by cheapchica11 on November 26, 2010
My love affair with anything Olsen extends to all of their brands…especially Elizabeth & James. Now while this is supposed to be their more moderately priced line (compared to The Row) it is not moderate by my standards. Most of their collection starts at $175 and it seems to go up pretty drastically from there. Case in point, this gorgeous wool blazer with fur trim, moderately priced for $765.
I’ve wanted this exact jacket for two seasons now and this season, I was determined to get it, even if it meant starving and not shopping for months and months while I saved my pennies for it. I even told my guy at Nordstrom to call me the second it got marked down so I could try and get it on some kind of discount…but we all know pieces like this never make the sale so you can imagine how happy I was when I walked into LOFT and saw an almost identical blazer!!!
Theirs is army green, just like the E&J one…it’s got a faux fur trim (PETA’s happy!)…and the fit is even better than the original b/c as we all know LOFT plays nice with petites (like me) and their 00 fits like a glove–right off the rack!
The Military Wool Jacket (as they call it) retails for $138 but you can get it for 40% off with code ENJOY through the weekend making this baby only $83! At this price, everyone on my Christmas list might just be getting one! 
LOFT has done an amazing job delivering fashion forward pieces like this one for really affordable prices, which is why next Friday night, December 3rd I’m helping host an exclusive private event at the LOFT store on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. If you’re in the city, please please please stop by the event. I’d {love} to meet some of you in person, chat, drink (yes, there will be LOTS of FREE drinks), and even help you shop for that perfect Holiday look!
The event will run from 7-9pm and the more the merrier so please feel free to bring your girlfriends, family, co-workers and fellow CheapChicas! It’s a great way to kick off the Holiday season with friends, fashion and lots of fun! And please leave a comment if you’re coming that way we can be sure to meet up! Hope to see you there!
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 November 13, 2010
Its getting cold outside and that means its time to put away those short sleeves and tank tops. We are starting to hide your arms under long sleeves and jackets and that makes it difficult for me to rock my favorite accessory, bangles and bracelets. Solution = amp up all your winter outfits with a handful of big, bold rings!
One celeb who is all about the statement rings is Mary-Kate Olson…the girl never leaves the house without at least a few rings on! Her signature style is all her own and she is always mixing looks–from bohemian to rocker chic to vintage. I adore the vintage rings she has been rocking lately and she’s mastered the art of wearing multiple cocktail rings all at once. They’re definitely big and bold but this tiny mogul sure can pull it off!
IMO, this look can be adapted to fit anyone’s style simply because there are so many different styles of rings out there! I love Lulu’s ring section! Many of the style they carry have that same vintage feel that MKO loves so much. Plus–almost all their rings are under $15!!
Looking for more? Check out Fred Flare, they have a lot of quirky and unique options that will surely grab someone’s attention. And a favorite from my personal collection…this one from Charlotte Russe for $10.50!!!
Don’t be afraid to make a statement with your fingers this winter and try wearing more than one at time a la Mary-Kate. And check out these beauties ranging from $5 to $50 below!!
by cheapchica11 on September 22, 2010
Lux, Lux, Lux….Faux, Faux, Faux!!! Some people might think that these two words don’t belong in the same sentence, but I say bring on the Luxurious Faux Fur!
Thanks to stores like H&M and Forever 21, fashion has become more accessible to anyone who wants it so those of us without celebrity paychecks or six figure salaries can still dress in the top trends of the season without maxing out out credit cards!
Considering that I fall into the less than loaded category of consumer, you can imagine my pure joy last Fall when H&M came out with their affordable Faux Furs. At the time, I wanted it all but I wasn’t sure if I was ready to go all out in fur, so I stuck with a few small accessory pieces.
But after seeing Karl Lagerfeld cover the Chanel models in head to toe faux fur I think I’m ready for more and the fur vest is the perfect addition to anyone’s wardrobe!
Thankfully, a faux fur vest is not as intense as a full fur coat so you’ll be able to wear the fur trend without feeling like you’re overdoing it. Try the vest with a floral print blouse and a pair of wide legged jeans for a 70’s inspired vibe or you can go glam and pair your vest with a mini dress and heels for a night out…and if you’re worried about getting lost under your new furry friend, you can also throw a belt around the vest to give it a little shape!
by cheapchica11 on September 16, 2010
Leopard Print is a daring must this fall season. This print never seems to go away but each year it’s used a little differently. This season the leopard print is popping out everywhere but it’s intensity is toned down because of how it’s worn.
Instead of the print being all about sex appeal it’s more about style. Dries Van Noten used the leopard print as an accent in the military inspired line up for Fall 2010.
The key to wearing Leopard print right, is not over doing it! Use it as a detail, not as the main focus. Pick one item with the print: skirt, dress, top, belt, shoes, or scarf. Match the printed item with complimenting neutral colors, choose from the hottest colors of Fall 2010: olive green, camel, espresso, cloudy gray, wine and black.
Mary Kate Olsen shows an example of how leopard print can look sophisticated, while Michelle Trachtenberg shows a more young, casual way to rock the print.
Try this trend a few different ways, match a leopard pencil skirt with a black top with a military inspired jacket, then belt the jacket with a black belt and don’t forget the black heels.
For a more casual look pair some leopard pumps or flats with a pair of skinny cargo’s and your favorite tee shirt. All you need is one small piece to keep up with this trend. You don’t have to go out and buy a whole new outfit, which means you’ll be able to save some big bucks!
by Monica on August 10, 2010
I just found out that this year at my high school we aren’t going to have lockers anymore, which means I am going to have to carry around all my books in a backpack instead of a purse! Aaaah! Do you know of any backpacks out there that are cute but still functional and reasonably priced?
