The CheapChica's Guide to Style » Style File http://cheapchicas.com Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:34:46 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=7415 en hourly 1 My LBD Experiment: 31 Bloggers, 1 LBD http://cheapchicas.com/2010/08/10/my-lbd-experiment-31-bloggers-1-lbd/ http://cheapchicas.com/2010/08/10/my-lbd-experiment-31-bloggers-1-lbd/#comments Tue, 10 Aug 2010 05:21:12 +0000 cheapchica11 http://cheapchicas.com/?p=17913 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…

I had a studded vest from F21 that was dying to come out and play and this dress was just the right opportunity to break it out! I added my favorite Madewell belt (loving neon accents right now) and finished the look w/my Aldo peep-toe booties.  I had so much fun playing dress up in my closet for this little experiment and I encourage all of you to do the same.  Take some of your wardrobe basics and challenge yourself to create three totally different looks–it won’t just save you tons of money, it’ll also re-introduce you to everything that’s been hiding your closet!

And be sure to checkout how 30 other bloggers choose to play up their LBD by following the experiment here!

Ann Taylor Dress; Forever 21 Vest: Madewell Belt; Aldo Booties
Note: The dress featured was provided by Ann Taylor.  Click here to save 20% on it!
]]> http://cheapchicas.com/2010/08/10/my-lbd-experiment-31-bloggers-1-lbd/feed/ 11 Star Style: Katie Holmes http://cheapchicas.com/2010/06/27/star-style-katie-holmes/ http://cheapchicas.com/2010/06/27/star-style-katie-holmes/#comments Sun, 27 Jun 2010 05:04:20 +0000 cheapchica11 http://cheapchicas.com/?p=16418 National+Movie+Awards+2010+Red+Carpet+Arrivals+Dw0A34vwj0UlI’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!

]]> http://cheapchicas.com/2010/06/27/star-style-katie-holmes/feed/ 1 OTK Boots: How To Rock and Where to Find http://cheapchicas.com/2009/09/14/otk-boots-how-to-rock-and-where-to-find/ http://cheapchicas.com/2009/09/14/otk-boots-how-to-rock-and-where-to-find/#comments Mon, 14 Sep 2009 04:00:20 +0000 cheapchica11 http://cheapchicas.com/?p=6455 Picture 2

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!

]]> http://cheapchicas.com/2009/09/14/otk-boots-how-to-rock-and-where-to-find/feed/ 0 Budget Ring Bling http://cheapchicas.com/2009/09/02/ring-bling/ http://cheapchicas.com/2009/09/02/ring-bling/#comments Wed, 02 Sep 2009 04:00:47 +0000 cheapchica11 http://cheapchicas.com/?p=6676 66052654-02You 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!

]]> http://cheapchicas.com/2009/09/02/ring-bling/feed/ 2 How To Look Hot In Your Boyfriends Threads http://cheapchicas.com/2009/08/17/how-to-look-hot-in-your-boyfriends-threads/ http://cheapchicas.com/2009/08/17/how-to-look-hot-in-your-boyfriends-threads/#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2009 04:00:38 +0000 cheapchica11 http://cheapchicas.com/?p=6218 Picture 3

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!


]]> http://cheapchicas.com/2009/08/17/how-to-look-hot-in-your-boyfriends-threads/feed/ 1 Dear CheapChica… http://cheapchicas.com/2009/03/13/dear-cheapchica-4/ http://cheapchicas.com/2009/03/13/dear-cheapchica-4/#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2009 04:16:02 +0000 cheapchica11 http://cheapchicas.com/?p=4052

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

picture-16Dear 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!

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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:

]]> http://cheapchicas.com/2009/03/06/stylefile-enamel/feed/ 0 StyleFile: Cold Shoulder http://cheapchicas.com/2009/02/27/stylefile-cold-shoulder/ http://cheapchicas.com/2009/02/27/stylefile-cold-shoulder/#comments Fri, 27 Feb 2009 04:04:10 +0000 cheapchica11 http://cheapchicas.com/?p=3730 picture-1110

Style Links (L to R): Grey Satin Bow Dress $43.50, Navy Striped Dress $37.50, Purple Bow Dress $49.50

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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!

]]> http://cheapchicas.com/2009/02/27/stylefile-cold-shoulder/feed/ 1 StyleFile: Mini Mania http://cheapchicas.com/2009/02/13/stylefile-mini-mania/ http://cheapchicas.com/2009/02/13/stylefile-mini-mania/#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:00:29 +0000 cheapchica11 http://cheapchicas.com/?p=3504 picture-64

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

]]> http://cheapchicas.com/2009/02/13/stylefile-mini-mania/feed/ 0 StyleFile: Day-Glo http://cheapchicas.com/2009/02/06/day-glo/ http://cheapchicas.com/2009/02/06/day-glo/#comments Fri, 06 Feb 2009 04:00:35 +0000 cheapchica11 http://cheapchicas.com/?p=3434 picture-11

What a week! I’m in Cancun for a wedding and the only thing on my daily agenda is margaritas and sun! I’m at the ME by Melia and if you have an upcoming vacation, I highly recommend this place. The service is out of this world and the amenities are comparable to any Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons…at a fraction of the cost! I found the hotel on Hotwire for 60% off the rack rate!

Before I came down here, I picked up a neon yellow tote from the Maxx New York showroom and I can’t tell you how many compliment’s I’ve received on my beach bag! I think Neon has made a huge comeback, as evident by the recent Stephen Sprouse collection for Louis Vuitton, so here are some more modern and budget-friendly ways to incorporate the day-glo colors into your wardrobe! And remember, it’s all about the neon accent…we don’t need any 80’s fashion flashbacks when you wore the color head-to-toe!

Style Links:
Wallet, $7.50
Bikini, $42.50
Nail Polish, $14
Knit Top, $10.90
Hair Clips, $4
Sandal, $34.50
Sunglasses, $5.50
Tee, $14.99

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