Looking good this fall doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. That is the mantra of the TLC television series, “What Not to Wear,” and the message behind its partnership with General Growth Properties, Inc. (GGP) malls, which will offer area shoppers expert fashion advice and the opportunity to save money during their next mall visit.

The partnership’s fall program, Shop Smart Look Fab, has launched at Coral Ridge Mall with online promotions at www.ShopSmartLookFab.com and culminating in-mall activities planned for September 17-20. Program components include:

Sept. 17-20, in-mall activities:

• $10 GGP Gift Card offers* – Shoppers who spend $75 or more at participating GGP malls will receive a $10 GGP gift card, while supplies last.

• Free Shop Smart Style Guides – Free booklets that feature the latest style and fashion content will help shoppers make smart wardrobe purchases this season.

• Special deals on the hottest fall items – Including limited time sales and offers from participating retailers.

Online components of www.ShopSmartLookFab.com:

• A chance to win a “What Not To Wear” Experience* – Visitors to the Web site can register to win an exclusive “What Not to Wear” Experience, including a trip to New York City, a $2,500 shopping spree, and a chance to meet a member of the “What Not to Wear” team!

• Style tips and fashion “Do’s and Don’ts” – Learn universal truths from TLC style experts on how to always put your best foot forward.

• Test your style knowledge – Take a fashion quiz to see if your style savvy is on par with TLC’s “What Not to Wear” hosts Stacy London and Clinton Kelly.

The Shop Smart Look Fab program was designed to give Coral Ridge Mall shoppers a little more value toward their next purchase and also help them achieve even smarter shopping habits via expert tips like these, from the fashion gurus of TLC’s “What Not to Wear.”

1. Splurge on a few clothes that fit you really well, instead of skimping on a bunch of stuff that is all wrong for you. Good fashion isn’t about quantity, it’s about quality.

2. Wear wide-legged trousers if you want to slim those hips. But, if you’re looking to create hourglass curves, don a jacket that comes in at the sides.

3. Step into some white shoes after Labor Day. Who cares what the old rules say?

4. Wear leather and suede in lighter weights and colors during the warmer months. Pair a leather skirt and tank top, or a suede shirt with jeans and sandals for a fun, stylish twist.

5. Mix stripes and plaids, but remember one pattern should always take priority over the other. If they are equally loud, you’re going to stick out like a sore thumb.

6. Learn how to mix up a manly necktie knot. Shirts that feature a spread collar should be paired with a thicker tie and bigger knot; those with a point collar need a thinner tie with smaller knot.

Raechal Sabin, 21, Cedar Rapids
Student @ Mount Mercy College

(Cliff Jette Photos/Video)

 
Where do you get your style inspiration from?
First and for most, I have to say that my mother has always taught me that it isn’t what you wear or how much it cost, but how it looks on your body. She has also taught me to pay attention to detail. For example, I could buy a designer, BCBG dress for $300, but look better in a dress from Von Maur for half the price. It is important to remember that a price tag doesn’t determine beauty or self-satisfaction. I am constantly looking for new fashion ideas. I look online daily as well as in fashion magazines. I take the magazine’s ideas and put my own twist on them. Fashion is meant to be affordable and fun. Another aspect of my fashion is hair. I love trying new styles and updo’s. I love to wear my hair wavy, curly, straight, crimped, teased, braided and twisted. I accent my hair with butterfly and flower clips or colorful bobby pins. Based on what clothing I chose for the day, my hair changes to compliment that clothing. Makeup is another important part of a person’s style. For me, less is better. I would rather just wear mascara and pink lipstick then “paint on my face” everyday. True inner beauty is what makes a person beautiful because they are more relatable.

See more photos of Raechal.

Who are your style icons?/Why?
Prepare yourself, I have many style icons, this is because I mix and match their styles in with my own. My style icons are Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Simpson, and Heidi Klum. I have picked them because they all dress “chic, classy, sexy, and vibrant”, which defines my style. Reese Witherspoon is more of the classy-chic type. She loves black and red, and knows what clothing flatters her body. She loves wearing stilettos and big-framed sunglasses. I chose Jennifer Aniston strictly for the reason that she knows how to dress. She has a great body and wears form fitting clothing that also flatter her body. She has a great style and her hair always looks beautifully done! Jessica Simpson, a big favorite of mine, has a sexy style. I love her oversized purses and funky high heeled shoes. She too wears animal print and big-framed sunglasses. I love how she carries herself so confidently. She knows she looks great and isn’t afraid to show it! This is the same for Heidi Klum. She is a very confident woman as well. Heidi knows what clothing flatters her body, and isn’t afraid to show some skin. Her hair always looks flawless and her makeup is natural. I hate when women layer on the makeup as if they are frosting a cake. Simple is ALWAYS better. I feel I am “most pretty” when I only wear mascara and lip gloss, because it is more natural.

