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 Monica on September 2, 2010
I love leather for summer and fall this year. A timeless/season-less staple like leather never goes out of style. However due to its edgy reputation its rarely found in the everyday woman’s closet. But I’m serious when I say you too can do leather!
I came across this super chic street style on Elle.com. This outfit is so fierce, I love it! I adore the feminine pleat of the tough (faux) leather skirt. This is the best version of a leather mini I have seen and its not even a glamorous celeb rocking it!
This girl proves that leather can work for day when paired with the right pieces…blouse-y tops and casual shoes!
Her skirt is from Forever21 but unfortunately, it’s no longer available! However, I did find this one for less than $20 as a great alternative!
I love the ruching at the waist and the zipper detail…and while it looks super short on the model, it was much longer in person!
There’s a lot of leather out there for Fall and while I think leather shorts and pants look ab-FAB on models and super tall skinnie-minnies, they’re not for everyone.
It’s a hard look to pull off so if you want to be bold this season with your leather picks, opt for a skirt… or if the skirt still isn’t your thing try a leather jacket like this or a soft leather belt to add a little edge to your closest!
by Monica on August 31, 2010
Mossimo/Xhilaration Motorcycle Jackets at Target: $30-$34.99
Click it/Skip it: Click it! Click them all!
I love a great motorcycle jacket anytime of the year, but especially at this time of year! They can transition from day to night and they work no matter what your style!
I just checked out Target’s large selection of moto jackets and I was not disappointed…and you won’t be either. This is the one that lured me in–simply because this color is so hard to find at a budget friendly pricepoint and when I saw it, it just looked so expensive!
Fit: All of the jackets fit very true to size. Motorcycle jackets do tend to come cropped and that might be the only thing I didn’t love about this jacket. I’m taller, so it hit a little shorter than I would have liked –right above my waist–but that shrunken look is very in so I’m going to go with it!
Shopper’s Notes: pLeather can look really cheap, but the faux leather used for these jackets loos and feels really expensive!
The one thing I do want to advise is that you skip the “crinkled” options. These are meant to look worn in and vintage-y but IMO they just look rather cheap (in the bad way!). Stick with the cleaner options like the one pictured above for a more luxurious look!
BTW: If I had a budget for two, this one would be my 2nd choice! Very Rick Owens, minus the $3000 price tag!
by Monica on August 21, 2010
Madewell Striped Shimmer Tee: $29.99 (on sale)
Note: Check out in- store sales for this shirt and more…I picked this up in-store for $9.99! And I saved an extra 15% with my student discount - don’t forget to ask stores if they offer one!
Click it/Skip it: Click it!
Fit: This shirt fits similar to how it looks on the model. It’s cute a bit narrow …and since I was going for a baggier/looser fit I went up a size and went up a size and opted for a medium. I love this dressed up take summer’s oh-so- popular stripes…just add sequins!
The shirt is seriously soft and I have been living in this week… I love it! But beware, this is one high maintenance tee...handwash only!
Shopper’s Notes: I went with the “cave” color but this shirt also comes in “deep water” blue which is just as cute. However, before you go into the Madewell store be sure to prepare yourself…its a lot of “want but can’t have” items, but just had straight to the sale rack and look for good deals!
The sequins are obviously fun for night and tucking this shirt into a cotton mini is a casual spin on sexy. But, don’t be afraid of a little sparkle for daytime. I have been wearing this tee with denim shorts on hot days but this tee will definitely follow me into fall with all types of jeans.
by cheapchica11 on August 19, 2010
I don’t know about you, but I can never get enough of Sienna Miller’s style.
Sienna is definitely one of my top five fashion inspirations right now, and when I saw this shot of her sporting one of the must-haves of the season, I had to gush about it…
What I love about the denim vest as a staple in your closet is that it is so versatile. I have one very similar to Sienna’s (for a fraction of the price, I’m sure… mine is Levi’s), and I wear it over a cute sundress or a racerback tank with khaki shorts for a carefree summer look, but I can also picture myself wearing it in the fall with a maxi skirt and long-sleeved tee…
Best of all, budget-friendly options are virtually everywhere (every option below is under $50.00!) right now, so if you’re looking for a piece that not only gets you many-an-outfit, but which will also carry you into fall, this is it, girls!
