I haven’t seen the safari trend covered much by the fashion media yet this season but it’s definitely one of my favorites. To me, this trend is the cousin of the military theme that was so hot this spring.

Right now Charlotte Russe has some really great safari pieces; khaki and olive drab garments, bold beaded jewelry and animal prints are the order of the day. I particularly love the khaki Belted Safari Dress because it’s chic and leaves endless possibilities for accessorizing. I actually think I’d wear it with the Colorblock Seed Bead necklace (below), a large black tote and some black strappy sandals.

Colorblock Seed Bead Necklace ($10.50, Charlotte Russe)

Rolled Sleeve Cargo Pocket Jacket ($30, Charlotte Russe)

Belted Safari Dress ($26, Charlotte Russe)

Drawstring Camo Print Cargo Shorts ($19.50, Charlotte Russe)

Technorati Tags: bead necklace, charlotte russe, Dress, Jacket, jewelry, Military, military theme, Necklace, safari, safari-inspired clothing, summer, Trend

Tori One Shoulder Dress ($138, GUESS by Marciano)

There’s nothing better than a stunning party dress, IMHO. When you’re all dolled up, wearing a dress that makes you feel unstoppable and finish off the look with killer accessories, your confidence immediately skyrockets and you’re ready to take on the world.

The Tori One Shoulder Dress from GUESS by Marciano is, no doubt, one of those dresses. With its one shoulder design, daring hemline and gorgeous silk draping, it is the epitome of sexy. I would say that gorgeous party dresses is what Marciano does best, but then again everything Marciano creates is a jaw dropper!

StealThisDress! Rating: 5

Technorati Tags: Dress, dresses, Guess, guess by marciano, Marciano, party dress, party dresses, Silk

Um, how gorgeous are these umbrellas? I’m a firm believer in making every little part of your life beautiful–even something as utilitarian as an umbrella. I was never keen on the idea of spending $24 on an umbrella before but definitely had a change of heart when I saw these!

I can’t decide whether I like the pink or the white better! Which do you prefer?

Technorati Tags: flower, Flower Umbrellas, Galleria, umbrella, umbrellas, walmart

Juicy Couture "Ronie" Studded Ballet Flats ($225, Bloomingdales)

Juicy Couture is all about exquisite details. Be it a beautiful handbag or a charm necklace from Juicy, the attention to the “little things” is always impeccable. Juicy’s “Ronnie” Studded Ballet Flats are no exception.

Not only is the front of the flats adorned with beautiful rhinestones and a Juicy charm, the inside of the shoe features a beautiful gold crown next to the Juicy logo. These leather flats are not only super stylish. They are also incredibly comfortable because of their “flexible” back, whose elasticity allows it adjust to the size of your foot. In my experience, this style of flats is by far the most comfortable and walking-friendly.

Juicy Couture is just irresistible, really making you want to channel your inner princess.

StealThisDress! Rating: 5

Technorati Tags: ballet flats, bloomingdales, Couture, Flats, Juicy, juicy couture, Juicy couture flats, Juicy couture shoes, leather, leather flats, Rhinestone, rhinestones, Ronnie, shoe, Studded

Vanessa Hudgens

Though at first glance they may look shapeless and bland, I love shirt dresses. I just bought one in seersucker pattern at H&M last weekend and wore it today with a wide belt, which is the key to making these sack-like garments flatter your shape. These dresses are so flowy and comfortable, perfect for the scorching temperatures that are heading our way.

Vanessa Hudgens recently wore a light blue shirtdress. I think this look suits her style so well; it’s a more sophisticated interpretation of the laid-back, boho styles that she often rocks.

You can easily make a plain, light-blue shirtdress pop with a brown leather belt and sandals, a black tote and a cream colored sunhat.

Fab Floppy Sun Hat ($6.50, Forever21)

Lianna Shirt Dress ($44.50, Delias)

Forever A Squared Handbag  ($50, Baghaus)

Leatherette Weave Sandals ($16.80, Forever21)

Real Leather Buckled Belt ($9.99, Papaya)

StealThisDress! Savings Factor: 4

Technorati Tags: Bag, baghaus, brown leather, dresses, forever21, handbag, Hat, leather, leather belt, sandals, seersucker, tote, vanessa hudgens

As promised in our 1st year anniversary post, check out my favorite places for scoring the best deals on clothing, shoes and accessories, as well as the particular items to look out for at each:

.

Forever 21: designer-inspired clothing, great heels, amazing jewelry for under $10

Overstock.com: fantastic deals on jewelry and shoes

Papaya Clothing: great for both casual and dressy clothes that have a ‘youthful,’ sassy feel

A’gaci: another top destination for designer-inspired items

H&M: great prices on basics such as t-shirts, tanks, tights and sweaters

.

.

Charlotte Russe: beautiful dresses and other “going out wear”

Zara: beautiful, quality suits at reasonable prices and an awesome casual section, GORGEOUS shoes!

