Dear CheapChica

Dear Cheap Chica,

I just received my BCBG Bandage Skirt in royal blue and I don’t know what to wear it!  Please help me style an outfit for this awesome skirt!!

Thanks!

Tiffany

Dear Tiffany,

I have to say that your choice in skirts is fabulous and I’m so happy to hear that you chose it in royal blue! The bandage skirt is one of the hottest trends we are seeing this season!

If you’re willing to go bold, my advice is to hit up a primary color and find a unique silhouette like this top from Forever 21.  This one is a little on the longer side, but you’ll be tucking it in and I like the contrast of a voluminous top with such a tight fitting skirt.

A top in a bright, attention getting color like yellow combined with your royal blue skirt will make your outfit look new and seriously updated.

Now if you’re looking for something a little safer, choosing a simple black tank can complete your look as well. Celebrities such as Lauren Conrad and Rhianna and have both been spotted in this sleek and sexy look.

In this look here Conrad chooses to accessorize her blue bandage skirt by keeping everything else black…and this definitely allows her skirt to be her main attraction!

When it come to shoes opt for a high pump in any neutral tone for the bright outfit and a black shoe for the simpler look.

The great thing about the bandage skirt is that it’s totally versatile…you can wear this  with anything from tanks and tees during the Spring/Summer and with cute leather jackets and your your favorite blazer all year long!

Here are some of my favorite picks for styling your newest purchase…

I really need your help. I recently purchased this sheer yellow slip dress (Rodarte for Target) and I know that I would probably wear a textured tight in some kind of beige (unless you have some other suggestions…), but my major issue is the shoes…the shoes…what shoes??

Also it is currently a negative 4 degrees in Virginia so how can I winterize the dress further as I want to wear it to a party on Friday.

Thanks in advance!!!!

Hi Dominique,

I have to say the dress you chose from Rodarte for Target is AMAZING! It’s such a fun piece to have in your wardrobe and you can wear it from Winter to Spring! I totally agree with you on the beige textured tights…I think they’ll look great with the dress.

To “winterize” your look always, always, always add layers! It’s the easiest way to change your look and depending on your personal style choose what best compliments you…that being said, for this particular dress I’d stick with the feminine/vintage feel since the dress is so soft, pretty and girl-y!  And who doesn’t love feeling like that?!?

To start, get yourself a 3/4 sleeve fitted cardigan that hits right at your waist–no longer. Any light tone, like cream, butter or tan will look great will compliment the dress…OR, you can go wild!

A leopard print cardi adds a totally unexpected punch of style and it adds a printed element which is always good when the rest of your look is so mono-chromatic.

This one from Delia’s is ideal for your dress and retails for $44.50. It’s also a great piece that you can wear later with jeans, tights and skirts!

When it comes to shoes, choose a bootie or a traditional pump in a nude/neutral color. This will help your legs look longer with your choice of beige tights. You can also choose a black shoe for an edgier look…but if you want to keep your look soft and chic stay in the neutral tones.

Remember that your dress is special enough that you can keep everything else simple.

Here are some picks I chose that might help you out…. Good Luck!

Dear Cheap Chica,

I’m a physician applying for my medical residency and I have a few invitations to interviews in the months of January and December, in Miami. I’m on a limited budget but want to look fashionable but professional at the same time. What do you recommend?

It can be so difficult to find something suitable for an interview, especially in the winter. Not only do we never know what to wear, we always think that black slacks are the answer!  But don’t be afraid to show that your a confident women by choosing separates, like a skirt or adress …they can be just as professional (and way more stylish) than a suit.

My advise to you is start with essential pieces like a classic black pencil skirt. It’s the one garment in your closet that will never go out of style and it’ll be your “go-to” piece when you seem to have nothing to wear. This is a skirt you can wear on an interview, to work, or even out to dinner with friends.

Like everyone else, I understand that you’re on a budget so make sure everything on your list can be worn more than once and will go with at least 3 things in your wardrobe at home.

For example, a cardigan.  This classic, wardrobe staple can be worn to an interview or it can go with jeans, skirts and even leggings. I always suggest that you wear some kind of jacket or cardigan to cover your arms for a formal interview and a cardigan is a way less expensive alternative to a blazer or a jacket!

When choosing a top, opt for something a little more feminine with some luxe details, like this beautiful blouse from Ann Taylor Loft. It says professional and chic all in one!

In the winter, I always like opaque tights to keep your legs warm and more importantly, to keep you looking professional. But since you’re in Miami, you may be able to get away with not wearing them…

Finally, when it comes to shoes and accessories, keep it simple.  You can’t go wrong with a black pump… like these that I found at Forever 21 for only $24.80…and with just a few elegant bracelets and some faux diamond studs you’re ready to get hired!

