Summer Office Wear

Summer is around and its time to bring out your summer office clothes (or shop for them!!!). Some women are lucky enough working in the office where they can work in tees and vintage 50s dresses and beat the sun. While some of us have to maintain the 'formal office code', which may leave with little room for summer wear that would be formal.

But not to worry, you can be clad formally yet chill out in the heat.

And I personally think that you should be dressed formally in the office, as it brings in different kind of energy and professionalism to your work.

In summer, it is most important to feel cool and comfortable. And even if you have an AC in the office, commuting to and from the office can be really uncomfortable. Thus clothes made from cool fabrics like cotton and linen are very practical for summer office wardrobe. They let your skin breathe and does not block the air flow, which is a must for the summer.
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Linen Trousers
Linen trousers are light and airy, and are perfect for the summers. Pick a smart pair of linen trousers this summer; a pair of white linen trousers would be the perfect choice for the summery look. And if you're afraid to wear the white, you can never go wrong with Black. If you are tall and lean, go for wide-legged comfortable trousers in linen or even cotton.

Florals and Bright Colours
Yup, they are the best to beat the summer heat with the life they bring to your look. Get a floral shift knee-length dress for the office, you could pair it with a smart linen jacket to add the business-like tinge to the look. Don't wear tropical looking florals, as if you've just come from the Bahamas. You can also team along a floral scarf or printed tops for a feminine summery look without going overboard. Or else, go for brightly coloured dress or a shirt (not too bright, as it will distract others).

Monochrome
Monochromatic look is a huge trend for 2009 and that's a great news for the office-goers, as that's what we generally end up wearing to the office. Pick colours that would keep you cool, whites, green, natural tans or nudes, pink, khakhi. Avoid black as it absorbs heat, pick deep blues, browns and greys instead. The best part about the monochromatic look is it makes you look slimmer. Check out Look Slimmer with Smart Dressing.

White Shirt
No summer office wardrobe would be complete without a white shirt. The colour makes you feel cooler and calmer. Plus, a white shirt is a very versatile piece of clothing.

Cardigan
Replace the shirt with some comfortable and modern cardigan. There is a huge variety of cotton knitwear in the stores in so many different shapes and colorus. And most of the offices accept them as formal wear. Pair it with formal trousers to stay in the corporate code. Team a decent camisole or vest and a short-sleeved cardi. It would be a lot more comfortable than a shirt. If a collared-shirt is the rule of the office, then pair sleeveless collared cami or shirt with the cardi. Add a scarf or necklace to complete the look. It would look smart and will be comfortable on those hot days.

Layering
Most importantly, remember to dress in layers, as the difference in the temperature of your air conditioned office and outdoors can be as huge as 25-30 degrees. A nice cardigan, a cotton jacket or a formal vest or waistcoat is a great way to layer your office ensemble. But avoid too much layering.

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Source, Source, Source

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Summer Office Wear Tips

- Yup its the season that would make you sweaty and uncomfortable. But strictly avoid shorts, mini-skirts, tank tops and low-cut or sheer blouses, flip-flops or chappals in the office. Don't wear anything too revealing. It may get you attention, but will certainly create a wrong impression.

- Linen, cotton and other lightweight fabrics generally tend to be sheer. Check your reflection under bright lighting to make sure your undergarments don't show through.

- Even if you dress down, make sure you keep a jacket or cardigan handy to cover you up when your boss or an important client calls for an emergency meeting or if the temperature is dropping because of AC.

- Pay attention to your feet. If your company allows open-toe or backless shoes, make sure your feet and toenails are clean and well-groomed. Pamper yourself with a good pedicure regularly especially during summers.

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Store Guide:
1 - I.N. San Francisco Grey Jacket for $42, click here to buy
2 - Oasis White Linen Trousers for $45, click here to buy
3 - Paul Smith Scarf for£132, click here to buy
4 - Forever 21 Mustard Belt for $9, click here to buy
5 - BCX White Shirt for $20 (was $36), click here to buy
6 - Flower Brooch from ASOS for £12, click here to buy
7 - Patent Faux Leather Belt for $15, click here to buy
8 - Threaded Bangle for $25, click here to buy
9 - Matt and Nat bag for £175, click here to buy
For smart cardigan in bright blue (£18), click here
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Related Posts and Articles:
Stylish and Smart Dressing for the Office
Handbags for Spring/Summer 2009
Get Dotty - Dots are Hot this Season
What not to wear to work
Bangles - the hot fashion accessory
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Stylish or Funny?

