Closeted Couture: Paris Couture Week 2014 à la Cheap

When most people think of haute couture, they think of costume-like designs and silhouettes that either defy gravity or are so outrageous no Joe Schmoe would dare wear them in public.  Although there were some crazy pieces, there were quite a few looks from the recent Paris Haute Couture Week that were surprisingly wearable.  And, well, since I love finding affordable options for unspeakably expensive pieces, I've rounded up a few of my favorite looks from the week and turned them into something you'd be proud to wear in public.

Stripes on Stripes (on Stripes): Giambattista Valli

Image Credit: A Fashionista's Diary

À la Cheap:

Winter White: Dior

Image Credit: Vogue

À la Cheap:

Going Baroque: Chanel

Image Credit: Vogue Italia

À la Cheap:

Although haute couture is not for everyone, each look takes hundreds of hours to make so you can't help but admire the hard work and craftsmanship that go into these collections even if you aren't keen on the design.  I mean, I think hemming my pants is hard work, so can't even begin to imagine what it takes to make one of these pieces!

What do you think of haute couture?  Is it even relevant or necessary these days?  Personally, I like to watch the trends from the haute couture collections trickle their way down the fashion chain and into our closets (the power and influence of high fashion at its finest).  Well, let's hope THIS look doesn't make its way into anyone's closet.

Luxe for (A LOT) Less: April 2014

So, never mind that I completely skipped the letter K in the A to Z challenge and let's just move right along.  Is that good with you?  It's certainly good with me!

For April's Luxe for Less, Marie Claire featured an array of the ever-trendy modern motorcycle boot.  The cheapest boot featured was from Aldo at $39.99 (not too bad, MC).  The most expensive?  A pair of Daniele Michette boots for a whopping $995.  Luxe?  Sure.  For less?  Not by my standards.  Let's see how I fared:

Forever 21 Gallery Girl Booties ($30)

Red Herring Black Studded Boots ($30)

Matisse Kira Studded Ankle Boots ($39)

Ecote Priscilla Harness Ankle Boots ($49)

Pink & Pepper Delta Bootie ($25)

Ah, MUCH better than the overpriced Marie Claire selections, eh?  Personally, I'm not a big fan of the moto boot, but I do love the last selection.  The cut-outs and buckles make for a much updated version of the practical motorcycle boot.  I'd love to know which boot is your favorite; leave a comment below!

10 Key Pieces for Spring (for Less): The Mini Bag

In the ginormous, 500+ page March issue of Harper's Bazaar, the mag spills its 10 must-have pieces for spring.  Since I love spending hours on the internet looking at pretty clothes (it's research, right?), I'm scouring the Internet in search of the trends à la bargain.  Each post will feature one of the items and show you how to get 'em for less!

The Mini Bag

I like to be as prepared as I possibly can for any conceivable everyday catastrophe or sale on makeup (I always have a slew of coupons floating around in my bag), so anything smaller than a 5-year-old doesn't work for me.  However, I totally respect anyone who can make this spring's mini bag happen.  Slated as the new "evening bag," this little bitty can bring levity to any outfit - perfect for spring!

Jessica Simpson Judith Perforated Cross-Body (DSW; $30)

With Love from CA Mini Tassel Zip Bag (PacSun; $20)

Lauren Mini Bag (Nordstrom; $38)

Mini Quilted Cross-Body (Charlotte Russe; $12.50)

Mini Quilted Cross-Body (Charlotte Russe; $15)

What kind of bag do you prefer?  Big and bulky or minimal and practical?

Works Cited

Armstrong, Lisa. "The 10 Key Pieces for Spring."  Harper's Bazaar.  03 March 2014.  Web. 26 March 2014. http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-articles/10-key-pieces-for-spring-0314?click=main_sr#slide-1

10 Key Pieces for Spring (for Less): The Cropped Pant

In the ginormous, 500+ page March issue of Harper's Bazaar, the mag spills its 10 must-have pieces for spring.  Since I love spending hours on the internet looking at pretty clothes (it's research, right?), I'm scouring the Internet in search of the trends à la bargain.  Each post will feature one of the items and show you how to get 'em for less!

The Cropped Pant

I love cropped pants and with the temperatures rising here on the Gulf Coast, I'm excited to bring my spring and summer staple back into my wardrobe!  I usually go for a more slimming cut since I'm a little on the short side (ok, I'm A LOT on the short side), but this season the cropped pant is anything but slim.  Jil Sander and Emporio Armani (and a whole slew of other designers) featured this wide-legged version of the cropped pant.

Jill Sander S/S 14
Image Source: Fashion Gone Rogue

Emporio Armani S/S 14
Image Source: The Gossip Wrap-Up!

Let's face it - the wide-legged crop looks great on the tall and slender model but on the normal woman?  Not so great.  So, instead of catering just to the tall and skinny, I'm providing a few options that will look great on pretty much everyone, not just the genetically-blessed.

