15 under $150: Designer Steals

If you love the quality of designer goods (but don't want to spend a ton) check out these 15 under $150 stylish steals to satisfy your appetite for chic:

1. Gucci Bamboo Mid Heel Slides, $92. 2. Diane von Furstenberg Alcamo Silk Blouse, $124. 3. Fendi Yellow Rain Boots, $80. 4. T-Bags Ruffle Jersey Dress, $150. 5. Just Cavalli Onyx & Gold Snake Ring, $110. 6. Tracy Reese Crystal Embellished Dress, $137.50. 7. Belle by Sigerson Morrison Brooch Front Ballet Flats, $147.50. 8. 3.1 Phillip Lim Pinch Back Gathered Dress, $142.50. 9. Yves Saint Laurent Leather Loafer, $150. 10. Prada Eau de Parfum Spray, $95. 11. Dior Dior B Bracelet, $100. 12. Louis Vuitton 2008 Partenaire Agenda Complete Week Refill, $86. 13. Chanel Creme Lipstick, $23-28. 14. Marc by Marc Jacobs So Real Fraser Tote, $98. 15. Moschino Cheap and Chic Open Toe Kiltie Pump, $148.50.

15 Holiday Outfit Ideas under $150

Tis the season for company holiday fetes and get togethers!
Nothing to wear? Mix and match the following items for a party perfect look:

1. French Connection Women's Starlight Sequins Sheer Shoulder Top, $65. 2. Helmut Lang Red Cowl Neck Dress, $149. 3. Jones New York Shiny Sleeveless Tie Neck Blouse, $50. 4. Pink Tartan Taffeta Skirt, $110. 5. Express High Waist Sequin Skirt, $98. 6. Liz Claiborne Luxe Sequin Cardigan, $129. 7. Juicy Couture Sequin Trimmed Dress, $148. 8. French Connection Friday Frills Shrug, $100. 9. Forever 21 Gathered Tartan Pencil Skirt, $17.80. 10. DKNY Sequin Miniskirt, $83. 11. Sequin Dolman Sweater, $88. 12. Diane von Furstenberg Yvette Vest, $147.50 13. Nexx Wrap Blouse, $59. 14. Blank Black Stretch Sateen Skinny Pants, $62. 15. Banana Republic Martin velvet flared pant, $110.
Have fun!
*Need purse ideas? Check out Adri's post on affordable clutches.
*Also peep last year's holiday party post for even more tips!

Special Guest Blogger: Bevy Smith's "Dinner With Bevy" and The Gilt Groupe

Hey Lovelies!
Today you're in for a treat: an extra special guest blog by Breaking into Fashion subject and diva extraordinaire Bevy Smith!!
Bevy recently joined forces with the Gilt Groupe to throw a dinner bash with some of my hometown's finest (including a couple of the Real Housewives!!!). Want the scoop? Read below:
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When Gilt Groupe, the exclusive online sample sale site, asked if I would host a "Dinner With Bevy" in Atlanta, I was a bit leery. Folks said "they will either RSVP and not show up, or show up dressed inappropriately, dripping in logos!" The naysayers were wrong: Atlanta truly put on for their city!
From David Banner (my heartthrob) beyond dapper in a Polo Ralph Lauren Purple Label suit to model Cynthia Bailey in a vintage Genny suit, this was one gorgeous crowd!
Yes, the Atlanta Housewives were there, and Lisa and Sherree represented fabulously. Sherree wasn't at all the "Diva." She showed up “gorge” in an aubergine DVF knit dress! Sherree and I bonded and we plan on hanging this Fall at New York Fashion Week. Lisa charmed all the guests with her down to earth spirit (and you already know she was "booed up" with hot hubby, Ed).Lisa and Ed weren't the only sexy couple there: we also had Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe. Nicole was divine and I couldn't look at her husband for fear of staring and catching a beat down!!We couldn't have a fashion dinner in Atlanta without inviting Mychael Knight from "Project Runway"! He was so cute with his patent leather bow-tie! While we were hugging he sniffed my neck and asked what fragrance I was wearing. Chile, I was in such a frenzy I was wearing nothing but anxiety. Mychael gave me a bottle of his new fragrance, Majk, and I received compliments all night, especially from hunky singer/songwriter Sean Garrrett.Sean's hard at work on his CD for Interscope Records and apologized for not being his usual uber-chic self. Sean, when you have a body like yours, clothes don't matter!One of the highlights of the night was meeting "It Girl" Keri Hilson! She didn't disappoint showing up in a Rojas tartan plaid skirt, Envy turtleneck, and a divine Carol Van Wyck vintage belt with Betsey Johnson patent leather boots.Thanks to Alexandra Wilkis Wilson and Alexis Maybank the owners of Gilt Groupe for allowing me to invite my Atlanta friends! I know Claire already invited you to Gilt Groupe, but just in case you missed her invitation, I'm inviting you as well! Log on to www.gilt.com/dinnerwithbevy to peruse a few of their fabulous fashionable items.
Bevy

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I can't believe Bevy and Sherree hit it off! Homegirl did look kind of fly...
And that was fabulous! Did you love our guest blogger?
Bisous!
Read more about the "Dinner with Bevy" series here.

