Frugal Fashion: DeGeneres, De Rossi step out at Teen Choice Awards

What do you wear to an awards show where the average audience member is under the legal drinking age, the main attraction is the cast of the "Twilight" film series and the awards are rainbow surfboards? The correct answer is whatever you please.

Pint-sized stars flooded the pink carpet at the recent Teen Choice Awards at the Gibson Amphitheatre in anything and everything from jeans and leather pants to cheeky cocktail dresses and skintight minis. Justin Bieber arrived in casual white pants and a camouflage tee, while girlfriend Selena Gomez sported a Dsquared² Resort 2013 flirty pink pleated mini. On the dressier side were "Choice Action Actress" Zoe Saldana in a matching patterned crop top and skirt by Jonathan Saunders and "Glee" star Lea Michele shining in a metallic Versace mini.

Power couple Ellen DeGeneres (who won the award for "Choice Comedian") and Portia de Rossi stood out as a fun, stylish pair who looked chic but didn't take themselves too seriously. DeGeneres chose a menswear-inspired look in a plain V-neck tee, black blazer, khaki pants and a Repp stripe tie belt. De Rossi appeared laid back but elegant in a black tunic tucked into shorts and strappy heels.

To get DeGeneres'  preppy menswear look, try the American Eagle Outfitters Boyfriend blazer in true black for $69.95 from Ae.com, the Bennett chino from JCrew.com for $79.50, the navy-and-red Repp stripe tie belt from Credbrand.com for $24.99, the DV Dolce Vita oxfords in clay from Bloomingdales.com for $79 and a wardrobe must-have staple, the Hanes classic 3-pack V-neck tees for $24 from Kohls.com. These V-neck tees are perfect to have on hand for any occasion.

For De Rossi's more feminine, dressier ensemble try the Michael Kors peasant tunic top from Zappos.com for $70.99, the Lands' End chino shorts for $15.99 from Lands' End Canvas and the Kenneth Cole Reaction rise guy slingback sandal from Endless.com for $68.87.

Try Ellen's look for a backyard BBQ or go glam like Portia for your next party. Both looks are versatile enough to wear all summer long.

Happy shopping.

Have an outfit you're dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? Email us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

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— Jenn Harris

twitter.com/Jenn_Harris_

Photo: TV personality Ellen DeGeneres and actress Portia de Rossi arrive at the 2012 Teen Choice Awards. Credit: Jason Merritt / Getty Images.

Middle photos, from left: American Eagle Outfitters Boyfriend blazer, $69.95 / Ae.com; Bennett chino, $79.50 / Jcrew.com; Navy and red Repp stripe tie belt, $24.99 / Credbrand.com; DV Dolce Vita oxfords, $79 / Bloomingdales.com; Hanes classic 3-pack V-neck tees, $24 / Kohls.com.

Bottom photos, from left: Michael Kors peasant tunic top, $70.99 / Zappos.com; Lands' End chino shorts, $15.99 / Lands' End Canvas; Kenneth Cole Reaction rise guy slingback sandal, $68.87 / Endless.com.

Billabong to host 6th annual design for humanity charity event

Want to get a look at Billabong's new Spring 2013 collection? The popular skate and surf clothing brand will host its 6th annual "Designer for Humanity" event Wednesday with an exclusive sneak peek at the line's new tribal-influenced swimwear and one-of-a-kind custom pieces.

The event, which takes place at  Paramount Studios in Hollywood, is a mix of fashion, music and art. Festivities include a Billabong runway show featuring items from the new collection. Billabong collaborated with painter Hayuk on the line's swimwear. Some of the looks from the Billabong spring collection will be available for purchase at the event and Hayuk's pieces will be available for pre-sale starting that day. 

An art show titled Unlearn | Relearn with works from more than 25 artists, including Damion Silver and Chris Betting, will be on display. Three stages will be set up for performances by DJs and indie rock bands such as Walk the Moon and Imagine Dragons, and several organic food trucks are slated to make an appearance: Green Truck on the Go, the Gastrobus, the Patty Wagon and CoolHaus.

