Frugal Fashion Friday - Boyfriend Jeans Summer Look

One of the best ways to save money is to remix items in your closet. We are heading to visit my mom this weekend and I like to wear something comfy in the car but also something stylish. That way, when we arrive, I won't have to rush to change before we go to dinner. I recently revamped an old pair of boyfriend jeans by distressing them. I've loved wearing them lately because they are on trend but really comfy too. I knew they would be my base and I added a few more of my favorite items to create my outfit.

Click on the photos for buying information.

I purchased this peplum top to wear to work, under jackets but I love it to dress up this casual outfit. My gold gladiator sandals have been a great addition to my summer wardrobe. They make a bit more of a statement than more basic sandals. Originally I pictured them with my fun summer caftan but I've worn them tons of ways. The Secret Garden cuff from Stella and Dot is one of my go to styles. It's so pretty but simple enough to be worn with lots of outfits. Sadly, it's no longer available. Here is a similar bracelet from Modcloth. I also love this bracelet from Stella and Dot. I have been on the hunt for a great matte pink lipstick. I found this one from NYX. It was less than $5 and it's a bright matte pink. Many years ago I bought a nude tote by Donald Pliner from Saks Off 5th. It was a great deal on a high quality bag. I use it often. I love this "almost Celine Luggage Tote" from Daily Look. It costs less than $75 and is a steal compared to a pre-owned Celine version for $2,549! One of my summer splurges was this pair of green mirror flash Ray-Bans. I found them on Amazon for a little over $100. The green mirrors just scream summer to me.

 

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Frugal Fashion Friday - Transition Pieces

My favorite wardrobe pieces are those that can be worn during multiple seasons. I have a floral skirt that you've seen a few different ways. I wear it in the spring and summer with light tops and sandals and in the fall with tights and sweaters. As the stores and online retailers clear out their summer merchandise you can take advantage of the discounts and snag items to wear now and into the fall. Here are just a few picks.



Printed Shift Dress - ASOS

 

A floral dress can be a versatile piece in summer and in fall, throw on a jacket (like the one below) and some pumps and you're ready for work. Dress it down by adding sneakers and a denim jacket.

 



Speckle Moto Jacket - Piperlime

 

I love tweed jackets! In a mid-weight, they are seasonless. It's also a timeless piece. I wear my tweed jackets with dresses and skirts, as well as with jeans and t-shirt.

 



DOCKLAND Sneakers in Gold - Asos

Slip on sneakers are an on trend item right now. In a color like this gold metallic, you can wear them now with shorts or a cute floral dress. You can also wear them into the fall and winter with warm socks, jeans and a sweater.

 

 

NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Jeans - Amazon

 

The old fashion rule of no white after Labor Day no longer applies. A cute tank and sandals can help you close out the summer in these jeans. Add a tweed jacket and swap out your sandals for some sneakers or ankle boots and you're ready for fall.



 

Linen Midi Skirt - ASOS

The length of a midi skirt makes it the perfect fall transition piece. It works in the summer with a tank or short sleeve top and you can wear it on cooler days with a sweater or a cute jacket.

 Do you have favorite transition pieces?

Easy Beach Maxi

Somehow dressing for the beach demands bright colors and easy combinations. When the weather started getting warmer I knew I needed a colorful maxi dress. If you follow me on Pinterest, you know it's been on my must list. As I've told you, back in the spring, I scored this amazing caftan at the Goodwill spring trunk show for less than $6! Designer caftans can cost $100 or more. The colors are just perfect for the beach and pairing it with some sandals and great shades made for an easy outfit.



Caftan - Goodwill, Sunglasses - Ray-Ban via Amazon (great price), Sandals - Circus by Sam Edelman via Amazon (discounted price), Bracelet - gift



I decided that I didn't even need earrings or extra jewelry for this look. I never take off this bracelet (that {msL} gave me) and my wedding ring. They are always with me. I didn't bring lots of accessories with me to the beach this year. I wanted simplicity to be my mantra.

What's your favorite beach look?

Summer to the Max

Maxi dresses are one of my favorite summer, go to, outfits. They are just so easy to wear and a no brainer when it comes to styling. I think they are one of the most versatile items in your closet. By just changing your shoes and your accessories, one dress can be worn multiple ways, dressed up or down. I love all types of maxis.



Click on the photos above for buying information.

 

I was lucky enough to snag this caftan at the Goodwill spring trunk show. I'd been searching for a fun summer maxi. I had a flowy option in mind but at $6, it was an amazing buy. I'll be adding my new crystal green mirror Ray-Bans, these easy gold gladiators and a matte pink lip. All of  these items are all recent purchases and were great deals.



Click the photos above for buying informaiton.

 

A flowy, halter maxi is definitely on my summer must list. This one reminds me of the DC cherry blossoms. I'd pair it with my black Birkenstocks, sheer pink lipstick, and pink mirror aviators. I could also change out the Birks for heels and add some sparkly jewelry for evening.



