Blog Posts by Sarah Bernard

Indulging doesn't have to mean spending beyond your means, which would invariably undercut the good feeling you're trying to create. One of my favorite ways to indulge is through fashion (obviously). We've found five guilt-free options for savvy shoppers like you so you can stay stylish and give yourself a well-deserved treat. Enjoy!

1. Shop sample-sale websites

Visit ideeli.com, a sample-sale site that offers exclusive fashion deals daily. Sales begin at noon EST and last up to 40 hours. The dress I'm wearing in this episode was one of my ideeli.com finds. Originally it was $148, but I got it for $49. Added bonus: If you refer friends to the site, you get $25 credit for each newcomer who buys something.

2. Add scent to your clothes

Most of my clothes are wash-and-wear. One, because I hate dry-cleaning bills, and two, because I want to make sure everything feels and smells great. I'm extremely particular about my laundry, I admit. One of my essentials is Ultra Downy fabric softener.

When we found out that Sofia Vergara (aka the hilarious, vivacious Gloria on ABC's hit "Modern Family") was launching a fashion line with Kmart, we were more than intrigued. For years we've loved Sofia's style because whether she's in full Hollywood mode or just in street clothes, the Colombian-born actress-model-producer with the trademark cat-eyes and bombshell hair always knows how to dress for her body. We're happy to report that her brand new collection, Sofia by Sofia Vergara, includes figure-flattering, versatile pieces from lace leggings to leopard cocktail dresses all of which echo her own sassy style. Sofia came by our studio to introduce us to the line—her outfit looked amazing and cost under $100! See what Sofia had to say about why style and price don't have to go hand in hand (think she's been watching The Thread?) and why creating pieces for every shape and budget was her ultimate fashion goal.

So many celebs are branching out into fashion lines these days with mixed

Photo credit: Jason Merritt/Getty, Ramey

Ever since Kate Middleton wore Sarah Burton's design to walk down the aisle, celebs have been loving Alexander McQueen even more than they already did (if that's possible). This gorgeous white-on-white lace pattered sheath is extremely figure-flattering, as most McQueen pieces are.

Jordin was the first to wear this look back in February for a pre-Grammy bash, even before the royal wedding! The new Mrs. Humphries just chose the dress for a walk in Beverly Hills. Now we know Kim loves her Louboutins, but when it comes to clothing designers, she wisely spreads her love around. She's devoted to Vera Wang who designed her three wedding gowns, Zac Posen and for the red carpet, everyone from Nina Ricci to Marchesa. But she's been wearing a lot of McQueen of late and the body-transforming cuts seem to be made for her.

Jordin and Kim had similar ideas in the styling department on this one: nude platform heels, simple bracelets, modest earrings. In this case, we're giving Kim the nod mostly for

GettyImagesIt's jeans and jacket weather in New York City and this week I officially put away my summer sandals— a bittersweet ritual. But as I dug out my booties and my over-the-knee boots from the back of my closet, I realized how much I'd missed them. What's easier than pulling on a pair of statement boots with jeans and a sweater? A no-brainer winter uniform. Truth be told, in my rush to move on to warmer weather, I left a lot of them in need of love and attention. A few will have to head to the shoemaker. But in many cases there are fast and easy cost-saving home remedies that work just as well to get your winter footwear into shape. Here are seven of my favorite:

1. All of my heels have scuff marks, and I've found that baking soda is a fantastic scuff mark remover. Use a little water to make a paste and gently rub the area.

2. Petroleum jelly gives a nice shine to leather. Apply less than you think you need with a cloth and then use another cloth to wipe the leather clean.

3. If your

So who wore this risqué, leather-topped Michael Kors gown better?

photo credit: BFA/SIPA; John Kopaloff/WireImage

When Beyoncé revealed to the world at the VMAs that she was expecting her first child, our thoughts immediately went to maternity fashion. Would she keep up her penchant for leg-baring designer looks or would she take a style break and go for comfort? Now that a few weeks have past, I think we have our answer. At the opening of Tory Burch's Madison Avenue flagship store, the mom-to-be wore this fab belly-revealing, leather-topped Michael Kors piece from pre-fall. It's the same dress Leighton Meester wore to the premiere of "The Roommate" back in January.

Aside from the fact that the waistband on Beyoncé's dress hits higher up on her torso, presumably to allow for her bump, while Leighton's fits snugly at her natural waistline, it's hard to even tell that this gown is masquerading as maternity garb.

Beyoncé's trademark blonde curls prove that she's still going all out in the styling department— which makes us happy— but

A great hairstyle is just like a great piece of statement jewelry — it can transform an otherwise simple outfit into something bold and defined. That's why we love experimenting with different hair looks. First of all, it's just plain fun — I love testing out products and styling tools almost as much as I love shopping for fall fashion deals. Also, having a full range of hair options in your repertoire is a budget-friendly way to expand your closet. Here are five looks we think you'll love, from textured buns to mermaid braids. Give them a try and let us know what you think.

Half-Up Hair

The key to this look is to give the top section of hair a bit of texture before you pin it back. The texture will add volume and sophistication so you won't look like you're in grade school.

The Perky Ponytail

I love the contrasting textures of this one. You want to slick the hair back tightly before you tie it into a ponytail. (Think Kim Kardashian.) Use a comb to make sure there are no fly-aways and

Self Magazine's 4^th Annual Women Doing Good Awards, hosted by the lovely Hoda Kotb, was a truly inspiring event. Community-minded celebrities from Lisa Ling to Christina Hendricks and Jessica Seinfeld were honored in addition to three amazing "real" women who took it upon themselves to help soldiers pay for their cell phone bills, fight childhood obesity and show young women how to deal with breast and ovarian health in a positive, pro-active way. The amazingly svelte Jennifer Hudson, who happens to be Self's covergirl this month, was recognized for the Julian D. King Gift Foundation, the organization she started in the name of her late nephew. Check out this video to see their amazing accomplishments and find out how you can get involved!

Check out the latest from The Thread below.

Hair Myths Debunked	Your Hair Dilemmas Solved

Eat Your Way to Health	Plastic Surgery Trends Around the World

The interesting thing about this Stella McCartney dress, worn by Kate Winslet in Venice and La La Anthony in NYC, is the artful shading designed to create the illusion of a nipped-in waist and an enhanced bustline. Even the model who wore it on the runway looked positively voluptuous, if you know what we mean.

La La Anthony and Kate Winslet (Pena/Hall/INFphoto.com; Dominique Charriau, Getty)

The stars agreed that the black, beige, and white frock called for simple accessories so as not to detract from the sexy neckline. La La's classic black pumps work fine, but Kate's platform YSL peep-toes add a fun retro vibe.

And then there's the hair. La La has gorgeous locks, but Kate's low bun not only showcases her drop earrings but also perfectly mirrors the dress' sleek vibe. Do you agree? Let us know!

Check out the latest from The Thread below.

Hair Myths Debunked	Your Hair Dilemmas Solved

Eat Your Way to Health	Plastic Surgery Trends Around the World