by cheapchica11 on November 4, 2011
Sorry for all the shoe posts this week but I’ve been on a mission to find the perfect pumps for all of the fabulous trousers I’ve been scooping up this season.
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?
by Ann Whitbeck on September 7, 2011
I mean credit cards! As of today, you can finally shop Zara online and that means we’re all going to be looking a whole lot better starting now! I couldn’t be more excited about this and now all we need is for H&M to jump on the online bandwagon and all of my internet shopping dreams will come true!
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!
by cheapchica11 on July 26, 2011
If you’re a loyal reader of this blog you know that I like nothing more than shoes (ok, maybe Chanel bags but who can afford those?!) and lately I’ve been taking notice of all the fabulous shoes Michael Antonio has been adding to it’s collection.
I love how they’re able to capture the latest trends at such an affordable pricepoint and whenever I’m looking for a special show that can’t possibly existfor under $500, they surprise me!
Case in point, these gold linen pumps with a fabulous metallic platform…very Gucci like, no? I love neutral shoes but sometimes you want neutral with a punch so when I saw these for only $49 I had to have them!
And in case these aren’t what you’re looking for here’s a few of my favorite styles that won’t break the bank and you can see the full collection here!
by Ann Whitbeck on July 12, 2011
The little (wrap) dress that could. That’s what I call my fave wrap dress that has been my go to staple on all my summer trips so far. If I didn’t need to wash it, it would not come out of my suitcase. I cannot imagine my wardrobe without a wrap dress, or maybe four. Every girl should have one. They are by far the most versatile dress out there and thanks to the fabulous DVF, the wrap dress is a fashion staple and it is no mystery why.
These dresses are flattering for virtually every shape, they can go from wedding to picnic, office to shopping. Most of these dresses are made of a flowy, jersey fabric, allowing them to …drumroll……wrap! This means they will not hug and nip in all the wrong places but rather sway and drape in the most flattering of ways, even on the hottest summer days! Easy, breezy.
There are also tons of DVF-inspired wrap dresses out there that are equally as flattering as the original and half the price…take for example, this BCBG one for only $74! When it comes to fit, take note from DVF herself and try to find one where the the wrap hits you right at your natural waist. You’ll also want to find one where the skirt hits at least an inch above your knee…remember that the right proportions will ensure that your LWD is at its’ peak flattering potential.
Even if you are not a 6 ft tall model (and who is?!), wearing a wrap dress with your highest pumps will make you feel, and look, like you just stepped off the runway in Milan. You may find yourself paying slightly more for this kind of dress but believe me, it is an invesment piece you will not regret. Check out some of these budget friendly versions… I especially love these kimono-style and nude versions from ASOS! Get your wrap on!
by Ann Whitbeck on July 7, 2011
In all honesty, Roxy has not been on my radar for a long long time. I always think of it as a hip, teenage, surfer girl place, and unfortunately, I am none of the above. But this past week I was on vacation in Hawaii and the Roxy store was calling my name…and now I know why. Hello! They have some amazingly cute dresses that are affordable, on trend and very flattering….even for the non-surfer chic.
I especially love the tropical colors they use, like this one, and the unexpected cuts . The best part about these dresses is that they are unique looking and the company only makes a certain number of each one. I know this to be true because I am desperate for one called the beach towel dress and after contacting their central offices several times, I have been told they are out of that dress and they do not make more once an item is sold out, despite its’ popularity.
Most of their dresses run around $40 and shipping is free on all orders! So do yourself a favor and dip into your local Quicksilver/Roxy shop or take a look at their online shop and get yourself a mid summer treat that is sure to have you turning heads even when you are not on the beach!
by cheapchica11 on June 6, 2011
If there’s one thing I’m more likely to do in the Summer it’s accessorize! In the winter I feel buried under layers and layers of clothes so all my efforts at wearing cute jewelry go totally unnoticed…but once the temperatures heat up, I break out the big guns!
Whether it’s stacks of bracelets, a statement necklace or a bold earring, accessories help add some style to my otherwise simple Summer uniform of dresses or shorts and a tank/tee…and thanks to Shop Belina, this Summer is set to be my best accessorized one yet!! I have so many events coming up this summer (like most of you!) and instead of buying different outfits for all of them, this year I’m taking a totally different approach…I’m going to take some of my tried and true staples and just remix them with really great jewelry!
Shop Belina has a fabulous and eclectic mix of jewelry that’s not only priced right, but trend right too! There’s so much to choose from but I have my eyes on a few key pieces…namely this namesake bracelet, this acrylic bangle and these gorgeous turquoise earrings! Shop B’s (as I’m now lovingly referring to them as) jewelry is all under $38 and because I’m such a fan I want one of you to try it out for yourself!
I’m partnering with them on a super special giveaway where one lucky reader will get to pick out 1 necklace, 1 bracelet and 1 pair of earrings to really give you accessory collection some legs this Summer! All you need to do to enter is follow Shop Belina on Facebook or Twitter and then leave a comment or tweet them with your favorite item on the site! Simple and easy…until you try to pick just one! 
