.

I love coats, and now is about the time to hit up the sales to get the best price for the coming winter months. Some finds around the internet:

MyShape.com

Mango Shop.com

Overstock.com

All of these coats range from around $100 - $210. If you are in need of a new coat, I would also stop by the Burlington Coat Factory and Martin & Osa.

I always love GAP’s Christmas ads.

I just saw these new promo pics featuring Jennifer Hudson:

In case you’re wondering, GAP did ask Jennifer if it would be okay if they still used these photos.

GAP is also doing a series of musical commercials featuring actors & artists.

Janelle Monae & Jon Heder from Napolean Dynamite

In the last few weeks I’ve grown a renewed interest in a few fashion items:

1. Headwear
I’ve been wearing a lot of headbands and beanies lately, and not because of a bad hair day! Check out some of the beautiful lace headbands from Garlands of Grace.

2. Ankle length skirts
I will admit that I can’t stand skirts. I only own 2 or 3 of them. I love dresses, but there’s something about skirts I can’t tolerate. Floor-length skirts however, have become one of my new looks. I’ve actually been wearing some of my summer maxi dresses with tops over them. I’ve gotten a lot of compliments so the look must work. Check out some of the skirts from Marabo.

3. Heels
I’m making it a point to wear heels more often. Not only do they correct my posture :), but they are feminine, and femininity is something we should always be after.

Is there anything you’ve been wearing more of lately?

~Rebecca

I’m still waiting on Christa Taylor’s winter line, but Down East Basics, Layers Clothing, aaaaand Shabby Apple have all gotten their holiday lines in. Hip hip hooray…

Down East Basics

Layers Clothing

Shabby Apple

Oh, and apparently Shabby Apple is carrying shoes now.

Since these are winter lines, this of course means that all of the fall wear is on sale.

Now is the time when I pull out the “little black dress.” I have a number of them in different styles and fabrics for every occasion from birthday parties and film festivals to last minute professional functions.  

I think 3 is a good number to have, and not because of the trinity. Check out some finds on the internet:

Shift Dress, $28.99

Napa Tunic, $21.99 —-I have a dress that looks exactly like this.

“Margo,” $68

“Louise,” $65

 
Notch Front Dress (Plus), $29.50

Wrap Dress (Plus), $24.50

 
Sequined Party Dress, $130

And BTW, Shappy Apple has a gorgeous line of “ebony” dresses for literally every occasion you could possibly think to attend.

Take a look at the Modest Apparel category as I have added a number of new links, my favorites being Tweed & Hush.

Tweed has a number of very cute, modest, and moderately priced pieces:

I’m also in love with Boutique Hush, which in addition to having a very modest selection of apparel has a great line of handbags:

I’ve also added a number of plus size links, my favorites of which being Lola & Gigi and Saffrona.

Lola & Gigi has a great selection of designer plus size apparel and premium denim.

Saffrona (which also includes smaller sizes) specializes in designing dresses in eco-friendly fabrics.

I’d also like to make a plea for more feedback. I get a lot of hits on this site, but very little comments and emails. What are you liking about the site? What would you like to see change? Any and all comments and suggestions are always welcome.

Last week I changed my Facebook status to say:

“Rebecca is looking for a Halloween costume that won’t make her look like a porn star.”

My cousin commented on it wishing me good luck in that endeavor. I laughed because I knew she was joking…but at the same time it wasn’t all that funny.

There’s a line in the movie Mean Girls were Cady says Halloween is the one night a year a girl can dress up like a “total slut.” I don’t like calling other girls sluts, but that line is true. Last year I was out in West Hollywood where some girls my friends and I knew came up to us to talk. They were all dressed as vampires in black bras, red panties, capes, and horns. I’m not joking.

I see costumes in the same way that I see bridal wear—despite the fact that it is a special day modesty should not be lost. I thought about being a “celebutante” to make fun of the ridiculousness that is teen Hollywood, but I decided to save that particular dress for my birthday dinner (which was what I bought it for in the first place.)

Instead I’ve decided to be a 40’s college student. Not the most creative idea, but the outfit is really cute…and I’m covered!

I hope you have a fun, safe, modest Halloween!

Former America’s Next Top Model Contestant Bianca Golden recently shot a photoshoot for famed fashion photographer Derek Blanks. Check out the beautiful shots:

Fabulous.

I saw this really adorable photo of R&B Singer Keyshia Cole out at some party and all I could think was, “Girl, you forgot to button your top button!”

Tops like Keyshia’s would be modest if we just took a little extra care….

Don’t forget that top button ladies!

1. A pair of uggs
Because Australian slippers are hot American fashion….I was baffled to learn while I was in Australia over the summer that Uggs to Australians are similar to fuzzy bunny slippers to Americans. But I still think they’re cute and therefore they make the list! 

2. A Linen Scarf
Depending on where you are in the world, you may want to invest in a cable knit scarf.  It’s still hot in LA, so I’ve been wearing scarves made of lighter fabrics like linen and cotton. Forever21 has a colorful selection.

 3. A Cozy hat/beanie
Try the random hat store in your local mall…you know…the one with the wigs in the front window.:P
 
4. Another pair of shades
…Because sunglasses are not only a summer fashion. Lulu’s has a great CHEAP selection.

5. A plaid button down shirt.
Plaid is really in style this season.

6. A peacoat
For the colder nights…

7. A Little Black Dress
For those last minute parties…

8. 3/4 sleeves
It’s not too hot, yet it’s not really cold yet either. 3/4 sleeves on a dress or a top is a great solution for fall weather.