What were these girls thinking?

We know that these celebs have pressure to make a fashion statement, and all of them want followers rather than to follow fashion. But there is something called 'style' and 'elegance'. To look different does not mean going OTT or looking foolish.

Paris Hilton - Am not surprised

Paris Hilton begs for attention. This girl does everything to be in the headlines. And I think this dress was one of her tactics. Bingo!!

Paris, you are not even close to looking sexy or stylish in this dress. Rather this fan-adorned dress is looking stupid. With the beautiful body you have, am sure you can look great. Change your stylist girl.
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Lisa Rinna - planning fashion blunder of the century?

Lisa Rinna, the American actress, is reminding me of some wild bird in this outfit. Looks like someone scored for the fashion blunder for the century. Are you running for the title?
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Update: 07 April 2009
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Malaika Arora - what shoes?

She really thought these shoes can make a fashion statement? The shoes are really ugly and ghastly and are a complete no-no. You think its stylish or funny? For me its ghastly.
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Source

From the runway......

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Archana Kochhar Fall 2009 Collection

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Honestly, who is really going to wear these funny dresses? Archana Kochhar could have done better. A showstopper on the runway in this badly crafted flowery dress. Hopefully Minisha Lamba (left) would not wear it off the runway.

I don't need to say further about the pink lehenga, it speaks for itself.

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Givenchy Spring Summer 2009 Collection

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Where to start? The colour, the shirt, the shorts, the shoes or the leggings.... Everything about this look is repulsive. Who is really going to wear this shirt? I don't need to answer.

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Smart Lingerie - Butt Lifting Knicker

Girls how would you feel if your butts life instantly and get firm and round, without even hitting the gym?

Andrew Christian, the celebrity designer famous for men's underwears, has designed a butt lifting underwear for women called WonderWear. Its the female version of the popular male Flashback Bubble Butt underwear for men.

So girls, you can finally get the perfect but with no sweat or implants and surgeries. The WonderWear has invisible lifting support built into the seams of the underwear. The construction of the underwear automatically lifts the buttocks making it look firm and round without the need for any embarrassing padding or straps hidden inside.

It has a wide, black nylon waistband which acts almost as tummy control (dual benefit). And the best thing is, despite the utility it provides, the knickers actually look quite cool. So you don't have to compromise on the look and style.

Doesn't it sound amazing? We needed this since so long. What are you waiting for? Check out Andrew Christrian’s WonderWear if you want to lift your butt.

Click here for product review of WonderWear.

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Celebrity Watch

Freida Pinto
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The girl has been busy donning covers of various magazines. While in most of them she was given the diva-like look with lots of make-up and not so-simple, I like her best on the Maxim Cover. She's looking sexy and fresh.
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On Maxim India Cover ....
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Did you know that we're next going to see Freida in a movie called Miral. In Miral, Freida will be sharing the screen with female lead Hiam Abbass (Lemon Tree), a Palestinian actress who lives in France. She'd also be seen in another movie, Variety, where she'll share screen with Nicole Kidman (lead role), Naomi Watts, Antonio Banderas, Josh Brolin and Anthony Hopkins. Wooh, now that sounds amazing.

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Sarah Jessica Parker
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Minimalistic chic, I totally love SJP's look. A simple yet smart teal dress, paied with a black tote and silver peep-toe sandals. And the best part about the dress is it is very versatile. You can wear it almost everywhere, lunch, dinner party, night-out or a more formal occassion

Image Source

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Did you know that we are going to soon see another movie of Sex and the City. And this time around, rumour has it that, Carrie (SJP) will have a baby in the movie. Well, what else could be after marriage? Didn't we also read the Shopaholic series after 'Shopaholic Ties the Knot' there is 'Shopaholic and Baby'. By the way, did you see the movie 'Confessions of a Shopaholic'? It's a fun watch.

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Smart Pants or Fashion Faux Paus?

J-Lo in parachute pants and Fergie in tie-dyed ones - Do you like either of their pants?

Fergie's tie-dyed trousers aren't really to die for, while J-Lo's are looking rather funny. In fact, they're downright disgusting.

