The Little Black Dress: 7 LBDs under $35

The little black dress (LBD) is a staple is every girl’s closet. But, we all need new LBDs once in a while and now’s the time to think about getting your new dresses together. I’ve scoured some of the best affordable sites to help you find the perfect LBD for your body and lifestyle. 

***And since I love value shopping, these dresses are organized by price.***

1. Cowl Leopard Mesh Dress $23.90

You’ll be undeniably sexy in this LBD. The cowl draped neckline balances out the cinched waist to showcase your hourglass frame. Jersey knit and a wrapped skirt design keeps you comfortable as the sheer leopard printed mesh bodice inset teases onlookers. 

2. Banded Sateen Tube Dress $26.99

Sateen (and satin) dresses are the most figure-flattering. They skim over your trouble spots and make your butt look better than it’s ever looked before. This strapless number compliments your bust with a sweetheart neckline. Its horizontal bandage seems will highlight and create cures. Wear it with lace up booties for edge. Try pumps to elongate your legs. 

3.Textured Knit Body Con Dress $28.99

My favorite dress! (It reminds me of the bra style I love. Shhh!) 

Tight crinkle texture, sheen, and a bold v-neck put this dress in its own category. Bearing just a hint of cleavage gives you an almost unfair advantage over every other girl. Bonus points: the tank straps allow you to wear your favorite plunge style bra.  

Keep accessories simple. The drama is all in your bust so don’t overdo your accessories. Let your hot body and sexy styled hair take center stage.

4. Anticipates $30.80

Even though the straight neckline looks like it’s doing wonders for your bust, it’s working with your hips to shape you into the perfect hourglass. Widening the bust automatically shrinks your waist and balances out your lustrous hips. Sheer lace in the back adds individualism, not you’ll need anything else to make your hourglass, figure-8-shape stand out.




5. Ideal Retreat $31.80

Achieving the perfect sparkle and shine just got easier. GreatGlam’s Ideal Retreat dress boasts a stunning sequin and bead applique that elongates your body and boosts the natural sparkle in your smile. To keep things from getting dull the dress has a crinkle texture overlay and is fully lined, so it’s safe to take as many pictures as you want.

Even though you can have fun adding arm bands and bangles to this dress, I don’t recommend it. Be careful about adding jewelry that might snag the dress’ material. Instead, go wild with your make-up!

6. Anticipation $32.80

Okay, this dress isn’t really black. It’s dark grey, but it’ll offer you the same benefits of an LBD.  The one shoulder mini dress transforms you into the goddess you are. The extra ruffle detail slides from your shoulder down to your hemline, creating texture and adding oomph other straight-sleek dress don’t have.

7. Swing Muse Black Dress $34.50

Calling all confident ladies! If you’ve been hitting the gym, reward you hardworking backside with this dress. The twisted sheer back forms a knot at the waist to create the illusion of an hourglass shape. The scoop just above the butt teases onlookers and shows off what you’ve got. The front is a bit plain so add as many love necklaces you can.

* I don't own these images.

Styled Look: Drappy Cowl Neck Tank Top

Drapped tops that flow with your curves and don't cling to your skin are your best friend in warm weather. I love this one because it has a collar and a long string to tie around my waist. If there is any feature on my body that I can safely call my favorite, it'd be my waist. 

Personal Twist: Instead of tying the string belt in bow on my back, I decided to to criss-cross the string in the front to really show my waist. The front criss-cross creates a Grecian goddess vibe that I love. Giving your look a little exotic twist is always a good idea.

Accessories: To complete this look, I added several skinny bangles on one hand and one chunky bangle on the other. My skinny bangles are gold and white. The chunky bangle has a sparkly tan color with gold accents. I chose to gold to compliment the purple and my little white bangle brings everything (like my undershirt) together. 

Shorts: I wore dark shorts to contrast the purple top. Light shorts would've look too washed out. Not to mention, I love dark shorts. Dark shorts make your legs look super fit. Think about it, when you work out you tend to wear black spandex shorts...they slim you and maintain the mystery of your shape.

Shoes: Since this outfit was designed around the purple top, I didn't want my shoes to standout. These light pink Aldo peep toe flats were comfortable enough for me to walk around all day. There cutout design let my breathe and kept me from feeling cool and comfortable. 

