by cheapchica11 on February 24, 2011
It’s not quite spring yet, so it doesn’t seem right to shop like it’s spring just yet…
but open knit sweaters are the best winter to spring to summer transition piece! They cover up and keep you warm in the winter but they can also be used as a light cover up in the spring/summer.
The key to getting the right kind is to make sure the sweater is not made of 100% wool because that will be way too hot during the spring. The open/drop knit gives a very delicate look…kind of like a lace, but with a little more substance.
This look from Free People embodies the perfect early spring outfit and I love it with the floral pants…surprisingly! If you think this top is a little to revealing, wear it with a tank top underneath. This top is so versatile- you can take it from a date to the beach as a cute coverup!
In the winter wear your open knit sweater as a layer…you can wear this sweater on top of a long sleeved lace top like this one from Forever 21.
In the spring/summer wear this sweater on top of a lace bra or bandeau match with a long floral skirt, for that ultra boho chic look.
It’s a super functional piece that can be worn with so many looks and in all kinds of weather. Talk about getting your money’s worth! Check out the great selections below…and BTW, I just found a super-cute silver metallic one at H&M!
by Monica on February 12, 2011
Urban Outfitters Tulip Back Blouse, $48
Click it/Skip it: Click it!
The price is a bit steep for a basic blouse but I couldn’t resist this one! The back is positively sexy and its a great way to show a little skin when the weather is too chilly for your go to “night out tank”.
Fit: This top fits true to size and will look great on any size. The shoulders are a bit ruched and add a bit of volume to your look. The back is obviously the best feature…its a sexy twist that the cutout is from the bottom instead of the traditional “low back” cut.
The shirt can flap open in the back…and while it hasn’t happened when wearing yet, if you want more modesty, just pair it with a cute, colorful bandeau instead of a bra. The top is thin enough to be layered under just about anything, but don’t leave your jacket on too long…show of that back!
Shopper’s Notes: For the amount of use I am bound to get out of this top its worth the price. This top can be worn in the winter or the summer with skirts and jeans. Dress it up with a chunky, embellished necklace or wear it without jewelry and let the red speak for itself. This top is perfect for a date night or drinks with the girls!
by Monica on February 7, 2011
Anne Hathaway has transformed herself into style icon and one of Hollywood’s one to watch when it comes to red carpet fashion. Her stylist, Rachel Zoe, has put Anne is everything from edgy to romantic and I cannot wait to see what she pulls for her when she hosts this year’s Oscars!
That being said, I gasped out loud when I saw this shot of Anne at a premiere in Rio. I mean, what happened? She’s like 10 fashion disasters all rolled up into one! Individually as trends…maybe they would work, maybe?
Mixed prints? So cute. Straight leg trousers? Equally cute. Even the shoes and the necklace get my vote, but the side ruffles and the outfit as a whole? I just don’t get it…are there no mirrors in Brazil!?
So that brings me to printed pants. They’ve been popping up like crazy and we’ve been seeing them on other celebs, but for Anne this ruffled pair just doesn’t work..I say cheap.
But don’t give up just yet, this trend can look chic. Stores like Urban Outfitters have a whole inventory of chic printed pants. Their trousers will only run you around $40-$60 and they have a ton of different patterns and cuts. And I promise, no ruffles. Will you be trying this trend?
by cheapchica11 on February 4, 2011
The City of Lights is a trend that will never go away and this keeps my mind at ease…j’adore Paris! The best part is that each year when this trend rolls around there is a new twist on it and there is no better time to be letting the french influence your wardrobe then February!
Paris, one of the fashion Meccas, is so full of love, passion and romance that people literally can’t control themselves from showing that love by canoodling all over town. So I say it’s time to take a page out of their book and start loving and dressing like a Parisian…in short, chic, romantic and ladylike.
I have an obsession with graphic t-shirts and an obsession with Paris so it has really worked to my benefit that designers have mixed my two loves together. Places like Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, Singer22, and Delia’s all have some great Paris inspired tees that are fun and affordable!
