5 Cozy Sweaters under $50

Baby it's cold outside!
Stay cozy and cute with these 5 sweaters under $50:

1. Amalia Striped U Neck Cardigan, $39.50. 2. Express Long Cowl Neck Sweater, $39.50. 3. H81 Wide Ribbed Cardigan, $24.50. 4. J.Crew Merino Tartine Cardigan, $30. 5. Silence & Noise Horse Intarsia Sweater, $35.

Winter Wardrobe Revive: Shoes, Bags, Coats, and More to Update Your Style

Hey!
So winter has begun in earnest, and for some of us, it's way past time to pull out those old down jackets and wool coats. If you're tired of your drab black and gray uniform, The Fashion Bomb is here to give you 5 ideas to revive your wardrobe:
1. Interesting Tights
Whether in colorful hues or argyle patterns, tights give any outfit edge along with a bit of warmth. Bonus: they won't break the bank! Try these beauts:
1. Hue Houndstooth Sweater Tights, $28. 2. Falke Baroque Tights, $45. 3. Pin Stripe Floral Tights, $14. 4. Hue Argyle Tights, $18. 5. Armani Exchange Opaque Tights, $19.50. 6. Nordstrom Double Diamond Tights, $12.
2. A Colorful Coat
If you really want to stand out, a coat in an eye catching color can do the trick. Throw one on in a cool color, but save on these--next year you might get bored!
1. J.Crew Classic Peacoat, $225. 2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Check Print Coat, $340. 3. Steve Madden Stand Collar Coat, $98 (Plus, $119). 4. Express Mod Wool Coat, $168. 5. Calvin Klein Split Lapel Wrap Coat, $258. 6. Soia & Kyo Diagonal Stitch Jacket, $185. 7. ADD Down Jacket, $365. 8. Gap Plaid Belted Coat, $97. 9. Guess by Marciano Barrel Shaped Coat, $148.
3. A Wild Card Dress
A funky dress will definitely set you apart from the fashion feeble. Wear one under your regular gray or black wool jacket with a pair of tights for a refreshed look:
1. Pringle 1815 Blue Knitted Dress, $231. 2. Julie Haus Yona Graphic Houndstooth Dress, $235. 3. French Connection Star Dress, $158. 4. Tibi Arboretum Mini Dress, $234. 5. Diane Von Furstenberg Jovanna Knit Dress, $219. 6. Marc by Marc Jacobs Geo Gems Dress, $169.
2. Anything But Black Boots
Black is bla! Go for gray or an alluring deep red color to add panache:
1. Armani Exchange Suede Bootie ,$125. 2. Enzo Angiolini Charly Boot, $225. 3. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Seema Ombre Bootie, $407. 4. Dolce Vita Wendy Stove Pipe Boot, $300. 5. Arturo Chiang Tamara Bootie, $120. 6. Frye Women's Tall Ava Boot, $400.
5. A Jewel Colored Bag:
A colorful bag can transcend seasons--carry yours come spring!
1. Elliott Lucca Large Leather Drawstring Tote, $298. 2. Jessica Simpson Socialista Tote, $108. 3. J.Crew Uptown Tote, $215. 4. Pink Studio Rain Tote, $75. 5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Tote-Ally Jacquard Tote, $228. 6. L.A.M.B. Women's Edinburgh Clydebank Plaid Wool/Leather Tote, $475.
Bisous!

Try a Trend: Feathers!

So as the weather gets nippy, celebs are opting for a fur alternative to stave off the chill:
Feathers!
Eye catching and festive, feathers add a singular pop to both casual and dressy outfits. The look can be classic, whether you opt for a little or a lot:
Truly adventurous Christina Milian prefers red carpet ready dresses of feathers in deep purple and seering turquoise:
More subdued sirens love feathers in black, whether fringing a jacket over leather leggings, adding a frou frou hem to a black cocktail...
Or moonlighting as a chic vest or skirt for nights on the town:
Feathers hold allure even for the tame, popping up as hot hair bands:
Or even more typical accessories like necklaces and earrings:
However you wear 'em, they're a fly trend that's worth a try!
If you want the exact looks of the season, splurge on these high plume items:
1. Elizabeth and James Plume Feather Vest, $595. 2. Marni Necklace, $635. 3. Elizabeth and James Feather Fringe Long Jacket, $765. 4. Yyigal Asymmetrical Feather Jersey Dress, $450. 5. Anna Sui Feather Hat, $81. 6. Jay Godfrey Feather Stretch Silk Dress, $495. 7. Givenchy Women Open Toe Platform Bootie, $965. 8. Eugenia Kim Silk Feather Headband, $105. 9. Christian Louboutin Rosazissimo Satin Sandals, $760.
Thinks feathers are just a fly by night trend? Save on these:
1. Charlotte Russe Black Feather Earrings, $4. 2. Betsey Johnson Wire Fringe Charm Necklace, $60. 3. Peacock Earrings, $18. 4. Bebe Marabou Cape, $129. 5. J'adore Headband, $45.
Bisous!

Steal of the Day: Cashmere Fingerless Gloves by Kashmere

Luxe meets edge in these fun gloves, and their bold primary colors are just right for fall. At $36 for 100% cashmere, they're also the perfect decadent and affordable indulgence! Cop a pair at Bluefly.
And check out our earlier Fashion Bomb 101 post on how to buy and maintain cashmere!
Adriana

Fashion Bomb 101: Cashmere

One of the things I look forward to most about fall is the chance to wear cashmere. It’s the perfect fabric: luxuriously soft, warm, and incredibly light. Here are some tips to help you find great cashmere and maintain it:

CASHMERE 101

WHY: Cashmere is an investment piece that lasts years (that's why it costs $150-$200 for a good sweater). The wool actually becomes softer with time, doesn’t wrinkle (great for travel), and is warm in winter, cool in spring. Also: all of the warmth and none of the bulk of a big sweater.