Tickets are $30 for general admission and $90 for VIP tickets, which allow access to the VIP area with free food and drinks. All ticket sales and a portion of the proceeds from an art auction and product collaboration sales will go to the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation, which supports people, organizations and institutions who work toward a sustainable future.The event is sponsored by Verizon, Sony Xperia and Chipotle Mexican Grill.

Doors will open at 7 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit www.designforhumanity.com.

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-- Jenn Harris

twitter.com/Jenn_Harris_

Image credit:  Billabong

Catch the Havaianas mobile van for some custom flip flops

With summer in full swing, the flip-flop sandal is an essential for keeping feet cool and comfy on the beach. Sometimes, the only problem is finding just the right color to match your new maxi dress or shorts ensemble.

Havaianas, the popular Brazilian flip-flop brand has launched its first ever "MYOH" Mobile van, serving up custom sandals. Customers can choose from 10 different straps and bottoms to create their own Havaiana color combinations. 

The van, which was modeled off a retro VK Kombi, is easy to spot in bright red and features a psychedelic rainbow pattern and the classic Havaianas logo. It's slated to make appearances Thursday, July 19 in Santa Monica (Third Street Promenade at Arizona Avenue from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.), Friday, July 20 in Venice Beach (Abbot Kinney Boulevard between Palms and Venice boulevards from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.) and Saturday, July 21 back in Santa Monica (Third Street Promenade at Santa Monica Boulevard from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.).  At the Venice Beach stop, style expert, author and former Los Angeles Times market editor Melissa Magsaysay will be on hand to offer style tips, help customize shoes and give away a limited number of signed copies of her new book "City of Style."

Want the van to make a trip to your side of town? You can petition for an appearance through the Havaiana's Facebook page.

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-- Jenn Harris

twitter.com/Jenn_Harris_

Photo: The Havaianas custom flip-flop van. Credit: Havaianas.

Frugal Fashion: Naya Rivera a sartorial heroine at Comic-Con

Where can you find bloody zombies, the amazing Spider Man and a hobbit all in the same room? The annual Comic-Con comic book convention in San Diego brings together fans from all over the world -- many of whom dress up as their favorite characters. But over the years the convention, which wrapped up Sunday, has become a place to spot style trendsetters as well. The eclectic mix of fantasy and fashion is now a main attraction for the celebrity set, who attend to promote various projects.

The convention’s sartorial heroes ranged from pretty starlets Michelle Williams (in a  print dress from the Giulietta resort 2013 collection) and Emmy Rossum (in a pale blue suit jacket and vest by Ralph Lauren) to heroines in tougher, sexier garb. “Twilight” saga star Kristen Stewart rocked a cropped white Fluxus T-shirt, mini skirt and high-top sneakers, while Karen Gillan wore a graphic shirt and black mini.

PHOTOS: Starts are casual-chic at Comic-Con 2012

Striking just the right balance of sexy and tough, casual and red-carpet-ready,  was "Glee" star Naya Rivera. Rivera chose a grey Razan Alazzouni top, electric blue high waist pencil skirt from H&M and neon yellow pumps by Giuseppe Zanotti. She let her color combination steal the spotlight by keeping her accessories and makeup minimal. She chose a pair of studs, dark nail polish and a simple nude lip.

To get Rivera’s look, try the wrapped crop tee from Nastygal.com for $32, the midi high-waisted millennium pencil skirt in cobalt blue from Charlotte Russe for $18.99 and the BCBGeneration "Cielo" pump in neon yellow from Nordstrom for $88.95.

For a matte nude lipstick, try the Stila long wear lip color in “In the Nude,” available at Ulta.com for $20. Black nail polish is no longer reserved for adolescents going through a certain phase. Try a couple coats of the Milani high speed, fast dry nail lacquer in black swift 23 ($4.49 at Drugstore.com) to add a little edge to your ensemble.

Happy shopping.

Have an outfit you're dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? Email us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

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-- Jenn Harris

twitter.com/Jenn_Harris_

Top photo: Actress Naya Rivera attends the "Glee" Press Room during Comic-Con International 2012 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. Credit: Frazer Harrison / Getty Images.

