by cheapchica11 on April 6, 2012
It’s that time of year…the leaves are back on the trees, flowers are blooming, the temperatures are rising (finally) and you’re in the mood for some new shoes!
Spring always brings with it many, too many reasons to shop and after being buried under sweaters and keeping your feet hidden in wool socks and boots all winter long can you blame us for wanting to show off our new pedi in fabulous footwear?!
Without fail, every Spring I get dozens of emails from readers asking me about the “must-buy” shoe styles for the season so this year I’m rolling them all up into one very affordable package…thanks to my new favorite and highly addictive shoe shopping site, they’re all under $30 bucks!
My favorite style for the season has to be a wedge. It’s the perfect blend of fashion and function! I love when wedges have an organic element like this pair for only $29.99. The braided rope contrasts nicely with the snake and the combo makes them perfect to wear with shorts or a fabulous maxi dress!
Next on your shopping list, a pair of flat sandals…I love my Haviannas, but let’s be honest, they’re rubber and should best be left for the beach and trips to the pool. A flat sandal with a little detail can go a long way. They feel just as good as your flip-flops but they look like you tried way harder…even if you didn’t.
If you’re a frequent reader of this blog, you know that florals are “it” for Spring, but if a floral print is too much for your shoes why not try an actual flower? This pair from MyHotShoes.com is a total steal for $10.99…and at that price you should totally treat yourself to a few colors! My faves are the mint and pink!
And last, but not least…just because it’s hot out doesn’t mean you can wear any old sandal to work. Sometimes a girl needs a great work shoe and there’s no better fool-proof, go-with-anything kind of pump than this nude pump! The bow details makes it feel fresh but still very feminine and whether you’re into Spring’s ultra bright palette or the softer pastels, these go with both effortlessly. Oh and did I mention they’re only $24.99? I recall seeing a Valentino pair very similar to these at Saks for well over $500…
So ladies if you were wondering what shoes to buy this season, wonder no more…these three styles will surely get you through the entire season in style! Happy Shoe Shopping!
by cheapchica11 on April 2, 2012
For some, the Golden Rule is “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, but this spring, when it comes to the Golden Rule, we are talking about shoes, ladies.
Gold, metallic heels have popped up everywhere and now they’ve made their way from the runway (hello YSL) to some of our favorite online retailers.
As a YSL fan, I like my gold sandals very 70’s inspired…think of what you’d wear to Studio 54 in its hey day…like this pair from Seychelles! They’re a total steal for $90 bucks but right now you can save an additional 25% off! Some gold sandals can feel very prom-tastic so a chunkier heel and wooden accents help balance it all out!
Now if you’re looking a little comfort with your gold, you can pick up these very chic and comfortable LAGOON Ballet Flats with a metallic heel for $53.72!
Or what about these sandals by Sam Edelman for $99…the simple black leather straps and pop of gold on the heel make this a must-have sandal for the season.
And sometimes it’s about just a touch of gold, so look for a pair of sandals with a metallic heel like these for some unexpected glam! Remember, the heel is the last thing people see when you walk away and walking away in a pair of golden heels will help you make quite the statement!
For more from Kate, visit her blog at LifeSucksInAStraplessBra.com!
by cheapchica11 on April 2, 2012
With so many of us heading out for Spring Break or a little cold weather get-a-way, I thought it would be fun to spotlight the “local trends” in one of my favorite warm weather destination…Miami!
Miami has so much to offer its locals and visitors. From gorgeous beaches to endless shopping, there is something for everyone. When they aren’t in bikinis, Miami-goers are often found wearing vibrant clothing.
Miami temperatures do drop and it frequently rains in the winter. When the chillier weather hits, a fitted top and jeans are popular choices. Try on a pair of Simply Vera Vera Wang Mixed Media Skinny Jeans with a slimming side panel from Kohl’s. To add a bit of shine to the daytime look, wear crystal-accented Simply Vera Vera Wang flats.
No matter the weather, at night it’s all about a form-fitting dress. Pair with Jennifer Lopez Platform High Heels, and make a bold statement with the Simulated Crystal Necklace from Simply Vera Vera Wang
This look is perfect for dinner at one of Miami’s finest restaurants. Bikini aside, nothing is more essential in Miami than a little white dress. This Embellished Lace Dress from Ronni Nicole can easily transition your look from day to night.
When it comes down to it, the best thing about Miami is Lincoln Road. It’s one of the nicest roads to stroll along and the shops are always open late. This Corey P Floral Pleated Dress is the perfect day-to-night ensemble…and to finish the look, accessorize with a white Apt. 9® Theresa Shopper handbag and nude pumps.
