Lauren Loves — The CheapChica's Guide to Style


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Lauren Loves

Look for Less: Whitney Port

by cheapchica11 on November 17, 2009

whitney-portUM..? Can we say cute or what?!?

It’s no wonder why we love watching The City. Reality TV’s sweetheart, Whitney Port looks amazingly chic in this mix-n-match ensemble. I love seeing celebrities dressed in something that crosses between funky, yet polished at the same time. And this is one look that does it well!

This year, the blazer has fallen into so many categories… from work mode to the boyfriend look that we all love. But to feel really current, instead of a solid colored blazer with traditional tights or leggings, why not choose a plaid one like Whitney did here? I’m a huge fan of her choice in clothing because it’s always somewhat unexpected and nothing ever looks too too safe.

Plaid is one of the hottest trends you’ll be seeing this season! I love her choice of a striped shirt with a plaid jacket, which allows the looks to be funky and chic all at once. And choosing a solid color, like black on the bottom, will always finish your look off right!

Her 80’s inspired earrings, chunky watch, neutral handbag (that I’m dying for) and studded pumps are added on for a chic finishing touch. Ms. Port has stolen the spotlight from LC this season and I can’t wait to see what else she will be pulling off this winter.

This is a look that can be worn practically anywhere and for a fraction of Whitney’s oufit, here are some items I’ve found for you….Enjoy!

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Bye Bye Tay-Tay

by cheapchica11 on November 9, 2009

rachel_zoe_041409_cAs Rachel Zoe would say… “I’m literally dying” and I believe she is too!  It’s official that her assistant Taylor Jacobson finally said goodbye to the Rachel Zoe Project.

After hearing her say numerous times that she was going to leave, she actually did it. Without Tay-Tay what will the Stylist Diva do?  I really hope that Brad Goreski can fill her shoes and not leave designer dresses sitting in water like he did the first season!

After four years of styling with Rachel, Taylor has decided to leave to pursue celebrity styling on her own…so congrats to you Tay!  We’ll miss your  edgy rocker style and your devotion to Ms. Zoe…

But in our eyes, Rachel will always be numero uno!

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The Little “RD”

by cheapchica11 on October 30, 2009

Picture 4OK.. so I know that the LBD is the #1 dress to own but, this holiday season, it’s all about the little “RD” (Red Dress) instead!  I know red can feel difficult to pull off, but rest assured that there’s a shade of red to compliment everyone!

For all you fashionistas like myself, when you’re picking out a red dress there are a few pointers you may want to follow…

Sometimes, this vibrant hue can find itself on the borderline between chic and cheap, so make sure you find a dress with a silhouette that’s sophisticated and modern. And if you’re going to be buying this dress for multiple occasions (always a money saver!), it might be ok to spend up to $100 on an amazing, eye- catching number!

Always remember to try on the dress in question with your hair down! If you’re brunette like me go for a shade that is darker and more of a brick or burgundy red. For those who sport beautiful red hair like Isla Fisher or Debra Messing choose a red that is a warmer and brighter.  Finally, for all you blonde bomb-shells, like The Cheap Chica herself, any shade from candy red to apple red will do!

Unfortunately, I haven’t bought myself a red dress yet but, tomorrow I’ll definitely be on the hunt for one since my friend Lauren will be walking down the isle this weekend! I might even pick up this adorable cherry red dress from Free People on sale for $49.95… it’s too cute to resist and it will also be a perfect dress for the up-coming holidays!

So this season, choose a red dress in your favorite silhouette…whether its a one shoulder, sweetheart, or spaghetti strap dress and enjoy being the center of attention!

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DIY the Aldo Way

by cheapchica11 on October 13, 2009

You all know that I’ve always been a big fan of the “DIY” thing when it comes to shoes. Especially because I find myself having a particular look in mind and never being able to find it out there.

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Well, now Aldo Shoes is offering a chance for all you up-coming designers to design your own pair of shoes.

But it doesn’t stop there, choose a pump, boot or bag and get started in creating a one of a kind piece and enter to win!

Your amazing creation will even be judged by Aldo’s creative team as well as Teen Vogue’s fashion experts. The winner will collaborate with Aldo  on a new Aldo design that will be featured in the Fall and Winter Collection for 2010!

All you have to do is grab an Aldo shoe , boot or bag, add your very own signature style, take a  pic and send it to the judges. So.. if you’re interested in this once in a lifetime chance to have your very own designs collaborated with Aldo click here for their contest rules and Good Luck!

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Pumping up the Leopard

by cheapchica11 on October 10, 2009

Picture 1Lately I’ve been shoe shopping for fall’s must-have boots but in the process I’ve also seen some amazing pumps covered in the always questionable…leopard print. And since this print tends to fall in that gray area between cheap and chic I’m here to tell you how to pull it off correctly!

Though I love to mix and match prints, leopard is one I like to keep all by its lonesome self because it’s such a statement and it can oftentimes feel hard to pull off an exotic print…but not when you wear it on your feet!  Owning a pair of leopard shoes can change your wardrobe forever…instead of putting on those boring black heels that you always wear, switch it up and go bold with leopard!

