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 March 31, 2010
One of the most popular posts (ever) written on this blog was about a bikini…last year Victoria’s Secret came out with the cutest ruffled bikini top and I swear I still get emails about where to find one just like it.
Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to locate it since–even after countless emails to VS about bringing that style back–but luckily for all of you ruffles are one of the biggest trends for the Spring/Summer and Old Navy has picked up on it!
They debuted the most adorable ruffle bikinis (only $16.50) in February with their first swimwear collection, but they sold out almost immediately, until now! These ruffled bandeaus come in delicious colors like Blue Bonnet (bottom) and Peach Flambe (top) and they’re perfect for your upcoming vacation! I think they’re so much cuter than just your regular triangle top–not to mention way more unique!
And for those of us that are not blessed in the chest department, the ruffles help add the illusion of a more voluptuous top! Click here to buy!
PS: Don’t forget to mix and match your bikini separates–matchy matchy is totally out!
by cheapchica11 on March 30, 2010
Girls, it’s that time of year…it’s time to go Spring shoe shopping and if this season your budget only permits you one pair of shoes these are the ones you MUST buy!
It’s called the Ghillie sandal and it’s basically an updated gladiator with laces…loves it! These shoes are super versatile which means they go with everything from jean shorts to flirty frocks and will easily get you through the next two seasons effortlessly and in style!
And don’t get me started on the color–it too goes with everything and as an added bonus, it will make those tan (or soon to be tan!) legs look longer an leaner by creating the illusion of endless gams! Who doesn’t love that?
The great part about this trend is that whether you’re of the “higher the better” or “flats only” school of thought, there’s a style for you.
These Chinese Laundry pair are $90 so they barely made my cardinal sub $100 rule but they snuck in b/c they look just as good, if not better than the designers ones I just saw at Barney’s in Beverly Hills! But if you prefer a more budget version, check out the highs and lows below…along with some cute things to pair them with!
by cheapchica11 on March 29, 2010
Just in time for your upcoming vacation(s) and smells good enough to eat (and… can actually be eaten!). Intrigued…
Well for starters, one of the MANY reasons I loooove coconut oil is the smell. Let’s face it– it’s savory, sweet, and smells like the beach. Sign me up, anytime…right?
Then, there’s the fact that it’s multi-purpose: I put it in my hair as a leave-in conditioner (rinse with normal shampooing and conditioning), on my body, especially in the summer (it absorbs very quickly, I know what you’re thinking… you won’t be any greasier than you would be using a nice lotion) and… in the kitchen!
That’s right, coconut oil is actually a great healthy alternative to fattier oils and/or butter (think: tropical aromas in a shrimp dish)… with certain dishes, I love it! Now, if all that’s not a multi-purpose bang for your buck, I don’t know what is!
If you’re doubtful, just try a little bit once a day as a hand moisturizer… you’ll see what I’m talking about. One thing to remember: the texture (unless it’s been treated in some way) isn’t exactly of an “oil” per say… it’s more of a thin gel (at room temperature, that is). But I like it; it seems a little bit more like a real lotion or body whip or something…
And the cost? Cheap. I buy this 15oz (a gargantuan 54oz is also available for under $25.00) jar above from organic brand Nutiva on Amazon for around $12 -13, but there are several brands available, online and at your local organic grocer, from which to choose. I’d even recommend trying Etsy!
I know. I know! You can’t wait to try it…and you can thank me later! 
by cheapchica11 on March 27, 2010
How cute is this?! Diane Kruger, you take risks, and I love you for that, but I think this particular ensemble is a nice balance between fashion forward and everyday trendy.
I know, some of you might be saying… “it’s so 90s… I don’t know…” and… I understand that. Just keep in mind you can always do a bit of tweaking to make the look your own.
What’s great about this is that it’s pretty comfortable and pretty easy to find the essential pieces that compose the look. If we haven’t said it enough, a flirty floral dress (try to find one that’s not too body-hugging… think… playful) in soft colors is a spring must-have this year, and god knows black shoes are easy to find, right? You can do like Diane does here with a flat, lace-up boot (laces: all the rage now), or you could just as easily do a high-heeled black bootie. The socks are verging on daring, but if you’re feeling it, I say go for it!
I think too… that a black caged sandal, or even certain gladiators might work too… but make sure they’re black. If there’s one thing to remember about this look, it’s that it’s all about the contrast… !
