Street Smart is my New Favorite Subject

We all have to go back to school someday. With school only a week away for me, I still have to do some last minute shopping, and I'm guessing some other people are going to do some as well. But just because its last minute doesn't mean you won't find everything you want. For one thing, whats great about last minute shopping is that all the stores are having sales. Sales are like the cherry to my sundae, it always puts me in a fabulous mood. Some stores having sales are:

• Charlotte Russe: One of my favorites, is having 20% off all tops. What's great about Charlotte Russe is that her inexpensive fashions will make you look like you just walked off the runway! Check out www.charlotterusse.com for more info.
• Bluefly: Always there, when you have nothing to wear. Bluefly is one of the best online discount websites because it offers an amazing variety of dresses, denim, jackets, you name! Right now they're having their "Once in a Blue Moon" sale where you can save up to 75% off! Go to www.bluefly.com and start shopping!
• The Gap: Ever Patrick Robinson took over as head designer, Gap has never looked so good. Don't you agree? Right now Gap is having all jeans $20 off ! Gap has great quality denim and is worth the price. Every girl needs to buy a new pair of jeans before going to class.

Try it On!

You know the saying never judge of book by its cover? Well that saying is what I'm focusing on in this article. This summer, I've been shopping like crazy, and many of my purchases have been definitely interesting, and I mean that in a good way. Remember this, instead of judging by the piece of clothing...TRY IT ON! It won't kill ya! Always expect the unexpected. For example:

This summery J. Crew cover is unique in every way. The color is a citrus color which comes off "yuck" but actually is quite cute and goes great with a tan. The shape surprisingly flatters the body, and you can pair this dress with jeans or leggings if you want to.

Splurging and Saving!

Now after looking at what is "unexpected" its now back to what to splurge and what to save on.
Its one of the biggest things you have to ask yourself. When splurging, always ask yourself:

"Is the quality good? How much wear will I get out of it? Does it fit right? Is it worth the price, etc."

Now when saving money, I would do it on things that are basic. Like the essential white t-shirt or a great pair of jeans. Those things are the most important, and you know for sure you're going to get a lot or wear out of.

Thanks for reading my post, and good luck shopping! Hope I was a lot of help!!!!
Also check out my Back To School column for more great articles!

*Thats me in the first picture!!!

How to...be grungy with a side of sweetness

Fall and Winter fashions have all very different interpretations from all very different people. Some may say it's all about the "prep" look. Some may say, it's totally just "layers" this season and what not. To me, it's all about grunge. Though grunge also can be sweet. For example, having shredded jeans with a plaid shirt, but add maybe a pastel light pink knit beret. Look at Demi Lovato she makes the grungy motorcycle style feel less mannish by combining it with a floral frock. So why am I telling you this? Because from what I can tell from all the latest magazines, grungy is a word we're going to be saying a lot this season. My grunge essentials are:

1. LEATHER JACKET: Is always a must. Anyone without one, I feel sorry for them. You can pretty much find one anywhere. I recommend www.nordstrom.com
2. DESTROYED JEANS: Gives the grunge feel a "rocker's edge." Again, found pretty much anywhere they sell jeans. Check out www.madewell.com for some great finds.
3. PLAID SHIRTS: I'm mad for plaid. Plaid is a classic so there should be no reason why you don't have it in your closet already. If you don't check www.delias.com for some chic but cheap shirts.

Here are my go to tips:

How to...

Tip 1: Pops of patterns and color make the outfit more flirty and girly to a grunge look.

Tip 2: Add a simple classic piece to a the look like a white oxford shirt or even a neutral pretty lacy camisole or tank. It gives a simple sleek look.

Tip 3: One of my favorites is having colorful printed maxi dress with the whole grunge look. With its longness, it adds an elegance to the whole outfit!

Tip 4: Don't forget about jewelry. Some long pearls are absolutely acceptable. If they're long enough you could even do a little knot in the front.

Tip 5: Finally a scarf makes the grunge feel not so harsh. Right now there's neon square Marc Jacobs' scarves that will make the whole look fun.

Oh and don't forget to even make your own tips! Creativity is the key, and I hope for you to check back in later for more Glambition articles!

