Exhibit A: This ultra cute Hi/Low Polka Dot Skirt from Lulus.com This little skirt not only ticks two trend boxes (hi/low and polka dots!) but also goes a long way in the flatter-any-shape department. This will be your go-to skirt for pretty much any occasion.

Another example? This sweater from the Gap. Both the neon color and color block design make it so very 2012. Who can’t use that extra(cute!) layer of warmth between winter and spring?

Then we have this romper from F21 is a triple threat. It has a big, bold floral print with a trendy mint color throughout (romper, big florals and mint? I’m all over it!

So as you begin to make your initial Spring purchases, keep an eye out for these two-trends-for-one options. Your money will take you much farther and you won’t have to sacrifice any style! Now don’t you look smart!

Well fast foward to this Fall when it was once again perfect trench weather and to my complete despair, the trench was gone.  Vanished.  Dunzo.  I have no idea if I left it somewhere, if it was stolen…all I know is that my beloved trench left me far too soon and there was no way I was going to buy another one- not at that price anyway.

Since then I’ve been on the hunt for anything even remotely close and I’m so happy to report that I’ve finally found a suitable alternative–now this one isn’t as heavy or as nicely finished as my Burberrry trench (may she RIP) but the styling is the same, the cut is almost identical and the length is perfect for petites like me.

Oh, and the price is quite nice…under $50.  If you’re looking for a classic style that still feels modern and sleek, this is the one…and here are a few other fun trenches that would be a fashionable and frugal addition to your Spring wardrobe!

More Asos…

If you ask me, it’s going to be madness a la Missioni, all over again but this time I’m prepared becasue I want me some Wu! This line brings Mr. Wu’s unique runway aesthetic to the daily life of real women. His inspiration is a sort of whimsical “French Gamine” look which styling wise in the lookbook doesn’t really do it for me but I can totally see these pieces working in my wardrobe.

There a number of delicate blouses (how cute are the bow ties?!?) that will take you from work to date, effortlessly and of course, keep you looking tres chic! And the basic pleated skirt? Amazing. Did I mention that I love, love, love, this navy dress with the bright stripe (spring trend alert!) bottom?! Styled with some platform pumps or dressed down with a pair of cotton converse sneakers–this dress is sure to be a Spring wardrobe staple!

If you vow to only buy one piece from this line (those of you who do, I admire your discipline!) make it one of the handbags. These structured styles are the sort of classic pieces that you’ll wear to death. I especially love the linen and black color-blocked pieces! Or any and all of them really! The collection is undoubtedly functional, fashionable, fabulous and a little French so you really can’t go wrong.

Give your Spring wardrobe a kick start….Get Wu’d! You can checkout the entire lookbook here.

And while I must admit that I didn’t go bananas over every single piece when I first saw the collection, there are a few pieces that I am lusting over and here’s why…

These croco embossed peep toe pumps are to die for.  Exotics are a huge trend right now and while I don’t typically do animal prints in my wardrobe, when you put it on a shoe, I’m all for it.  Plus the nude shade will go with just about anything. It’s an edgy shoe with tons of versatility and you can’t beat the price–$27 bucks!

But the animal prints in the J.Lo collection don’t stop with these shoes.  I also loved this snakeskin faux-leather wristlet. The snakeskin pattern is subtle and creates such an interesting texture that will add something different to any outfit.

Now last but certainty not least, my favorite piece has to be this gold sequin crop top. Our editor-in-chief, Lilliana even featured it on The Nate Berkus Show! This top is an attention getter and would be perfect for a holiday party this season (or NYE!) paired with high waist-ed shorts or a skirt and pumps. But keep the accessories on the light side…a few bangles or a pair or gold hoops is all you need!

For more from Jessica, be sure to visit her blog: style4love.blogspot.com

I bought my first ever animal print coat a few weeks ago from H&M for about $30 and I am hooked. I wear it with my flare jeans and silk top for a little 70’s vibe. Or for a more upscale evening look, I pair my printed jacket with a solid  shift dress (the brighter the better!), opaque tights and ankle boots.

These vibrant jackets can be used to add a modern and edgy twist to your basics… and as you know, here at CheapChicas, we like to think of any and all animal prints as neutrals, making the coat an even better investment.

And think beyond coats too…can you think of anything cuter than a leopard cape?! This one from Macy’s is a total style steal at under $50!

Or for something a little more classic yet still very spotted and chic, this car coat from Old Navy it a total “add to cart” at only $59!

If you haven’t already made your Holiday wish list yet, be sure to add an animal print coat. Better yet, treat yourself to one of these affordable coats and add a little leopard punch to your holiday style!

