It's that time of year... holiday parties are emanate so here are a few ideas from Torrid to kick off your shopping.

Sale alert! They are currently offering 50% off everything!

I haven't been on the Torrid site in a while and I am so pleased with the dress selection I had to share a few of my favorites!

Black Sequin Ruched Tank Dress, torrid.com, $68.50

This sparkly ruched dress is a fun look and will work all year long. The ruching will hide any extra pounds and also add confidence because you won’t need to worry about anyone staring at any bulges. Adding some sparkle is always fun this time of year.

Black Allover Lace Surplice Dress, torrid.com, $68.50

Cold weather may call for sleeves for you (also hides your arms if you don’t like them). A perk of living in colder climates is dressing for them. The Torrid lace dress will be a lovely way to show off your legs and cute shoes but stay appropriately covered with the longer sleeves.

Teal Brocade Belted Tank Dress, torrid.com, $68.50

Do you love a pop of color and want to wear something that will stand out amongst green, red, and black this holiday season try teal. This teal dress will flatter any skin and hair color.

Grey Lurex Lace Tank Dress, torrid.com, $68.50

If light neutrals are more your style, which will also work all year long, this light gray tank dress would be a great option. Add a pop of color with your accessories or winterize the look more with a faux fur cropped coat and tights with boots.

This is a fun time of year with many gatherings. Get your looks together now so you won’t have to be in a last minute scramble. Take a look at the Torrid website to see what they have; they offer sizes ranging 12-26.

So, as I am the “baby” of my group of friends I am super excited to finally be turning 21 at the end of the month! Ten days from now, I will no longer be sitting at home without plans while all my friends are out having fun at the bars or clubs.

Because I live in Southern New Jersey, I plan on doing what most people in my area do for their 21st birthdays… go to Atlantic City. With all my plans already figured out, such as what clubs we will go to and which casino we will be staying at, the only thing left for me to figure out is what to wear. Like most college students, I don’t have a lot of money to spend on a dress that fits my more expensive taste. Therefore I will be shopping for a less expensive but just as stunning outfit.

Forever 21 is a great place to shop for an inexpensive outfit and it offers all the pieces that I am looking for to complete my look: the dress, clutch, jewelry, and heels.

1. Dresses

Coated Panel Sheath Dress, forever21.com, $19.80

Sequined Mesh Inset Dress, forever21.com, $32.80

Slashed Back Bandage Dress, forever21.com, $27.80

2. Crossbody bags and clutches

Next, I want to add a small handbag or clutch to my outfit so that I can hold necessary items like my ID, lip gloss/chapstick, and debit card. I don't want a handbag that's too large because I don't want it to get in the way when I'm dancing. Crossbody bags are perfect because I won't have to worry about them getting the way. Or,  more importantly, I know I won't misplace it!

Chain Strap Woven Crossbody, forever21.com, $22.80

Beaded Leopard Clutch, forever21.com, $29.80

Structured Faux Croco Shoulder Bag, forever21.com, $26.80

3. Jewelry

Jewelry really helps put the finishing touch on any outfit as well as your own personal flare. Here are some options that I really like and will consider wearing on my 21st!

Layered Rhinestone Necklace, forever21.com, $7.50

Braided Antiqued Bracelet, forever21.com, $6.80

Teardrop Filigree Earrings, forever21.com, $4.80

Peacock Printed Earrings, forever21.com, $3.80

Cutout Leaf Collar Necklace, forever21.com, $5.80

4. Heels

Finally, all I need is a cute pair of heels to complete my outfit!

Rhinestone Satin Heels, forever21.com, $39.80

Metal Heel Pumps, forever21.com, $29.80

Peep Toe Cutout Heels, forever21.com, $34.80

Thanks to these styles from Forever 21, I know I'll look great when I turn twenty-one!

Since the beginning of fashion, the little black dress has been a necessity in every woman's closet, whether or not you care for fashion or not. However, I believe that the little white dress is just as important, if not more important, to have. Every woman needs that light, carefree, pure white dress that she can just grab and go out in everyday, no matter what she's doing, whether it be getting the groceries, meeting a friend at a coffee shop, or strolling through town. Yes, it's nice to have that sexy black dress whenever a last minute party, event, or special occasion pops up, but it's a MUST to have that go to white dress for every other moment of your life when you just want to pause, relax, and not think too much about what to wear on an everyday basis.

