Flat Brooke

Velvety Vixen

No longer just for horny robed men with pipes, velvet is back and better than ever! Modern cuts mean that velvet dresses are wonderfully wearable, (and just in time for the upcoming wintry weather)!

Infallible Forever21 has some great affordable apparel, as usual:

(I love how the floral pattern of the first and the sheer sections of the last two prevent the frocks from appearing too youthful!  ”Velvet Flowers” dress and “Textured Velvet” dress  priced at $27.80; the second option, dubbed the “Fitted Velvet” dress is available for $24.80.  Prices and images from forever21.com.)

Lulu’s has a stunning, (and stunningly affordable), option in gorgeous golden shade:

( Want to smolder at your next holiday party?  Look no farther than this molten masterpiece, aptly-named “Hot of Gold!”  DO. WANT.  And for forty dollars?  CAN. HAVE. Image and price from lulus.com.)

For those who may not want to commit to being fully-clad in the majestic material, consider accenting your wardrobe with these items from Modcloth:

(Modcloth never fails to present stylish and sophisticated options to its buyers!  In order:  ”I’m Pumped Heel” available for $34.99; “Glamorous Gait,” also known as Brooke’s next purchase, available for $34.99;”Tranquil Nights” available for $39.99.  Images and prices from modcloth.com.)

To feel good fabrics and prices,

Brooke

Bustier Your Spirits

Feeling like a walk, (or saunter), on the sexy side of life?  Slip into one of fall’s hottest pieces:  the beautifully bold bustier.  

It was difficult to locate items that didn’t look like they belonged to one of tomorrow night’s festive frolickers, but a few stores managed to exude the essence of chic, not cheap.

Forever21 brings the rocker edge:

(Sequins and leather and sex appeal, oh my!  First item available for $19.80; second piece available for $24.80.  Images and prices from Forever21.com.)

From JCPenny’s Olsenboye collection, a clearance item with a more girly take on the trend:

(Down from $50.00 dollars to $24.00!  Pair with a cozy sweater to bring this sweet and summery item into fall.  Image and price from JCPenny.com.)

Lulus has the last budget option with a little basic black bustier:

(Flirty for $30.00!  Sweeten with a full skirt and jacket or spice up with skinny jeans and heels.  Photo and price from lulus.com.)

For a bit more you can channel your inner Sophia Loren with this Modcloth morsel:

(Inspire amore in this little number for $64.99!  Price and photo from modcloth.com.)

To channeling your inner siren without splurging,

Brooke

Sheer Joy

Fall’s latest trend can only be described as demurely daring; rather than completely bare a sinuous stretch of skin, designers have opted to wrap it in sheer fabric, offering only tantalizing glimpses of what lies beneath.

(Olivia Wilde looking gorgeous in floor-length gown with some seriously sexy sheer sides.  Image from streetglamourtoday.com.)

We’ll start with the more casual options, offered by our ol’ reliable (Forever21):

(Forever21 has got a ton of great casual options under its “GLAM IN BLACK” portion of the website…these three immediately caught my eye for their interpretations of the sheer trend!  First item available for $19.80, second for $17.80, and third for $19.80. Images and prices from Forever21.com.)

Charlotte Russe has a few items that read more sexy siren than casual chic:

(Two trends in one:  lace and sheer paneling!  First dress also available in black and blue for $34.99, second also available in white for $29.99, and third also available in black for $29.99. Images and prices from charlotterusse.com.)

Sophisticated elegance is what Lulu’s brings to the table with its interpretations:

(I’ve gotta say, even though these are about ten dollars more than Charlotte Russe’s dresses, they’re  actually my three favorite options.  It might be that they would flatter my curvy body type; someone with a taller, slimmer frame might be better suited to Forever21’s rocker cool aesthetic.  I think Charlotte Russe’s could flatter the gamut of figures.  First dress also available in red for $39.00, second also available in burgundy for $41.00, and the third also available in red for $42.00.  Images and prices from lulus.com.)

To sheer will in bargain-hunting for trendy pieces,

Brooke