by cheapchica11 on April 6, 2012
It’s that time of year…the leaves are back on the trees, flowers are blooming, the temperatures are rising (finally) and you’re in the mood for some new shoes!
Spring always brings with it many, too many reasons to shop and after being buried under sweaters and keeping your feet hidden in wool socks and boots all winter long can you blame us for wanting to show off our new pedi in fabulous footwear?!
Without fail, every Spring I get dozens of emails from readers asking me about the “must-buy” shoe styles for the season so this year I’m rolling them all up into one very affordable package…thanks to my new favorite and highly addictive shoe shopping site, they’re all under $30 bucks!
My favorite style for the season has to be a wedge. It’s the perfect blend of fashion and function! I love when wedges have an organic element like this pair for only $29.99. The braided rope contrasts nicely with the snake and the combo makes them perfect to wear with shorts or a fabulous maxi dress!
Next on your shopping list, a pair of flat sandals…I love my Haviannas, but let’s be honest, they’re rubber and should best be left for the beach and trips to the pool. A flat sandal with a little detail can go a long way. They feel just as good as your flip-flops but they look like you tried way harder…even if you didn’t.
If you’re a frequent reader of this blog, you know that florals are “it” for Spring, but if a floral print is too much for your shoes why not try an actual flower? This pair from MyHotShoes.com is a total steal for $10.99…and at that price you should totally treat yourself to a few colors! My faves are the mint and pink!
And last, but not least…just because it’s hot out doesn’t mean you can wear any old sandal to work. Sometimes a girl needs a great work shoe and there’s no better fool-proof, go-with-anything kind of pump than this nude pump! The bow details makes it feel fresh but still very feminine and whether you’re into Spring’s ultra bright palette or the softer pastels, these go with both effortlessly. Oh and did I mention they’re only $24.99? I recall seeing a Valentino pair very similar to these at Saks for well over $500…
So ladies if you were wondering what shoes to buy this season, wonder no more…these three styles will surely get you through the entire season in style! Happy Shoe Shopping!
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 April 2, 2012
With so many of us heading out for Spring Break or a little cold weather get-a-way, I thought it would be fun to spotlight the “local trends” in one of my favorite warm weather destination…Miami!
Miami has so much to offer its locals and visitors. From gorgeous beaches to endless shopping, there is something for everyone. When they aren’t in bikinis, Miami-goers are often found wearing vibrant clothing.
Miami temperatures do drop and it frequently rains in the winter. When the chillier weather hits, a fitted top and jeans are popular choices. Try on a pair of Simply Vera Vera Wang Mixed Media Skinny Jeans with a slimming side panel from Kohl’s. To add a bit of shine to the daytime look, wear crystal-accented Simply Vera Vera Wang flats.
No matter the weather, at night it’s all about a form-fitting dress. Pair with Jennifer Lopez Platform High Heels, and make a bold statement with the Simulated Crystal Necklace from Simply Vera Vera Wang
This look is perfect for dinner at one of Miami’s finest restaurants. Bikini aside, nothing is more essential in Miami than a little white dress. This Embellished Lace Dress from Ronni Nicole can easily transition your look from day to night.
When it comes down to it, the best thing about Miami is Lincoln Road. It’s one of the nicest roads to stroll along and the shops are always open late. This Corey P Floral Pleated Dress is the perfect day-to-night ensemble…and to finish the look, accessorize with a white Apt. 9® Theresa Shopper handbag and nude pumps.
This post was sponsored by KOHL’S.
by Monica on July 28, 2011
One of my favorite fashion sites has to be Refinery29–they’re always on the cutting edge of fashion and spot every trend months before it hits the mainstream. Case in pint, the upside down braid pictured here!
Braids have been the hot hair fix for seasons now and their popularity continues to grow….the John Barrett Salon in NYC even has their own braid bar!! Braids are hotter than ever and the perfect solution for this humidity filled heatwave, but this reverse braid might just be the next big thing.
What do you think? Cheap or Chic? Could this be your mid-summer go to? It’s a really cool look and the top bun helps give your boho-braid a more polished appearance.
DIY Tip: Make sure your hair is blown out straight so the braid doesn’t look sloppy. Pin two-thirds of your hair up and out of the way so you can work on the braid without extra hair on the way. Now for the tricky part, braid your hair holding it straight up (a french braid style works best, but try a simple braid works too if you’re not as skilled). Finally, when the braid is about the length of your head, combine the braid and the rest of your hair and twist it into a ballerina bun. Pin with a ton of bobby pins (or a set of SpinPins) to finish!
This look is sure to be a conversation-starter, but this reverse braid might be a two girl job…what a workout for the arms! Let us know if you think you can pull this off!?! And for more fabulous braid inspiration, check out my dear friend Jenn Falik’s blog, she’s become quite the expert and last time I saw her sporting braids, she looked ah-mazing!!
by Monica on June 10, 2011
Essie has to be one of my favorite nail polish brands and the one consistent beauty brand I constantly rave about. I’ve been patiently to see what they had in store for summer and this week Essie just released their latest line of colors for Summer 2011 and as usual, I am obsessed!
Nail polish is an accessory that is often over looked but it can elevate any look or totally downgrade one…nothing says grunge-y like chipped nails.
When it comes to what polish to choose for your weekly manis its easy to go with a color you already have or “the usual”, but summer is begging for a fresh change and Essie’s Summer Collection is where you will find that!
