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


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Step into Spring…for under $30!

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!

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The Golden Rule of the Heel

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!

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Sponsored Post: Local Trends Miami II

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.

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Back on The Today Show…with VIDEO!

by cheapchica11 on March 29, 2012

UPDATE: Here’s the clip from The Today Show… and can I just say how incredibly sweet and gorgeous Savannah is!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

I’m so excited to be back on The Today Show this morning in the 8am hour! Please tune in to find out what I’m loving about these celebrity looks…

…and in true CheapChica fashion, some of them you can get for under $5 bucks! ;)

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Trend Alert: Aztec Prints

by cheapchica11 on March 28, 2012

I’ve been desperately searching for a grown up interpretation of this trend and I’ve finally found it in this skirt!

Aztec prints have been a summer trend for the last few years, but presented in ripped tees and styles that appeal to the high-school set, I usually skip them because they just feel a little to young for me.

Higher-end lines like All Saints always seem to strike the right balance with this print but it’s been a real challenge to find anything that looks sophisticated enough (at a budget friendly price) for those of us who are over thirty!

And then came this skirt…which works for two reasons, the muted color palette and the sequins. I can’t wait to wear this out once the weather gets a little warmer and I plan on styling it similar to the picture for both day and night.

A classic white button-down helps balance out the sexiness of the hemline and dressiness of the sequins…when it comes to shoes, you could just as easily style it with flat gladiator sandals or a pair of high-heel sandals!

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Look for Less: Louboutin Pigalle Plato Pump

by cheapchica11 on March 27, 2012

Sometimes I feel like a broken record when I talk about the necessity of a fabulous nude pump in every woman’s wardrobe.

This shoe is perfect for hard to figure out fashion situations where you stand in front of the mirror asking “what shoe would look good with this?”…it’s perfect for those days when you feel 10lbs heavier and need an instant slim down and it’s essential on any day when you want to look chic, sophisticated and put together.

I’ve had my nude (almond-toe) Louboutin Pigalle pumps for more than six years now…it was one of my first big splurge items and in that time they’ve more than paid for themselves.  I’ve worn them countless times and they still look just as good as they did on the day I bought them…with the help of my very talented cobbler!

But lately I’ve been into a pointier toe…like the new Pigalle update, called the Pigalle Plato.  This toe feels so fresh and while I’m tempted to splurge again, I have a feeling this toe is more of a fad than a classic look.

So when I found this style from Nine West I was beyond excited.  The shade is slightly cooler than the Louboutin, but the toe and the thin platform are almost identical.  And for under $100 you can’t beat the price! I own this style in a black satin version and they are one of the most comfortable pairs of pumps in my closet.  I wore them out right after I bought them and NO blisters!

If you are in the market for a new nude pump or are looking for an update to the ones you have I can’t recommend a better choice!

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Sponsored Post: Local Trends…Miami

by Ann Whitbeck on March 27, 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. Put on a cozy top like the Simply Vera Vera Wang Chiffon Cardigan from Kohl’s. To add a bit of shine to your daytime look, opt for a bold statement Simulated Crystal Necklace from Simply Vera Vera Wang.

No matter the weather, at night it’s all about a form-fitting dress. Try pairing this Chaps Solid Pintuck dress with a Leopard Woven Straw Clutch.

During a warm day, there’s nothing quite like relaxing at the pool or beach! A Leaf Chiffon Caftan Dress from Jennifer Lopez is perfect for Miami because it’s vibrant and easy to throw on over a wet bikini.

This post was sponsored by KOHL’S.

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Small is the New Bag

by cheapchica11 on March 26, 2012

I don’t know about you, but whatever purse I’m using becomes my excuse to carry around my whole life. I will throw everything and anything in there, you know, for “just in case” purposes. It becomes the coffin of every receipt I’ve ever touched and the land of the lost lip-glosses.

But since spring has made an early appearance, why shouldn’t spring cleaning, right? It is all about downgrading, ladies. Reducing clutter, clothes we don’t wear anymore, and even the size of our bags … yes I said it, small is the new big this spring.

These mini bags, from shoulder styles to cross body, will force us to re-evaluate the contents of our purses and only carry the necessities because, well, space will be limited.

Apart from being drop dead adorable, they are being shown in bright and bold colors for spring, like this orange number from Mango on sale for $63.99 or this budget buy from Charlotte Russe for under $20 bucks!

If the thought of only carrying one lip gloss, a cell phone, a credit card, and a few pieces of gum is terrifying, you need a mini bag that is so one-of-a-kind and worthwhile, that it makes you forget about all the missing items…maybe something like this Velvet Tassel Grab Bag from ASOS for $29.54. If I was to have a love affair with a purse, it would be  with this one. It is versatile in the sense that you can rock it to the office, out lunching with the ladies, or even with that prized little black dress. It’s all in the details with this bag, from the vintage vibe of the velvet, to the long dangle of the tassel. A mini bag heart throb, if you will.

Starring at my large tote that is busting at the seams is desperately making me want to jump ship to this mini must-have. With so many colors, textures and styles to choose from, you can find one to complement any look. Now all you have to do is start separating the “must-have” from the “just in case”.

See more from Kate on her blog, LifeSucksInAStraplessBra!

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Look for Less: Floral Blazer

by cheapchica11 on March 23, 2012

Brooklyn Decker has definitely been added to my best-dressed list…besides her impeccable style and the ability to make every fashion statement look effortless she always looks so confident in her clothes and it’s so fun to see her on the red carpet!

She recently turned heads in a trendy floral blazer from Dolce & Gabanna which made her LBD look anything but basic. Toned down accessories and simple black sandals allowed her bold blazer to make a very Spring-time statement!

If you look in my closet, you’ll see it’s filled with blazers…they’re always go-to items whenever I’m in a rush to get ready but I’ve noticed that all my options are solids and in this very print-friendly season, a floral blazer would make a great addition!

One of my favorites out there at the moment is this style from Rebecaa Minkoff…but it’s quite pricey for something I may not love come next spring. But if you’re looking to splurge, a garment like this one with the capability to transform any basic ensemble into something totally fabulous may be worth spending on!

For more affordable options, I’m happy to report that there are quite a few out there! H&M has a great floral blazer for under $50 bucks and I love the draped construction of this floral blazer from Forever 21. Major plus, it’s under $20!

If you’re looking for versatility, a printed floral blazer is definitely a wardrobe essential!

For more from Brittany, visit her blog, The Subtle Statement.

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Look for Less: Louis Vuitton Merry Go Round Pumps

by cheapchica11 on March 20, 2012

From Gwyneth Paltrow to Kristen Stewart, the front row at Louis Vuitton read like a who’s who of Hollywood and the one thing all of these fabulous women had in common, the designer’s coveted cap toe pumps.

I absolutely love the pale yellow version of this pump that Corrine Bailey Rae was just spotted wearing-it’s such a fresh alternative to the all nude and white pumps we’ve been seeing for Spring!

And if you’d like to add these to your shoe closet, these Metal Toe Pumps from Zara look almost identical!  Here they are on one of my favorite bloggers, Liz from Late Afternoon

But for $129-they’re quite the steal compared to the $9950 price tag of the Louis Vuitton version! Or you could also opt for this similar pair from ASOS or this $50 pair from Mango!

If you’re looking for an easy way to incorporate the soft pastel palette you’ve been seeing this shoe is the best way to do it…wear it with an all black ensemble, a printed mini or with this season’s must have, a cropped pant!

For more from Brittany, visit her blog, The Subtle Statement.

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