Alexa
Alexa, think of this as an opportunity to really flaunt your style! There are some really cute backpacks out there, but I would say the way to to go is a super hot messenger bag. Don’t be worried about finding the biggest bag you can, you don’t need all your books all the time…consolidate your notes into one big binder or notebook…you want to lighten your load. Then if you’re out shopping on your own make sure your biggest item fits inside and that strap is strong enough to prevent your bag from snapping in the middle of the hallway.
Like I said, keep your eye out for messenger bags. They are are so hot for fall and this Proenza Schouler PS1 Leather Satchel has been popping up on celeb’s shoulders everywhere…everyone from Mary-Kate Olsen to Leighton Meester have been sporting this carry-all.
The buckles and hardware are utilitarian inspired and I have to tell you, I love the utilitarian look for fall! This bag is the perfect way to incorporate one of Fall’s biggest trends into your everyday look.
For some fun options, check out ASOS–I found a very similar option for $100 that would be great for you!
And, while Mary-Kate Olsen might be able to buy the PS bag in every color under the sun for $1,595 a pop, the rest of us can’t! But scroll through some of the options I found and get the look for a fraction of the price!
by cheapchica11 on April 7, 2010
Yes, I had (and might, in some ways, still have) some serious doubts. This is a tricky trend, but I will say this: there is a cute way to wear clogs that will not automatically render you 1994–for example, Mary Kate Olsen in her Chole clogs pictured here! She looks so stylish and summer-y that it inspired me to look for some that I’d actually consider buying!
Now, I know this budding trend is definitely still a bit below the radar, but that gives you all the more time to spot the perfect pair that fits both your feet and your budget (psst: the ones below were featured on Glamour.com and are only $34.00!)…and then decide what the heck you’re supposed to wear with them.
Clogs, and what I will call clog-inspired footwear, were definitely popping up on the Spring 2010 runways (Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton), so here’s the thing to remember: if you’re not quite daring enough to go full-on clog, try a clog platform sandal or sling back. We’re not talking about Crocs here. Believe me, you can do it.
How cute would a pair of platform clog sling backs look with a pair of cut-off shorts or jean skirt, relaxed tee and your favorite statement necklace? Or with one of spring’s flirty floral-printed skirts, white tank and jean jacket?
And wait, I’m also seeing them with distressed boyfriend jeans and an itty-bitty tank top. All sounds pretty cute, I’d say.
And they said it couldn’t be done…
by cheapchica11 on February 2, 2010
For all you OLSEN ADDICTS…this one’s for you!
I can’t think of anything better than an entire blog dedicated to Olsen fashion! I don’t remember when I first got hooked on MKA’s fabulous style but I have been a true (obsessive) fan ever since…needless to say I was absolutely HEAD OVER HEELS when I came across Olsens Anonymous.
The best part about this blog, are the endless photos of the pair. From the real and raw pics taken of them on the streets of NY to their Red Carpet glam shots, MKA are always about setting a trend…and one that I am ready to take up thanks to OA!
Don’t miss out on the interview with OA’s founder and creator below:
Why did you start Olsens Anonymous? I started OA because I would love to steal everything in MKA’s closets. I am obsessed with their style and a blog solely focused on their looks was something I always wished existed and I figured others would too.
When did the Olsens Fashion first inspire you? I first took notice of their style in 2006/2007. I was beyond inspired by their looks then and it is still my favorite style period of theirs.
Where do you go to find the photographs for your blog? I find the images all over the net. Mainly at places like thefashionspot, the olsen-files and others listed on the blog’s sidebar.
Whose fashion do you relate to more, Ashley’s or MaryKate’s? I definitely relate to Ashley’s style more. I like a more classic and chic look, which I feel she does so well. I don’t like to take too many fashion risks and I feel that MK is the one to do that out of the two.
Besides Olsens Anonymous, you have 4 other blogs…what is the inspiration behind them? The inspiration behind my other blogs comes from my many interests in general. I see the blogs as my creative outlet. I am in grad school and they allow me to get away from schoolwork and indulge my creative side for a bit. Le Fashion is obviously focused on my love for fashion. Le Love has become a way for me to make a forum available for readers to share their love stories and get connected to others who are going through the same. ETC is a way for me to share my other loves of home design, art, animals and other beautiful things. Le Smoking was a way for me to document my appreciation for beautiful images of people smoking. As a painter, I always am inspired by these images.
Now, thanks to OA I am able to satisfy my Olsen craving daily…I will just have to leave my dream of owning their closets for another day…
by cheapchica11 on July 22, 2009
And not Chanel this time…
This time it’s all about Alexander Wang’s Coco Duffle which I fell in LOVE w/when I saw MK Olsen sporting it months and months ago…sometimes I hate those mini-moguls!!
Anyway, the bag is finally available at a few online stores (b/c there’s no WAY anyone in Philadelphia has it) but it’s going fast and with good reason…
It’s you really think about it, the bags is kind of like a mullet…business on the top and a total party on the bottom!! If you’re interested in making a serious investment ($850 to be exact) I think you would get a TON of wear out of something like this and you would make this CheapChica very very jealous!!
by cheapchica11 on March 15, 2009
I was really excited to see the shoes from MK and Ashley’s new shoe collection for The Row, especially when I heard they were developing the line with Steve Madden. Most of the prices at SM start off a little high, but they do have great sales so I was hoping to score a pair of the twin’s shoes for under $100.
Well, no such luck. According to WWD, the collection will sell for $195 to $500 and only at high-end stores such as Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus…no suburban malls for these mini-moguls and their 5″ heels!
From what I saw on WWD, the shoes are fantastic and I love the buttons running up the back of this shoe above…kind of reminds me of my wedding dress, if it had been black! But I don’t think their shoes are worth that kind of dough…would you pay this much for these shoes?
