by cheapchica11 on May 10, 2012
If you’re in search of an investment piece to get more bang for your buck-look no further that the flare dress…in true ladylike fashion, fit and flare has become the “it” dress for Spring. Whether your agenda includes a wedding, brunch, or daily errands, your choice of accessories can make this dress perfect for any occasion thanks to versatility.
A statement necklace, bold lips, and coordinating pumps are great choices when going all-out glam. Throw on ballet flats and your favorite go-to blazer for a daytime spin on the Spring staple…
or take Lauren Conrad’s lead and go for a oh-so cool California girl twist like she did here in a piece from the upcoming Spring line of her Paper Crown collection.
Lust is an understatement, when describing this fabulous piece from the Carven SS12 runway, but with retailers like ASOS, Topshop and Zara offering an abundance of colors, prints, and fabrics – you’ll be sure to find a budget-friendly version that suits your personal style.
I personally fell in love with this dress from ASOS…it’s everything I want in a dress all wrapped up into one very affordable (and cute) package. I can see this working for the office with a great pair of black flats and also for a daytime Summer wedding with a great neutral wedge and super feminine accessories!
Check out the rest of our picks for the best flared skirts and dresses under $100…
For more from Brittany visit her blog, The Subtle Statement
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by Ann Whitbeck on May 8, 2012
I usually avoid even uttering the word “snake” but for fashion, we must sacrifice. And snakeskin is to this Spring/Summer as cheetah print was to last Fall: essential!!
I love any sort of natura/ivory or black/gray snakeskin against Spring’s colorful palette. This versatile blouse from Kohl’s for $40 comes in either brown tones or gray tones…and this basic tank from Target will easily be your new spring wardrobe staple! Express also has a huge line of snakeskin pieces right now and a highlight of their collection has to be this sequin snakeskin skirt.
As with all animal prints, you have to be careful with your styling… too much going on can make the look go from chic to cheap very quickly so it’s best to keep the rest of your outfit very simple and minimize the accessories.
For those of you that are feeling a little snakeskin-shy, these shoes from Target for only $35 are just for you…the little hint of snakeskin on this fabulously gold pump adds interest but still keeps it well, ssssssssubtle…..
Alternatively, if you’re feeling bold, this python print Rachel Rachel Roy dress may just be what you’re looking for. I just picked it up at Macy’s over the weekend and couldn’t wait to wear it! The color combos in the python feels oh-so high end but for under $100 it’s not….but don’t worry, we won’t tell if you don’t!
Take a look at some of these other budget friendly snakeskin items and put some sssssssssssizzle in your Spring!
by cheapchica11 on April 20, 2012
Biker and beauty queens’ worlds collide to create this sweet, yet sassy combo– the maxi/moto is a must-try for the transitional season as we head from Winter into Spring.
The key to mastering this popular pairing is all about balance and fit. Choose a form fitting maxi dresses or a high-waisted maxi skirts and go for a cropped leather jacket to help show off your curves and avoid a “boxy” appearance.
The great thing about this look is it’s versatility…you can choose to go casual and carefree with a basic cotton maxi dress and a cropped leather jacket, like Olivia Wilde did here.
For a fun dinner refreshment go for the flirty floral maxi dress you wore to brunch, paired with a spunky leather jacket, similar to Rachel Bilson.
Or if you’re about all out glamour, take a tip from the never-less-than fabulous, Sarah Jessica Parker and pair a fluid pleated maxi skirt with an ornate leather jacket.
Add your own unique touch by adding accessories, whether it be spiked bracelets, long necklaces or even sneakers if you’re feeling playful!
For more from Brittany, visit her blog, The Subtle Statement.
by cheapchica11 on April 18, 2012
This time of year can be absolutely terrifying for women. Exposing more skin and easing into the idea of wearing a swimsuit after months of hibernating in leather over the knee boots and chunky sweaters?
