Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Heavy Ruffle One Shoulder Cocktail Dress, $35.86, www.ASOS.com
Check: Light grey one shoulder dress by Red Herring, $83, www.debenhams.com

Charge: Curvaceous satin dress, $270, www.karenmillen.com

Ladies please forgive me. I had a crazy, albeit it, life changing year in 2010. I bought a condo, found a new job and processed a green card. Needless to say it became difficult to blog while all this was going on. But I'm bizzack! I was reading my blog the other day and was so disappointed with myself for letting it go. Even if no one else read it, I'd still enjoying clicking through numerous sites to find the best clothes to bring a vision into fruition. Be patient with me as I'm still pulling together ideas, but now that I have far less responsibilities, I know I'll be back to normal in no time! The above post is self-explanatory to regular readers but if they're any newbies since my last post, check out the new site and category navigation to catch up.

Much love,
Sylvia xx

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Sasha Gathered Bow Clutch, $24.95, www.dsw.com

Check: High Fashion Python Print Clutch with Bow, $69, www.endless.com

Charge: Valentino Satin bow clutch, $795, www.net-a-porter.com

I've been eyeing this Valentino satin clutch for a long time now but who, pray tell, has $800 to spend on a clutch? In these hard economic times I realised that it was high time for another "Cash, Check or Charge" post. I Like Her Style's mantra is, "if you can't beat 'em, you don't have to join 'em." So if you can't spend $800 on a clutch, don't. There are two economically friendly alternatives featured above at just $25 and $69... Enjoy!!

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Perlina Croc Wallet, $7.50, www.forever21.com

Check: Reptile-Print Clutches, $19.50, www.oldnavy.com

Charge: Isa Lizard Emboss, $295, www.loreleinyc.com

Croc clutches are all the rave right now but don't be predictible and buy a bright red clutch. Other colors to consider would be sunlight yellow, plum purple or sea aqua (like Selita Ebanks in a recent post). If your on a budget, the "cash" or "check" options are right up your alley but for those of you with a little more money to burn opt for this gorgeous Isa Lizard Emboss clutch. It's perfect with a cocktail dress or jeans!

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Tiered Chiffon Dress, $27.80, www.forever21.com

Check: Black Tiered Silk Slip Dress by A.B.S., $225, www.bluefly.com

Charge: Strapless Silk Dress by Marchesa, $2550, www.net-a-porter.com

Whether it’s prom night, hen night or just a good ol’ girl’s night out, make an entrance with a flirty, sexy, mini dress with this season’s must-have tiered frills. Sharon Leal is already hip to the trend and now you can be too on any budget. The fuchsia dress is from Marchesa’s Resort 2008 collection – it’s simply to die for! If you don’t have two and a half thousand extra dollars floating around you can look just as stylish in the cheaper alternatives and if you love frills as much as I do, also check out this Tiered Ruffle Dress by Robert Rodriguez ($473) available at Nordstrom.

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Patent Lace Up Riding Boots, $44.99, www.gojane.com

Check: Patent Leather Lace Front Knee Boots, $89.90, www.flyjane.net

Charge: Avedere patent lace-front boots by Christian Louboutin, $1250. www.net-a-porter.com

Remember Naomi’s stylish stint at the New York Sanitation Depo? En route to her new job she once rocked the bondage-inspired Avedere boots by Christian Louboutin. I believe hers were suede but you can also nab a sexy pair in patent leather. Janet Jackson also rocked them at a recent shoot. If your budget, husband and/or credit card won’t allow such a purchase ($1250 from Net-A-Porter.com) visit www.flyjane.net and www.gojane.com for more affordable options.

Note: The suede Christian Louboutin Avederes are available at Neiman Marcus for $1120 but you can also get a cheaper pair at Flyjane.net.

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Java 13 pu Wedge, $18.99, www.gojane.com

Check: Talli, $77.95, www.stevemadden.com

Charge: Haircalf Reva Ballet Flat, $225, www.toryburch.com

The Reva Ballet Flat is the shoe de jour. Perfect for summer walks in the park and essential for the anticipated transition into fall, this Tory Burch classic has been the best selling flat for over two seasons now. The pair pictured above are a variation of the Nappa Leather original. These brand new pre-fall, chocolate brown, haircalf Revas are going to sell-out quickly so place your order now. For those of you not so fussed with designer labels but equally in love with the style, try the cheaper alternatives above.

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Charlotte Top, $19.80, www.forever21.com

Check: Shooting Star Dobby Blouse by Marc by Marc Jacobs, $228, www.shopbop.com
Charge: Frill Neck Blouse by Matthew Williamson, $780, www.net-a-porter.com

The first signs of spring are upon us and what better way to welcome the new season than by wearing the freshest color around? I find mint green so flattering for most skin complexions and the ruffles make this kind of blouse so light and cute. Team with matching eyeshadow, cropped jeans and flip flops for the perfect casual spring look.

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Satin Heel, $19.99, www.gojane.com

Check: Pelle Moda Nemo, $99.95, www.zappos.com

Charge: Black Silk Satin 'Fresco' Sandals by Jimmy Choo, $716, www.bluefly.com

Hands up all those who thought Jimmy Choo was founded and owned by a trendy, Chinese designer?! Any takers? I know I’m not the only one! Well, suffice to say I was wrong…BIG TIME. London born Tamara Mellon is the genius behind the luxury shoe line. You can read her brief bio here. Several celebs adore her shoes and the line has had so much success that they recently launched their online boutique. Those of us who can’t quite afford a pair of Jimmy Choo’s can be equally, well almost equally, satisfied with the above alternatives to their “Fresco” pump.

Note: If you want a black ‘cash’ version, see these shoes by WindsorStore.com.