What is your favorite local place to find amazing pieces?
Since I am a college student, I cannot afford to spend a fortune on designer jewelry so I take a short trip to Mount Vernon. In Mount Vernon there is a jewelry boutique called, The Silver Spider. In this boutique are affordable purses, clothing, scarves, and jewelry of all kinds. The best thing about this boutique is they have “buy one-get one free” deals on jewelry. All of their jewelry (especially earrings) are sold under $10. If someone was to look in my jewelry box, three-fourths of my jewelry comes from that boutique!

What is your staple go-to store for fashion finds?
I get all my clothing mainly from Express inside Lindale Mall. I also am a huge fan of Target. They have adorable sundresses and great hair accessories. Although, one of my favorite sundresses is from Plato’s Closet, which is a secondhand thrift shop.

What is the one fashion item you can’t live without?
High heels and oversized purses! Sorry I know that is two!

What do you want to splurge on?
Well, someday I would LOVE to own a pair of Jimmy Choo’s! I love to pamper myself with pedicures and highlights, however, if I had to pick I would splurge on a designer dress or a trip to a spa!

What are you willing to skimp on?
Jewelry, because most of my favorite jewelry I bought for under $10!

What kind of fashionista are you?
My style is chic, classy, vibrant, and sexy. Though I love color, I think black and gray flatter my silhouette the most. I am a short girl with curves so I stay away from clothes that are too baggy. Less is more and showing too much skin takes away from the outfit. I love cocktail dresses with stilettos, which I pair with big dangly earrings. I love bright colors like pink, orange, purple, and lime green. All throughout summer I wear sundresses with big sunglasses, simple jewelry, and wedge heels. The best thing about a sundress is that it can be dressed up with stiletto heels, a fashionable belt, or a touch of makeup to transform you from day to night! Everyone loves to flaunt their best attributes. I think by wearing forming-fitting clothing it does show off my curves. I am a HUGE fan of animal print, but don’t get me wrong, a little goes a long way! I love to wear leopard or zebra print tops with skinny jeans or a jean skirt. I have a leopard print sundress that I cannot wait to wear this summer! I think the animal prints bring out a wild side in me.

I try to stay up-to-date with the latest trends. I love molding other styles into my own but I keep in mind the older fashions of Marilyn Monroe or Jackie O. I think it’s important to “funk” up your style but remain classic at the same time.

 
What are you wearing?
A gray jumper, short sleeve that buttons down the front and attaches to shorts, with a gray and white cotton scarf. Both are from Express at the Lindale Mall in Cedar Rapids. I wore this with black  peep-toe wedged heels from Dillards.

 

                                      (Photos and Video by Cliff Jette)

Lindsay Siefken, 27, Cedar Rapids
Manager @ J&A Promotions 

What are you wearing?
A black and white painted print 3/4-sleeve banded top I got from Kohls. I love this shirt because of the cool circle embellishment near the neck. It is like a built in necklace. I paired it with black dress pants from CATO (3005 Wiley Blvd. SW # 110, Cedar Rapids) and a shiny red purse for a pop of color.

Where do you get your style inspiration from?
Convenience and comfort. I look for items that are fashionable and easy. Something that is not going to need to go to the dry cleaners or be ironed every time they are worn.

Who are your style icons? Why?
I’m a big fan of Reese Witherspoon. She always dresses for the occasion. For her Avon events she wears like a cute red dress, something very girlie, then at the opening of “Monster’s vs. Aliens” she wore a metallic silver and green dress. I think it is fun that she gets into character in a way.

What is your favorite local place to find amazing pieces?
CATO ladies clothing store on the southwest side of Cedar Rapids. They have new stuff every time you go in and items are unique and super affordable. Plus their costume jewelry selection is awesome. Great to add a little pizazz to an outfit.

