Frugal Fashion Friday - Fall 2012 Trends Under $150

It's no good to look at the Fall 2012 Runway Trends if you can't make them work in your real life or your real budget. I picked one item from each of the categories that I think would be a great purchase. Almost all of the items are under $100!

White - A winter white pea coat is a classic staple that you will be able to wear for years to come.  It will work with different styles and outfits.

Plaid - The bleached style of this plaid shirt makes it more current.  I love the colors and the ombre look with the bleach. You can wear the trend without any hint of lumber jack.

Graphic Prints - The painterly print of this dress makes it fun. The style and cut of the dress makes it work for all body types.  I can see it with a motorcycle jacket and flats for a casual day or with heels and a blazer for work.

Military - An anorak military style jacket will take you everywhere.  I love it with jeans and a tee or with a flirty dress (like the graphic print dress).

Brocade & Embroidery - There are lots of brocade options this season but I love the idea of a brocade party dress.  These resemble items that were shown at Ralph Lauren and are much more expensive.

Menswear - A classic pinstripe pant can be worn lots of ways. The cut of these pants is ultra flattering and the navy is less expected that black.

Bordeaux - A classic pump is a great addition.  The bordeaux (oxblood or wine) color makes it on trend.  They would look great with almost every item I've selected.  If heels aren't your thing, go for a ballet or pointed toe flat.

Leather - A leather pencil skirt takes the rock n' roll of leather and makes it work for everyone.  If you add a blazer and a blouse, you could wear it to the office.  Throw on a concert t-shirt and some high heel booties and you'll be ready to go out.

There are so many affordable options available.  Look at the trend and figure out ways to make it suit you. If you want to try out the trend, look for an inexpensive piece and try it out.  You could also hit up your local thrift store or clothing swap.   You can make a trend fit your personal style.

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Fall 2012 Runway Trends - Military

Today I'm continuing my fall trends series. It's no secret that I love the military trend.  Military has been seen for quite a few seasons now.  I'm very glad it isn't going away.  My cargo vest DIY is just the first of several military inspired DIYs coming up.  The key to wearing the military trend is to select one military clothing piece and accessorize with items that work with the trend.  If you pile on the military pieces you'll be in danger of looking like you are going to a Halloween party or that you just joined up.  Make your military piece the statement and combine it with more simple items for a chic look.

I love military jackets and vests. If you pick a light weight option, it's easy to layer with other items. Look for buttons or braid if you want a bit of flare.  Navy, olive, gray, khaki and camo are great colors for this trend. If you own a cape that you bought last winter in a darker color, it will fit right in with the military trend. It's a great piece that will accent some of your basic items like cargo pants.

Throw on some fun jewelry that accents your military look.  I chose pieces from Stella & Dot.  They aren't specifically military but the coins and the crown have the look of medals and work well.  The simple but stately studs accent the outfit without being overpowering. A cross body bag or satchel is sure to fit right in with your look. A classic rectangle with very few embellishments, can be worn for years.

You can't go wrong with a great pair boots. As much as I love studs, I think the classic lace up styles that look like girly versions of combat boots are the best. They're versatile and you'll be able to wear them over and over with lots of outfits.

Will you be embracing the military trend?

Fall 2012 Runway Trends - My Favorites

It has to be all the talk of NY Fashion Week and my fond memories of back to school shopping that has me in the mood for fall fashion.  It's certainly not the weather here in the DC area.  It's super humid and supposed to be in the mid to high 80's all week. There is no sign of fall in sight.  This weekend I took a little trip to my favorite outlet, Talbots, in search of bargains.  I found two items that were on my list, a white blazer (originally $224 for $24.99!) and some fun ankle pants (mine are plaid).  I also snagged a fantastic silver sequin top.  It wasn't on my list but at $24 I couldn't pass it up. My shopping trip and the pile of September issue fashion mags on my coffee table inspired this post.

There are tons of trends on tap, as usual.  These are some of my favorites. I'm already embracing the military, white and plaid trends.  A leather skirt is on my list and I spied a brocade skirt at Talbots that I should have purchased but didn't.  I may have to go back for it.  Bordeaux is an easy trend to embrace.  Graphic prints can be done in with a single piece like a top, dress or skirt instead of an entire outfit.  A bit of menswear is fun, try a jacket, hat or some oxfords. You don't have to go full on Victor Victoria to wear this tread well.

This week, I'll be sharing my tips on how to fit these fall trends to your own personal style. 

DIY - Cargo Vest

I'm sure I've said this before but this DIY is so easy that anyone and I do mean anyone can do it.  All you need are two items. There is no gluing, sewing or waiting involved in this DIY.  Once you are finished, you'll have a vest you can wear year round!  A cargo vest has been on my wish list for some time.  I started by looking for one that fit my pear shaped body on every website available.  I found lots that I loved but none that would fit my generous hips. I finally decided that I should stop searching and start making.  Then the search began for a military shirt or light jacket.  I really wanted solid olive but I've been searching for a couple months and keep coming up empty.  Finally on Saturday, as {msL} and I headed home from The Sweet Life of Alexandria we decided to make a stop at my favorite thrift store (Goodwill Alexandria). This store just so happens to be close to an Army base. Also being close to DC means there are lots of military men and women in the area. I didn't find a solid olive jacket (I'll keep looking) but I found a camouflage jacket that worked perfectly and fit!

The jacket was on the long side, which I liked and didn't have any patches.  Sometime patches are great but I wanted a plain vest that I could dress up or down. Bonus that I wouldn't have to remove any patches.

Supplies

Military Shirt/Jacket      $6.29

Scissors                already owned

________________________

TOTAL                             $6.29

No need to measure or mark this shirt.  I would be cutting right along the seam of each sleeve.