Good luck and the winner will be announced on 6/13 and contacted via their form of entry (either FB or Twitter)!!
by cheapchica11 on June 3, 2011
I finally broke down and did it…I caved to comfort and after trying on almost every pair of sneakers/tennis shoes/tennies (call them what you will) I have finally decided that the only pair for me has to be these Converse All Star Slim Slips…
In the Summer I usually look forward to wearing my flip flops on a daily basis, but lately they’ve been giving me some serious foot cramps after a long day of wearing them. And I don’t even want to tell you what color my feet were when I wore them all around NYC last week…G-ross! Anyway, while I will never give up my heels for anything with a rubber sole, these little slip ons have filled a major void in my shoe wardrobe.
I never really gave sneakers a chance but these actually look super cute with sundresses, cutoffs and even girl-y skirts. And for $55 I may have to break down and buy another pair…I got them in “parchment” which IMO happens to be the best color to get them in. The “white” was a little too white and a little too reminiscent of the Keds my cousin’s baby Isabella might wear.
Anyway, if you’re looking to add some comfort (and may I add style!) that doesn’t come in the form of a sandal to your Summer shoe selection, these are the way to go!
by cheapchica11 on May 20, 2011
Gap and Goodwill have announced a partnership encouraging consumers to clean out their closets for a cause…and for those of you that are like me and hate throwing things out, this is the perfect opportunity!
From May 19-29, Gap stores in will accept clothing donations in support of the Donate Movement, an effort powered by Goodwill to educate the public on the positive impacts donations can have on both people and the planet.
When you donate your clothing to Gap stores during this time, all donations will be given to Goodwill Industries and then sold in Goodwill’s across the country…but the best part (for you) is that all donors will receive 30-percent off their entire Gap purchase, including regularly priced and sale items, just in time for Memorial Day shopping!
I already have my eye on this jacket, this blouse and this nude dress…so start cleaning and then start shopping!!
by cheapchica11 on May 13, 2011
Derek Lam fans rejoice! Thanks to a fusing of technology and fashion you can now score a DL piece for your collection without having to decide between that and paying your rent!
With a huge celebrity following (including my favorite petite fashionista, Rachel Bilson!) and Mrs.O constantly sporting his duds, Lam has become a household name and fashion darling in recent years. His clothes feel modern and sexy in a total subtle and sophisticated way and that my friends is why his entire collection is always so covetable and why his new collection for eBay is so exciting!
This partnership gives us CheapChicas a chance to own a lil’ Lam with prices starting at just $125 for the limited six piece collection. If I could, I’d buy every piece, but since I have to pick a few favorites, I’m going with the Boho Dress Bilson wore to the launch party. She paired hers with a jean jacket but I think I might throw one of my crochet/open weave sweaters over it for cooler nights!
And while I usually have to hem my maxis because I’m so short, I kind of like how it’s “pooling” in the picture above…I may have to try that and that way I can wear it with both flats and heels!
Speaking of heels…I’m also head over heels for this this stunning Indigo Denim Sun Dress. I have a few daytime Summer weddings coming up and this is the perfect dress to wear multiple times…all I’m going to do is change up the accessories to create completely separate looks! I just bought a gorgeous statement necklace that will make all the difference with a dress like this!
You can view the entire collection at dereklam.ebay.com, but click that “Buy It Now” button quickly…this collection is going to fly off the web!
Note: This post is sponsored by Derek Lam & eBay.
by cheapchica11 on April 9, 2011
I wrote about the most perfect pair of wedges last year…since then, I’ve gotten tons of emails about them from fans who were able to purchase them and from those of you that missed out on the most perfect wedge to date ever made. So I’m very happy to announce that for Spring 2011 Seychelles has re-introduced their infamous “Kick Up Your Heels” wedge as the “Purr” wedge.
Run don’t walk to get these and I know $95 is a lot for one pair of shoes, but trust me when I say this…it’s the only pair of wedges you will buy or need all season.
Anyone that knows me, knows that I do not like wedges…on me. I love the way the look on models or regular women with long legs, but for some reason, on me, they feel clunky, they make my feet look awkward and if you’re as short as I am (5′1″) they just don’t look right or proportional.
The reasons the Seychells pair made my cut is two-fold:
1: The wedge and the straps on these are skinny, so they reduce visual weight of the shoe drastically and make them less clunky, and
2: The color is flesh tone so the shoes just look like an extension of my legs making my stumpy “legs” look way longer than they usually do…kind of what a nude pump does for your legs!
If you’re short, I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but all those colorful wedges you’re seeing for Spring with those thick straps, well, they’re not going to do you any favors. They’re going to cut off your legs at the ankle and only make you look shorter so if you must “wedge” this summer, opt for one of these below…