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 July 30, 2010
I’ve been noticing these “knuckle” rings on celebs such as Rihanna and Vanessa Hudgens lately. It’s such a different look- a “statement” ring, if you will, that I became obsessed with finding one for myself.
Unfortunately the one I fell in love with, this beauty by Elizabeth and James, happens to be $225. Sigh… why do those mini-moguls make everything I like so damn expensive?!
So my search continued for a ring that would fit me and my wallet and finally, I stumbled across this amazing replica by Urban Outfitters for only $24!
It’s almost an exact replica and only 1/10 of the price–exactly the amount you should be willing to spend on something that might be “here today, gone tomorrow”…but be forewarned, if you have sensitive skin, this might turn your entire finger green considering how large it is! LOL!
And while I’m a bit worried that I may not be able to move my finger while wearing this “finger armor”, I will try for the sake of fashion! 
by cheapchica11 on July 29, 2010
The fashion world’s attempt to return to classic femininity is not only taking over the clothes but the accessories too. And I couldn’t be more excited about it! Cat Eye glasses were geek chic for so long that I did not think that they would ever be able to be taken out of that ultra retro look. But just leave it to designers like Marc Jacobs and Tom Ford to make something old so new. The hottest designers in the world have littered the runways with their interpretations on the classic shades.
Our favorite celebrity ladies have been spotted all over the world wearing the sunglasses in all different sizes. So don’t throw those Aviators away but put them aside for now and pick out a pair of cat eyes that best suits you.
One of my favorit
e things about these sunglasses is that they having staying power. Even if they are not the hottest trend at the moment you could always class up an outfit by sporting them. These glasses are going to go perfect for fall when it’s time to break out the trench coats. I think nothing looks more sophisticated then a long coat and cat eyes, thanks to Audrey Hepburn of course!
One of my favorite pair of Cat Eye sunglasses that I have seen is the Calvin Klein version, but places like Forever 21 are stocked up on different versions if you’re not ready to commit to a serious pair. For a really femme look go with a smaller pair, if you still want that youthful edge to your sunglasses go with a bigger pair.
by Ann Whitbeck on July 25, 2010
So I am all for smearing yourself with sunscreen any time of year to avoid skin damage but being careful definitely has its drawbacks…namely, the smell.
The worst is the sour scent that sets in about an hour after you put sun block on. Ugh. But never fear, Hawaiian Tropic has totally saved summer with their new Exotic Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion sunscreen.
This stuff smells like heaven ie. Hawaii, and stays fresh all day regardless of your activities. I’ve had countless women come up to me and actually ask me what scent I am wearing. Uhm, Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen?!!?!?!
Yes ladies, it is that good. I actually look forward to putting this stuff on. It feels just like normal lotion with the durability of a good sunscreen. It ranges from SPF 15-50 and its also comes in a spray which I haven’t tried but sounds equally as lovely.
The best part is (drum roll) for an 8 oz bottle it only costs $7.00! Target and Wal-Mart have also been running a special where you get a small bottle free with the purchase of a regular sized one! So love your skin, love the summer and fall in love with this crazy awesome sunscreen lotion!
by cheapchica11 on July 24, 2010
Safari is one of this season’s hottest trends, and while I do want to invest in a safari jacket, I was wondering what else might be out there that was safari-inspired, but perhaps a bit more understated…
… something that could transition into other looks… and of course something at a good price….
Well, I found… this! This Sunset Safari Bangle Set from Free People. I love bangles in general, and I have since I was a teen (I sported stacked silver bangles, at all times!)…
What I love especially about this set is that you get quite a few (five) for a price of only $28.00, and best of all, these really will go with almost anything you put on this summer… !
