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Category: Kohl's

[Updated] Frugal Fashion: Beyoncé courtside at the NBA All Star Game

LgyazancFashion was probably the last thing on the minds of die-hard basketball fans as they watched Sunday's NBA All Star game at Staples Center. With Kobe Bryant claiming his fourth All Star Game MVP title, LeBron James snagging the second triple-double in NBA history and Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant scoring 34 points, it was easy to focus on the basketball, but what about the ladies? There are plenty of female sports fans -- I happen to be one of them --  but sometimes the game alone isn't enough. Luckily, Hollywood tends to take over the courtside seats, and, to be honest, half the fun of watching the game is spotting the celebrities.

At the All Star Game, Justin Bieber shared some laughs with Rihanna, Lenny Kravitz kept his cool with his shades on and perennial Lakers fan Jack  Nicholson took in the game with his son. But leave it to power couple Beyoncé Knowles and Jay-Z to steal the show.

Beyoncé looked fierce in a burnished champagne-colored top with a plunging neckline, ultra dark skinny jeans by J Brand, vertiginously high sparkly Christian Louboutin pumps and large diamond gold and silver earrings by Bavna.

OK, she may have looked a tad over-dressed for a basketball game, but since it was the All Star Game,  her glammed up look was completely justified. The outfit would have easily taken her to pregame cocktails and an after-game dinner or party. The shirt and jeans are versatile enough to wear every day and the shimmery Louboutins and larger-than-life earrings would be perfect for a date night.

Beyoncejeans

Beyonceblousevs A good pair of skinny jeans is a no-brainer investment. Here are a few to get you through the year: William Rast for Target skinny jeans in dark wash for $17.49 from Target, Blank NYC dark 'classic' stretch skinny jeans from Bluefly.com for $26.99, or the Heritage 1981 faded skinny jeans from Forever 21 for $19.90.

Beyoncé's top was uber cute but a little low cut for my taste for everyday wear. For something that will give the same look in a pretty champagne color try the Sheer blouse from Victoria's Secret for $38. The buttons will let you choose how low you want to go and the sheer material gives you the option to amp up the sex appeal with a bra or go the more conservative route with a slinky solid-colored tank underneath. Glitterheelstillys

To elevate any outfit's fun factor bring in the glitter pump. They're sparkly, they catch the light and they tend to be sky-high. What's not to love? They also tend to be on the pricier side with Louboutins costing well over $500 a pair. Not to fret. Tilly's carries a pair of equally swoon-worthy glitter pumps by Qupid for only $24.99.

To finish Beyoncé's look you'll need a pair of statement earrings. If you have the dough to go for the real stuff, get those diamonds! If not, Kohl's has some great fashion jewelry earrings that will let you make a statement on a budget. For a color duo snag the Sonoma life + style gold-tone teardrop textured earrings for $7.80. If you're in the mood to go for the gold the Simply Vera Vera Wang gold-tone knotted teardrop earrings are $8.40. [For the record: Updated at 2:40 PM Feb. 23, 2011 an earlier version of the post stated that the price of the earrings was $9.10]

Beyonceearrings

I'd argue that the best thing about this outfit is that you can put it together for well under $100, but the shoe diva in me says the glitter pumps make it primo.

Happy shopping!

Have an outfit you're dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? E-mail us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

-- Jenn Harris
Twitter.com/Jenn_Harris_

Photo top: Singer Beyoncé Knowles during the 2011 NBA All Star game at Staples Center on Feb.20. Credit: Jason Merritt / Getty Images.

[Updated: A previous version of this post stated that LeBron James had two triple-doubles.]


Frugal Fashion: Christina Aguilera flubs her lyrics in style during Super Bowl XLV

ChristinaLast Sunday's Super Bowl XLV show gave viewers plenty to buzz about: the highly anticipated commercials, the Black Eyed Peas "Tron"-inspired halftime show, and, oh yeah, a football game. But who knew Christina Aguilera's rendition of our national anthem would be what lingered on people's minds well after the game was over?

Yes, she botched the lyrics, and it was painful to watch because the national anthem is one of those songs you learn when you're old enough to speak and it just sticks with you (or, perhaps, with most of us). And yes, she really did merge a couple of lines, singing, "What so proudly we watched at the twilight's last gleaming." But the truth is, not only did Aguilera sound great singing the wrong lyrics in front of a packed Cowboys Stadium, she's never looked better.