And remember to shop stores like, Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic and The Limited during their seasonal sales to score great deals on separates that are suitable for an interview.

Good luck!!

Dear Cheap Chica,

I’m in the market for 2 new watches- a trendier, weekend-y type, and also one that I can wear to an/or with fancier outfits. The problem is… I just have NO IDEA what type of watches are in fashion, nor where I can go to get watches that will work well but do not cost and arm and a leg. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks so much!

Hi Nicole,

Watches can be so difficult to find since there are so many types, styles and designers!  And while we would all die to own a Rolex, Cartier or Chanel J12, we imply can’t afford it.

My advice to you is to combine your budgets to get the most bang for your buck!  When you’re shopping for a weekend, “accessory-more-than-timepiece” watch, don’t spend more than $25.  Forever 21 has great watches for less than $10 that are trendy and fun or this new Rumba watch is almost like a colorful bangle/timepiece hybrid that comes in a whole rainbow of colors.

But, when you start looking for an everyday, long term watch, it might not be such a bad idea to spend $100 or even more if you find something you truly love!

When choosing a watch think about your style…are you sporty and chic or are you more traditional?  And if you’re a little of both like most of us, I’m going to point you in the direction of the over-sized Boyfriend watch like this fabulous Michael Kors watch for $225.

It’s just a little larger than a ladies watch but still feminine and definitely fashionable! And since you’re spending a considerable amount of money, you’ll want to pick something classic in a silver tone with a round face…a watch like this will never go out of style!

Shopping at a department store such as Macy’s during one of their promotional sales can save you serious cash on a designer buy if you time it right, not to mention, they have a large selection of watches with a variety of price points for  you to choose from.

Enjoy…

Lilliana

I love your site!  I was wondering, where can I find a chunky, over sized scarf for the fall/winter?  Thanks for your help!

Victoria

Thanks for writing in….one of my favorite Fall accessories has to be scarves and this season it’s all about the chunky knit styles you’re referring to, so your style sense is right on track!

The great thing about these scarves is that you can find them in all colors, styles and at very reasonable price points.

I just picked up this Valentina Popcorn style from Delia’s for $22 bucks and I can’t wait to wear it.  It’ll be the perfect compliment to a pea coat, a military style jacket or my fall fave, the must-have leather bomber/motorcycle jacket!

Here are some other styles, all under $25 that will keep you warm and stylish all season long!

Help! I’m getting married next year, and I’m racking my brains trying to find  (relatively) inexpensive, cute bridesmaid dresses.  I want my bridesmaids to look beach-y, but dressy, obviously. Think Free People or Tracy Feith….can you recommend any stores or designers that might have nice dresses? I’m also trying to keep the cost down to $200 or less per dress.

Thanks!

Dearest Blushing Bride,

Fear not, your bridesmaids will not have to strut down the sandy aisle in the buff.  I was looking at J.Crew and they have a lot of simple, yet chic dresses for bridesmaids BELOW your price range…$99.99 and under to be exact!

The great thing is, J.Crew leaves a lot of room for styling, which is important so that as a bride, you can achieve that special look to perfectly compliment your wedding theme/feel. They also have various cuts of dresses to compliment different body types so that all of your ladies will look fab!

To give your girls that “Free People” feel, you’ll need to work with accessories, make-up and hair styles.  I personally love these large shimmer flower stretch headbands for $24 from Free People to help dress up the hair and you can even think about styling each girl’s dress differently by playing with belts and/or adding pins to give them a truly unique look.

I would also look at the Free People models to help get inspired for your girl’s hair and make up.  They all have that perfect beach-y vibe you’re describing that would be amazing for your wedding.  By doing all of this, you will have fabulous looking maids, (but not as fabulous as the blushing bride of course)!  Congrats and best of luck!!

I was wondering what this Fall’s must have items are and where I can get them on my college student budget.

Thank you,

Broke and Studious

Dear Ashley,

This Fall its all about Leather Bomber Jackets, over-sized scarves, textured knits and an amazing boot…whether its peep-toe booties or a country knee boot, the choice is up to you!

When shopping for must-haves always ask yourself if you can wear it more than once and will it go with more than three things you already own. If you answer yes, then its an essential item to add to your closet.

But when it comes to buying a coat or a jacket you’re going to want to allocate the largest part of your budget to this purchase because out of everything you buy for the new season, this one item will be worn over and over again!

The Bomber Jacket will likely be your most important piece this Fall. You can wear it with jeans, leggings and even that amazing dress you been hiding in your closet! This is a piece that will go with practically anything and it’ll carry you right into winter.

