Frugal Fashion Friday - Sales with a side of Apologies

Hi Friends, I know it's been a long time and there has been lots of radio silence. Don't despair, I haven't abandoned you. I started a new job and I've been preoccupied with that work (a great new job) as well as some personal things. Fashion and you all have never been far from my thoughts. I'm going to try to improve my balancing act and begin posting more often again. I've been thinking over some additional summer purchases. Sadly, I don't have time for lots of fun pictures. I thought I'd share some great sale links with you (and one photo).

Nude Sandal - Asos

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale - great buys on high quality items

Zara - favorite store for fashion forward shoes, accessories and clothing (but no plus sizes:( )

Asos - one of my all time favorite European stores

Forever 21 - great for inexpensive trendy items

6pm - fantastic prices on designer jeans

 

These are just a few of my favorites. I will share more later. When you click the link, just look for the Sale link on their navigation bars. Even though we are in the middle of summer, retailers are already making room for their fall merchandise. If you want to find items that you can wear long term (and into fall), look for styles that are classic, like the nude sandals above.

Happy Friday Real Girls!





Virtual Shopping - Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale

It's a beautiful time of year. The sun is shining, the weather is warmer, and it's time for the Nordstrom Half-Yearly sale! I'm tempted to go nuts but I need to be more cautious. I picked just a few of my favorites.

 

If you go to ebates before you shop, you'll also get 6% cash back on your purchase! It's a bonus. Shop now and get a check later. It's fantastic! If you don't have an ebates account, signing up is simple and all you do is go to ebates.com first and then click the link to the store where you want to shop. So easy! I just got a check the other day.

Great quality items for fantastic prices! I love Nordstrom.

Trend - Kitten Heels

Kitten heels were declared a spring trend but they are definitely flowing over into fall.  I may be in the minority in my love of kitten heels but I know I'm in good company. Marc Jacobs showed them for his line and for Louis Vuitton. It just so happens that his long time muse, Sofia Coppola is a fan of low heels. Many stylish women, including First Lady Michelle Obama, First Lady of France Carla Bruni, Alexa Chung, Mary Kate Olsen and even Princess Kate. Michelle Obama was even photographed by Annie Leibovitz for Vogue wearing kitten heels.

I LOVE high heels but unfortunately for me, my battle with Rhuematoid Arthritis makes them difficult to wear.  I favor lower heels, wedges and flats, on a daily basis. I'd planned to wear high heels on my wedding day but {msL} asked me to wear lower heels so that I wouldn't tower over her. I gladly obliged when I found a pair of Manolo Blahniks for a steal. It's great to see that they are making a comback. I'd wear them anyway (popular or not) but I'm happy because that means a better selection. Here are just a few styles I love (affordable and not so affordable).

Click the photos above for buying details.

What do you think of kitten heels?


photo credits: Vogue, AP, AP, Rex, wireIMAGE, wireIMAGE

Frugal Fashion Friday - Styling Your Sale Buys

End of season sale purchases are only bargains if you can get some wear out of them in the current season and transition them to the next season. I believe that most wardrobe pieces should be multi-seasonal. All of the pieces I chose for the post last Friday can do multi-season duty. Here is how I would style some of those pieces.



Click on the items above for buying information.

 

By combining the shorts with a leather trim blouse, you give them edge. Add some heels, statement jewelry and a bright bag for a fun outfit for going out.

Click on the items above for buying information.

Your cropped pants get some polish with a buttoned denim shirt, a jacket and a lady like bag. Add a statement necklace, designer shades and some sneakers to top off the outfit for weekend errands.

Click on the items above for buying information.

 

A short sleeve cashmere sweater and a jacket add warmth to the summer skirt. A few accessories, including some versatile nude pumps make this outfit work for the office.

All of the jewelry and the fun coral bag styled with these outfits are by Stella and Dot.

Enter to win the $50 Stella and Dot gift card that I'm giving away!  Just click here to enter!