For someone who usually goes for the tightest, lowest neck-plunging minis and awards gowns, it was refreshing to see the "Burlesque" star in a conservative, appropriate Dolce & Gabbana black suit and stockings. For her shoes she chose sky-high, sparkly red Christian Louboutin Calypso pumps. (She could have just been trying to add a little flair with the dramatic shoes, but I like to think Aguilera was showing the world that the fearless wild child who sang "Dirty" is still in there.)

A plain black suit is versatile and appropriate for  many occasions, whether you're singing at the Super Bowl or wearing it to work the following Monday. A suit-skirt set offers obvious advantages, but you can save money if you buy separates. Just keep two things in mind: First, keep your blacks the same. Contrary to popular belief, there are different shades of black, and it's noticeable when your jacket is lighter than your skirt or vice versa. Second, keep your fabrics uniform -- or as similar as possible.

Skirts

For a skirt that hugs your figure but stops just above the knee, try the BCX skirt from Macy's for $24.98, the Minnie Rose pencil skirt from NeimanMarcus.com for $36 or the Stretch woven skirt from Max Studio for $38.

Jackets

Match your new skirt, or one you already own, with one of these suit jackets: the Charter Club two-button suiting blazer from Macy's for $49.98, the Ruched sleeve girlfriend blazer from Arden B. for $59 or the Shrunken Ruffle detail blazer from Charlotte Russe for $39.50.

Shoescandies Any brightly colored pair of high heels will add some oomph to your suit, but why not sparkle like Aguilera? Kohl's has a great pair of sparkly pink platform heels by Candie's for $39.97.

Happy shopping!

Have an outfit you're dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? E-mail us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

-- Jenn Harris
Twitter.com/Jenn_Harris_

For more of Christina Aguilera's style over the years, see our photo gallery below.

Christinagallery

Top photo: Christina Aguilera performs before the Super Bowl at Cowboys Stadium. Credit: Christopher Polk / Getty Images.

Skirt photos: From left, BCX skirt from Macy's (credit: Macy's); Minnie Rose pencil skirt (credit: Neimanmarcus.com); Stretch woven skirt from Max Studio (credit: Maxstudio.com).

Jacket photo: From left, Charter Club two-button suiting blazer (credit: Macy's.com); Ruched sleeve girlfriend blazer from Arden B. (credit: ArdenB.com); Shrunken Ruffle detail blazer from Charlotte Russe (credit: Charlotterusse.com).

Shoe photo: Candie's Smokey Platform High Heels. Credit: Kohl's.com.


Frugal Fashion: Golden Globes glam on a budget

Natalieandcatherine

The buzz around red carpet interviews at awards shows is almost always drowned out by the same question: "Who are you wearing?" Last week's 68th Golden Globe Awards was no different...shocking. I don't mean to sound bored with it all and I'm the first to admit that I enjoy watching the red carpet arrivals more than the actual award shows, but every year I'm always left with the same burning question: "Yea, yea, Marchesa this, Armani that...but what about the jewelry?" When you're a fashion-obsessed little girl who finally wiggles her way into her mother's closet, you don't reach for the gowns -- you put your tiny feet straight into her heels, wrap her pearls around your neck and go for the diamonds.

Sure last week's leading ladies were dressed in designer bigwigs like Lanvin, Versace, Calvin Klein and Vera Wang, and fashion websites, including our own, went on and on about the 10 best dressed ladies of the evening, but an Oscar-worthy gown is always short of amazing without the right accessories. Would Catherine Zeta-Jones really sparkle in her Golden Globes Monique Lhuillier emerald green gown without her earrings? To be honest, that woman would sparkle in something as mundane as a burlap sack, but the earrings did help! Her diamond chandelier earrings draw your eyes to her gorgeous face and were the perfect accent to her strapless dress. Natalie Portman also looked stunning in her Viktor & Rolf gown but she gave her maternity glow a boost with her Tiffany layered diamond necklace. The piece definitely made a statement but still gives the look of a soft, dainty piece of jewelry.

Kyrabangles

A pair of diamond earrings and necklace are a given when accessorizing an evening gown but when you're waving to adoring fans why not give your wrists a little extra sparkle? 'The Closer' star Kyra Sedgwick rocked a bright orange Emilio Pucci dress at the Globes and adorned her right wrist with a number of chunky, shiny gold bangles.

It might be easier to clasp a dozen gold bangles on your wrist or fix a diamond necklace around your neck with a movie star bank account, but there's no reason why you can't go glam on a budget.

Necklaces

A layered necklace is the perfect way to make a statement with your jewelry but keep things looking refined. If you have a flare for the dramatic try this Lydell NYC Tiered Chain Beaded Necklace from Bloomingdales for $48, or the mixed metal Peggy Necklace from Chico's for $58. For something a little softer, the Fallling stars necklace from Banana Republic is $47.99.

