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!





Frugal Fashion Friday - Transition Pieces

One of the best way to make you fashion dollar go further is to purchase pieces that can be worn in multiple seasons. Using some of your summer pieces in fall and some of your fall pieces in late summer can help you through that time that is both warm and cool.  I've pulled together a collection of pieces that I already own (or own similar items).  Using pieces like these with some basics can help to transition you to fall.



Click on the photos above for buying information.

 

This faux leather peplum top is one of new favorite pieces. I can wear it with these plum jeans on the weekend or with dress pants and a boucle jacket to the office. Add the silver oxfords or the cage booties, a great bag and a statement necklace to finish the outfit.

This embellished sweatshirt stands alone. Wear it with the plum jeans, cage booties, and cap on the weekends or throw it on with a simple solid skirt for the weekdays. It's lightweight enough to wear now in a chilly office or later when there is a chill in the air. This necklace from Stella and Dot can be worn five different ways. It won't over conflict with the embellishment on the sweatshirt.

Easy pieces like these can be worn multiple ways and in lots of weather. Making your dollar go further. 

Peplum and Posies

A little over a week ago I was thrilled to order a pleather peplum top. In the process of ordering, I saw another peplum top in tan that I thought might be great for work. The versatile color and sleeves meant I could wear it in the office without a jacket. I don't own any peplum tops but after seeing them on quite a few of my curvy blogger friends I hoped the style would be flattering on me as well. I'm thrilled.  In fact, I'm considering ordering this top in other colors.

Top - Forever 21 (tan is sold out), Pants - ASOS (similar here and here), Bag - Lord & Taylor (old), Shoes - Coach (similar here) via Loehmann's, Sunglasses - D&G via Loehmann's Necklace - gift, Watch - gift, Bracelets - Stella and Dot and ?, ! Ring - Forever 21

 

Frugal Fashion Friday - Update Your Look for Under $50

Every season, I want a few new items to help me update my look and I know I'm not alone.  Lots of times, my budget doesn't allow for a ton of new purchases.  I search for items that will freshen my outfits and make them feel new. Remixing items you already have is also a great way to update your look but we'll talk about that in a future post. My spring budget is small this year, due to wedding expenses and other plans for music festivals and our yearly beach vaca.  I'm going to add a few inexpensive items to my wardrobe to update clothes I already own.

Click above for buying information.

For less than $50, you could grab a fun statement necklace, a bright lip color and fun nail polish.  I love these combinations.

A sheer peach lip, a bright orange necklace and a turquoise nail just scream summer to me.  Pair them with shorts and a simple white t-shirt or a pretty sundress. Total - $24.29

A bright fuchsia lip, a tough but pretty ombre chain, and white nails are an 80's throw back. Add some slouchy, ripped jeans, a loose blouse and sandals for an easy weekend look. Or pair them with a simple dress for a no thought office outfit. Total - $17.98

A necklace like this one calls for a blank canvas.  I'd pair it with an LBD for evening or crisp white, men's style dress shirt for day.  The coral nails and pink lip are great additions without going over the top.
Total - $45.58

I'm picturing this combo for my beach trip.  A maxi skirt, some sandals and a pretty tank would be perfect for this fantastic turquoise necklace, plum lip and silver nails.  I wore this exact lip color on my wedding day.  It's an amazing pinkish purple that is bold but pretty. A metallic nail is a great compliment but it doesn't compete. Total - $36.49

How are you going to update your outfits for spring and summer, in a frugal way?

DIY - Painted Rhinestone Necklace

My house is full of DIY this week.  I'm feeling very creative. We're doing tons of DIY for our wedding. This weekend we are planning a big DIY weekend. My mom is coming to town and we'll be hard at work on lots of wedding projects. Over the weekend I stopped by Forever 21 to check out their rhinestone necklaces.  I've been itching to create a painted rhinestone necklace for a long time.  I love using nail polish as paint on DIY projects. Like on these sunglasses. Nail polish has a built in brush and I have a ton of colors at my disposal (nail polish obsession issue). 

The beauty of this DIY is the cost and how easy it is to make.  Spending a ton on a necklace was out of the question and F21 is the place for inexpensive jewelry.  I found two great necklaces and decided to go with the chunkier of the two for this DIY. Then I got to work with the nail polish.


SUPPLIES
Rhinestone Necklace - Forever 21 $8.80
Nail Polish (colors) - I chose two colors (hot pink and blue)
Nail Polish (clear) - used for sealing the necklace

My apologies for this awful photo.  This is what happens when you only take one picture and don't check your results.  I painted a thin coat on each rhinestone.  Then I went back and did a second coat.

After the second coat of colored polish dried, I painted each of the stones with clear polish.  This works as a sealant, just like on your nails. Then I let my necklace dry overnight.

I know I will be wearing this beauty often.  Forever 21 might be getting another visit.  I want to DIY a necklace in every color imaginable. If you love to read about DIY projects but you'd rather buy it already made, check out this affordable version from Forever 21 (in two color combos).

