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 March 28, 2011
I am looking for a maxi dress with sleeves. I have seen them in a few places…this ad for Loehmann’s has a PERFECT one but my local Loehmann’s has CLOSED!! Any ideas where to find these maxi’s with sleeves? They’re so 70s and I need one in my closet ASAP!
Thanks!
Thanks for writing in! We at CheapChicas are obsessed with all of the 70’s inspired styles we’re seeing this spring. While there are so many great ways to achieve this look, wide legged pants, belted waists, and a ton of color, maxi dresses, like the one you pointed out, might be my favorite.
The best thing about this trend right now is that its HOT and that means there are tons of options to choose from! Maxi dresses are everywhere and there is no shortage of this sleeveless 70’s style that you love. Check out this black and white number from Lulu’s for $65!
While, I can’t find you that exact dress from Loehmann’s. There are a lot of affordable options out there in similar and all different styles. This American Apparel dress has a similar print to the dress in the ad…and I love these other 70’s inspired prints in tribal, lace, and earth tones . Browse below and see if you can find something to satisfy your maxi dress craving!
by Monica on March 18, 2011
One of the most exciting things about spring for me are all of the delicate, feminine touches that this season brings. Every spring pastels return to the runways and I die for them. I love a pastel dress, but this year, I can’t stop eyeing pastel jewelry!
I was passing through Macy’s the other day and the new arrivals in the Macy’s Collection Jewelry totally caught my eye…it was all fresh pastels! The selection featured pastel blues, mint greens, and pale pinks in every style.
Unfortunately, when I looked for these styles online they weren’t available on their website, but if you’re at the mall, stop by a Macy’s to check out these CheapChica approved picks.
Luckily, Macy’s isn’t the only store carrying this trend! One of my favorites Stella and Dot features girly pastels like this amazing statement necklace for spring…but its way out of my price range ($228) so I’ll probably go with something smaller like this coral bangle for $69 and this classic turquoise beauty for $59!
Want more? Some of my staple fashion jewelry stores, LOFT and Forever21 have a TON of great stuff for under $25!
by cheapchica11 on March 4, 2011
I’m not ready to stop wearing my favorite flannels, but I’m definitely ready to add a little spring into my step! I found the solution while ready Lucky Magazine and saw this picture- Plaid and Floral! I LOoooVE It!
We still have some winter left so we can’t go around fooling ourselves by hanging out in sundresses just yet, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start preparing for the sun.
Mixing floral with plaids softens that often too-tough masculine look that can come from wearing flannels. Now I know this mix of patterns may seem like a stretch but they really do compliment each other.
The easiest way to “make it work” is to find a common color between the plaid and the floral. The result? The sharp lines of the plaid are balanced with the soft lines of the floral.
This might just be the perfect combo for February and March when one day could be a blizzard and the next can be 70 degrees! On the colder days opt for a pair of thick wool tights and on the warmer days put on those new sandals you’ve been dying to wear and keep your legs bare…just don’t forget a little self tanner!
by cheapchica11 on March 3, 2011
I just got back from LA on Thursday and since I’m heading back there next week, I’m kind of pretending that my cold, dark, winter days are very numbered…hence all my recent Spring purchases!
The truth is, Philly can be cold until late April so the chances of me actually getting to wear these anytime soon is slim to none, but is there anything better than having a great pair of sexy sandals looking at you every morning to help you get through the winter doldrums??
I’m a total sucker for shoes in this color and one of the reasons I got them, besides the fact that they were under $25, was because they will look great with my black tights that I’ve been living in all winter.
I hate seeing girls pair too-delicate strappy sandals with tights-it just irks me- but these shoes are substantial enough to balance out a dark, opaque leg! Click here to buy them…and they also come in black!
by cheapchica11 on February 24, 2011
It’s not quite spring yet, so it doesn’t seem right to shop like it’s spring just yet…
but open knit sweaters are the best winter to spring to summer transition piece! They cover up and keep you warm in the winter but they can also be used as a light cover up in the spring/summer.
The key to getting the right kind is to make sure the sweater is not made of 100% wool because that will be way too hot during the spring. The open/drop knit gives a very delicate look…kind of like a lace, but with a little more substance.
This look from Free People embodies the perfect early spring outfit and I love it with the floral pants…surprisingly! If you think this top is a little to revealing, wear it with a tank top underneath. This top is so versatile- you can take it from a date to the beach as a cute coverup!