Chandelierearrings

The chandelier earring went on hiatus for a while but I think it's safe to say they are back -- at least on the red carpet. If you're looking for the perfect pair to wear to a charity gala check out these frugal finds: Chandelier drop earrings from Arden B for $24, Durol earrings in White Nubuk from Aldo for $13.98, Apt. 9 Jet-Tone Simulated Crystal Beaded Chandelier earrings on sale for $10 at Kohl's or the Nadri Crystal Teardrop Chandelier earrings from Nordstrom for $88.

Bangles

When it comes to bangles, go for the gold and the more the merrier. Budget shoppers can look for bangles sold as a set, giving you a layered look without having to buy 10 bracelets. Mix in some chunkier pieces with stone, pearl or glass accents for fun. Nordstrom has a great set of bangles by Cara for $58. Layer the bangles with a set of four Kaya bangles from Chico's for $38 or the Astronomer's bracelet from Banana Republic for $39.50.

Happy shopping.

Have an outfit you're dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? E-mail us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

-- Jenn Harris

Top photos: Natalie Portman, left and Catherine Zeta Jones. Credits: Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images and Mike Nelson / European Pressphoto Agency

Middle photo: Kyra Sedgwick's bangles. Credit: Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images

Necklace photo from left: Lydell necklace. Credit: Bloomingdales. Peggy necklace. Credit: Chico's. Falling Stars necklace. Credit: Banana Republic. 

Earrings photo from left:Chandelier Drop earrings. Credit: Arden B. Durol earrings. Credit: Aldo. Apt. 9 earrings. Credit: Kohl's. Nadri Crystal earrings. Credit: Nordstrom.

Bangles photo from left: Cara bangles. Credit Nordstrom. Kaya bangles. Credit: Chico's. Astronomer's bracelet. Credit: Banana Republic.


Frugal Fashion: Sofia Coppola sparkles in a sequin tank

Ldcw9cnc Sofia Coppola is the ultimate jack of all (Hollywood) trades. She's been an actress, director, producer, screenwriter, costume designer and cinematographer, and she's only 39. It doesn't hurt that she comes from Hollywood royalty; her father is Francis Ford Coppola, and famous cousins include Jason Schwartzman and Nicolas Cage. 

As part of a clan of Hollywood elite, Coppola is used to the flashbulbs that come with fame and has a unique sense of style when in the public view. She has a knack for being subtle in her wardrobe choices but always tends to add her own special twist, whether it be a cute clutch bag or, in this case, some sparkle.

At a recent screening for her new film, "Somewhere," Coppola attracted flashbulbs galore in a tank adorned with dark blue sequins; black pleated crop trousers; ankle strap heels and a clutch bag.

Her outfit looks sensible and conservative but fun enough to wear to the after party. And, indeed, sequined tanks are a playful, inexpensive way to spruce up any party outfit. Get your party on with one of these sequined tanks, all frugally priced of course:

Tanks 

From left, sequin and fabric mix tank from The Limited for $49.90, Michael Kors sequin tank from blufly.com fro $63, Peter Nygard sequin tank from Dillard's for $35.40, Calvin Klein tank from Macy's for $34.99 or this Simply Vera Vera Wang sequin tank from Kohl's for $48.

Give your new sparkly tank the attention it deserves by pairing it with some simple black trousers:

Pants

From left, Pleated crop pant from Express for $29.99, Signature pleated crop pant from Talbots for $56.24, Ella Moss Cassandra belted pant from revolveclothing.com for $74, or the Halogen Twill Drape trousers from Nordstrom Rack for $29.97.

For more ways to shine on New Year's Eve, check out these tips from resident stylist Melissa Magsaysay.

Happy shopping.

Have an outfit you're dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? E-mail us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

-- Jenn Harris

Upper photo: Sofia Coppola attends the New York screening of "Somewhere" at the Tribeca Grand Hotel in New York City. Credit: Jemal Countess / Getty Images

Middle photo, from left: Sequin tank from The Limited. Credit: The Limited. Sequin tank by Michael Kors. Credit: Blufly.com. Peter Nygard sequin tank. Credit: Dillard's. Tank by Calvin Klein. Credit: Macy's. Simply Vera Vera Wang sequin tank. Credit: Kohl's

Lower photo, from left: Pleated crop pant from Express. Credit: Express.com. Signature pleated crop pant from Talbots. Credit: Talbots.com. Cassandra belted pant by Ella Moss. Credit: Revolveclothing.com. Halogen Twill Drape trousesrs. Credit: Nordstromrack.com


Frugal Fashion: Kate Middleton, pretty as a princess

Ldn2innc Kate Middleton is the envy of every girl who has ever dreamed of being a real-life princess. She is asked to lunch with the Queen of England at Buckingham palace, has the design of her much anticipated wedding gown causing a media frenzy and could well be a future queen herself.

