American Idol is one of the top shows on television-everyone is watching these days! Not only can the contestants sing but they’re already staring looking like rock stars little by little each week!
And even though some of the contestant’s wardrobe consists of top designers, like Vera Wang, you can look like one of the AI kids for a fraction of the price…here’s how:
When I watched American Idol a few weeks ago I thought Michelle Delamore’s look was right on trend for the 22 year old singer. And while I may not always agree with the judges on their opinion of the contestants performances, that night we all agreed that she looks fabulous!
She wore a white mini dress by Vera Wang, black tights, a cropped black jacket, heels and Lady GaGa-esque gloves. So… if you’re dying to know how to get this look for less start your shopping at CheapChica favorites like Charlotte Russe, Free People, and Forever 21…but remember to start with the focal point of the look.
In this case, I started with the dress and found one just like it at Forever 21 for only $29.80 and built my outfit from there…and while this trend setting singer was voted off, her diva style that night was a real winner!
Click it/ Skip it:Click it! Not to sound like a broken record but I’m kind of obsessed with this banded style right now, and this dress from Express is one of the best renditions of the trend (besides the originals) that I’ve seen yet!
Fit: The great thing about this dress is the size run! It comes is XXS through L but my recommendation is to size down. I know that sounds nuts, but the whole point of this dress is that it fits snug against your curves –so if you size down, it’ll hug you in all the right places while sucking you in, in all the wrong places!
Shopper’s Notes: The color on this is really beautiful…it’s got a hint of metallic but you won’t feel like a disco queen! I also LOVE the wide one shoulder strap–it makes the silhouette very modern and current!!
I’m so excited to be the first blogger profiled on Lemondrop.com’s newest feature! Each week, their lovely and in-the-know editors will be rounding up the web’s top bloggers to find out what 10 items they’re currently obsessed with.
Click here to find out what items made my list and be sure to check out their site for everything us ladies want to know about–including juicy and very interesting tidbits like this article!
I love seeing something completely functional, go totally fashionable and that’s exactly what’s happened with zippers!
From jewelry, to clothes, to handbags…these YKK’s aren’t just there to open and close. They now give an edgy, heavy metal vibe to strappy stilettos and add some much needed hardware to that classic LBD.
The great thing about the exposed zipper trend is that’s super easy to incorporate into your wardrobe, regardless of how much you might not consider yourself the rocker type! A basic tee looks anything but with the addition of a zippered pocket and even a classic cardigan goes from conservative to fashion forward just by adding some zipper accents!
Here are some of my favorite picks for less than $50…
Boy has pLeather come long way…back in the day this material was reserved for bad footwear and even worse clothes, but thanks to new technology and and an increase in demand from consumers for more fashion-forward faux materials (thanks PETA!) companies like Roxy and Forever 21 are lining their racks with cute fake leather finds!
Moto-style jackets have been a huge trend in fashion, but just in case you didn’t pick one up last year you’re in luck! As stores start to bring in more Spring inventory, they’re drastically reducing the price of this closet essential.
The best thing about these jackets is that you can wear them now and depending on where you live, through May. They’re the perfect layering piece and one of my favorite things to throw on over a t-shirt when I’m feeling lazy but still want to look cute!
Whether your budget is $20 or $75, you’re sure to find one that fits your budget and style!
When it comes to luck, I really don’t have any. I never win in Vegas and the one time I did win a slot machine jackpot, they took my winnings away…
I was on board a Carnival Cruise Ship with my family and my Mom (who loooooves slots!) said it would be fine if I went into the casino and pulled the handle a few times. Well, I did and I won almost $500 but I was 8 years old at the time so needless to say, the ship took back their winnings immediately!
Anyway, my point is that I’m hoping my luck will turn around just in time for the 2010 Bloggies…but I need your help.
I just found out that I’m up for “best fashion blog” with some of the best and brightest out there, like The Sartorialist, Cupcackes and Cashemre, The Cut and LibertyLondonGirl. To say that I’m completely shocked is a total understatement…I even had to refresh the page on their website b/c I was convinced it was some kind of joke!
So to my lovely and loyal readers, since I have some stiff competition, if you could take 10 seconds out of your day to vote for this blog, it would mean so so much to me!
