January 2009

Really?  That’s what I got all excited about…

The new Shibuya Mon Amour collection (not that 8 T-shirts constitutes a collection, but…) at Forever 21 consists of cute-ish animal prints on your basic T-shirt.  The shirts were designed by LA shop owner Jeanie Lee who owns a very over-priced and non CheapChica-y store called Satine.  Considering the average price point in her store is somewhere around $250, I’m quite surprised that Forever choose her for the collaboration…but thank goodness the prices are more Forever 21 than Satine.  The shirts retails from $12-$14.50.

I think they’re cute, but do we really need another T-shirt line???

So I know it might seem early to be lusting after sandals given that it rarely gets above freezing here in Philly , but I can’t help myself and there’s nothing like a versatile pair of gorgeous Vachetta sandals to get me in the mood for shorts, spring dresses and girly skirts!  The natural colored shoe is one of my favorite trends for Spring ‘09 and with so many styles like flats and gladiators in woven, studded and strappy versions, you’re sure to find a pair that works for you!

The perfectly neutral tone makes these shoes wearable with just about any color and can we talk about how much longer your legs will seem when they seamlessly disappear into a pair of 4″ natural colored heels?!?  My only suggestion is that you might want to consider a little faux sun to tan those mid-winter gams before you strap these on!

Style Links (clockwise, top left): Jessica Simpson Delanco $89, Nine West Kentaro $89, Nine West Jed $78.95, Baker’s Aileen $59.99, Alloy Natural Vibe $34.50, Go Jane Gladiator $16.50, Steven Bianca $64.51

If you don’t already know who she is…you will soon.  Goldman is the woman responsible for many of the fashions First Lady Michelle Obama chose throughout her husband’s campaign and most notably, on Inauguration Day.

Ikram Goldman, whose namesake Rush St. boutique is a mecca for Chicago’s best-dressed set, stands poised to become one of the most powerful players in the fashion industry worldwide.  She is expected to advise our First Lady on what to wear over the next four years and if yesterday is any indication, we’re in for a fun fashion ride!

A much cooler alternative to the classic name necklace from Miju…

Custom pick your own 2 letters and they’ll laser-cut them out of acrylic for a very sharp and sleek look!  And since you get both Black and White versions in each set, there’s no need to stress about which one you’ll like better or the price…the set is only $36.

Click here to purchase!

PLEASE NOTE: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER.

As a girl that always prefers to buy color, I don’t own too many black bags…but I know many of you have a hard time getting out of the black bag rut!

One of my best friends recently asked me to find her a fabulous non-black bag that could easily transition from work to weekend and that looked like a true designer buy.  Her only requests were that it had to have some eye-catching details and that it retailed for under $75.

After striking out all weekend, I remembered one of my favorite on-line boutiques for celebrity and designer inspired handbags… Shop Suey!  Their bags are affordable, totally stylish and reflect some of the hottest trends in fashion!  I found this TDF (to die for) Marla Satchel there for only $58 and it comes in Brown, Red and Navy… so there’s plenty of colors to choose from!!

Now for the FREE stuff…

I contacted Heather at Shop Suey to ask about a giveaway for you guys and she very generously offered to sponsor one!  One lucky reader will win this MARLA bag and just in case you don’t totally love this style…if you win, you can pick any bag off the Shop Suey site as your prize!!!  All you have to do is:

1. Go to Shop Suey by clicking here;

2. Look through the handbags on their site and then leave a comment on this post with your favorite Shop Suey style;

3. On Tuesday, January 27th, I will pick a number at random and the author of that corresponding comment will win their favorite Shop Suey bag!

GOOD LUCK!!  Shop Suey also has a special code for all of your CheapChica readers…use discount code cheapchica at check out to receive 20% off (no expiration date) your next purchase!!

NOTE: Winner will be notified by 3pm on 01/27/09 in a separate post and via email.  Contest is only open to US residents.

So now that the big mystery is over…what did you think of First Lady Michelle Obama’s fashion choices throughout the day?  Is she still a fashion icon?  Did she deliver in the style department?

She started the festivities a little on the predictable and safe side for someone that has a penchant for Azzedine Alaïa belts and eye-catching colors.  I was hoping she would wear something more playful and fashion forward to the concert on Monday, but she redeemed herself today at both the ceremony and the Inaugural Ball.  The lemon Toledo dress and coat fit her beautifully and I loved that she totally went for it with those green leather gloves and matching Jimmy Choo shoes!

But her real showstopper, as expected, was the Inaugural dress.  While many First Ladies before her have worn white, no one has quite worn it like Mrs. Obama.  The silhouette was modern without being too fashion-y and she still managed to look classic and elegant.  The intricate detailing on the silk rosettes (they were hand beaded) demonstrates her appreciation for craftsmanship and high fashion and I was a huge fan of the fact that she went for a one-shouldered look.  It was a very welcome and much needed departure from the stale and up-tight Inaugural gowns of the past…with the exception of Jackie Kennedy in Oleg Cassini of course!  On a final note, I also want to point out how much I admire Michelle for bringing attention to lesser-known designers and for showcasing the work of some of this country’s best minority designers.

Her fashion choices on this historic day not only showcased her fashion prowess, but also her confidence and class.

Welcome to the White House!

…and HOPE and style.

Michelle Obama in Isabel Toledo and Jimmy Choo shoes.

I love browsing through the beauty isles of my local Wal-Mart for the best deals in cosmetics.  The make-up is much cheaper and if you know what to buy, it works just as good, if not better, than the pricey department store stuff.  And in our current economic environment, I can’t justify my usual level of retail therapy anymore…so next time you feel the urge to spend, spend, spend, why not try a new lip gloss or eye shadow instead?

Here are a few items you might find in my make-up bag all priced under $8:

And don’t forget to claim your free cosmetics today!

Style Links: CoverGirl Line Exact Liquid Liner Pen $5.79, NYX 3-Color Eyeshadow $5.99, Smith’s Rosebud Salve $5.59, CoverGirl Outlast Lip Stain $7.49, Physician’s Formula Instant Make-over Tool $7.95, Jane Blush Shimmer $5.99, Go Smile Mini-Touch Up $8, Essie “Bahama Mama” and “Great Expectations” $4.99