For no more than $8 you can buy one of summer’s best accessories and have it last for months! Every color packs a big punch–from Super Bossa Nova to Too Too Hot to my favorite Brazillant, you cannot miss! And don’t you just love the names?!
Buy them all online or pick a bottle up at almost any drug store…What’s your favorite Essie Summer color?
by Monica on May 24, 2011
With the weather being so incredibly humid lately I have been struggling so much with my hair. When my hair refuses to cooperate I always turn to some kind of braid. Braids can elevate any look and work for day or night.
I’m not one of those girls that ever learned how to french braid, so don’t worry, this isn’t anything fancy. This look is so simple to emulate and you can braid your hair almost anyway you can think of…just clip it back with a bobby pin or tie it into your bun or ponytail and…ta-da!
On a bad hair day, any kind of braid will provide a quick fix…fussy bangs? Pull them to the side with a bobby pinned braid a la Ashley Olsen. Her messy updo is a great example of how to pull this off successfully!
Now if you’re having an overall hair struggle, the side braid is always a casual yet chic option, but my go to braided bun works even when I’m not having a bad hair day!
If I don’t have the time to blow my hair out I usually just throw my hair up in a bun, but I add a small braid on the side of my head before I put it up. But you can also mix it up with multiple braids…maybe one or two on each side, varying sizes with skinny and thicker ones for a really boh0-fab look!
This style works for everyone…seriously! A braid adds interest to any basic hairstyle and I can’t even tell you how many compliments I get when I add a few simple braids!
by Monica on March 16, 2011
B-O-L-D. Bold colors, bold prints, bold makeup is what is what this spring is all about. In past seasons neon has been HOT and I am super excited that it still is! A touch of neon can add so much interest and life into a basic outfit.
I am not a big fan of going overboard with the neon I much prefer a touch of it in a belt or in small deatils…I’m totally in love with this DVF Gianna dress but its so out of my price range.
The best and most inexpensive way to spice up your wardrobe with neon is by adding small touches that make a big impact, like jewelry. Perfect example…check out the DVF bangles on the left! I’d love to get my hands on just one of these…thankfully F21 has a very colorful bangle that will satisfy my designer craving for less!
When it comes to neon make up trends, I would steer clear of the popular runway look, neon eyeliner and instead try something bright on your lips like Alexis Bledel has done here.
MAC lipstick in Lickable, Snow Orchid, and Girl about Town are perfect and they’re under $15!
Incorporating a little neon can easily work for anyone’s style and it’s the perfect way to jump start your Spring fashion plus it also adds something unexpected and daring into your wardrobe!
Want more bright ideas? J.Crew has some great neon pieces that are perfect for spring!
by cheapchica11 on February 5, 2011
Even though its cold and drab outside this freezing January, give yourself a mood boost with your makeup! Adding bright color into your makeup will boost your look and your mood.
Play up your lips to complement the bright color on the cheek bone, a la Natalie Portman. Don’t be afraid to try an array of colors on your skin tone.
The colors will look different on your face so don’t be alarmed by the shocking color of my personal favorite from Bobbi Brown…Pale Pink. The price is a bit steep but totally worth the splurge of $24.00
For a more budget friendly and dual purpose glow, check out Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Blush for more than half the price at $11.95. It will give you that bright pink glow but as claims to have natural plant extracts that will have similar effects as endorphins. Has anyone tried this can confirm its happy boosting powers?
There’s a ton of colors and brands out there, but go for something bright and try on multiple colors until you find your perfect shade!
by Monica on January 23, 2011
Click it/Skip It: Click it!
Tarte Cosmetics Picture Perfect Eye Lash Curler: $15
I have always been a fan of a good eyelash curler. My lashes are short and I can never find the perfect mascara to give me an amazing lift so curling my lashes first usually does the trick.
My basic curler from Revlon for about $5 worked well and I would recommend it to anyone not looking to invest a few extra dollars, but I thought I it was time to upgrade. Everyone says the Shu Uemura Curler can’t be beat but at Sephora the other day I tried out their popular Tarte Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler and I LOVE IT!
It is so easy to handle and it is built to fit naturally in your grip, plus I love the purple color! The soft rubber won’t hurt sensitive lashes or eyes and any beginner can figure this one out. With my cheaper curlers I had to squeeze hard to get a great curl but with this curler just a gentle squeeze for ten seconds will do the trick.
Shopper’s Notes: I got this at Sephora for $15 but try Ulta. Ulta offers the curler plus “Deluxe Light Camera Action Mascara” for the same price! And be sure to check out the side bar of the website for coupon codes.
by Monica on September 20, 2010
Looking for a the best way to rock this fall’s chunky knits? Throw on an oversized blanket sweater with some comfy leggings this fall and you will look effortlessly chic.
Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent features a bunch of chic versions of this season’s comfy blanket sweaters. This reversible Navajo blanket Cardigan is one of my absolute favorites right now…but $495 is a bit out of my price range…the print is very similar to the popular Fair Isles trend and the loose style is perfect for belting.
However a more affordable option I found is from ASOS. The black and white option has an almost identical pattern that I might like more!
I will be rocking this style in the upcoming weeks of fall belted and pair with my favorite riding boots. I have also picked out some styles to look at that will keep you warm when you need it but won’t make you cut back on heating your home to pay for it!