As if becoming part of the English royal family weren’t enough, she took a prince off the market. That handsome man at her side is none other than the swoon-worthy, dashing Prince William, second in line to the throne.  After little deliberation, I have to revise my earlier statement:  Middleton is the super envy of every girl everywhere!   

As princess-bride-to-be, the 28-year-old is already preparing for her royal duties by accompanying her prince to their first official event since their engagement: the Thursford's Christmas Spectacular show in England for the Teenage Cancer Trust where they spoke with young people battling cancer.

Middleton looked poised, elegant and every bit the modern-day princess in a black and white Alice Temperly dress, textured black blazer, plain black heels and her best accessory, her 18-carat sapphire and diamond engagement ring.

Overstockdress Even if it's unlikely that any of us will become British princesses, it is possible to look like one -- and on a budget too. Feel like royalty in this London Times' black and white banded dress from overstock.com for $45.99. 

BlazerAny fitted black jacket or cardigan you already have in your closet will help keep you warm in this dress, but if you want Middleton's complete look go for a black velvet blazer like the Apt. 9 velvet blazer for $72 from Kohl's.

Step into some moderately high heels and stockings and you're almost at princess status, but what would a princess be without her jewels? We don't have any real sapphire and diamond rings in mind but what about some sparkly costume jewelry to give you a special touch of glamour without having to dip into a royal-sized bank account?

Slip one of these pretty faux rocks on your finger, or at these prices, all of them.

Rings

Forever 21 gems, from left: framed oval ring or the sophisticated faceted bead ring, $5.80 each; faux pearl rhinestone ring or faceted bead cocktail ring, $4.80 each; and the picture frame jewel ring,  $3.80.

Happy shopping.

Have an outfit you're dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? E-mail us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

-- Jenn Harris

jenn.harris@latimes.com

Photo, top: Britain's Prince William and his fiancée Kate Middleton arrive to view the Thursford Christmas Spectacular gala in Thursford, England, Dec. 18. Credit: Sang Tan / Associated Press.

Photo, right: London Times black and white dress from Overstock.com. Credit: Overstock.com.

Photo, left: Black velvet blazer from Kohl's. Credit: Kohl's.

Photo, bottom from left to right: Framed oval ring, sophisticated faceted bead ring, Faux pearl rhinestone ring, faceted cocktail bead ring and picture frame jewel ring all from Forever 21. Credit: Forever 21.


Frugal Fashion: Camilla Belle in winter white at the Hollywood Style Awards

LdcxswncAll year we watch enviously
as celebrities parade down red carpets in gorgeous and sometimes outrageous gowns. Awards shows and movie premieres give us a close-up look at designer collections as actresses bring their A-game. And since Hollywood glamour is all about presenting your best self, why not have an entire awards show devoted to those who do it best?

It seems there really is an awards show for everything, and there's no exception when it comes to style. The entertainment industry’s fashion elite gathered Sunday at the Hammer Museum for the Hollywood Style Awards. Instead of pops of color or even black, Hollywood stylemakers started a new trend of snowy white tones on the red carpet.  Maybe the unseasonably warm temperatures prompted the actresses to create their own white winter. Whatever the reason, they put the “don’t wear white after Labor Day” rule to shame.  

Kate Bosworth covered up in a casual white tee and pale green floor-length skirt, and "Glee’s" Lea Michele went for a white patterned strapless dress, but the belle of the night was none other than actress Camilla Belle.

Belle looked perfectly chic in a curve-hugging Kimberly Ovitz architectural ivory dress with a pleated high-necked collar and cinched waist. She paired the structured dress with black satin Stuart Weitzman heels, an ivory-colored Maia N clutch and white gold jewelry by Cartier. Check out more photos from the awards.

Our frugal alternatives are winter white chic, and because we have your holiday shopping budget in mind, they're under $100.

Whitedresses

On the left is a Jessica Howard Sheath dress from Kohl's for $84.99 and on the right is the pleated neck sheath dress from Ann Taylor Loft for $89.50. (Online shoppers at Ann Taylor Loft can take advantage of a 40% off promotion on this dress, too.) 

