by Ann Whitbeck on April 3, 2012
As a little girl, Tinkerbell was one of my favorites…she had style, free spirit and an amazing ability to whip the boys in shape. Well, move over Tink, Peter Pan has something on you this spring…a fabulous, eye-catching collar.
Yes, Peter Pan collars, or my less favorite name “Pilgrim Collars,” are a great way to spice up a basic outfit. Drab to fab in an instant! Where the tuxedo shirt was your go to for winter, your Peter Pan shirt will be your go to for spring.
You can go bold with a collar like this one from F21 or to try the trend in a more subtle way, go for a collar in the same color as your blouse like this one from ASOS.
If you are not in the market for another shirt, never fear, dresses with Peter Pan Collars are popping up everywhere…
They can be casual, paired with lady like ballet flats or dressed up with platforms and an oversized cocktail ring.
Whatever look you choose, the Peter Pan collar is a subtle way to add femininity and yes, whimsy, to your look.
by cheapchica11 on January 6, 2011
Lipstick, dress, top, shoes, bag, or belt- whatever the piece, add some red into your wardrobe immediately. This color goes with every skin tone, in every season, and for almost every occasion. It will make you stand out in a positive light, and for good reason.
The color red actually has a certain effect on our brains as do most colors. The interesting thing about red is that it seems to have the strongest effects, which means use caution! Red has been shown to stimulate the senses and raise blood pressure, and is considered a high-arousal color…so wear with caution! 
If you want to feel extra special this weekend, add a little rouge to your look a la Carey Mulligan…
She looks sophisticated and sultry in this beautiful red dress, but it can be easy to go over the top when you’re wearing red, so keep everything else (hair, shoes, make up, etc.) minimal!
If you want to wear red dress make you find one with a tailored fit, that’s not too tight. You obviously want that va va voom look, but like Ron Burgandy says, “keep it classy” and let the red do the work!
I also love wearing red as an accent to a neutral ensemble! Bright details like red pumps, red lipstick, or a blazer like the one in the picture above can take your simple outfit and turn it up a few notches! So put on the red and maybe it will give that extra confidence boast to take a gamble on something special!
by cheapchica11 on November 20, 2010
Fringe has been around for centuries, so don’t think of a spike in fringe embellished clothing as a 60’s revival thing. The Native Americans used the fringe on their clothing to slick water off of their skin. While I don’t need my fringe for functional reasons, it’s nice to know that this fashion trend has some important history to it.
Fringe comes in all shapes, sizes, materials, and styles! You can go with a more ethnic interpretation by wearing fringe vest and boots, a bohemian vibe with fringe and embroidered tunics, or a roaring twenties look with a fringed flapper inspired dress. Your options are endless! I can’t choose one look over the other! My advice for those who can’t seem to choose go for smaller less expensive pieces that you can incorporate into your wardrobe from each look. You’ll use them all at one time or another, but don’t use them all at once!
I’m always drawn to the bohemian look, so you have to know how much I freaked when I saw the fringe embroidery shift dress in Kate Moss’s Final Collection for Topshop. I just love it! While the bohemian look is my go to, I’m obsessed with the flapper dresses right now. I think they are going to be the must have New Years eve dress for bringing in 2011. So pick a look or pick all of them!
L-R: Vest $33, Purse $23, Boots $35, Dress $250, Necklace $13, Shaw $88, Boots $35, Dress $120.68
by cheapchica11 on November 14, 2010
As the temperature keeps falling, so do the hemlines. The Maxi Skirt is a look that was sure to follow after the obsession that was and still is the Maxi Dress. I can’t tell you how excited I am! Some of you might think the maxi skirt is too risky but I’m telling you, it’s not!
The biggest question I get about these skirts is how to wear them without looking matronly, frumpy, nun-ish or just like a straight up hippie!! I think the answer (like it is for most things) is in the styling from head to toe (specifically toe, the shoes matter the most). Take your cute from fashion risk-taker Mary-Kate Olsen’s…she’s only 5′0″ and in this photo she not only looks amazing (and surprisingly tall) but she’s also doing showing a very easy and simplified way to wear this piece!
For a bohemian look match a fuller skirt maxi with a loose top, a fur vest, some killer heel clogs, and lots of bangles.
For a more sophisticated look pair a straight maxi with textured tights, platform heels and a feminine blouse in a soft material like silk.
And for a more casual day look match a knit maxi with your favorite riding boots, a comfy knit top or chunky sweater, and a leather jacket to top it off!
With so many options how could you go wrong?! And if you’re feeling nervous about this trend-don’t! One of these looks will work for you. Just have fun dressing up this skirt to suit your personal style!
by cheapchica11 on October 10, 2010
No matter which look you are going for 20’s flapper or 90’s grunge, there is a Hat out there for everyone. The key is to find the right one for your head, hair, and style. Hats do more than just cover up a bad hair day, they can set off a certain kind of confidence in a person.
There are so many inexpensive choices out there that will enhance your wardrobe. The best part is they can go with multiple outfits, which means you get your moneys worth. A hat can transform a good outfit into a great all around eye catching look. My favorite hats of the moment are anything Fur of course, and the cloche. With the roaring twenties coming back in full swing there is nothing more Gatsby that a Cloche Hat.
If you are a dedicated hat person it might be worth putting the money towards having a milliner make you a hat, but if you’re a girl who loves to follow the hat trends but doesn’t have a ton of money stick with ASOS, Urban Outfitters, and Forever 21 for now. Try out all the choices from Classic to Comfy: felt cloche, snap-brim fedora, slouchy felt gaucho, Panaima, aviator/hunter cap, turban, fur, beret, and knits in all shapes and sizes. Be Bold and try one on!
by cheapchica11 on October 5, 2010
Enter fall – enter shearling. It’s everywhere! From the classic shearling aviator, to shearling vests, this is one hot fall trend! I’m totally loving these shearling cuff boots from ASOS.