Costume for a New Year

I'm finally back.  I took a much needed break over the holidays.  Using some of my vacation time, I spent time with family and friends, made Christmas presents and rested. Work and wedding planning have been my focus this week but I'm back in the swing now. We hosted a New Year's Eve party at our house for a few friends.  This year we decided to have an 80's themed party.  Everyone dressed as their favorite 80's icon.  We listened to a fantastic 80's playlist, compiled by my friend and music maestro Carl and even drank Bartles and James wine coolers. I decided to dress as Madonna.  I knew I had a few pieces I could use but I wanted to buy some new ones that I could wear after the party and into 2013.

1) Contrast Moto Jacket - F21, Leggings - Torrid, Rhinestone Necklace - F21 (no longer available online), Bangle Sets - Nordstrom Rack and Bloomingdales, Sam Edelman Peyton (no longer available, similar here) - Nordstrom Rack

 
My friends at Potomac Mills Mall invited me to come to the mall and shop in the Fashion District.  They have great stores like Nordstrom Rack, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Forever 21, Torrid, Bloomingdales, and TJ Maxx. They gave me a gift certificate to use during my shopping adventure.  I was thrilled to shop in some of my favorite stores.  You've read about my amazing finds from Nordstrom Rack and NM Last Call. It was so hard to choose my items. It was sensory overload and I kept finding all sorts of other great items. Staying focused was hard. I knew I wanted to get some great pieces that I could wear over and over and I had to keep my eye on the goal.

This is a photo heavy post. You can see and read more after the jump.

Work Day to Date Night the Easy Way

Long commutes and a long work day, usually mean that if I have plans after work, I won't have time to go home and change. I like to create outfits that are work appropriate but also easy to transition to an evening out. I've managed to score us tickets to a movie screening of the upcoming release, Hit & Run with Kristen Bell and Bradley Cooper. It will be a fun date night and I want to look great. So too my closet I went. Most of the time all you need to transition from day to night is an evening bag, some amped up make-up and a little shift in your outfit.

I'm fortunate to work in a relaxed office where many styles of dress are accepted. I love my trouser jeans because the dark wash gives them a dress pants look. In many offices, jeans aren't acceptable on any day but Friday. If jeans don't fit at your office, you could go for a pair of trousers or ankle pants. I like the idea of pairing them with a sequin tank. I'll cover it with a draped, cropped, blazer for the office and take it off after work. I grabbed some of my favorite jewelry that works day or night and my new favorite leopard heels. A studded top handle bag is perfect for day but I'll switch to a smaller clutch for evening. The studs will toughen up the pretty sequin tank. I'll change my lipstick from a subtle nude for day to a deep fuchsia for night and I'll add a bit more dark eyeliner for a smokey look. Those simple changes will take me from office to evening. So easy!

Frugal Fashion Friday - Casual Sparkles

Fridays always make me think of versatile outfits that I can wear while I'm out doing errands and then go out to dinner and drinks later.  This outfit is just that. It combines casual day time elements with night time sparkle. You don't have to limit your sparkly pieces to evening.  My favorite way to wear sequins during the day is by dressing them down with tough and casual pieces.  Today I'm also doing another link up with Friday's Fancies on {long distance loving}. The challenge today was chambray and it fits perfectly with the casual sparkle of today's outfit.

The tunic style and roll up sleeves on this chambray shirt from Target, give it versatility.

I love the rose gold color of this sequin skirt by Lela Rose for HSN. 

Frye 8R Engineer boots are a classic. I love how they lend a casual rocker vibe to the sparkly skirt. They are a bit on the pricey side but these boots will last for many years and you know I value quality and cost per wear.

Mixing metals, sparkles, and adding tough spikes and a snake are a compliment to the boots.

Stella & Dot Renegade Cluster Necklace

Stella & Dot Sidewinder Ring

Stella & Dot Revival Bracelet

A lady like bag with motorcycle boots is fun and this Twist Lock Crossbody bag from Forever 21 will make running errands or standing at the bar easier.

I'm loving Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter. Sweet Tart is my favorite color.

With temps in the mid 70's lately in DC, this outfit will be perfect from day to night. I can't wait to wear it!   How do you wear chambray?

I'm sure you noticed that all of the jewelry I picked for this outfit is from Stella & Dot.  They have great jewelry and the quality is fantastic. I've just partnered with stylist Kristin Biggs of Stella & Dot to bring you some great new jewelry and some surprises.  I can't wait to share them with you.  Check out my instagram feed followgram to see the Femme Fatale necklace and Nouvelle ring I was sporting yesterday.  I'll be featuring them in an outfit post soon.

Happy Friday Real Girls!

In the Clutch of Spring - Picks Under $50

I find myself wanting a new spring clutch but since we are saving for our wedding, my monthly budget for fashion purchases is $50 or less. My criteria for this new clutch aren't difficult. It has to be big enough for day, be a fun color or a neutral and most importantly it can't cost more than $50. I found some great options.

