By Taylor Lea Thomas

Question:

“Where may one go to rent a gown, dresses and accessories at a reasonable price? I need a reasonable website to rent a gown and accessories.”

Taylor’s Answer:

Regarding rentals, I’m unable to endorse any particular company due to the fact that I have not worked with one for renting gowns so I’d rather not since I won’t be able to vouch for their credibility. However, here are a few tips on rentals in general as you browse around during the wedding planning process:

Always, always, always read the fine print: Don’t be naïve in thinking all is fine and dandy. Since you’ll be renting personal items, be sure to know what you’re getting into and what the consequences might be in the event that the items you rent are lost, stolen, damaged, etc. Also, be sure that you get all fees clarified prior to signing any rental agreements so you don’t end up paying additional fees you were not aware of. Make and keep copies of everything. Make sure to write down the correct style number, item number, sku number and more to be sure that what you paid for is what you receive.

Obtain wedding insurance: It’s always best to expect the unexpected. With wedding insurance, depending on the type of policy you select, you will be covered in the event that the vendor goes out of business, fails to show up, etc. Some policies even cover loss of deposits. At Elite Soirée | Luxury Weddings, all clients are required to obtain wedding liability insurance, and I’d recommend the same for you regardless of your budget. It’s very, very affordable with some plans under $100. It’s worth having for piece of mind on your wedding day.

Order with ample time in advance: Since you won’t be using your own items, be sure to order all rentals with ample time in advance in the event that what you receive is not what you ordered. If you give yourself enough time, then any errors can be corrected without you having to incur additional rush shipping fees. Waiting until the last minute will only cause frustration, and that’s the last thing you want on your wedding day.

Thoroughly research for any bad reviews: Whenever I’m researching a company, I always read the bad reviews first because I already know why I’d consider spending money on that particular company, so I’m more interested in knowing why I should not. Sometimes a few companies do, unjustifiably, receive bad reviews from irate customers for no valid reason. It happens, and it’s unfortunate, especially for online companies, but it also does help in the decision process of whether or not to use that company’s services and/or products. Take what you read with a grain of salt since not all bad reviews are correct, but research thoroughly before renting any items.

Rihanna photo via stylebistro.com

There’s just something about a stunning pair of sunglasses that can elevate your look to new heights! With all the shapes to choose from, it’s hard to pick a pair that fits your style and your face shape. Taking a que from celebrities and socialites, it appears cat eye sunnies will always be in style and – depending on the size – can make even the most low-key gal paparazzi-ready.

With the sun shinning bright, it’s the perfect time to begin your prowl for new shades. Let this slideshow guide you to a pair of cat eye sunglasses that will make you purr with delight. Hello, kitty!

From StyleBlazer.com

Accessories generally dress up any outfit, but there are few other add-ons that can actually compliment your shape like a belt. While wide belts make a statement, they can also make you look chunky in the mid section.  However, a skinny belt gives the illusion of a smaller waist when added over your favorite garment. They’re teeny in size, but creative designs make a heavy impact with studs, bows and glitter details. Wear one over an A-line dress to define your waist and give a classic, glamorous feel.  Or belt your favorite blazer for a fun weekend vibe. The options are simply limitless.

Check out this fly selection at StyleBlazer.com. 

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Source: Ace Showbiz

You know how people say it’s a shame to spend all that money on clothes and still look a mess? Add Nicki Minaj to the list of high-priced wardrobe offenders.

We all know the rapper’s style is a little…different, but how much does it cost to look like like rainbow brite on the runway? Well, in the latest issue of Vogue, Nicki said:

“At one time I was spending $ 50,000 a month on Giuseppe, Versace, YSL, and Fendi shoes. And I bought tons of Louis Vuitton bags.”

Nicki’s newly acquired expensive taste screams new money and she knows it. She told the mag, “When you’re a young girl from Queens, you’re going to stock up on those bags.”

As we’ve seen from throwback pics, Nicki wasn’t always so bold or feminine when it came to her appearance but she explained to the magazine what caused her to change her style.