Jennifer Lopez (left) and Fergie (right)

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Shirt and Jeans - smartest and easiest style statement

I've been thinking of writing a post on how smart a Jeans and Shirt combination looks. For now lets check out some celebrities in the style.
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Gisele Bundchen (left) and Anu Deewan (right)

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A smart white shirt paired with slim-fit or skinny jeans looks very smart and elegant. Accesorised rightly, you can wear it casually for running errands or even to a formal occassion like Anu Deewan did. I like the shirt tucked-in, it looks very stylish and that masculine style on a woman looks very sexy yet casual.

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Related Posts:
Celebrity Watch - February
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Fashion's New Address - India

Indian/Bollywood style is taking the Western Fashion by a storm.
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Hermes took its Spring/Summer 2008 Collection's inspiration from India. And, now, post-Slumdog Millionaire Bollywood fashion is Hollywood's biggest trend.

Hermes Spring Summer 2008

Hollywood babes are loving the Indian fashion. In 2008, Pussycat Dolls donned black sarees at NYC Fashion Week's hottest event Fashion Rocks.
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Pussycat Dolls in Saree designed by Rocky S

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Britney Spears also joined the Bollywood Bandwagon with her Bollywood inspired dress at her Circus Tour in New Orleans (March 3rd). Nicole Scherzinger seems to be really awed by the Bollywood fashion. She particularly loves wearing colourful bindis and dupattas. She was seen wearing Indian-ish outfit at multiple occassions. She wore an Indian dupatta with jeans and had an Indian bindi on her forehead at Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

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Britney Spears at New Orleans

Nicole Scherzinger (Source and Source)

So what describes the Bollywood trend?

Bright and rich colors combined with fabulous fabrics like brocade, jacquard, chiffon, and amazing beading and metallic embroidery.

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How to wear this trend?

Pick a brocade skirt, beaded tops, kundan or polka earrings or cuffs, Indian inspired prints on your tops or dresses. Or simply wear a saree.

Result? You'll look rich, elegant and yes be prepared for the heads turning for you.
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Click here to buy the Brocade Skirt on right.

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Update 28th March 2009

Nicole Kidman in a nude coloured dress teamed with Indian accessories. Standing next to Nicole is Slumdog Millionaire's Rubiana Ali, they are shooting for an ad. Nicole is wearing a huge kundan necklace and what seems like an Indian bangle.

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Bangles - the hot fashion accessory

Bangles are the hot new accessory trend this season and flickered into focus on the runway. And if you must have noticed, a lot of them are adorning the wrists of celebrities and would continue to do so.

Even models on the ramp were decked with numerous chunky, colourful bangles, bracelets and cuffs on their arms.

Statement worthy bangles add sizzle to any look. There are variety of bangles or bracelets that you can choose from to compliment any ensemble.
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L-R: Burberry, Zan Posen, Lacroix

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Louis Vuitton displayed African-themed wooden bangles in their collection. Check out picture of Madonna wearing loads of bangles in the Louis Vuitton Spring campaign ads.

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Madonna in Louis Vuitton Campaign

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Bangles are one of the unostentatious ways of accessorising and a must have accessory this season. It is particularly best for all those fashionistas who have a funky side inside.

You can wear chunky bangles with any look - it goes as well with jeans as it does with a sophisticated dress. You can glam up your look with gold bangles or add a splash of colour with colourful ones or can freshen up your corporate attire by adding one or two chunky sterling silver bangles to your suit or business dress.


When it comes to jewellery in 2009, the bigger and more exotic, the better. So goes for the bangles.


Bangles made Fashion Fun this Season. Get our best picks from the high street:

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1 - Hammered row cuff for $6, click here to buy; 2 - Betsey Johnson Sequined Bangle Bracelet for $35 each, click here to buy; 3 - Wooden Bangle set of four from New Look for £6, click here to buy; 4 - Colourful Alexis Bittar Tapered Bangle for $55, click here to buy; 5 - Metallic Bangle Set for £8 (Aldo Accessories), click here to buy; 6 - Threaded and Embossed bangle set for £10, click here to buy; 7 - Embossed Detail Bangle Set (in silver or gold) for £8, click here to buy; 8 - Silver Bangles for £8, click here to buy; 9 - Kate Spade Keswick Caning Bangle for $135, click here to buy ; 10 - Oasis Bangle Set for £12, click here to buy; 11 - Alexis Bittar Two Tone Tapered Bangle Bracelet for $145, click here to buy; 12 - Guess Double G Gold Bangle for £64, click here to buy.


To play it right, wear only two statement pieces at a time either bangles and earrings, bangles and necklace or bangles and ring.