New York Heroine

Although Blair Waldorf maybe Leighton Meester's character on Gossip Girl (which returns this fall for Season 3) they couldn't be more different. While the prep schooler grew up on the Upper East Side, Leighton wasn't the same. Growing up wasn't easy, Leighton was the prissy snob we watch on our flat screens. "I was picked on because I was a four-eyes and a dork. We didn't have a ton of money so I couldn't say, 'Mom, I need to have these crazy expensive jeans.'" Leighton quoted. "I had long tangled hair and wore hemp necklaces, baggy T-shirts and not-so-cute jeans. I mean, for crying out loud, we were just going to throw on gym clothes and run around the track! I've grown up as far as the fashion world goes, but I still identify with the high school me." After everything she was put through we still haven't been happier for her. What we love about our "Blair" is that she is beautiful inside and out. Although with her parents having criminal pasts, we still respect for who she is. Did we also mention that Leighton is in the process of releasing her very own album! Time to add that to your iTunes wishlist. Overall, Leighton our It Girl this week, and remember to keep checking in on the blog Glambition.

*Although costume designer, Eric Damon, from Gossip Girl dresses the girls like they walked off the runway, does Leighton know how to dress herself? With that photo above, does she look cheap or chic?

Fashion Statement: Accessorize and Oversize

Those two words are now my power words. Just kidding! Those words are the words that describe my new obsession. This new must have of mine is sooo cute, and probably sooo Rachel Zoe! Did I mention she's also my icon of the month??? Anyways Abercrombie and Fitch have just come out with a new sweater vest. Oversized and decked out looking sort of like a bathroom rug, this vest seems to me like a true fashion statement. It's a piece of clothing you have to try on before you judge it. I encourage you try it on before judging!

*If you would like to learn more about this piece just go to www.abercrombie.com

Ombre Obsessed!

    Dear Diary,

What's better than a lazy Sunday? You grab a cappuccino from Starbucks, read the paper in bed, and watch reruns of Lipstick Jungle. Well I don't do "lazy" Sundays. Why waste all the time, when you could be scouting the scene for new trends! Who ever thought white became the new black, and black had become that disgusting piece of garbage you just want to give to Good Will. Or maybe you found this new acrylic Toywatch timepiece, but soon after 5 seconds it's reported on the Fashion Network that gold mixed with silver watches are suddenly in. So what's the point of this? It means that trends are moving faster than lightening, or even sample sales if we think about it. The more we wait, the less time we'll be aware of what is going on. That's how quickly things are changing, and that's means the faster we think, and smarter we'll be.

          Chloe's Tip #1: Keep up With Trends, Good or Bad. Fashion is moving just as fast as us.

Word is Ombre. Spelled O-M-B-R-E. Origin is French. Defined as a fabric having a dyed, printed or woven design in which the color is graduated from light to dark.
That was special thanks to my Dictionary on my Mac Computer. Anyway, ombre has been seen on all the spring/summer runways of '09, and let me say I'm pretty excited! I mean letting shades slowly morph into new colors are ah-mazing! It's like having a the whole rainbow at your fingertips. And think about the endless possibilities of combinations! It's so heaven on earth for me, what about you?

XOXO Glamazons!

More than You Bargained For

So, what’s so interesting about the “chance in a lifetime” sample sales? Well nothing, nothing meaning all you expect is nothing to be wrong. It’s like when you buy a diet coke. They say it’s diet, but do you really loose weight? Retailers expect you to think there’s nothing wrong with a piece of fabric such as a cashmere coat. Pink, toggle, pearl white buttons, everything you ever wanted, right? Why not invest in a magnifying glass. The tag’s says 95% acrylic and 5% cotton? Cashmere, I think not. Here’s some tips to find what you need to remember when shopping the cheap items.

Guidelines to finding a F-A-K-E...

Tip 1: Check the tags. Is it really what they say it is. No more time to get ripped off!

Tip 2: Ask a clerk or employee. Yes, they can be truthful, and helpful. They’re there to help you, not some trickster off the streets. Don’t worry, after they were interviewed for the job.

Tip 3: Ask yourself, does it feel real? For example if they say it’s a coke can, does it feel like aluminum? Be sure it’s what you expect, and no worries for anything else!

Good luck glamazons out there, and remember, bargains are sometimes not always what they seem to be.

*Be sure to check those prices (see photo)