Frugal Fashion Friday - Fall Lust List

Today I'm taking a break from the fall trends to tell you what is on my list of wants.  Some of the items are trends and some are just things I love.  Not all of the items are frugal buys but I will tell you how I plan to get them for a bargain. Today I'm also linking up to Friday's Fancies on Long Distance Loving.

Click on the pictures above to see the details.

Navy Blazer - This classic item will take me everywhere.  I can dress it up or down and it will never go out of style.  I'll be hitting all of my favorite thrift stores and discount stores to hunt for a classic navy blazer.

Leather (Faux Leather) Skirt - A pleated leather skirt has been on my list for a couple of seasons.  Leather is a huge trend this fall.  Faux leather is affordable and if you choose a classic style like pleated or a pencil skirt you can keep it for years. I will be using a discount code to get a great deal on this skirt.

Colored Skinny Jeans - These Bordeaux colored skinny jeans are right on trend.  I scored these NYDJ at Nordstrom Rack for $60 earlier this week! The rich color is great for fall and a fun alternative to blue jeans.

Statement Necklace - I'm in love with the Pegasus Necklace from Stella & Dot.  The layered feathers are beautiful and an unexpected way to do a statement necklace.  I will be using some of my trunk show credits for this fantastic necklace.

Leopard Accented Bag -  Black and leopard combined with the school bag tote style of this bag is perfect for me.  I'll be able to stash all of my essentials and it will still look great.  Even better, this bag from Urban Outfitters is on sale right now!

Statement Cocktail Ring -  If you aren't in the mood to wear a ton of jewelry, a fantastic cocktail ring is the ticket.  There are so many things to love about the Stella & Dot Starstruck ring.  This one is definitely on my list of wants.  I'll be spending some of my trunk show credits on this ring.

Studded Ladylike Pumps - The studs on these ladylike pumps are unexpected. The shoes are very similar to the Valentino studded pumps but at only $100, I can actually afford them! 


Hope you have time to hit up some early fall sales this weekend.  I'm attending fashion even number three of the week, on Saturday.  I'll have recaps next week.  What is on your fall wish list? 

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Frugal Fashion Friday - Pattern Mixing

A couple weeks ago I scored a fantastic deal at the Talbots Outlet.  I found a pair of paisley ankle pants that fit me perfectly.  I LOVE them and have been finding tons of ways to wear them. Earlier this week I spied a cute gingham shirt at Old Navy.  I immediately thought of pairing with my blue and purple paisley pants. As luck would have it today's Friday's Fancies challenge was to create an outfit using gingham.  It's kismet!

I've created a fun outfit for less than $300. The shoes are the priciest item, almost half the cost of the entire outfit. They can be found at Neiman Marcus Last Call (lastcall.com). If you sign up for their email alerts, you'll get notifications about sales. Last month there was a flash sale and I scored them for $55!

The pattern mixing gives the outfit a bold feel.  The clutch is an extra pop of color and it has a chain handle to make it more versatile.  This ensemble is my ideal weekend outfit.  Stylish, comfortable and easy to wear. The jewelry is simple but stands out and the oxfords and wayfarers are classic.  A gingham shirt is on my list now.  That means some weekend shopping is in order.

Frugal Fashion Friday - Beach Trip Style

Today's Friday's Fancies challenge is beach style.  I knew I could come up with great style on a budget for our upcoming beach trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  It's an awesome family trip that I look forward to every year.  I try not to over pack but still have great style.  Today's outfit fits that bill in full retro style and for a bargain.

Beach Chic by realgirlrunway featuring a slimming swimwear

Retro Swimsuit, $33
Flat thong sandals, $36
Sequin tote bag, $21
Stella & Dot black pearl bangle, $22
Stella & Dot pave jewelry, $24
Chiffon Maxi Cover-Up, $25
Silver and White striped sun hat, $23
Rounded Cat Eye Sunglasses!, $5.99
L'Oreal Sublime Sun Advanced Sunscreen Hydra Lotion Spray SPF30 $11
La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid., $30
Spoiled Nail Color Shrimp On The Barbie, $1.49

