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

Foxy Faux Real

Plush fur vests are draped across every fashion magazine on the stands right now; just as with the rebirth of the leather coat, this trend is harmful to animals and your credit score.  My budget solution:  let the (faux) fur fly!  

(This Piazza Sempione Fur vest that was featured in Vogue…I believe the price was an incredible $7,000.00! Image from piazzasempionekop.com.)

Thank goodness you can get this look without having to unclothe the animals who were rockin’ these furs originally.  I found similar items from Forever21, JCPenny, and Kohl’s for a fraction of the original price.

From Forever21, we have this bright contender for the budget faux fur crown:

(Forever21 Faux Fur Vest for $37.80.  Price and mage from Forever21.com.)

Buyer beware:  this is the definition of “statement piece.”  Put on your best rocker attitude and leave your inner wallflower gaping in the corner.

The second option, from JCPenny, is actually a few dollars less than the Forever21 option and is available in two colors.

(Faux fur vest available in black and white from JCPenny’s Olsenboye collection for only $29.99!  Price and Image from jcpenny.com.)

Leave it to the fashionable Olsen dopplegangers to come up with a cute, cheap, and surprisingly wearable piece; the more laidback ladies definitely have an option here that will easily pair with anything in their closets!

My last finds, from Kohl’s, were designed by famous fashionistas; both Jennifer Lopez and Vera Wang have created beautiful, affordable apparel for the store.    

(The white vest is courtesy of J.Lo’s line and is available for $63.00, while the darker option, from the venerable Vera Wang, is yours for $68.60.  Images and prices from kohls.com.)

The last options are a bit more expensive than the first two; however, they are each still enormous bargains compared to less animal-friendly pieces like the Piazza Sempione vest. For the quality and pedigree, these prices make sense.

To keeping warm without doing harm,

Brooke