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!!

Thandie Newton

Thandie Newton at Columbia Pictures Premiere of '2012' at Regal Cinemas LA Live on November 03, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.
Thandie Newton was radiant at the "2012" movie premiere last month wearing a Prabal Gurung dress. When you wear something as elegant as this you don't need much else to make the look complete. Thandie opts for a statement ring and show-stopping red lips. If you need a bag to hold all your essentials, as most of us do, a classic and simple clutch will do. Don't forget vertigo heels and you're good to go!

Steal Thandie's Style

Dress: Mazerine Dress by DVF, $255, www.shopbop.com

Shoes: Carlos by Carlos Santana Privilege, $110, www.piperlime.com

Ring: Sterling Silver Marcasite Mother-of-Pearl Ring, $39.99, www.target.com

Lipstick: Jungle Red, $24, www.narscosmetics.com

Thandie Newton is the epitome of style and eloquence. Stealing her style will never fail you. If you can get away with it, don the bright, jungle red lipstick with the DVF dress. If not, don't fear. This post will help you figure out what shade of red is perfect for you. Where a dress like this for your next birthday soiree or a first date with that special guy. ;)

The In & Out of '09 Trends

While standing in an unusually long line at Wet Seal today, I had some time to make some observations and ponder fashion trends of 2009. With mild hopes of purchasing two pairs of floral leggings that I didn't need, I waited in line for a couple of minutes. During this time, I grew impatient, and entertained myself by slightly cringing as I watched a teenage shopper try on a fedora with a

In With the New Year

In my recent quest for the ideal New Year's Eve outfit, I've persistently browsed the new arrivals on Forever 21's website almost daily for party-appropriate pieces. I view the last day of the year as the perfect opportunity to be bold with prints, texture, accessories, and makeup. Not sure what to wear, but want to make a statement? I'm undecided as to what I'll be wearing, but I'm inspired by

Don't Bother Santa, He's Surfing

I'm not much of a holiday person, but this year, I decided to do something I've always wanted to do - construct and decorate a gingerbread house (using a kit). Perhaps my next attempt will involve some baking. Thanks to J.V. for your engineering and creative skills for helping to make this happen!In an effort to avoid the mall crowds, maintain my exercise regimen, and enjoy the sunny weather, I

December '09 Store Window Style

As the year comes to an end, I'm cleaning out my closet to create more space, setting new short and long term personal goals, and reviewing some of favorite store window photos. Although today is the official first day of winter, I'm already anticipating spring/summer trends. In the meantime, here are nine of my favorite store window photos from the month of December, all shot in the Los Angeles

Rodarte for Target - A Review

After weeks of anticipation, I braved my local Target this afternoon for a look at Rodarte's efforts for the latest GO International collection the day before the official debut. Fortunately, the store had a large selection, with most sizes still on the racks. Unfortunately, the lace tights and knee socks were nowhere to be found. Here's what the racks looked like at about 2pm...After a quick

Warehouse Sale This Weekend

For you L.A.-area shoppers, here's another sale via my inbox:Where & When: The Warehouse Sale comes to the Los Angeles Convention Center, Friday December 18, Saturday December 19, and Sunday December 20.What: Brands normally sold at Neiman Marcus and other high-end retailers will be offered at up to 80% off retail. Featuring the first ever Citizens of Humanity and Morphine Generation Warehouse

Getting Dressed For The Holidays

Via the inbox, some great tips on finding the perfect dress for every occasion this holiday season from designer and dress expert Shoshanna Gruss:What is best to wear for your different holiday parties this year?Family Affair: A pretty dress with an embellished neckline or embroidery, something you can throw a cardigan over, move around, and have fun in.Office Party: Simple shift or sheath dress

Trend On The Rise - Chain Details

If you're suffering from an overdose of studs as embellishments, then the recent proliferation of chains might be a suitable alternative. Equally as tough as studs, they make quite the statement when added to your favorite tee, belt, pair of boots, or handbag. The great thing about chains is that if you're considering a DIY project, they're easy and inexpensive to add with the help of either some

The Rocker Giveaway

It's time to announce the lucky winner of the Chelsea top and the Sudharshana bangle. Picked with the help of a random number generator, the winner is Kelsey. Congratuations, and thanks to everyone who entered!

