Oct 13, 2008

Friday nights used to be for going out. However, with this economy, who can really afford it? For those looking for an alternative to Friday night out, check out USA’s The Starter Wife, where Debra Messing plays a recently jilted Hollywood divorcee starting all over again in a jaded, materialistic town - and a fabulous wardrobe.

I interviewed the stylist for the show, Agata Maskiewics, about the gorgeous clothes Debra Messing wears. Maskiewics says the key to the wardrobe is the jewelry, especially the mixed metals you’ll see layered on Messing this year. She pairs this with great denim, and shops for the show online at Net-a-Porter, Nina & Lola, and Zappos.

This denim-plus-fabulous accessories theory is no better explained than this look where Molly is trying on these gorgeous Christian Louboutin Bourge Zeppa boots ($1375) in a fabulous MICHAEL Michael Kors black turtleneck sweater ($89.50), 7 for all Mankind Roxanne jeans ($155) and a Phillip Lim 3.1 boyfriend blazer ($425).  Any of these pieces are great investment injections to your own wardrobe. Or you can just watch the show and shop vicariously through Molly’s closet.

Why dress up like Heidi Montag for Halloween? Because it's so simple, fun, and cheap--just like Heidi herself! (Sorry, I had to say it.) First, buy yourself a hideous Heidiwood-esque garment. Her collection isn't available online, but Wet Seal, always a reliable vendor of garish wares, sells fabulous imitations. Particularly evocative of Montag's--um--unique style are this zebra halter top ($22.50) and foil animal print dress ($22.50).

Then, add some simple black pumps -- get an affordable version that you'll also be able to use at the office, like these Kenneth Coles ($40). Accessorize with an unattractive metal-studded plastic purse ($14.50) and an over-the-top pendant necklace ($8).

Don a honey-blonde wig from Ricky's Costume Shop ($20), apply lots of dark eyeliner, and BINGO! You're Heidi. And not that semi-fictional Heidi from The Hills, but real life Heidi in all her glory - the gal who thinks patent leather is all the rage and animal prints are haute couture.

I went to Target this weekend to score some more Anya bags (all of which were already gone) and therefore ventured over to the shoe department to scope out the Sigerson Morrison collection.

Uggh. My companion promptly exclaimed, "Were these meant for a Halloween costume?" My sentiments exactly. What were they thinking? The collection consists of 80's inspired crystal booties ($40), bejeweled metallic hued grandma heels ($35), and these incredibly odd D'Orsay pumps ($37) with a frightening black and metallic swirl combo on the upper heel.  

 

Not only are the shoes garish, but they are shoddily made. If you plan on dressing like Jem and the Holograms this Halloween, make sure to stop by Target for your footwear. I ask you Sigerson, what happened? 

Have you checked out the Sigerson Morrison line at Target?  Do you share the same opinion?  Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

If you’re lucky enough to have a company-wide vacation day today, why not save precious time (and gas money) by taking advantage of the Columbus Day sales online? From lingerie to sweaters to shoes, we’ve found a handful of sales to replenish almost any part of your wardrobe.

Get $20 bras and 6 for $20 panties today at Frederick’s of Hollywood.

Buy one pair of shoes – like these button-up booties – at Payless, and get the second half off.

Save 25% on select cashmere and outerwear at Bloomingdale’s.

Save up to 70% at Shopbop’s designer boutique sale. These Proenza Schouler pumps are on sale for $178.50, from $595.

At Martin + Osa’s fall sale, get their clean, classic pieces for up to 60% off – we particularly like this two-button cotton blazer.

"I'm really into the whole mix of metallics and skins. You get a lot of look for the price," says Zoe about this gold leather metallic snake skin clutch ($198). Pair this with an LBD and you'll not need a single accessory. Double it as your wallet and go quickly from day to night by simply shredding your handbag.

Zoe, who claims she's a huge fan of the "whole 80's situation", recommends this Hobo International leather clutch ($94) with snap and kiss lock closures and button accent that comes in green apple, plum purple, or pumpkin orange.

Not to worry -- she recommends more than clutches for fall -- they just fall more in the $400 to $675 range.

"It's big, it's functional, and I like the hardware," says Zoe about this Alexis Hudson Aspen shoulder bag ($675). Instead of actually being a jetsetter because you've blown all your money on this bag, you'll just look like a seasoned one.

See more picks from Zoe:

Oct 10, 2008

Must-Reads:

• Jonathan Saunders' GO Collection arrived at Target, and our SheFinds staff has given it a fashionable stamp of approval.  

• Part One of Project Runway's season finale proved disappointing to Jerell and his copier paper bride.
  

• We found three simple, un-bedazzled, furless LBDs at Caché - our cheesy store of the week. 

Sales and Deals:

• Up to 60% off layering tanks at C & C California

• Flats for $10 at Old Navy

• Up to 50% off short sleeve dresses at Shopbop

Taste Tests:

• Which satin dress is a wiser buy?

• Which red peacoat will leave you with more green?

Thanks, Advertisers

• We'd like to send out some thank yous to this week's advertisers: Bare Necessities, Urban Minx, Relios Jewelry, Blanco Boutique, and Traderlou.com. To find out how to advertise on SheFinds, click here.