From the monthly archives:
November 2008
by cheapchica11 on November 30, 2008
I was packing for an appearance on QVC when I came across an product that I had never used…
I must have gotten it in a gift bag from some event and totally forgot that I even had it. The product was called Mishap Tape and it looked like a fancy version of double-sided Scotch tape that I get for .99 cents at the Dollar store.
I was initially skeptical of the Mishap Tape from Miss Oops because who has the nerve to charge $6.99 for double sided tape??? Well, then I tried it.
I can now say I’m a dedicated user and unlike the Scotch tape, it didn’t leave behind a red mark, sticky residue, nor did it feel like someone was ripping off my skin when I went to remove it.
Miss Oops has an adorable line of products to help you avoid fashion faux pas (VPL anyone?) and help you get through those unexpected fashion emergencies! They also make handy kits for only $18 that are specifically designed for the Holidays and for new Moms that I think would make great presents for all the fabulous women in your life!
by cheapchica11 on November 30, 2008
One of my favorite on-line retailers, ASOS, is unfortunately based in London with no stores in the USA…that I know of. Well today I got an early Christmas present from them in my inbox…
$6.00 shipping to the USA!!!
Place your order by December 4th (which is actually 12/3 for us) and they’ll only charge you as much as Old Navy does to send you much cuter and more fashion forward items all the way from the UK!
They currently have an incredible selection of Holiday dresses so be sure to check them out along with their amazing belts, shoes and jewelry…I promise you won’t be disappointed!!
by cheapchica11 on November 29, 2008
Now that Thanksgiving is officially over, I can start working on one of my favorite Holiday traditions! I’m one of those people that still insist on sending a Christmas card so I’m always on the hunt for something truly unique to send out to my loved ones…
I don’t like sending anything too Christmas-y so when I found these I bought them right away. I love the vintage quality about them and they’re just festive enough…no dancing snowmen or fat Santa’s on my Christmas cards! And as a bonus, I get to save money on postage because these are actually postcards…
Check out the rest of the adorable products from Parrot Design Studio here.
by cheapchica11 on November 28, 2008
The day after Thanksgiving might be one of the worst days of the year to get dressed…you feel fat, overstuffed and pretty lethargic after eating all that turkey!
So here’s my advice…skip the jeans/pants and go for a comfortable pair of leggings paired with a loose tunic and a cozy sweater. You’ll look stylish and put-together, but the loose layers will mask any post-holiday bulge and more importantly, you’ll feel comfortable. If you’re venturing out to shop, or have plans that go beyond channel surfing and vegging out on the couch, opt for a chic pair of flat boots instead of heeled shoes for added comfort.
And if this look is still too minimal for your taste, add a colorful scarf and/or and a wide belt to help define your waist… something we all need help with on this day and throughout the Holiday season!
Style Links: Cable Knit Cardigan $26.90, Plaid Tunic $26.90, Belt $6.80, Tights $9.50, Scarf $12.50 Boots $74.99, Handbag $19.99
by cheapchica11 on November 27, 2008
This is all I will say on this topic since I don’t condone grown adults fighting over things…and if the sales are that good on Friday, can you imagine how good they’re going to be the next day…or the next week???
But, if you insist on participating in the madness, GO EARLY…like as in the night before. You’ll be the first in line for your $500 Flat Screen TV and will save yourself the embarrassment of having to trip an old lady in order to get the last one. 
Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving!
by cheapchica11 on November 26, 2008
I have a confession to make…
I totally lost all control at Saks (thanks Melissa!) and totally splurged on a pair of Christian Louboutin Sigourney “Shoeties”. They were originally $1030 and I got them for $250!! I have been dying for a pair of these and considering the pair I wanted at Baker’s was $84.99, spending an extra $160 for the Loubs seemed totally reasonable. I’m having a bit of buyer’s remorse because I hate spending more than $100 on anything, so now I am brainstorming on all the possible outfits I can wear these with…
One of the biggest trends this season has been lace and nothing goes better with lace, than leather. I love the idea of pairing something as romantic and feminine as lace with something tough and edgy like leather, but there are some definite no-no’s when wearing this fabric.
1. A little lace goes a long way, so opt for lace accents…no head to toe lace please.
2. At the risk of looking like a streetwalker, stay away from colored lace and stick to black and nude.
And if you’re not comfortable in the Prada-inspired lace pieces, then try a great accessory, like shoes or a handbag instead. Here are my picks for some of the best lace out there, and don’t worry, they’re all priced much lower than my fabulous new shoeties!!!
Style Links: Handbag $16.80, Vest $19.90, Lace Tights $19.99, Racerback Tank $28.00, Dress $40.80, Shoes $20.00, Silk Tank $7.99
by cheapchica11 on November 25, 2008
While I don’t think LC is worthy of having the title “fashion designer” on her short resume, I do admire her laid back, California style. She always manages to look chic and put together, whether she’s at FIDM (like in this pic) or getting coffee with Lo…she knows how to strike just the right balance with her fashion choices and never looks overly done like her arch nemesis, Heidi.
I for one love hats, so when I saw her in this fedora last week, I dusted mine off and put it back into my winter hat rotation. I also loved that she went for a men’s wear inspired look, but still managed to make it sexy by adding a pair of ultra high heels. I chose this pair of T-Straps from Nine West becasue they not only look great with jeans, but will also look incredible with skirts, dresses and just about anything (including dark opaque tights!). And… I just can’t say no to a shoe this versatile and cute when it’s only $29.99!!