Middle photos, from left: Wrapped crop tee, $32 / Nastygal.com; midi high-waisted pencil skirt, $18.99 / Charlotte Russe; BCBGeneration "Cielo" pump, $88.95 / Nordstrom. 

Bottom photos, from left: Stila long wear lip color in “In the Nude,” $20 / Ulta; Milani nail polish, $4.49 / Drugstore.com.

Frugal Fashion: Ines de la Fressange at Paris Fashion Week

When you think of someone who embodies French chic, it's no surprise that Ines de la Fressange comes to mind. The former model and designer has been a force in the fashion world for decades. Last year Fressange wrote a book called "Parisian Chic: A Style Guide," in which she divulged her secrets to dressing, eating and acting like a Parisian. 

When she's not giving away her style pointers, gleaned from years in the fashion industry as the face of Chanel and brand identity consultant for Roger Vivier (among other things), De la Fressange can still be seen on the runways in Paris. In 2009, she modeled two dresses in the Jean Paul Gaultier spring-summer haute-couture collection and also made an appearance on the runway for Karl Lagerfeld at the Chanel spring 2011 show.

De la Fressange is also a fixture off the runway, spotted in the front row at shows during Paris Fashion Week this month. She attended the Jean Paul Gaultier haute couture fall-winter 2013 presentation in a white blouse with sky blue blazer and dark capri denim. She added flats with a sparkly buckle and classic accessories in the form of a red bag, coral-colored bracelets and a long beaded necklace. It was signature de la Fressange: simple, understated elegance.

De la Fressange's outfit is a combination of affordable basics and well-curated accessories. For a similar look get a versatile, plain white blouse, cropped denim pants and a blue blazer. Try the  Robbi and Nikki jersey contrast top from Couturecandy.com for $58, the Black Orchid denim capris from Yoox.com for $79 and the Pale blue boyfriend blazer from Topshop for $70.

For a patterned pair of flats with a buckle, get the Via Spiga Odessa snake embossed buckle flat Lastcall.com for $118. Accessorize with the 31 Bits Designs Waverly necklace from Pinkmascara.com for $34, the Kenneth Cole New York "modern Riviera" coral bracelet from Endless.com for $48  and toss your cellphone, wallet and keys into the Banana Republic leather market tote from Piperlime.com for $89.99.

Mix and match these basics with existing items in your closet to give your wardrobe a budget-friendly lift for any occasion.

Happy shopping.

Have an outfit you're dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? Email us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

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-- Jenn Harris

twitter.com/Jenn_Harris_

Photo: Ines de La Fressange attends the Jean Paul Gaultier haute couture show as part of Paris Fashion Week fall-winter 2013 on July 4 in Paris. Credit: Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images

Middle photo: Robbie and Nikki top, $58 / Couturecandy.com; Black Orchid denim capris, $79 / Yoox.com; Pale blue boyfriend blaer, $70 / Topshop.com.

Bottom photo: Via Spiga Odessa snake embossed buckle flat, $118 / Last Call by Neiman Marcus; 31 Bits Designs Waverly necklace, $34 / Pinkmascara.com; Kenneth Cole New York "modern Riviera" coral bracelet, $48 / Endless.com; Banana Republic leather market tote, $89.99 / Piperlime.com.

Jeremy Scott gets digital for Longchamp

If you've been on a Southern California college campus recently, chances are you've seen a sort of accessory uniformity among the female students. Layers of chunky jewelry clank and chime in the hallways, Tory Burch flats crowd the pathways and the signature Longchamp Le Pilage handbag is a campus staple, seen plopped down on classroom desks in every color.

Taking into account its success with the college crowd, it's only fitting that the new Jeremy Scott for Longchamp Le Pilage bags feature a colored computer keyboard print. The bag design, inspired by the growing digital world, is Scott's 12th collaboration with Longchamp. The bags, which retail for $355, are slated to hit Longchamp stores by the end of this month.

Scott's keyboard design showed up in his New York Fashion Week fall 2012 presentation when a male model walked the runway in a shirt and pair of pants covered in the colored keys.

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-- Jenn Harris

twitter.com/Jenn_Harris_

Photo: Jeremy Scott for Longchamp colored keyboard bag. Credit: Longchamp.

