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


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Spring fashion

Rack To Reality: Aerie Printed Tank Dress

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!

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The F.A.B Report: Pastel Jewelry

by Monica on March 18, 2011

One of the most exciting things about spring for me are all of the delicate, feminine touches that this season brings. Every spring pastels return to the runways and I die for them. I love a pastel dress, but this year, I can’t stop eyeing pastel jewelry!

I was passing through Macy’s the other day and the new arrivals in the Macy’s Collection Jewelry totally caught my eye…it was all fresh pastels! The selection featured pastel blues, mint greens, and pale pinks in every style.

Unfortunately, when I looked for these styles online they weren’t available on their website, but if you’re at the mall, stop by a Macy’s to check out these CheapChica approved picks.

Luckily, Macy’s isn’t the only store carrying this trend! One of my favorites Stella and Dot features girly pastels like this amazing statement necklace for spring…but its way out of my price range ($228) so I’ll probably go with something smaller like this coral bangle for $69 and this classic turquoise beauty for $59!

Want more? Some of my staple fashion jewelry stores, LOFT and Forever21 have a TON of great stuff for under $25!

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LOFT Loving and Blue Dreaming

by cheapchica11 on April 27, 2010

Picture 3Color is key to looking fresh and fashionable during the transitions between seasons; and royal blue hues and ocean tones are really catching my eye lately.

With summer approaching and (for us east coast gals) the temperatures are slowly climbing which means we have less opportunities for layered styles. To that end, accessories get the chance to steal the show while our clothing  takes a backseat.

There’s no better place to get feminine classics then Ann Taylor Loft. Their classic style get a youthful flare with flattering yet relaxed cuts and simply sexy silhouettes. Ann Taylor Loft apparel is known for solids, but their accessory lines are anything but basic.

I’m obsessed with their new island inspired accessories collection; these show stoppers are a breath of fresh air and a much needed break from the bib necklace. Pair one (or two) of these bold yet delicate adornments with a dress like this one and you’re on your way to looking effortlessly chic!

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LuLu’s Lookbook

by cheapchica11 on April 25, 2010

I’m a huge fan of LuLus.com–I check their site at least once a week (sometimes more) and I always find great buys under $50 no matter what I’m looking for…

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so I was really excited to see that they added a new LOOKBOOK component to their website! If you like their clothes, you’re going to really like this feature.  They’ve put together some of their favorite trends (Geek Chic, Ladylike and Tribal for now) and built entire outfits around them!!  Check it out here!

And BTW, if you were a fan of the La La Love Dress–it’s back!  You can get it in Navy, Purple and Grey now but click fast…these babies sell out sooooo quickly!

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Deal of the Week: Spring Blazer

by cheapchica11 on April 22, 2010

Picture 3Ahhhh….blazers!   I can’t get enough of them!  If you look in my closet, I literally have 30 of them all grouped together in all different colors, cuts and fabrics and that’s for a very good reason–I’m a lazy dresser sometimes and a blazer is an easy way to look dressed when you’re really just wearing a white V-neck and jeans!

One of the only things I’ll miss about cooler temperatures is having to retire my little jackets, but stores like J.Crew and in this case, Forever 21 have wised up and they’re started to roll out light weight blazers that are just the thing for Spring!

This baby blue blazer is exactly the kind of jacket that will look good with everything–from skirts (how cute is the styling in this pic), white pants, jeans and even with shorts!  And for less than $25 it’s my Deal of the Week!

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Shop Like A Teen…

by cheapchica11 on April 21, 2010

I spend a lot of time at my local mall doing “research” but one store I never stop in is American Eagle…for some reason I always felt like I was way too old to shop in there but I stopped in there to pick up that denim shirt I wrote about a few weeks ago for a friend and completely changed my tune!  They not only have great basics, but given that whole cargo/military trend that’s going on right now, they have some really cute pieces that are must-haves for the summer!

Here’s what I picked up…and ALL of it was an additional 30% off the clearance prices–with the exception of the Military Jacket ($49.50) because it was just too cute not to buy and the slim fit is exactly what I’ve been looking for!

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Most of their solid tees were less than $5 and they’re super soft and drapey–I also bought them one size up so that in case they shrink I can still get that oversized look I want…the jeans and jorts were all under $30 bucks and the soft faded colors are perfect for the season…the dress is everything I want in a Summer frock–perfect over a swimsuit and super cute with wedges…and finally my go-with-everything vest for less than $25!

Now I did notice that the prices on the website are higher (sometimes by as much as $7) than in-store so if you have one near you, it’s worth it to stop in to take advantage of some serious Summer savings!

