Guest Post - Online vs. the High Street

These days everything is available online, and many of us have more or less completely ditched the high street in favour of browsing the internet in the comfort of our own homes.

But what are the pros and cons of clothes shopping online compared to picking something up in person?

The biggest advantage of shopping online is the convenience. You can shop at any time, day or night, from the comfort of your sofa. You don’t have to deal with crowds of shoppers or the hassle of changing rooms, as you can try things on in front of your own mirror, before deciding what to keep and what to send back.

Prices are often cheaper online, so it can also be a very cost-effective way of shopping. Without the high overheads associated with a high street premises, online clothing retailers are able to pass the savings on, direct to you. And with items delivered to your door, you’re also free from the worry of transporting items home.

Online shopping can also be a great place to find a little inspiration. Loose Women star Lydna Bellingham recently modelled a selection of looks for Isme, which could be a fantastic place to start if you’re looking for a new look.

It’s true that there’s no substitute for trying something on and being able to see exactly how you look in an outfit. When shopping online, you do have to imagine yourself in the items you’re buying, and you won’t know quite how it looks or feels until it arrives. However, if you do find yourself with something very different to the image you saw on screen, there is a returns option – usually provided by the online retailer. Make sure you check the returns policy details before buying online though, as some sale items are often non-returnable.

If you’re worried about the cost of delivery, check for special offers. Many sites have free delivery when you spend over a certain amount, and some occasionally offer free delivery as a short-term promotional offer.

When considering the needs of shoppers today, online shopping simply is much more convenient for the modern woman. And whilst it may not be as instantly gratifying as a shopping spree on a Saturday afternoon, it is much quicker, easier and far less stressful!

Guest Post – Alyson from The Average Girl’s Guide

I am finally settled into my new home and plan to share with you what I have been doing the last week, but I wanted to share one more guest post.  Today’s post is from Alyson from The Average Girl’s Guide.  The Average Girl’s Guide is created for the typical girl dedicated to live fabulously.  Alyson provides fashion inspiration, snack food reviews, easy meal recipes, deals and discounts, and vent sessions.  Alyson is a Florida blogger that I have had the honor of meeting.  I hope you will check out her blog and this post dedicated to skinnies!

Hi Fashion by Alicia readers! Alyson here from The Average Girl’s Guide and I’m so thrilled to be guest posting while Alicia is getting settled in her new digs. I’m a Florida girl who loves cardigans, nutella, watches, people watching, taking pictures and spending time with my fam.

Today’s post is dedicated to skinnies! Skinny jeans, pants, you name it! Before you stop reading because you think they’re not for you… wait. I kindly beg to differ. I have seen girls from a size 2 to at least 16 pull off skinnies in the most incredible, flattering ways. It’s all about how you work them.

The best part? Shoe freedom! I hate when I have certain pants that only work with flats, super high-heel heels or boots. Skinnies, purchased or altered to ankle length, give you the autonomy to wear any shoes and have them look fabulous!

Currently, my two favorite affordable finds are these:

Old Navy The Rock Star (I have these in grey and cobalt blue)

J. Crew Minnies (excellent for work!)

If you’re my curvy around the hips like me, look for a looser top that drapes, or tuck in a shirt with a cardigan layered over to cover your tush. I’m a big fan of chic looking tush coverage! In the winter, tucking them into boots to balance your proportion so you don’t look like a triangle.

Test out the trend with an affordable pair (I’ve had this dark denim pair (also available in grey) from Forever 21 for at least two years now; cost me just $10.50!).

What do you think? Are skinnies for you…. or could they be? Test them out and let me know! Come visit me at The Average Girl’s Guide or give me a shout-out on Twitter at @avggirlsguide. Thanks again to Alicia for hosting me on her blog today.

Guest Post - Amy from At the Pink of Perfection

The guest post today is brought to you by Amy from At the Pink of Perfection.  Amy lives in Virgiina and loves anything about fashion, decorating, cooking and many more.  She has some great recipes including this fabulous looking monkey bread!  Amy is one of the sweetest girls I know.  I am sure if we lived in the same city we would be great friends.  Hope you will check out her blog!