Frugal Fashion Friday - Making the Most of Seasonal Sales

The stores are full of sales right now. They are clearing out their spring and summer items to make room for fall and winter. It's the perfect time to grab items that you can wear now but also transition to fall. Two of my favorite stores for sales and items are Talbots and Nordstrom.  They both carry clothing in all size ranges and items that appeal to all styles and ages. I could have filled pages and pages with items I'd love to own but here are just a few of my favorites.

 

I've been in love with these House of Harlow 1961 Chelsea sunglasses for ages. It's rare to find them on sale. Nordstrom just posted this color for $91. This flowy blouse is light enough for a summer evening but edgy with the added faux leather collar and cuffs. Wear it now with some shorts or later with pants. I had to throw in this awesome skull wrap bracelet. I love them, no matter the season. I rarely wear shorts, except for cut offs at the beach. I would consider wearing these longer Bermuda shorts and they'd even look cute when the weather begins to cool, with a blazer. Converse are seasonless and this edgier version with studs is great. I've been looking for a neutral tote. This Michael Kors design is sophisticated and versatile. Full skirts are flattering on all body types. I would wear this one with a graphic tee now and with a pretty sweater later. These printed pants will transition well from summer to fall. Just change up the topper and your shoes. You can also dress them up or down. There are so many ways to transition items from summer to fall. With just a change in the pieces you pair the item with, you can take it from warm weather to cool weather.

If you order, make sure to save even more by using a site like ebates.com. Ebates will pay you a cash % for each of your purchases. Just go to ebates before you shop, create an account and a select that retailer.  Also, search for free shipping or discount codes for your shopping by goggling the store name and discount code or free shipping.

Have you been eyeing any fun items during all of the sales?

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Peplum Tops

I've had an illusion most of my life, that curvy girls can't wear peplum tops.  It began in my teen years, back in the 80's, when peplum tops and dresses were popular (the first time during my life). I was told over and over, you have hips. You can't wear a peplum. It will just make you look bigger. Well I call Bu!! S#*@!!!! I think they look great on all types of women.  And I love them. Here is my proof. Beautiful, curvy women wearing peplumss!

These ladies are some of my favorite bloggers and fashion gurus. From the top left (going clockwise): Girl With Curves, Heart, Print & Style, Grown and Curvy Woman, and Ashley Falcon. 


There are so many fantastic versions and options available.  I'm on the hunt for a leather peplum top but in the mean time I will settle for sequins, color and studs.

Frugal Fashion Friday - Rock the White

The best laid plans... Originally I had planned to do an outfit post.  I loved the outfit I wore yesterday. It was a bit of an 80's flashback but also current.  I mixed black and white with neon colors. I was wearing a sheer maxi with an underskirt.  My Honey {msL} took some photos and when I began to crop them, I realized that my Spanx were showing in every photo, all the way to the top of my thighs!  Obviously, I was too eager to take photos an didn't take the time to check my outfit in the mirror.  Oh Well.  Here is a cropped shot, minus the Spanx.

Jacket - One Stop Plus (no longer available, similar here), Tank - Target (no longer available, similar here), Skirt - Nordstrom (no longer available, similar here), Necklace - c/o Stella & Dot, Kristin Biggs, Bracelet - DIY via Goodwill, Shoes - DIY

My sweet pup Blue joined me during pictures.  He was also featured this week as a Fashion Dog on my friend Vyque's blog, Fasshonaburu.  Since my outfit featuring bargain buys, DIY and Stella & Dot didn't work out, I decided to join the lovely bloggers on Long Distance Loving for today's Friday's Fancies post, Rock the White. Check out how I add color to my white after the jump.

Shop Now, Wear Forever - Via a Nordstrom Sale

It seems strange to think of spring now but retailers are beginning to get their new merchandise, which means markdowns.  You can cash in on their need to clear their racks and score a great deal.  Some of the items on sale can be worn now and into the spring. If you choose wisely, you can find some classic pieces and some trendy items for a bargain. I've had my eye on a great pleated chiffon skirt on Nordstrom.com and since it's half price I decided to order it right away.  My online shopping excursion got me thinking about the great sale items that you all could buy now, on sale, and wear forever. Nordstrom has free shipping and returns and the quality of their items is top notch. You know me, always looking for quality at a great price.