Style Links: Shirt $21.99, Jeans $39.50, Fedora $14.80, Handbag $14.80, Shoes $29.99, Pyramid Bangle $4.80
by cheapchica11 on November 24, 2008
All designer items at Saks are 40% off with an additional 50% off, which translates to 70% off some of the most coveted designer brands that you could otherwise never afford!!!! But I know that many of you skeptics need hard evidence to get you out the door, so here are some of the best examples I’ve seen:
Bottega Veneta Handbag: was $4000, now marked down to $1100
Chanel Flats: were $500, now marked down to $175
Chanel Ankle Boots: $328
YSL Muse Handbag: was $1295, now marked down to $418
Roger Vivier Flats: $195
Christian Louboutin Ron Ron Pumps: $180
All that being said, RUN do not WALK to your nearest Saks, if you’ve been dreaming of owning a pair of Christian Louboutins or Chanel anything!!!! BTW, all of the items listed above qualify as a “multiple” so you totally have my blessing!
by cheapchica11 on November 24, 2008
I’m still in Dallas, so I’ve been quite the mall rat lately taking advantage of all the amazing in-store markdowns.
I usually don’t stop into Express when I’m looking for accessories, but I did last night and was pleasantly surprised at the selection. I picked up three gorgeous bags, including this one with the darling rosette details, all at 40% off!! The most expensive one was $35.80 and it’s a huge faux-snake hobo that will become my new favorite every-day bag!
But make sure you go to the store, because the selection on- line does not do them justice!. Oh yea, and as a bonus I got $50 in Express Cash for spending $100!!
by cheapchica11 on November 23, 2008
The wonderful editors at Latina magazine asked me for some tips regarding sale shopping strategies so I told them what any CheapChica already knows…
“Sale signs are popping up like mushrooms these days. So tempting, and yet so treacherous. We asked Lilliana Vazquez, accessories designer, style coordinator for Maxx New York and fashion blogger for cheapchicas.com, for her tips on navigating the clearance rack. Here’s what she said:”
Click here to read the rest of the article!
by cheapchica11 on November 22, 2008
With snow already falling in Philadelphia, I can’t help but worry about the dreadfully long winter ahead… For anyone that loves fashion as much as I do, getting dressed in the morning can be quite a challenge when the temperature barely gets above freezing and when there’s salty black mush around every corner waiting to ruin your beautiful leather boots. So, how in the world do you look like your most fashionable self while not freezing to death during your morning commute??
For starters, if my feet are warm, then everything else is warm so start with a great pair of boots. Although I wear my Uggs around my house and to run errands when I’m just too lazy to get dressed, they do NOT qualify as footwear. I’m talking about a great weather-friendly boot, like these Hunter ones with the fleece liner for added warmth. These not only make you look like a total English countryside badass, but they keep your tootsies dry and more importatnly, warm.
Next, it’s all about the accessories. Just because it’s grey and dreary outside doesn’t mean you have to dress to match the weather. Pick brightly colored scarves, hats and gloves to add a pop of color to your look and inject some fun into your outfit. And don’t be afraid to mix colors and patterns! Also, if you plan on wearing a skirt or dress in the Winter don’t forget a thick pair of sweater tights. These are much warmer than your average pair of cotton ones and they will help protect your legs from the frigid cold air.
Finally, layer and layer some more. Nothing will keep you warmer throughout the day…and you can always take something off if you get too hot. The key here is to avoid bulky layers so you don’t end up look bulky too! Stick to lots of thin layers, like this great thermal tee under a wool sweater dress, and top if off with a heavy belted wool coat (or cape) that will help define your shape under all those clothes.
Style Links: Hat $5.50, Scarf $8.80, Dress $36.90, Cape $49.00
by cheapchica11 on November 22, 2008
by cheapchica11 on November 21, 2008
by cheapchica11 on November 21, 2008
While I’m all for shopping at Forever 21 and Wal-Mart when I’m buying for myself, I can’t bear the thought of actually giving someone a gift from one of these stores…I’m not even that cheap! So here’s some helpful suggestions for gifting those special people in your life with a pricey present on a less than luxe budget!
1. Buy items in rich, luxurious fabrics like cashmere! Cashmere Hoodie $79.50
2. Buy from the lower priced designer labels like Marc by Marc Jacobs! MJ Charm Bangle $63.90
3. Pick unique, practical gifts that the recipient wouldn’t buy for themselves! Juicy Couture Gloves $37.90
4. Don’t underestimate the impact of presentation…when something comes from a really nice store, chances are the packaging will truly make an impression! Barneys New York Bangle $89.00
5. Buy items that are personal! If someone is a traveler, buy them something that will help them travel in style! Leather Passport Holder $35.00
6. Buy for the home! This way, you don’t have to buy individual gifts and you can buy something more substantial! Kalorik Espresso Maker $99.00
by cheapchica11 on November 20, 2008
What might be the tackiest “accessory” on the planet now has a catchy theme song to go with it…
You must check out Kid Sister and Kanye cleverly rhyming about something I just don’t understand?!?! Who gave women the idea that expressing themselves artistically on their extra-long Acrylics was a good idea???
I have never seen anything benefit from the application of Nail Art, so save the extra $20 and treat yourself to the Deluxe Spa Mani/Pedi instead!! And while we’re on the topic, unless your Acrylics are dancing in a Kanye video, get rid of them!!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT9IZ6Xoees]