Diane von Furstenberg Bi Annual Sample Sale

My heart literally cries to tell you that the bi annual Diane von Furstenberg sample sale is coming to NYC next Monday, December 8th!!!
Y'all this is one of my favorite sales of the year! Every time I go, I literally CLEAN UP.
While I consider buying a ticket to New York just for this, here are the details:
260 5th Avenue between 28th and 29th Streets;December 8- December 13th. Monday 11 AM to 6 PM; Tuesday 9 AM to 6:30 PM; Wednesday 9 AM to 8 PM; Thursday 9 AM to 7 PM; Friday 9 AM to 5:30 PM; Saturday 9 AM to 3 PM.
Waaa! Well, I found my Alexander McQueen in Paris...maybe the sales are better here?
I hope so...
Enjoy!

Real Style: T.J. Maxx Steal or Splurge Contest Winners

The results are in for our Fashion Bomb/T.J. Maxx Steal or Splurge Contest!
First we have Chimma from New Jersey:
...who starts her day with The Fashion Bomb, and "absolutely loves" T.J. Maxx!! She admits her best Maxx find ever was a Diane von Furstenberg luggage set for under $200. Check out the sexy black leather mini and strappy sandals for her Real Style. She better work!
And our second winner is Yahaira, a New Yorker who has been reading the FB for over a year:
...she frequents T.J. Maxx for favorites from French Connection, and is a huge fan of Diane von Furstenberg, and Patricia Field. True to her Real Style pic, she loves neutral tones with pops of color. Loving the hair, too!

And of course you're wondering what the answers were!

Click here for the original photos!
1. A=Steal, B=Splurge (Dept. Store: $711. 98, T.J. Maxx Steal: $376.95)
2. A=Steal, B=Splurge (Dept. Store: $707.99, T, J. Maxx Steal: $346.94)
3. A=Splurge, B=Steal (Dept. Store: $734.49, T.J. Maxx Steal: $334.95)
An average savings of over $350 per outfit! Were you close??
Thanks and shout-outs to all the Fashion Bombshells who submitted answers! This is only the first of many many fun contests.
~Adriana

DVF to Design for Obama?

NY Mag's the Cut reported today that Diane Von Furstenberg aspires to dress our fresh first lady:
They say, "Last night at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award dinner Diane Von Furstenberg told [New York] she has submitted sketches for Michelle Obama's inaugural ball gown. "Well, they asked me to. Of course, everybody has," she said. "I'm so proud to be an American. Otherwise, right now we would all be so depressed."
Uh, did I mention how much I adore Diane von Furstenberg?
A few of her 'first lady' worthy 'fits from her Fall 2008 collection:
Hot!

Diane von Furstenberg Friends & Family Sale!

If the next DVF sample sale is too far away, take heart! Starting this Thursday, enjoy 30% off Diane's cocktails, skirts, and wrapped frocks!
RSVP to vipfriends@dvf.com
The exclusive offer is only available at Diane von Furstenberg stores and www.dvf.com.

DVF Designs an Obama Tote + Anya Hindmarch for Target

*Diane Von Furstenberg designed this tote...
...to proclaim her support for Barack Obama. The tote bag features the words Obama 08, hope, change and red hearts in handwriting script and is signed on the bottom by Diane von Furstenburg. It retails for $75. Pick it up at Barack Obama’s official online store.
*Check out Anya Hindmarch for Target's collection of sultry bags...
Prices range from $19.99 to $49.99. And they're so chic! Mark your calendars: They'll be available at www.target.com and select Target stores on October 12th.
*Singer M.I.A. has come out with her own limited collection of clothes:
It's currently available at MIAUK.com.
*Bethann and Co met again yesterday to discuss black models on the runway. The verdict? Much improved. [WNBC]

I'm in the Wall Street Journal!!!