Frugal Fashion: Gwen Stefani goes rocker glam in L.A.

Gwen Stefani was a fashion icon to her "No Doubt" fans long before she launched her L.A.M.B. and Harajuku Lovers labels. The platinum blond was the poster girl for skaters everywhere. She was frequently photographed in a mix of crop tops, baggy pants, studded belts and chains. Over the years, it's been fun to witness the singer transform into a more polished version of her ska rocker self in pieces from her own L.A.M.B. line.

Stefani recently attended the opening of the Exposure 2 photo exhibition in Los Angeles, where she donned a menswear-inspired outfit that was a little of the old "No Doubt" Gwen and her new fashion designer persona mixed together. She wore a pair of Rag & Bone leather pants, white blouse with contrast collar, square-tip tie and cap-toe heels. The silver cuff was a nice touch, and Stefani's best accessory tends to be her signature ruby red lips.

The zipper-embellished pants, silver cuff and contrast collar are rocker chic, while her heels and red lips appear sleek and feminine. The tie adds a funky menswear twist -- perhaps it's a throwback to when Stefani would wear a plain black tie with her bikini tops or with an Oxford shirt and sweater like a school girl.

For a similar blouse with a contrast collar, try the Asos blouse with double collar for $31.48 from Asos.com. Piperlime.com offers a sleeveless version with the Peter Pan collar blouse by Ark & Co. for $49. Tuck your blouse into the Mum trousers from Zara for $59.99. The jean's metallic sheen gives a look similar to leather without the high price tag. The Gitman Bros. burgundy knit silk slim tie from Bluefly.com for $68 offers a fun retro style  or any borrowed skinny tie from a boyfriend or husband can also do the trick.

For a bold silver cuff, get the Hammered cuff by Hive & Honey from Piperlime.com for $18. Finish the look with Nine West gray and pewter baroque pump from Amazon.com for $79 or if you don't mind mixing your gold and silver, go for a sleeker black and gold version with the Asos Sydney pointed high heels with metal cap toe from Asos.com for $74.57.

Happy shopping.

Have an outfit you're dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? Email us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

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-- Jenn Harris

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Top photo: Gwen Stefani attends the opening of Exposure 2 photo exhibition hosted by Prevu on Thursday in Los Angeles. Credit: Todd Williamson / Invision for Prevu / Associated Press

Middle photos, from left: Asos blouse with double collar, $31.48 / Asos.com; Peter pan collar blouse, $49 / Piperlime.com; Mum trousers, $59.99 / Zara.com; Gitman Bros. burgundy tie, $68 / Bluefly.com.  

Bottom photos, from left: Hammered cuff, $18 / Piperlime.com; Nine West baroque pump, $79 / Amazon.com; Asos Sydney pointed heels, $74.57 / Asos.com.

A $2,012 toilet paper wedding dress gives new meaning to 'cheap and chic'

A wedding can be the most expensive soiree you'll ever throw. There's the caterer, the flowers, a band and, of course, the dress. But what if you decided to do away with all the embroidery, lace and taffeta for a dress material that was, say, a little more economical? How about a gown made of plain white toilet paper?

That's the idea behind Cheap-Chic-Weddings.com's eighth toilet paper wedding dress contest. The site asked people to use nothing more than Charmin toilet paper (one of the contest's sponsors), tape, glue and/or needle and thread to make a wedding dress, then submit pictures. The submissions were judged on creativity, originality, beauty and the use of toilet paper.

The winning design came from Susan Brennan, a 26-year-old aspiring artist and designer from Orchard Lake, Mich. Brennan used 10 rolls of Charmin toilet paper to make her Bohemian Cupcake dress. She won the grand prize of $2,012 for this year's entry. Brennan was also the 2011 grand prize winner.

A second-place prize of $1,000 went to Katrina Chalifoux, a 50-year-old electronics technician and mechanic from Knoxville, Tenn. Chalifoux used 28 double rolls of Charmin to make her dress. She is a three-time contestant and the 2008 grand prize winner.