More Old Navy…

I fell in love with these two dresses when I first saw them at the preview.  And I like them both for very different reasons…the tailored, sculptural lines on the leopard one and the voluminous all-out girly-ness of the fuchsia one.

Both would be a great addition to my wardrobe and to yours so now that they’re on sale it’s the perfect time to post about them.  Most of the collection is now marked down with prices starting at just $49.99 and since it’s Friends & Family time at Macy’s (use code MACYSFF), you can also save an additional 25% off!

I picked up both styles and plenty of other stuff that I won’t list in case my hubby’s reading this!  I also noticed that the stores are packed with inventory…much more than the website so get down to  your local Macy’s and pick up your holiday party dress…time’s running out and this collection is full of fun party looks!

Fur, shearling and many other cozy fabrics have joined forces with the wedge to create the perfect storm of warmth, style and comfort. I’ve been on the hunt for a casual yet cool replacement for my tattered and tired old Uggs– you know, for those days you want to be casual but not so casual that you want to give up the height– and I’m happy to report I found a fab alternative!

I recently purchased these faux fur wedges from Target and let me tell you…I’m in love! They rarely come off my feet and are now are only second in line to my cozy slippers.

What I really like about this style is that it can be worn with straight leg jeans, sweater dresses, leggings…you name it! Your chilly toes have found the answer to their prayers!

And if the Target style isn’t too your liking, I also really liked this pair from Rocket Dog…and for under $100 too!

As you know, I’ve been guest editing over at one of my favorite shopping sites, Beso.com for the month of November.  I’ve been having WAY too much fun shopping and picking out my favorite must-have items for the Winter! If you haven’t check out my collection, click here to see my favorite picks all for under $200!

What I love most about the site is their collections feature.  It’s a simple way to keep all of your favorites organized in one place and with the holidays coming up, I can’t think of a better way to make your own holiday wish lists!

If you haven’t already signed up for Beso.com I highly encourage you to do so…all you need to do is click here! Now for the GIVEAWAY…

To help you with your holiday shopping (for others or yourself!) Beso.com and I are giving away a $250 shopping spree.  All you need to do to enter is:

1. Jump over to Beso’s facebook wall and like them.

2. Comment below and share what’s on your wish list this holiday season!

That’s it! Sweet and simple. The only rules are you must be 18 and older, a US resident and only one entry per person. Good luck and Happy Holidays…oh and shopping!

Note: Contest ends 12/01/11 and winner will be notified via Facebook.

For work, I need a pair of black pumps (I have plenty of tan/neutral ones) that could stay on my feet all day without giving me foot cramps or worse, blisters.  Now given how much I run around, that’s no easy feat, but I think I’ve finally found two pairs that will work for my wardrobe and my budget.

The first pair was a total splurge, but I was able to use a 25% off coupon code which made these black Ann Taylor pumps a more reasonable $148.  BTW, never pay full price for anything at LOFT or AT…they always have great in-store and online promos.

I was willing to spend the money because they look like Jimmy Choos (thanks to their fabulous faux lizard skin) and felt like butter on my tired soles.  These are perfect for dressier work outfits and still sexy enough to spice up a pair of jeans.

My next pair was a total surprise.  I’ve been eying the Steve Madden Sarrina’s since a few months ago when one very stylish publicist was wearing them in Leopard. I was sure they were Brian Atwoods and was shocked when she whispered “Steve Madden” to me.

Anyway, I refuse to pay more than $100 for SM’s so I just put them out of my mind until I walked into my favorite bargain hunting paradise, Marshall’s the other day and spotted my Sarrinas in THREE colors (tan, purple and black)…for only $39.95! They’re still $99.95 on SM.com and Zappos!

What I love about the Sarrina is the platform toe combined with the wider stacked heel–it gives them a very 70’s chic vibe! They also have a super cushion-y insole (rare for SM’s) which makes them even more comfortable. I bought both pairs because while these have a funky, edgier vibe, the Ann Taylor ones are much more sophisticated and classic– but now all aspects of my wardrobe are covered…and for under $200!

So if you’re looking for black pumps, I highly recommend either one of these! But I’d love to know what are your favorite black pumps?

For those of you that don’t know a lot about the brand, it’s one of my favorite stores on the planet and IMO it’s the best place to find runway inspired looks for less.  Now don’t expect prices to be in the F21 realm…this store is like a grown up version of H&M that your super stylish European friend shops at.  The quality is really nice and most of my Zara buys have held up really well so I don’t mind spending the extra money for them–not to mention, they’re my most complimented pieces!

The fit on the garments is right in line with H&M so you may have to size up in some things…oh and don’t overlook the shoe department!  There are some real gems here! IMO, the shoes are way nicer and much more fashion forward than anything you’re going to find at Steve Madden and they’re usually all under $100!

Bookmark the site now!