CheapChica’s Guide to Style — The CheapChica's Guide to Style


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fashion advice

Trend Alert: Paris Je T’aime

by cheapchica11 on February 4, 2011

The City of Lights is a trend that will never go away and this keeps my mind at ease…j’adore Paris! The best part is that each year when this trend rolls around there is a new twist on it and there is no better time to be letting the french influence your wardrobe then February!

Paris, one of the fashion Meccas, is so full of love, passion and romance that people literally can’t control themselves from showing that love by canoodling all over town. So I say it’s time to take a page out of their book and start loving and dressing like a Parisian…in short, chic, romantic and ladylike.

I have an obsession with graphic t-shirts and an obsession with Paris so it has really worked to my benefit that designers have mixed my two loves together. Places like Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, Singer22, and Delia’s all have some great Paris inspired tees that are fun and affordable!

And I know graphic T-shirts aren’t for everyone, so check out some of our favorite places to shop which currently have some items that are tres jolieFree People’s January catalog was set in Paris and it’s absolutely beautiful. How amazingly whimsical and feminine is this printed maxi dress? I love that they styled is as a skirt here…

They also made a video that seriously makes you want to get on a plane and fly right there, but not before buying everything from their pre-spring collection first!

ShopRuche, Lulu’s, Charlotte Russe and Urban have all let this soft, fanciful influence into their latest looks and they offer some more budget friendly interpretations of this trend…check them out and see how you can let the chic Parisians influence your wardrobe and maybe your love life!

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Cheap or Chic: Sheer Thing

by cheapchica11 on October 6, 2010

Everyone in Hollywood seems to being doing….baring it all! But this may be the first time this kind of trend could be considered chic instead of cheap.

Sheer Knit Tops are comfortable, casual and normally something you would wear to bed or around the house, but things are changing. First Sweat, pants now this!?

Stars like the lovely Jessica Alba and Heidi Klum are showing off their bras in these see-through tops, but somehow they’re not revealing too much.

The question now becomes, is this a look that can transfer to your life? It sure doesn’t look cheap on these women, but it’s safe to say that this look is definitely not for everyone.

I think the key is to cover up a little….wear the top with jeans, heels and a blazer. Or try a top that’s not too sheer so that it doesn’t look like you were purposely trying to show off you bra!

This might just be a sexy, yet understated look if you style it just right!

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FUR Real?

by cheapchica11 on September 22, 2010

Lux, Lux, Lux….Faux, Faux, Faux!!! Some people might think that these two words don’t belong in the same sentence, but I say bring on the Luxurious Faux Fur!

Thanks to stores like H&M and Forever 21, fashion has become more accessible to anyone who wants it so those of us without celebrity paychecks or six figure salaries can still dress in the top trends of the season without maxing out out credit cards!

Considering that I fall into the less than loaded category of consumer, you can imagine my pure joy last Fall when H&M came out with their affordable Faux Furs. At the time, I wanted it all but I wasn’t sure if I was ready to go all out in fur, so I stuck with a few small accessory pieces.

But after seeing Karl Lagerfeld cover the Chanel models in head to toe faux fur I think I’m ready for more and the fur vest is the perfect addition to anyone’s wardrobe!

Thankfully, a faux fur vest is not as intense as a full fur coat so you’ll be able to wear  the fur trend without feeling like you’re overdoing it. Try the  vest with a floral print blouse and a pair of wide legged jeans for a 70’s inspired vibe or you can go glam and pair your vest with a mini dress and heels for a night out…and if you’re worried about getting lost under your new furry friend, you can also throw a belt around the vest to give it a little shape!

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Dear CheapChica…

by Monica on August 1, 2010

Hi!!

I am looking for the perfect, round toed, black pump. The only one I can find that I like is the Louboutin simple pump (not stacked), but I don’t want to spend $600$ on black pumps.

Do you know of any other pumps that are similar?

Thanks, Vanessa!

You have great taste Vanessa! Christian Louboutin produces classic silhouettes combined with modern sex appeal and great construction. Long story short, they’re every girls dream, as well as mine and yours! They notoriously fit the bill as the perfect high heel and when your working long hours in heels you want to have a quality shoe to prevent your feet from wanting to fall off at the end of the night.

All that being said, you don’t have to spend $600 b/c there are plenty of great options out there for under $100! Some of the best places to shop include DSW, Aldo, and Macy’s. These stores have a huge selection and a range of prices to suit any budget.

These Jessica Simpson pumps are almost identical to your Louboutin dream. They both have a modest 3 1/2 inch heel, they’re patent leather and they feature a classic round toe!

AND this isn’t the only match I found! My other favorites…versions by Michael Michael Kors and Ann Taylor.  Both are a great classic black pump that are a perfect fit for any office and they won’t need you to work overtime to pay them off!

Try these options and I promise you won’t even miss that red sole!

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Dear CheapChica….

by Monica on June 8, 2010

I’m attending a very prestigious, upscale wedding on June 19 and have no idea what to wear!  The wedding is at 4:30 pm and I have to wear some kind of a cocktail dress, but the wedding is also outside and I have to wear shoes that can be easily worn on grass….but no stilettos!  Any suggestions for a dress and shoes that would be appropriate?
Thanks,

Rebecca

pBCBG1-7579272_alternate2_dtThanks so much for writing in! This is a tough question that so many of us stress about when weddings take place during that “limbo” time between afternoon and evening…

my idea for a look that goes perfectly from day to night is a maxi dress! Maxis are great for summer and can be super stylish if you find the right one!  This one from BCBGeneration is sophisticated enough for your event thanks to the panel detail (so cute and very designer-y looking!) and the fabric.