A third-place prize of $500 went to first-time contestant Jennifer Henry, a 31-year-old alternative material designer and stylist from Las Vegas, Nev. Henry used 36 rolls of Charmin and no needle or thread. Instead she used packing tap and double-stick tape to keep her dress together. 

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Photos: From top,  grand prize winner Susan Brennan in her toilet paper dress,  Katrina Chalifoux's entry and Jennifer Henry's submission. Credit: Cheap-Chic-Weddings.com

Frugal Fashion: 'The Amazing Spider-Man' star Emma Stone

Actress Emma Stone is on quite a roll. This month's Vogue cover girl and star of the upcoming film "The Amazing Spider-Man," slated to open July 3, is on a worldwide media tour for the new action flick. As she travels from city to city she's been been popping up on our fashion radar in outfits that are bold and polished -- just what you'd expect from the rising starlet.

Stone was recently spotted in a royal blue Carven dress and Christian Louboutin heels at a lighting ceremony at the Empire State Building with her costar and real-life beau Andrew Garfield. She wore a black and white cocktail frock by Jason Wu at a photocall in Rome, a long maroon and blue color-block dress by Roksanda Ilincic in Madrid and a black and yellow hand-painted Lanvin dress in Moscow. 

At a news conference at the premiere of "The Amazing Spider-Man" in South Korea, Stone once again wowed, in a Burberry Prorsum blue and brown stripe shirt and black pencil skirt, bright turquoise necklace and red Brian Atwood pumps.

For a versatile pencil skirt similar to Stone's, try the pencil skirt with frill at the front from Zara for $49.90. Pair with the American vintage stripe shirt from Revolveclothing.com for $88 and add a pop of color with a chunky necklace. For a real statement piece, get the Kenneth Jay Lane necklace from TheOutnet.com for $83.25 or the Syanne Bib necklace from Chicos.com for $69.

Stone chose a pair of red shoes, but this look can work with any solid-color heel. A black shoe might be nice, or a neon color could spruce up the ensemble for summer. For a simple red heel, try the Unityy heel by Steve Madden which comes in suede or patent, both for $69.95.  

The pencil skirt, striped top and turquoise necklace are stylish but not stiff and can be appropriate for anything from a party to a job interview.

Happy shopping.

Have an outfit you're dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? Email us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

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-- Jenn Harris

twitter.com/jenn_harri

Photo: Actress Emma Stone poses during a news conference at the premiere of "The Amazing Spider-Man" at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Seoul, South Korea.  Credit: Kim Hee-Chul / EPA

American Eagle Outfitters' new campaign features three Angelenos

American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) launched its fall 2012 back to school “Live Your Life” campaign Monday featuring 15 non-professional models from across the U.S. and Canada. Of those 15 men and women, seven California residents were chosen, three of whom are from Los Angeles. The models come from a variety of backgrounds and careers including an actress, students, fashion blogger, professional basketball player, magazine editor, musicians, a designer and more.

Each look in the campaign is meant to showcase how to use American Eagle denim and accessories to show off your individual style. From Los Angeles, artist and musician Angel Taylor is shown in the boyfriend jean in his ad; artist Frankie Ball Jr. sports the skinny jean; and fashion blogger Julie Sariñana wears the super skinny jean. From other areas of California, Aaron Bergantz, a general contractor from San Luis Obispo, models the bootcut jean; Chase Wilson, a surfer from Newport Beach wears the original straight jean; Sandy Ley, a graphic designer from San Francisco models the original boot jean; and Ty Foster, an actor and musician from Granite Bay, wears the relaxed jean.

AEO will continue its use of "real" models with its upcoming spring 2013 campaign. Beginning July 23, customers can enter a contest to be featured in the campaign. Submit a photo and answer personal style questions at www.ae.com/liveyourlife, then share your submission on your social networks and collect as many votes as you can. The 250 people with the most votes in each of the 15 jean fits will be featured on the AEO website. Nine women and six men will be chosen for the campaign by a public vote on Aug. 30. For full details, visit www.ae.com/liveyourlife.

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-- Jenn Harris

twitter.com/jenn_harri

Photo: Fashion blogger Julie Sariñana in the new American Eagle Outfitters "Live your life" back to school campaign ad. Credit: American Eagle Outiftters.