This post was sponsored by KOHL’S.
by Monica on April 2, 2011
Aerie Printed Tank Dress: $39.50
Click it/Skip it: Click it!
Spring is almost here and this is the perfect little sundress to transition between seasons. Pair it with a boyfriend cardigan or utility jacket for spring and carry it into summer for those t00-hot-to-handle days!
Fit: This dress has the perfect silhouette to flatter any shape. The bodice features a slight v-neck that will work on any bust and the the waist is cinched with an adorable tie that has two threaded beads at the end. The cinched waist will help accent the smallest part of your body while still hiding that bit of “winter weight” you may still be trying to loose in preparation for the summer.
The only thing I will warn you about is the length of the dress. It’s definitely on the shorter side, so this dress is may be more appropriate for those 5′5″ and under…or you can always wear it with leggings!
Shopper’s Note: This dress comes in three patterns/colors. I love the French Vanilla! It has an art deco feeling to me and I definitely think its the most chic looking option. You can style this dress with a rugged jacket and boots like the model or try a more beach-y vibe with sandals or dress it up a bit with a great pair of wedges. I will definitely be getting a lot of wear out of this one!
by Ann Whitbeck on March 26, 2011
While I try to be as green as possible, there are some eco friendly and body friendly beauty products that I just can’t support. Deodorant used to be one of them. I have tried all kinds of natural, paraben free, sulfate free, etc and come out very stinky and smelling worse than had I put nothing on at all! So, after years of searching for a healthy deodorant, I went back to my old stand by, Secret Powder Fresh…. until now.
LaVanilla has an amazing line of natural, healthy deodorants. I have given this stuff a test drive doing everything from going to the gym, shopping (a legit sport in my book), doing errands and the end result is still a lovely breath of fresh air, LaVanilla style! My favorite is the Lavender Vanilla but all the scents are all totally yummy. How can you go wrong with Vanilla plus anything?
Now granted, the price tag is a bit steep, coming in around $18 a stick. But, stick with me, it last forever! I swear this stuff reproduces itself in the bottle. With all natural ingredients, who knows what loveliness is growing in there. DO yourself a favor, stop spending money on natural deodorants that don’t work and indulge in this La-vliness!!!
by Avery on March 24, 2011
You don’t usually hear “gown” and “jean jacket” in the same sentence…one connotes luxury, glamour, and special-occasion while the other is casual, sweet, and everyday. When Chanel precedes gown, as in Chanel gown worn with a jean jacket, the pairing seems even more uncommon and, dare I say it, obscene. It’s like that Sex and the City line about putting ketchup on an expensive steak…stop you’re ruining it!
But January Jones wore this exact combo out to dinner in LA, and I’m actually digging it. The jacket makes this runway worthy dress much more wearable for a night out instead of just reserving it for red carpet events. The pairing has a casual, I’m not trying too hard feel about it yet she looks ab-FAB in it!
Unlike JJ, most of us don’t have Chanel gowns just lying around that need to be toned down for an event, but I do love the idea behind this…I can think of plenty of dresses in my closet that feel way to fancy for a casual date night.
Nicky Hilton also tried this look at a recent book signing. Her black velvet skirt, pointy black heels, and black and white top may have been too night-time for a day event, but she threw a cuffed denim jacket on top- SHAZAM! She looks chic and put-together, but still approachable and relaxed.
Is Jones’ style too much? Go for Hilton’s. Either way, you’ve greatly increased your wardrobe with just one piece. And if you’ve already got one and are looking for a great update to this classic…try a jean blazer like this one. It still has that same casual vibe, but in a more tailored look!
I used my Gap coupon to get myself a new jean jacket and I’m in search of new ways to style it so I’ll be sure to keep sharing…how do you style your jean jacket??
by cheapchica11 on March 23, 2011
Cutouts are totally on trend right now! A cutout dress or top is sexy and sophisticated when done right. Designers including Monique Lhuillier (pictured left), Givenchy and Narciso Rodriguez have showcased this look both on and off the runway on countless celebs.
Young Hollywood is all over this trend – Emma Watson, Kate Bosworth and Leighton Meester have all been spotted in cutout dresses.
There are so many affordable options to get this super trendy and cool look. You will seriously steal the show when you step out in any one of these featured look for less cutout dresses. But this look does require strategic placement of the cutouts–you only want to highlight your best features so keep that in mind when shopping.
If you want to look like Leighton, try this black cutout dress from Topshop for less than $100. The cutout detail on the neckline and racer back compliment each other perfectly. Or, if you would prefer a more fitted dress, perhaps inspired by Herve Leger, go for this black dress.
