From Jackie Onassis to Princess Diana to Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, these ladies are the proof that elegant and classy style is truly timeless.  Carla Bruni-Sarkozy donned many winning looks as the First Lady of France (soon to be former).  We are at least impressed by her impeccable French style.  Today we’ve created three inspired looks after her ever-sophisticated ensembles.  Each look can easily work for the office - with pieces at affordable prices!

Bruni-Sarkozy often sports flat shoes on public events (so she won’t tower over her rather short husband).  She has given us plenty of examples on how to look elegant in a pair of flats including the outfit below.  Here’s our budget version featuring a light blue cardigan, navy pencil skirt, bow flats (sale!) and black satchel (sale!).

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Knit blazers are perfect for both casual or dressy attire.  The knit material loosens up what is normally a formal piece.  If you want to invest in a versatile, fashionable and as well as comfortable blazer – we suggest the Rag & Bone Bromely blazer, in navy, gray and white.  We covet the sharp contrast piping and fitted style that won’t look like you stole your boyfriend’s.  Retails for $415 – $495.

You can get the Mango knit blazer in a similar style for just $80!  Available in navy & gray made of 100% cotton.  From spring to fall, these blazers effortlessly coordinate with jeans, LBDs, and trousers alike.

Look chic at the office when worn with a pencil skirt and mid-heel pumps (50% off!).  Keep it casual with jeans going out.  And these studded pumps (sale!) will provide a nice edge to the outfit.

Check out these knit blazers under $60 with contrasting piping detail in different colors!

YSL offers some of the best shoes available on the market, so there is no surprise that these indigo Palais pumps are almost sold out even at the price of $700 and up.  Also available here.

If the YSL pumps are out of your price range, try Sam Edelman’s Tacoma suede pumps.  The brilliant blue hue is lovely especially for daytime wear at the office.  Check out different color options here.

Actress Kate Beckinsale was recently photographed wearing this gorgeous Twist Front Matte Jersey Dress by Michael Kors.  With the feminine detail and the comfortable fabric, twist front (knotted) dresses can be your perfect go-to dress for work.  Put on a tuxedo blazer and a pair of nude pumps – the look is office-ready.  Grab a clutch, slip into a pair of vampy heels for after-work affairs.

1. Maggy London Draped Jersey Dress
2. MICHAEL Michael Kors Cowl Twist Dress w/ Knot Front
3. Halston Heritage Twisted-Front Dress
4. Lauren by Ralph Lauren Knotted Jersey Dress
5. Max and Cleo Cheryl Twist Front Heather Jersey Dress
6. Aidan by Aidan Mattox Knot Front Crêpe de Chine Dress

Currently declared the “it bag” of Fashion Week, Celine Luggage tote bags have been one of the most sought after bags for a few seasons now.  There is no denying that the bag is timelessly classy in such a chic structured fashion yet it’s perfectly practical at the same time.  The price for these bags range anywhere from $1500 – $3000 depending on the style and size.

Now, here is a wonderful alternative (compared to other cheap knockoffs) – the Tillary tote from J.Crew.  It’s not bluntly identical but smartly similar, for just $328.  We love the versatile neutral tone in Warm Sienna that will easily go with everything.  But hurry, it’s the only color currently available!

Tillary totes also come in a canvas/leather version which will be absolutely fabulous in spring and summer. Again, only the Flax and Stripe are available.  These are also larger than the leather version with a lower price tag of $228.  Get your favorite style before they sell out.

The color orange is easy to pull off with accessories especially with shoes.  It’s even easier to wear when the shoes are as classy and comfortable as these leather loafers – a must go-to for work, travel and play.  Tod’s are known for their quality driving shoes.  The Giommino loafers are our favorite style, orange in particular.

If you don’t want to invest in a pair of Tod’s, check out these similar leather loafers by Geox.  The price is fabulous at $149.95.  Pair them with a fitted top and jeans for a casual-chic work look.

Comfortable slip-on loafers in a sleek, dressy style!  Make these black patent loafers among the essentials for your work wardrobe.  While Repetto’s Michael loafers are almost sold out at $305, you can get the same chic style with Steve Madden’s Eltonn loafers for much less at $79.95.  Enter code SMFREESHIP for free shipping on orders over $75 at stevemadden.com.

Pair these up with cropped trousers and a crisp button-down for easy office ensemble.

Cartier look for less.  Inspired by the prestigious brand, these Gossip watches are the best fashion watches under $50, perhaps even under $200.  They flaunt a beautiful mother-of-pearl dial with brilliant faux diamonds around the bezel (the bell-shaped face is absolutely gorgeous).  The polished link bracelet adds even more shine.  With any one of these watches on your wrist, there is no need for any other jewelry.

Each watch comes with an adjustable band with 2 removable links.  Although I still had to take one to the jeweler to have more links taken out.  See how big the watch faces look on my tiny 6″ wrist??

The silvertone (square) is available on sale for $37.62 $60 and the goldtone (bell-shape) is even cheaper at $36.28 (currently unavailable).  When prices are this low, you can get them in multiple colors or in different styles like I did.  From QVC.com.

Marc by Marc Jacob’s corduroy knee boots are now almost sold out at the sale price of $174 $580.  The dark brown hues are more luscious than chocolate truffles.

Classic tall boots are a winter wardrobe essential.  These comfy-chic Ilaz boots are perfect for day or night in a stylish “leather + suede” look.  The boot comes in N, M, W width options along with a wonderful 3.5 inch mid-heel.  Now on 50% off sale for $94.99 $189 at naturalizer.com!

Also check out this similar pair called Milano.  I actually own these and they are one of the most walkable heeled-boots I’ve ever worn.

Sparkle in high style! New Year’s is just around the corner, it’s that one special day to sport some major bling!  And what better way to add glitz than shoes?  For this upcoming New Year’s Eve party and beyond, these crystal & rhinestone encrusted heels will be your go-to shoes any time you want to add oomph to your outfit.  We call them shoe-jewels!  Give yourself an extra treat with a luxury pair or enjoy a similar look for much less!

Giuseppe Zanotti Crystalized Platform Slingback VS Steve Madden Lyddiaa
Gucci ‘Sofia’ Crystal Embellished Platform Pump VS Steve Madden Cycile
Casadei Neptune Beaded Platform Pump VS Enzo Angiolini Show You