BCBGMAXAZRIA - Piper Envelope Clutch ($98.00 at Zappos)

From accessories to the perfect Post-It Notes, I've got you covered when it comes to spicing up your work-life. The 9 to 5 daily grind can get a little humdrum if you work in an office, and you can't always escape to your PopSugar iPhone app without getting caught by your coworkers. So what's a gal to do? These little extras will give you a little something to make your day a bit more interesting, or at the very least, you'll look really good being bored at work.
Anything Anne Taintor will surely get you through the day, such as this "Why Am I Sober?" pen ($4.99 at AnneTaintor.com). The Anne Taintor sticky notes ($4.49 at AnneTaintor.com) are practically an office staple where I work, and this one quickly sums up how efficient I am in taking messages.
Blush is a great pick-me up if you're feeling tired, and although TheBalm is a bit pricey, I think the packaging adds a little something extra. (TheBalm Down Boy $21.00 at Sephora.)
Peplum is sweet and fun and this flirty Sleeveless Top With Peplum And Daisy Print ($48.71 at Asos) will liven your work ensemble. Wear this to work on days when you need a bit of extra cheer.
Some ladies can walk around in stilettos all day, but I prefer something more comfortable, like a low kitten heel or flats. If you want comfort without sacrificing style, here's another choice to liven up your work wear: Cooperative Applique Flat ($34.00 at Urban Outfitters).
Give yourself something shiny to look at, like this Tropical Fish Mini Wish Ring (on sale for $24.49 at Juicy Couture). Bonus if you end up day dreaming about that cruise you've been dying to take.
And finally, if you love to write here's a quick way to enhance your writing skills--the One Word A Day Journal ($14.00 at Urban Outfitters). Write down one word that sums up your day or how you are feeling at work. It's also pretty interesting to flip back and look at!
Brighten up your summer days (and nights) by swapping out your little black dress for a little white dress!
Although you can stylishly wear white all year round (forget that Southern "after Labor Day" rule), you can wear it a little more often in the summer months. It's important to keep a few things in mind when wearing an all white look: red lipstick is a definite plus and you don't have to over accessorize the look, especially if you have a really great LWD. Below are three fabulous LWD options for you to choose from, and they're all under $60. Plus, I've included styling options to give you a few ideas!
Which dress is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
Dress with Front Patch ($59.90 at Zara.com)
This is the most expensive dress on the list, but it's such a great fit and cut that it's definitely worth the cost per wear. It comes with the belt, so it's a shirtdress that will already give you some shape. You can swap out the belt for a dressier look if necessary. If you're just going for an everyday look, I'd pair with congnac brown strappy heels and a long gold necklace. This dress is definitely appropriate for work!
ASOS Mini Dress with Mesh Panels ($34.79 at Asos)
This dress has been marked down from $78, so get it quick if you love it! The mesh side panels on this dress are what I love the most about it! I think it would be perfect for a date with your beau or a night out during a beach vacation. Vampy red lipstick and strappy metallic heels make the perfect accents.
ASOS PETITE Bandeau Dress In Textured Cloth ($46.10 at Asos)
This dress has also been marked down from $60, and it's such a great find! It's got an amazing cloth texture to it that really adds to the dress. It's casual enough to be worn during the day, but you can most certainly elevate the dress for night too. For day, pair with a floppy hat and wedges, and for night pair with nude pumps, a sleek updo, and shoulder sweeping earrings.
On the avenue of dress shopping for an upcoming special event or occasion, you can go from something really fancy (but pricey) to something that's not as flashy (but rather affordable). However, if you shop properly (read: scour the racks) you can find many fabulous dresses that are under $50. Fortunately, you're reading an article from an expert bargain shopper--under $50? Found it! And I'll take one in every color!
Below are three dresses that look expensive, but aren't. And if you keep reading, I'll give tips on how to wear these dresses, so that you can avoid "cheapening" the look. Ready? Read on...
The Dress: West Coast Wardrobe Midas Touch Dress
The Cost: $44.00 at Boutique to You
What makes this dress look expensive?
The little flash of "precious metal" definitely makes this dress look more expensive than its worth. Plus the high low hem is so on trend right now.
Personal Styling Tips:
Pair with a dainty gold necklace that parallels the neckline, a metallic clutch, and dark red lip color, and you'll look like you're ready for the red carpet!
The Dress: Two Tone Silk Midi Dress
The Cost: $40.00 at Topshop (was $130!)
What makes this dress look expensive?
If the old price tag is any indication, this dress looks expensive because it's 100% silk. Fortunately for we bargain shoppers, this dress is now on sale. Snap it up before it's gone!
