by cheapchica11 on April 16, 2012
For the longest time, white shoes, in any form, have reminded me of shoes I wore when I was a little girl going to fancy events. You know, those typical patent leather ones with the buckle that you would wear with matching white stockings…
But now, in adult world, they have shown up all over the spring and fall 2012 runways (how amaze are the ones pictured here from Derek Lam?) making me question, do I bring these white shoes back?
With anything, it totally depends on how you style them…
IMO, for a fashion novice, white heels are a huge no-no with most jeans that you’re seeing for Spring (and yes, I’m fully aware that Rihanna can pull them off- but most of us can’t!) but but paired with the right dress they are a huge yes-yes!
White heels like this platform pump from Aldo for $50 will create a cohesively chic look for the spring without making you feel like you’re five years old again- and Aldo gets major style points for adding in a natural element through the platform. It helps break up all the white!
And just because you are adopting the white pump into your look doesn’t mean it has to be all white. These off white heels by Jessica Simpson will add a very interesting color-blocked twist to any spring look.
I think for now, we’re giving this trend a “chic” stamp since they showed up all over every runway! So if you’re feeling a little fashion forward, why not give them a try and see how they work for you!
To hear more of Kate’s fashion perspective, visit her blog LifeSucksInAStraplessBra.com!
by Ann Whitbeck on January 18, 2012
Hi/Lo Skirts. Let’s discuss….you may have heard them called cascade skirts, mullet skirts (eww, that one makes my skin crawl!), asymmetrical, etc. Whatever the name, the look is the same. What do you think?
I’m leaning towards a yes only because they’re flattering, versatile, cute, modern, a little hip, a little edgy…and most of all, fresh! Need I say more??
I’m especially loving the soft pastels these skirts are popping up in, like this mustard yellow one from Forever 21 and the one pictured here from Anthropologie that I just purchased.
This not too short but not too long skirt is sure to be a Spring staple, but before the temps heat up, I plan on wearing mine with a thick, rich cable knit sweater, opaque tights and ankle boots.
When it comes to color, opt for a soft sherbert color…they’re going to be huge this spring! And when its finally warm enough wear them with pretty chiffon tanks or silk blouses.
Take a look at some of these affordable options and let me know how/if you hi/low!
by cheapchica11 on August 18, 2011
I’ve been doing a lot of shopping…uh, I mean research lately and the one thing I keep noticing as I peruse the shoe section of my favorite department stores is BIG shoes. And I’m not talking size here people…I’m talking huge platforms, crazy toes, and generally over-sized footwear that look like they were made for tiny dinosaurs. I mean have you seen the Jeffrey Campbell Lita Platform boots…where do you go in these??
I’m not sure who’s wearing these shoes (I’ve only ever seen these worn by very fashion-forward bloggers and on one girl at The Grove who should not have been wearing them) or if they’re even wearable?? I like to think that I’m pretty open to trends and new fashions when it comes to shoes but this just seems a little too big of a step…no pun intended.
Here’s my other question…are these even cute? I get that there’s a whole movement around not-s0-cute fashion and one of my fave blogs has to be The Man Repeller (check it out if you haven’t already) but at the end of the day I want my shoes to look HOT even if my outfit maybe isn’t so sexy.
Now if I was going to adopt this trend, the only pair of “big shoes” I might let into my closet have to be these Dolce Vita Jemma Platform boots in red. They’re super cute and I can’t get over how amazing they look in this pic…
So what do you think, are these cheap or chic?
by Monica on July 28, 2011
One of my favorite fashion sites has to be Refinery29–they’re always on the cutting edge of fashion and spot every trend months before it hits the mainstream. Case in pint, the upside down braid pictured here!
Braids have been the hot hair fix for seasons now and their popularity continues to grow….the John Barrett Salon in NYC even has their own braid bar!! Braids are hotter than ever and the perfect solution for this humidity filled heatwave, but this reverse braid might just be the next big thing.
What do you think? Cheap or Chic? Could this be your mid-summer go to? It’s a really cool look and the top bun helps give your boho-braid a more polished appearance.
DIY Tip: Make sure your hair is blown out straight so the braid doesn’t look sloppy. Pin two-thirds of your hair up and out of the way so you can work on the braid without extra hair on the way. Now for the tricky part, braid your hair holding it straight up (a french braid style works best, but try a simple braid works too if you’re not as skilled). Finally, when the braid is about the length of your head, combine the braid and the rest of your hair and twist it into a ballerina bun. Pin with a ton of bobby pins (or a set of SpinPins) to finish!
This look is sure to be a conversation-starter, but this reverse braid might be a two girl job…what a workout for the arms! Let us know if you think you can pull this off!?! And for more fabulous braid inspiration, check out my dear friend Jenn Falik’s blog, she’s become quite the expert and last time I saw her sporting braids, she looked ah-mazing!!
by Monica on April 14, 2011
Spring is fast approaching and shorts are sure to be the favorite of the season. We’ve been featuring all kinds of of shorts on the blog recently so that you can pick your spring staple, but for now, I’m kind of on the fence about suede shorts…
A favorite of fashion risk takers (like Sienna Miller), trendy stores like H&M (featured left) and BCBG have been incorporating suede shorts into their spring lines.
If you’re tired of your boring and basic shorts, these are the perfect way to mix up your look! Start by pairing them with a soft, feminine blouse to keep the look modern. Look for shirts in silky, soft fabrics like this one that will lend a nice contrast to the structure of the shorts. And stay away from tops that are too tight or cropped.
