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 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 November 20, 2010
Fringe has been around for centuries, so don’t think of a spike in fringe embellished clothing as a 60’s revival thing. The Native Americans used the fringe on their clothing to slick water off of their skin. While I don’t need my fringe for functional reasons, it’s nice to know that this fashion trend has some important history to it.
Fringe comes in all shapes, sizes, materials, and styles! You can go with a more ethnic interpretation by wearing fringe vest and boots, a bohemian vibe with fringe and embroidered tunics, or a roaring twenties look with a fringed flapper inspired dress. Your options are endless! I can’t choose one look over the other! My advice for those who can’t seem to choose go for smaller less expensive pieces that you can incorporate into your wardrobe from each look. You’ll use them all at one time or another, but don’t use them all at once!
I’m always drawn to the bohemian look, so you have to know how much I freaked when I saw the fringe embroidery shift dress in Kate Moss’s Final Collection for Topshop. I just love it! While the bohemian look is my go to, I’m obsessed with the flapper dresses right now. I think they are going to be the must have New Years eve dress for bringing in 2011. So pick a look or pick all of them!
L-R: Vest $33, Purse $23, Boots $35, Dress $250, Necklace $13, Shaw $88, Boots $35, Dress $120.68
by cheapchica11 on November 14, 2010
As the temperature keeps falling, so do the hemlines. The Maxi Skirt is a look that was sure to follow after the obsession that was and still is the Maxi Dress. I can’t tell you how excited I am! Some of you might think the maxi skirt is too risky but I’m telling you, it’s not!
The biggest question I get about these skirts is how to wear them without looking matronly, frumpy, nun-ish or just like a straight up hippie!! I think the answer (like it is for most things) is in the styling from head to toe (specifically toe, the shoes matter the most). Take your cute from fashion risk-taker Mary-Kate Olsen’s…she’s only 5′0″ and in this photo she not only looks amazing (and surprisingly tall) but she’s also doing showing a very easy and simplified way to wear this piece!
For a bohemian look match a fuller skirt maxi with a loose top, a fur vest, some killer heel clogs, and lots of bangles.
For a more sophisticated look pair a straight maxi with textured tights, platform heels and a feminine blouse in a soft material like silk.
And for a more casual day look match a knit maxi with your favorite riding boots, a comfy knit top or chunky sweater, and a leather jacket to top it off!
With so many options how could you go wrong?! And if you’re feeling nervous about this trend-don’t! One of these looks will work for you. Just have fun dressing up this skirt to suit your personal style!
by Monica on September 19, 2010
Free People Ruffle Bodycon Dress: $88
Click it/Skip it: Click it! A youthful spin on the classic LBD this ruffled number will add flare to any night out.
Fit: Black is always slimming and there is no exception to the rule with this dress. While its labeled as a “bodycon” dress its made of cotton and does little to squeeze you in, but still accentuates your assets and does not make you look bigger. Plus the stretch fabric fits to your body and is easy to move in.
The statement of this dress is the ruffle top and I love it. The ruffles have movement and the look is flirty and fun. If you have a smaller bust it’ll add the illusion of a bigger cup size. The detailing on the ruffles makes dress look much more expensive and less basic.
Shopper’s Notes: This dress is downtown meets uptown. Its super fun for a night out and Its sexy with out being overt. Style it with a wrist full of bangles and skip the conventional pumps for some fall booties or lace-ups. The dress can also be dressed down with a pair of strappy flat sandals. If you’re looking to add curves this dress definitely does that and if you already have them, show them off!
by Meghan on September 17, 2010
I was browsing through my closet the other day, and I realized that I have a secret obsession that I didn’t even know about: blush tones…
I mean, I’ve always thought that blush pinks were beautiful, but I never really noticed how practical they were, until now. Whether it be a blush blazer, top, or pants, the color can actually go with anything in your closet!