Click the photos above for buying information.

 

If you're headed to a summer evening party, you could switch out your little black dress for a little black maxi. Silver flat shoes will be dressy but let you stand and chat. A sheer red lip says sophisticated in a easy summer way. Matching mirror shades will greet the sunset in style.

There are so many great maxi options, in every style imaginable. They work at the beach or at a cocktail party. I love them most because the look pulled together, with minimal effort.

Will you be wearing a maxi dress this summer?

My Must List - Summer 2014

As my style has evolved and I've become more selective, my seasonal must lists become smaller. I'm more discerning about the pieces that I add to my wardrobe. If I'm going to spend the money, I want them to be quality pieces that will last. I save the super cheap purchases for trendy items. Now that doesn't mean that I pay full price for my long term purchases. I still look for the best price and the best value for my money.

photo credits: Pink Peonies, Getty Images, Ms Treinta

The images above scream summer to me. Sun, beach, warm weather, sandals, white, and bright colors are all the best of summer fashion. They inspired me to make a few updates and acquire a few new summer items.

Click the photos above to view buying information.

I've been obsessed with mirror sunglasses since I wrote this post two summers ago. I purchased a couple of bargain pairs last summer and then Ray Ban released some new mirror versions. These green aviators are fantastic. I might just have to take the plunge. You can't get more classic than Ray Ban aviators. A big tote has been my constant companion lately. It can hold everything. I love this Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote in hot pink. A great summer update to a classic shape. I've been loving lace up sandals but I knew a 4 inch high pair wouldn't get much wear. I tend to gravitate more toward my 2.5 inch heels and below. Lucky for me, over the weekend I scored a pair by Nine West at Nordstrom Rack. I posted a photo on Instagram. I'm in love! A super flowy maxi dress in a bright color is high on my summer must list. I love this trapeze style that can be worn loose or belted. I'm in desparate need of a new swimsuit. We live by the pool and at the beach all summer. My suits have seen better days and I've had a retro one piece style in mind. I love this one in white.

What is on your summer MUST list?

Wishful Shopping - Casual Spring Chic

The weather is getting warmer. This week the DC area is supposed to hit 90. A little hotter than I'd like for spring but I'm still happy for warm weather. Spring has made me start packing away my winter duds and thinking about fun summer purchases. I did a little wishful shopping over the weekend and picked out a few items that I'd love to own.

Click on the photos above for buying information.

 

I've been in love with these copper flash Ray-Ban aviators since I first saw them. I love Ray-Bans and especially love the classic styles like the aviators. These are a fun new twist but still classic. This top totally my style, flowy, deep color and an embroidered skull. I own a pair of straight leg white jeans but I've been dying for a skinny pair. The rose gold Renegade bracelet has been on my wish list for some time. I'd pair it with the Tribute bracelet that I have already. My black and leopard slip-ons have both been getting tons of wear. This silver pair would be a great addition. A pink suede bag would round out this look and still be versatile. A fun but casual outfit for spring.

Moment of Lust - Valentino Rockstud Ballerina Flats

Shoes are hands down my favorite accessory. They look great, always fit and you can change the feel of an outfit with the right pair of shoes.  Even Marilyn Monroe said, "Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world."  Since spotting the various versions of the Valentino Rockstud Ballerina flats, I've been in love.  These shoes fit my personal style to a T. They are tough but pretty. The perfect combination. At prices ranging from $595 to $1,595, they aren't in my budget. The Ballerina flats and the ankle strap flats are my favorites.

While doing some online window shopping this week, I spied these beauties at Forever 21.  They are almost a perfect duplicate for the Valentino flats and they are only $24.80!  They come in three basic color combos, black and tan with silver studs, nude and tan with gold studs, and pink and nude with gold studs. I wondered if they would look good in person. I snagged a pair on Saturday at my local Forever 21 store.  There were only 3 pairs left in the whole store and only one was in my size. I got the nude and tan with gold studs but I'm going to order the black and tan with silver.  They fit great and they'll go with lots of outfits. SCORE!

Here I am sporting the pair I snagged.

It's Ok to Change Your Mind

Thank you all for indulging me with so many wedding related posts over the past few weeks.  With less than a month until the big day, it's all I can think about. This past weekend, I went to visit my mom for a wedding dress fitting.  I've mentioned that my Mom is making my dress. She's been working hard. I had a great weekend with my Mom, that included a trip to one of my favorite antique stores and lots of wedding talk.

A peek at the back of my dress, vintage pin I'm planning to wear in my hair, and my shoes (a bargain from Neiman Marcus Last Call)

 One of the best lessons I've learned through wedding planning is that you have to stay true to yourself and your inner voice.Over the course of planning, I've changed my mind about our location, my dress, our food, my jewelry, and other things. I'm usually very decisive and I have been when it comes to my overall vision.  The idea of an intimate wedding and an amazing party with great drinks, food and music. Changing my mind has been a bit out of character but I know now that we'll have the day we truly want.

