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 - Plaid

Admittedly when I think of plaid, the first thing that comes to mind is my dad.  He loved his plaid shirts. In fact, we have a photo of him when he was hiking the Appalachian Trail, he's wearing a plaid shirt and he looks like Paul Bunyan.  Thanks to designer creativity, plaid this season is far from Lumber Jack status.  Some of the shirts and skirts make me think of 90's grunge and Marc Jacobs' iconic collection.  But there are tons of other options too.  Pair you plaid with some neutrals

I just got a great pair of plaid pants and I can't wait to wear them!

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. 

Frugal Fashion Friday - Most Versatile Outerwear

The DC area is facing it's first cold snap this weekend.  Temps are going down to the 30's and we may even get snow flurries.  My Mom just brought me a beautiful gray wool cape that she's been working for me.  I'm so excited to wear it this weekend. This cape was a gift to me, last Christmas.  I picked out the pattern and the fabric and she created a beautiful cape that I will be wearing for years. I started thinking about how versatile capes can be.  To me they are the perfect piece of outwear.  Those tops and sweaters with dolman sleeves don't fit well under a fitted coat.  Blouses with ruffled fronts can be crushed by outerwear.  You can throw on a cape with anything and everything.  It's a great topper for weekend errands or an evening bonfire.  You can wear it with a party dress without worries about wrinkles and creases.  It's the perfect layering piece.

Cape - made for me by my Mom, Shirt - thrifted, Jeans - Lane Bryant,
Shoes - Ferragamo (thrifted), Faux Fur Collar - Lori Goldstein QVC, Rings - JewelMint

If you aren't a fan of the loose silhouette versions. No worries, there are also some great options with belts that can be tied loosely to accentuate your waist. Either way it's a forgiving silhouette that's also stylish.  And dare I say, it's also comfortable.

I've seen some beautiful capes that are very pricey. There are amazing options, under $100.  I've even spied a few on my thrift store trips. Try camel, gray or black for a classic look. Bright red will be a standout. Plaid or stripes can lend versatility. Keep your neck warm with a layered scarf or faux fur collar. The fabric options are endless, wool, fleece, crepe, and knit are all making appearances.  There are options for every style and body type.

Caped Crusader by realgirlrunway featuring a cape jacket

Will you be adding a cape to your fall/winter wardrobe?