Here’s what you have to do:
1. Go to: http://2010.bloggies.com/
2. Find the “best fashion blog” category and select: “The Cheap Chica’s Guide to Style”
3. Scroll all the way to the right, enter your email address and click “submit your nomination”
4. You’ll then receive an email with a link to verify your vote…make sure you click the link or your vote won’t be counted!
I promise it’s quick and painless! Voting closes on Sunday, Jan. 31 at 10 pm and we’ll find out the winners in March during the SXSW Music Festival in Austin!
BTW, if you’ve got some free time on your hands, check out any and all of blogs that were nominated…they’re all really really good! Some of my faves are Smitten Kitchen, The Pioneer Woman and Bakeralla!
I really need your help. I recently purchased this sheer yellow slip dress (Rodarte for Target) and I know that I would probably wear a textured tight in some kind of beige (unless you have some other suggestions…), but my major issue is the shoes…the shoes…what shoes??
Also it is currently a negative 4 degrees in Virginia so how can I winterize the dress further as I want to wear it to a party on Friday.
Thanks in advance!!!!
Hi Dominique,
I have to say the dress you chose from Rodarte for Target is AMAZING! It’s such a fun piece to have in your wardrobe and you can wear it from Winter to Spring! I totally agree with you on the beige textured tights…I think they’ll look great with the dress.
To “winterize” your look always, always, always add layers! It’s the easiest way to change your look and depending on your personal style choose what best compliments you…that being said, for this particular dress I’d stick with the feminine/vintage feel since the dress is so soft, pretty and girl-y! And who doesn’t love feeling like that?!?
To start, get yourself a 3/4 sleeve fitted cardigan that hits right at your waist–no longer. Any light tone, like cream, butter or tan will look great will compliment the dress…OR, you can go wild!
A leopard print cardi adds a totally unexpected punch of style and it adds a printed element which is always good when the rest of your look is so mono-chromatic.
This one from Delia’s is ideal for your dress and retails for $44.50. It’s also a great piece that you can wear later with jeans, tights and skirts!
When it comes to shoes, choose a bootie or a traditional pump in a nude/neutral color. This will help your legs look longer with your choice of beige tights. You can also choose a black shoe for an edgier look…but if you want to keep your look soft and chic stay in the neutral tones.
Remember that your dress is special enough that you can keep everything else simple.
Here are some picks I chose that might help you out…. Good Luck!
What better way to start the New Year then to update your look. Say good by to ‘09 and hello to 2010 with some new (and old) staples that will make you feel like you bought a whole new wardrobe.
We sometimes think that to start the new year off right we need to throw out the old and bring in the new…but that’s not always the case. Alhough 2010 is blooming with mixed prints, slouchy silhouettes and sequins, these are all items you may find in your closets from previous seasons.
For starters, keep anything from a floral to a funky print. These are pieces you’ll find yourself wearing for this Spring. Ditto for your boyfriend blazer, white tee and tights, but as for your boyfriend jeans, you can pack them away. This season it’s all about a soft pant in lightweight fabrics like jersey and silk which will become the new “go-to” style for pants.
Sequins were everywhere–we say them early Fall and then they dominated for the Holiday season. For Spring 2010, look for a sequin jacket in a print like this one from ASOS which retails for only $40.97. This printed or even ombre sequin look is a great way to update your look for 2010–not to mention, you won’t have to add any extra accessories.
For a more casual jacket, choose a tweed style that screams vintage and modern at the same time. For shoes, the “shootie” will remain a staple item, but try one in bold color and an open-toe style for Spring.
And don’t forget to pick up some fun accessories to finish off your new look! Anything chunky is still on-trend, but if you’re looking for one item that will compliment anything in your wardrobe–choose over-sized links! These chunky chains are the latest must-have accessory and they’ve come a long way from those 90’s rap videos!
Here are some of my favorite picks for 2010 for under $50…. Enjoy!
Last week we reviewed and you voted culotte style shorts (look three) as your favorite. This week we’re admiring the fashionable and brave thigh-high boots wearers. These tall boots were all over the runway for fall 2009, and now we’re beginning to see them on the streets.
