C. Marchuska M Series T Dress: Can’t afford to splurge on Alexander Wang? Try this similar slim-fitting t-shirt dress, available in black or white organic cotton. Just be sure you hit the gym first!

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Remember Bag Borrow or Steal, the temporary Louis Vuitton supplier of choice for Carrie’s assistant Louise in Sex and the City? The company is adding high-end jewelry and sunglasses to its covetable stash of designer handbags (including Coach, Chanel, Fendi, Burberry, and, yes, Gucci). Here’s how to get your hands on the high-fashion goodness. Just visit the site (at www.bagborroworsteal.com) and search by designer or occasion to find the couture candy you crave. If it’s currently occupied, you can add your name to a wait list. If it’s free, “borrow” it by paying a fee that can range from $15 to around $150 a week, depending on the caliber of the label. Joining the site grants you a more affordable membership rate, plus access to select members-only finds.

Once borrowed, Bag Borrow or Steal will send you the designer handbag of your dreams, which is yours to keep for as long as you like—a week, two weeks, a month… Sure, you’ll have to give it back eventually, but oh, what a month.

And what of those designer jewelry and sunglasses now up for grabs? Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Fendi, Yves Saint Laurent, A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz, and Alexis Bittar baubles are a sampling of what’s on offer, plus sleek shades from Tom Ford, Prada, Linda Farrow, Balenciaga, Chloe, Christian Dior, and other luxury labels.

Bag Borrow or Steal isn’t the only designer handbag rental service on the market. Check out these like-minded luxury-for-less sites.

SingleMindedWomen.com Resources

• Bag Borrow or Steal
• RentMeaHandbag: In addition to designer handbags from the likes of Louis Vuitton and Bottega Veneta, this service offers rentals on luxury shoes (hello, Christian Louboutins!) and clothing for me and women. The sky’s the limit.
• From Bags to Riches: Stocks Calvin Klein, Coach, Via Spiga, Chloe, Chanel, Christian Dior, Dooney & Bourke, and more, with the option to buy select bags.

We LUVLUVLUV IT, and so will you!

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Rachel Comey Platform Pull On Boot: A platform heel gives this tall number an artistic boost.

Loeffler Randall Ivy Snap Boot: This sleek Italian-made boot sports four gold snaps down the side for a little extra oomph. So sophisticated over skinny jeans.

Dolce Vita Simone Moto Ankle Boot: Mix it up with a brown bootie, which can work with jeans or a dress and tights.

Ugg Swell Tall Boot: The squatty, marshmallow-y pink Uggs may have met their style expiration date, but we can’t help resisting this sleeker model. Note the cute boho trim!

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Animal Prints With A Twist

For all of you ladies who love prints, this swimsuit trend is for you!  For 2012, the animal print trend has a colorful new twist, featuring eye-popping prints in bright bold hues.  For example, the Sumatra swimsuit by Despi features a classic leopard print with refreshing pops of mint green.  A hot new twist on a classic swim trend!

Sporty-Chic Colorblocking

This season, the colorblock trend is back in both the fashion and swimwear worlds.  For those who love to stand out, try swimsuit styles with bold contrasting blocks of color.  But for those who are looking for something a bit more subtle, try black and white colorblocking, as seen in the new Betsey swimsuit by ViX Swimwear.  Whichever look you prefer, you’re sure to look a little sporty-chic and a lot on-trend.

Fringe Benefits

Finally, 2012 is all about fun and fabulous fringe.  The fringe trend is perfect for those who are looking for that beachy boho-chic look.  L Space Swimwear has a number of flirty fringe swimsuit styles, such as the Fringe Benefits White Monokini.  Featuring a plunging neckline and gorgeous fringe trim, this monokini is a must-have this season.

Get ready to turn heads in 2012 with the season’s hottest swimsuit styles!

Susan Bodack is a blogger and Director of Social Media Marketing at InStyleSwimwear.com, a luxury online designer swimwear store.  For more swimsuit related news and tips, check out their blog, Beauty and the Beach.

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Happy bundling!

Scrap Soup Fingerless Mittens: Choose your hue and enjoy the finger freedom! (shown)

Sugarpop Clothing Bright Stripey Neon Scarf: Nothing beats the winter blahs like a cheery neon accessory. This fun scarf may say summer, but its fleece material will keep you toasty all winter long.

Pixiebell Cable Beret: Eat your heart out, Faye Dunaway! This chocolate brown cable-knit has just the right classic-meets-boho slouchiness.

Tiffy Tuffington Tam: Nicely priced at $20, this acrylic tam is great for everyday wear.

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We’ve all been there. Hot date and NOTHING to wear! OK, now if you’re being honest with yourself, you have plenty to wear. Just look in your closet!

Instead of WHAT to wear, shift to how you want to FEEL. Do you want to feel sexy, feminine, or flirty? Maybe a bit confident as well?

Confidence is always the best accessory. And if you’ve got some work to do in that area (and you’re not alone – I think most women are always working on that!), just fake it ’til you make it! Much like smiling when you are in a mood can actually make you happy, standing tall and being poised will make you feel more confident.

When you’re starting to get ready for the impending date, considering how you want to feel will influence what you choose to wear – especially when it comes to color. Having a bit of color in your ensemble immediately makes you stand out. It also influences your mood and how others perceive you.

Consider how you feel when you wear your favorite bright color versus when you wear something dark or neutral? A bit more energized, perhaps? A bit happier, maybe? I think so!

