Jane by Design Style Challenge #1: Shopping Haul - Must-Have Items for the Season on a $50 Budget

So this week is the start of a three week fashion challenge that I am participating in, inspired by the new ABC Family's Original Series, Jane by Design, starring Erica Dasher and featuring Andie MacDowell. Jane by Design premieres Tuesday, January 3rd, at 9pm/8c. Catch a clip of the show here, which added some inspiration for the first challenge.

I received my Game Trunk* on Monday, which included a dress form and items I will need to use in order to complete all seven challenges.

For the first challenge, I had to spend a $50 gift card* on items I found to be inspiring, new and unique. I chose to focus on must-have items this season, on a $50 budget. I chose to do my shopping at Forever 21 - modern, trendy and affordable.

Here's a look at my purchases:

1) Knit skirt in royal/black, XS, $16.90

2) Feathered headband in dark brown/cream, $4.80

3) Ring in cream/gold, $2.80

4) Statement necklace in cream/gold, $14.80

5) Knit scarf in black/oatmeal, $8

Total spent: $49.29!

Whenever I go shopping, I rarely ever shop for a whole outfit, but really look for pieces that can be incorporated into my existing wardrobe. I always have to try everything on to be sure of that perfect fit, or perfect enough where I don't have to go overboard with tailoring.

I love mixing classic with trendy pieces and at Forever 21 I love mixing the Heritage collection with the vintage-inspired pieces, like romantic lace tops.

I love accessorizing, whether I'm adding a belt, earrings, ring, necklace or scarf to my look. You just have to make sure you aren't overdoing it! I definitely had fun with this challenge, love everything I picked up and look forward to Challenge #2!

Please share your own shopping haul videos and comments at facebook.com/JaneByDesign and please mention Fashionably Petite!

*$50 gift card and Game Trunk provided by ABC Family

- Kim Weling

Forever 21 Alex & Chloe Collection

The Forever 21 Alex & Chloe Collection launches on December 2nd at Forever 21 stores and forever21.com, just in time for holiday gift-giving. The 12-piece collection is inspired by punk and gothic elements, accented with geometric shapes, spikes, pearls and crystals. This is the first time Forever 21 has collaborated with a jewelry designer to create a limited-edition collection.

The collection is priced from $4.80 to $15.80.

Above images courtesy of Alex & Chloe | Forever 21

Here are images I took at the Forever 21 Alex & Chloe Collection preview

- Kim Weling

Forever 21 for Hello Kitty Exclusive Collection

The Forever 21 for Hello Kitty Exclusive Collection launched on November 18th. This is the first exclusive collaboration between Forever 21 and Sanrio, with the limited-edition fashion collection featuring women's apparel, intimates, hosiery, jewelry and accessories.

I grew up with Hello Kitty, so it's great to still be able to indulge in the brand as an adult, with retro graphics and super-cute Hello Kitty pointelle sweaters, logo crop tees and cardigans. My nieces are also Hello Kitty fans, and would love the accessories in this collection, including jewelry, bags and socks and scarves.

These must-have pieces make the perfect holiday gift for Hello Kitty fans. The collection includes soft pleather, plastic and shimmering sequins as well as bow blouses and shrunken blazers to showcase Hello Kitty's fashionable side. The Forever 21 for Hello Kitty Exclusive Collection is currently available at Forever 21 stores and online at forever21.com, with prices ranging from $3.80 to just under $30.

- Kim Weling

Rory Becca for Forever 21 Holiday 2011 Collection

Forever 21 launched its second collaboration with designer Rory Beca on October 28th. The Holiday 2011 capsule collection includes 18 pieces, inspired by the disco glam of legendary nightclub Studio 54.

The limited edition designer collection is currently available at Forever 21 and forever21.com, ranging from $15.80 to $27.80. Some of my favorite pieces in the collection include the floral lace blazer, leatherette stars tank and textured heart skirt.

Above images courtesy of Forever 21

Here are some images I took during a preview of the Rory Beca for Forever 21 capsule collection, including some great Forever 21 accessories to look out for this holiday season.

- Kim Weling

Forever 21 Hologram Fashion Show and Pop-Up Shop

This morning I stopped by the Daryl Roth Theater to view the Forever 21 Hologram Fashion Show, featuring models walking a virtual runway in the latest looks from Forever 21. I then headed downstairs to checkout Forever 21's first ever, one day pop-up shop. The pop-up shop reminded me of how affordably chic and on-trend Forever 21 is, especially with jewelry and tights priced at less than $6! I've been looking for lace pieces in the form of tights, tops, cropped jackets and skirts. Lace plays a big part at Forever 21 this fall, so it's definitely time to visit my local store!

- Kim Weling

Forever 21 Fall 2011

Forever 21 is focusing on four themes for the fall collection - Vintage Darling, 70s Boho, Midnight Angel - edgy, 80s rock and Navajo-inspired Rustic Cabin.

Vintage Darling is my favorite, with a modern update to pearls and romantic white lace. Everything I am eyeing for fall was featured in the Vintage Darling vignette at the preview - lace tights, lace tops, cropped lace blazer, sequin jacket and floral wedge shoes.

Boho features long, printed skirts and dresses, fringe vests and feather earrings and necklaces. Midnight Angel really rocks the black lace - from cropped leggings to corset tops and black pencil skirts. Rustic Cabin embraces crochet vests and dramatic, feather headdresses and hats.

I couldn't help but love all the jewelry from feathered or enamel heart earrings to pearl locket pendants and rose carved rings.

Lookout for the collection this August/September!

- Kim Weling