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Check out How you can liven up the outfit with bangles:

- Stack some colourful bangles to brighten up your black outfit
- Team a single oversized silver bangle or multiple bangles with your formals. Make sure you choose something subdued and not OTT, because you are not going to a pub or out shopping, but at your workplace. And you certainly don't want to attract too much attention. Another thing, choose oversized bangle or bracelet not multiple noise making ones.
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Image Source
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How much to spend on Bangles?

When it comes comes to how much you should spend on a good piece of bangle, the best part is you can get a bangle that looks like a million dollar for just $1.

So you need not shell out too much to get a good pair of fashionable bangles. But make sure of the quality before you pick from the street. Some of them use harsh chemicals which can cause rashes or other skin problems. The colour may also rip off and may damage your clothes.

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Related Posts:
Spring Earrings
Waist Cinching Belt
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Smart Dressing - Look Taller with Nude Shoes

Leg Lengthening Shoes - nude.

Elongate your legs by wearing skin tone or nude coloured shoes. A shoe that closely matches your skin tone helps elongate your petite legs, making you appear taller.

Nude simply refers to shoes that matches your skin tone.

Ankle Strap Shoes cut off your ankles, cutting off your length, so avoid them. Instead wear shoes that match your skin tone - a pair of nude shoes elongates your legs making you look taller and leaner.

You need not restrict your outfit to just light colours. The best part is, you can team your high heeled nude shoes with all the colours - blacks, whites, bright colours.

Petite celebrities, like Reese Witherspoon, Victoria Beckham, wear nude shoes (even to the red carpet events) as it creates an illusion of longer legs, making them look taller and their legs leaner.

Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman in nude shoes

(Nicole certainly is not petite, but she did pick nude shoes, probably to look leaner)
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Our Picks:
(image on top)
1. Banana Republic 'Rocio' for $160
2. Bertie Bow Back Court Shoes for £74
3. ASOS Cross Front Sandals for £29
4. Karen Millen Satin Peep Toe Shoes for £135

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Nude looks great in various shoe styles like peep toes, platforms, mary janes, pointed toed pumps or courts.

Go get yourself a pair, what more could a girl ask for in a shoe?


Related Posts:
Look slimmer with smart dressing
Smart Dressing - different looks with same wardrobe
Spring Earrings - Earrings for your Face Shape

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Spring Earrings

Earrings are back for Spring and their bigger is better attitude demands a whole new dress code.

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Designers, in their Spring 2009 Collections, massively flaunted oversized earrings - Zac Posen with his massive chandelier earrings, Marni giant earrings, Louis Vuitton with unusual tribal hoops, Ralph Lauren in ethnic style. My personal favourite was Ralph Lauren.

Even celebrities are donning this trend, love Hilary Duff's Swarovski earrings. Continue reading to check the pictures and details.

Ralph Lauren (left) and Zac Posen (right)

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Vivienne Westwood (left) and Lanvin (right)

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The spring collections are leaning more towards monochrome and simple silhouettes, which allow for more freedom to play with jewellery.

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Spring’s Earrings are even conspicuous and intimidating.

Big and chunky earrings can take the simplest dress and make it outstanding for the party or afternoon out. And this Spring, in the gloomy economic scenario, instead of splurging on dresses get some oversized, chunky earrings to updo your look (certainly not the ones above, they're scary).

Its important to remember that the more outlandishly kitsch the earrings, the more severe, stark and modern your ensemble must be.

And don’t be tempted to match-up with an impressive necklace – the earrings now stand alone. But if temptation calls, chunky cuffs and cocktail ring are far better partners.

Look to those who wear earrings well – Rihanna, Beyonce and Kate Moss.

I also like Hilary Duff's statement earrings, check few of them below.

Hilary Duff

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I particularly like the Swarovski earrings Hilary wore (left) at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2009 - Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection Fashion Show. The sophisticated rhodium-plated clip earrings have exclusive new Land-cut Volcano and clear crystals. Reflecting shades from violet to pink, the earrings have a classy sheen. You can buy a different colour of the same Swarovski earrings for $170, click here to view and buy.

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Choosing Earrings to Suit Your Face Shape and Body Type

If you are petite linear graphic styles will suit you best – steer clear of anything overpowering. Proportion is paramount. Taller girls can afford to play with bigger more fantasised styles.

Choose metal with care – yellow gold suits for olive skin and rose gold for pale or pink complexion, while platinum and white are fit for all. Diamonds and Pearls looks good on everyone. When it comes to wearing colourful earrings, choose what suits you best because earrings, more than anything else you wear, reflect light to your face.