What is your staple go-to store for fashion finds?
Kohls and JCPenney. I am short and have to shop in petites for jeans and pants JCPenney has a good petites section, and I just like all of the fun prints that Kohls comes out with. Both have great brands and good deals.

What is the one fashion item you can’t live without?
A purse. I love my new Miche bag (seen in the photo) that I used in the shoot. It is great that I don’t have to dig everything out of one bag to put into another, I just simply change the shell right before I leave the house.

What do you want to splurge on?
I love jewelry. I have been to a few Lia Sophia and Cookie Lee parties and picked up some great pieces, but I think jewelry is like Jell-O. There is always room for more.

What are you willing to skimp on?
Nail polish and bracelets. Nail polish chips so fast. I always feel like I am touching it up just as soon as it is on. And I have super little wrists so bracelets just slip right off me.

What kind of fashionista are you?
Definitely a department store diva. I love being able to go in one place and find an entire outfit.

What fashion genre would you put yourself in?
Sophisticated but fun.

See more photos by photographer Cliff Jette.

 

 

                                Cliff Jette Photos and Video

Emily Nightingale, 25, Coralville
Sales Manager @ Dillard’s

 

What are you wearing:
Top: Sky from Charm Boutique in the Quad Cities
Bottom: Jeans by Seven for All Mankind from Von Maur
Accessories: Bracelets from Express

Where do you get your style inspiration from?
Just from being around clothes and fashion at my job, seeing what other people are wearing and looking at a lot of magazines. I like when people have their own style and can create something interesting with what they have. That inspires me to think outside of the box and try something new.

Who are your style icons? Why?
Rachel Bilson, Rihanna, Nicole Richie (her maxi dresses are always so cute) and of course Victoria Beckham, they may be on the miss list every once in a while but at least they took a chance! I don’t dress like them at all but I think they have great taste and always personalize their outfits and are the trendsetters.

What is your favorite place to find amazing pieces?
I’m a sales manager at Dillard’s so I do a lot of shopping there. My dress code is business professional and we have a great brand called Antonio Melani, for a career oriented woman. The suits and dresses are as fashion forward as a suit can get. I moved here from the Quad Cities and every time I go home I stop at a boutique called Charm. They have some great brands of jeans and some great tops.

What is your staple go-to store for fashion finds?
When I have a special occasion or am excited about my friends visiting me I will shop online at Arden B. or make a trip to the Quad Cities and go to Charm Boutique. If I need work clothes I will either go to Dillard’s or Banana Republic. If I don’t have time to order online or go to any boutiques, I will head over to Von Maur.

What is the one fashion item you can’t live without?
My white T-shirt. Simple as that is, it makes it easy to wear with anything. You can dress it up by putting on some great shoes or necklaces and bracelets. Or put a scarf or vest over the white T-shirt. I also couldn’t go without my A-line Seven For All mankind jeans, just a perfect fit.

What do you want to splurge on?
So many things. I would love to be able to get some great pieces of jewelry, more along the lines of fashion costume jewelry or antique jewelry something so different that it just makes an outfit. I worked at a boutique and they carried that kind of product and I did splurge on a mother of pearl ring. It is just so big and pretty, and since it is pearl it goes with so much. I will splurge on a great pair of jeans and purses. When I lived on the East Coast I found a great brand of purses called Hayden Harnett they are so unique and good quality, they will last more than one season. You use a purse everyday. So you might as well show off your great taste! I also love jeans! Seven, True Religion, William Rast, Big Star and Level 99 are my favorite.

What are you willing to skimp on?
Socks.

What kind of fashionista are you?
I have so much fun shopping at boutiques, I don’t like to wear the same clothes that everyone else is wearing and I like being the first to find a great brand. I also do a lot of shopping at Dillard’s where I work. There are some great brands like BCBG, Big Star, Matty M and Sweet Pea.

Video and photos by Cliff Jette

Kari Stillman, 33, MarionVice President of Project Development and Marketing @ Priority One, Cedar Rapids

“I need at least one pair of great jeans. A good classic pair of jeans are never out of style.”

What she’s wearing:
Top: Maurices the top came with a black belt but I opted to find a red belt.
Bottom: Pants from New York & Company
Shoes: Target
Accessories: Bracelet and belt from Target

Where do you get your style inspiration from?
I simply enjoy seeing what people around me are wearing, whether it is here in Cedar Rapids or other places when I travel. I’m not much into style magazines unless you count flipping through US Weekly in the grocery check out line.

