Oct 07, 2008

There are certain things I find hard to justify spending money on, like belts. But this weekend I went shopping and couldn't believe what I was seeing on the store mannequins as well as my fellow shoppers - belts are the new hot accessory. I ended up with three belts after one shopping spree and I don't think I've bought a belt in over 2 years.

Polish off a designer suit for that upcoming interview with a skinny croc-embossed black belt, jazz up a grandpa cardigan with a wide patent belt, or just keep your pants up with a no-frills black/brown staple.  The skinny black python-embossed belt ($29) is 1" thick and perfect for the office. A thick black patent belt ($242) would look fabulous over a long cardigan or even a winter coat. And the reversible basic black/brown belt ($29.50) will discreetly keep your pants in place when you're looking for a belt to actually do its job. 

The same three variations for black apply to brown. You'll need a classy, skinnier belt that is appropriate for work, a wide funky brown belt that works with all the latest new trends, and a traditional brown belt you can wear with jeans. This 1.5" leather strap belt ($65) will look great worn over a sweater on the natural waist or in your trouser's belt loops. Pick up the latest belt craze and start wearing wide belts with excessive buckles like this saddle version ($68) over dresses or longer cardigans - it's extremely flattering on those of us with little to no natural waists. Last but not least, a country-chic tan belt ($38) is all you'll need to look pulled together in your favorite pair of worn-in jeans.

Expand your belt collection with more than the basics. Sport an animal print, bold color, or gold over any LBD or black sweater for a downtown chic look.

In these rough economic times, we've all had to rethink our spending habits, finding creative ways to save money without sacrificing fun, food, or style. One expense that I've recently been considering: haircuts. For one, they're pricey--fixing your 'do can cost anywhere from $40-$150. And, if you have long hair (like me) or bangs (like half the population), it's a frequent expense, too. After about six weeks, even if my style is still holding its shape, split ends ruin the look, sending me back to the salon for a trim. Who can afford so many haircuts?

Fortunately, three products -- Citre Shine's Split End Mender ($5), Herbal Essences' Long Term Relationship ($3), and White Sands' Porosity ($112.25), -- are as anti-split end as I am.

Split ends and breakage occur when hair is dry or brittle from styling, or simply damaged by being brushed and pulled back into a ponytail. Both of the leave-in "laminates" (Herbal Essences and Citre Shine) keep your hair healthier for longer by strengthening the follicle and protecting it against the effects of heat. And they're both fabulous. Choose by smell: the Herbal Essences' cream boasts a typically strong and fruity aroma; Citre Shine's version gives off a more citrus-y scent. White Sands is a spray that controls porosity--the measure of void spaces in a material, like hair--by penetrating the follicle and filling in those voids, thereby evening its texture. It's a pretty penny for something that goes on your hair, but it certainly gets the job done (and can cut down on frequent trips to the salon). 

Get Yours: Drugstore.com and beauty-mart.com

Thre are times when trends pop up and I just can't decide which side of the fence I stand on. Case in point: the Stella McCartney Sock Boot... et al. This is just one of several that I've seen popping up in stores.

There are two versions of the Stella sock boot shown below. They're half bootie/shootie, half grungy ankle warmer. On the left, the Leatherette Ankle Boots ($895), and on the right, the Sock Ankle Bootie ($1195). While I love the bootie portion of the shoes, the sock is somewhat off-putting because I'm not sure what to do with it. At the same time, I think it might look cute if the sock were rolled down over the ankle and you wore them with a pair of fun tights and a sexy dress.

What do you think? Would you wear these hybrids? Would you buy your own leg warmers and inexpensive booties to copy the look? Or is this just Stella gone a little kooky for fall? Voice your opinions in the comments section!

We think everyone should own a classic coat in a fun color, like these red wool peacoats. They’ll make an outfit look polished, not stuffy – but one has a decidedly uptown price. Can you tell which one is the affordable find, and which is the investment piece at $595? Click on the images to see what they really cost.

Test your skills with more Taste Tests. 

A hint of sleeve makes these appropriate for daytime, but not stifling in an overheated office.

Tights would enhance the slightly mod feel of this colorblock dress ($142.50, was $285).

In simply cut jersey, T-bags’s solid square-neck dress ($90, was $180) is a good weekend or casual Friday option.

This Cathrine Malandrino deep-V sweater dress ($276.50, was $395) has a fitted waistline – one of the few tailored sweater dresses we’ve seen lately.

More sales and deals on the web:

As seen in the SheFinds forum: Receive 20% off your order at Doce Vida Fitness with coupon code SHEFINDS.

Save up to 50% on clearance items at Armani Exchange.

Up to 70% off at New York & Company’s sale.

SheFinds Reader Question: Fell in love with this purple top. The necklace is pretty sweet too. Anyone come across this? Or something similar?

This top, shown here in an episode of Gossip Girl, was also spotted on Tyra Banks during one of her show tapings. The fabulous blouse, called the Mary, is a gorgeous confection of jersey and vintage scarf material and part of the remake/remodel spring/summer collection by hip New York retailer Zachary’s Smile.

Unfortunately, Zachary Smile is working on getting their web presence up and running, but if want to explore a similar look, try a similar top with embellished shoulders, like this Elie Tahari Violet Silk Jersey Paige Beaded Tank ($179) or this Development Plum Jersey Satin Trimmed V-Neck Top ($156), both from Bluefly.com.  Similar impact, different spin on the look.

Anything else leaving you confused out there in the fashion jungle?  Let us know -  SheFinds is here to help!