Influenced by Erica (on a budget!)

Let's face it, while I wish I had Erica's style (or stylist), I couldn't afford most of the dresses she does wear.  In fact, I doubt that Erica could afford most of the dresses she does wear.  Sure items from H&M, Banana Republic and Anthropologie make appearances from time to time.  But DVF, Nanette Lapore, Alexander McQueen ?  Not to mention the shoes (oh the shoes!)

So what might Erica wear if she was my on-a-budget coworker?  While she may not find as many fantastic prints available, there are some styles that might appeal to her (at a price point that is more in tune with my actual coworkers):

http://www.target.com/p/Merona-Womens-Pleated-Neck-Sateen-Dress-Assorted-Colors/-/A-13871204

or a similar pleated top look, sleeveless at a higher price ($57) ; http://us.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=34072&storeId=13065&productId=4389121&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=339496&parent_categoryId=&pageSize=200&refinements=category~[339172|339496]&noOfRefinements=1

and a wrap dress with a little pattern (and on sale for $12.99)  http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_027B032794320001P?prdNo=33&blockNo=33&blockType=G33

This ($20.99)  actually looks similar to a dress Erica wore in Season 2:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_031VA45703701P?prdNo=38&blockNo=38&blockType=G38

Or if you like pop of color how about scarlet ($15) - you could pair it with an orange or navy cami

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Seed-Women-s-Cotton-Tie-Front-Dress/19204049

Erica also favors the classic shirtdress - which can be found in the lower price points ($16)

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Women-s-Denim-Short-Sleeve-Belted-Dress/19414930

or this lovely (now on sale for $28): 

Plus Size Women's Petites Liz Claiborne Belted Shirt Dress - Olive

For evening, Erica often sports dresses that are strapless and either have tiers, or are one shoulder (such as this $39.99 beauty):

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_031VA46131501P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 Or for a strapless option ($39.99), all this dress needs is a sparkly crystal belt:
http://www.target.com/p/Womens-Plus-Size-Merona-Strapless-Chiffon-Dress-Assorted-Colors/-/A-13468556?ref=tgt_adv_XSE10001&AFID=become_df&LNM=|13468556&CPNG=women&ci_src=16079562&ci_sku=13468556

T Shirts and Separates

For T-shirts, Erica favors eco-friendly rayon made from bamboo.  Specifically, this company's eco-friendly rayon:

http://lilikoiclothing.com/eco_friendly_clothing.htmlhttp://lilikoiclothing.com/eco_friendly_clothing.htm


Erica also likes Anthropologie -- the Molded & Melded Tee  S3E8 "Physician Heal Thyself":

.

and seen in  "Adam’s Family” (S3E11) – Anthro's  Breezy Polkas Cardigan 

S2E6 "Shhh Don't Tell"  - Talbots Cap Sleeve Satin Blousean

A Purple Dress for Christmas

 
If you really, really love this dress & are a size 7, it's available NWT on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-MAGGY-LONDON-Sequin-Strapless-Dress-Purple-6-/150637341854?pt=US_CSA_WC_Dresses&hash=item2312af6c9e

Designers of Choice

So who are the designers of choice for costume designer Luis Sequeira?  In an interview for Monsters and Critics, he names names:

Issa of London
Nougat (of London)
Nanette Lepore
Trina Turk
Catherine Malandrino
Ralph Lauren
Leifsdottir
Teen Flow
Anne Klein
Alice + Olivia
James Perse
Theory
Rebecca Taylor

Read the entire piece, which features Erin Karpluk here:
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/dvd/features/article_1657501.php/Erin-Karpluck-talks-Being-Erica

Promo Clothing

From the season one Promo:

"Teez Me" dress
http://www.polyvore.com/teeze_me_rosette_trim_dress/thing?id=8514005

and if you want Erica's Madonna Halloween costume from Me Casa Su Casa Loma (S1E10)
http://www.threemusesclothing.com/servlet/the-562/Madonna%2C-80%27s%2C-popstar/Detail

   
Three Muses also has Jenny's Marie Antoinette costume as well.

Being Nanette Lepore

If there is one 'go-to' designer on Being Erica, it is Nanette Lepore.  Hands down, this designer provides some of the most talked about & coveted dresses on the show.  Some familiar looks:

The cherry-print dress that Erica wore in the season 2 premiere is
Nanette Lepore’s Very Cherry dress (which is also available in black & white)

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446215785

The dress in the opening of S4E7 “Being Ethan” is Nanette Lepore’s Tropical Heat Dress

http://reviews.saksfifthavenue.com/5000/0414028666757/nanette-lepore-tropical-heat-dress-reviews/reviews.htm

Purple one-shoulder dress (altered for show)  from S4E8 "Please tell me Know" (also available in buttercup)


http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Nanette-Lepore-Marilyn-One-Shoulder-Cutout-Dress-Contemporary/prod130000088

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nanette-Lepore-Leading-Lady-Dress-/280800347272?pt=US_CSA_WC_Dresses&hash=item4161014488

In the beginning

In the beginning there was black.  Black sweater worn with black pants.  Black overcoat. And for dates, a black v-neck dress.  And it rendered Erica invisible.

I know.  Black is what we wear when we want to appear worldly, powerful, chic.

And it made Erica look drained. Her only pops of color came from a purple scarf (with the jacket), a multi-hued clutch (with the dress).  Even her hospital gown was grey.  

Frog pajamas nothwithstanding, we wait until episode 2 for some color.  Erica goes the rounds in a plum colored shirtdress. Similar to the "Pauline" short sleeved shirtdress by Tahari.

In episode 3 we get our first print, an H&M wrap dress (no longer available):

 Season 1, Episode 3 "Plenty of Fish"
Similar Dress:  Diane von Furstenberg's "Julian" silk wrap dress in little leaves medium mint
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/diane-von-furstenberg-new-julian-silk-wrap-dress/3236009?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=diane_von_furstenberg_'new_julian'_silk_wrap_dress:503258&cm_pla=dresses:women:dress&cm_ven=Froogle&mr:referralID=NA&mr:trackingCode=1A46A9A3-1E21-E111-8116-001517B1882A