Solid V-Neck Cashmere Sweater
One of my favorite Christmas gifts was a crew neck cashmere sweater in fuchsia. I've been wearing it constantly.  Cashmere is timeless, it transcends seasons and can be dressed up or down. A v-neck is flattering on all body types. It will never go out of style. $50 is a bargain for a cashmere sweater!

Women's V-Neck Cashmere Sweater $49.90 and Plus Size V-Neck Cashmere Sweater $54.90

Pleated Chiffon Maxi Skirt
When I first spied this sheer cobalt blue chiffon maxi months ago, I was smitten.  As you know, my clothing budget is tight and $54 wasn't in the cards.  On top of that, I couldn't decide between the blue and the black. I know that some of you ladies don't feel maxis flatter you.  This semi sheer version could be your chance to change that way of thinking.  The under skirt is knee length but the sheer overlay won't make a petite woman appear shorter and it's sexy.  The micro pleats at the top of the skirt flatter a woman with curves. It could be dressed up with heels and dressed down with boots or flats. You could wear it now with a sweater or jacket and into the spring with a tee or a tank. When I realized it was now 50% off, I had to take the plunge. 

Women's Pleated Chiffon Maxi Skirt $33.90 and Plus Size Pleated Chiffon Maxi Skirt $26.90

Low Heeled Booties
I love my heels but it seems that my lower heel shoes get the most wear.  I also love wedges because of their stability. A 3 inch wedge doesn't feel as high to me as a 3 inch stiletto. This winter I've been gravitating toward my booties.  They're versatile and also stylish. They look fab with a pair of slacks or jeans and also great with a skirt or dress. Nordstrom is known for their shoe selection.  These are both available in two colors.  The Clarks booties come in sizes 4 - 12!  They are a bit on the pricey side for sale shoes but they are leather and their understated, classic style means you will be able to wear them for many years.

SamEdelman Wilma Bootie $86.90 and Clarks Water Row Bootie $86.90

Interesting Cuff Bracelet
A metal cuff in an interesting design can be worn with all types of outfits.  It can dress up a tee and set off an LBD. The rose gold of this one is on trend but timeless (it also comes in silver). I love the curves and the diamond dust finish. For only $24.90, it's a great buy.

Diamond Dust Cuff $24.90

Leather Tote
Studs, buckles, sequins and embellishments are fun but there is something to be said for simplicity.  A leather tote in taupe or black can be worn with everything in your wardrobe.  It can go with you on your weekend errands, carry your laptop to work, and serve as your carry-on for a flight. This tote has classic lines and leather can last you a lifetime.  It's a bargain for only $48.90. It's available in taupe and black.

Halogen Everyday Tote $48.90

All of these items are available from Nordstrom.com and you'll even get free shipping. You can also shop Nordstrom Rack online via the same site. I've already ordered the Pleated Chiffon Maxi in cobalt blue and black.  I couldn't pass them up at $26.90 each.  Two skirts for the price one cost originally. With a little searching you can find some great deals on items that you can wear for years to come. I may have to recheck my budget and do a little more shopping.
 

Outlet Shopping - The Choices

This weekend my sister and I did a little outlet shopping at the Talbots Outlet in Virginia. I love this outlet because the items they sell are the same ones that have been online and in their stores.  I started thinking about the differences in outlet shopping. Did you know that outlet shopping has become such big business that some companies create lesser quality, lower priced items specifically for their outlet stores? It's a switch that they don't tell you about. One of the ways you can tell is by the tags. If the tags say outlet on them, the items were made specifically for the outlet and will not be sold in higher end stores.  In this case, you'll also notice that some things have been skimped on. Items may not be stitched the same way, lined, or have as much hardware.  The corners or seams may not be reinforced as well.  These are things that will make your items last longer. If that's not a concern for you, go for it.  The item is still a great deal if you love it and will wear it often.

