Spohisticated for under $50

Fall 2009 Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week color storyboard below;

TIP: This past week was the New York 2009 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, where I got an exclusive glimpse into fall's 2009 designer fashion lines. The color trends and current pallets are; classic black, soft muted neutrals and earth tones, heathered grays, cremes, off whites, ladylike pinks, and metallic silvers paired with a pop of vivid color. Look above for inspiration.

PSSSTTTTT.......Ladies, Here's a little tid-bit of information that's relevant to everyone. We all realize it subconsciously, so take a few moments to consciously reflect and mull this information over,

No matter what you do or who you are, the way you present yourself has a major impact on your personal and professional success. Your appearance influences others perceptions of your; financial success, authority, social class, trustworthiness, intelligence, suitability for hire, and romantic compatibility.

Now that you know this are you inspired to run to your closet and start tearing apart your wardrobe ? Don't be hasty, relax, sit back and take a few tips on how to add a dash of sophistication to your wardrobe, and start making a new statement about who you are for practically a week's lunch money
When creating a comprehensive, well maintained and classy image, it's vital to have your classic wardrobe pieces be tasteful and appear somewhat "expensive". I'm not talking about wearing 24 carat gold pants and minx wraps to the office, but simply wearing well constructed garments made of high quality fabrics, that fit and sit well on YOUR body is the key. This can be a task when you are shopping, heck, living on an anaerobic budget.

Urban Outfitter has some very well constructed clothes that are not only inexpensive (when on sale), but their pieces are unique and quite fashion forward. This dainty lady's blazer is a great piece to wear to the office over a soft silk blouse. It's made of a light weight wool and polyester blend. The fitted silhouette and slim lapel are dainty and very ladylike, this blazer is a great way to silently assert authority yet maintain your softer fashionable side. $29.99 reduced from $69.99. To purchase click link below;

Urban Outfitters

TIP: When attempting to "class up" your wardrobe look for pieces that are predominantly made of natural fibers, wool, silks, cashmere, linen, cottons, etc. Also be sure they are properly lined throughout the entire garment. A poorly lined garment speaks volumes about the construction and durability; you don't want your blazers pocket falling out in a board meeting.

Nine West has an outstanding reputation for COMFORTABLE quality footwear, and I personally love their color stories every season. This gray leather bootie will absolutely add some flavor to your traditional business attire or sass up you street wear. Only $49.99 reduced from$149.99. Pair these vintage inspired booties with business trousers or a knee length skirt for business casual attire. Or try a mini skirt or straight leg jeans for your day out shopping with your gal palls. You can wear boots well into the spring months, possibly even summer depending on climate. Click link below to purchase;

Nine West

Affordable cashmere is a coveted gem within the fashion industry. If you ever see high quality cashmere anything on sale, whip out that emergency credit card stashed in the back of your wallet. Cashmere will invariably add class to any floundering ensemble. This supple JCrew Cashmere Shell will look stunning over a button front blouse or alone with a well structured skirt. Only$49.99 reduced from $105.00 and available in 12 eye popping colors. This piece will never go out of style, and it's a wise wardrobe investment. Feel free to tell your significant other about JCrew.com, the cashmere sale and you're upcoming birthday or unbirthday for that matter. Click link to purchase:

J.Crew

I love this J.Crew Cotton-Linen Ottoman, Aubrey Jacket with a fold over, rounded collar. It's whimsical and youthful while still maintaining it's refinement. For a mere $49.99 reduced from$145.00 its simply a style savvy steal. Appropriate for the office or as seen above with Bermuda shorts also on sale at J.Crew for $39.99 available in pink and blue. Click link below to purchase:

J.Crew

TIP: Nautical looks are still relevant for Spring/Summer 2009, however shortly after they will be exiting the fashion seen gracefully, so don't over spend on yachting gear.

Above is J.Crew's Petite Silk Chiffon Dress made of a light weight, free flowing and crinkled silk. The fitted bodice and a line skirts are ideal for any woman with a pear shaped body type. Pair this elegant frock with the fabulous Velvet blazer below also available from J.Crew for an intelligent and ultra feminine look. Priced low at $49.99 reduced from $170, its practically begging to be purchased. This dress is appropriate for a summer wedding or a special occasion, or just because you're sexy and you feel like it. Click link to purchase:

J.Crew

TIP: Velvets are an extremely rich, plush fabric that should only be worn in chillier months. They need to be of the utmost quality or else they look flimsy and tacky don't be friends with its impostor, valour.

Above is J.Crew's Velvet Ecole Jacket also available in; honey, olive, navy, and pony brown. Wear with your favorite wash and style jeans when going more casual, or with a softer silhouette flowing skirt for a more formal sophisticated look. Think about it you Style Savvy Diva; if you brown bag your daily salad instead of buying it, for one week you will have saved enough lunch money to purchase this look. It's all about prioritizing and making wiser choices. You will feel better about eating a healthier lunch, saving more money, and looking great daily. Only $39.99 reduced from $168.00. Click link below to purchase;

J.Crew

J.Crew's Cotton Interlock Ava dress is now discounted from $78.00 -$38.99 and is available in black. Its defined waist is ideal for any body type. This is a perfect ESSENTIAL little black dress; every woman needs to have one in her closet. This sexy little number should be hanging next to your other wardrobe must haves; denim jacket, skirted business suit set, twin sweater set and elegant evening wrap. This will be your go to piece that you can; wear on a casual date, to the theater with your wrap and clutch bag, with your denim jacket and gray Nine West booties for a girls evening out, or with a pair of loafers and fitted Urban Outfitter Blazer at the top of the page to the office. Click to purchase:

J.Crew

PURCHASE THIS DRESS IF YOU DONT ALREADY OWN ONE!! YOU WILL THANK ME WHEN YOU HAVE A READY MADE OUTFIT FOR ANY OCCASION. My stress free garment I like to call it.

Above you are looking at J.Crew's City- fit cuffed chino trouser pant. These are ideal for the workplace for a multitude of reasons; however I'll be brief and only mention a few. Made of high quality cotton twill they are sure to fit and fall naturally on your body. No overzealous synthetic fabrics hugging and tugging in all the wrong places, like they tend to do. Just straight legged, long lines, sexy fit, perfection going on at J.Crew. When looking for business casual to formal attire, look for center pleats (creases) running down the front of the trousers. This will add more structure and form. A stunning $19.99 reduced from $68.00

Click link to purchase: J.Crew

(Mom buy these and wear them with your blue and white striped denim jacket and any colored heel to a business-social function). That goes for all you ladies out there in "syberspace" as well. These also come in tall. Style Savvy Buy right here!!!

Metallic foiling (shinny fabrics woven into the garment) is either a great way to get your self noticed for being stylish and chic, or tragic and cheap. It's a very fine line to walk ladies, so please step carefully. However run and jump on this ultra stylish Haley Foil Cardigan from J.Crew. Perfect when worn with any colored jeans for brunch on Saturday if you are looking to appear effortlessly fabulous, or "polished in the office". Priced to move at"$49.99 reduced from $138.00 WOW! Thank you. Jcrew.com.

Lastly, below is a Hilary Radley, Belted Satin Jacket available at Dillards.com. This intense deep blue tone is universal and flattering on everyone regardless of skin tone or hair color. The belted trench is a timeless design that quietly communicates sophistication and affluence. The great aspect about this jacket is you can wear it for years to come with nearly any outfit, and for only $38.70 reduced from $129.00, you can afford to pick up several in a range of colors. This dashing, snug little number is appropriate for a wet and chilly evening out, or over a well tailored suit on a business trip. Click below to purchase:

Dillard's