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.

Most Loved

Today, I'm showing you a few of my most loved outfits.  They're the pieces and ensembles that I reach for most; they may be simple, but they get more love than a crop top can dream of.  Meet my loves:

This Forever 21 top is probably the most used item in my closet, and with good reason!  It goes with pretty much anything.  I'll wear it with jeans or dress it up for work and pair with a pencil skirt like this one from New York & Company.  You can definitely match it with bright bottoms to make it more appropriate for spring and summer, or pair it with a neutral for winter.


Shop the look:

Words cannot describe how much I love this look!  I'll wear it if I want to look extra fancy for work without getting crazy.  If you're not a fan of red, I would use a bright yellow or blue belt for the jolt of color.  New York & Company have lovely blazers at great prices, and although they're not sold in stores, you can purchase petite and tall sizes online.  (Pictured: Dress, Cato; Blazer and Belt, New York & Company)

Shop the look:

Again, with the New York & Company!  Both of these pieces are from NY&C (their jeans fit me perfectly), and they're my go-to items when I want to look casual, but a little more put together than jeans and a tee.  If you're a short and curvy gal like me, I think you'll love NY&C jeans!  (No, this is not a sponsored post!)


Shop the look:

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!

Elephant in the Room

After my post on the powder pink trend for fall of last year, I've been really into pairing pastel pink and grey together.  Maybe it's because the colors remind me of an elephant (one of my favorite animals), or maybe I just like how clean and cool it looks.  Either way, I'm taking this fall trend into spring with a little bit of floral and a few black accents to bring a little edge to an otherwise soft and sweet color.

Shift dress, $46 / Topshop jacket $96 / Nasty Gal crossbody purse $25 / Matthew Williamson necklace, $33 / Maybelline Eyeshadow Quad in Pink Persuasion $8 / Chiyo by GX by Gwen Stefani $90

What are your favorite color combos?  Comment below!

Dainty Little Things

Now, I love a statement necklace or bold earrings as much as the next girl, but there's just something about the everyday charm necklace or simple tennis bracelet that can elevate an outfit a little more than your typical chunky necklace.  Though I may have more costume jewelry than anything else, my charms and studs certainly get the most wear.  From a t-shirt and jeans to a cocktail dress, these dainty little things can add just as much personality as their bolder cohorts.

(Quick tip: Sale items at Forever 21 are buy one get one free through Sunday, 04/06!)


Which type of jewelry do you prefer: big and bold or simple and stunning?  Comment below!

I'd also like to welcome my fellow A to Z Challenge participants!  I've met a few of you already and I'm looking forward to getting to know all 2,000+ of you!

All In

Welcome to the first day of the A to Z Challenge!  If you're not familiar with the challenge, myself and a couple thousand other bloggers will be blogging thematically from A to Z.  Each day will be centered around a certain letter, and every blogger will be posting everyday except Sundays.  Sound fun?  I thought so!  If you'd like to read more about the challenge or check out the other participating blogs, check it out here!

Image Source: BH Cosmetics

I've never been one to fall for kitschy or novelty items, but when I first saw these nail wraps from BH Cosmetics, it's all I can think about.  I mean, who doesn't want to deck out their nails with spades and clubs?  I know, I can think of a lot of people who wouldn't, but that's not the point.  Actually, I'm not really sure what the point is; all I know is that I can't get enough.

Not wanting to leave the other 99% of my body out, I've done a thorough search for the best playing-card-inspired pieces out there.  From diamonds to hearts, check out my favorite poker night worthy items:

Mela Loves London print shift dress, $25 / AX Paris heart print dress, $42 / River Island print top, $25 / Black sleeveless top, $48  / Midi rings jewelry $6.99  / 14k yellow gold ring $165

Have you ever been into any kitschy fads or worn any trends you later regretted?  Tattoo chokers, super baggy jeans?  Grunge?  I'd love to know - 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)

Fashion February Week One: NUMARI Sheath Dress

Please note: This is NOT a sponsored post.

This month, myself and a gaggle of other beauty and fashion bloggers are participating in what has been aptly dubbed Fashion February.  Each week, our posts will be centered around a certain piece or trend.  If you'd like to see what the other bloggers are posting, click here!

This week's post features the NUMARI Diagonal Color Block Sheath.  In case you're unfamiliar with the brand, NUMARI specializes in women's wear that is tailor-made to your measurements.  You just pick out your style, submit your measurements, and three weeks later you have a gorgeous dress that is made for YOU!  (You guys HAVE to check out their Diagonal Drape Sheath Dress!  It's simple, but oh-so-gorgeous!)

Make no mistake, the price tag may come as a shock to some of you (the dresses begin at $130), but considering the custom-fitting and classic designs, it will be a wardrobe staple for years to come!

For our first Fashion February post, NUMARI has challenged us to create a look using the Color Block Sheath and style it with 5 additional pieces.  Since the dress is more of an investment, my 5 accessories will all be under $20!  That's right, (get ready to do your best Oprah impression) everything's under $20!  Let's move on to the goodies, already!

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)

Featured In: Rivista di Moda

I recently did a guest post at Moda by Monika with a few other lovely bloggers who were challenged to create a look for less.  Recently, our little challenge was featured on Rivista di Moda, which is an online "fashion magazine by fashion bloggers."

The site isn't just about fashion, they also feature bloggers and their posts about culture, beauty, and lifestyle.  If you haven't already, be sure to check it out the feature here or you can view the original post here!

Factory vs. Outlet: A Frugal Gal's Guide

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between factory and outlet stores?  Did you not even know there was a difference?  If so, you NEED to keep reading; your wallet and wardrobe will thank you.

Image Credit: Wormwald Homes (L); All Island Signs (R)

Let's start with outlet.  An outlet is just what you think it is - a store that sells items made for the original store that maybe didn't sell well or are just overstock.  This one is pretty simple; it's the factory stores that get a bit hairy.

Scores of the Month: August 2013

In addition to the Lorac Neutralizer which I reviewed here a week or so ago, there are a few other scores I'd like to share with you all.  Some of these I actually bought in September, but I figured I might as well share them now so maybe you can actually have a chance to catch the item while it's still available or on sale.

This first item I purchased along with the Lorac Neutralizer and it is an overall great palette at an even better price (with a cute little bag to boot)!

Lorac Mint Edition Collection ($18 at loraccosmetics.com)

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