DSW: huge selection of shoes at discounted prices, check out also their handbag section

Zappos: shoes in every style and color you can imagine–not an exaggeration, also some fab deals on designer handbags from previous seasons

.

Keep these in mind as you’re shopping or planning where you want to buy a certain outfit–chances are good that you’ll find yourself looking fabulous while spending less.

Technorati Tags: A'Gaci, charlotte russe, designer handbags, designer inspired clothing, DSW, forever21, inexpensive style, overstock, Papaya, quality suits, zappo, zappos, zara

Kara By Kara Ross Roman Numeral and Cog Charm Necklace ($230, Bloomingdales)

Numbers. They can represent the number of days to a project deadline. Or the time. Or a price. Whatever the context, they help us to stay organized. Who knew that something so functional can be turned into a fashion statement?

Designer Kara Ross has shown that doing so is entirely possible. Her ‘Roman Numeral and Cog’ Necklace brilliantly combines simple gold chains with with chunky Roman numeral charms. It’s impossible to not be drawn to the cascading layers of charms. Read: this is conversation-starter jewelry.

While its truly unique, this necklace is also quite versatile. You can use it to add a dash of glam to a sweater and jeans or to make your button-down shirt and blazer just a tad bit playful.

StealThisDress! Rating: 5

Technorati Tags: bloomingdales, Charm, charm necklace, charms, Cog, jewelry, Kara Ross, Kara Ross Roman Numeral and Cog Necklace, Necklace, number, Numeral, roman numeral

Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2010 Ready-to-Wear Collection, Photo: Marcio Madeira / FirstView.com

The Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2010 ready-to-wear show was truly a feast for the eyes. The best way to describe it would be an explosion of rich textures and patterns, including velvet, lace, tweed, florals and animal prints. Your mother probably always told you to never wear these together at the same time; D&G brilliantly defies this style principle.

Layering is a recurring theme in this collection. Never afraid to push the envelope, D&G had models marching down the runway wearing black blazers with nothing but lingere-like leotards underneath. While I’m not suggesting you don one of these combinations for your next outing, there are a number of other looks from this collection that translate perfectly to the everyday setting.

You’re probably thinking right now, “Where am I going to find a gorgeous D&G-esque silk yellow dress with black lace accents?” This is where creativity comes in. Simply throw a black lace or delicate crochet scarf over a super girly yellow dress and you’re good! Complete the look with semi-opaque tights, a black tote and pumps.

INC International Concepts Dress, Belted Short Sleeve Silk Ruffle ($64.99, Macy’s)

Lace Scarf ($8.80, Forever21)

Round Toe Platform Pump ($24.50, Wet Seal)

Slouch Shoulder Bag ($32.80, Forever21)

StealThisDress! Savings Factor: 4

Technorati Tags: collection, Dolce & Gabanna, Dress, Fall 2010, forever21, handbag, lace scarf, opaque tights, pumps, ready-to-wear, runway, shoulder bag, tights, tote, wet seal, yellow dress

Right now, I’m in total “research spring trends” mode. I’ve had enough of winter–can you tell?! In addition to nude/tan shoes and sailor/nautical motifs, turquoise is going to be big for Spring 2010.

Turquoise is a gorgeous color that makes a major impact. Below are a few turquoise things that caught my eye.

Large Stone Drop Earrings ($34.50, Express)

Studded Ruched Top ($12.49, Charlotte Russe)

Women’s Faux-Leather Thong Sandals, Turquoise ($9.50, Old Navy)

Kate Landry Croco Patch Hardframe Clutch ($26.60, Dillards)

Technorati Tags: charlotte russe, clutch, dillards, drop earrings, Earrings, Express, faux leather thong, Gap, kate landry, Nude, old navy, sandal, sandals, shoe, shoes, Spring 2010, spring trends, tan shoes, target, thong sandals, turquoise

La Mer Collections Double Chain Wrap Watch ($108, www.shopbop.com)

There’s nothing better than a watch that is both practical and incredibly stylish. The La Mer Collections Double Chain Wrap Watch definitely fulfills both of these criteria.

Practical: The face includes all 12 numbers, which means you can easily tell what time it is when you quickly glance at the watch. The wide leather strap, meanwhile, ensures that the watch stays in place instead of sliding up and down your wrist.

Stylish: Make no mistake, this is a statement watch that can stand on its own. When you put it on, there’s no need for any other bracelets or rings. What’s more is that the deep grey of the strap will go with pretty everything in your wardrobe.

The gold studs and chains that intertwine with the strap give this watch a perfect dash of toughness. Pair it with feminine pieces such as a delicate blouse or ruffled cardigan.

$108 is a very reasonable price for a quality watch. When you add to the equation its style value, the Double Chain Wrap Watch is a splurge-worthy must-have.

StealThisDress! Rating: 5

Technorati Tags: chain, chains, Double Chain Wrap Watch, gold studs, La Mer, leather, shopbop, Watch, Wrap