LOOKS FOR LESS: Lace Up Your LBD

Your to-do list makes Santa’s accounting of the naughty and nice look like a post-it. But despite all you need to do, there’s one thing on your checklist you won’t want to neglect: The search for the perfect holiday frock. To find one that stands out from the rest, take a lacey cue from recent runway shows where the charming detail appeared as a sexy addition to the classic LBD (little black dress). Red-carpet fashionistas such as Blake Lively and Thandie Newton love the sexy trend as well. The biggest challenge with lace: It’s easy to look dowdy in the Victorian era fabric. So make sure to find a dress that’s youthful and accents your figure, so you’ll look modern, not matronly under the mistletoe.

(From left to right: Christopher Kane, Stella McCartney, Collette Dinnigan)

Start your search with these hot finds:

Left: This strapless sweetheart dress is sexy, yet still appropriate for an office party or family gathering. The stretchy material hugs your curves in all the right places.
Nicole Miller, $385, available at neimanmarcus.com

Center: The sequined neckline adds a splash of glam to this feminine frock. For more coverage, pair this ¾ length sleeved tunic with leggings and structural heels.
Bloomingdale’s, $168, available at Bloomingdales.com

Right: This lacey, tiered number is flirty and perfect for dancing the night away, and the low backline shows just enough skin to keep your man’s attention on you.
Express, $128.00, available at Express.com

LOOKS FOR LESS: Posh Yourself Up

I tell you what you want, what you really, really want: Victoria Beckham (a.k.a Posh Spice) sense of style (and her husband would be pretty sweet too). Get Mrs. David Beckham’s look and spend less coin. Nabbing a soccer star knock-off is up to you.



1. Start with Jolt Skinny Stretch Jeans in Jet Black from Nordstroms ($42; www.nordstroms.com).


2. Invest in a classic staple. This white collared shirt from The Gap is destined to be an outfit regular ($39.50; www.gap.com).


3. A Black Tuxedo Vest by Forever 21 ($17.80; www.forever21.com) adds some va-va-voom to the ensemble.


4. Bring height and power with high black pumps from Steve Madden, $99.95 (www.stevemadden.com).


5. Finishing touch: a black headband from Aldo ($5; www.aldo.com).

LOOK FOR LESS: RocknRolla Runway

Balmain rocked the Fall 2008 runway in Paris with an eclectic mix of slick ‘80s references and punk inspired animal prints. From snake graphics, loose white tees and tanks, lace dresses, blazers, drop-crotch trousers, and lace-up fringe moccasin ankle boots, Christophe Decarnin’s collection possessed an edgy, downtown, cool vibe — not often associated with the French house. While Fall 2008 is almost a thing of the past, Balmain’s eclectic style remains au currant. Unfortunately, the complete collection is not available in the U.S. (You can buy some pieces, but expect to pay $1,025 for the fringed leather boots and $1,535 for the cheetah crop jeans at Netaporter.com).

Opt to try this look for less:



Step into fringe detailing. Exaggerated fringe proves the perfect accent for this flat suede ankle boot (also available in taupe). Sam Edelman Ursula Fringe Ankle Boot; $158, Nordstrom.com



Fall prey to the animal-print phenomena. These statement-making leopard print skinnys come in purple and grey. Grab yours before they become extinct. Leopard Skinny Jean; $80, Topshop.com



A classic black blazer anchors a Balmain-inspired look. It also tops any fall wardrobe (with or without the rockandrolla attitude). Allora LS Pinstripe Blazer; $27.80, Forever21.com.



A minimalist accessory compliments any outfit. This simple, faux-leather option captures effortless chic. Mix and match with multiple looks to ensure the highest return on your investment. Studded Skinny Black Belt; $7.80, Forever21.com



Just as Decarnin chose to pair much of his standout collection with simple white or black tees, temper your bolder Balmain-inspired pieces with an understated top like this basic LNA tank. Basic White Rib Tank; $57, Nationaljeancompany.com

LOOKS FOR LESS: America’s Best Dress Crew

When Michelle Obama appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, she demonstrated her anti-Palin, non-Neiman Marcus approach to fashion by wearing a yellow sweater, skirt, and blouse she ordered online from J.Crew. For the rest of us, J.Crew exists as a label of financial aspiration — not what we order when we want to signal “everywoman.” So until your run for the White House, consider these three near-Crew pieces.

1. Double Take:The J.Crew Double-cloth Greta coat in black ($365) vs. Forever 21’s Pleated Knit Coat ($33)

It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing, and this little black coat offers it all for the fall. Save hundreds of dollars by taking style cues from the J.Crew design like the double breasted buttons, color, scoop neck and cut.