At first, I thought I’d only like a super simple version of these, with very clean lines, but then I found this cargo pair from Free people and I’m kind of in LOVE! I just need to visit them in person to make sure the suede is super-thin and light…
So are you willing to try this trend? For the cheapest options check out your local H&M, otherwise there’s a few places online where you can snag your own pair…
by Monica on February 7, 2011
Anne Hathaway has transformed herself into style icon and one of Hollywood’s one to watch when it comes to red carpet fashion. Her stylist, Rachel Zoe, has put Anne is everything from edgy to romantic and I cannot wait to see what she pulls for her when she hosts this year’s Oscars!
That being said, I gasped out loud when I saw this shot of Anne at a premiere in Rio. I mean, what happened? She’s like 10 fashion disasters all rolled up into one! Individually as trends…maybe they would work, maybe?
Mixed prints? So cute. Straight leg trousers? Equally cute. Even the shoes and the necklace get my vote, but the side ruffles and the outfit as a whole? I just don’t get it…are there no mirrors in Brazil!?
So that brings me to printed pants. They’ve been popping up like crazy and we’ve been seeing them on other celebs, but for Anne this ruffled pair just doesn’t work..I say cheap.
But don’t give up just yet, this trend can look chic. Stores like Urban Outfitters have a whole inventory of chic printed pants. Their trousers will only run you around $40-$60 and they have a ton of different patterns and cuts. And I promise, no ruffles. Will you be trying this trend?
by Ann Whitbeck on January 22, 2011
I absolutely love the attention nails have been getting over the past few years. From the dramatic dark nail take over to the revival of Lucille Ball red, a girl can really get her glamour on with very little effort!
With all these options, I have to admit I have a bit of an identity crisis every time I go to choose a color…I love the edge and statement of the super dark colors, but nothing makes me feel more pulled together and ready to take on the world than a fabulous French or timeless nude manicure! So is the new two-tone nail look seen on the S/S ’11 Vena Cava runway the answer to my nail color double identity…?
This is a sort of reverse French manicure with a little black mixed in- the moons are painted dark while the rest of the nail is innocently nude. At the Vena Cava show, the models wore three coats of Yummy Mummy and Jack Black on the moons–all from the Butter London line.
After much deliberation, I tried a version of this look and let’s say the jury is definitely still out. If you want to try this at home, it can be easily replicated with any dark, almost black color and your basic nude combo but several coats are needed to make it look polished and intentional. I used Sally Hansen’s French Manicure stickers to create clean lines several coats to make it look polished and intentional…and voila the homespun version of Vena Cava Runway look!
But, wait, do we like the look? It may be easy to replicate but do we want to is the question..would you call this cheap or chic? Tell us what you think…
by cheapchica11 on October 6, 2010
Everyone in Hollywood seems to being doing….baring it all! But this may be the first time this kind of trend could be considered chic instead of cheap.
Sheer Knit Tops are comfortable, casual and normally something you would wear to bed or around the house, but things are changing. First Sweat, pants now this!?
Stars like the lovely Jessica Alba and Heidi Klum are showing off their bras in these see-through tops, but somehow they’re not revealing too much.
The question now becomes, is this a look that can transfer to your life? It sure doesn’t look cheap on these women, but it’s safe to say that this look is definitely not for everyone.
I think the key is to cover up a little….wear the top with jeans, heels and a blazer. Or try a top that’s not too sheer so that it doesn’t look like you were purposely trying to show off you bra!
This might just be a sexy, yet understated look if you style it just right!
by cheapchica11 on September 13, 2010
The rumors are true! Sweatpants are now acceptable in public!!! There are some fabulous versions of tapered knit pants…from super dressy in sequins…to super comfy in cashmere…in all of our favorite stores.
You could wear some of these pants to bed if you wanted because they are just that comfortable, but I say style them up and wear them out! And of course it’s all about you you style them that will make the difference between Cheap or Chic.
The most luxurious pair out there right now is the $650 pair of sequin sweat pants from J. Crew. Now I certainly can’t afford them…but I wish I could because I’m in love with these!
Luckily there are some more affordable substitutes out there. I have found a few sequin substitutes from ASOS, the difference being that they are all a little more tailored than the J.Crew version.
I also found some great harem-style sweatpants, like these from Love21. Now to be perfectly honest, I still have still not purchased a pair of harem pants for myself because while I liked the trend, the whole drop crotch thing is not going to look cute on me!
But now there are finally some modified harem pants out there that I can totally get on board with–the crotch on these is raised but they still have that same look harem-ish look!
There are lots of different versions of these knit pants out there and they aren’t all harems. Some look more like trouser and some are paper bag styles. But what ever the name, they are comfortable and really fun to style and they are making their way into my wardrobe this Fall!
But keep in mind, that you can’t just wear these pants out with a cotton tank top or people will think you forget to change out of your P.J.’s. –instead, wear them with a printed button down or a feminine blouse and top it off with a blazer! When it comes to accessories, don’t forget the heels, layer on the jewelry and maybe throw in some faux fur! Have fun heading out in style and comfort this season!
by Ann Whitbeck on June 2, 2010
Lately, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect pool/beach shoe to replace my beloved flip-flopss–enter the grown up jelly!
Now in the age of Crocs, it seems like anything plastic that people put on their feet is totally acceptable but I just don’t think Crocs are in my cards…
But jellies, now that’s a different story. These are like the high-class cousin of the Croc, right?
I remember my first pair of purple ones my Mom finally got for me from Target like it was yesterday. But, clear and sparkly–for someone older than age 9? Hmmm…what do you think girls? Are you into plastic footwear?
Surprisingly I have found several versions I really like– I even found high-end versions from Stuart Weitzman, DVF and Kate Spade but there’s no way I’m paying $150 for plastic!
Especially when there’s this pair for $38 from Lulus.com or this truly cheap pair from Urban Outfitters for $6.99!!