1) ASOS Hand Slot Through Clutch - $36.36

2) Target Xhilaration Yellow/Green Neon Patent Clutch - $19.99

3) Baghaus Urban Expressions Large Envelope Clutch in Light Gold - $35

4) Forever 21 Embellished Tribal Clutch - $27.80

I love all of these for different reasons.  They are definitely on trend.  I love the hand slot on the ASOS clutch and its turquoise shade is perfect for spring.  The Target clutch has extra room thanks to the fun double design. Neon is everywhere right now.  The Baghaus clutch could carry me from day to night and thanks to the metallic finish it would go with everything I own.  Tribal designs were all over the runway. This embellished clutch from Forever 21 does the trend without making you look like you are on safari. 

I love them all. Now I have to pick just one... 

Frugal Fashion Friday - Five for Spring Under $50

Because I'm trying to be selective about the items I buy this spring, I'm doing some updating via accessories.  My $50 per month budget is firm so I went in search of great accessories under $50.

1. Spot Colour Block Clutch Bag  - Top Shop $40
2. Socialite Trim Necklace - Forever 21 $5.80
3. Pink Coral Beads Matte Stack Rings - Target $19.99
4. Mossimo Paisley Platform Pump - Target $29.99
5. Bow Skinny Belt - ASOS $10.74

 All of these items are ways to incorporate spring trends in a subtle way.  They are also pieces that can surpass the trends because I can wear them for many seasons.What new accessories will you be buying this season?

Happy Friday Real Girls!

 

Frugal Fashion Friday - Favorite Bargain Sites

Shopping is one of my favorite past times but truth be told I haven't been doing much of it lately.  I have tightened my budget and am being extremely frugal with my purchases. I've started recycling and revamping some clothing and shoes that I had stored away.  When shopping was an option, I've been hitting the thrift stores.  My stellar luck lately with finding not one but two pairs of Ferragamo heels, helps to keep my eye on the prize.  The goal is to save for and pay for a great wedding without going into debt.  My Honey and I both agree that wedding debt is not an option.  If we can't pay for it with savings or through the generosity of loved ones, it won't happen. Hence the reason for tight budgeting.

Clockwise from Top: Dress from ASOS, Pradas from DSW, Jacket and shoes from Talbots,
Bracelets from JewelMint, Rainboots from Forever 21

My purchases are frugal and well thought out.  Frugal doesn't always mean the least expensive option but it does mean a quality option for a good price. Cyber Monday is coming up soon and I'm sure there will be lots of bargains available.  I thought I'd share with you, some of my favorite online shopping sites and the reasons I love them.

Trendy Items - Forever 21  
F21 has a great selection of clothing, shoes and accessories at amazingly affordable prices.  They even sell plus size clothing. Bargain prices are always mandatory for trendy items, ones that I will most likely only wear for a season or two, at least for me.  I just don't see the point in paying top dollar for an item I'll be tired of or that will look dated by this time next year.

European Style - ASOS
I've sung the praises of ASOS many times.  Their selection of fashion forward European style is fantastic.  I find great bargains and they have free shipping both ways (if you need to return).  Their selection of shoes, jewelry and plus size clothing is amazing. They only negative is that it can take a little longer for your items to arrive but they are coming from Europe, after all.  It's worth the wait.

Jewelry - JewelMint
The quality and amazing design of JewelMint jewelry has made me a loyal customer.  Each piece is $29.99 but many times, there are sets available where you get multiple pieces of jewelry for that price.  If you like them on facebook or follow them on twitter, you can also get discounts on single pieces and multiples. You've seen me wear JewelMint many times. They have something for everyone and a great price.

Classic Clothing - Talbots
If you are looking for beautifully tailored classic style, Talbots is a must.  They sell clothing is all sizes (petite to plus) and most of the items they sell are timeless.  I love their outlet stores but many of the items in the outlet stores are also being sold online. I've purchased amazing skirts and tops for less than $20!  For an item that I could wear for years, that is truly a bargain.

Plus Sizes - Fashion to Figure
There was a time that if you were in the plus size range, you could forget finding any dress that didn't look like a tent.  Times have changed, my friends, thanks to amazing stores like Fashion to Figure.  They sell fantastic clothing and there is nary a muumuu in sight! The clothing is stylish, fashion forward and affordable. It flatters women of all shapes and sizes (from 12 - 26).  I'll be doing a review of their clothing soon. I'm in love!

Shoes - DSW
Their selection and range of options is great.  They have great sales and you can use up to three coupon codes on one order!  Returns are a breeze because you can return an item via mail or to a store. Many of the items online can be found in their stores and vice versa.  I always check the sale pages before I go into the new items.  I've gotten some great bargains, including my find of the century, navy blue satin Pradas (pictured above).

These are just a few of my favorites.  Which online shopping sites do you love and why?

I set this post up in advance because I'm on a long weekend trip with my Mom and sister to The Biltmore Estate in North Carolina.  I'll be posting pictures all weekend on facebook and twitter.  Be sure to follow me.



Happy Friday Real Girls!