Personal Styling Tips:
I would have a little bit of fun with this dress since it's a pretty simple colorblock design. A python print clutch might look nice, or you could try a statement necklace to add a bit more character to the look. If you want to accentuate your waist, add a textured belt in a fun color like yellow or keep it simple with a black belt.
The Dress: Love 21 Cascade Flutter Dress
The Cost: $27.80 at Forever 21
What makes this dress look expensive?
The silhouette! This cascade detailing and the flutter sleeve make this dress look like it's designer. It will surely garner a "Where did you get that?" or two.
Personal Styling Tips: I would wear with strappy gold heels and a statement necklace that runs parallel to the neckline. A gold cuff and pretty nude polish would finish off the look perfectly!
A great pair of shoes say a lot about your personal style. What do your shoes say about you? Look at the guide below, and click on images for more information.
Climing the Corporate Ladder
A great pair of black shoes are no doubt a wardrobe staple. Whether you shell out the big bucks for the perfect pair or keep it frugal with a fantastic find, you wear your black pumps to the office and for those much-needed after five cocktails. (Way to take it from day to night, sister!)
$99.00 by Calvin Klein at Piperlime
The Practical Yet Chic Beauty
You love a great heel, but you also appreciate comfort. Your go-to shoe is most likely the kitten heel. While you still emulate that lady-like vibe, you also know that you don't want to be bothered with blistered feet.
ASOS SUGAR PIE Peep Toe Mid Heel Shoes
$45.45 at Asos
The Dancing Queen
Even though you know your feet will be killing you at the end of the night, you can't resist dancing the night away in your favorite pair of stilettos. Make them sky high and loud--you want to be a total showstopper whether you pair them with an LBD or a with dress that's just as bold.
$38.50 at Charlotte Russe
The Shoe Connoisseur
Unfortunately, you've spent your last dime on shoes, but OMG are they great! Yeah, you know they were a little pricey and very much over budget, but you've been eyeing them for weeks. And besides, everybody has them! The Shoe Connoisseur has most likely been saving up for the latest must-have shoe.
$164.95 by Jeffrey Campbell at Lori's Shoes
Laid Back Yet Stylish
You don't sacrifice comfort for style, nor vice versa. In your perfect world, all shoes would be comfortable, affordable, and chic. Thankfully, you've found common ground with flats, and you are particularly smitten with smoker flats which add a bit of edge to any look. (COLOR OF THE MONTH FIND!)
This month on Beauty and the Budget, we're going green--emerald green. Emerald green was most beautifully displayed on the runways of Elie Saab and Carolina Herrera. You can punch up your wardrobe by adding a pop of emerald green, or go all out and buy a bold dress or top in this color. Thankfully this attention-grabbing color of the moment looks fantastic on most skin tones, and it's sure to win compliments!
This green bikini is playful and fun, and it's even a mix and match from two different stores! Get the Retro Bikini Top for $34.00 at Boden, and wear it with this Tied retro brief for $39.99 at J.Crew. If you aren't quite smitten with the color, dabble a little bit in these fun accessories, like the Pieces Filigran Stud Earrings ($12.73 at Asos) or the Pieces Dolly Apple Ring ($12.73 at Asos).
For a more bold approach, try the Women's Printed Bow-Tie Chiffon Tops for $24.00 at Old Navy. The print definitely adds an extra element of flair, and it would look fantastic paired under a navy or black blazer. If you have a wedding or another fancy event to attend, I recommend investing in this classic Tuck Neck Shift Dress ($95.00 at Topshop). It's such a winner!
How do you style emerald green? Let me know in the comments below!
There is nothing that can take your ensemble to the next level quite like a clutch. I've been carrying my aquamarine Urban Expressions Hollywood ($40.00) clutch from Twelve Oaks Accessory Garden every day for the past week, and it has been a faithful to adding that necessary pop of color to every outfit. Don't just reserve your clutches for the evening, either. An oversized clutch is perfect for day!
So, beauties, if you're jonesing for a new clutch but you don't quite have the extra cash to spare, here are five affordable clutches under $50.
I love my Urban Expressions Hollywood that I got from Twelve Oaks, but if you don't live near Hattiesburg you can get it for $40 at eBags. The bag comes in a variety of colors, but I suggest aquamarine (top, left) or red. If you're only considering one bag on the list, this is the one to get. It's a large, envelope style clutch that fits your wallet and cell phone comfortably with lots of room to spare for keys, lipstick, and a compact mirror!
