by Ann Whitbeck on April 26, 2013
I’m always amazed at how Gwynenth Paltrow can make a very basic, minimal outfit look edgy, cool, and fresh…over and over again. Her trick with this look? Color… Major color.
Most of us have a simple dress that we love and if you don’t you can pick one up for under $50 bucks in the same color as GP’s here…
But after wearing it a few times, the novelty can wear off because of it’s a basic cut and solid color. The fix? Add a color block pump a la Gwyneth and all things old are new again!
Her Michael Kors pumps ($275) are a total outfit maker, but budget breaker! So I found this orange and gold pair from Chinese Laundry for only $69! Even better…Zara has a great option in several color-ways for under $50!
A more casual option are these sandals from Target. Paired with a cute white t-shirt and jeans, or a fun sundress, these sandals are a no brainer! And coming in at only $16.99, you are sure to get a ton of bang for your buck!
Two toned shoes are a very simple way to update your favorite outfit (and wardrobe) without having to spend tons of money. So, before you toss that “ boring” dress, rethink your options, and reinvent yourself with this season’s hottest color-blocked shoes!
by Ann Whitbeck on April 3, 2013
Jessica Alba is one of my favorite celeb fashionistas. She has a knack for wearing basic pieces with the volume turned wayyyy up. Case in point, her “running errands” outfit pictured here. While it may be made up of everyday basics, it’s how she puts them together that makes all the difference…oh, and color helps too!
For instance? The star’s amazinggg bag! I love the pop of orange, it’s boxy shape (very on trend) and the cross-body practicality all wrapped in one very cool package. It’s the kind of bag we all need, especially when F21 has this almost identical version for just $19!
Another seemingly normal, but total outfit-maker is Jessica’s denim vest. This should be your go-to piece for transitional outfits this Spring. I found this one at F21 as well, for under $20!
Next up in our quest for less…pastel-colored jeans (under $30), neutral scarf (under $11) and some very cool shades ($5) all from F21! Um, can I buy stock in Forever 21? What would we do without this store!
My favorite thing about these pieces is their versatility. They can all be worn daily with pretty much any ensemble–if like Jessica, you make them pop! We may never get to walk the red carpet, but who says your everyday clothes can’t have some serious star power!?
by cheapchica11 on March 24, 2013
There’s nothing I like more than a nude shoe, so when I find one that feels fresh, on-trend and affordable I can’t say no… event though my collection of nude shoes is {shhhh, don’t tell} nearing 20 pairs! I’ve always been a Kohl’s shopper and I’m partial to their LC Lauren Conrad label but lately I’ve found myself buying more and more Simply Vera Vera Wang pieces including these nude perforated sandals that are now on sale for $49.99!
They remind me so much of a Prada pair I passed up years ago at the Bergdorf shoe sale — even at 50% off they were still too expensive– and I’ve thought about them ever since. Now I can finally stop thinking about them and actually wear them without feeling one pang of pain about the price!
And if you love these shoes as much as I do, look for them on my upcoming segment on The Today Show on April 4th…I’ll show you how to wear them with one of Springs hottest, but trickiest trends!
by Ann Whitbeck on March 13, 2013
One of my favorite trends this spring is classic Black and White. I have always been a big fan of the dramatic effect that pairing black and white gives you but this season, the impact is turned up. Way up.
The best part about black and white pieces is that they are instant outfit makers with absolutely no effort. Memorable and sophisticated, sharp and sassy. Even better, this trend is so widespread and basic (in a good way) that you can find pieces to fit the style anywhere from Target to Saks Fifth Avenue–because let’s face it, a stripe is a stripe. CheapChica shopping at it’s best!
I love these pants from F21 because the stripes are skinny and vertical…a must when you wear stripes on the bottom ladies. I’m also feeling this diamond patterned black and white sweater because it will look great with jeans now and with cut-offs a little later this season.
You can even mix your black and white pieces, a la Marc Jacobs, who did an entire collection with the combo. Just remember that the prints you choose should be opposite in size (one big scale print, one small scale print).
This is such an easy trend to incorporate into your spring looks! Have fun looking black, white and lovely all over this Spring!
And be sure to catch Lilliana on Access Hollywood LIVE on Thursday, March 14th! She’s sharing Spring’s Best Trends Under $50 and this one made the cut!
by cheapchica11 on March 8, 2013
Growing up in Texas camouflage was not something I looked at as ever being fashionable…in my neck of the woods they sell this print at places with names like Bass Pro not Barneys. But I’ve always maintained that I’m an equal opportunity trend-trier and lately I’ve been hunting after the perfect pair of camo jeans.
Happy to report that I found two amazing options for both you splurge chicas and you sale-only chicas! And if you’re wondering what those are…or which one you are…you’ll have to wait for my book in October to learn more! 
Anyway, Rag & Bone (pictured right) make the coolest digital print skinny camo jean! I love it because while it’s got the traditional army green color, if you look closely, the camo isn’t camo at all…it’s a very modern (and allbeit a little pricey for $185) take on the classic.
Gap also has a faded camo jean (pictured left) which feels more like a jegging. The shorter skimmer length is perfect for petites and gives the usually masculine print a more feminine feel. These are $69 bucks but use code SPRINGAIR for an extra 30% off!
I’ll be wearing my camo skinnies during my upcoming trip to LA with everything from T’s to tweeds and I have a feeling these will go into permanent rotation in my jean wardrobe. Will you be hunting for these jeans as well? Tweet me @cheapchicas and let me know how you’ll wear them!