*I'm quoted today in an article on Dress Codes in the Wall Street Journal!!!
Ahem. "...For Claire Sulmers, a 27-year-old fashion blogger in New York, the stumper was an "international" dress code. She thought she was playing it safe with a classic look -- a wrap dress by Diane von Furstenberg in muted colors. But when she arrived, she felt "slightly under-dressed," as she mingled with men in European-cut suits and women in celebrated designers' gowns..." Read the rest here!
*Oh and Happy Birthday Dad...
...Thanks for everything:)

28 Fashionable Travel Essentials under $200

Hey!
So it took me all summer, but I'm finally taking a much needed vacation! I'm heading to London and Paris in a few days to capture some style (and rest a bit before Fashion Week)...
As a fashionista, you know I'd love to take my whole wardrobe, but the last thing I need are lots of bags to lug around London Town!
I decided to compile a list of 10 Fashionable Travel Essentials that will fit into one large carry on--along with 28 options that will take the most chic traveler through their journey with minimalist style. Pack lightly--but bring lots of accessories!

Travel Must Haves:

1. White T-Shirts
The epitome of crisp, a white tee goes with absolutely everything and serves as the perfect backdrop for dangling necklaces, bangles, and look at me accessories. If you're on vacation for a week, I'd say bring 3 or 4 options (scoop neck, v-neck), and switch them up for endless possibilities. Wear one with cute shorts, under a jacket on cool days, or with just about anything! My picks:
1. James Perse Ultra Supima Rib Short Sleeve T, $60. 2. Intuition Wear V-Neck T, $26. 3. Unisex Sheer Jersey Short Sleeve V-Neck, $22.
2. Jeans
A pair of jeans is the perfect travel go-to, fitting yet stylish for a plane ride. Versatile, jeans can be dressed up in the city of your choice with flats or heels, and can be your solace on an unexpected chilly night. Bring your old faithful pair, you're guaranteed to need them at some point!
1. Seven for All Mankind Stretch Skinny Jeans, $155. 2. BDG Vintage Crackle Cigarette Jean, $54.
3. Scarves
More than combatting the chill of the airplane, scarves serve as playful accessories to punch up your look. A scarf can instantly transform a ho hum 'fit into fashion ferocity! Try these (note Rihanna is a fan of the middle option):
1. Silk Jacquard Scarf, $28. 2. Chan Luu Triangular Ethnic Scarf, $175. 3. A Peace Treaty Jhal Jhao Scarf, $99.
4. Graphic T-Shirts

With days filled with walking, it helps to pack a few graphic tees to showcase your fun side. I plan on repping Barack and bringing along some Fashion Bomb Swag:
1. Barack The Vote Sunshine T, $25. 2. Fashion Bomb T-Shirt, $21. 3. Natural Woman T, $25.
5. Tote Bag:
Use a large handbag to carry around all your essentials--reading, maps, your passport, and lipgloss!
1. Gianni Bini Addison Shopper, $142. 2. Melie Banco Double Handle Rouche, $95. 3. Armani Exchange Quilted Patent Tote Bag, $150.
6. Comfy Shoes
For pounding the pavement, nothing is better than a pair of chic flats or fashionable sneaks:
1. London Sole Metallic Flat with Patent Trim, $90. 2.Puma by Miharayasuhiro Patent Leather Sneaker, $160. 3. Dolce Vita Adam Flat Thong Bootie, $138. 4. J.Crew Penelope Ballet Flats, $120.
7. & 8. One Pair of Heels + Wrinkle Free Dress
As Beyonce shows, once you touch down it's not all about comfort! For nights out, pack one or two wrinkle free dresses and one sensible pair of heels in neutral colors so you can mix and match:
1. Holly Ruche Jersey Dress in Light Olive, $84. 2. Riller & Fount Boatneck Jersey Dress, $135. 3. Imagine Keely High Heel Wedge Sandal, $91. 4. Charles by Charles David Spin Wedge, $110.
9. Oversized Sunglasses
Hide those tired eyes upon touchdown, then flaunt your specs for sightseeing. I love my Gucci shades, but you can still look hot in non designer brands:
1. D& G Dolce & Gabbana Oversized Logo Wrap Sunglasses, $150. 2. Max Studio Harlow Sunglasses, $90. 3. Armani Exchange Large Round Sunglasses, $70.
10. Oh so chic Carry On
Put everything in one bag if you can. You don't want to deal with possible luggage lost (or extra fees for checking too much!). Go with something like these...
1. Diane Von Furstenberg Scallop Collection Expandable Bag, $180. 2.Liz Claiborne Escapade 21" Suitcase, $130. 3. International Traveler Lightweight Wheeled Suitcase, $119.
Besides, you don't want to be stuck like some people...
Ha!
The interns will be taking over for me next week (and I'll be checking in from across the pond!)
Until then...
Smootches!