This is because color influences your mood. If you’re lacking color in your wardrobe, you can start playing with color by updating your wardrobe with colorful accessories. Start small with fun bangles, bracelets and earrings and then go bold with colorful belts, scarves and even hats!

Spring/Summer Style gives you a lot of opportunities to add color to your wardrobe. Bright colors, including  neons, were all over the runways and designers were getting playful by color blocking complimentary colors. Now, color blocking is a bit advanced, but anyone can easily add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral outfit. Or, if you’re feeling feminine and fun, opt for a pretty, bright floral printed dress. Pair with some nude pumps to elongate your legs and possibly a bright belt to define your waist and you’re good to go!

Now all you need to do is stand tall, smile and shine! Your confidence, intelligence and beauty will take care of the rest!

This couldn’t be more true than in dating and date wear. Show it all off and you’ve left nothing to the imagination. Not to mention, he probably won’t take you too seriously and he’ll likely have a hard time maintaining eye contact.

This Nanette Lepore top is a perfect example for your Subtly Sexy date top. While it’s not in everyone’s budgets, I wanted to share WHY it’s so perfect.

It highlights your Shoulders & Collarbone. The collarbone is one of the sexiest parts of a woman’s body. Way back when, even showing the collarbone was too much! It’s incredibly feminine and alluring. Highlighting your shoulders balances your hips, thereby creating that illusion of the perfect hourglass figure.

It shows off your Back. Again, showing some skin creates allure … just don’t show too much! This top gives the right amount of a tease!

It drapes along your curves. Draping is so sexy because it helps create curves in all the right ways. I shy away from pieces that are skin tight in preference of something that skims/drapes the body the way this does. It also means you won’t be fidgeting with a too-tight top!

V-Neck with Embellishment. The V-neck is flattering and sexy, without giving anything away. It’s also nice and slimming! The embellishment draws some attention to your curves and enhances them in an enticing way.

Taking leave of the Corporate Fashion Industry, Catherine Cassidy founded U*styled in 2008 to support busy women everywhere. YOU are our mission. U*styled is dedicated to empowering women and giving you the tools to discover the lifestyle you deserve through personal style. Her unique approach to Personal Styling and Brand Image has had her work across a broad range of industries and career stages including Real Estate, Finance, Consulting, Marketing, Advertising, Entertainment, Entrepreneurs and Celebrity Entrepreneurs.

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Then it’s also time to update your DATING wardrobe.

With the economy still recovering (though WWD is reporting that Consumer Confidence and Retail Stocks are improving!), you still need to be fiscally conservative. So, the beauty of this look is that it works with items that should already be in your wardrobe. These items are what I call Closet Essentials. The tops are considered Wardrobe Updates. The ideal closet is full of items that mix and match beautifully so you never feel like you have nothing to wear … and with these items (and this lesson – wink!), you’ll be on your way to an ideal closet. And, with any luck, a new beau!

THE ESSENTIALS:

Your Blazer - Depending on your coloring, your should have at least one suit/blazer in your wardrobe, but it might be black, navy or brown. I personally use my blazer that’s a part of my black suit as a blazer for this sort of look. The key to a great blazer is fit. You need to be sure you have a fit that looks great whether open or closed. The blazer for this look is great because it’s conservative, but it’s also nicely tailored to show off your curves.

Sexy Skinny Jeans - You need to have at least one pair of jeans that make you feel amazingly sexy. They might be bootcut or skinny, depending on your body type, but they have to fit nicely through the thighs and rear. Show off your hot bum! I chose skinny jeans for this look because the shape of the jacket balances the slimness of the jacket.

Neutral Heels – You need to have at least a pair of black or nude heels in your wardrobe. If you do, you’ll always have a pair of to go with a new outfit without stressing about finding a perfect new pair. Cream is huge for this season and I love that because it makes finding a neutral pump much easier. These are a sexy as well as strong. They’ll make you stand tall and show your confidence … the number one sexy attribute Mr. Right is looking for!

A Sexy New Top – This is where you can easily update your wardrobe with a new item that really works for your style and personality. Remember, first impressions are everything and he’ll be sizing you up just as you are with him. The corset is incredibly sexy yet feminine with this floral print and the colors are so fun. The draping raspberry top is definitely sexy, yet it’s a fun flirty color. This would look great without the jacket, but the jacket tempers the sexiness so YOU’RE in control. The lace tops is sweet and feminine. You would have to add a bit of color through your accessories with this one, but it’d be beautiful under the blazer.

You getting the full picture?!

Taking leave of the Corporate Fashion Industry, Catherine Cassidy founded U*styled in 2008 to support busy women everywhere. YOU are our mission. U*styled is dedicated to empowering women and giving you the tools to discover the lifestyle you deserve through personal style. Her unique approach to Personal Styling and Brand Image has had her work across a broad range of industries and career stages including Real Estate, Finance, Consulting, Marketing, Advertising, Entertainment, Entrepreneurs and Celebrity Entrepreneurs.

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I would pair this sweater with an equally feminine camisole and straight leg jeans. Boots would also help edge out this day-to-night look making this the perfect casual date wear outfit! Price, $48.

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With the holiday season in full swing, it’s time to break out the sparkles!  Tis the season to be twinkly, and this adorable Sequin Slouchy Tank from J.Crew is perfect for that. Whether you are attending a holiday party or just looking for a chance to shine, this top can be worn with a tank, a blazer, or even just by itself. It would pop against dark jeans or sleek black pants. If you are feeling adventurous, you can add a pair of sky-high heels, but comfy flats also work with this versatile shirt.  No matter what you wear it with, you will be sure to stand out wherever you are!