And I know graphic T-shirts aren’t for everyone, so check out some of our favorite places to shop which currently have some items that are tres jolie. Free People’s January catalog was set in Paris and it’s absolutely beautiful. How amazingly whimsical and feminine is this printed maxi dress? I love that they styled is as a skirt here…
They also made a video that seriously makes you want to get on a plane and fly right there, but not before buying everything from their pre-spring collection first!
ShopRuche, Lulu’s, Charlotte Russe and Urban have all let this soft, fanciful influence into their latest looks and they offer some more budget friendly interpretations of this trend…check them out and see how you can let the chic Parisians influence your wardrobe and maybe your love life!
by cheapchica11 on January 18, 2011
Hi CheapChica,
I’m in love….with this bag!!! This hobo from Be & D is to die for, and so it the price. Can you find a Chic and Cheap copy, thanks.
Deirdre
First, I just have to say how much I love this bag too! Thank you for introducing it to us and to our readers…you clearly have an eye for hot trends and showstopping bags!
Now that I got that out of the way, it’s time to reveal the TDF (to die for) price of this TDF bag…$998!!! And that’s when we all go…damm it! But no worries, there are tons of great bags out there that have similar styling for a fraction of the price– so when you actually buy the bag you’ll have some money left over to put inside!
The thing that first draws my eye to this bag is the color. There’s no other way to describe this rich, buttery, smooth, nude other than to say that it’s just plain lovely. It’s such a relief to have a neutral colored bag out there that isn’t some boring brown or plain Jane tan! This particular shade of nude is one of my absolute favorite colors, but I’ve had difficlties finding it in the past. Luckily, this Spring we’ll be seeing a lot more of it…especially when it comes to accessories!
The other thing that makes this bag really special is the hardware. This wrapped leather chain detailing is not going to be easy to find in a budget friendly version, but there are plenty of options for nude bags with some kind of chain detail! One of my faves has to be this Coquette bag from J.Crew…
It’s made of suede instead of leather, but it also has that Hobo style you’re looking for with a great chain detail. I own two bags from J.Crew and for the price, you can’t beat them! The quality is fantastic, the leather is super soft and they wear beautifully–this Coquette bag is $248, so it’s not exactly chaeap, but it’s about 1/4 of the price of the Be&D bag!
But if you’re budget is $100 or less, check below for some super cheap but chic versions! And Deidre, I have a feeling this nude hobo might just be the “it” handbag for Spring 2011!
by cheapchica11 on January 6, 2011
Lipstick, dress, top, shoes, bag, or belt- whatever the piece, add some red into your wardrobe immediately. This color goes with every skin tone, in every season, and for almost every occasion. It will make you stand out in a positive light, and for good reason.
The color red actually has a certain effect on our brains as do most colors. The interesting thing about red is that it seems to have the strongest effects, which means use caution! Red has been shown to stimulate the senses and raise blood pressure, and is considered a high-arousal color…so wear with caution! 
If you want to feel extra special this weekend, add a little rouge to your look a la Carey Mulligan…
She looks sophisticated and sultry in this beautiful red dress, but it can be easy to go over the top when you’re wearing red, so keep everything else (hair, shoes, make up, etc.) minimal!
If you want to wear red dress make you find one with a tailored fit, that’s not too tight. You obviously want that va va voom look, but like Ron Burgandy says, “keep it classy” and let the red do the work!
I also love wearing red as an accent to a neutral ensemble! Bright details like red pumps, red lipstick, or a blazer like the one in the picture above can take your simple outfit and turn it up a few notches! So put on the red and maybe it will give that extra confidence boast to take a gamble on something special!
by cheapchica11 on December 5, 2010
I’m sure no one will be surprised by this F.A.B Report. Stockings, Tights, Nylons, Pantyhoes – whatever you call them, you need them! You need them in multiple colors, textures, styles and patterns. Tights can change an outfit from plain Jane to super stylish (a la Blair Waldorf) and put together. The key is finding the best fit, for the best price.