Have an outfit you're dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? E-mail us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

-- Jenn Harris

jenn.harris@latimes.com

Top photo: Actress Camilla Belle arrives at the 2010 Hollywood Style Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday. Credit: Dan Steinberg / Associated Press

Left photo: White dress from Kohl's. Credit: Kohl's

Right photo: White dress from Ann Taylor Loft. Credit: Ann Taylor Loft

 


Frugal Fashion: Emma Watson's magical mini at the 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 1" premiere

EmmaIt's been nine years since Emma Watson first starred as the lovely, know-it-all Hermione Granger in the first "Harry Potter" film. The cute 11-year-old is now a 20-year-old screen goddess.

For those of us who grew up with the books and the films, it almost feels wrong to call the woman who played Hermione sexy, but with Watson's Burberry ad campaign and the dresses she’s been wearing to recent public appearances, you have to. Watson is smart and daring in her fashion choices and tends to artfully amp up her sex appeal in couture on the red carpet.

For the much-anticipated world premiere of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 1,” Watson sported a hot pixie haircut and a revealing Rafael Lopez for Atelier Mayer black lace cocktail mini and black heels. She looks a little Twiggy-esque with the hair, and the feathers channeled a playful 1920s flapper attitude. 

We searched everywhere for a frugally priced lace dress with feathers but decided sans feathers was the way to go. We love Watson's dress for a movie premiere but thought a more conservative version would work for office holiday parties or your next night out.

Retailers such as Macy's, Bloomingdales and Kohl's all have their own versions of a chic, affordable black lace mini.

Dresses

Here are our picks for the top five dresses under $100: From left, the INC INternational Concepts sleeveless lace dress with an exposed zipper sheath for $48.99 from Macy's, the Aqua black lace sleeveless dress from Bloomingdales for $88, the Lace Scallop dress from Ann Taylor Loft for $98, the AB Studio lace sheath dress from Kohl's for $59, and a lace dress by Marc New York on Bluefly.com for $99.45.

Happy shopping.

Have an outfit you're dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? E-mail us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

-- Jenn Harris

jenn.harris@latimes.com

Photo, from top: Emma Watson attends the "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 1" premiere on Nov. 11, 2010, in London. Credit: Gareth Cattermole /Getty Images. Bottom, from left: Macy's, Bloomingdales, Ann Taylor Loft, Kohl's, Bluefly.com.


Pick of the Week: Kohl’s canvas beach tote

Kohls green bag Each workday this week, our resident stylist Melissa Magsaysay will feature her must-have go-to pick of the day. This week's theme: What to stock for beach bag season.

The hot summer sun may not be out yet, but it’s good to be prepared with the best beach bag essentials for going on holiday or hanging out in your own backyard.

Today, it's Kohl’s canvas beach tote $40 at www.kohls.com

This canvas tote screams summer vacation.  The green and white ombre canvas is bold and playful, but the washable material won’t make you feel bad setting it in sand or getting it wet.

Wednesday's pick: Club Monaco bandeau bikini

Tuesday's pick: Laura Mercier HydraTints

Monday's pick: La Mer Protecting Fluid

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Photo credit: Kohl's



Lauren Conrad's new line for Kohl's



Project_ellsee_1_132 Lauren Conrad’s career as a fashion designer seemed bleak a few months ago when her all-cotton jersey Lauren Conrad Collection shuttered. Most people thought her design days were over -- but oh no, that little jersey collection that could has now turned into a full-on, mass-market empire at Kohl's. Project_ellsee_1_188

Conrad has signed with Kohl's to launch the LC Lauren Conrad Collection, due in 300 Kohl's stores this October. The line will include a women’s contemporary collection, footwear, jewelry, handbags, intimates and sleepwear priced from $20 to $60.

Conrad went “shopping” at a Kohl's store in Milwaukee recently (check out the video). She awkwardly thumbs sale racks filled with Dana Buchman and Elle Collection clothing. But it was her tour through the kitchen appliances that is my personal favorite -- toying with a KitchenAid mixer and throwing muffin tins and pink measuring cups into her Kohl's shopping cart -- she’s gotten so domestic since her Le Deux filled nights on “The Hills.” 

She also gives advice about how to jazz up an outfit by adding accessories. Wow, thanks. Maybe next she’ll branch out into cookware once she gets a handle on how to use all her new baking tools. Martha Stewart -- watch your back.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

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Photos: Left,Lauren Conrad shops for cheese graters and ice cream scoopers in the "Food Network" department of Kohl's. Right, Lauren Conrad holds up a piece from her new line for Kohl's. Credit: Photos and video from Kohl's.




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