When it comes to finding these amazing items on a budget we all know that some of my favorite places to shop are Forever 21, Target and Alloy …especially for their shoes! They never disappoint and they’re always budget friendly. You can also find amazing pieces at TJ Maxx and Marshals, but make sure you take the time to search for what you’re really looking for.

With incredible pieces like these here you wont break the bank and… remember, the cheapest way to a new wardrobe is to work with what you already own. Enjoy!

I’ve been super into the blazer/jacket thing lately, but I recently saw a way too expensive tuxedo jacket that I LOVED–just a bit dressier than a boyfriend or fitted blazer but still a bit of an edge.  Do you have any ideas on where to find a nice quality, super chic tuxedo jacket to add to my wardrobe? Thank!

Kaley

Hi Kaley,

I must say that I am super into the blazer look as well. Not only does it go with everything it also gives you the feeling of being powerful. No wonder why men wear it so often!

But, if you’re completely in love with a tuxedo jacket my advice to you is that it’s OK to splurge reasonably on items you can wear multiple times… especially if you find one that’s of superior quality.   I had the luxury of finding some amazing blazer/jackets for you that are completely on edge and that won’t break the bank…..

This AMAZING blazer from River Island is TDF.  I love how powerful and edgy the  jacket is, but because it comes in a gorge heather grey it allows the jacket to look modernly soft. Not only is it super cute but this is a jacket you can wear with practically anything!  This jacket will run you approximately $75, but it’s fashionably worth it and I might just have to purchase it for myself….

And eventhough I am head over heals for this jacket, here are few other suggestions I thought you would enjoy….

Hope this helps!!!

I’m absolutely in love with two-finger, or double, rings. I saw it first on Lauren Conrad, although she has a name plate double ring and I am more interested on the more simple, elegant kind. I have been looking everywhere for them! Do you have any clue on where the cheap versions of this fab ring are hiding? Any insight would be much appreciated!!

Paula

Hey Paula,

I myself am a HUGE fan of the double finger ring…it adds just the right amount of edge to my otherwise girl jewelry collection!  Lauren’s custom ring can run  you up to $200 and that’s way too much to spend on something you’ll likely be “over” by the end of the summer!  So here are a few options that won’t break the bank…

This one is from Max and Chloe and while it’s isn’t super-simple, I think the stars are super cute so I had to share it!  It retails for $63 but use discount code Jessica20 to save 20% off your total!  You could also try this plain gold version too!

But if you really want something minimal, check out this great sterling one from CollenBaran’s ETSY shop.  It’s made to order so you can bet you’ll get a perfect fit and for $49 it’ll make a very nice treat for yourself!!

Hope this helps and enjoy your new rings!!!

We are getting married in Cabo but I want a nice romantic (not long) white dress to wear to our at home reception when we get back.  Please let me know if you have any suggestions.  My budget is limited to nothing over $200.00.

Thanks,
Cabo Bound

Dear Cabo Bound,

Congrats on your upcoming nuptuials and on picking such a beautiful location for your destination wedding!  I’m a fellow “married in Mexico” bride and it was one of the best decisioons my hubby and I ever made…the setting was spectacular and our guests absolutely loved it!

Now on to the dress…for your at home reception, you want to look for a dress that’s soft and romantic like you said, but that’s dressy enough to compliment the celebration.  That being said, you don’t want to pick a material that’s too light and airy (jersey, linen, voile,) because you’ll end up looking too casual.  Look for a dress that has some nice detailing or an interesting neckline, like this style from Lulu’s in a more sophisticated fabric like silk or chiffon.

I think this silhouette perfectly captures exactly how a bride wants to feel on her wedding day…beautiful, elegant and chic!  And in case this one doesn’t make the cut, here are some other suggestions that are also budget-friendly…

I work in a very conservative and professional office so I’m not allowed to wear open-toe shoes during the warmer summer months.  I’ve tried to reason with HR, but they’re not budging.  Do you have any suggestions for shoes that feel more season-appropriate than my black pumps??  Thanks so much!

Carly

Dear Carly,

I totally hear you on this one, and you’re not alone.  Many offices still want to maintain a professional demeanor during the Summer months when people tend to dress more casual and comfortable but it can be hard when everyone around you is in flip flops and you still have to wear a suit.

One great way to feel fresh and updated, is to switch your wardrobe basics like pencil skirts and suit jackets to a lighter palette.  This will bring in new colors that you can work from and you can start to wear lighter colored shoes instead of those heavy black pumps.

