by Monica on August 21, 2011
Steve Madden Finely Wedge: $39.99
Click it/Skip it: Click it!
Summer is winding down, but its not over yet. These wedges are the perfect item to rejuvenate your wardrobe for the rest of the summer. And they’re so cheap you won’t even feel guilty about wearing them for two months!
Fit: Perfect fit! I love Steve Madden! Their shoes are really well priced for the quality and this pair is no exception. I can wear these for hours without feeling a thing.
I have gotten so many compliments on them and others asking me where I got them. I got mine at DSW, but online you can find them at Journey’s or Zappos (Journey’s is $20 cheaper!).
Shopper’s Notes: I love these shoes in the Natural color I have. They go with everything and have been totally versatile. However, the other day I saw someone wearing them in the Khaki (pictured above) and thought they looked so chic! They looked almost army green, which is a color you can never go wrong with. With so little summer left, I’m sure these will be able to transition into next summer, so wear them while you can and hope next summer comes fast!
by Monica on June 10, 2011
Essie has to be one of my favorite nail polish brands and the one consistent beauty brand I constantly rave about. I’ve been patiently to see what they had in store for summer and this week Essie just released their latest line of colors for Summer 2011 and as usual, I am obsessed!
Nail polish is an accessory that is often over looked but it can elevate any look or totally downgrade one…nothing says grunge-y like chipped nails.
When it comes to what polish to choose for your weekly manis its easy to go with a color you already have or “the usual”, but summer is begging for a fresh change and Essie’s Summer Collection is where you will find that!
For no more than $8 you can buy one of summer’s best accessories and have it last for months! Every color packs a big punch–from Super Bossa Nova to Too Too Hot to my favorite Brazillant, you cannot miss! And don’t you just love the names?!
Buy them all online or pick a bottle up at almost any drug store…What’s your favorite Essie Summer color?
by Monica on May 30, 2011

Old Navy Tiered-Hem Chiffon Tanks: $19.50 each
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This is one of my favorite items that I’ve found at Old Navy in a long time. This top comes in 5 different colors…prints and solids. The simple cut and chiffon fabric makes it amazingly versatile and I want it in every color now!
Fit: This top runs true to size. Its loose and feminine, and the A-line cut will look great on any body type. Also, the ruffles at the bottom flare out a bit to add some interest…such a cute detail.
The top is double layered and the under layer can be removed if you want to work the sheer trend!
While I am obsessed with the orange and yellow for summer, the green is will transition perfectly for a layered look in the fall.
Shopper’s Notes: It is Old Navy, so the top is made of polyester. However, its not itchy or heavy and its still the perfect top to throw on and go. It can work for almost any occasion and looks good tucked in or free-flowing. Layer it under a cardigan or blazer for work or pair with shorts for a casual hot summer day!
by Monica on May 19, 2011
Have you seen Olivia Wilde on the cover of Glamour yet? She looks gorgeous in an all-American inspired get up…that happens to be so seriously perfect for summer. The classic nautical look is popular every warm weather season and Olivia gives it her own edge in this shoot for the June cover.
Recently divorced, Olivia looks better than ever sporting some of the best American designers… Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, and Marc Jacobs. These styles are so easy to emulate, you can find something nautical-inspired in just about any store in your local mall right now.

