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


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Look for Less

Deal of the Week: Colored Denim

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.

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Spring Showers in Style…from The TODAY Show

by cheapchica11 on March 8, 2012

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

I had so much fun with Kathie Lee and Hoda…they’re so sweet and I can’t wait for my next segment in May! What was your favorite item featured?

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Animal Instincts

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!

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Animal Instincts

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!

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Beauty: Music Muses

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!!

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Look for Less: Gwyneth’s Cape

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!

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The F.A.B. Report: The Bold Gold Belt

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!

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Spring’s Hottest Shirt…

by cheapchica11 on February 27, 2012

The fresh look of a classic white button down seems to be stealing the scene this Spring.  I was surprised to see so many designers choose a simple staple as their muse this season. My favorite incorporation of the traditional trend is the Louis Vuitton SS12 runway.  Paired with a pastel palette, the collection’s romanticism is soft, yet sophisticated.

It serves dual purpose, pairing well with current trends, such as floral print pants, and pleated skirts, as well as all-white bottoms.  Elizabeth Olsen was spotted wearing the trend with statement necklaces and a coral mini, as well as a with a floral printed blazer.

I’m also obsessing over Miranda Kerr’s choice to pair a white fitted dress shirt with black leather pants and coordinating pumps–and to prove that she’s the master of  effortless style, her recent pairing of yet another white shirt (this one being over-sized) with a tweed mini at a Kora Organics event on Valentine’s Day made me fall in love with this VS Angel!

The best way to accessorize a white button down is to pair it with complimentary accessories such as a white belt, shoes or even a bag (but not all at the same time!) to help pull the crisp look together–perfect example, the belts at Chloe SS12 runway which looked so clean and modern.

This wardrobe must-have is available at some of our favorite budget friendly retailers like Mango, Forever21, Urban Outfitters and I just found a look for less version of a tuxedo inspired Lanvin blouse at Express for under $50!

And this week we’re introducing “Chic-lets”…think of them as mini-style tips anyone can use

Chic-let: Try a sleeveless version of the classic white button down if you already have one sitting in your closet!

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Red Carpet Roundup: The Academy Awards

by cheapchica11 on February 26, 2012

My favorite time of the year is awards season…it’s that one time of year when fashion takes over TV and all anyone wants to talk about is clothes! Can you think of anything better? Even my husband has opinions on the red carpet and I’m thrilled that we get to spend Sunday night bickering over dresses and I get to explain how certain things aren’t meant to be pretty or make sense…they’re FASHION!

Anyway, here are my favorite dresses from last night and be sure to tune into The Weather Channel today at 8:10am and 9:10am EST to catch me dishing on what and why I liked it…

Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton, Gwenyth Paltrow in Tom Ford and Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen…

Now for my least favorite…

Penelope Cruz in Armani Prive, Sandra Bullock in Marchesa and Berenice Bejo in Elie Saab…

Who were your favorites? What did you think of the this years red carpet? And be sure to tune into E! News tomorrow night at 7pm EST to watch yours truly show you how to get all this red carpet GLAM for LESS!! Ah…I love awards season!

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Deal of the Week: Neon and Skulls

by cheapchica11 on February 23, 2012

There are a few things that I’m mildly obsessed with when it comes to jewelry…namely, designers like Erickson Beamon, DANNIJO and Pamela Love.

I love the way they these designers make each piece a conversation starter and how each and every element of is so carefully thought out. They tend to mix unexpected elements with beautiful details to create one-of-a kind jewelry…

so you can imagine how excited I was to find these earrings designed in the same vein as my faves for a fraction of the cost!

At first sight I thought these were mistakenly placed on the Charlotte Russe website but CR has really up’d their jewelry selection lately and these are the proof!  They combine one of Spring’s hottest trend (NEON!) with skulls and who doesn’t love that?!

For the very budget friendly price of $6 you can buy one for yourself and one as a gift for your BFF (they have a 2 for $10 deal happening now…as if you needed another reason to buy them)!

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