For a basic black clutch, I recommend another winning bag from Urban Expressions, the Chelsea ($44.00 at eBags). It's a wardrobe mainstay and comes in several classic colors (like nutmeg and navy), plus I love the metal closure detailing.
If your mom always tells you that yellow isn't your color (ehem!), then you can always get away with adding it as an accessory! Although yellow clothing doesn't necessarily look great against my skin tone, a belt or a bag in this hue never hurts! I love this Big Buddha Mille Cross Body ($35.99 at Amazon.com). It would look fantastic paired with something teal or emerald green.
How cute is this little mangenta pink gem? Also available in green and yellow the Fiorelli Roka Small Leather Purse ($50.90 at Asos) is a little bit over $50, but worth every cent. This clutch makes a perfect work-to-night bag, especially if you have a hectic schedule and don't need a big bag slowing you down.
Last but not least, this red Ashley M Glossy Portfolio Clutch ($30.40 at eBags) adds that perfect bit of "ta-da" to your career wardrobe. For those of you serving the 9 to 5 daily grind in your corporate black blazer and pencil skirt, this bag gives you that fun pop of color.
Which bag is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
Beauty and the Budget here with all of your weekend style needs...
Featuring the pattern of the month, this Polka Dot Shirtdress ($22.80 at Forever 21) is sure to win a few compliments. The bright orange dress stands out on its own and would look well paired with neutral accessories, but why not have a little more fun with it? No matter where you're going this weekend, here are some fun ways to style this dress. Don't be afraid to try these style tips with your own favorite sun dress, too1
Orange and turquoise look fantastic together. For a refreshing take on beach style, pair this dress with the Schlessman ($39.98 at Aldo) bag, the Hembre ($50.00 at Aldo) sandals in turquoise, and Essie 'Go Overboard Collection - Go Overboard' Nail Polish ($8.00 at Nordstrom).
If thrift shopping is on your weekend to-do list, you'll look ultra stylish in this winning pattern-mixing combination. Pair it with Mix No. 6 Carlene Wedge Pump in Olive ($44.95 at DSW), the Leather Barb Wire Bracelet ($20.00 at Topshop), which was also featured in the arm candy post earlier this week, and this fantastic Chasing Down Chic Scarf ($24.99 at ModCloth), which really makes this outfit pop.
And, last but not least, if you have a casual date on the agenda this weekend, here's how you can style this dress: a bit of pattern play again with the Dant ($40.00 at Aldo) bag, Lovely Peple Dorothy Slingback ($49.95 at DSW); and for a kissable lip try one of my favorite lip shades, Maybelline Make Me Pink 135 ($6.63 at drugstore.com).
You don't particularly need all of the latest trends, but you still might want them! When you're on a budget, it's all about narrowing down between the things that you want and the things you actually need. Sometimes the classics outweigh the trendy pieces, but if you have a little extra cash to spare indulge in a new spring trend or two. As for the perfect summer dresses, here are some affordable pieces to add to your shopping list!
This spring, you will need...
A shirt dress. If you didn't pick one up last summer, go ahead and invest in one this year. It's comfortable, and you can dress it up or down. Plus, it's perfect for work when paired with a blazer, or take it to the beach by adding gladiator sandals and a straw fedora! This Nautical Woven Shirt Dress ($19.99 at Charlotte Russe) is an updated classic due to its high-low cut, and it's at a fantastic price point!
A basic black dress. When do you not need a basic black dress? You probably already have one, but I am completely smitten with this Smoking dress ($59.99 at Mango). It's modern with sophisticated detailing and that menswear charm.
A maxi. Maxis are always on trend for spring, but if you want to make an investment, I suggest sticking to a basic maxi. This white Gathered Empire Maxi Dress ($92.00 at Topshop) is a contemporary staple.
This spring, you will want...
A sheer maxi. This dress is fantastic. It's quite an investment at $92 for a trendier piece, but I'm convinced that you can stretch out its wear due to the classic color and cut. If you need the perfect sheer maxi, try this Floral Mesh Back Maxi Dress ($92.00 at Topshop).
A watercolor-print dress. Of course floral prints reign for summer, but why not try something different? A watercolor print adds a bit more of an artsy edge, but it still has that summertime feel. I adore the You Art to Try It Dress ($54.99 at ModCloth).
A neon shirt dress. If you want to take your basic shirt dress to the next level, get it in a trendy color like neon. You can pair it with dark accessories in black or navy. This Sparkle & Fade Chiffon Shirtdress ($69.00 at Urban Outfitters) would look great paired with a black fedora and a stack of arm candy!

Tuck Neck T-Dress ($68.00 at Topshop)