I've had a retro style swimsuit on my list for a few summers.  This year, I might actually buy one.  A retro halter suit with runching is flattering to all body types. I never hit the beach without a great hat.  It's stylish, I don't have to think about my hair and it's a great way to keep wrinkles at bay by protecting my face from the sun. A few simple pieces of jewelry are it for me at the beach.  Stud earrings like these from Stella & Dot are pretty and won't get in the way when you are active.  The stretch bracelet is easy to slide off before you get in the water.  Fun retro shades are definitely on the bill.  I love sunglasses and own way too many pairs but these are only $5.99 from GirlPROPS.  You can afford to own more than one pair.  I always take a book, my towel, water and extra sunscreen to the beach, this sequin bag is perfect for a fun way to tote your stuff.  Cute sandals and pretty toe nails are always on the bill for my beach trips.  I love this pink and orange shimmery polish. The name cracks me up: Shrimp on the Barbie, Spoiled by Wet n' Wild.

You've read my tirades before about using sunscreen and protecting your skin. I look for bargains everywhere but I never skimp when it comes to sunscreen, especially for my face. I can replace a suit or pair of flip flops but once you get wrinkles or melanoma, you can't go back. I've taken the Sun Savvy pledge and wear sunscreen every day and even more at the beach. Most people don't apply sunscreen correctly or often enough.  This site has great tips. Don't worry you'll still get a great tan.  

Nothing on this list is over $40!  Great bargain style finds for any beach.

Do you have beach or pool plans?  It's supposed to be over 100 all weekend here in DC.  I think I'll be trying out my beach style this weekend.

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Frugal Fashion Friday - Outfit Crush for Friday's Fancies

My recent obsession with floral pants is well documented. I found and ordered floral pants from ASOS.  I got them for the bargain price of $35!  I was thrilled but my difficult to fit lower body doesn't always mean that my orders will work. I tried them on and YAAAY! they fit.  They were a little large in the waist, which always happens for me. If pants fits my hips and booty, then they are almost always too big in the waist. I just take them in a bit and they work well.  I know I'm not the only pants challenged girl out there.  We all have issues, shorter legs, longer torso, long legs, and on and on. We all know that pain. 

Today's challenge for Friday's Fancies was "Outfit Crush".  I decided to duplicate an outfit that I pinned to my "Style I Should Try" board on Pinterest, Blair Eadie of Atlantic-Pacific's chic floral pants outfit.  I couldn't wait to try it using my two new bargain purchases, floral pants from ASOS and striped top from Talbots Outlet.

photo credit: Atlantic-Pacific

I have to confess that I have a huge style crush on Blair Eadie.  Plus, she's a Virginia girl (like me) who now lives in Cali (I wish).  What's not to love?  She's taken the polished style of lady like Virginia society and mixed it with the laid back cool of California.This outfit incorporates those elements, statement bag, crisp white jacket, chic updo and designer sunnies combined with the print mixing of stripes and floral with those amazing blue booties. I had to try my hand at recreating this amazing outfit.

Jacket - Target (similar), Top - Talbots Outlet (similar), Pants - ASOS (no longer available more here), Bag - DSW, Shoes - Nine West via DSW, Sunglasses - Chanel, Bracelets - c/o Stella & Dot, ASOS and Vintage, Watch - Timex (gift), Earrings - Target, Rings - DIY and Engagement

I'm sure you are wondering how this could possibly be a bargain outfit.  This is the breakdown. I purchased the pants for $35 on sale.  The top at the Talbots Outlet for $16 and the shoes at DSW with coupons and rewards for $20.  I have owned the jacket and the bag for many years, so I'm recycling.  The gorgeous Stella & Dot bracelets were a gift from my amazing stylist, Kristin Biggs. I made the ring myself when I took a metal casting class several years ago.  The watch, bangles and my engagement ring were gifts.  The only item I paid full price for was the sunglasses.  I've owned them for eight years and I wear them often so they've paid for themselves many times over (great cost per wear).  They are timeless.

Check out the Renegade Cluster Bracelet, Revival Bracelet, and Toujours Bracelet c/o Stella & Dot

Who is your style crush or outfit crush?  I'd love to hear about your inspiration.