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A dark wash jean, solid leggings, leather bomber jacks and a LBD are all key pieces that will look great with an amazing leopard heel. Jessica Alba, Nicole Richie and Rihanna are all fans when it comes to this particular animal print and we don’t have to ask why.

Remember…by wearing this print on feet and keeping everything solid you’ll end up with a look that’s totally fab and never cheap.  Here are a few options, starting as low as $7.50, in various heights and colors…

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Want But Can’t Have: Badgley Mischka

by cheapchica11 on October 3, 2009

Picture 2OK….Seriously? Can you check out these gorgeous ruffled pumps by Badgley Mischka…who even know they made shoes!? I was recently on Heels.com (amazing shoe site btw) and decided to check out Badgley Mischka’s shoe collection.

They were all so pretty but when I saw these AMAZING pumps I instantly wanted them. Wouldn’t you? Unfortunetly my ruffled must-haves are $194.00 so I guess I’ll just have to wait and pray that they go on sale!

UPDATE: Found these for half the price and less!!!

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Whitney’s Transitional Must-Haves

by cheapchica11 on September 29, 2009

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It’s no wonder why we love The Hills and now The City…it’s the best place to see what those reality starlets/fashionistas have decided to put on for their days. But you have to admit that what you wear in Cali won’t be your first pick when it comes to dressing on the East coast especially in this transitional season.

We all know the weather has been pretty unpredictable this year, not to mention it hasn’t been the hottest summer ever, so what do you do when it’s still not cold enough to throw on your scarf and gloves but not hot enough to wear your fave lil’ sundress?

When I saw this pic of The City’s main attraction, Whitney Port in all these must-have layers, I thought what a perfect transitional outfit! Instead of purchasing a whole new wardrobe this Fall, wait until it gets really cold to make that winter purchase you normally would make.

My advise to those who want to save some cash this Fall is to work with what you already have. Add on layers to your Spring wardrobe by putting tights under a skirt, a long sleeve- tee under a sleeveless top, or even add a sweater over your dress! It will create endless new looks, save you serious cash, and leave you with a wardrobe you didn’t even know you had.

So keep your cash and spend it on only on those items you know you need. Whether it’s new leather booties or a Gossip Girl style peacoat that you’ll wear all winter long.

Here are a few of my favorites……

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Behind The Tents: Part I

by cheapchica11 on September 16, 2009

Twinkle+Wenlan+Backstage+Spring+2010+MBFW+JUdWZPUiws1l

So I have to say that I am extremely ready for Fall especially when it comes to those chunky scarves and over-the-knee boots, but it was AMAZING to see the Spring Collections for 2010! I had the opportunity to see Twinkle by Wenlan’s Spring Collection.

The mixture of quirky and bold prints with chunky jewelry from top to bottom was nothing less then amazing. She showed a punch of color with feminine silhouettes that every girl will totally crave …including actresses like Reshma Shetty from Royal Pains and Yin Chang, (she plays Blair Waldorf’s rival on GG) who happend to be part of the backstage scene at Twinkle.

Twinkle+Wenlan+Front+Row+Spring+2010+MBFW+oxAHymsFTUBl

I really enjoyed Twinkle’s show, but Cynthia Steffe and Luca Luca are two of my favorite designers and their collections for next Spring did not disappoint! They’re both extremely brilliant when it come to dressing a woman’s body and I’m already dying for many pieces from their collections! 

But for now Spring will just have to wait because I’m all about instant gratification and I’m ready to shop for Fall!

Stay tuned…more behind the scenes action from Brian Reyes, Tibi and Tadashi coming up tomorrow…and some fun celeb sightings too!

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Emmy Rossum: Perfectly Chic

by cheapchica11 on September 9, 2009

emmy-rossum

If your looking for a look that describes the word “perfect” this has to be it…

Emmy Rossum never misses a step on the red carpet and she never seems to disappoint when trying to look both feminine and chic!

She was recently spotted in this creamy vanilla dress by Temperley and she complimented it with just the right mix of accessories… a necklace with a hint of red, a metallic belt and to finish off the look, those fabulous bronzed shoes of hers. It’s totally understated but at the same time totally inspired!

If you don’t have Emmy’s amazing million dollar paychecks, you can still get this look for a fraction of its price with these budget buys below that will have you looking like one of Hollywood’s most stylish starlets…

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A Chance with Erin

by cheapchica11 on August 25, 2009

Picture 5One of my favorite sites to shop for designer brands online is Shopbop. They have an amazing selection of both  clothes and accessories… and whether its a necklace I’ve been lusting after or a blazer I’m in dire need of, they always have exactly what I’m looking for.

They even offer some amazing sales that result in incredible prices on top designers like my fave, Erin Fetherston!  Her collection is unbelievable and if you haven’t seen it, you must check it out for yourself.

But besides shopping at Shopbop, this week they’re giving away a chance to win a FREE Trip to New York Fashion Week with Shopbop and Erin Fetherston! The package includes a 3 night stay, round trip airfare, 2 invites (you and your bff), $400 to spend and…..a $1,000 shopping Spree at Shopbop!

It really can’t get better than that but wait, all you have to do is enter here or go to shopbop.com and click on the latest sweepstakes. Fill out your email address and submit it. Good luck and hurry because this offer ends  Thursday.

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