“I was dressing in Tommy Hilfiger baggy shirts and Boss jeans, but then I met a person who dressed like a tiny lady – pantsuits, heels, lots of makeup. I thought she was larger than life,” Nicki said. “She once did my makeup – I had never seen myself made up before. I didn’t want to wash it off; I felt like I had one day to live this fantasy of being a glamour girl.”

Well now Nicki gets to live out that fantasy every single day—at least until her 15 minutes are up.

How do you feel about Nicki Minaj’s style and her expensive luxury bag addiction?

Photos via blog.newsok.com, living.msn.com and style.com

Fall – the favorite season of many fashionsitas  - is getting revamped thanks to Tracy Reese. The traditional dark color palette reserved for the season is updated by incorporating bright hues into the mix. Colors like orange, yellow, and many shades of purple were not only used as pops of color, but they also comprised entire outfits. Reese does a lot within this collection. For instance, she combines current trends into one look – color blocking and mixed prints – sticks to what she knows with lots of dainty dresses, and updates classic pairings like a t-shirt and skirt. 

Reese’s collection is busy (in a good way), refreshing and holds on tight to color. If you’re a woman who has places to go and people to see, then click “Next” and check out some of the ensembles that Reese has created with you in mind.

Do you love African-inspired prints and fabrics of all colors and textures? Do you love clothes and accessories? Then why are you still reading what I’m saying! We scoured the Internet for the fiercest African-inspired pieces from all over that have a contemporary look and feel to them, and we hope you’ll be inspired…and open your wallet. Happy shopping!

Source: Loud Culture

$72

Need a new birthday outfit? Special occasion around the corner and you want to be dressed to death for it? The ladies of the brand LOUD have a pretty fly selection of clothes and accessories, but this fireball pencil skirt was one of our favorites. With its dark brown leatherette base and red mixed African print panel, pair it with a buttoned-up top like the one seen above and be sure to top it off with bold accessories to ensure a boatload of compliments.

Forgot how to spell ‘luxury’? We’ll help you out. F-U-R. Fur is a fabric that can change a person’s entire demeanor once they slip a piece on. Its wearer emits old Hollywood glamour and drifts back to a time when fur was not easily obtainable by the masses. Today, the creation of faux fur has made it less rare, but not less sought after. Cheaper prices and the large amount of items that can be covered in fur contribute to it’s mass appeal. Yet, the most important fur facts are as follows: Fur is fun. Fur is raw. And fur can look, oh so good! Check out some of our favorite furry pieces and a few alternatives!

[Note: All items are made of faux fur, except one that's not even pictured. It just happened that way. Still, don't send P.E.T.A after us. Oh, and check Bloomingdales if you're interested in purchasing the fur coat above.]

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EXPRESS YOURSELF! Statement earrings are back this season in a BIG way! Colorful. Huge. Sparkly. These are just a few words – not necessarily all at once – that describe what we’ve been seeing on the runway, the red carpet and the streets. Take your pick of this playful trend by cruising through our favorites. Don’t forget to let the earrings shine by keeping the rest of your outfit and accessories simple. Get inspired!  We promise there’s something for every gal, whether she considers her style to be crazy, Hot, or cool. Can you guess which applies to which attribute?

We’re seeing spots! Polka dots are THE print for fall. Updating common wardrobe items like the skirt, the blouse, and the trouser is as easy as signing on the dotted line. This trendy print can be intimidating, but with varying size dots and colors, there’s something for everyone! Explore our picks and add some spotted pieces to your fall wardrobe.

Note: Feature photo courtesy of Bisouonline.com.

For some, a work bag is just that, a work bag; but for the stylish working woman, a work bag should be equipped with enough space to carry notebooks, presentation folders, laptops, or any other accessories needed for the work day, but stylish enough to compliment her attire. While we would all love to adorn our shoulders with the latest Marc Jacobs tote bag for work, there are other bags just as stylish at a fraction of the price.

Try these stylish, chic bags all under $100.