Hey guys! I am Amy, from At the Pink of Perfection, and I'm uber excited to be guest posting for Alicia today! I love blogging about fashion, style, nails, beauty, cooking, baking, decorating, and my spiritual journey.  So, pretty much everything.  I'd love for you to stop by!

Today I'd like to show you the Magnetic Manicure, featuring Nails, Inc. Magnetic Nail Polish. I've been wanting this polish for awhile now, and finally went for it and I am so happy I did.  And the names don't hurt either: Parliament (purple),Trafalgar Square (chrome), and Whitehall Teal (teal).

I believe the only place to get it is at Sephora, and only in store if it's a flagship, or larger store.  I bought mine online as the Sephora here in VA is smaller than my living room. The link is for the set of 3 for $30 which I purchased, but you can buy them individually for $16 each.

Here's how you apply!

1.) ALWAYS start with a base coat.  This protects your nails as well as creates a smooth surface for your manicure.  I go back and forth between two, Deborah Lippman Rehydrating Basecoat and Nail Magic Nail Treatment.

 2.) Apply first coat of the magnetic polish.  Allow to dry. I usually get done all 10 fingers, check Twitter and apply the second coat. Before applying the second coat, make sure you have your magnet (included in set or with polish) at the ready.

3.) Apply the second coat one nail at a time.  After painting a "generous" second coat on your first nail (I always start with my pinky), replace brush back in the polish and hold the magnet over your nail for 10-15 seconds.  The magnet has a ledge of sorts to rest on your cuticle so as to maintain the proper distance.  Continue with the rest of your nails. 

4.) Finish with topcoat.  I swear by this topcoat, Seche Vite.  It's available pretty much everywhere, Target, CVS, drugstores, etc.  I buy mine at Sally Beauty Supply as it's a little bit cheaper and considering the amount I go through, it's worth it. This top coat is applied while your nails are still wet, and will have your nails 99% dry in less than 5 minutes.  Trust me. 

Voila!

I highly recommend this nail polish, it's just as fun to apply as it is to look at!

Stop by my blog to see more nail polish tutorials!

Guest Post - Amber from Real Girl Glam

Today’s guest post is from a Florida blogger – Amber from Real Girl Glam.  I have been following Amber since first starting my blog and even met her at my blogging conference in Tampa.  Amber is a fabulous blogger and even sweeter in person.  I hope you will take the time to check out her blog after you see her great outfit post!

Hi Everyone! I'm Amber from Real Girl Glam, and I'm excited to be doing a guest post again for Alicia, this time while she’s making her big move!

Blazer & Skirt – Forever 21 |Necklace, Belt, Heels – Kohls | Blouse – Target |Tights - Old Navy

One of my favorite color combos this year for fall/winter is cobalt & black. It’s chic, classic, and best of all, simple to put together. We all have those basic black pieces in our closet—pants, skirts, leggings, tights—and that’s exactly what I’ve been wearing with this blazer.

With the weather still pretty warm in Florida, I’ve been mixing my summer and fall pieces—hence this skirt with the blazer and tights. It’s nice to get a little more wear out of my favorite summer pieces, but I’m ready to try this blazer with some black skinny jeans, riding boots, and a great leopard print scarf!

Have you tried cobalt & black yet? What’s your favorite color combination for the season?

Thanks so much for stopping by and reading today! If we're not all ready friends, please stop by Real Girl Glam or my Twitter and say Hi! I would love to meet you!

Guest Post - Staying on Budget during the Holidays from Bravoe Runway

Today’s guest post is brought to you from Bessie of Bravoe Runway.  Bessie is a Chicago blogger with amazing style.  She has so many great looks it is hard to choose my favorite.  But probably my favorite part of Bessie’s wardrobe is that she stays on a budget.  Today she is going to share staying on a budget during the holidays.  I probably need to pay attention to these tips, because I always go over budget!  Enjoy and make sure you check out Bessie’s blog – Bravoe Runway.

