collarless Blazer: $130.00

Topshop ~ Fringed Boucle Shorts: $75.00

Neiman Marcus ~ Jimmy Choo Abel Point-Toe Patent Pump: $495.00

Forever 21 ~ Metallic Pearl Necklace (stores only): $9.80

5 under $50: Party Dress

✯✯✯

New Years is right around the corner. A fun party dress does not have to break the bank. Play with colors and textures, accessories and shoes – to complete your perfect outfit. Pair these dresses with a rugged leather jacket or sparkly sequin blazer to add a little something extra. Try a pair of ankle boots or wildly bright pumps – just don’t skimp on shoes, dancing all night in cheap shoes is never fun.  From form-fitting cut-outs to leopard print, here are a few ideas all under $50.00.

Lulu’s ~ Sail the Universe Little Black Dress: $43.00

ASOS ~ Exclusive Peter Pan Collar Open Back Dress: $43.63

Forever 21 ~ Love 21 Leopard Woven Dress w/Belt: $29.80

ASOS ~ Dress with Fringing Drop Hem: $32.72

Mango ~ Straight Cut Dress – Caspio: $49.90

5 under $50: Maxi Dress

✯✯✯

The Maxi Dress is the perfect way to achieve an ‘effortlessly chic’ look. This dress comes in a myriad of colors, patterns, textures and styles. This item can be casual-wear, paired with flats, flip-flops, denim jacket or a cardigan. Or it can be modified into formal-wear, dressed-up with heels, blazer or a ton of jewels. Available everywhere this season, here are a few pieces that all range under $50.00.

Forever 21 Smocked Maxi Dress: $10.00

Asos Selected Femme Sleeveless Jersey Maxi Dress: $44.32

Heritage 1981 Ruffled Floral Maxi Dress: $29.90

Urban Outfitters Ecote Tiedye Maxi Dress: $49.00

Alloy Erika Maxi Dress: $34.90