Fashion is a constant collaboration between the designer and the buyer. Each piece created and worn is a unique approach, a form of expression. Most designers have always relied on brand loyalty but with the shift in the economy also came a shift in consumer consciousness. Luckily for all the “frugal fashionistas” out there, designers have adapted and found ways to cater to the “deal conscious” consumer in each of us. Jimmy Choo recently brought it’s affordable luxury line to H&M and other high end designers like Anna Sui and Rodarte have collaborated with Target to bring affordable fashion with a couture sensibility to the masses. So, how does a Chic Fashionista stay stylish and on budget? Here are a few things to keep in mind…

1. Shop in your closet – We sometimes forget just how much we accumulate over the years, go back in your closet for a complete wardrobe overhaul. The cleaning will give you new ideas on pairing pieces in ways you might never have thought of.

2. Invest in Accessories – Accessories are your best friends! When it comes to rejuvenating old pieces or creating new looks, your most affordable styling option is adding a funky necklace, a wide belt, colorful scarf or a cocktail ring.

3. Bargain hunt at your nearest thrift store – The hottest word in Hollywood these days is “Vintage” and stylists aren’t throwing around that word for nothing. There’s nothing sexier than channeling “Old Hollywood” glamour and you can find some true gems at a thrift store. Looking to earn some extra cash? Places like Buffalo Exchange will buy your pieces.

4. Never buy just to buy – Approach every piece as an investment piece and approach every investment piece like a Couture piece…If it doesn’t fit perfectly, it’s a disaster!

Emily Blunt's Chic Necklace

My favorite thing about fashion is that it truly is a unique form of expression. Fashion influences my daily life and my daily life definitely influences my fashion. Even though the runways have been filled with edgier and masculine inspired pieces lately, I’ve been been feeling light, fun, colorful and therefore leaning towards more of the feminine approach when it comes to my transitional wardrobe (as we approach spring). These days, you’ll find me wearing anything that says girly from polka dots to flowers, pink, red, ribbons and high chignons. One of my favorite pieces and a perfect match for my current mood is a ribbon necklace. I love that it’s so delicate and feminine. Actress, Emily Blunt has a unique take on wearing this kind of necklace. In the above photo, she pairs her ribbon necklace with a black Romper worn on top of a white long sleeve shirt at an event for “Wolfman”. Below is a similar and affordable version of the ribbon necklace, the “Ava” Statement Necklace from Rue de Chic.

Ava Statement Necklace ($25.00) www.ruedechic.com

Gossip Girl's Taylor Momsen Rocks a Leather Cuff at a Victoria's Secret Perfume Launch Party

Marc Jacobs recently said to Instyle Magazine, “I’m a big believer in wearing whatever you want, whenever you want. No one dictates fashion to the women I know.” I couldn’t agree more. I’ve always thought that fashion was more about the confidence and less about the clothes. The confidence to mix bold colors, the confidence to wear the biggest cocktail ring or even socks with platforms…The idea is to express yourself and enjoy yourself. I love to mix unexpected pieces, old and new, different eras, different styles, etc. Lately, I’ve been pairing a lot of feminine pieces with edgier accessories. I especially love a fun flirty dress with a leather jacket or a leather cuff. Check out GG’s Taylor Momsen in the above photo with the silk dress and leather cuff. You can create this look for less by adding the Woven Faux-Leather Cuff ($12)  from Rue de Chic.com to any of your dresses for an edgier look.

Woven Faux Leather Cuffs available at www.ruedechic.com

Gossip Girl's Taylor Momsen rocks a Statement Necklace

I’m a big believer in looking and feeling your best at all times. That being said, we all have days where we just don’t feel like dressing up. However, even on days like this, there’s no reason to let go completely. I love finding ways to stay casual chic  with very little effort. One of those ways is utilizing “Statement Necklaces.”  A statement necklace is a piece that stands out and always takes whatever you’re wearing to a whole new level. You could have on an evening gown or a pair of jeans, the effect is always stunning! My favorite casual Saturday outfit is a soft white v-neck t-shirt, a rolled up boyfriend blazer, skinny jeans, a pair of booties and a statement necklace. The chunkier the necklace, the better. You can also go bold with an eye catching Red or Turquoise. Remember, you never know who you might run into, wouldn’t you rather look your best?

Rue de Chic Statement Necklace

Amanda Seyfried is golden!

One must have for the summer is a gold clutch. It doesn’t matter what you’re wearing, whenever you accessorize with a gold clutch, your stock goes up a 100%. Case in point, Mama Mia’s Amanda Seyfried in the above photo. Summer is the time to expose that “golden” tan, and let that natural glow shine. A gold clutch is an accessory that highlights your best assets. Pair with shorts, or a sexy mini. It doesn’t have to match your shoes and this actually lets the clutch be that sizzling “guest star” that lets your outfit shine! Below are two very intriguing yet affordable options from ruedechic.com. The “Cayla” clutch, a dazzling surprise for the glitterati in you as well the more playful “Aubrey” clutch in snake print with rhinestone accents. Take your pick….you’ll be stunning either way!

The "Cayla" Clutch at www.ruedechic.com

The "Aubrey" Clutch at www.ruedechic.com

Halle Berry Totes

The latest unique summer outing is a twist and a perfect blend of a tote and a hobo and we’re absolutely loving it. Check out Halle Berry pair that gorgeous cognac beauty with a cute summer dress as well as spicing up her casual t-shirt and jeans look. Get in on the action with “Betsie” from Rue de Chic, an exceptional find with a hint of luxury and class and outstanding colors to match.

"Betsie" - $49.99 at ruedechic.com

Megan Fox looks sassy in this belted look

One of the best ways to accessorize a flirty dress is to cinch your waist with a wide belt. Megan Fox happens to perfect the casual, sexy and edgy look with this simple outfit. The 3- buckle detail gives the belt the “sass” it needs while allowing the sexiness to ooze out of her printed chiffon dress. Next time you’re headed out for lunch with your girlfriends or even coffee with that special gentleman, look effortlessly sexy with the 3-buckle belt from Rue de Chic.

3-Buckle Belt in Gray & Brown

Jessica Alba is stylish in green

Big is in this summer and so is color. Every girl needs a stylish bag that is casual enough to be thrown over/across the shoulder, can possibly hold all of one’s worldly possessions but remains chic at the same time. Jessica Alba is surrounded by adorable baby Honor and a stylish over sized green bag. To the right is the large “Diana” clutch bag with a detachable strap from Rue de Chic.

http://www.ruedechic.com/large-diana-clutch-p-60.html

Jessica Simpson dines in bold colors at Beso

Summer is close and following are the bright colors. Check out Jessica Simpson’s bold print and just as bold bag. To the right is the fabulous Large “Stella” Hobo available at ruedechic.com

http://www.ruedechic.com/large-stella-hobo-p-30.html

Katherine Heigl's Colorful Beaded Necklace

http://www.ruedechic.com/chunky-multicolor-beaded-necklace-p-99.html

Beads made a big come back a few years ago and have consistently held a strong showing in the accessories world since. The trick however, is knowing what kind of beads to pair with an outfit. You can be playful, stoic, creative with your beads…it just depends on what mood you’re in. Take Grey’s Anatomy’s Katherine Heigl who shows her playful and colorful side with a strand of multi color beads in the above photo. To the right is a hand beaded necklace set from Rue de Chic for just $14.99. Check out the rest of our Bead Collection at www.ruedechic.com