9. A cardigan
Ponchos are also back in style, so you can pull that one out as well if you don’t want to wear a cardigan.

10. A leather handbag
I have an aversion to patent leather, but a sturdy well-made leather bag is always in style and can be used in just about every situation.

PhatMass always has a great selection of t-shirts, but this is one to definitely buy, and for only $7.

$15.50 at Refuge Co.

St. Francis (rope belt included), & Agnus Dei tees, $20

Our Lady of Guadalupe, $40

The classic “Mary is My Homegirl” tee, $12.99—the Jesus version was a fad, but you’re only wearing the Marian version if you mean it.

Catholic Baby Maternity tee, 29.99

Team Benedict tee, $20

It’s not that Target is now legit just because Halle shops there, but rather that she just got a heckuva lot more cool in my eyes.

Speaking of Target, check out some these very cute tops for the fall collection:

Tops

Houndstouth Wrap from Bandlu, $29

Cream Floral Tunic,$39

Pink Plaid Button Down,$36.50

ON Flutter Top, $19.50

Sweaters

Navy & Ivory sweater, $54 at Torrid

LB Poncho, $49.50

Bellini Ballet Wrap,$62

Bottoms

High wasted jean, $58

Double Weave Pencil Skirt$14.50-32.50

LB Right Fit Trouser,$ 44.50

Denim Pencil Skirt$32.50

Brown Plaid Skirt, $58

Dresses:

LB Floral Piping Dress, $54.50

Mathilda Dress,$24

LB Sweater Dress,$79.50

Two-toned Dress, $142

Ines Meridian Print Dress, $149

The Layers Clothing fall fashion line has officially arrived.

LC will be having an anniversary sale beginning Sept 22nd, 20% of all regular priced merchandise with the code “ANNIVERSARY.”

Just so I could get free stuff! As a blogger people do send me products to review, but never clothes!

2008 Emmy Style Lounge

Jaime King

Jennifer Love Hewitt

Maria Menounos

Shannon Elizabeth

Emmy Rossum

Official Modestia Chick Ali Landry

Her face says it all. I like free stuff too Ali. LOL.

From one of my favorite periodicals Clutch Mag:

Far from your Granny’s ratty old “party dresses”, these days going vintage is a test of style authentication. Can you pull off that blast from the fashion past and make it look effortlessly fabulous and timeless? Want to get your hands on something historically chic but don’t know where to start, look, or how to buy?

Technically defined as an item at least 20 years old, in fashion the term vintage is commonly used to refer to the most exceptional of pieces designed between the 1920’s and the mid 1980’s. So expect your vintage piece to be a fashion investment. Not to be confused with thrift store bargain hunting, shopping for a great vintage item can actually run a bit costly. Vintage pieces are usually top quality in fabrics and detailing and have been well restored and cared for. Although you shouldn’t expect mint condition, save yourself headache by taking into consideration the color, fabric, zipper, buttons and added special detailing before making that purchase. Will it be almost impossible to replace or find? Keep in mind these are rare finds so spending a lot on a nice-looking piece that needs work may be worth reconsidering if you plan on getting a few wears out of it. Quality and integrity should be your first priority.

Industry sizing standards are constantly changing and have come a long way over the last 20 years. As a result, the most common tip you’ll hear in vintage shopping is size matters! Shopping online? Be sure to have the exact measurements for yourself and the piece you’re interested in buying. As these pieces can be hard to have altered or repaired you want to make sure you’ve found the piece that’s perfectly fitted for your body.

Now what do I look for?

Finding the perfect item is half the battle! Cleaning and maintaining are next on the checklist. You’ll want to take great care of your piece to retain the fabric and more importantly the character. As it may be hard to find or read care labels in much older pieces your best bet for washing cotton would be to use a mild detergent and lowest drying temperature. Wash delicates like rayon, silk and lace by hand in cold water and air dry. Vintage Guild experts suggest using unscented padded hangers, avoiding light, smoke and animal hair when storing your piece.

But, before you head out to that fancy vintage boutique you’d be surprised to find the season’s hottest trends already stashed in the back of your Mom’s or even your own closets. As goes for history, fashion trends inevitably repeat themselves.

Cheap fabulosity!

Gap

Patrick Robinson is the head designer for this season.

Target

Well, a more modest halter top I should say…since halters aren’t exactly the most modest top you can wear…

As a general rule of thumb I usually stay far far far (far as in lightyears) away from anything labeled “Women’s section.” I’m not 45, so why should I dress like it? But I clicked a random ad for SoftSurroundings.com yesterday, and found this really great halter top that comes in a variety of colors.

Both the front and the back are cut a bit higher, the straps are thicker, and it has a built-in bra for better support.

The only down side is that it costs $59. If I can find a cheaper version I will most certainly let you know about it, but for now let’s be grateful for this one.

Yes, I have decided to give my secret away. You ready for it?

The Racerback….not the regular cotton tops, but the ones from the activewear section in department stores. I bought tops like the one below in every color imaginable from Target, and have been putting them underneath halter tops, see-through dresses, and the like ever since.

Since the fabric stretches and the tops are made to hug your body by design, they don’t weight you down. (I never liked regular camisoles.) I also bought some tube tops made out of similar fabric to put underneath more formal dresses. For me, the activewear section where I’m supposed to be buying clothes to work out in has been the best place to buy undergarments to make any outfit more modest.

So now you know my secret…

One of my favorite online stores that I have made many purchases from is having a 15% off sale. Get these looks and more at Alloy.com: