Sex and the City 2: Get the Look for Less!

Unfortunately, we’re not all lucky enough to have the budget that the stylists for Sex and the City 2 are privileged to have at their disposal.  Whether or not you’re a fan of the hit series or the movies, it’s still easy to get hooked on the outfits worn by these stylish New York divas. Officially in theaters as of yesterday, SATC2 will move every fashionista to check out what the girls are wearing this time around, and bring a little piece of the movie to her own wardrobe. Here are four signature looks from both movies worn by Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda, and where you can get their looks for less!

Carrie in a chic vintage white Halston dress; XOXO V-neck Drape Jersey Dress: $59!!

Miranda: Maggy London Black and White dress IS affordable at only $148! Just throw on a gold belt and you’re good to go!

Samantha: wearing Wendy Brandes Gold Snake Earring - $7,250!

Find similar earrings like this at polyvore.com for $300.

Finally, if you want Charlotte's conservative look in a stunning turquoise-green dress like this, then check out this dress on the right from Max and Cleo for only $95!

The Right Swimsuit for Your Body Type

After wandering through the bathing suit section at Target a few days ago, I started to worry whether or not I had chosen the right swimsuit style to best flatter my body type. Being a pear shape, I’m always very conscious of my legs and hips, and generally have to wear a size larger on the bottom than on top. I decided to go with a bandeau ruched top, to give the illusion of a fuller bust, and a high -- but narrow cut -- bottom, to give the illusion of longer legs. After doing some research on finding the best swimsuit for your body, I discovered these perfect little videos, where each video is designed for each body type as it relates to swimwear. The pear, apple, hourglass, and inverted triangle shapes are all covered. I’ve watched all of these videos, and whoever made them seems to be right on with their style tips! So before you hit the beach this summer, take a few seconds to watch these videos (they take less than 60 seconds), and see if you are suiting up correctly this season. Also keep in mind that color and pattern play a role in where other’s focus on your body, so make sure you listen to the color advice given as well. After watching these videos, I am confident in my swimsuit choice and am ready to hit the sand! For great separates suiting options for your body type, check out www.victoriassecret.com where you can mix and match bottoms and tops in all sizes and colors!

Video - Swimsuits for Your Body Shape:  Apple 
Video - Swimsuits for Your Body Shape:  Hourglass

Video - Swimsuits for Your Body Shape:  Pear

Video - Swimsuits for Your Body Shape:  Inverted Triangle

Alex and Ani: Eco-Friendly Jewelry

As the school year comes to a close, graduating seniors at PhilaU who were lucky enough to land jobs will begin the rest of their lives in the workforce.  It sounds dreadful doesn’t it? Well, perhaps not so much for my very close friends who have landed amazing jobs, one of which is with a jewelry company I had never known.  Now that I've seen her rock her personal collection of the company's bangles and necklaces every day, I've become a fan of Alex and Ani.  After hearing about the company and seeing some of the products, I thought I’d introduce it to all of you!  I’m still trying to pick out what I need to have from their jewelry collection; it’s challenging because it's all beautiful!  Alex and Ani is an eco-friendly jewelry company started by designer Carolyn Rafaelian. Products are created using recycled materials made entirely in the United States. They carry everything from bracelets, necklaces and earrings to rings, hair pieces and bridal pieces. If you’re looking for everyday jewelry that’s eco-friendly, check out their website at  www.alexandani.com

Finding the Perfect Fitting Jeans

We all know that most women struggle when shopping for their denim jeans. It seems like there are an infinite amount of styles and brands out there for a variety of prices. So how do you know which ones are right for you? While I can’t see you and tell YOU specifically, there are some great guidelines that all women should follow. Here are a few things to take into consideration when shopping for jeans: fit type, rise, leg fit and wash type.

• Fit Type: Most jeans come sized relaxed, slim, regular, etc. Slim and extra slim are best for those who are tall and thin.

• Rise: Rise is something that really gets to me when shopping for jeans. No one wants a high rise unless you’re specifically looking for a pair of high waisted jeans. TRY ON your jeans to assess the rise before you buy them. Try sitting, crossing your legs and bending over to make sure that you’re comfortable.

• Leg Fit: This is the part that usually gets me the most frustrated when shopping for jeans. These days a lot of women are looking for the skinny leg jean, but some women have larger calves than others. I’ve found what works best for me with a skinny jean is that it MUST have spandex or lycra in it to give it some stretch, otherwise it will not fit over my calves. Also, look at other cuts like boot cut, straight, skinny, wide, flare, etc. Don't forget to keep in mind the shape of your hips and shoulders when choosing a leg fit in order to give your entire body a uniform silhouette.

• Wash Type: Darker washes tend to be more flattering and thinning, and are also easier to dress up if you’re wearing jeans out at night. Whisker washes draw attention to the hips and thighs. Lighter washes can hide a multitude of sins BUT can also make some look heavier, so be careful when trying these on and know what look you’re going for. Also, color washes can tend to add stiffness to the jeans because of the larger amount of dye in them.

Lastly, when you’re shopping for your jeans, don’t be afraid to pull a sales associate aside to assist you. Get opinions in the dressing room so that you don’t walk out wearing a mistake. Also, research your jean companies. Most websites have great sizing tools for denim for all body shapes and sizes; take advantage of that! And finally, it’s not always true that spending more money gets you a better fitting jean. Every body type is different, and brands that you’d never imagine trying just might be the ones to surprise you!