I live close to an outlet center.  I am very picky about the stores that I frequent.  I find the real bargains can be found in the department store outlets like Nordstrom Rack, Saks Off 5th, and Neiman Marcus Last Call.  These stores have high end, designer merchandise at bargain prices.

I've sung the praises of Nordstrom Rack in previous posts you've also seen me wearing lots of items I purchased at the store. There is a bit of looking and hunting that has to be done at these stores. There are very few pretty displays and lots of sorting. If you're willing to do the work, bargains can be found.

My favorite story is about a designer trench coat that I fell in love with at Nordstrom. At full price it was over $400. Way out of my budget at the time. I walked away and decided to start saving. I told myself if I could save the money then I'd go back. I saved and went back but it was gone. I started searching, even asked a clerk to do a store search for me but no luck. One day I was wondering around Saks Off 5th and saw some jackets hanging on a rack. I wandered over to look and I almost fainted. The coveted trench was there, in my size and it was a little over $100!  On top of that, I had a coupon to get an additional 15% off. I couldn't believe it.  I saved over $300!

I've been able to buy some high quality clothing that I'll wear for years because of these department store outlets. I've heard that Nordstrom Rack is having a huge end of the season sale. If you live near a location and have time and money, it's a great place to score some deals.

Change and Good Sense Have Come to Washington

I've admired Michelle Obama's style throughout the campaign. She is a master of mixing high and low and she wears what she likes (even if it's off the rack). She wore several dresses during the campaign from nationwide retailers like White House/Black Market, H&M and J. Crew. You have to admire a first lady that knows what looks good on her own body and doesn't feel the need to break the bank in order to impress. The dresses and accessories she's chosen sell out immediately. If you try to find the J. Crew gloves that she wore yesterday, you won't be able to get to the page at all on the J. Crew site. The traffic is too high. J. Crew was even bombarded with requests for the coats that Malia and Sasha Obama wore yesterday.

The First Lady chose an unexpected color for her Inaugural outfit. It's been described as lemon grass. She paired the sheath dress, cardigan and coat by designer Isabel Toledo with leather gloves and coordinating pumps.





According to the designer, the dress and matching coat were made of a combination of fabrics—lace over wool, both of a slightly shiny, pale green-gold hue. The designer added a lining of pashmina and handquilted cotton for warmth at the request of Mrs. Obama. The First Lady paired the ensemble with green patent-leather Jimmy Choo heels that were custom-ordered and olive, leather gloves by J. Crew.

Her gown was also by an up and coming designer, Jason Wu. The custom designed ball gown was a fresh choice. It reflects her young attitude. The ivory, off the shoulder gown with embellishments and crystals flowed beautifully as she danced with her husband.



Mrs. Obama also wore her best accessory, her toned arms. They are always in fashion.



If you can't afford the gown or the suit, which I can't, you can always go for great accessories.

Even though the exact gloves worn by the first lady are sold out at J. Crew, Nordstrom has a great pair. This style comes in many colors (including Moss) for only $59.90 and they are cashmere lined.



Her shoes were custom ordered Jimmy Choos. Of course Choos are always my first choice. I love them. I just can't afford them on a regular basis and these days not even that often. If you're on a budget like me, check out these pumps by Nine West. For only $62.06 at my favorite online shoe store, Zappos.com. They come in many colors including dark green and dark blue croc. The blue looks teal to me. They aren't patent but there are some patent options in other colors.



Jill Biden also chose a great ensemble for her swearing in attire. Her red coat and black boots looked classic and sexy without being over the top or outdoing Mrs. Obama. That's a classy move any day.



Kudos to both ladies for staying true to themselves and their own sense of style. They prove that you can look your best at any age, any size and any budget.

Innaugural photo credits: washingtonpost.com