Skinny black belt? Check. Ladies, if that’s not a staple of your wardrobe yet, I suggest you start thinking about getting one soon… I’ve found a few below, all under $30.00!
The finishing touch is a cream (white works too) cross-body bag… I love the quilted touch as well, but really any kind will do.
Trendy, comfortable, and practical, all in one…
by cheapchica11 on March 26, 2010
Like all women, nothing makes me feel more polished than a mani-pedi…that being said, is there anything worse than your newly done nails chiping just days later?
I was getting ready for my LA trip and needed my nails done in a serious way so I stopped in to a random salon and I’m so glad I did! They introduced me to OPI Axxium Gel polish– a new line of long wearing nail color!
The gels are made from the same substance as acrylic nails but they’re thinner and feel more like polish than tacky acrylics. It goes on with a brush just like normal polish but they “set” the color under a UV light so that it bonds to your nails.
Now for the best part, the manicure lasts up to 3 weeks chip FREE! That means less manicures and more money saved by reducing your weekly salon trips (if you don’t do your nails at home).
I went for a color called Bubble Bath but they also have my favorite dark color (Lincoln Park After Dark)–from what I saw they only have about 15 colors as of now, but that’s definitely enough to choose from unless you’re looking for something totally out there.
I’ve had them for a week now and not one single chip, scratch or semblance of faded color. The only drawback might be when I’m ready to change them. The manicurist said they’re removed by soaking the nails in some kind of acetone-based solvent for 15 minutes, so we’ll see how pleasant that is!
My regular mani-pedi costs $22 but for the Axxium I paid a $12 surcharge…and so far it’s very well worth it! You can buy the kit for at-home use but you’ll need a UV light so this might be something that’s best left to the professionals!
by cheapchica11 on March 7, 2010
Update: Use coupon code WA1 for 20% off and check out their “Lucky Draw” offer for even bigger savings! Thanks Christine!
What if I told you that there is a fabulous eco-friendly luxury accessory on sale right now for over 50% off just waiting to be scooped up? What if I told you this amazing accessory came in 110 possible colors from which to choose? And yes, at just a click of a mouse away?!
When I got a glimpse of the OH-MAZING markdowns on gorgeous organic scarves and wraps on the eco-mega-site Nimli, I literally couldn’t believe my eyes. That was just before I freaked out and emailed literally every girlfriend in my address book (and some guys).
This Azuri pashmina shawl is–no joke—currently on sale for ONLY $25.00… down from $125.00 (!!!!!!!!!!). Really. You’d be a fool not to check this out. I’ve already bought two.
In fact, the sale has been on for a while (as in months), so I wouldn’t panic too much, but my advice is to act now if you have your heart set on a certain color.
However, no matter what… let me just tell you now… this is going to be an eeny-meeny-miney-mo kind of situation. Really, take a look at these (right), how can you choose?
Also, don’t forget that long layers were all over the Spring and Fall 2010 runways, so what better more classic way to incorporate a beautiful draped piece into your wardrobe than with an luxuriously soft pashmina shawl? Pair it with leggings, a relaxed, long t-shirt, flats, and your favorite hobo and you are set for the weekend, girl.
by cheapchica11 on February 20, 2010
BESTBUYS SIDENOTE: If you’re looking for the bag pictured right, click here. The link isn’t working when you click the pic!
Not to beat a dead horse, I know I’ve said it before: nude/neutral and just soft tones in general are huge for spring 2010, and as sunnier days slowly inch closer (although you’d never know it considering the snow we’ve had in the Northeast lately!), start thinking about how the idea of…
nude nail polish sounds.
I can see how some might have their doubts, but… I’m into it, I’ve decided. Look at it this way: you’ve tried sparkly whites and barely-there pale pinks. Why not give something a bit more unexpected a chance?
Oddly enough, picking this (sometimes considered to be) “boring” shade as your nail color could be seen as quite… daring!
Gotta love the logic of fashion.
The best CheapChica option is probably OPI’s Over-the-Taupe shade (a little over $5.00)… unless you don’t mind shelling out $23.00 for Chanel’s not unsurprisingly gorgeous Particuliere.
Nail polish trends are so great… it’s never been cheaper to make a runway-inspired statement…
Lily Allen, Gwyneth and Kate Beckensale have already jumped on board, you could be next!