Many of us have a love/hate relationship with the holidays!  We want to be generous, show our gratitude, but it can take a hit on our wallets!  Sure you have a list, a budget, but how do you stick to it?  Here are my 3 tips on how to stay within budget during the holi-daze!

Basic Kits and Accessories

DSLR cameras, children’s toys, and charm bracelets are items that have a basic kit with optional “accessories.”  If you want to fulfill such an on item on a recipient’s wish-list, try getting the basic kit and maybe a gift-card towards an accessory.  It’s tempting to be generous but often times, the recipient is ecstatic to receive the basic kit.  Also, their preference for accessories will change after they’ve really started using the item. 

Streamline Hostess Gifts

Streamline your hostess gifts selections and present gifts you can give year round, so avoid buying holiday themed and scented items.  One of my standard hostess gifts is a box of fine chocolate and a bottle of wine.  These are items that almost anyone will enjoy, and they have an extended shelf life.  When Frango chocolates go on sale at Macy’s, I’ll pick up several boxes and present them with a bottle of wine to my hostess in a fun gift bag corresponding to the season.

Store & DIY Pairing

Another great way to save money is to combine a hand-crafted item along with something you purchased.  Let’s say you found a great coffee gift-set, you could put together a delicious holiday treat to compliment the coffee enclosed in a beautiful seal-tight container or box.  

Guest Post – J9 from J9 Style Blog

Today’s guest post is from J9 from J9 STYLE Blog.  When I attended my first blogging conference, I met J9.  You will love J9.  She is extremely fashionable, but she does it on a budget.

Hi Everyone! I’m J9 from J9 STYLE Blog and I’m so excited to be guest-posting while Alicia is moving and starting her new journey!

From the end of September until now, I’ve had to attend: 1 baby shower (which I hosted), 1 baptism, 2 bridal showers, 2 weddings and a bachelorette party. I still have one more wedding and one more baby shower by Christmas! Besides all of these events, I had a very busy four months since I started grad school. Add in my full-time job and my blog and there was no time to shop for dresses for all of these events. Luckily, I had the “what if” section in my closet.

Whenever I go shopping, if I see an item on sale that looks great on me, I usually buy it. I may not need it at the time, but I apply the “what if” concept. What if I have a wedding to attend next year? Or a formal party? Would this dress work?

All the outfits I wore below were sitting in my closet for at minimum a year, and were all under $40 each! For all events I attended this year so far, I spent a total of $134 over the course of two years applying my “what if” concept.

1.     Baby/Bridal Shower #1 (yes, I had two showers in one day!): $19.99, Ross: purchased in 2010

2.     Baptism: $39.99, Ross: purchased in 2009

3.     Bridal Shower #2: $10, Macy’s: purchased in 2010

4.     Wedding #1: $19.99, Marshalls: purchased in 2009

5.     Wedding #2: $24, Target: purchased in 2010

6.     Bachelorette Party: $19.99, Papaya: purchased in 2010

Although I didn’t wear these dresses until 2011, buying these dresses early paid off both in saving me time and money. I have two more weddings next year and I already have the outfits in my closet!

Do you buy items that are on sale now to wear sometime in the future?

Thanks Alicia for letting me post and best of luck on the move!

J9

Guest Post – Boots 3 Ways from Shoestring Fashion

Meet Lisa from Shoestring Fashion.  Lisa’s blog shows how to make your clothes work on a small budget.  Lisa has been extremely supportive of my blog and I consider her one of blogging friends.  Today Lisa is sharing boots three ways.

I am so excited to be guest posting on Fashion By Alicia today! I love Alicia's blog and am pleased to meet her friends.

My blog focuses on creating looks on a shoestring budget with items you have in your closet and a few key pieces each season. These Coconuts riding boots from DSW were definitely a key purchase this season for me. Here are three ways to wear them.

1. Skinny jeans and boot socks

2. Bootcut jeans

3. Skirt and boot socks (or tights)

Thank you again Alicia for having me.

Guest Post – Heather & Kayla from H & K Style Journey

Today’s guest post while I am away is from Heather and Kayla from H & K Style Journey.  I love H & K Style Journey because it is a blog about a mother, Heather and daughter, Kayla and their style on a budget.  Heather and Kayla have great style and even share mother daughter remixes.  As part of their guest post Heather and Kayla are sharing one of these.