WHERE: Lots of off-price retailers, including Century 21, Loehmann’s, and Marshalls sell quality cashmere at a fraction of department store prices. Tip: Bloomingdales holds *the best* annual cashmere sale—expect stylish pieces at deep discounts, like this one from last year's sale:

HOW: The Stretch Test: As delicately as possible, pull and let go of the sides of the sweater. A well-knit sweater will resume its normal shape, while a poorly constructed one will not. The softer the cashmere feels, the better quality it is. 2-ply (twin layers) sweaters are considered premium.

DON'T FORGET: As one writer says, treat cashmere like your hair. Unless the care label says otherwise, hand wash it in warm water with a mild detergent (baby shampoo, Woolite, or Cashmere Wash), reshape it on a flat surface, and allow it to air dry.
Here are some fantastic cashmere finds for all wallets:

1. Old Navy Striped Cashmere Gloves, $20 2. Kashmere Red Buffalo Plaid Cashmere Scarf, $90 3, 4, 5. Missoni Cashmere Hats, $156 6. Hayden 2-ply Cashmere Tunic, $156 7. Robert Rodriguez Dolman Cardigan, $270
What other 101s (leather, makeup, vintage shopping) are you interested in getting? Leave feedback or e-mail thefashionbombintern@gmail.com!
Adriana
Photos courtesy of Squidoo, Supplierlit, and Style Phox.

Fall Fashion: 15 Items under $150

The economy sucks, but you know you still love to shop!
Below, find 15 fall items under $150 that can rev up your wardrobe without draining your bank account:
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1.Kalare Sweater Dress, $88. 2.The Sak Ashbury Leather Small Shopper, $140. 3. Plastic Island Ruffle Detail Dress, $124. 4. Hunter Pumpkin Boots, $98. 5.Unlisted by Kenneth Cole Hand Me It, $75. 6. J.Crew Felted Wool Mini, $98. 7. Boden Leather Tote, $148. 8. Love Quotes Long Hand Knotted Fringe Scarf, $75. 9. Aqua Women's Plaid Bomber Jacket, $138. 10. MIA Women's Sloan Oxford Pump, $80. 11. Jack Check Skirt, $148. 12. Plastic Island Color Blocked Dress, $93. 13. Mayle Grand Tote, $150. 14. Charlotte Russe Tweed Tube Dress, $27. 15. Good Society Slim Leg Jeans, $109.
Smootches!

Fall Fashion: 9 Blazers under $200

So the weather has decidedly dipped south, but it's still not time to totally shelve all of your summer dresses and t-shirts.
The answer: an eye catching tailored blazer, short enough to flatter a dress, and chic enough to dress up a t-shirt and jeans:
With these economic times, there's no need to spend a ton! Peep these 9 of-the-moment options under $200:

1. Rails Zoe Fleece Jacket, $84. 2. Anthropologie Dressage Jacket, $128. 3. Mike & Chris Dean 3/4 Sleeve Captain Jacket, $127. 4. Priorities Ann-Ponte Blazer in Navy, $170.5. J.Crew Velvet Ecole Jacket, $168. 6. Nelson Double Zipper Sheen Jacket in Grey, $130. 7. 0815LovesPeace Prefect Blazer, $60.8. Domino Jacquard Cropped Jacket, $60. 9. Mango El Gabi Jacket, $99.
Smootches!

Trend Talk: Marigold

Happy Wednesday!
So as you may know, I love the color yellow!
And while pale yellow is the perfect summer go to--complementing many skin tones and brightening up any look--the winter calls for a richer, deeper shade that I'll call marigold.
The color--a mixture of yellow, gold, and mustard--has been popping up on celebrities of late, whether on the red carpet or out and about.
Let's take a look:
Beauties Vanessa Williams and Rachel Roy both literally light up formal events in strapless deep yellow frocks....

Celeb party girls Nicole Richie...

and Kim Kardashian....
...make the look club ready in thigh skimming, body clinging dresses.

The look can be adapted for work by throwing on a fitted jacket like Vanessa Simmons...
...or winterized with a long wool jacket, a la Meagan Good...
..it's a good look.
Brighten up your winter wardrobe with the following 'Marigold' items:
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Top Row: Diane von Furstenberg Quincy Knit Shirtdress, $365, www.saks.com; Gryphon Tank Dress, $128, www.anthropologie.com; City Suede Ballet Flats, $125, www.jcrew.com.
MIddle Row: Malene Berger Sloane Pleated Top, $141, www.net-a-porter.com.
Bottom Row: Lady Jacket, $37.80, www.forever21.com; J.Crew Cherbourg Coat, $275, 1-800-562-0258; AKA New York Pintucked Dress, $200, www.activeendeavors.com.

Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Tip: Marigold Looks Great with Plum. Use the following high brow accessories as inspiration:

Left to Right: Christian Louboutin Lapono Shoe Boots, $775, www.net-a-porter.com; Marc Jacobs Mariah Bag, $945, www.net-a-porter.com.

*Deal of the Day:

...Burberry Kate drop-waist dress, $626 from $895, www.net-a-porter.com. Not much of a 'deal', but hey, it's on sale!
*Fashion Blogs highlight Real Style. Why didn't they feature the Fashion Bomb?!?! [Newsweek]
*I love this stuff...

Miss Jessies is offering a two for one deal on all their fabulous hair products for Valentine's Day (Feb 1-14)! Now that's a deal. Visit www.missjessies.com for more information.