by cheapchica11 on March 19, 2012
Peplum. Defined as a short ruffle attached at the waistline of a jacket, blouse, dress or skirt. P-e-p-l-u-m. Peplum. Yes, those ruffles do have a proper name, and peplums happen to be springing up all over the fashion scene (no pun intended).
It is always fun to have a garment that has something special, making it stand out from the crowd, and that is exactly what peplums do, like this bold red peplum skirt from ModCloth.com for $42.99. Match this colorful garment with a solid form fitting T-shirt throw on a boyfriend blazer and finish with some chunky gold bangles for a look that’s retro-chic!
True, peplums have some nasty rumors being spread about them, like they have the tendency to accentuate certain lady lumps in a not-so-chic fashion. But it is all about finding the right style that works for your body shape.
When worn properly, peplums actually hug a woman’s curves, creating a beautiful silhouette… This throwback to the 40’s is also great if you are looking to add a little shape to your bod, or want a fabulous way to show off that curvy figure. The key here is balance…if you’re going peplum on top, go fitted on the bottom and vice versa.
If you’re still a little skeptical, why not test-drive a subtle peplum top, like this one from New York & Co. for under $30… you can pair it with something as simple as skinny jeans and colorful heels or this top even looks great with a classic pencil skirt; a totally wow-worthy outfit for the office!
Remember the more color the better this spring, so make your peplum look pop!
Read more from Kate on her blog, LifeSucksInAStraplessBra.com!
by Ann Whitbeck on March 15, 2012
Chartreuse has come a long way from its’ days of oh-no-she-didn’t wear that color! You can’t walk into a store without seeing this striking love child of green and yellow! And we bet that by the end of this Spring you’ll own a chartreuse-something
Now this color is not for the faint of heart, but the impact is worth the courage in my book. I love it when basic pieces, like this sweater from Zara, take on a whole new life in such unexpected colors. It puts a not-so-sweet twist to a lovely floral print!
And talk about wow factor…even a chartreuse colored t-shirt or a basic shirt dress from Old Navy screams style (yes, with confidence and charm) and spring! Or if you are less thrilled about the idea of wearing this color in large doses…why not try chartreuse accessories like this crossbody bag from Steve Madden?
And as the temperatures rise, so should your colors…ladies, set your chartreuse loose!
by cheapchica11 on March 14, 2012
I’ve been on the lookout for a durable, lightweight leather tote to replace a pile of cheap canvas ones that I’ve collected over the years.
I use those for traveling, carrying my laptop, beach days, and even as grocery bag…and while the canvas is great because it’s washable, it feels way too causal for the office and on some days, I need a bag that speaks to my more grown up style.
Searching for a tote that’s sophisticated, not boring and in my budget has not been easy. There are plenty of high-end options (hello Celine cabas tote!) and if you’re looking for a handbag to invest in, I’d say that an everyday tote is a great place to do it.
But for now, I was looking for something under $50 bucks and thanks to Old Navy, this tote has finally ended my search. Their color-blocked tote comes in FOUR colors and it’s on sale for $17.99.
The two-tone is perfectly on trend for spring, the faux leather makes it super durable and the extra-wide gusset guarantees I can fit in everything plus some… and HELLO, it’s totes adorable, don’t you agree?
For more from Jammie, be sure to visit her blog, faithfullyfabulous.tumblr.com!
by cheapchica11 on March 12, 2012
The rise of the colored denim trend has created a monster…I have a complete and total addiction and I now need to own denim in every color except blue.
Luckily for me (and you!) the trend included every color under the sun and for spring the palette includes sherbet colored shades (totally wearable even for a color novice) and my personal favorite neon (a major risk, but so much fun).
After many try-on sessions, I came across these fabulous mint colored Twill Skinny Jeans from Forever21 for under $16! They fabric is super soft and stretchy and reminds of me the much pricier J Brand Japanese Twill styles that I’m also equally obsessed with. For such a budget friendly price, I couldn’t resist and I scooped up all four hues!
The lemon colored shade is by far the boldest but it also looks almost identical to the Hudson Skinny Jeans, Jessica Alba was recently spotted in, priced at $154!
And if you’re still on the fence about trying this trend, for only $16 bucks I can’t imagine a better way to test drive the colored jeans trend and see if they’re right for you…
For more from Brittany, visit her blog, The Subtle Statement.
by cheapchica11 on March 8, 2012
by Ann Whitbeck on March 8, 2012
It is no news that animal prints like cheetah and leopard are all the rage right now, but actual animals as prints is a micro-trend gone global this season…
Animal silhouettes make for a very striking print that can give your outfit a funky-preppy vibe or a retro chic feel. My favorite print this moment has to be this one pictured above from Victoria Beckham, I mean come on, how cute?! It is at the top of my list….dream-list that is since it retails for a whopping $1,065!
I think I’ll have to skip it. But there are so many similar, cute options popping up out there. ASOS has the most adorable cat print dress that is definitely being added to my closet while H&M has an entire line of bunny print (I know, I know, but trust me it’s really cute) pieces–it includes a sweater, a dress and a button down.