2. Prima Ballerina: The J.Crew Jane crackle-metallic ballet flats in pewter ($150) vs. AE’s Bounce elastic ballet flats in silver ($20)

These colorful J.Crew flats graced the holiday catalog cover, sparkling like unwrapped presents. But $150 makes for a pretty poor holiday. The American Eagle flats maintain the sparkle and shine of the J.Crew beauties for a portion of the price.

3. Cashmere Mafia: The J.Crew Cashmere hoodie in snow ($188) vs. Old Navy’s Cashmere hoodie in white ($80)

Cuddle up in time for the first snowfall with Old Navy’s cashmere hoodie. It offers all the warmth and appeal of its J.Crew counterpart for $100 less. Besides, the cold weather is setting in, and Gossip Girl’s steamy scenes are the only things keeping us warm.

LOOKS FOR LESS: Mad for Plaid

Not since grunge rockers buried hair bands have we seen so much plaid on display. While we drool over that Dolce and Gabbana stretch wool dress, we don’t salivate over that $695 price tag. Fortunately, our favorite economy-conscious stores seized on the trend. Consider these three must-buys:




1. This button down, cotton blouse from the Gap ($48) features a deep-v and ruffled front that adds a sexy, feminine touch. The black on ivory, large check print delivers boldness.


2. The four-pocket plaid dress from Forever 21 is flirty and functional ($19.95). A perfect daytime dress to match with boots, it is made from 100-percent cotton with a removable, elastic belt for an extra cinch at the waist.


3. With a pair of black tights, the Silence & Noise Embroidered Buffalo Plaid Frock from Urban Outfitters rocks it day or night. White, patterned embroidery accentuates the red picnic-table print. The cap sleeves add a girlish twist to the scoop-neck dress.

LOOKS FOR LESS: Beauty Rescues

Short on cash doesn't have to mean short on beauty. Maintain your fresh
 look with a number of items found in your kitchen cabinet, linen closet, or
 dresser drawer. Consider these four cheap, homemade remedies that keep you
 from breaking the bank and help you maintain your gorgeousness.

1. Creamy Solutions. Hand lotion or hair conditioner work as substitutes
 and provide a close shave that leaves your legs feeling as soft as
 cashmere.


2. Bye Bye Rocky Racoon. If you don't want to pay $5.99 for a
 makeup-remover refill to erase those splashes of mascara under your eyes,
 use baby oil and a paper towel for a quick fix.


3. Bargain Breakout Fix. If you need divine intervention for a dastardly
 pimple, put toothpaste directly onto the little devil to dry it up quickly
 and painlessly.

4. Lavish your Locks. Your hair works hard for those long, straight locks, that change in hue with the occasional highlight. Treat them right by
 soothing your split, dead, and over-processed ends. Mix a combination of
 one-half avocado, two tablespoons of hair conditioner, and one tablespoon
 of olive oil, and massage it into your hair from the tips to your scalp. Place a shower cap or a cover of kitchen plastic wrap to generate a bit of
 heat and keep it on for 30 minutes. Afterward, wash, condition and style as
 usual. For suppleness, consider a hair masque from egg yolks. Use five to
 eight depending on hair-length and follow same wrap, wait, and wash
 procedure. The yolks provide a radiant sheen.

Looks For Less: Color Me Glam

Forget spending big bucks taking your look from day to night. With a couple of drugstore finds, you can go from ordinary girl to sultry seductress with the swipe of a brush. Consider this your Glam Plan.

1. Make-up is all about radiance and a healthy complexion. So leave that moisturizer and sheer, pressed powder you put on your face before class and freshen the glow by adding a simple dusting of bronzer. My favorite pick: Almay’s Sunkissed Bronzer Powder ($9) goes on smooth and minimizes any caking on your skin.

2. To amp up that tinted skin, add a swipe of metallic shadow. Application tip: use a brush and sweep the entire area from the lash line to brow. Make sure if you use more than one color to blend thoroughly. Don’t worry if you mess up or use too much shadow. A quick brush with a q-tip fixes any problem. For extra pop, add a top and bottom line of eyeliner. Cap off the look by using Clinique High Impact Mascara ($14) to volumize and lengthen those lashes for a bolder look. First apply a white base coat, then a brown or black coat.

3. The finishing touch: that glossy lip your date can’t resist to kiss at the end of the night. For a color that’s perfect for all skin tones, use a shimmering pink gloss like Smashbox’s Lip Enhancing Gloss ($18). It delivers shine for up to four hours without re-touching. Avoid wearing lip liner because the glitzy lip delivers ample shimmer.