Potatoes and Polka Dots

My recent fondness for food photography doesn't mean this is turning onto a food & fashion blog, however, I delight in documenting meals that I thoroughly enjoy, so food photos may make more appearances on Fashion Trend Guide. Today's delicious lunch at one of my preferred local eateries consisted of a vegetable frittata, roasted potatoes, and biscuit. It was more than enough to fuel a short but

Third Act: Shake Your Booty

Jazmine Sullivan attends the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards Style Studio held at the Smashbox Studios on February 4, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.

1. Botkier Rosa, $595, www.piperlime.com; 2. Cybul in Black, $129.95, www.stevemadden.com; 3. Hunny, $127.96, www.stevemadden.com; 4. Manhunt, $169.99, www.ninewest.com; 5. Janie Boot, $319.99, www.usa.frenchconnection.com; 6. Treto, $180, www.aldoshoes.com; 7. Leatherette Zipper High Heel Boot, $30.50, www.gojane.com; 8. Link Boot, $46.90, www.alloy.com

Have you "booted" up yet? If not, you'd better hurry, the weather has taken a nasty turn for the worst. Safely tucked away until next season are my ballet flats and sandals. Out have come my uggs, sneakers and boots. I'd like to think that I'm ready for the worst of it but I do, however, need a leather, flat boot to wear with my sweater dresses and skinny jeans. I've opted for Steve Madden's slouch "Cybul" boot (pictured above).

It's true. A girl can never have too many heels, but she must also keep a trusty pair of flats by her side. If you just can't do without a heel they're plenty of low/kitten-heeled boots in stores such as Aldo and online at www.piperlime.com.

Showroom Seven Sale in L.A.

Via my inbox, a sample sale in Los Angeles:WHAT: Showroom Seven Holiday Sample SaleWHERE: Showroom Seven, Cooper Building, 860 S. Los Angeles Street, Mezzanine #3, Los Angeles, CA 90014WHEN: Wednesday, December 9th – Wednesday, December 23rd (Closed weekends)TIME: 10 am – 6 pmFORMS OF PAYMENT: VISA, MC, AMEX & CASHPHONE: 213-316-0112PERCENTAGE OF DISCOUNT: Wholesale and below, up to 90% off

Ardently Awaiting the Holidays

As invites to holiday events roll in, it's time to start thinking about what to wear. Instead of stressing about gift buying, travel plans, and cooking, I tend to place a strong emphasis on the wardrobe aspect of the season. As I often find myself overdressed for my regular evening excursions, I relish this time of year, not for the holidays themselves, but for the extra opportunities to get glam

Holiday Shopping - The Rocker

It's the fifth and final week of the gift guide and giveaway I'm doing with Christina of Candybox, Jamee of Confessions of a Marc Addict, Chelsea Rae of Pink Rock Candy, and Dara of Secretista. This week our theme is the Rocker. With her affinity for studs, leather, and skulls, the Rocker is near and dear to my heart. She's not afraid to toughen up her look with tight leather skinnies, a moto

Fashion Zest

A special thanks to Jenny from FashionZest for conducting this interview with me. It was both an honor and a pleasure to be included on the site. Thank you!

Dedicated to Diva

While shopping at a local mall, I discovered an amazing new accessories store called Diva. On-trend merchandise, low prices, extensive selection, and compelling visual merchandising characterize this Australia-based chain that I'd previously never heard of (and I've been to Australia twice...go figure). As I browsed Diva's offerings for the first time, I was in awe of all the jewelry trends they

Fashion Show this Weekend

A Weekend of Food

In addition to consuming a fair share of mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and corn bread over Thanksgiving weekend, I succeeded at my one goal for the four-day time period - not to go shopping or buy anything other than food. As a tribute to my overindulgence, I thought I'd share some photos of what I ate (not including Thanksgiving). On Saturday morning, I visited the local farmers' market,

Oh, Rodarte!

image scanned from People Style WatchHaving just received my copy of People Style Watch, I was excited to see their preview of the Rodarte for Target collection (on page 54) set to be released in just under three weeks. I'm currently weighing my anticipation for the romantic, ballerina-esque pieces against my disdain for being anywhere near a Target parking lot in the midst of the holiday