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 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 June 16, 2011
The fashion experts all say that denim is the hottest trend for summer and going into fall–but they’re not talking about jeans; they are talking about denim jackets and shirts!
For now, I’m good with the denim jacket trend because I have about three in my closet waiting to come out but finding the perfect denim shirt, well that’s another story. I have to admit that shopping for this one item and wearing it made me a little nervous…until I saw this picture of AnnaLynne McCord shopping in New York City.
I had one of those moments when I got really excited about an outfit and had to try try and replicate it…NOW! I’m happy to report that I found the perfect worn-in, vintage-y (is that a word?) looking denim shirt online at Victoria’s Secret on-sale for $49.50.
What I really love about this shirt is the versatility…you can wear it with just about anything (even jeans…see this post) and you can also layer it over a cute sundress on those chilly summer nights.
AnnaLynne’s high-waist pants are from J Brand (one of my faves!)…and they’re a little pricey but I did find some for under $100 in linen that look just as good! You could even do sub in a navy pair of trousers or a cute pair of sailor shorts like these for only $15.80 once those temperatures get above 90 degrees!
Now to complete your ALM look, add one of the season’s hottest trends, the wedge espadrille! I found a pair that works perfectly with this ensemble at Lulus.com…how cute are these? And don’t forget about the accessories…this beaded necklace helps add an organic element to the look and how can you say no to $7.80?
by cheapchica11 on June 14, 2011
I was shopping online today when I came across this compact cross body bag from Coach. This beautiful Jade leather bag retails for $218.00 which happens to be out of my budget, but still totally covet-worthy! The bag is on the smaller side (for me)… which happens to make it perfect to wear for fruity cocktails with the girls, a bridal shower, or any of those occasions when you don’t need to lug a million things. I’ve been searching (and wanting) a cross body bag for a while but everything I found was a little too slouchy and a little too casual…this one may be just what I was looking for thanks to the structure and chain strap!
The Jade is my favorite one simply because of the color, but if turquoise isn’t your cup of tea, they also have black, white, gray, sequin and a stunning python pattern. And they have a patent leather option that’s a little less expensive and worth the splurge.
Now I know this cross-body bag thing is not anything new, but it’s take me a while to accept it and now I realize it’s a absolute must-add to my handbag collection. It’s perfect because you don’t have to worry about putting down and God forbid losing it, it’s the perfect size for parties/a night out and it may just be what my outfit’s been missing!
This Coach one may be a little steep for such a trendy bag but it served as my inspiration for some lower-priced alternatives…that may be just as good!
by cheapchica11 on June 13, 2011
you get this gorgeous spectacle of fashion perfection! Sorry for all the dramatics but I haven’t been able to think about anything else but this amazing outfit Blake Lively work to the press call for Green Lantern in LA last week.
I actually gasped out loud when I saw this image Friday morning and sat anxiously by my computer waiting for someone to identify the designer behind this Big Bird inspired outfit. When I finally found out it was part of the Chloe Pre-Fall 2011 collection let’s just say I wasn’t surprised. If anyone knows how to make a statement with just one color it’s Hannah MacGibbon…and totally off-topic but how sad is it that she was just replaced last month? BOO…for that.
Anyway, I love how everything about this outfit is pure perfection. The color, the legnth of the skirt (the midi is so hot right now, but beware if you’re petite like me…this may be a trend you have to skip), the accessories and of course those Brian Atwood heels. I’m not a huge fan of yellow and black together in fashion (love it for my home!) but somehow this totally works and the heavy shoe helps anchor the lightness and may I add, brightness of the top/skirt.
I searched high and low for a budget friendly version of this look, but after much deliberation I’ve decided that a look for less on this one is best executed in dress form. The options for midi-skirts in this shade of yellow are pretty limited and if you’re not blessed with Blake’s body (um, can we talk about those nekkid pics…if I were her I would totally take credit for them…caliente!) this can length can be a little hard to pull off for the average woman.
That being said, there are plenty of dresses out there that fit the bill and if Atwood’s are outside your budget, no need to fear…I found affordable sexy, black ankle strap pumps (like these from Aldo for only $50!) that will have you feeling and looking as sexy as Leo’s new leading lady!
by Kate Concannon on June 9, 2011
Lets face it … I think we are stuck with jeans, well, at least the ones we wear on our legs. So would you ever take your favorite pair of Seven For All Mankind’s and pair it with a jean vest? Perhaps a jean shirt? Yes ladies, it is time to dig through your closet and dust off any and all of your demin because everything from button down jean shirts to jean skirts are making a big comeback this spring.
So how do you take this trend from runway to reality…well try pairing different colors (wash) and styles of denim together. For example, if you have a jean jacket that has a more worn and vintage feel, wear it with a pair of chic high waisted jeans that have a darker wash. You can wear a cute tank underneath the jean jacket to break up the look and accessorize with some fantastic colorful bangles.
Button down denim shirts are a great staple because of how versatile they can be. They come in so many great washes and can be worn open, belted, button up and tucked in with a great pair of flared jeans (different color wash of course) and our favorite, very loose and flowing over a maxi dress for a great summer look.
Jean jackets aren’t what they used to be either. I know we all envision our favorites from the 80’s with patches and “flare” on them, but for the 2011 jean jacket has grown up a bit…now they have taken the form of blazers, trench coats and sometimes really cute vests!