 Who are your style icons? Why?
I love watching celebrities like Gwen Stefani or Sarah Jessica Parker. They have such a courageous sense of style creating looks that are very unique to who they are. However, I don’t dress ANYTHING like them.

What is your favorite local place to find amazing pieces?
I have to admit I’m not a fan of shopping, so stores like Target, Kohls and Old Navy are great places to stroll through and find things that catch my eye. And New York & Company. They have great clothes for work at a decent price.

What is your staple go-to store for fashion finds?
I really enjoy shopping for myself at Target. I usually am not out looking for specific outfit so when I can simply browse through Target, which carries the full spectrum of fashion, is when I tend to find some great pieces.

What is the one fashion item you can’t live without?
I need at least one pair of great jeans.

What do you want to splurge on?
Jeans. It’s hard to a pass up a pair of jeans that can make you look great. Besides a good classic pair of jeans are never out of style.

What are you willing to skimp on?
Shoes. I love finding great deals on shoes.

What kind of fashionista are you?
I find a majority of my clothes at department stores simply because I often don’t take the time to seek out other places.

What fashion genre would you put yourself in?
I probably most consistently fit within the classic genre, with a bit of a twist. Depending on my mood or where I’m going, I enjoy trying different looks too.

For more photos check out the photographer’s blog.

HooplaNow Extra: Watch a video of Megan talking about her favorite fashion finds.

Photo and video by Cliff Jette. For more photos and the inside scoop on the photo shoot go to reFocus, The Gazette’s photojournalism blog.

Megan Antonik, 22, Cedar Rapids
Teller @ U.S. Bank, Coralville

What are you wearing:

Top: A black blazer and a purple tiered ruffle dress, both from Express
Bottom: Black tights by Spanx
Accessories: Black patent leather t-strap heels by Franco Sarto

Where do you get your style inspiration from?

I love looking at pictures, any type of pictures. It can be anything, from a magazine like “Vogue” to pictures of my friends. They always give me new ideas for different outfits, or unusual ways to put pieces together. It’s always fun to get new trendy items and mix them with the staples that I already own. It’s essential to make getting dressed enjoyable. It always makes me feel good about myself.

Who are your style icons? Why?

I really like people that own their sense of style. If you love what you’re wearing and feel amazing, then more power to you. I think that Eva Mendes makes great fashion choices. She always looks comfortable in what she’s wearing, but really polished and put together. She’s a new icon for me, but lately I’ve been obsessed with Blake Lively’s style. She has a good balance between unique pieces and structured basics.

What is your favorite local place to find amazing pieces?

I absolutely love Catherine’s in Iowa City. They always carry the brands that are hard to find around here. Plus, they only get in a few of each item so you know there won’t be a hundred other girls wearing the same outfit. They have absolutely beautiful stuff!

What is your staple go-to store for fashion finds?

It’s always easy for me to find something at Express. They have all the basics you could ever need, but I can always pick up a new outfit for the upcoming weekend. Not to mention they have great options for work wear.

What is the one fashion item you can’t live without?

I love oversized bags. During the day I have to carry a purse that can fit any item I might need. My favorite ones are bright and colorful, with distinctive patterns and fabrics. They can transform any outfit and make it look special, just by throwing it over my shoulder.

What do you want to splurge on?

It’s a weakness of mine to splurge on handbags. If it’s well made it will last for years and years. That way I can have a bag that fits my mood or the day. It’s become like a collection.

What are you willing to skimp on?

I love to find shoes that are on sale. There’s no better feeling than to rummage through a bunch of shoes that are on sale and find the perfect one in your size. It takes a bit of patience, but I’ve found some amazing shoes and boots that are literally half their original price.

What kind of fashionista are you?

I think it’s really important to keep all fashion options open. You never know when you’re going to find an amazing piece, or the perfect shoe. It rarely happens that I’ll walk into a store and find exactly what I want right away. It becomes more of a treasurer hunt when I have to dig around, or try on a million different things. It makes it all the better when you the leave the store with something you never thought you would.

What fashion genre would you put yourself in?

I would usually say that my style is pretty classic, but I tend to fall in love with pieces that are really unusual and stand out. So lately I’ve just mixed everything together. I don’t like to think that I need to stay in a box when I’m getting dressed. If it feels right I put it on. What I love about fashion is that everyone can put their own spin on it. It’s fun to see what’s going to come next.