Most maxis out there are made from cotton, but a fabric that casual has no place at a fancy wedding, so look for a dress like this one with the “look” and feel of silk (poly blend but no one will ever have to know!) for a dressier result.

Picture 2When it comes to shoes, go for a wedge.  They’re practical for outdoor events (no sinking into the ground as you walk/dance) but they will still give you some height. I love these from Steve Madden…and they totally compliment the blue in the dress. 

My only problem with wedges is that they don’t exactly scream formal or elegance, so lucky for you, you can cover them up with your beautiful maxi–but still wear them after the wedding all Summer long!!

Now you have the shoes and the dress, but your accessories are what’s going to take this dress to the next level. A big  necklace in orange combined with an arm full of gold bangles with give this dress the “prestige” you were looking for. And if orange isn’t your thing, try accessories that incorporate gold and play up the colors in the dress. Have fun at your event and send us a pic of your final outfit if you can!!

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Pucker-Up

by cheapchica11 on May 9, 2010

Picture 9Yay!! I’m soooo happy that it’s finally Spring outside which means its time to invest in some new makeup. I like to keep my make up really soft and simple in the Spring and when it comes to lips, I prefer using only a lip gloss instead of a flat shade of lipstick.

So you can imagine how excited I was when I found this AMAZING deal on lipglosses from Clinique at Sephora!

And check this out, it’s only $25 for 12 different shades! Not too mention they’re the perfect size for “on-the-go” and you can even get this Summer Floral Clutch for FREE! Just enter code FLORALBAG at checkout.

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Cheap or Chic: The New Skort

by cheapchica11 on March 28, 2010

79365067-02It’s been quite some time since I’ve seen the “skort” trend and I have to say that I was shocked to see it hanging in my local Forever 21.

In the store it was really hard to decide whether it was cute or not? I mean part of me was like “omg is this really what I think it is” while the other part was like “would I even consider wearing something like this“…

I tried it on and decdied to pass, but now looking at it online in this pic, I’m re-thinking it!  It’s definitely cute and I’m pleased to see that this new skort is fashionably updated with modern details like pleats and hidden side pockets in a very chic oatmeal color!  

So…if you’re interested in purching this little comeback trend you can pick it up at Forever 21 for only $19.80 or if you’re not, you can stick to wearing this style on the tennis courts only!

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LC for Kohls

by cheapchica11 on March 25, 2010

Picture 13

Well she did it again! Lauren Conrad’s line for Kohls is back and better then ever. Her take on California’s laid back style is seen throughout her entire collection. From lightweight jumpsuits to airy and ruffled camisoles are just a few pieces of LC’s fab line.

Though the California bomb-shell made her debut on MTV’s hit T.V show Laguna Beach she proved to all of us she’s one fashion icon and designer that is here to stay!

Though her pieces for this spring are really cute they’re not that original but hey…. who cares right? Lucky for us these LC garments will range anywhere from $20 to $60. Picture 15

After looking at LC’s collection for Kohls there were countless items I would deffinetly purchase including this “LBlueD”, which retails for $39.99. I really love the color and find it super cute for any summer function, not to mention it totally reminds me of 3.1 Phillip Lim’s yellow mini dress LC wore back in ‘09.

And while you fill your online shopping cart with a few of LC’s Spring pieces don’t forget that Kohls is offering Free Shipping on all orders of $75 or more!

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Deal of The Week: Flip Flops

by cheapchica11 on March 23, 2010

Picture 1When it comes to shopping, great deals are the only thing I look for. When I came across this amazing deal last week I realized summer was right around the corner!

Old Navy never disappoints when it comes to their 2 for $5.00 flip flops. Not only is the price jaw dropping but so is the variety. You can get these must-haves in stripes, exotic prints or even your basic solids! This is one deal you won’t find anywhere else!

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10 Items for Spring Break under $25

by cheapchica11 on March 20, 2010

V297544Yup it’s that time. Get ready to pack your bags for that Spring Break trip you’ve been planning all year long with amazing finds under $25!

Whether you’re on a budget or not my advice to you is to stay on a budget and spend your savings on your Vay-Cay spot. When packing, remember there are a few things you shouldn’t leave home without.

The 1st thing when getting ready for your getaway is a swimsuit. Victoria’s Secret is my absolute favorite place to shop when heading to the beach. Why?? Because they have a wide variety of swimsuits you can mix and match.

72931966-04When it comes to a cover-up please stay on trend. Dump the wrap and hop into a cotton romper that you can wear anywhere. The romper is the hottest trend to invest in this summer and its the perfect piece to throw over that adorable bikini like this one from Forever 21 that retails for only $12.90

A pair of denim shorts, a white tank, flip flops, a bright beach towel and a big tote bag to throw all your items in are just a few things that you’ll also need for your get-a-way!

And when you’re ready to go out at night or just head to the beach, you’re not going to want to carry a big hand bag so pick up a Full-Zipped Wallet like this from Aeropostale to keep track of your cash and ID’s!  It’s the perfect accessory for any Spring Break Trip and long after you get back from the beach!

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