Olive and Bettes

Although this is a store, not a designer, I couldn't resist mentioning this beautiful boutique when highlighting my favorite aspects of fashion. This is always a staple in my trip when venturing to New York, due to its perfect selection of t-shirts, tops, dresses and denim as well as the store itself's colorful charisma. Although a bit pricey, I always fulfill my need to overspend on designer jeans at this stop, and usually catch a sale on a pretty top that I could not find around here in Rhode Island. When talking to the bubbly and knowledgeable salespeople upon my very first visit to the shop they told me that recents shoppers at the store included Anne Hathaway and Lauren Conrad ensuring the store's credibility. Carrying designers such as Free People, J Brand, Alice and Olivia, Splendid, as well as designers unique to the store. Stacey Pecor, the store's founder from Vermont won Crain’s New York Business “Entrepreneur of the Year” and has also been featured in Life and Style Magazine as a red carpet critic. The store has 4 New York  locations (SoHo, Upper West Side, Upper East Side and 3rd Ave).

Sam Edelman

Sam Edelman describes his shoe lining as using "sensual textures, playful embellishment and confident style", and I could not describe the line better myself. Combining animal prints and studs with rhinestones and bows makes for a fiercely feminine and one of a kind line. These shoes can be found in department stores as well as online shoe retailers (solestruck.com has the largest selection) usually for under $200.

Alice and Olivia

Designer Stacey Bendet launched her line in 2002 and since then it has exploded into a 50 million dollar empire. This pricey label known for its fabulously girly dresses usually featuring exquisite color and sequins, as well as perfectly tailored shorts and pants. These dresses are a go-to for celebs for red carpet events as they will be sure to sparkle. With the amount of celebs that love this line, I think if it's good enough for these fashion icons it sure is good enough for me. Although to score one of these amazing dresses you'd have to be willing to spend somewhere in the $400 range from any high end department stores or at one of their five official Alice and Olivia stores (New York City, Los Angeles, Malibu, Greenwich, and Southampton) or get very lucky at a TJ Maxx or Marshalls in a ritzy town (I've done my research) and get one for a steal of under $100.

Halston Heritage

This designer outfitted the extravagant wardrobe for Sex and The City 2. As a series known for each character having their own personal style, this designer did Miss Bradshaw justice in her marvelously fashionable frocks throughout the movie. Although the label made a name for itself in luxury womenswear back in 1968 via Roy Halston Frowick's relationship with the moment's starlets and celebs, it was Halston Heritage's appearance in the movie that caused my obsession. These looks can be found in store and online at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and Nordstrom at $300+ per dress. Halston also has a line for Bakers Shoes called H by Halston at a more reasonable price point starting at about $100 a pair.

Alex and Ani

A Rhode Island based brand that absolutely exploded with popularity. To wear in a bunch of bangles or by themselves, these jingly pieces of jewelry are charming and eco-friendley as well. Many of the bracelets have special meanings behind them and they come in several varieties ranging from plain silver or gold, or with colored beaded stones. The average bangle sells for about $25 and although they started in small RI boutiques you can now find these stylish accessories in department stores nationwide or at AlexandAni.com

Lauren Moshi

This line was inspired by a brother and sister's lust for luxury. Michael and Lauren Moshi based their line off of fine art and high fashion, hand drawn by Lauren herself. If you're buying this brand, you have a keen eye and appreciation for detail and the best fabrics for t-shirts, hoodies, sweats and cardigans. I would say this brand is in the same lane as Wildfox Couture (which I previously highlighted), where you'd be spending about $85 for a super cute t-shirt.  Fashion icons such as Lauren Conrad, Sarah Jessica Parker, Anne Hathaway, Lindsay Lohan, Reese Witherspoon, Paris Hilton and many more have been spotted flaunting these fashionable frocks.

Motel Rocks

Motel Rocks is a super trendy brand with a heavy vintage flair. This brand originated in 1990. It features flirty dresses, tops, skirts and shorts all unique and made for the young and fashionable. My favorite portion on the line are definitely the dresses. They can be worn for a variety of occasions, all of which you'd be sure to be a standout when dressed in Motel Rocks. You can buy online at MotelRocks.com TopShop.com Karmaloop.Com and online as well as store at Urban Outfitters. To buy a dress from Motel Rocks you would be looking to spend under $100.