Your face shape would also make a difference on your pick.

- Choose long, lean and angular curved lines if you have a round-shaped face. Square, rectangular and oblong earrings are also options.

Penelope Cruz - round face

- If you have oval shaped face, you can get away with all the styles. You can easily wear Spring's huge chunky hoops trend. However steer clear from incredibly long shapes as they will pull you down.

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Angelina Jolie - oval face

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- Heart-shaped face can wear this Spring Earrings trend the best. The bigger chunkier earrings look great on this shape, from chandeliers, triangle to pyramid you can carry everything easily. Just avoid heart-shaped earrings or anything that tapers as they descend.

- Earrings with a round and angular edge will flatter square shaped face as they will soften your square shape. Hoops and multi-tiered dangling earrings will look amazing.

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Paris Hilton - square face

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Smart Tips

- You can add splash of colour to liven up your everyday outfit and this is also one of the great jewellery trend of the season. Plus, it's an affordable way of reviving an old outfit. Angelina Jolie (above) added a dash of colour to her black gown by wearing it with green emerald earrings, making her earrings an interesting part of her outfit with an edge.

- On a bad hair day, a slick pony and oversize earrings will seem fresh and updo your look.

Just remember this season the bigger, the better - just be sure to scrape back hair or style it into an (equally sizeable) quiff to get the full effect (tip from Vogue). For Spring 2009, the best bet would be ethnic style oversized earrings.

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Related Posts:

Earrings - your fashion statement

Trend Watch - Electric Blue

50s is the Inspiration

Handbags for Spring/Summer 2009

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Reese W. looking gorgeous in a Jacket & T - Elle

Actress Reese Witherspoon graces the cover of ELLE April 2009 magazine (US edition) in a smart black and white ensemble.

Now why all of a sudden I have put this magazine cover on this website?

Well, I loved the simple white Tee and a smart jacket that Reese is clad in. Its so stylish, chic, simple and practical.

Most of the times these celebs wear clothes that we love, but certainly most os us can't wear.

A good hairdo, smart jacket, well fitted pants (can be your denims too), nice accessories and a simple t-shirt can be just as stylish as an exorbitant dress, that you most likely would just wear once or twice.


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Celebs LOOK FOR LESS

REESE WITHERSPOON

Reese Witherspoon looks fabulous while shopping in Brentwood in a nice blue tank top with matching short skirt, canvas bag and matching gladiator sandals. Like her 'cute meets causal' look.
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You like her outfit?

Get the look for less

Skirt and Tank
From where: Skirt from Forever 21 and Tank from Charlotte Rousse Style Name: Skirt - Abtract Blur Skirt; Tank - Ribbed Boyfriend Tank Price: Skirt - $14.8 and Tank - $6.99

Shoes and Bag
From where: Shoes - Wet seal and Bag - Nine West
Price: Shoes - Shoes for $16.5 and Bag for $39.99


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FREIDA PINTO

Freida Pinto looked stunning, at the extreme beauty in Vogue party at Milan Fashion Week, in a baby pink dress, cinched with a black belt and matching Black Shoes.

She wore the same lovely Dolce and Gabbana Shoes, from D&G's spring collection, at the Dolce and Gabbana Fall 2009 show.
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You like the shoes?

Get the look for less

You can get a similar pair at fraction of the cost

From where: Aldo
Style Name: Honefoss
Price: $50 (in sale, other colours for $70)
Click here to buy online.
(Also available at Aldo stores worldwide, ask for the product name)



Nicola Roberts

This Vivienne Westwood green dress looks gorgeous and love the pink colour on Nicola's lips .

Get the look for less

Dress

From where: Aqua Couture
Style Name: Asymmetric Strappy Back Tulip
Price: £108
Click here to buy online


Lip Colour

On her lips Nicola is wearing Dainty Doll by Nicola Roberts Pumping Gloss (£6).
Click here to buy



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Brittany Snow

Brittany is wearing Swarovski Dolce Pierced Earrings, and I would say these lovely earrings are worth a buy for $125. Swarovski designs are classy and their quality is great. So it would last ages.

Get the Earrings

I have the same pair, and I must tell you the picture does not do justice to these delectable earrings. They look far better and lovely when you see them in real.

You can buy these from any of the Swarovski stores or even online for $125.
Click here to buy






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Trend Watch - Electric Blue
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