Happy Holidays Fashion By Alicia readers!  We are Heather and Kayla from H&K Style Journey.  Thank you so much to Alicia for asking us to guest post for her while her and her husband are making their move to Texas!  Moving is stressful and exciting all at the same time, so good luck with the fresh start and congrats to the hubby with his new job!

We do bi-weekly Mother/Daughter remixes over at our blog.  Since the holidays are just around the corner, we thought we would attempt to remix a holiday sweater.  You all know what we are talking about.  That one dreaded sweater that you receive from your Great Aunt Bertha and it always ends up in the back of your closet or at the thrift store.  We wanted to give the holiday sweater a chance and see if we could remix it and maybe make it fashionable.

So what do you think?  Would you wear a holiday sweater or keep it at the thrift store?  Either way, we both hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season and Santa brings you all the presents on your wishlist!  Maybe you might get a holiday sweater under your tree.

Guest Post – Meggy from Chasing Davies

Today, Meggy from Chasing Davies is sharing some of her favorite clothing items.  I have been reading Meggy’s blog in the last few months and love her style.  She looks great especially since she is 9 months pregnant.  I know that Meggy is going to be an amazing mother and I hope you check out her blog!

Hi Fashion by Alicia readers!  I'm Meggy from Chasing Davies and I'm so happy to be here guest blogging while Alicia is moving. 

Being 9 months pregnant now, I can finally see the light.  Besides the pure joy I have about soon meeting my first baby, a little boy, I am also really looking forward to get dressed like a normal person again (or will be a little bit at a time as I shed these baby pounds). I am fully missing my closet and especially a few specific non-preggo belly conducive items.  I have found that I really took some very classic and chic pieces for granted when I wasn't pregnant.  So until I can squeeze back into some of these favorites, will you wear them for me?

Pencil Skirts - Classic and trendy all at the same time right now.  I'd give up chocolate for a week (ok, probably only a day) to wear a bright orange pencil skirt with an over-sized top half tucked in right now.

J.Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt (I really love all the colors); Madewelll bright blue printed Pencil Skirt; Anthroplogie Super Wale Skirt in Yellow

Button Downs - Oh goodness how I have missed button downs these last few months!  I want so badly to layer them under jackets, sweaters or tucked in to the also missed Pencil (or high waisted) skirt!

I've been wanting this J.Crew polka dot button up since I saw it; Old Navy has great patterned shirts - perfect for layering under sweaters; Mad for plaid button downs - like this one from Target

Bodice Dresses - Fitted top and more voluminous bottom (to help cover my new even wider hips and tush) - but alas, that flattering fitted bodice top won't fit me until this preggo belly is baby free!  

Dress up or down, for party or work - love this Topshop Dress; Mustard Fit and Flare Dress from Anthro; J.Crew shirt dress is kinda a combo of two of my misses!

Wear them and wear them well my new friends (and if so inclined, let me know, send me a pic or post of your outfits to get me by until I can wear them)!  Thanks for having me here, Alicia!

xox,

Meggy from Chasing Davies

Guest Post – Holiday Makeup Products from My Dressy Ways

Today, J and I are headed to Dallas.  Since we are driving across the country and then settling into our new home I asked some of my favorite bloggers to guest post for Fashion By Alicia.

To kick off my series of guest post, Ying from My Dressy Ways is taking over Fashion By Alicia.  I have been reading Ying’s blog for a while now and feel like I know her even though I have never met her in person.  She is a mom, works, and maintains her fabulous blog.  Ying is sharing some of her favorite holiday makeup products and I know you will love them.

Hi Fashion by Alicia readers! I’m so excited to be posting for Alicia again as she makes her move to Dallas!

It’s the holiday season, and I’ve been giving much thought to what I’m going to wear. I’m sure you have too if you’ve got some holiday parties on your schedule, but have you given any thought to what you’re going to be wearing for makeup? Well, if you have, then I’m about to share with you some my favorites that I hope you’ll try. And if you haven’t given it much thought, well, now you will. These are my tried and true favorites and are actually part of my daily looks, but also work great for a holiday party look, I just increase the drama with darker eyes and lips.