But it isn’t just about feeling comfortable in your own skin (which, don’t get me wrong, is extremely important)–it’s also about finding the right suit that compliments your body. And luckily for us ladies, retro chic swimsuits are all the rage for bathing beauties…I mean did you see Beyonce in her skirted retro-chic one piece in St. Barths? Caliente!
From solid colors to cute ruffles and patterns, anything goes in the world of retro suits! ModCloth even has a whole page devoted to just this one category!
If you’d like to adopt this trend in a more conservative fashion, invest in a one-piece. This retro inspired suit from Anthropologie is $128 and not only does it have built in boning to help keep everything in place (so retro!) but it also comes with a removable skirt.
It’s the kind of suit that’s beyond flattering no matter what your shape thanks to the ultra slimming solid colored side panels! This one is totally being added to my cart as I type!
Even two-piece bathing suits are getting in on this retro trend. And for those of you that may cringe at the idea of a bikini, if you opt for one with more coverage, like a style with a high-waisted bottom and a bandeau top they can look great on various body types! 
Katy Perry is a huge fan of this style and this two-piece gingham suit from J.Crew on sale for only $49.99. IMO, it’s a must-have for a summer pool party or just a great suit to add to your bikini collection. I mean what lady doesn’t want to rock a Grace Kelly or Marilyn Monroe-inspired look at the pool/beach this summer?
Read more from Kate on her blog LifeSucksInAStraplessBra.com!
by cheapchica11 on April 2, 2012
For some, the Golden Rule is “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, but this spring, when it comes to the Golden Rule, we are talking about shoes, ladies.
Gold, metallic heels have popped up everywhere and now they’ve made their way from the runway (hello YSL) to some of our favorite online retailers.
As a YSL fan, I like my gold sandals very 70’s inspired…think of what you’d wear to Studio 54 in its hey day…like this pair from Seychelles! They’re a total steal for $90 bucks but right now you can save an additional 25% off! Some gold sandals can feel very prom-tastic so a chunkier heel and wooden accents help balance it all out!
Now if you’re looking a little comfort with your gold, you can pick up these very chic and comfortable LAGOON Ballet Flats with a metallic heel for $53.72!
Or what about these sandals by Sam Edelman for $99…the simple black leather straps and pop of gold on the heel make this a must-have sandal for the season.
And sometimes it’s about just a touch of gold, so look for a pair of sandals with a metallic heel like these for some unexpected glam! Remember, the heel is the last thing people see when you walk away and walking away in a pair of golden heels will help you make quite the statement!
For more from Kate, visit her blog at LifeSucksInAStraplessBra.com!
by cheapchica11 on March 28, 2012
I’ve been desperately searching for a grown up interpretation of this trend and I’ve finally found it in this skirt!
Aztec prints have been a summer trend for the last few years, but presented in ripped tees and styles that appeal to the high-school set, I usually skip them because they just feel a little to young for me.
Higher-end lines like All Saints always seem to strike the right balance with this print but it’s been a real challenge to find anything that looks sophisticated enough (at a budget friendly price) for those of us who are over thirty!
And then came this skirt…which works for two reasons, the muted color palette and the sequins. I can’t wait to wear this out once the weather gets a little warmer and I plan on styling it similar to the picture for both day and night.
A classic white button-down helps balance out the sexiness of the hemline and dressiness of the sequins…when it comes to shoes, you could just as easily style it with flat gladiator sandals or a pair of high-heel sandals!
by cheapchica11 on March 19, 2012
Peplum. Defined as a short ruffle attached at the waistline of a jacket, blouse, dress or skirt. P-e-p-l-u-m. Peplum. Yes, those ruffles do have a proper name, and peplums happen to be springing up all over the fashion scene (no pun intended).
It is always fun to have a garment that has something special, making it stand out from the crowd, and that is exactly what peplums do, like this bold red peplum skirt from ModCloth.com for $42.99. Match this colorful garment with a solid form fitting T-shirt throw on a boyfriend blazer and finish with some chunky gold bangles for a look that’s retro-chic!