Consider it the new khaki. I love khaki and camel, and I believe that they are a staple in every girl’s wardrobe, but even khaki can wind up looking tired and dull at times. The blush pinks and nudes have a more fresh, feminine feel to them, and I really can’t stop leaning towards this fun, flirty color when I shop!
Most recently, I found a great blush stone silk motorcycle jacket from J.Crew (on sale for $50) and it literally goes with everything in my closet: from a leather mini, to a pair of shorts or jeans, you can definitely bring this color into fall.
This ASOS dress would be perfect for a night out, and this cute little top from ModCloth would look great paired with skinny jeans for daytime. I’ve found that I most frequently wear my blush tones with olive green and different shades of browns.
So if you’re looking to add a new color to your closet, albeit a soft one, blush is the way to go!
by cheapchica11 on July 24, 2010
Safari is one of this season’s hottest trends, and while I do want to invest in a safari jacket, I was wondering what else might be out there that was safari-inspired, but perhaps a bit more understated…
… something that could transition into other looks… and of course something at a good price….
Well, I found… this! This Sunset Safari Bangle Set from Free People. I love bangles in general, and I have since I was a teen (I sported stacked silver bangles, at all times!)…
What I love especially about this set is that you get quite a few (five) for a price of only $28.00, and best of all, these really will go with almost anything you put on this summer… !
by cheapchica11 on April 5, 2010
When I spotted this shot of High School Musical darling Vanessa Hudgens on Free People’s Facebook page, I totally fell for the look: it’s comfortable and carefree. And on trend!
Most girls would hesitate to integrate a floppy hat into their wardrobe (unless they were lounging on the beach), but Vanessa shows us all here how it can work so well… a risk worth taking indeed!
Vanessa’s Free People ‘Janis’ brimmed runs a bit steep at $68.00, but I can tell you that I scored one at J.Crew not long ago on sale for $20.00. I’ve also found tons of choices for you below, most under $30.00 and one on sale for under $10.00!
I’m always a fan of mixing black and brown and I think it’s perfect how her shoes and her belt are in synch, but her gorgeous black bag pops out as an accent. I think some of you might recall a past Vintage Point post on fabulous brown belts, and this is a trend that is definitely in full-bloom, especially when paired with vintage and/or vintage-inspired denim (sometimes head-to-toe denim if you’re daring!)…
Vanessa opts for a light denim tunic that is at the same time casual and sexy, showing off a bit of leg, but also sporting laid-back brown gladiators (another must-have–if you don’t have some, put them at the top of your list).
This is definitely in one of my top looks for spring… and summer!
by cheapchica11 on March 16, 2010
Leave it to Forever 21 to recreate a totally expensive “lust” item into an affordable must-have…
Following my daily ritual of checking the new items on Forever 21’s website, I came across a lovely lace dress that mimicked a dress I had previously obsessed over from Free People. Although I get a “slight” discount from Free People (the benefits of being a previous Anthropologie manager…gone part-time associate) I still have a hard time spending THAT much on their clothing.
However once again Forever 21 came though on providing me with my fashion fix! This lovely lace mini dress is great on so many levels. From the contrasting fabrics, stud detailing around the neck and the sexy T back, this is one item that won’t last very long.
Originally $148 at Free People now yours for only $22.80!!! Can you believe it…hurry up and get yours!
by cheapchica11 on February 28, 2010
It used to be that mixing patterns was a big fashion no, no. However as we’ve all seen this season, stripes paired with flowers or dots paired with oversized prints are super trendy.
As I started trying to pair the patterns in my closet, I realized that this was not an easy trend to imitate. I didn’t want to come across as a human optical allusion!…or look like I failed miserably. Therefore I came up with a quick guide to help not only myself but all the CheapChicas out there to successfully achieve the trend of mixing patterns!
…stripes can go with almost any pattern!
…mix small dots with oversized prints.
…plaid looks great paired with flowers.
…and finally, Make sure the color palettes work well together…meaning don’t wear clashing colors
Have any advice? Share with us!