First of all, they look soooo comfy! Who doesn’t want slip their foot in to a shearling and suede bootie all winter long? The heel looks manageable and the extra grip on the toe is screaming “wear me during the iciest of days!” The price tag is $84.25 for these boots – but with a few minutes of searching online, I found several other similar pairs. These lace-up shearling platforms for Go Jane are only $27.90!!
Wear these with dark tights and a printed dress and you’ll be chic and comfortable!
by cheapchica11 on September 16, 2010
Leopard Print is a daring must this fall season. This print never seems to go away but each year it’s used a little differently. This season the leopard print is popping out everywhere but it’s intensity is toned down because of how it’s worn.
Instead of the print being all about sex appeal it’s more about style. Dries Van Noten used the leopard print as an accent in the military inspired line up for Fall 2010.
The key to wearing Leopard print right, is not over doing it! Use it as a detail, not as the main focus. Pick one item with the print: skirt, dress, top, belt, shoes, or scarf. Match the printed item with complimenting neutral colors, choose from the hottest colors of Fall 2010: olive green, camel, espresso, cloudy gray, wine and black.
Mary Kate Olsen shows an example of how leopard print can look sophisticated, while Michelle Trachtenberg shows a more young, casual way to rock the print.
Try this trend a few different ways, match a leopard pencil skirt with a black top with a military inspired jacket, then belt the jacket with a black belt and don’t forget the black heels.
For a more casual look pair some leopard pumps or flats with a pair of skinny cargo’s and your favorite tee shirt. All you need is one small piece to keep up with this trend. You don’t have to go out and buy a whole new outfit, which means you’ll be able to save some big bucks!
by Monica on June 22, 2010
Hi!
I recently graduated from college and I’m looking for a full-time job in advertising and/or public relations. I’m having a difficult time finding a professional, creative, chic bag on a budget. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Creative New Professional
Congratulations on your graduation! This must be a really exciting time for you! First impressions are so important in the business world and that includes your whole look–head to toe!
Accessories are what we typically use to express our personal style, but sometimes the workplace makes us tone down our style…just a little. But for every rule there’s an exception and thanks to these amazing bags below, you won’t have to compromise your personal style for the office!
When it comes to a great work bag, its always important to combine both function and style. You are going to want a bag that is large enough to fit your laptop and everything else you may need for your day so opt for a large structured satchel/tote.
And if your office is a little more business-casual, you could even do a urban cross-body carry-all (this is a great shape if you have to carry a laptop).
However…..if you’re still in the interview process, I would go for the more classic satchel–it’ll be the most versatile for different professional environments.
And classic doesn’t have to mean boring, find a classic shape but spice it up with colors, textures and hardware. Some of my favorite trends in bags right now include, pastels and neutrals, chained handles, neon and brights, cross-body straps.
Aldo is a great place to shop for bags, as well as Asos and DSW! And never count out TJMaxx and Marshalls–I just found an incredible Prada bag there for 65% off retail!!
Also the great thing is that all of these bags are a fantastic option for outside the office as well!
by cheapchica11 on April 17, 2010
Girls… you have so many options with this trend! Initially, I thought I would narrow it down to either rings or necklaces, or bracelets… but I just couldn’t. As I was searching for options I told myself: since when is there a trend that is this broad and this accessible at a variety of price points?
Faceted stone jewelry: it’s everywhere, and in every form. Take your pick! I love this trend teamed up with everyone’s favorite, the statement necklace, like this truly show-stopping Austrian crystal piece above from Max & Chloe… on sale for $60.00.
If you’re looking for a cheaper options, fear not! You can find faceted stone goodies everywhere from Forever 21 and J.Crew (Crew is offering up some gorgeous, classy bracelets, and a LOT of them, most marked down: the one below will only set you back $24.99!) to… well, the runways.
I’ve found a bundle of cute options for you below, in all forms… all around $40.00 and many under $20.00! If you really want to buy on a budget when it comes to this trend, I’d recommend going with a ring. Asos has several fun options (some below), most of which are in and around $10.00 or $20.00.
Another one of my favorite buys is this ring from Aldo… for only $12.00!
Wondering what to wear with your faceted stone goodies? Whelp, that’s just as easy. Spruce up a casual ensemble with a bit of sparkle to add allure or rock an oversized piece with your favorite LBD for a chic, more sophisticated look. These pieces are incredibly versatile!
I have an amazing faceted necklace in white enamel that I’ll wear one day over a t-shirt, and the next with a mini-dress. I mean, come on… how can you not love that?
by cheapchica11 on April 3, 2010
Feeling a bit daring? If you want to make a statement in a place other than your neck this season, turn to your new best friend: the two-finger ring.
Hard-edge rendered feminine by a wise use of materials and design, I think sporting one of these is a bold choice that can also be curiously… understated. Depends, like all jewelry, on what kind you fancy…
I’ll admit it: I had my doubts. But when I saw Erica Anenberg jewelry sale going on Ideeli not too long ago, I checked it out and saw a gorgeous sterling-silver plated two-finger ring for under $40.00, so I went for it.
Yes, I lucked out, her rings usually go for about twice that and up, but I am willing to bet this trend will only grow in popularity and more affordable versions will start cropping up in no time.
I’ve found some nice choices for you below, all under $100.00, and one under $20.00. This playful LOVE piece above from Asos is only about $14.00!
You may have your doubts too, but keep your eye out for these, (they’ll be in all forms, shapes and sizes) and try one on. You might just be pleasantly surprised… I was!