Now if color is your thing, this bold number from ASOS for 70 bucks is equally spectacular in this gorgeous teal color–this so has my name ALL over it!
And lastly, if you love designer items for less (and who doesn’t), there’s a super sexy Alice + Olivia dress on sale right now for less than $150–quite a deal for a such a fantastic designer!
You can get more of Rebecca’s style tips on her blog young-sophisticates.com and don’t forget to look out for her monthly Look for Less column here on CheapChicas!
by Patricia Maristch on March 21, 2011
I don’t know about you, but after seasons of skyscraper high heels and platforms, my teetering self is ready to chop a few inches off my stilettos and salvage what’s left of my poor footsies…thankfully Marc Jacobs heard my call for help and thanks to his collection for Louis Vuitton it looks like this lower heeled trend may just stick around far into Spring.
I’m also taking a fashion cute from one of my favorite shows, Mad Men. This uber-popular TV series is set in the era when the kitten heel was at its height…or lack there of in inches at least! The ladies of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce never seem to step out of their kitten heels, pairing them with skirts that hit just below the knee in an array of colors and floral patterns for the ultimate ladylike look, totally office appropriate even in today’s professional world.
British it- girl Alexa Chung is also a huge fan of this look–she wears her big bowed kitten heels with a very 50s shape dress but still manages too look young, fresh and fun!
Kitten heels are even the go to shoe for the stylish first ladies Michelle Obama and Carla Bruni, who prefer their heels plain and classic black or with a feminine little bow detail.
But don’t worry these little heels aren’t just for your fancy dresses; you can just as easily work them into your day to day looks too. Just look at Reese Witherspoon, she chooses a lighter version of the heel for daytime errands and pairs them with casual yet chic jeans and a blazer.
No matter dressy or casual the kitten heel is a total win for style and practicality and your significant other (and feet) will thank you later for sparing him those sore toe complaints from your 5-inch pumps!
by Ann Whitbeck on March 20, 2011
Is it me or do this season’s essentials: florals, espadrilles, loafers, candy stripes and bright colors, all combine to make a perfectly preppy masterpiece?
This Spring I have totally drunk the Country Club Kool-Aid. Preppy classics are here with a fabulously funky twist. Vintage. Think The Graduate, 2011 style. Charlotte York brought preppy back and it is here to stay.
The new preppy is traditional, but never boring or predictable. The best part about the preppy aesthetic is that it is always appropriate. You can use the same pieces for work or weekend and have fun while doing it. I love how some pieces, like this one from Emersonmade take a tried and true look like Seersucker and add an unexpected ruffle collar and puffed sleeves.
I found tons of preppy pieces that are classic, but refreshed. This striped blazer from F21 is a fool-proof addition to any wardrobe. I have a similar one I pair with a citrus tee as a no brainer outfit with pop, and refined prep.
And how can you say now to this adorably sweet citrus dress…it would be perfect for a daytime date or for an afternoon wedding once the temperatures warm up. And while I’m not usually a fan of the styling in the F21’s online pictures, I love the way the green accessories pop against this dress!
Take a look at some of these affordable pieces I have found to bring out the preppy in all of us.
by Kate Concannon on March 17, 2011
March is upon us and it is about that time of year when work seems never ending and the need to itch the vacation scratch gets greater and greater, so if you have planned a glorious getaway with the girls, flung open your suitcase, drove in your closet and only found sweaters, wool cardigans and skinny jeans … well … lucky for us Forever 21 is the jet setting, island girls solution to the winter closet “blahs.”
This is the spot where all vacation wardrobe needs will be taken care of from beach coverups to dresses of all shapes and colors to poolside hats…they’ve got your covered!
Tunics in a ROYGBIV of colors can we found for under $25 and they work great as a beach cover-up or you can even dress it up with some glam jewels for dinner and drinks!
For this price, don’t be afraid to get a bunch of different colors, just be sure to experiment with different styling techniques for each like bangle bracelets, floppy straw hats and fun sandals.
Prepare yourselves for sandal salivation as many trendy and unique styles can be found at Forever for around $12.80 in all different colors and styles to complement those soon to be tanned toes.
And what would be a vacation without numerous pairs of sunglasses to express every mood..oversized black ones to avoid those pesky paparazzi while you’re lounging by the pool, aviators for the chic bohemian moments and cat-eyed glasses to express a more vintage and hip side…no matter what your style, F21 has a great selection all for around $5.80, so have fun and experiment with different styles!
The best part of going on vacation with the girls is the relaxation and laughs, but it makes it even more fantastic with a little easy wardrobe enhancement from our good friends over at Forever 21.