Happy Friday Real Girls!

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.

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!

Frugal Fashion Friday - Off to the Races

Today's Frugal Fashion Friday centers on the parties this weekend for the Virginia Gold Cup and the Kentucky Derby. It was one of the options for today's Friday's Fancies.  A huge part of these events are the hats and outfits worn by attendees.  Two weekends ago my cousin and I created her hat for the Gold Cup (she'll be attending this weekend).  It was a fun DIY project. I decided to create an outfit surrounding the hat we created.  I selected some frugal options for girls on a budget.

Clockwise from the top center

1) DIY Derby and Gold Cup Hat (DIY Details Here)

2) ASOS Bow Skinny Belt $10.91

3) ASOS Curve Skater Dress with Crochet Trim $63.63

4) Forever 21 Detailed Cutout Bracelet $5.80

5) ALDO Elnicki Flat Sandals $35.00

6) ASOS Skater Dress with Belt $45.45

 

 

I won't be attending any of the Gold Cup and Derby events myself this weekend. My Honey and I are going to be chaperones for a local Gay Straight Alliance prom this weekend, instead. I'm really excited to help out the kids and support such a fantastic cause.  So many kids can't attend their proms with the person they choose because of fear, bullying or school regulations.  If you know a kid who needs support and help, please be there for them. If you aren't sure how to help you can check out these great resources. 

GLSEN: Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network

Gay Straight Alliance Network

Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays

SMYAL

The Trevor Project (in case you know a kid who is in jeopardy)

Whatever your plans, I hope you have a fantastic weekend. 

Happy Friday Real Girls!!!

 

Frugal Fashison Friday - Date Night Edition

Last Friday's post for Friday's Fancies was so much fun that I decided to join again today.  The theme is Date Night and this one is perfect for today.  My Honey and I are having a date night tonight!  We attend the local Unitarian Universalist Congregation and tonight they are having a movie and sing along night to The Sound of Music! I know it sounds corny but I think it will be great.  The entry fee is food for the food pantry.  There will be a concession stand where we can buy snacks.  It's a very laid back place and dressing up or wearing super high heels isn't necessary so I picked an easy outfit that's worthy of date night but a little on the casual side.

Jacket - Newport News Boxy Tweed Jacket $69

Top - Old Navy Sleeveless Cowl Neck Top $14

Jeans - NYDJ Boyfriend Roll Up Cuff Jeans $88

Shoes - Nine West Punchy in Pewter $59.99

Bag -Target Xhilaration Neon Yellow/Green Clutch $19.99
Necklace and Bracelet - DIY Neon Yellow bead necklace and bracelet (from Goodwill)
Lipstick - Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in Fuchsia Fever $7.49
Canned Goods for the Food Pantry - Find Your Local Food Pantry

I have a black tweed jacket that I added chain to.  It was a fun and easy DIY (details here).  Before I added the chain, I hardly ever wore the jacket. Now I wear it often. I love simple tees with interesting details, like this cowl neck. I have quite a few pairs of jeans. They are only two brands, Lane Bryant and Not Your Daughter's Jeans (NYDJ). I love NYDJ jeans because they fit my pear shaped body really well.  I never have to worry about them riding too low in the back. They have just enough stretch and they come in tons of styles.  They are more expensive than other brands but worth it because they retain their shape and color wash after wash. I just got these shoes at DSW. I wasn't able to find them on line in the pewter color but they are great shoes and I'd consider buying them in almost every color. I got them for less than $30 because of DSW certificates. Obviously I love this bag. I've featured it in two posts in a row. Guess that means I've made my decision about my clutch buy. The necklace and bracelets aren't in the collage above but you can see them here in my DIY post. They are a fun addition to the neon trend and were so easy and inexpensive to make. I've been wearing this lipstick constantly. The pink color is so much fun and a great spring alternative to red.

Did you know that one in six people in the United States go hungry every day?  With the economy in such a rough place, food banks need help more than ever. They are terribly depleted and need money and food.  They also need volunteers. Please consider helping out your local food back. 

I hope you all have a fun date night planned soon. A date night doesn't have to be a date with someone romantic, it can be a date night with your friends.  Have a great weekend.