HooplaNow Extra: watch a video tour of Mallory’s closet
Video and photos by Cliff Jette

Mallory Cink, 23, Cedar Rapids 

Marketing and Research Associate @ CR Downtown District

What are you wearing?

Top: A leather jacket from Target, with a sheer black tank top underneath from Express.
Bottom: American Eagle stonewashed torn skinny jeans
Accessories: These are my favorite killer-red Mary Jane heels that I found in a Nine West outlet store when I was in Colorado. I’m also wearing a black ring and dark silver necklace from Sarah Jessica Parker’s “Bitten” collection.

Where do you get your style inspiration from?

My style inspiration comes from my natural desire to be creative and unique with what I buy and wear. My favorite outfits are those that seem unique or at least something that you don’t see everywhere. I definitely use the expertise of my older sisters to guide me and my friend’s fabulous style sense to inspire new looks.

Who are your style icons? Why?

I absolutely love Sarah Jessica Parker. She has such a great style and isn’t afraid to take risks, which encourages me to do the same. She never fails to add luster to her outfits with a killer pair of heels or costume jewelry. I also love that she has naturally curly hair (like me), finds creative ways to wear it or even straighten or curls it, which is what I do, depending on my mood or the occasion. I just feel like I can relate to her look a little more than other women in “the spotlight.”

What is your favorite local place to find amazing pieces?

Locally, I like to shop at Target, Old Navy, American Eagle and Express. The best part of shopping at a typical chain store is finding pieces that accentuate my personality. I might have to dig a little, but I love when I find “the hidden gems” that make an outfit special or that others may not typically choose. Depending on accessories, I like to add personality to simple pieces to make an outfit look totally different from what I might see in store windows.

What is your staple go-to store for fashion finds?

Heritage 1981 is a store that I always shop and find something fun to wear. With a vintage look to the clothing, I can always find something unique to wear there for a really great price. I depend on this store for sweet summer dresses, casual T-shirts, great accessories and jackets. I especially love shopping there for spring and summer looks to spice up my wardrobe for the warmer months.

What is the one fashion item you can’t live without?

Gosh, one?! I absolutely love my skinny jeans. They go perfectly with just about any shoe, and can be dressed up or down for any occasion.

What do you want to splurge on?

I love SHOES. I’m sort of picky about shoes but that’s because I think it’s important to find the shoe that fits everything – not only your foot. It’s got to fit the need, your style, your personality. There’s no other shopping satisfaction like when you buy a shoe that “fits.” And as much attention as I give my heels, I love finding a great flat that gives the same flair to an outfit as a fun pump. I also like Diesel tennis shoes for the fun and active days outside. My philosophy on shoes – they make you stand tall, and give you a great foundation to stand on during those tough or monumental moments, definitely worth it.

What are you willing to skimp on?

I’m always finding bargain prices for my comfortable T-shirts and under shirts. I love Old Navy’s $5 basic tanks that you can wear under any shirt, they just sort of keep everything in place, and go well under a shear top. Also, bargain-priced accessories can go a long way if you take care of them like you would you expensive pieces – same advice goes for clothing.

What kind of fashionista are you?

I’m definitely a mix of fashion tastes. I like to mix it up by wearing vintage-looking clothes with flats one day, my unique handmade dress and beautiful heels another, and Vera Wang jacket with my sleek black boots the next day. I don’t like to limit myself with one or two stores or one taste I can appreciate clothing from many genres.

Newest to the so-nerdy-it’s-cool list: sweater vests.

Seriously. Think these sweaters sans sleaves lost their cool factor with “Revenge of the Nerds?” Think again. They’re back. In a BIG way.

Need proof. Today is Sweater Vest Day in Eastern Iowa.

The fearless leader of the sweater vest revolution is The Gazette’s own Jason Kristufek, proud owner of 43 sweater vests.

See more photos of other E. Iowans in sweater vests here.

Newsies aren’t typically known for being fashion trendsetters. So don’t want to take our word for it?

Stylist.com says “From what we’ve gathered, this year’s sweater vest look is all about the pattern — and the nerdier the better. Forget solids or pinstripes, its all about checks, argyles, or a bold houndstooth. Basically, anything reminiscent of an ugly retro sweater that your parents dressed you in as a toddler.” Read more here.