Posts with tag mod

Many people--Perez Hilton among them--are questioning just how much Christina Aguilera's new look has been "inspired" by recording artist Lady Gaga. The long, blonde extensions with heavy bangs. The slinky, black catsuits. The masks. The mod, mod makeup.

Fashion is one part personal expression and one part a mirror of the times - so when the economy stinks your closet is bound to suffer. While it is always smart to bargain hunt, there is no better time than now to make your money go as far as it can. We challenged ourselves to find pretty dresses under $50 and we were pleasantly surprised at the great selection available - it seems that the fashion industry is feeling the pinch as well. From work dresses to party frocks we found inexpensive frocks to fit any style.

So don't despair - if your wardrobe needs a boost but your wallet's hurting, you can still update your look and stay on budget.

So you weren't quite ready to jump forward into 2008, were you? Take more than a few steps back in time with the Sabrina Dress from ModCloth. The vintage-style dress is made of a thickly woven tweed with a metallic sheen in a palette of shades of gray. The scoop neck is lined with contrasting black grosgrain, and has flattering darts just above the bust. WIth a swing-y coat and a pair of black rubber rain boots, the Sabrina works well for January, and can take you straight into Spring when you switch your shoes to black patent heels with a sweet rounded-toe.

Available from Modcloth for $39.99

As we look forward to warmer weather and longer days, we can also look forward to the new trends for spring. Of all the hot looks this year, I have to say that my favorite is the Mod look. Blame it on Sienna Miller's new film Factory Girl or the simple adage that what goes around comes around, but this season designers are mad for mod.

Obviously, dressing head (teased hair with wide headband) to toe (leather go-go boots) in mod style will make you look more like an extra from the set of the Man from U.N.C.L.E. and less like an up-to-date lady. The key to working the mod look is to incorporate a few pieces into your existing wardrobe.

One of the easiest ways to look like one of Andy's muses is to invest in a pair of large, dark sunglasses with a clean simple shape. Notice that this is not the same thing as Nicole Richie's face obscuring welding goggles -- mod sunglasses are sleek and urbane. Issac Mizrahi for Target's Big Rectangle glasses are exactly what you are looking for.

Of course the mod dress is also a big trend this spring. If you aren't into the idea of wearing a super-short mini dress, by all means, look for a shift dress with a more modest hem. But if you are willing to take the plunge, Diane von Furstenberg's Payne dress will give you the look you want.

For just a splash of 60s style, Lucite jewelry is also quite popular this season. If you aren't in the market for real Lucite, Forever21 sells great jewelry that looks almost exactly like the real thing.

The Parameter Jumper is a throwback to a 1960's style, but it has been updated just enough not only to look more contemporary, but to look great, too. The dress has a slightly tucked waist and comes with a flattering belt to highlight the area in a move away from the more boxy 60's look. Angled pockets make it visually interesting, as well as practical, and the two-tone shift style, with a darker layer extending beneath the lighter one, adds dimension to the otherwise unremarkable gray tones. The dress is pictured with black tights, but as fall approaches, pairing this dress with some high, funky boots and a sparkly bracelet is the best way to go. Price: $274.