You can rock stripes at the beach, like Olivia does in this Marc Jacobs bandeau bikini…but get yours for half the price and from the same designer with this Marc By Marc Jacobs one. The retro inspired bottoms will be universally flattering! Or if you’re looking to emulate Olivia’s more feminine looks, try a striped dress like this from ASOS for $66!
Pair your red, white, and blue stripes easily with jeans or something totally different like Olivia’s Proezna Schouler tweed shorts. The only caution…don’t take this look too literal…avoid anchor anything and keep the pieces on the unexpected side because you don’t want to look too costume-y.
And the best part about this trend is that it looks great on everyone so break out your stripes and show off your American pride!
by Monica on April 2, 2011
Aerie Printed Tank Dress: $39.50
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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 cheapchica11 on September 12, 2010
Like its big sister, American Eagle, Aerie is also an affordable destination. But not for clothes – for undergarments! That’s right – lacey bras and pretty undies!
Aerie has a variety of styles, fabrics and colors and all are very reasonably priced! I have to admit I’m a pretty die-hard Victoria’s Secret shopper, but when I came across an Aerie store at my local town center – I was converted!
I picked up the Emma Vintage bra for $31.15 (on sale from $44.50) and I got the coordinating lace undies as one of my five for the 5 for $25 deal!
The combination of lace and peach is so chic and I love how it’s sexy but totally sophistacted at the same time…no over-the-top Fredrick’s of Hollywood styles in this place!
Aerie offers padded, gel, pushup, and many other bra styles that will accentuate your goods, as well as bottoms galore! The online store always has some great sales going on, so be sure to check the site often!
by cheapchica11 on September 11, 2010
I have had an ongoing love/hate relationship with my eyebrows for years. I cringe when I look at pre-tweezer pictures of myself from elementary school or years later when I discovered tweezers and I went through a “pencil thin” phase – not pretty.
Finally, I feel like I have the perfect balance. My brows are a great, even shape. But, I will tell you this is not without some hard work, patience, and a secret weapon – my Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil.
This magic little pencil has finally given me the brows I’ve always dreamed of – full, even, and just the perfect length. The pencil is $22 – which is a bit of a splurge for me, but TOTALLY worth it! I use the medium ash color and it looks so natural. At the opposite end of the pencil is a bristle brush that tames unruly brows and helps to blend the color.
It stays on all day – but washes off easily in the shower. I’ve only had mine a few weeks, but I have a feeling it’s going to last a long time – which justifies making this great investment for your brows!
by Meghan on September 10, 2010

I went shopping the other day, and I felt a little sad because the stores are treating their racks as if Thanksgiving is just around the corner!
I mean, I get it, but keep in mind- it’s still summer, people! We still have a good month of warm weather left ahead of us, so let’s not rush away the most wonderful time of the year (of course, that’s only my opinion).
The weather is warm, but it’s not too hot, and you can really experiment with your wardrobe and mix the season’s different trends in order to make it your own. Gingham was such a popular pattern for the spring and summer, and it’s really simple to bring this great look into the fall.
Personally, I’m still obsessed with gingham button downs, and every single store from the GAP, to J. Crew, to Forever 21 are continuing to carry them through the next season–this is def. one of my favorite styles!
Right now, while the weather is still warm and sunny, you can wear your gingham with shorts, and once the temperatures begin to drop, it’s always nice to be able to throw it under a great cardigan, or just wear it with your favorite pair of jeans (try grey ones!). Since the look is a little bit “country” try mixing it with tan and chocolate accessories–especially boots!
by cheapchica11 on September 9, 2010
Forever 21 Mesh Knit Top, $15.80
Click it/ Skip it: CLICK IT!! There are 3 things that I love about this sweater. First is the color. Military inspired clothing is everywhere right now – and this top is an olive color that is right on trend.
Second is the fit. You can’t get me into anything body hugging right now – I’m all about the loose dolman fitting tops! They are so comfy and cool, especially in this HOT weather!
The third reason I love this top is the mesh. I’m currently obsessed with anything mesh, crochet, or sheer.
Fit: My favorite thing about a great deal like this is that this sweater doesn’t look or feel like it’s only $15.80. It’s super soft and the finished hem and folded sleeves add a quality feel to this Forever 21 steal.
I purchased a size up, medium, because like I said before, I’m totally digging the super loose look right now. I also like the scoop neck, which occasionally slips off my shoulder – a perfect casual look.
Shopper’s Notes: I’ve been wearing mine with skinny jeans and my favorite pair of tan heels, but I’m really loving the camel shorts combo above too! And thinking ahead..I’m also envisioning wearing this through the fall with some leather leggings…
For $15.80 – it’s a 100% click it. I just wish they had more colors, because I’d buy them all!
by cheapchica11 on September 8, 2010
Ask any of my friends what my favorite accessory is and they will practically shout “BELTS”!! I love, love, love belts.
My favorite right now is a thin, braided belt, which came with a dress I had purchased from Forever 21. It’s the perfect length and color – tan – which goes with everything! I’ve been buckling it and then looping the tail of the belt through and letting it hang.
Liz of Late Afternoon perfects her knotted belt look with a vintage leopard dress and sandals..which is super easy to do… or you can also try something a little more classic, like a knotted belt with a boyfriend button up and a pair of shorts, for a casual daytime look.
The width of the belt can vary and I’m all about working with what you own, but if you’re going to shop for one, I prefer a skinny belt! I found this belt at online at Delia’s for only, $20 bucks or this western-style belt from Lulu’s for $11 also does the trick!