Eye Makeup

Step 1:  I start with my favorite eye shadow primer, Too Faced Shadow Insurance.

Step 2:  The e.l.f. Brightening Eye Color quad in Day 2 Night is BY FAR the best $1 I’ve ever spent on eye shadow. Most Targets have a full wall of e.l.f. products now so you should be able to find this there. All four colors blend to make the perfect smokey eye. I cannot rave about this eye shadow quad enough. It is an amazing look for $1. Next time you’re in Target, just pick it up. You won’t be disappointed. I have the Urban Decay Naked Palette, and still prefer to use this for my day to day look.

Step3:  I follow up the eyeshadow with my Shu Uemura eye lash curler and my holy grail of mascaras – Maybelline Lash Stiletto.

Step 4:  I line my upper lash line with Physicians Formula Lash Booster. This eyeliner is so smooth, pigmented and fast drying. Gone are the days of applying liquid liner and then following with a fan from piece of paper to dry. This formula dries super fast so it doesn’t smudge.

Step 5:  For day to day eye makeup, I don’t wear liner on my bottom lashes, but for nights out, I do. That’s when I pull out the Almay eyeliner. I’ve been using this for years. I love it because it lasts all day and/or night and is a very smooth formula, thus no pulling on my sensitive 30 year old eyes.

Step 6: If I have a lot of fallout from my eyeshadow, I use a small amount of oil free eye makeup remover on a cotton pad and swipe underneath my eyes before I add Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Stick Concealer in Yellow. I know it’s often debated as to when to apply concealer, but I’ve found this works best for me!

Lips

If you’re wearing a very smoky dark eye, I suggest going with a nude lip. I also like to add gloss to the top of a nude lip. Revlon Soft Nude and Sally Hansen Lip Inflation Color-Full in Flaunt. 

If you want to decrease the eye makeup and focus on your lips instead, my go-to red is NYX Snow White.  I also love Revlon Black Cherry.  It looks very dark in the tube, but applies like a deep berry. Both these colors are in rotation in my outfit posts.

I hope you check out Ying's blog!  Although I am moving today, I am doing a guest post of my own over on my friend Amber's blog Real Girl Glam!  Hope you will check it out!

Thursdays Favorite Things By Pencil Skirts & Lattes

This is the last Thursdays Favorite Things for a while, but don't worry I have another fun Thursday post lined up.

Since this is the last Thursdays Favorite Things it is only fitting that it is a guest post.

Meet Sarah.  Sarah is my twitter bff and the gorgeous lady behind Pencil Skirts & Lattes.  Sarah resides in Nashville, Tennessee and has a fabulous wardrobe of clothes.  When you visit her blog you instantly fall in love with style and photos.  Her blog is pretty fantastic.

So here's Sarah's favorite things in her own words. 

Hello, lovely readers of Fashion By Alicia!! I'm so happy to be guest posting about a few of my Favorite Things at the moment!

Favorite Fall Nail Colors:

From top left: Essie Mamba, Sally Hansen Commander in Chic, Essie Mink Muffs, Rimmel Burgundy Flirt, Essie Power Clutch, OPI Barefoot in Barcelona, Chanel Black Pearl, Sally Hansen Pat on the Black, Maybelline Mocha Blast

Favorite Fall Trend:  

FAUX FUR.  I cannot get enough of this right now... in the home, to wear... literally OBSESSED with faux fur right now!

images from Pinterest

Favorite Thing Always:  

Coffee :)  This is how I wake up every single morning.  (hence Pencil Skirts & Lattes)... there is just nothing like the smell and taste of a great cup of coffee on a brisk fall morning.  Heaven.

Happy Thursday, Everyone!! :)

Thursdays Favorite Things By My Dressy Ways

So excited for another guest post this week.  Are you?

Meet Ying.  Ying is the fabulous fashionista from My Dressy Ways.  Ying showcases a great way to dress business casual and dresses fabulously.  Here is Ying's favorite things in her own words.