True, peplums have some nasty rumors being spread about them, like they have the tendency to accentuate certain lady lumps in a not-so-chic fashion. But it is all about finding the right style that works for your body shape.
When worn properly, peplums actually hug a woman’s curves, creating a beautiful silhouette… This throwback to the 40’s is also great if you are looking to add a little shape to your bod, or want a fabulous way to show off that curvy figure. The key here is balance…if you’re going peplum on top, go fitted on the bottom and vice versa.
If you’re still a little skeptical, why not test-drive a subtle peplum top, like this one from New York & Co. for under $30… you can pair it with something as simple as skinny jeans and colorful heels or this top even looks great with a classic pencil skirt; a totally wow-worthy outfit for the office!
Remember the more color the better this spring, so make your peplum look pop!
Read more from Kate on her blog, LifeSucksInAStraplessBra.com!
by Ann Whitbeck on March 15, 2012
Chartreuse has come a long way from its’ days of oh-no-she-didn’t wear that color! You can’t walk into a store without seeing this striking love child of green and yellow! And we bet that by the end of this Spring you’ll own a chartreuse-something
Now this color is not for the faint of heart, but the impact is worth the courage in my book. I love it when basic pieces, like this sweater from Zara, take on a whole new life in such unexpected colors. It puts a not-so-sweet twist to a lovely floral print!
And talk about wow factor…even a chartreuse colored t-shirt or a basic shirt dress from Old Navy screams style (yes, with confidence and charm) and spring! Or if you are less thrilled about the idea of wearing this color in large doses…why not try chartreuse accessories like this crossbody bag from Steve Madden?
And as the temperatures rise, so should your colors…ladies, set your chartreuse loose!
by Ann Whitbeck on March 8, 2012
It is no news that animal prints like cheetah and leopard are all the rage right now, but actual animals as prints is a micro-trend gone global this season…
Animal silhouettes make for a very striking print that can give your outfit a funky-preppy vibe or a retro chic feel. My favorite print this moment has to be this one pictured above from Victoria Beckham, I mean come on, how cute?! It is at the top of my list….dream-list that is since it retails for a whopping $1,065!
I think I’ll have to skip it. But there are so many similar, cute options popping up out there. ASOS has the most adorable cat print dress that is definitely being added to my closet while H&M has an entire line of bunny print (I know, I know, but trust me it’s really cute) pieces–it includes a sweater, a dress and a button down.
So how do you style these pieces? Take a hint from Ms. Beckham herself…ultra sleek and minimal are key if you’re going retro glam.
Or, if you are opting for of a more preppy–on-steroids style, be bold and mix these prints with a bright accents!
by Ann Whitbeck on February 20, 2012
Every year around this time, designers reinvent the quintessential Spring print–florals!! But this year happens to be my favorite (I say that every year, but seriously). Floral tops are being matched with floral shorts to create an ultimate (yet unexpected) ladylike ensemble.
Stores like Zara, H&M and J. Crew are filling their racks with pretty petals that are begging to be paired up with other florals. And while this pairing might seem a little intimidating at first, it’s totally wearable.
This look from Zara is lovely and feminine without being over the top….each piece can be a statement on it’s own but it’s so much better when paired together! This peplum top from J.Crew would look darling with a floral mini! And while the J.Crew prices are not as budget friendly as I’d like, they could be worth the investment…or do as I do and wait for the 30% off email coupon!
Or for an easier floral look, you can even layer a floral shirt under a floral blazer–and just add your favorite pair of skinny jeans on the bottom!
When styling your floral frenzy, keep the rest of you look basic and demure, think ladies who lunch with kitten heel pumps and simple gold accessories. Clean, straight lines in the shorts or pants will make the look feel modern.
And if the combo is too much of a good thing for you, these pieces can easily stand alone while looking anything but boring. Check out some of these other budget floral looks and this season, work the petals, girls…