Style Tip: Knowing which part of your body you want to showoff is everything. My insecurity list is long, but my tummy and butt have to be at the top of the list. The drapped top hid my tummy and even though the shorts showcased my legs, their dark color didn't expose the shape of my butt. If you don't plan on going through a major make-over to change all of your imperfections, just work with them. Wear clothes that hide your insecurities and highlight your favorite features.


Top: Love Story, Woodland Hills store
Shorts: Forever 21
Shoes: Aldo
Skinny Bangles: gift from a friends (gotta love your friends!)
Chunky Bangle: Forever 21


Images are my own.

Coming Soon!

School is staring soon. And for the college girl that means weekly clubs and parties are just around the corner. A run down of little black dresses (LBD) is on the way. Check back to see some showstopping, affordable LBDs, and get some tips on how to style them soon...But make the most of this summer's style by rocking the outfit below.

Styled Look: Corset Tops and Short-Shorts

Just because I’ve been done a couple posts on fall fashions, doesn’t mean summer isn’t my favorite season. Instead of rushing summer, I want to make it last. My short–shorts aren’t ready to be pushed to the back of my closet either; they want to be reinvented. I’ve noticed (and fallen in love with) these corset-inspired tops with a light-weight ruffle bottom (they’re tough to describe, pictures are below), and I styled this warm-weather-friendly outfit. Look flirty, causal, and effortlessly sexy in this look.

 (I modeled the look with grey heals because I didn't have much else at the time. Grey pairs well with so many colors, so I chose it over black. Since this look features so many colors, you can wear it with neutral or bright shoes. Sandals, wedges, flats, and heals will all lend a different kind of sexiness to the look. Use any shoes you want!)

 I toned down the bright colors on the tube's print with a khaki vest. Check out how bold the colors are. 

 Swirls of magenta, green, and earth tones decorate this top. Two corset bones begin gracing the sides of your body at the sweetheart neckline, faux white buttons form a straight line down your middle, and towards the bottom, one large ruffle completes the top. It flatters your bust, waist, and hides any bloating. 

 I wore this with a vest to tone it down for day; wear it solo for a cute evening look.
Get a similar top here. 

 An extended mock collar made me notice this vest. The pockets and buttons remind me of officewear and I love how the nuances of professional attire still remain causal. 

 Style Tip: Its always a good idea to have a few outwear pieces that cover your butt. During the hot summer weather it's hard to cover ourselves, but long, sleeveless pieces maintain your modest mystery without heating you up in your clothes.

Add Your Personality: I left this look open for additions. Add some bangles, chunky watches, or dangling earrings to make the look your own. Accessories are the perfect area to reflect the different aspects of your personality.

Like the look? Let me know :)

Top: Closet, a store in Pacific Beach,Ca.

Vest: Forever 21

Shorts: American Eagle

Images are my own.

fall reds

Rusty reds seem to be the up-and-coming color for fall. People Stylewatch have several red layouts in their current issue, and when I walked into PinkIce this week, I noticed it was practically coated in these reds. 
I created this polyvore set to show you how many red items are starting to float around. 


(Image is my own polyvore set.)

fall reds by missanona-aforwardfashionista 








Red outfits coming soon!


Image

Fall Preview: School-girl chic

I can't wait to make my mini skirts work for fall! Just remember to layer your tights and wear sweaters, or coats, that will keep you warm.

School-girl chic by missanona-aforwardfashionista 

With fall fashion on my mind, I thought of a great causal, sexy look. A long sweater (that covers the butt) over a form-fitting body con skirt, or dress, with stockings or over the knee socks, shoes to match the sweater, and a subtle statement necklace.

Celebrity Inspiration

We already know that Kim Kardashian is a style icon. Her look for the 2011 Kid's Choice awards got a lot of attention. People wanted to bash her cleavage, but I can't get over the fun, care free ruffles and texture of her dress. 

To get her look, but for drastically less, try out these dresses before they are gone. Lulus.com has this multi-textured dress, their Genoise Cake Strapless Ivory Dress for only $42.00. 

 Tiers of texture at the bust and bellow the waist create an hourglass shape. Contrasting texture adds an individual touch. If cream is a little too perky for your personality, or if you wouldn't dare wear a color so  close to white in the fall--try this black version on sale for $20.70 from A'Gaci.

In black, the dress can be paired with spikey jewelry and lace up, or studded boots, for cute, tough-girl look. (The left shoe is from Lulus.com, the right shoe is from GreatGlam.com) Polish off the cream version with nude heals, a statement ring, and flowing locks to really recreate Kim's look.


