March 2009

I am looking for the perfect (cheap) white clutch.  I’m going on vacation and I think it’s the perfect bag to take with me…it’ll match everything and I don’t have to stress about packing multiple bags.  Where can I find this without breaking the bank?

Thank you,
Nicole

Dear Nicole,
You are totally correct!  A white clutch will go with everything and it’s by far the easiest (and most fun) color to wear on vacation!  But finding a white bag can be really difficult, especially if you’re on a budget.  They tend to look cheap and chintzy more often then not, so you have to look for luxe details, like texture and hardware, that will have your budget buy passing for a designer bag.

I happen to love the look of a white bag year round and I say to hell with the “no white shoes/bags” after Labor Day rule!  They’re one of my favorite things to carry because they’re so unexpected and they just look so fresh and clean.  I found you a few clutch styles that I think would be perfect for your trip like this woven one above from Guess. It has a very Bottega Venetta feel, without the hefty price tag! I also included some larger sizes in case you want to try out a white bag for the upcoming season.

And since you’re on a budget, these all retail for under $45…Have a safe trip!

I know we’re in a recession and posting about $6,295 Christian Louboutin shoes doesn’t really make sense, but sometimes you need something to inspire you and get you through a rough day, and today for me, it’s these shoes.

Louboutin has teamed up with world-renowned embroiderer Jean-Francois Lesage, to create an extremely limited edition Marie Antoinette-inspired shoe collection and it’s beyond words.  The shoes are only available in three colours—pink, yellow, and blue—and each shoe is covered with intricate lace and exquisitely embroidered flowers.  The ankle strap even features a mini-pompadour wig as a nod to the Queen herself!!  Only 36 pairs will be put into production and each pair will be stamped with a limited-edition number, a specially designed box along with a book illustrating the collaboration process.  I DIE!

It’s Friends & Family time…

Get 30% off at Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic starting today until March 16…and so you feel extra good about your purchases, the stores will donate 5% of the total amount you spend to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 

Here’s a few items that you might want to check out and they’re all under $50:

Click here to print coupon because this offer is in-store only!

I want to introduce the newest contributor to the site, Lauren Orloff! She’ll be posting once a week on the trends, styles and looks she can’t live without so be sure to check out everything Lauren Loves…

YAY!!! I’m so excited that the ruff, rugged and shredded trend is back in style when it comes to jeans this spring!!! It’s always has been one of my favorite looks!

We’ve seen this style on countless celebrities and I’ve noticed the trend is starting to make it’s way into many stores, but hold onto your wallets when passing those fabulous jeans in the mall! I’ve seen them retailing anywhere from $150-$250 for brands like Seven, Paige and Jet Jeans.

So how do you get the look, if you don’t want to spend the money? It’s easy…take a pair of jeans from your own closet, a good pair of scissors and some sandpaper. Next, cut slits in the areas you want to look shredded and sand paper your jeans in any other areas to make them look worn-in. After that, throw those old jeans into the washer and pull out your new and improved ones from the dryer! Wow… I must say they look fabulous!!!

With the final shows in Paris, comes the round-up from the “fashion powers that be” on all the dominant trends we can expect for the Fall 2009 season.  While I usually find this stuff too “haute” for my taste, here’s an adorable and animated Averyl Oates commenting on her favorite looks, designers and trends and giving us her take on all of the shows.

And in case you don’t know who Oates is, she’s the buying director for Harvey Nichols…one of the best department stores on the planet.  If you’re lucky enough to ever be in the UK, Hong Kong, or Dubai…it’s a must visit!

I don’t mean to sound like a broken record, but if you haven’t added a boyfriend blazer to your wardrobe, what are you waiting for?  They are a must-have piece for transitional dressing and IMO they’re the perfect way to finish off  any outfit.  Try putting this jacket over something that’s really feminine…the mix of something soft and flirty underneath with a masculine piece on top just screams sexy!  And while their versatility totally makes them worth investing in, why bother spending real cash on a designer one when you can get one this cool for only $20!?!

When I saw this online, I had to go see it for myself in person and I have to say it does not disappoint.  I’m on the petite side and while the blazer was a tiny bit baggy, that’s the exactly fit you should be going for with this item …loose through the body and a little longer than you might initially expect.

And because I know some of you wouldn’t ever think of shopping for clothes in this store, I’m not going to spell out where this jacket is from…you’ll just have to click here to find out where to get a truly great deal on a must have piece.

Here’s a little incentive to kick off your Spring shopping!

Sign up for The CheapChica’s Guide to Style via e-mail and enter to win a $25 Forever 21 gift card. If you’re already a subscriber, you will be automatically entered in the giveaway. Good luck and Happy Shopping!!

Notes: This contest is only open to residents of the U.S. and the winner will be notified via email by 3/15.

This woman has never looked better…being in the White House totally suits her! I love her choice of strong color combinations and it’s as clear, as that Sonia Rykiel belt, that she’s a fashion force to be reckoned with.

Michelle is wearing one of her favorite designers, Michael Kors in this picture, but I found a more recession friendly interpretation of her entire look for under $105:

Note: Use code 209 for 20% off that fabulous dress at Spiegel!

The Tracy Feith for Target collection doesn’t hit stores until May 17th, but here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect to find from the surfer turned designer! The collection includes dresses, bathing suits and separates priced from $15.99 to $29.99.  I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this looks super cute and I’m totally loving the first image!

On a side note, does that first/last model not look exactly like Allie from The City!?!?   I totally think that’s her!!