HAPPY FRIDAY REAL GIRLS!

Frugal Fashion Friday - Friday's Fancies Edition Budget Picnic

My blogger friend {av} of long distance loving, hosts a great link up each Friday.  It's called Friday's Fancies and each week there  is a theme.  Quite some time ago I did a Friday's Fancies post for Gal Time. It was so much fun, I decided that I would like to start doing it on a semi-regular basis.  This week the theme is Primped for a Picnic.  All I needed to do was to select a fun outfit to wear to a picnic.  Of course I had to do it Real Girl style and find great style for less.  I decided to select designer items and then find their duplicates for less. I've assembled the budget version. Just click the links below to see the designer inspirations. Since maxi dresses are a favorite spring and summer staple for me, I started with a great version.  A convertible maxi dress!

The Budget Versions

Dress
Designer - Butter by Nadia Jersey Wrap Gown (Cherry) $315
Budget - Target Mossimo Multi Style Convertible Maxi Dress (Florida Coral) $35
How can you go wrong with a maxi dress that can be wrapped and twisted to create 10 or more different looks? It's like getting 10 dresses in one! The Target version comes in eight colors.  I love Florida Coral and Bookoo Leaf.

Sandals
Designer - Giuseppe Zanotti Crystal Studded Toe Ring Thong (Turquoise) $650
Budget - Carlos by Carlos Santana Florida Flat Sandal (Parrot Blue) $49
Crystal studded flat sandals in a fun blue color.  They work with pants, shorts and dresses.  I love all of my flat sandals and live in them all summer.

Earrings
Designer - Ippolita Sterling Silver Cascade Earrings $495
Budget -   Paula's Oversized Silver Disc Charm Chandelier Earrings $28.95
Bright silver chandelier earrings are a little boho and always fun.  They go with everything from t-shirts to a beautiful dress. 

Ring
Designer - John Hardy Dragon Head Ring $795
Budget -  Giant Dragon Head Pewter Ring $13.57
I'm a huge fan of statement rings.  They are always conversation starters and they will never over power your outfit. 

Watch
Designer - Michael Kors Runway Two Tone Chronograph Watch $250
Budget - Vernier Two Tone Chrono Bracelet Watch $29.99
This watch is classic styling with the modern twist of mixed metals and the oversized look.  It's a watch that will be on your arm for years to come.

Sunglasses
Designer - Prada Arm Detail Sunglasses $290
Budget -  GirlPROPS Curlycue Big Lense Sunglasses  $17.99
I fell in love with these unique sunnies a while ago.  But the curly side and the "it" factor kept me from spending the big bucks. Lucky for me there is a great duplicate available.

Champagne
Designer - Dom Perignon $181.99
Budget -Nicolas Feuillatte Brut $22.99
Quite a few years ago a sommelier recommended this champagne to me.  He said it was one of his favorites and he liked it even better than Dom Perignon.  I was shocked but gave it a try.  Up until that point champagne wasn't my favorite but that was because I'd only had sparkling wine. I fell in love and now it's a staple at my house and parties. True champagne is from the Champagne region of France.  It's leaps better than any sparkling wine.


TOTALS
Designer    $2934.99
Budget         $197.49
Savings      $2737.50

An entire outfit for just a little more than the cost of the champagne alone!!!  Now that's budget shopping.

Happy Friday Real Girls!!!

Friday's Fancies - DC Fundraising Chic

I did a little contributing post on GalTime.com today.  There is a weekly post titled Friday's Fancices.  It is the brain child of fellow blogger, {av} of {long distance loving}. The idea is to create a Friday outfit with a limitless budget. It's exciting to pick items just because you love you them and not think about the cost.

Well you know I couldn't just leave it at that. I love a challenge. I recreated the outfit, RGR style.  I got the same look for just a few dollars more than the cost of the blouse in the original outfit! I even threw in some neutrals from the Spring Picks list.

Here is my Frugal Edition.

Friday's Fancies Frugal Edition Political Fundraiser by Real Girl Runway featuring a sequin skirt

Now click over to GalTime.com and check out the original outfit with Balmain, Alexander McQueen, diamonds, and Christian Louboutin.