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Target Hits A Homerun!

by Ann Whitbeck on April 20, 2010

Picture 5Target is the answer to every CheapChica’s prayers, right? No question the place is heaven-in-a-superstore…

I never in a million years would have thought I’d be able to buy Alexander McQueen, Rodarte, Jean Paul Gualtier, etc. while at the same time stock up on toilet paper and rice krispie treats!!!

But I have to admit IMO, the past couple designer collections have been a total snooze…but never fear the current batch of big names will not disappoint. We’ve already seen the magic of Zac Posen but this past weekend, two more of my all time accessory faves debuted their lines Target….Cynthia Vincent and Eugenia Kim!

Cynthia_Vincent_01In the words of Rachel Zoe…BANANAS! I seriously don’t know where to start. Cynthia Vincent’s line of platforms and sandals are truly out of this world…hence her international inspiration with exotic prints and embellishments.

They are the kind of shoes you see on that amazingly chique girl getting off the plane from somewhere and you can’t explain what it is that makes her and her outfit look so unbelievable and then it hits you…it’s her shoes!!!

Next on this list is Eugenia Kim, the woman who brought hats back on the map after J.Lo wore her floppy brim to the American Music Awards back in 2001. Since then, we’ve never looked back, big brims and fedoras are here to stay!

Picture 4Her Target line is inspired by a “Cuban vacation” (um, hello, who wouldn’t be inspired by a Latin vacation?) has the perfect pieces to take any spring or summer outfit to the next level.

And all of this magic is offered at amazingly good prices so check it out and let Target take you away!!!

PS: If you’ve picked something up from either collection let us know what it was and what you think in the comments!!

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Cheap or Chic: Boat Shoes

by cheapchica11 on April 19, 2010

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Boat Shoes…Top-Siders…call them what you want, but they’re one of the hottest footwear trends this season when it comes to keeping your feet comfy and cute all Summer long!

OK, so they’re not the most attractive or sexiest pair of shoes out there and they totally remind me of something my father would wear, but they’ve appeared in every fashion magazine from Glamour to Lucky and they’re starting to grow on me!

If you’re looking for a stylish way to retire those mile high stilettos and get your geek-chic look on this Summer, adding a pair of Top-Siders to your shoe collection (how cute are the ones pictured above from Free People) just might be the thing to do.

Now if you really want to show of your Top -Siders this summer opt for a bright shade of Raspberry like these from Sperry Top-Siders. They also come in other bright colors and they’re perfectly updated for the new season in shiny patent!

Picture 1What I love most about these shoes is that you can pair them with just about anything…jeans, shorts, or even a simple summer dress..and they’re a totally unexpected alternative to flats!

After-all geeky just might be the new sexy!!

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Street Styles: Hello Spring!

by cheapchica11 on March 21, 2010

It’s amazing how quickly once snowfilled streets transform into breezy sidewalk cafes. Philly is suddenly aflush with good weather, inspiring this week’s roundup of fresh spring looks.

hello spring oneLook one features the perfect beach dress, via Chictopia.  The brown and tan accessories help to balance the roughness of an otherwise all black outfit in look two,via Face Hunter.

hello spring 2

I think yellow is a tough color to pull off, but it look fabulous when paired with a grey blouse in look three, via Cupcakes and Cashmere. A long vintage skirt and an off the shoulder blouse make for a chic combo in look four, via Chictopia,

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Inspired by…The Floral Blazer

by cheapchica11 on January 26, 2010

115424_maegan-floral-blazer-1

It’s so hard for me to start thinking about my spring wardrobe, when I am still bundled up in sweaters and snow boots. When I purchase clothes, I want to wear them that instant…not wait until the snow has thawed and the flowers start blooming. So what is a girl to do during this transition time from winter to spring? I like to call them transition pieces…items that help you transition from one season to another.

My favorite transition piece this year, has to be the floral blazer! Blazers are a signature winter piece…a chic alternative to a cardigan or bulky jacket. Adding a floral pattern instantly turns this winter staple into a spring necessity!

Once again, bold colors and big prints are a big hit for spring/summer 2010. The floral blazer fits into both of these categories. The great thing is that no two are the same! You are easily able to find just the right color and pattern to fit your style. Pair the blazer with a dress, jeans and even leggings for that perfect updated look.

And right now Urban Outfitters has three different styles ranging from only $29.99-$39.99. You are not going to find a better price than that!

Update: The lead image in the post is from www.lovemaegan.com…we tried to link, but the link isn’t working for some reason!

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