From the category archives:
Style File
by cheapchica11 on April 23, 2012
Part of my passion for fashion has to do with finding great bargains at unbeatable prices. You know I love nothing more than having someone compliment my outfit and then sharing how little I spent in actually putting it together!
Well Better Homes and Gardens shares my love for fabulous fashions (and homes) at a price that’s accessible for everyone and that’s why I was so honored to be a part of their May issue.
The shoot was so much fun…getting your hair and make up done, being professionally lit and having a wonderful (and very cute!) photographer coach you through endless poses (I hate having my picture taken!) was all pretty amazing. I’m thrilled with how the photos turned out, but most of all I love that BHG and their wonderful fashion team was so true to my personal style and budget with the clothing/shoes/accessories selection for the shoot!
The styling was a total collaboration which I really enjoyed but there was one outfit that really spoke to me and I made sure it got photographed that day…click through the rest of the pictures from the shoot and let me know if you can guess which outfit I’m talking about!
If you haven’t already, please pick up the May issue of Better Homes and Gardens…I share plenty of packing tips that you’re sure to use this summer along with my rules for buying jeans! [click to continue...]
by cheapchica11 on August 10, 2010
A few weeks ago I was invited by Valerie Elizabeth from Society Stylist to participate in “The Little Black Dress Tours America”. I know it may sounds a little like the Traveling Pants movie, but it’s not…basically bloggers in select cities across the country all get the same LBD and then dress it up it to suit their personal style. The goal–to prove that having the right LBD can result in countless outfits if you just take the time to get a little creative with your choices!
I was sent this fabulous Ann Taylor shirt-dress and I couldn’t have been more excited! I loved the style and it was the perfect blank slate to build many outfits around…here’s how I styled it… [click to continue...]
by cheapchica11 on June 27, 2010
I’ll start by saying that Katie Holmes’ style is usually hit or miss for me….more miss than hit, but when I saw her in this chevron-striped dress at the National Movie Awards, it was two thumbs up! It’s from her collaborative clothing line, Holmes and Yang, with her stylist Jeanne Yang. The dress is only available at Maxfield’s in L.A.
Chevron stripes are one of the most flattering patterns because they elongate and slim (who doesn’t need that) the body! And even though she is (much) taller than her hubby, she wasn’t afraid to accentuate her long and slim body even more in this chevron number.
Personally, I think her booties are way too dressy for day wear, but by adding a great pair of black or metallic gladiator sandals, you could easily make this outfit a summer staple! Here are some other fun (and more affordable) ways to use chevron stripes to your advantage!
by cheapchica11 on September 14, 2009
So while frolicking through the Nordstrom shoe department the other day, I melted a little bit. There they were…the Stuart Weitzman over the knee boot in all their glory. Leather like butter, and even a stretchy part in the back so it forms perfectly to your calf. Sigh. After rummaging through my empty pockets, I put the boot down and walked away, trying not to glance back.
Of course I don’t let something that fantastic escape from my mind that easily. Some may call over the knee boots “hooker boots”, but I call them just plain fierce. Paired with cute tights it can give that flowing dress that extra edge. I would make sure the dress covers just the top of the over the knee boot (not too much) so it gives it the allusion that you are rocking leather pants. Amazing, right? The “pant allusion” is what makes these boots so worth while.
BUT, be careful when shopping for these if you’re on a budget! I looked high and low and did not find a pair that was worth posting about for less than $99…the inexpensive pairs looked trashy and hardly chic but I did find these black ones from JS by Jessica and check out one of my fave bloggers rocking them with short shorts to get an idea of how they look on! Just make sure you’re going to wear them all season long before you spend $100!
by cheapchica11 on September 2, 2009
You know those people that have their signature “something something.” You know, that girl who wears the cool scarves, or the other girl who fancies wearing numerous silver bracelets. Everyone deserves to have that signature something.
Now me, I’m the type of girl who indulgences herself in all types of accessory crazes, which is why I was so excited when I came upon these statement rings.
These massive, colorful rings look good on any finger, and can give a simple jeans and t-shirt look that extra “umph” if you will. There is really no design, no sparkle and no metal that is excluded. Where five or just wear one.