Our first look, by agogofashion on chictopia, goes for a bohemian look in a faux-fur vest, a loose blouse, leggings, and gorgeous brown boots.
On a sleeker note, we have look two, via Jak & Jil blog. The black boots work nicely with a pair of skinny jeans, tank top and blazer. The outfit is casual but very sophisticated.
In look three, via Mr. Newton, thigh-high boots are worn with a dress in a non-trashy way. Because of the high neckline, short sleeves and loose silhouette, this lady looks simply stylish. The leather jacket doesn’t hurt either.
Lastly, look four from Stockholm Street Style, features a flat-heeled, thigh-high boot. When paired with a billowy white dress and casual jacket, the look is effortless and endlessly stylish.
psst-Love the look but can’t afford new boots? Try what this lovely lady did by wearing thigh-high socks that are the same color as your boots.
Bag: Diego. I know, I’m hard not to love. BTW, how cool am I?
CC: Beyond. I need you. How much do you cost?
Bag: About $800.
…and scene. I’ve been obsessing over this bag and I couldn’t quite put my finger on why. I mean don’t get me wrong, I kill for A. Wang but I’m not the biggest fan of bucket (formerly known as drawstring) bags.
And then it hit me like a lightening bolt! My first “designer” bag was a hunter green, Dooney & Bourke mini-drawstring bag that I got for my 10th birthday on a trip to New York ….ok, ok it was purchased on a train trip to Connecticut that originated in NYC and ended at the D&B outlet. I was a CheapChica from very early on but the point is, this style has a dear place in my heart!
Anyway, I’m totally obsessed with this style and have started putting away all my extra money and change (I heart Penny Arcades!) to try and save up enough to buy it for my upcoming 30th b-day because I need it to make all of my clothes instantly cooler…the way only a bag of this stature can!
But in the meantime or if/when I don’t save up enough to buy it, I can satiate my bag thirst with these awesome budget buys…and so can you!
Street Style round-up is a new weekly feature where we gather inspiration from real girls rocking their style online. This week we take a look at shorts in winter.
Look one, from user Juliet_Polilova on chictopia, wears a thick scarf, a striped sweater, denim cutoffs, black tights and silver Converse. It’s casual without being sloppy-and I love it!
Look two is from Stylish Wanderer on weardrobe. She looks adorable in vintage yellow shorts, a red sweater, brown textured tights and silver Converse. I’m sensing a pattern here.
Lastly, from user constance_victoria on chictopia, culottes! I never ever thought I could pull them off but she makes them look good! Paired with a button down top, cropped sweater, black tights, black flats and a knit beret, she’s both preppy and daring at the same time.
Now that most of your shopping for everyone on your gift list is done (or at least close to done!) it’s time to buy something nice for yourself…
I’m totally in love with these personalized charm bracelets from Sarah Chloe. They come in rose, yellow or white gold and you can pick from an oval or circle for the initial plate. My pick is the rose circle and I won’t just be buying them for myself…I can think of a few girls in my life that would these would make a wonderful gift for!
They retail regularly for $98 but I pulled a few strings and got you an extra 15% off…just use the code CC15 at checkout.
All of Sarah’s jewelry is TDF (how cute are these necklaces) so if you’re looking for something custom and personal her collection is a must-buy!
This blog is my place for honesty so I have to come clean and say that on most days of the year I tend to shop for myself—it is my job after all!! But if there’s one time of year when I shop for others before myself it’s the Holidays. I love thinking of gifts that I know my F+F would love!
And don’t forget, while this may be the season of giving, it should also be the season of smart spending so make sure your money goes the distance. One of my favorite places to shop for gifts with big impact (aka: brand names!) is at local Outlets and the granddaddy of all outlets is Prime Outlets.
There are 22 Prime Outlets centers across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, so if you’re lucky enough to have this designer discount mecca in your area, be sure to make a trip soon…with brands like Gucci, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Tory Burch you can give the gift of style to everyone on your list!
American Idol is one of the top shows on television-everyone is watching these days! Not only can the contestants sing but they’re already staring looking like rock stars little by little each week!
Look one, from user 
