Frugal Fashion Friday - Fall Trends On a Budget

If you're looking to add some fall trends to your closet, there are good bargains to be had. Today I've picked two of my favorites and found some great deals on those trends.

Click the photos above for buying information.

I love capes. They are versatile toppers that are more classic than trendy. I prefer one that is a light to medium weight fabric. Those styles work best when you want to layer. The only drawback I find is for ladies who prefer a handbag that goes over their shoulder. You'll have to carry a shoulder bag in your hand or place it under your cape. I personally find capes perfect for sporting a fun day clutch or a short handle satchel.

Of the finds above, my favorite is the cape jacket in the bottom right. It's technically called a cape blazer or cape jacket. It's by Vince Camuto and it can be found a Nordstrom (and it's on sale!). If you use ebates, today is a great day to buy this fantastic jacket. The cash back percentage is doubled today for Nordstrom! If you don't use ebates, why not? It's so easy, all you have to do is go to the ebates site before you shop online. Click on the link for your favorite store and then shop. In a few months, they will send you a check!  No catch. The retailers partner with ebates and provide rebates as an incentive to shop at their stores. There are thousands of stores. You can sign up here.

Click here for buying information.

Leopard is one of my favorites. It may sound a bit crazy but it's a neutral. The basic colors of leopard, tan, brown and black, work well with every color. It's versatile, fun and a statement piece. If you aren't sure you want to take the plunge and wear a jacket, or blouse, try a clutch or shoes. I'm betting once you try it out, you'll want more. I already own the slip on sneakers in the upper right hand corner. I also own a coat, a bag, some pumps and the almost new wedges I just scored at Goodwill.

Just a little searching and you can add some fall trends to your wardrobe for a bargain.

 

Happy Shopping Real Girls!

Inspiration - Fall Denim Styling

I've always been a jeans girl. I love denim and I'm loving that it's not just for casual wear anymore. I love dressing up denim and making it look sophisticated. I spent some time over the weekend, looking for lots of denim inspiration. I found some great options to style a the fall trends I told you about last week, this time with denim.

 

Cape and Denim

Denim and Fur (I prefer faux.)

I have to confess, I might love this red fur coat more than I love the whole look but isn't it fantastic?!

Denim and Leopard

Denim and a Wrap Coat



 

A few more for inspiration...

Denim, Booties, and a Skull

Denim and Tweed

Frugal Fashion Friday - Shopping My Closet for Fall 2014 Fashion Trends

There are trend lists everywhere lately. Frankly, I believe those lists must be taken with a grain of salt. Not every trend is great and not every trend works for every person. There are eight fall trends that I think could be good and stylish options for most women. They will work regardless of your shape, size or budget. In the next few posts, I'm going to talk about these trends and how you can wear them in real life. I'll start with some items that I already own. I will be saving some cash by revisiting items that I haven't worn in a little while. Some I wore just last season but others have been stashed in my closet.

 

CAPE

My Gray Wool Cape

My sweet and talented mom made this cape for me three years ago. I love it for its versatility and timeless look. Plus, my mom made it for me!

FUR (faux for me)

 



I love this vest! I debated between this black and silver style and solid black. I'm glad I chose this version. It's so unique. I can wear this vest when it starts to get chilly and into the cold months, by layering it with lighter pieces. It's fun and add some interest and sophistication to any outfit. I'm a huge fan of fur collars. This navy version is short enough to be worn with a sweater all day or as a scarf with my coats. My sister calls it my muppet collar. It always gets noticed.

 

OVERSIZED WRAP COAT

I love that this coat is loose and doesn't have buttons. It's my go to coat when I want to look polished but still feel warm and comfortable. The wool is warm but surprisingly it isn't itchy at all. J. Jill no longer makes this style but there are similar versions available. I will get lots of wear out of it for years to come.

LEOPARD

 



Ever since I received this coat as a birthday gift, it's been in heavy rotation. I love it with jeans and a sweater but also over a dress for work. I scored this bag a Loehman's last year. The size and shapre are perfect for me and I got it for a steal. My leopard pumps are my go to pair when I want to boost an outfit. They're classic but also a statement. If you aren't comfortable wearing a coat or jacket, go for accessories and start slow.

I can't wait to mix all of these items back into my regular fall outfits. They are all great pieces that will be welcome. Over the next week, I will be providing links to some affordable options for you as well as ways to style the trends.

Happy Friday Real Girls!

What I Want - Fall 2014

For the last few seasons I've created a board on Pinterest and saved my must have items for the seasons. These are the items I really want and are on the top of my list. They will be the first items to get my fashion budget.



Click on the photos above for buying information.

Matte Wine Lipstick - I'm loving matte lips right now and as you know I'm a huge fan of the Maybelline Color Sensational line. They just came out with some of the colors in a matte finish and I love the wine shade, Divine Wine.

Tweed Moto Jacket - Moto jackets are so versatile. I have traditional leather options. This tweed version adds a polished twist to the tough moto silhouette.

Fun Graphic Tees - Graphic t-shirts with cool sayings and phrases are on my must have list. When I spied this t-shirt, I had to have it. A shirt that says, I EAT GLITTER FOR BREAKFAST is so me.

Pointed Toe Loafers - Heels are great but I constantly find myself gravitating toward my flats and low heel options. The pointed toes bring more sophistication to these loafers.

Leopard Clutch - Leopard is a fall trend but I've had an oversize statement clutch on my must list for several seasons and haven't found one that's perfect. This one from etsy is fantastic.

Faux Leather Midi - I've been hunting for a midi length leather or faux leather skirt for a while now. Short skater skirts are easy to find but those don't work for me. This length is perfect. It's on the top of my list.

Fall Trends from the Runway - Fall RTW 2014

New York Fashion Week started last Wednesday. As we roll into fall, the designers are showing spring fashions. The fashion industry must be a season ahead in order to produce and stock the items you'll be purchasing in the spring. The must have items this fall were actually showcased by the designers at the shows this past February. My favorite part of fall and winter are the amazing coats and jackets but this year I'm also loving the new cuts in pants.



Sleeveless Blazer - 3.1 Phillip Lim

Cape Jacket - Christian Siriano

Oversized Coat (love the Mohair) - Christian Siriano

Colored Fur (Faux Fur only for me) - DKNY

Flared Coat - Victoria Beckham

Oversized Blazer - Michael Kors

Chunky Sweaters and Wide Leg Pants - Michael Kors

Culottes - Tibi

Of course these items are styled for the runway. Most of us would wear them differently in our daily lives. The perfect example is the chunky sweater and wide leg pants at Michael Kors. I love both of them but I wouldn't wear them together. Oversized items on top and bottom would make me look frumpy, not chic. I'd balance each one by wearing it with a fitted item. The chunky sweater with some ankle pants and the wide leg pants with a fitted blouse.


All Runway Photos by NYMag.com