Your favorite summer look will instantly transform into your go to winter outfit. Take that pretty printed sleeveless dress add a pair of fun stockings, a cardigan or jacket and some great boots. What I love most about this transition is that a summer dress might that may not have been appropriate to wear to the office, now magically works once you cover up with the tights!
Stockings are also a great way to add color to your wardrobe this winter and Forever 21 has a great selection for so so cheap..we’re talking sub $5.00! But buyer beware, try to find a pair that comes in different sizes. I’m 5′7″ and a lot of their tights are just too short for me.
Urban Outfitters also has a fun selection full of color and prints and at 2 for $20 you can’t beat the price for this must have accessory. But my favorite place to shop for tights has to be T.J. Maxx and Marshalls– you can find great name brand pairs for half (if not more) off of the retail price. So don’t pack those skirts, shorts and dresses away, just throw on a pair of fun tights!
by cheapchica11 on November 14, 2010
As the temperature keeps falling, so do the hemlines. The Maxi Skirt is a look that was sure to follow after the obsession that was and still is the Maxi Dress. I can’t tell you how excited I am! Some of you might think the maxi skirt is too risky but I’m telling you, it’s not!
The biggest question I get about these skirts is how to wear them without looking matronly, frumpy, nun-ish or just like a straight up hippie!! I think the answer (like it is for most things) is in the styling from head to toe (specifically toe, the shoes matter the most). Take your cute from fashion risk-taker Mary-Kate Olsen’s…she’s only 5′0″ and in this photo she not only looks amazing (and surprisingly tall) but she’s also doing showing a very easy and simplified way to wear this piece!
For a bohemian look match a fuller skirt maxi with a loose top, a fur vest, some killer heel clogs, and lots of bangles.
For a more sophisticated look pair a straight maxi with textured tights, platform heels and a feminine blouse in a soft material like silk.
And for a more casual day look match a knit maxi with your favorite riding boots, a comfy knit top or chunky sweater, and a leather jacket to top it off!
With so many options how could you go wrong?! And if you’re feeling nervous about this trend-don’t! One of these looks will work for you. Just have fun dressing up this skirt to suit your personal style!
by cheapchica11 on November 2, 2010
Mustard is not just a wonderful low cal condiment, it is also my favorite color of the fall season. I’M OBSESSED! And by the looks of things, I’m not the only one. Urban Outfitters has just filled it’s store with this striking chartreuse yellow. And ModCloth has been stocking up on great yellow dresses. The options are endless all your favorite stores from printed dresses and skirts, to sweaters and cords.
While I would typically reach for my brown boots and brown tweed blazer to go with this earthy tone, there is a new way to rock mustard yellow. Match it with BLACK! It’s the go to compliment for this rich mustard color for stylist and designers alike, and I love it. Michelle Monaghan looks sleek and cool in this Petit Bateau sweatshirt paired with black cigarette pants.
This yellow is giving us an excuse to keep color in our wardrobe as the warmer weather goes away. While I’m sure I’ll continue to match yellow with my browns, I’m definitely going to match it with the black when I’m going for a sleeker look.
by cheapchica11 on October 10, 2010
No matter which look you are going for 20’s flapper or 90’s grunge, there is a Hat out there for everyone. The key is to find the right one for your head, hair, and style. Hats do more than just cover up a bad hair day, they can set off a certain kind of confidence in a person.
There are so many inexpensive choices out there that will enhance your wardrobe. The best part is they can go with multiple outfits, which means you get your moneys worth. A hat can transform a good outfit into a great all around eye catching look. My favorite hats of the moment are anything Fur of course, and the cloche. With the roaring twenties coming back in full swing there is nothing more Gatsby that a Cloche Hat.
If you are a dedicated hat person it might be worth putting the money towards having a milliner make you a hat, but if you’re a girl who loves to follow the hat trends but doesn’t have a ton of money stick with ASOS, Urban Outfitters, and Forever 21 for now. Try out all the choices from Classic to Comfy: felt cloche, snap-brim fedora, slouchy felt gaucho, Panaima, aviator/hunter cap, turban, fur, beret, and knits in all shapes and sizes. Be Bold and try one on!