I found this great pair of nude pumps for under $50 at Nordstrom and they’re the perfect blend of professional and season appropriate!  They’re a must have shoe for the Spring and Summer and since they happen to go with everything, they’re also a very smart investment!

UPDATE: For those of you looking for something in a lower heel, here are some great alternatives in the nude/neutral family…

I am looking for a nice jacket, cardigan, blazer to wear over all of my colorful spring T-shirts.  I LOVE the yellow/mustard color that is popular right now. Do you have any suggestions on where I can find this item?  I thought about the Liz Claiborne linen jackets but I think I want something dressier than that.  Thanks for your help!

Merry Jo

You have great taste in color!  Yellow happens to be one of my favorite colors to wear and for some crazy reason, women tend to be most afraid of this sunny shade!

If you’re looking for something to wear over T-shirts I would lean more towards a Spring-weight jacket instead of a sweater…especially if you’re trying to dress up a basic tee.  Blazers and cropped jackets are one of the simplest and most effective way to really up the style factor no matter what you’re wearing, but there’s no reason to spend a fortune on a jacket!

Stores like Express, Old Navy and even H&M make well-tailored jackets that fit like a glove, but I found yours at Speigel for only $39.  I love this jacket for all the great details like the tabbed sleeves and the notch collar and for the fact that it’s got a little bit of stretch so it will feel fitted and not boxy against your body.

There are endless style possibilities for this jacket, but I really like it with the collar popped up and when worn with crisp whites like it is in this picture!  It will also look great over a printed top or with a printed skirt so make sure you multi-task with a piece this great!

And in case  you do want some other options, check out all of these great styles below in this fabulous color…

What are some appropriate dresses for a college graduation? I’m graduating on May 14th and would like your help to find something that’s figure flattering and not so boring… it is Spring after all! Also keep in mind that I’m 5′3 and pear-shaped.

Thanks,
Kay

Dear Kay,
Congrats on your graduation…this is a huge moment in your life and you should commemorate it with a dress that not only suits the occasion, but that also makes you look and feel like the smart, sophisticated woman that you are!

When searching for the perfect dress for a pear-shaped body, you’re going to want to find something that draws attention to your upper body so that the attention moves away from the lower half of your body.  A “V” neckline or a halter are both great choices for your body type, especially when combined with a shape that moves away from your body, like an A-line cut or even a semi-full skirt.

You should also consider looking for a dress that has a belt or some kind of detail (ruching, pleats, etc.) around the waist so that it helps create the illusion of an hour-glass figure and helps define your waistline.

When it comes to choosing a solid color versus a pattern you really can’t go wrong with either one as long as you keep the shapes I outlined above in mind on your shopping trip.  But if you do decide to buy a printed dress, look for a print that’s on a larger scale and that isn’t too busy.

I’m also guessing that your graduation will happen sometime in May/June, so for that time of year you’ll want to find a dress in a light-weight fabric that will feel dressy enough for this special occasion without looking out of place. And this Summer it’s all about color…so look for bright colors like yellow and cobalt blue that will look fabulous in photographs and that will draw all the attention to you!! Here are some great styles that would perfectly for your big day…

I have several pairs of staple, slightly boot legged jeans (7 for all mankind I bought before I found your savvy site!) that I love and seem to love me and my new post-baby, voluptuous figure. My main concern is, since I can no longer wear my 4 inch pumps on a daily basis, I feel like I am out of touch wearing flats without the pencil legged/skinny jeans…so can I wear the slightly boot leg jeans with flats?  What are the rules in that dept?
Thanks a million,

Ann

Hey Ann,

Thanks for writing in and congrats on your new bundle of joy!  Dressing your post-pregnancy body can be a real fashion challenge, but lucky for you this season it’s all about the more relaxed fit “boyfriend” jean instead of the super skinnies you’re referring to.  These jeans are also a more fresh and modern alternative to your boot leg jeans as well!  And while skinny jeans are by no means on the “out” list, you can still look just as stylish by pairing a great pair of BF jeans in a distressed wash, with a cute flat sandal or shoe!

Many of Hollywood’s hottest moms, like Reese Witherspoon, Sarah Jessica Parker and Amanda Peet have recently been spotted wearing this BF style.  As busy Mom’s, these women need to be comfortable, but they’re not going to sacrafice style in order to do so! I found a few great pairs of jeans that I think will do wonders for your post-pregnancy body and all of these styles have some lycra in them, which will help the jeans hug your body in all the right places and suck in the “problem” areas. 

In terms of shoes, try pairing them with a Grecian inspired flat sandal or a floral pair of jeweled flats…and if you do feel up to it, these BF jeans look perfect with a sky-high pair of gladiators as well!

Hope this helps!!