In the winter wear your open knit sweater as a layer…you can wear this sweater on top of a long sleeved lace top like this one from Forever 21.
In the spring/summer wear this sweater on top of a lace bra or bandeau match with a long floral skirt, for that ultra boho chic look.
It’s a super functional piece that can be worn with so many looks and in all kinds of weather. Talk about getting your money’s worth! Check out the great selections below…and BTW, I just found a super-cute silver metallic one at H&M!
by cheapchica11 on February 22, 2011
Many of you emailed and commented on the segment wanting to know the breakdown of the “budget” outfits and also my outfit…so here are all the details:
BUDGET LOOK: KIM KARDASHIAN
Pleather Jacket: Nicole by Nicole Miller, JC Penney
T-Shirt: Divided, H&M
Jeans: Charlotte Russe
Shoes: Charlotte Russe
Handbag: Forever 21
Sunglasses: Forever 21
BUDGET LOOK: JENNIFER ANNISTON
Blazer: H&M
Sequin Dress: Buffalo Exchange
Shoes: Aldo
Jewelry: Forever 21
Now as for my outfit, I was in head to toe H&M! The blazer is a tangerine color (it was also featured in the February issue of Lucky) and the dress I wore under it was navy blue and it had navy chiffon flowers all over it (very Marc Jacobs!) but you couldn’t see them on TV! Both items are in stores now…THANK YOU so much for watching!!
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 jolie. Free 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!
by cheapchica11 on January 4, 2011
People are always asking me what are the things I can’t live without…and while I’ve always thought it almost impossible to answer that question, while I was away of my very belated Honeymoon I finally came up with the answer. The “short list” for me is comprised of a few things that I: a) use every single day; b) look forward to using/wearing; and most importantly, c) that help me get through the day happy! Some cost $5 and others (ok, one) are $500 but when I look back at how often I use them or what I call “cost per wear/use”, they’re more than worth it!
I was able to bring most of these on vacation with me, but some got left behind in the packing frenzy that comes with getting ready for a 3 week trip half way around the world and I can’t tell you how happy I (and my skin, my feet, my nose) was to come back home to them! So without further ado, here’s my guide to the 11 things I can’t (and you shouldn’t) be without in 2011…
1. Amazon Kindle, $139: I don’t know how I ever lived without one of these. I read about 300% more now that I have it and it’s so light and compact that it goes everywhere with me. If you don’t have one yet, it’s a must. And look on EBAY for earlier versions to save $$$ on one!
2. Ray Ban Road Spirit, $149: I was never a “sunglasses person” before these and now I don’t leave the house without them. This style is a super-updated version of the classic aviator which makes them way more modern (and fashion-y) and they’re over-sized so on those no-make up days they’re priceless!
3. Diptyque Bais Noir Candle, $68: A dear friend of mine gave this to me for my birthday (last April) and it’s truly the gift that keeps on giving–9 months and I still haven’t had to replace it! I’m not the kind of person to spend a lot of money on a candle but this one is so worth it and I will gladly fork over the cash for a new one once it’s out. The scent is nothing short of incredible and I light it as soon as I walk in the door after a long, stressful day! [click to continue...]
by cheapchica11 on January 3, 2011
For the past three years, skinny jeans seem to have been the dominant style of pant–from Fall to Winter to Spring…they were everywhere to be found and it wasn’t until this Summer when the skinny cargo truly gave them a run for their money.
But now the skinny jean has another fierce competitor on its heels, or shall I say seams. The trouser is showing up everywhere and designers are really embracing this new, more sophisticated style!
This look is quite the tailored one, with most styles being shown high-waisted and often belted or with a wide belt panel to help define your wasit. After all, the fit through the hips is somewhat loose so you really want to make sure you define your waist under all that bulk.
You also want to tuck in those shirts! Look for a slim cut tank top of silk blouse to play up your feminine side.
And IMO, the cropped version of this trend works best so find a pair that hits right at or above your ankle-or look for a pair that you can roll up similar to the ones Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere is wearing here in the picture!
Some of you might be getting fashion flashbacks to the harem pant trend that we saw last year, but these new trousers are a much more wearable version of that thanks to better (more fitted) tailoiring.
And in terms of comfort, can you really beat a pair of french terry “joggers” that feel like sweatpants but look like something off the pages of ELLE? I’m loving this pair and this pair from Forever 21 and for less than $30 bucks it’s a trend you can afford to try out!