* I don't own any of the images

Best Online Affordable Clothing Stores

Online shopping has become part of my lifestyle. I’ve browsed through fashion blogs and youtube videos that talk about the best online shopping sites, and I’ve created a list of the sites that have user-friendly websites, nice images of the clothes, good customer service, and, most importantly—these stores have plenty of clothes under $50! I try to only buy clothes under $50.

Here is the list of my favorite stores in order. My pros and cons will tell you what I like about the stores and tips for shopping there.

A’Gaci: Right now, ultimate favorite site is A’Gaci. A’Gaci carries super fashionable clothes and tends to have my favorite clothes from Lulus and GoJane at a lower price! (It’s not only online, but I don’t live near a store.)

• Pro: The site always offers free shipping on orders over $65 and free return shipping. I love free shipping because I feel like I’m only buying the clothes, instead of paying extra just to try them on.
• Pro: A’Gaci has a sale section! The sale items are usually stocked in all sizes (so you will find a size small J) and they are returnable.
• Pro: They have coupon codes and promotional discounts often! Before you buy, always google “A’Gaci Coupons.” (One time, I was getting ready to pay for an $98 order. I quickly did a google coupon search and I found a code for getting $25 off purchases of $75 or more!)
• Con: Can’t think of one. I’m so in love the free return shipping.

Shopping Tips: Start by taking a look at the site’s “Shop by” category. You can shop by style, trend, and –best of all—outfit. The shop by outfit feature gives you a sense of the site’s style, and inspires your creativity. When you’re on a budget, check out the “sexy steals” under “features” for cue low priced items. The most expensive items I’ve ever bought from this store were about $40.

GoJane: GoJane has replaced Forever 21 for me. A wide selection, easy shopping, and constant promotions keep me coming back. If you fall in love with a dress from GreatGlam, always check to see if GoJane has it before you purchase. Whenever I find a GreatGlam item on GoJane, it’s always cheaper.

• Pro: The best thing about GoJane is their deal of the week. Each week they discount on item and sell it for about $6-$8. The deal of the week usually sells out before the end of the week.
• Pro: The homepage nicely spotlights themed sets of accessories or current trends to make your shopping smooth and simple. Make to scroll down to see all of the sites featured items.
• Pro: I love looking at the “Shop By Outfit” section. Their outfits are either perfect as is, or they inspire me to create a different version of the look. I always love getting ideas from fully styled outfits.
• Pro: I love their rings!
• Con: I once tried to process an exchange and it took them FOREVER. If you want to exchange, just return the clothes you don’t want and buy something new.

Shopping Tips: Sales are worth waiting for. GoJane has a good sale almost each month. Also, always scroll through the entire "new items section," new items are placed randomly throughout and you won't want to miss them.

Lulus: Featured in almost every magazine and “Styles under $50” article, Lulus gives you more unique clothing in strong colors and quality, standout fabrics. I particularly love their accessories. Lulus jewelry is always different, classy, creative, and everything you want.

• Pro: When you receive your order, they send you a coupon for you next order…you just have to shop again before the coupon expires.
• Pro: If they run out of an item, they might restock and, if you want, they'll send you an email when the item becomes available. (This is how I got one of my favorite tops!)
• Pro: You’re not likely to catch anyone else in your outfit!
• Con: You might fall in love clothes that are over $50.

Shopping Tips: Comb through the "Back In Stock" section as often as the "New Items" sections.

GreatGlam: Great for clubwear, but, if you look closely, you’ll even find a few sexy causal pieces for daywear. This site is really easy to become addicted to.

• Pro: Free shipping on all U.S. orders!
• Pro: They use 3 models with different body types, so you can get an idea of how their clothes will look on your body time and how they fit different girls with different shapes.
• Pro: All the clothes are pretty unique and very figure flattering.
• Pro: I once lost my invoice, but I really wanted to return my order. I emailed the site and they still let me return my order. Great customer service.
• Con: The clothes sell out so quickly, sometimes the first day they are posted. Check often so you won’t miss out on you dream dress.
• Con: If, and I emphasize If, I find an item on another site, it’s almost always cheaper on the other site.

Shopping Tips: Buy the items as soon as you want them, if you don't like them just return it. And, always, make sure GoJane, or any other site, doesn't have the item for a lower price before you make your purchase.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow I'll review the top online boutique stores!