White 50s Inspired Dress with Full White Circle Skirt sold by StudioEra, etsy.com, $157

Ella Moss Dress: Day Dreamer Maxi Dress, bloomingdales.com, $228

Crochet Knee Length Dress, forever21.com, $22.80

The maxi dress and skirt transcends bounds. The style can be worn day or night, work or pleasure. It’s hard to believe that fall is right around the corner and since the fashion industry is always a season ahead, our favorite retailers are already beginning to transition into cool weather clothes. The maxi dress, living up to its cult following, can be worn during all seasons of the year. To dress it up, you can add a cute clutch or some statement jewelry and to wear it casually just toss on your favorite sandals and accessorize with a tote. For cooler weather, toss on your favorite leather jacket, scarf and booties and voila you have an instant winter outfit.

Skirt: Dip Dye Maxi Skirt, topshop.com, $72; Bag: Travel Bright Bag, modcloth.com, $62.99; Top: Crop Tee, topshop.com, $16; Shoes: Summer Wedge in Orange Combo, 2bstores.com, $39.95

Dress: Layered Maxi Dress in Dusty Lavendar, forever21.com, $32.80; Sandals: Sheer TBar Riveted Sandals, romwe.com, $69; Bag: Pieces Ohela Leather Satchel, asos.com, $82.85 (sale); Necklace: Rock 'N Rose Zoya Vintage Raw Crystal Necklace, motelrocks.com, £21

Skirt: Jovonna London Stone Pleated Tasha Skirt, pretaportobello.com, £65; Tank: Rag and Bone Scoop Neck Tank, int.youheshe.com, £67; Heels: Naomi Black Suedette Demi Platform Wedges, boohoo.com, $60; Bag: Leather Stud Crossbody Bag, topshop.com, $136; Necklace: Juicy Couture Luxe Rocks Pave Link Necklace, zappos.com, $148

Clockwise from top left: H&M Jacket, hm.com, $49.95; Oasis Leather Stitch Detail Jacket in Black, johnlewis.com, £168; Perry Black Suedette Platform Shoe Boots, boohoo.com, $60; Rocket Dog Sayla Bootie, dsw.com, $49.95; Light Wash Crop Denim Jacket, dorothyperkins.com, £35; Blink Whitneyy in Bronze; heels.com, $74.99

Peplums have been popping up all over the runways this season, but you may be surprised to learn that the peplum, which actually means “tunic” in Greek, dates all the way back to ancient Greece!

If the peplum is yet again the hottest stye of the season more than 2,500 years later, there must be a reason why. After checking out the amazing ways designers have incorporated the style into their pieces, it’s little wonder why it’s been such a hit this summer. It effortlessly creates a stunning hourglass figure on all body types, it adds a touch of sophisticated high fashion to any outfit, and it’s fierce, flirty, and fun!

Jason Wu Peplum Dress, nordstrom.com, $1,044

This dress by Jason Wu is an absolutely breathtaking example of the modern peplum -- I love the combination of colors and the high-low geometry of the peplum.  Because I’m a college student on a budget, however, I scouted out some affordable pieces with the same dazzling effect!

XOXO Dress, Cap Sleeve Solid Black Fitted Peplum Sheath, macys.com, $40

The peplum adds an awesome update to the classic little black dress.  I’d add a bold yellow or orange belt in the summer, or red or green accessories in the fall, for a fun pop of color!

Mimi Chica Cutout Peplum Dress (Juniors), nordstrom.com, $44

I love the peach color for the summer.  Add a bold black necklace, bracelet, and/or belt for some extra edge to this flirty dress.

SO Central Peplum Blazer, yesstyle.com, $30.40

Who says your peach peplum has to be part of a dress?  This blazer is an awesome choice if you’re working in a business casual office for the summer, but still want to look chic!

Sparkle & Fade Side Cutout Ponte Knit Peplum Dress, urbanoutfitters.com, $69

This dress combines some of the hottest trends into one amazing  and multipurpose dress -- fun cutouts, a sexy drop back, and of course, the peplum.  It’s an absolute must-have if you’re as excited about these trends as I am!  This dress can easily be dressed up with a great pair of heels and a sparkly bag, or dressed down with some flat sandals and a retro fedora!

Kimchi Blue Strapless Butterfly Peplum Dress, urbanoutfitters.com, $49

Finally, if you’re not sure how to work the full-out peplum in your everyday style, try this muted peplum with a summery floral pattern or fall-inspired geometric print.  The ruffle is flattering on all bodies and flows gracefully in the breeze!

The peplum has a history of popping in and out of fashion, but it’s one of my favorite styles and I hope it’s here to stay.  Wear your peplums with pizzazz!