CheapChica’s Guide to Style — The CheapChica's Guide to Style


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Lauren Loves

Get Leggy

by cheapchica11 on August 23, 2009

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Its no secret that all of us love to find an amazing bargain and finding something that you are in actual need of (that won’t break the bank) is nothing short of amazing.

I was at the mall to doing some shopping done for my mini “Vacay” and realized I needed to start stocking up on Fall essentials since the start of the season is right around the corner. And by essentials I mean “leggings” so I stopped in Forever 21 and decided to check out their selection.

This season, leggings are re-incarnated into a whole new selection of plaids, colors, prints and even those liquid “pleather” leggings you’ve seen on all the hottest celebs! So break out of your basic black leggings and try something new once the temperature cools down!

The prices at F21 were pretty unbeatable starting at only $4.50, which is less then my Maybelline Mascara!

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Pretty Intimate!

by cheapchica11 on August 16, 2009

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As a girl there are just some things I just can’t resist being attracted to… and vintage inspired intimates happens to be one of them.

I recently saw this bra and panty set by VPL in Marie Claire and fell hopelessly in love with them. Unfortunately these pretty little undergarments are way out of my budget and run close to $200 for each piece!

But they’re so pretty and still tend to hold that “forbidden” quality about them. Don’t you agree?

So inspired by these feminine and vintage under things, I went on the hunt for some more budget-friendly options and came up with some very suitable alternatives…

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Tough-Chic

by cheapchica11 on August 13, 2009

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If you’ve haven’t noticed by now this seasons hottest trend is nothing less then tough, edgy, dark yet still maintains that chic appeal we all crave.

The “Rocker-look” has been seen countless times in the past on the runway and on some of the hottest names in Hollywood, but this year it’s been done better than before. And for all those fashionistas out there who haven’t checked out Balmain’s 2009 Fall Collection, you’re really missing out. (What I would give to be in the front row at that show!)

This is a trend that obviously knows how to reinvent itself and this year it’s been done the right way and more wearable way. Whether its grommet detailed booties, a leather vest or that studded clutch you’ve had your eyes on, any of these items are a complete must have for this coming Fall. Here are a few fabulous finds for under $100. Enjoy!

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Cheap or Chic: Rainbow Feet

by cheapchica11 on July 25, 2009

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I’ve recently came across these Rainbow colored heels by Brian Atwood and had to pause. Though I totally love Brian Atwood’s apparel line, I’m not too sure if I love these shoes just as much….

I keep asking myself, “can I pull off rainbow iridescent heels”? Aaahh? Not so sure! Not to mention these colorful babies are $460! Thank goodness they’re way out of my budget, but even if they anywhere near affordable I’m not so sure I’d even purchase a pair. Would you?

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Strappy Solutions

by cheapchica11 on July 23, 2009

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With all those cute summer tanks out on retails floors, girls are always looking for a way to hide unwanted straps and avoid having to wear the dreaded strapless bra!

Well…. according to Strapperfect they have the perfect solution to hiding those pesky straps!  And while I’m sure we’ve all seen (and ignored) their super cheesey infomercials, once I finally paid attention I could totally relate to what they were saying!

I totally love the racerback look, but I don’t want to have to run out and spend money on a special bra to wear with my tanks!  So instead of buying a new bra, you can use their nifty strap holders to create the perfect back to compliment all of those cute summer tanks!

Strapperfect offers 9 strap holders in nude, black and white for only $19.99!  And I was just in Forever21 and overheard a girl talking about how much she loved her Strapperfects…she totally caught my attention b/c she did look quite fab in that racerback tank she was trying on!   She said they were a simple solution to one of life’s fashion challenges! So for anyone who has tried these, let me know if they worked for you!

And in the meantime, here are some adorable racerbacks all priced under $25 that might just tempt you to get those Strapperfects!

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Alias Premium Denim

by cheapchica11 on July 12, 2009

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It’s easy to find an amazing pair of jeans when you’re shopping for Paige, Rock & Republic and even the infamous Rag & Bone…but they’re completely OOOB (out of our budget) because these designer brands will cost you well over $150!

But you don’t have to spend whole lot to get that designer fit…for all the women out there who are jean obsessed (myself included) and are always looking for the perfect fit, I just found a pair that you’ll totally love!

I recently got to test drive a pair of jeans by Alias.  Like most of us, the Alias designers were sick of spending money on premium denim and decided to take matters into their own hands…and create a line that’s affordable for all of us!

The jeans were very comfortable, they had a nice medium weight and the rise wasn’t too low…but if your anything like me, you’ll have to make a trip to the tailor, because these jeans are just a bit too long for someone who’s only 5′2″.

Overall, these jeans fit well and I love the fact that they’re made from high quality denim, but that they only retail for $40! The only downside is that the jeans only come in one style, but I’m super anxious to see what else they have in store for all of us designer denim junkies on a budget!

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Dear CheapChica

by cheapchica11 on July 5, 2009

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…..

picture-11This 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!!!



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Because It’s Pretty

by cheapchica11 on June 27, 2009

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Every time I’m out shopping I can’ but be attracted to the pretty little things in stores…they just make me feel and look super feminine!  Whether its a flirty pink top, a fun circle skirt or just some flowers I decided to pick up for my bedroom, they tend to scream… “its a girl thing”.  And though the “boyfriend” look is still hot this season sometimes you just have to treat yourself to something your boyfriend doesn’t own and simply can’t pull off…like one of these great and inexpensive girl-y busy below:

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DIY: The Ruffled Way

by cheapchica11 on June 20, 2009

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I  love amazing looking shoes and when I happen to find these metallic pearl flats, I fell in love with them immediately.

The only thing holding me back from purchasing these one of a kind Lulu flats is that they retail for $96…which is completely out of my budget these days. So instead I decided that this was a project I could definitely take on! Here’s how…

After searching high and low I came across these ruffled flats from Go Jane that retailed for only $17.50 and figured that the only other things I needed to DIY these babies was a hot glue gun and a pack of pearl beads that I found at Joann’s Fabric on sale for $1.39!

After glueing on the pearls and letting them dry I managed to save over $70 by doing these myself and they look GREAT!  I couldn’t believe that I got this look for so much less! And what better way to end my project by going out and showing them off! Don’t you agree?

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10 Things You Should Own This Summer Under $25

by cheapchica11 on June 13, 2009

Whether you’re on a budget or not these are the 10 must haves every girl should own this summer!  Why you ask??  Because these are the kind of items you can wear multiple times, in a variety of ways, that look more and more fabulous!  From your boyfriend blazer to that LBD…these are the styles that will keep you right on trend for this season!

It is so important to keep our closets filled with the “essentials”  we can get more use out of, and not with pieces we randomly wear.  In every one’s wardrobe, there should be a crisp white tank, a boyfriend blazer, a neutral pump, the hobo bag, a great pair of denim jeans, a gladiator flat, the LBD, a statement jewelry piece, rosy blush and a bra that actually fits!  What you wear under your clothes, will definitely have an affect on everything you put over!

All of these amazing must-haves are under $25 and these great pieces will allow you to dress up or down and also give you the choice to mix and match with pieces you already own!  And remember… you don’t have to spend a lot to look fab!

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