Hello Fashion By Alicia readers! I’m so honored to be asked to write about my favorite things for Alicia’s Thursdays Favorite Things!

Even though the official ‘first day’ of fall is September 23^rd, I’m already in fall mode. I love summer and hate to see it come to an end, but there is so much to love about fall. There are also so many things going on to appease the senses! Leaves changing color, the sound of leaves under your feet, and last but not least, the SCENT of fall. Mmmmm, deep inhale just thinking about it. And then there’s fall fashion. What’s not to love?  I’m not ready to say good bye to summer, however, I AM ready to dive into my fall wardrobe staples! Here are my tried and true fall favorites as well as some new ones that are on my wishlist.

Cognac boots

Steven by Steve Madden Meteour boots

I have a really old pair that I got a great deal on long before cognac boots were all the rage. Now, you can’t find a decent pair under $100. Wait. Who am I kidding? Under $200! (I’m looking for some heel height which adds to the cost, apparently.) The pair that I own has been worn to the point of falling apart but I still rock them because I love them so much and they go with EVERYTHING.

Camel colored blazer

Forever 21 Oversized Single Button Blazer

One thing on my checklist that I can cross off thanks to my off-season shopping! I picked one up at LOFT over the summer for under $20. It’s the perfect topper to add to a sleeveless top or blouse. Nude and neon is a hot combination this fall and I’m thinking this will be a great piece for that combo.

Colored jeans/pants

Forever 21 Woven Capri Pants

Hot for summer and still hot for fall. I would love a hot pink pair to go with my camel blazer! I recently picked up a rust colored pair from Forever 21 and am really excited to wear them this fall with my booties and my knee high boots.

Dark nails

Yesssss. I love bright nails, but I love dark nails even more. My favorite fall and winter color is Vixen by Revlon. It is a deep burgundy and is a great alternative to black. I can’t wait to sport this on my nails again!

Leopard print

Jessica Simpson via Zappos

Leopard anything. If you’re new to leopard, start with accessories to more comfortable with it. Try a belt or a clutch. It’s more versatile than you think! Once you own one item, you’ll be amazed at how much you’ll want to reach for the leopard accents and the addiction begins….

 Hope you enjoyed Ying's favorite things.  Definitely check out her blog, My Dress Ways. 

Thursdays Favorite Things By Bravoe Runway

This weeks Thursdays Favorite Things is brought to you by Bravoe Runway.

Meet Bessie.  Bessie is the Chicago fashionista behind Bravoe Runway.  She is probably one of the most stylish ladies I know.  I would die for her closet!  Bravoe Runway showcases daily outfits but with a twist.  Once a week Bessie does a Bonus Day wear she shows a wardrobe item several ways and my personal favorite Bargain Day. 

Don’t you just adore the variety we see in the posts written by Alicia?  She’s got Tip Tuesdays, Giveaway Wednesdays, and Favorite Thursdays!  I was super excited when she asked me to guest post my favorite things!  I feel like we’re chatting live on Oprah!

Something in Red

I believe every woman should have a knock-out red accessory.  It can be shoes, belt, hat, lipcolour, or a handbag.  Red adds a gorgeous and noticeable accent to any outfit, any season!  Put it on and revel in it!

Scarves

I love scarves in all shapes, sizes, made from all types of fabrics!  Scarves are versatile and can dress up any simple outfit.  I’ve used them to create bracelets, belts, and even a ruffle collar!  Tying scarves is a true art!

A Great Sale

It’s a tough economy and we’re all trying to stretch our dollar to the max!  While we love to indulge in the finer things in life we also love to bask in the glory of a great sale item!

Vintage

This is my mom’s skirt purchased in 1986 from designer Gianfranco Ferre!  I love the character and design seen in vintage pieces.  They certainly don’t make things the way they used to!

Sunglasses

Not only do sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and wrinkles, but also there is a glamorous feel when you put them on!  They are also a great timesaver should you need to run a few errands and simply aren’t in the mood to put on make-up!

What your five favorite things?  Thank you for having me Alicia!