10 Key Pieces for Spring (for Less): The Blue Button-Down

In the ginormous, 500+ page March issue of Harper's Bazaar, the mag spills its 10 must-have pieces for spring.  Since I love spending hours on the internet looking at pretty clothes (it's research, right?), I'm scouring the Internet in search of the trends à la bargain.  Each post will feature one of the items and show you how to get 'em for less!

The Blue Button-Down

Michael Kors Spring 2014
Image Source: Fashionising

Alexander Wang Spring 2014
Image Source: Studded Hearts

Seen at Michael Kors and Alexander Wang, the typically uninspired work-wear shirt makes a comeback.  It's versatile in ways that the traditional white button-down can't compete with, and something this practical and easy-to-wear will never go out of style.

Here are a few of my favorite bargain picks for this unexpected spring trend:

Chambray Dot Shirt (Victoria's Secret; $39.50)

10 Key Pieces for Spring (for Less): The Fringe Bag

In the ginormous, 500+ page March issue of Harper's Bazaar, the mag spills its 10 must-have pieces for spring.  Since I love spending hours on the internet looking at pretty clothes (it's research, right?), I'm taking these 10 pieces and making them affordable.  Each post will feature one of the items and show you how to get 'em for less.

The Fringe Bag

I, too, have caught the fringe fever, and I couldn't be more excited to share my tassel-tastic picks.  Whether you're looking for an all-over fringe found at H&M or just the slightest tassel like Steve Madden's, it's all here and it's all pretty darned cheap.

Fringed Blanket Cross Body (Express; $60)

10 Key Pieces for Spring (for Less): The Sculpted Crop Top

In the ginormous, 500+ page March issue of Harper's Bazaar, the mag spills its 10 must-have pieces for spring.  Since I love spending hours on the internet looking at pretty clothes (it's research, right?), I'm taking these 10 pieces and making them affordable.  Each post will feature one of the items and show you how to get 'em for less.

The Sculpted Crop Top

Forget what you think you know about this belittled trend and embrace it's possibilities.  Unlike the crop of the 90s, today's crop top should be paired with high-waisted bottoms for a classier, less revealing look. 

Dirty Ballerina Floral Stripe Top (Nordstrom, $48)

Luxe for (A LOT) Less: February 2014

Have you ever stopped to read your favorite fashion magazine's bargain or look for less page?  If so, you've probably noticed that mag editors and yourself (and the majority of the rest of the world) have very different ideas of what a bargain is.  I mean, $400 for a clutch?  In what messed-up world is that considered a deal?  That's where I come in.  I'll be taking these so-called "looks for less" and making them truly affordable!

This month, Marie Claire turned to geometric and graphic pieces for their "Luxe for Less" feature.  There are some gorgeous pieces in this spread, so let's see if I can top them!


MC's Pick: Marc by Marc Jacobs Top ($278)

My Pick: Miss Selfridge Colour Block Top ($48)

Marie Claire's Luxe for (A LOT) Less: Isabel Marant for H&M

Have you ever stopped to read your favorite fashion magazine's bargain or look for less page?  If so, you're probably well aware that mag editors and yourself (and the majority of the rest of the world) have very different ideas of what a bargain is.  I mean, $400 for a clutch?  In what messed-up world is that considered a deal?  That's where I come in.  Every month, I'll be taking these so-called "looks for less" and making them truly affordable!

For November's Luxe for Less, Marie Claire looked to Isabel Marant's new collaboration with H&M.  The collection, which launches November 14th, boasts several tribal-inspired, graphic prints in black and white with touches of red.  The items featured in MC this month range from print sneakers ($49.95) to a gorgeous and very detailed jacket ($399, pictured below).

Although some of the prices this month are insanely better than September (I shared my dupes from September here), there is definitely still room for improvement.  Let's see how I did:

MC's pick: Isabel Marant for H&M Jacket ($399)

Image credit: glamour.com

My pick: H&M Fitted Jacket ($49.95)

Marie Claire's Luxe for (A LOT) Less

Have you ever browsed through your favorite fashion magazine wondering how people afford those designer duds?  You then stop to read the "bargain" page only to lose any and all hope when you see a $200 necklace and $400 clutch (what a steal!)  I shared the exact same sentiment while reading my August issue of Marie Claire.  If you're trying to appeal to the style-savvy on a budget, Marie Claire, you're going to have to try harder.  Don't get me wrong, MC, I still love you and you'll probably always be my favorite mag, but clearly you and I have very different ideas of what a bargain is.  This is why I am taking it upon myself to see if I can top the out-of-reach offerings from MC's Luxe for Less.  Here goes...

MC's pick: Joe Fresh studded leather pants; $129.

Image Credit: FashionMagazine.com/Jenna Marie Wakani