Since Prada is showing a long jean skirt on their runway and Lanvin has a multiple denim dresses out, you know classic country has hit Madison Ave. This is a great American trend revival and I suggest we all jump on the bandwagon … hey it is our patriotic duty. Here are some picks to get your started…
by Ann Whitbeck on June 8, 2011
No, no, no, don’t get too excited. Posh is not designing for ASOS, but the British mega store has created a line of dresses that are exact, yes exact, replicas of Ms. Beckham’s threads. I mean, is this legal?
Some of Posh’s most classic looks are duplicated in amazingly chic color choices at ridiculously reasonable prices. The simple lines, the modern edge, the subtle femininity-it’s all there.
My personal favorite is the Ponti Pencil Dress in Empress Purple but then again, there is the Peplum Pencil Dress that is also TDF. How does one choose when the wardrobe of fashion royalty is at our fingertips?
These dresses are investment pieces, without the major investment. They can go from office to drinks, wedding to upscale date night. Or if you are really in the Posh kind of mood, you can wear them on the airplane with your three (almost four!) kids in tow with 4 inch heels…bring it!
The possibilities for these dresses are endless. The best part is, the sophisticated lines in classic colors make these dresses timeless. This will be your go-to dress for all occasions, time and time again.
ASOS even has a “Victoria Beckham” tab that allows you to search all of her looks and even some similar accessories. It’s like shooting fish in a barrel, you just can’t miss. Take your pick ladies, effortless style is at your fingertips!
NOTE: David Bechkham not included! 
by cheapchica11 on June 7, 2011
Bold, bright colors like fuchsia, orange and berry tones are all the rage on celebrity’s lips. This trend started in the winter, but is really gaining momentum as the weather warms up!
We have all seen bright red lips on celebrities, but let’s face it; it doesn’t work on everyone. Now with larger ranges of colors and hues, everyone is sure to find the prefect bold shade for their pout.
Designers like DVF, Zac Posen and Marc Jacobs had their models spotting bright lips and fresh bare faces at their runway shows so it’s not surprise that this trend is now making its way to your beauty aisle.
And since most of us are not walking a red carpet, you can try this look at your friend’s wedding, a fabulous date night, or an evening with the girls! Just have fun with it and use it to spice up a plain dress or something as simple as jeans and a t-shirt…but keep in mind that your lips are now your accessory, so don’t go overboard other places.
Remember ladies, all women need is love and a good shade of lipstick…here are our top “pink picks”:
L to R: CoverGirl Lip Perfection, Eternal; L’Oreal Color Riche, Intense Fuchsia; MAC, Show Orchid; Givenchy, Sunrise Fuchsia
by cheapchica11 on June 6, 2011
If there’s one thing I’m more likely to do in the Summer it’s accessorize! In the winter I feel buried under layers and layers of clothes so all my efforts at wearing cute jewelry go totally unnoticed…but once the temperatures heat up, I break out the big guns!
Whether it’s stacks of bracelets, a statement necklace or a bold earring, accessories help add some style to my otherwise simple Summer uniform of dresses or shorts and a tank/tee…and thanks to Shop Belina, this Summer is set to be my best accessorized one yet!! I have so many events coming up this summer (like most of you!) and instead of buying different outfits for all of them, this year I’m taking a totally different approach…I’m going to take some of my tried and true staples and just remix them with really great jewelry!
Shop Belina has a fabulous and eclectic mix of jewelry that’s not only priced right, but trend right too! There’s so much to choose from but I have my eyes on a few key pieces…namely this namesake bracelet, this acrylic bangle and these gorgeous turquoise earrings! Shop B’s (as I’m now lovingly referring to them as) jewelry is all under $38 and because I’m such a fan I want one of you to try it out for yourself!
I’m partnering with them on a super special giveaway where one lucky reader will get to pick out 1 necklace, 1 bracelet and 1 pair of earrings to really give you accessory collection some legs this Summer! All you need to do to enter is follow Shop Belina on Facebook or Twitter and then leave a comment or tweet them with your favorite item on the site! Simple and easy…until you try to pick just one! 
Good luck and the winner will be announced on 6/13 and contacted via their form of entry (either FB or Twitter)!!
by cheapchica11 on June 3, 2011
I finally broke down and did it…I caved to comfort and after trying on almost every pair of sneakers/tennis shoes/tennies (call them what you will) I have finally decided that the only pair for me has to be these Converse All Star Slim Slips…
In the Summer I usually look forward to wearing my flip flops on a daily basis, but lately they’ve been giving me some serious foot cramps after a long day of wearing them. And I don’t even want to tell you what color my feet were when I wore them all around NYC last week…G-ross! Anyway, while I will never give up my heels for anything with a rubber sole, these little slip ons have filled a major void in my shoe wardrobe.
I never really gave sneakers a chance but these actually look super cute with sundresses, cutoffs and even girl-y skirts. And for $55 I may have to break down and buy another pair…I got them in “parchment” which IMO happens to be the best color to get them in. The “white” was a little too white and a little too reminiscent of the Keds my cousin’s baby Isabella might wear.
Anyway, if you’re looking to add some comfort (and may I add style!) that doesn’t come in the form of a sandal to your Summer shoe selection, these are the way to go!