Now you will have something fabulously special to look at while typing or texting. Go reward your fingers…they deserve it with all the technology abuse we put them through!
by cheapchica11 on August 17, 2009
I don’t know if any of you are avid Entourage watchers like myself, but about two or three episodes back, Sloan (one of their leading ladies) was wearing a truly fierce look.
The stylist on the show threw together the perfect “boyfriend” look for her and I was obsessed! So I thought to myself, how can I do this for less than $100, since we all know the stylists on Entourage probably have an endless stream of money to play with.
The good news? I realized that this look is very do-able for my CheapChica budget so boys, watch out, ’cause we give sexy a new name when we rock your clothes!
by cheapchica11 on March 13, 2009
I am looking for the perfect (cheap) white clutch. I’m going on vacation and I think it’s the perfect bag to take with me…it’ll match everything and I don’t have to stress about packing multiple bags. Where can I find this without breaking the bank?
Thank you,
Nicole
Dear Nicole,
You are totally correct! A white clutch will go with everything and it’s by far the easiest (and most fun) color to wear on vacation! But finding a white bag can be really difficult, especially if you’re on a budget. They tend to look cheap and chintzy more often then not, so you have to look for luxe details, like texture and hardware, that will have your budget buy passing for a designer bag.
I happen to love the look of a white bag year round and I say to hell with the “no white shoes/bags” after Labor Day rule! They’re one of my favorite things to carry because they’re so unexpected and they just look so fresh and clean. I found you a few clutch styles that I think would be perfect for your trip like this woven one above from Guess. It has a very Bottega Venetta feel, without the hefty price tag! I also included some larger sizes in case you want to try out a white bag for the upcoming season.
And since you’re on a budget, these all retail for under $45…Have a safe trip!
by cheapchica11 on March 6, 2009
This season it’s all about color…and while you may not be into the idea of a raspberry dress or a turquoise top, these enamel bracelets will provide just the right amount of color to any outfit. Layer them together or mix in with jewelry you already own for an eclectic look that’s uniquely you!
I’ve had a long love affair with the pricey Hermes bracelets, so I was surprised to find so many cute (and affordable) alternatives at some of my favorite stores like Target and even Banana Republic. Check out some of my favorites below priced from only $8.80:
by cheapchica11 on February 27, 2009
Style Links (L to R): Grey Satin Bow Dress $43.50, Navy Striped Dress $37.50, Purple Bow Dress $49.50
Style Links (L to R): Star Print Dress $29.99, Color Block Dress $42, Nude Tunic $24.50
We knew the one-shoulder look would be a huge trend for Spring, but who knew it would stick around for Fall as well? I saw many designers like Alexander Wang, Marchesa and Marc Jacobs send this style down the runway in updated fabrics and colors for Fall, but one thing remained the same…it’s still all about the shoulder!
I happen to love this look for the Spring and Summer and I can’t wait to get my hands on one of these dresses…but don’t think you have to wait until the temperature warms up to wear them! Pair these with tights (try a ligher hue instead of black) and strap on those sandals for the perfect transitonal outfit!
by cheapchica11 on February 13, 2009
A girl can never have too many minis, right? They’re a fun and flirty alternative to a dress and I recently started building my skirt collection, because it’s in a severe fashion rut. I always opt for jeans or dresses, but lately I’ve realized that skirts are much more versatile and make for a much cuter outfit overall!
If you usually stay away from skirts, this is the perfect time to try them out again! This seasons minis feature much more forgiving silhouettes (think full and A-line, not skin tight), higher waistlines, and various lengths…opt for a micro-minis if you’ve got the legs for it or pick a more modest hem line if you’re a little on the shy side.
Mini’s also look as good with tights as they do with bare legs, so start stocking up now and you’ll be able to wear them all Summer long!
Style Links:
Shirred Mini, $24
Tiered Skirt, $48
Cadette Skirt, $32.99
Printed Mini, $19.50
Graphic Mini, $39
Part of my passion for fashion has to do with finding great bargains at unbeatable prices. You know I love nothing more than having someone compliment my outfit and then sharing how little I spent in actually putting it together!
