Look for Less: Balmain

We all know and love the intricate patterns and details that Balmain present to us each runway, and that can be seen on our favourite celebs; but let's face it, unless we win the lotto we can kiss goodbye our dreams of having a piece of Balmain in our closet. Right?

 

Wrong? With thanks to online shopping outlets Asos and The Iconic, I have found you some pretty spot on Balmain look-a-likes for only a portion of the price-tag.

Get a similar look to Kristen Stewart from The Iconic for only $149.95:
 

Or is it the patterned pant-suit that you are after? Shop a similar version for only $101.66 from Asos:

Who wore it better

SFB has just posted a picture in a gorgeous white Marchesa gown.

This sparked a memory of Kim Kardashian wearing this dress back in 2010 at a red carpet.

So I have to ask....who wore it better?

I am a big Kim Kardashian (soon to be West), however I do prefer how SFB is wearing her hair down. However, SFB was 3 years behind on this number...

Leave me a comment below, or on Instagram (@jspstyling) to let me know who wore it better.

Copy cat

Every designer you look at are now doing a cross over dress, with a cheeky peep hole.

Last blog I featured a beautiful white version of this dress from Manning Cartell.

This blog, I am going to show you how you can save $400.

On the left we have the Manning Cartell dress which retails for $549, and on the right we have a Country Road dress that retails for only $149.

 

Now with that extra $400 in your wallet, you can spoil yourself with some accessories.

Remember, you don't have to spend big to get a seasonal look. With a bit of research you can find some great copy cat alternatives for less than half the price.

Happy shopping!

Giddy up

Forget the gloves, the tailored pant suit, the oversized sunnies and the wide brim hats - the 2013 Spring Racing Festival is about to begin.

                                  Featured: Manning Cartell, Mimco & Siren Shoes

Predictions:

• White, white, and more white
• Monochrome
• Downsized accessories (smaller clutches, finer jewelery)
• Chunkier shoes (stilettos and a long day on your feet; not to mention standing on grass - is not an ideal mix)
• Bold lips (move over nudes)
• Headpieces (rather than hats)

Beauty tips:

• For underneath your eyeshadow, use a MAC paintpot (my pick is 'Painterly' as it suits most skin types). By coating your eyelids (using either your finger or an eyeshadow brush) with this product pre-eye shadow application, you will not only avoid the crease lines that appear within a few hours of wearing makeup, but the colour itself will stay vibrant and will not move throughtout the whole day.

• Use a setting powder under the eyes to avoid your mascara/eyeliner smudging (my pick is MAC Mineralise Skinfinish in Light). For your face spray MAC Fix + to set your foundation/blush/bronzer.

• To avoid a sunburnt face use a foundation with SPF (my pick is MAC Sculpt. I personally prefer the NW shades [pink undertone] rather than the NC shades [yellow undertone]).

• Use a lipstain for a long lasting colour (try Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain). The lipstain will wear better than a lipstick, and requires less touch ups.

• Start tanning 2 days before the races so that you can build this up gradually, and avoid the orange look (my pick is JBronze). Ensure that you shower on the day of the races to avoid staining your outfit with tan (especially important if you are wearing white).

Don't be surprised if this years fashionistas don a jumpsuit to the races - taking the 'risk' of wearing a jumpsuit (whether it be long or short) will definitely get you standing out in the crowd (for all the right reasons).

I think racegoers will be happy to see that the hem lines this year will be on or just above the knee, and rather than bearing skin with low-cut necklines, small cutouts (like the Manning Cartell dress pictured above) will be making an appearance, and up-do's (big hair buns will also be heavily spotted), as well as lighter locks.

Ladies, if the weather is cool on the day, don't suffer - sling a blazer over your shoulders.
This will give you warmth, as well as adding a classic edge to your outfit.

Are you going to the races? Need fashion advice? Want to be featured on the blog/Instagram? Email me at jspstyling@gmail.com or tag me on Instagram @jspstyling

Copy cat: Aje Catara Mini

If you were unlucky enough to have missed out on today's shipment of AJE Catara Minis (queue the tears), I have found a copy-cat version to pull you through until their next delivery.

This number is from Tigermist, and is only $49.95