Vintage and bibs...

...make for excellent fall accessories!

So lovelies, I'm sure you've noticed certain celebs and models sporting statement piece necklaces with their otherwise simple outfits (plain t-shirts, simple dresses, etc.), much like Molly Sims (see slide show).

Imparting a cool, vintage, ladylike feel to an outfit with a lovely, bold necklace is an amazing way to stand out, be comfortable and jazz up the normally-blah-but-already-bought stuff in your closet, all at the same time. We like that!

First spied during Spring 2009, the trend is in full-force this season, with so many options and price points, you're sure to find one (or many) that are perfect for your style and budget.

Some of my faves (featured above):

Urban Outfitters Studded Bib Necklace - $48

Express Beaded and Ribbon Bib Necklace - $44.50

Forever 21 Fallen Leaves Necklace - $7.80 (seriously)

Anthropologie's Thunderstorm & Ranuncula Necklaces - $48 and $42

JCPenney/MixIt Hematite and Gold Bib Necklace - $23.99

Not a necklace, but just as cool - the J.Crew Tissue Stone Necklace Tee

And, of course, Etsy.com always comes through, with handmade and true vintage styles at incredible prices...I love love love the Vintage Vanity's Elegance Necklace, Attic Fanatic's gorgeous Ooh La La Necklace and Florabond's Seriously Racy and Romantic Bib Statement Necklace.

Think flowery, sparkly, colorful, feminine and the bigger the better. Don't you just love being a girl?

Right Said Red...

Oh my goodness I heart this dress. I am so hoping that it looks as good on as it does online, because I am in dire need of a red dress, now that summer may actually be around the corner. This one is Forever 21's Flutter Chiffon Dress, for...yes, I'll say it...$22.80!

However, girls, there is a very, very, fine fashion line between "beauty" and "booty" when it comes to pulling off lipstick red! The dress must be well-tailored, at a moderate length and cleavage level and in a fabric that does not cling, shine or sparkle (no being mistaken for a streetwalker here). Also, shoes should be neutral (I like gold or nude myself) - NOT black...unless you want to look straight out of 1987 (if you're going for that, excellent).

And please, please keep your hair natural and makeup minimal. With a color so bold, your outfit does not need competition from the rest of your lovely self...

Find your own soon because the little black dress can quickly become the little BORING dress, am I right? Show your fashion chops and BE the Lady in Red this summer!

To jumpsuit or not to jumpsuit...

I say it's a YES.

Whether it's halter or strapless, pants or shorts, I think it's a lovely, sexy, feminine look with a retro, 70's-ish feel. Instead of screaming, it just whispers summer and calls for flowy, tousled hair and a laid-back vibe...

The challenge, however, is finding one that fits just right. For those with long torsos, this will be a bit of a problem, but never fear dearies, I will be on the look-out for the perfect one for you.

Definitely safest in a dark color (think black or blue) and platforms or sky-high heels are a must!

The one pictured above is the Mara Hoffman Silk Jumpsuit - don't you just love the keyhole opening and genie-esque legs? Other ones I've found that are super-fabulous are the Arden B Kimono Split Sleeve Jumpsuit ($58), the Forever 21 Joyce Jumpsuit (just $25!) and the Express Strapless Jumpsuit (love the cobalt blue color - $80).

For loads more options, go to ShopStyle!

Now go bring out your inner Charlie's Angel!

Low on cash? No excuse for fashion!

After waxing poetic about custom clothing, designer brands and luxury labels, I realized that I would be remiss if I did not mention my old standbys. In other words, those shops that don't require you to take a second job or feel guilty about going shopping when you haven't paid your cell phone bill yet...

My favorite go-to stores for quick, cheap and trendy are, hands down, Forever 21 and American Apparel. While the dressing rooms may not be as nice, the staff may not be as helpful and you have to do a little more digging through the racks than pricier stores, their clothes give your wardrobe just enough punch to be able to keep lookin' pretty and maintain your stylish self.

Forever 21 always has its finger on the pulse of trendy, bringing the newest colors, accessories and shapes lightning-fast to the racks, all for so little dough it's almost astonishing. For example, the purple number above is a Forever 21 Pointelle Sweater Top that I forced a friend of mine to buy in a beautiful magenta and she can wear it to work and out for a martini, all for a mere $23 (plus the cost of a cosmo) [forever21.com].

Don't let American Apparel's name fool you...this is the most "Euro" store of all. Providing low-cost dudes', gals' and kids' basic clothing and accessories in millions of colors that can be combined and turned around in just as many ways, AA is a new favorite of mine. The quirky website has demo videos to show you how to turn one dress into 20 and a circle scarf into everything from a hood to a high-waist skirt. I have multiples of both the Cotton Spandex Jersey Bandeau Dress and the Cotton Spandex Jersey Strapless Ruched Bodysuit. So cute, versatile and comfortable [americanapparel.net]!

Each of these stores has its own, great website where you can buy direct if you're not close to a retail location. Plus, they each have a decidedly international feel to them - making YOU feel oh-so-with-it and NOT cheap FOR cheap. THAT'S worth a few fashion bucks, right?