1. Select your shirt or jacket.  I chose a light weight shirt because I wanted to be able to wear this vest year round. 

2. Turn the first sleeve inside out.  This step allows you to see where the seams fit on the inside of the shirt.

 3. Make a starter cut along the outer seam.  Be sure you are only cutting the sleeve and not the seam or the shoulder. 

 4. Turn the sleeve right side out and continue cutting.  Cut as close to the arm seam as possible.  Make sure you aren't cutting the seam stitching or the rolled edge of the shoulder. You don't want the jacket to come apart.

5. Clean up the edges.  You might need to use a smaller pair of scissors to get under the edge of the seam.  The shirt I chose is made of rip stop fabric.  It tends to fray a bit and I wanted to make sure I got all of the stray threads and edges.


6. Repeat steps 2 - 5 on the second sleeve.  While you are doing this. you could start planning your first outfit.  I mastered cutting in kindergarten so it doesn't take much thought. Also, because I have a little ADD and don't take Ritalin, my mind tends to wander.

The finished vest!  See, I told you this was the easiest DIY ever!  You can put those cutting skills from kindergarten to good use.

L to R - Debra, Marthia, Jessica, and me

I wore my vest to the DC Big Flea Market on Sunday. As you can see I had to throw it on with some sequins to offset the seriousness of the camouflage. I attended a tweet up and I'm writing an article for GalTime.com.  It will be up later in the week.  Best of all I met new friends; Debra Cincioni of Moms of America; Marthia Sides,  hostess for the day and singer extraordinaire; and Jessica Johnson consultant and anti-human trafficking activist.

The best comments on my vest were from older men who were obviously former military.  I love it when my clothing makes an impression.  I'm sure my $6 vest will get lots of wear. It's a fun addition to my wardrobe and one of my quickest DIYs ever.

70's Influenced

I know that this outfit isn't really 70's style but for me, pairing olive and orange together always reminds me of the 70's.  Maybe it's because I really loved the home of our family friends, the McLeod's, that was very modern, mod and full of orange and olive colored furniture and appliances. The color combo always reminds me of that time.  I also decided that Polaroid style pictures would fit with today's 70's theme.

Today I'm sporting two of my favorite wardrobe pieces.  The olive army influenced jacket from Talbots that I snagged at the outlet.  The other is this fantastic orange skirt, a gift from Fashion to Figure.  Orange, as you know, is the color of the season. Unfortunately, the skirt is no longer available. I love that the clothes at Fashion to Figure are so on trend and modern.  They know that curvy girls want to accentuate our curves, not hide them and they always offer the latest in fashion forward clothes.  If you live in the DC area, Fashion to Figure is opening a brand new store on February 12 at the Mall at Prince Georges in Hyattsville, Maryland.  They just opened a new store in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and their grand opening party is this Saturday. If you don't live close to one of their brick and mortar locations you can always shop online.

Jacket - Talbots, Shirt - Kohl's, Skirt - c/o Fashion to Figure, Boots - Silhouettes, Bracelets - Craft Show and Gifts, Watch - Kohl's, Necklace - Gift, Nails - Revlon ColorStay Longwear in Sequin

I'm still trying out all of the lipsticks I purchased in my search for the perfect red lip.  I thought it would be good to test each one by wearing it for at least a day.  I think just trying it once doesn't really give me a fair picture.  This color is L'Oreal Color Riche in Target Red.  It's sold only at Target stores.  It's a semi sheer bluish red.  I really like the consistency and the semi sheer finish.  It's also not as matte as some of the other reds I've tried.

Low Priced Lines I LOVE: Target Converse® One Star®

Lovers of Target know that their fashion talent lies in great collaborations.  Designers and higher end creators have done great low priced lines for them.  My new favorite is the Converse® One Star® line.  It includes shoes, accessories, bags, and clothes (junior, plus, men and shoes for kids). I've recently discovered the line on the sale rack.  Many of the stores have discounted their winter items. I've gotten some great buys, including a $10 dress!

The items I've found in the stores on sale, haven't been discounted on-line yet.  It pays to make a trip to your local store. You can see the line at Target.com. Here is a quick collection of some of my favorites.

If you're still looking for a military field jacket, like the one I featured in: In the Army Now, you're in luck.  Target has one in the men's section of the line.

Converse® One Star® Fatigue Jacket - Olive

Once again Target comes through with great style and affordable prices.

In the Army Now

The military trend is everywhere this fall. It has been on the runways and celebs are embracing it in droves. Some of my favorite style setters have been seen wearing the basic military jacket.

photo credit: stylebakery.com

Jackets have also been seen in all of the major fashion mags. Of course the jackets they are showing are designer with price tags in the $300 - $700 range.

Have no fear my frugal friends. There are some great sources for military jackets at prices that will fit your budget. Your best sources are military surplus sites and stores. Online you can find lots of jacket options at Supply Sergeant.  You can also do a search in your local area for military surplus stores. In the DC area there is Ranger Surplus.

Below are options from Supply Sergeant, side by side with designer options.

Left - Rag & Bone: $475, Right - Supply Sergeant: $29.99

Left - Marc by Marc Jacobs: $300, Right - Supply Sergeant: $29.99

Supply Sergeant even has a close out section with jackets as low as $9.99!  Many of the jackets also come in short, which is great for women. Using a belt can make the jacket look more fitted, just like Olivia Palermo does in the photo above. Military sites and stores also sell lots of other items such as pants, bags, t-shirts, and pins. Using these great bargains, make the look your own without breaking the bank.

UPDATE:  I found a great military jacket during one of my thrift store trips. It was only $7 and has a button out lining!