Red or Fuchsia lipstick?

A few more feather projects for the big day.

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Foil Print Sweaters

Late summer I started spying foil print sweaters online.  Since I love all things metallic, I can't resist them.  {msL} and I have a joke when I'm distracted, we always say, "Shiny things?"  Something shiny caught my eye and I was distracted.  Of course it's really my ADD issue but it makes us laugh.  So back to sweaters.  See, I told you, shiny things.  They are pretty, can be worn with a skirt or a pair of jeans and they dress up an every day outfit.  I'm especially in love with the cable knit style that is both pretty and tough looking. There are foil print sweaters in every price point and every color.

I know before the winter is over I will have more than one in my closet.  What do you think?  Do you love foil print sweaters too?

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).

Needing Some Sparkle

With a few exceptions (down trees, limbs, debris, power outages and a little flooding), most of us in the DC area weathered Sandy pretty well.  My thoughts are with my friends and family in the New York and New Jersey areas hardest hit by the storm.  I know this is a difficult time for all of you. Our pre-storm prep of tying down our deck furniture and bringing things into the garage gave me some peace of mind. Due to my job, I didn't even get a day off to do fun crafts or projects. On Monday night I took some Me time and did a mani and read a fashion magazine. Sparkle was in order due to the dreary weather.

I decided on a sparkly french mani.  I used one coat of essie ballet slippers as my base and then added essie luxeffects in a cut above for the tips and accent nail. I finished with two coats of top coat.  I used Revlon Colorstay base coat and top coat.

I love the sheer pink, almost bare nails with the sparkly pink tips.  The accent nail is just an added bonus. This mani definitely brightened my day and it was so easy to do.  No taping required. The jagged edge of the glitter gives it a pretty randomness.

If you were affected by Sandy, what did you do to make yourself smile?

Frugal Fashion Friday - DIY: Cap Toe Flats

I just knew my obsession with cap toe shoes would lead to a DIY or maybe two. Sitting in my closet and on their last heel tap were a pair of gun metal flats. They were destined for the trash but I decided to try a little DIY love and give them a second life. Some spray paint would do the trick.

I started by collecting supplies.

SUPPLIES

Shoes
Pink Neon Spray Paint
Clear Glaze
Tape
Alcohol and cotton pads

I measured the toes of the shoes and taped them off. Then I taped off the soles in the front and the full shoe to avoid any paint spatter.

I cleaned the toe areas with alcohol. I used plain rubbing alcohol and allowed them to dry. This isn't mandatory but I think it helps the paint adhere better.

Then I sprayed multiple thin coats on the shoes until I achieved the color I wanted. I allowed the shoes to dry completely between each coat.

Then I gave each shoe a single coat of Krylon Clear Glaze. This protects the shoes and gives the toe a shiny finish.

I'm happy with the results. A Goodwill trip is on tap for this weekend. I'm sure there is another pair coming soon.

Happy Holiday Weekend
Real Girls!

 

DIY - Neon Clutch

As you know a fun day clutch has been the object of my desire for some time now.  All of the neon color combos have been calling to me.  The other day, as I was crawling home in traffic, I got a DIY brainstorm.  I love it when that happens!  It struck me that I already had the makings of a great neon clutch.  I just needed a few additional supplies.

Supplies
Two rolls of neon Duck Tape (I chose Neon Pink and Blaze Orange)  $3.49 each  (with tons left over)
                                                                                                          $2.00 used less than 1/3 of each roll
Zipper envelope (Up from Target)                                                       $3.24
Gold chain                                                                                          $2.24
Jewelry Findings (gold lobster clasp, jump rings)                                  $2.24  (more left for other projects)
                                                                                                           $  .50  used one clasp, 5 jump rings
                                                                                                           $7.98
                                                                                                       

I measured the envelope and then cut pieces of tape to cover each side.  I trimmed them on the edges and folded them into the seams.

Once the first side was covered, I took the piece at the bottom of the clutch and folded it over to the other side of the clutch.

I continued on side two but also added a handle on the second side.  I created the handle by cutting three pieces of tape of equal length. I folded each piece in thirds creating a smooth, sticky free strip.  Then I braided them together.  I placed the ends under the tape on the clutch base.  Then secured them with an extra piece of tape on the top.

I also decided to add a chain handle to create a hands free option for this fun clutch.  I attached a chain to the inside of the clutch. I also created a hook on the outside at the seam. I cut a tiny slit on the seam and secured the chain by feeding it through and taping it down.

The chain can be dropped inside the clutch when not in use and pulled out and attached when I need a shoulder strap.

The clutch turned out better than I'd hoped.  I love the side handle that I decided to add.  The addition makes it easy to carry. I wore it to the NOVA Fashion Week Luxe Lifestyle event.  A few ladies asked if I'd make them one. The beauty is, this DIY is so easy, anyone can do it.