So how do you style these pieces? Take a hint from Ms. Beckham herself…ultra sleek and minimal are key if you’re going retro glam.
Or, if you are opting for of a more preppy–on-steroids style, be bold and mix these prints with a bright accents!
by cheapchica11 on March 7, 2012
It’s been a long drab Winter, but looking on the bright side, chic pops of color are an easy transition to bring your wardrobe from Winter into Spring…
and you can instantly update your style with one Spring piece and our pick this season, is a bold pink blazer.
Kim Kardashian was recently spotting wearing a hot pink Naven blazer, paired with all black attire. To copy Kim’s bold look (without the $300 price tag), check out this almost identical style from F21 for under $30!
This ultimate Spring staple is versatile enough to be worn as a polished look at the office or easy and carefree to brunch on the weekends.
Pair it with coordinating neutrals, like Olivia Palermo did for chic a night-time ensemble, or choose a shade in the same hue for a trendy monochromatic look. You can even mix it with all white separates, for a sophisticated crisp look that screams Spring!
I will definitely be pairing this oversized version from Urban Outfitters with a white dress and flat sandals or loafers. Oh the possibilities!
For more from Brittany, visit her blog, The Subtle Statement!
by Ann Whitbeck on March 6, 2012
Fashion and Rock’n'Roll go hand in hand. It is a chicken and egg relationship where it is hard to tell if musicians set the trends and designers follow, or maybe it is the other way around?
I love getting fashion ideas from my favorite songbirds–if Madonna or Gwen Stefani wore it, I tried to rock it too! But it seems that lately, there’s a softer side to music’s leading ladies and their styles are much easier to wear everyday than say, oh a pointed bra or bleach blonde hair!!
Adele has said since the beginning that she always wears black because she wants people to focus on her music rather than her looks. Well, Miss Adele, I do love your music…but I can’t overlook your style, either!
Adele and Lana Del Rey are bringing retro femininity back and I am obsessed. This Spring I vow to try to be more creative with the overall look and vibe of what I am wearing. First up? Cat eyes and sexy waves! What better way to top a fresh, bright Spring shift dress or all jean ensemble than with some retro beauty?
To get the perfect cat eye, stay close to your lashes, making a thin line from the middle of your eye and then thicken and flip the line slightly up toward the end of your eye. Then line the bottom of your eye with either a soft pencil or liquid liner. This felt tip liner from Buxom is one of my best beauty bets…it’s awesome, allergen free and so easy to use!
To get retro inspired waves a la Lana, use old school hot rollers (I have had a similar set to these from Conair for years!!) to get a soft look. Roll your hair on the roller loosely to create the soft waves and after 15-20 minutes (I apply makeup while they set) take the rollers out, brush through the waves and set with a fine hairspray like this one from Morrocan Oil to give them a sexy, bouncy retro finish.
You can rock these looks together or separately…either way you’re sure to bring down the house!!
by cheapchica11 on March 5, 2012
There’s no question about whether or not, Gwyneth Paltrow made the Oscar’s best-dressed list in her white Tom Ford cape dress. Let’s face it, we were wow’d!
Just when we thought that capes had had their moment, THAT happened. It’s unexpected, it’s fresh, and it’s exactly what we need to cure this spring fever.
I found this mini version on ASOS for under $70! It’s fun, flirty, and so on trend. Pair it with nude heels to get extra long legs for a night out or try it with chunky wedges and a belt for brunch with the girls.
Taking red carpet to reality can be fun and affordable. This look is very trendy, it’s not meant to be taken too seriously; I mean you are wearing a cape…and not in the superhero kind of way! 
Not feeling brave enough to channel superwoman? Go sans cape with a slim fit maxi dress in white and a cuff bracelet instead. It’s a more classic and sophisticated twist on the trend.
But I say rock the cape, have fun, and enjoy the trend while it lasts. That’s what fashion is about!
For more from Jammie, be sure to visit her blog, faithfullyfabulous.tumblr.com!
by cheapchica11 on March 1, 2012
In the midst of award season, it’s safe to say that LBD’s have become a uniform on the red carpet for many starlets, but the one accessory helping push the LBD from boring and basic to fresh and hot is a luxe gold belt. And it can do the same for many of the basis you may have collecting dust in your closet!
I love how this accessory was used in Gucci’s 2012 Resort and Spring collections– it instantly heightens the edginess of each look and many of our favorite celebrities think so too…
Gwyneth Paltrow also looked stunning in Stella McCartney at the Grammy’s when she used a gold belt to turn a simple black dress into a sleek fashion forward ensemble.
Thandie Newton channeled a Greek Goddess with the addition of a metallic belt to her simple black asymmetrical gown, while attending the Laureus World Sports Awards.
Then there was Zoe Saldana who choose to accentuate her waist with a bold metal piece, at the Cannes Film Festival.
If you’re looking for an instant wardrobe update – this affordable (check out this chic metal belt from B-Low The Belt priced at $68 – compared this almost identical belt from Gucci priced at $990) and easy to wear accessory may just be the trick!