How to Shop at Online Stores

I'm obsessed with shopping online. The truth is, I don't usually have time to go to the mall or walk through small stores. At the end of the day (and the beginning and the middle of my day), I like to relax by looking at clothes online.

I see my wardrobe as my art gallery and each piece of clothing is an artwork that I chose to add to my collection. Putting an outfit together is creating a masterpiece. 

Most of my collection is a product of online shopping. Let me share the secrets of finding a good online store.

Traits of the Best Stores: 

• Security: Make sure the site is secure (https://) so that your billing information won't get stolen.
• Return policy:  Check out the site's return policy before making a purchase. If they don't allow full refunds, see if they offer a store credit option. Be familiar with how long you have to make a return and whether you'll need to email the site asking for return authorization number. Forever21.com will give you refunds by mail and store credit in the store, so be sure you'll shop at the store again if you opt for store credit. It's a bad sign if everything is final sale. A good online store will even let you return sale items.
• Shipping: Most GOOD boutique online stores offer free shipping on all orders or orders between $50-$75. In a sense, the cost of shipping is what you're paying to try on the clothes, so be comfortable with the amount and check the size chart.
• Size Chart: Sizes charts will help you narrow down your size, but you never know if the medium would've looked better than the small. Go with your instinct a bit. There's no need to stay inside the boxes of the size chart.
• Features: Look at what the site lists under "features." The best way to get a feel for the site is to look at its "shop by outfits" feature. The outfits the sites put together will give you a sense of how versatile or narrow the store is. It'll also let you know if the store inspires your fashion forward creativity.
•  Does it have a "fabulous finds" or "steals and deals" section for bargain shopping?
• Does it focus on selling clothes by trend?
• The site's features will tell you what the stores goal is. You'll know right away if the store aims at selling trends, selling trends at low prices, or selling classic clothing.

Trend Review: Rompers

Rompers made their splash on the style scene last year, and it seems like they are here to stay. The romper trend is perfect for warmer weather because, like a dress, it's one single piece that makes your entire look. Rompers are effortless, but look super chic. I like rompers that have a bit of twist--unique rompers with a touch of edge.

Here are my favorite rompers from this summer!

Starting Out Basic: This "Fair Maiden Sage" romper from www.greatglam.comGreatGlam gives officewear a sexy, trendy twist. Shiny contrast stitching works similar to corset boning to flatter your figure. The mock belt at the waist cinches you in and highlights your hourglass shape. This romper looks great on its own, but can also be paired with a blazer, denim jacket, or an over-sized button down shirt for a more casual look.

(BTW: I LOVE GreatGlam--they have the best customer service of the online stores I shop at!)

Come to a Halt for this Halter Romper: I haven't seen many halter rompers, but this one from GoJane has such unique features, it's sure to make you stand out from your friends. The halter top style will make you feel more secure and comfortable than the usual tube top. An inverted triangular detail in contrasting colors completes the top half, so there's no need for you to run out and buy more necklaces. The print belt cinches the waist to compliment (almost) every woman's figure. Best of all, the skirted bottom in the front makes it look like you're rocking the most flattering dress, but really you're wearing comfortable shorts!

                                                        

Strategic stitching on the back flatters the butt. The zipper closure secures the fit. This romper will look great at parties, walks on the beach, coffee runs with friends...it'll look great anywhere your busy schedule takes 
you! Not to mention it will easily go from day to night!

 Join the Romper Club: Meant for a night on the town, this romper boasts a corset style top, flowy A-line skirt, and fitted shorts. It's bold hue will make you stand out among the crowds of little black dresses. Go wild with jewelry, or bare for a clean statement.

• Body types: This GoJane romper is perfect for just about every girl. The A-line skirt will create hips for rectangular figures, camouflage a bloated tummy, and create balance for the more busty girls.

 A One Shoulder Romper: This off-the-shoulder romper from Lulus.com makes it easy to feel comfortable and look elegant. A sweeping, draped layer makes you look almost royal, and it hides any bloating--so you won't feel like your clothes don't fit after a nice lunch with your friends. Pair this will gold or bronze accents and gladiator sandals.

Hello! :)

Let me introduce myself. You can call me Miss Anona (Get it?) 


My blog celebrates fashion, individual style, and artistic creativity. I love fashion--it's my art form.
I'll update about everyday or every other day.
Also check out my tumblr. forwardfashionista.tumblr.com