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)

Fashion February Week 3: Tartan

Another week, another topic for Fashion February!  This week, we're turning to tartan for inspiration.

What is tartan, you say?  Isn't tartan the same as plaid?  Actually, plaid and tartan are very different.  As I learned just moments ago (thanks, Google), plaid is a garment typically worn as a "belted blanket" while tartan is the criss-cross multi-colored pattern that most North Americans like to call plaid.  So, plaid = garment (whether tartan or solid color) and tartan = pattern.

Do you feel misinformed, fellow Americans?  I know I do.  My European ancestors would be appalled at my misuse of the word plaid for the past 25 years!

Now that we've had our history lesson, let's take a look at how I've styled this trendy pattern:

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 2: The Harem Pant

If you're a little behind, I'm participating in a series called Fashion February where each week myself and several other bloggers are writing weekly posts centered around a certain trend or topic (for a list of all the participating blogs, click here).  This week, the theme is...

That's right, it's hammer time!

Contrary to popular belief, these easy-breezy pants did not originate with MC Hammer.  The pants originated 2,000 years ago in the middle east, and unlike modern harem pants, it's predecessors required much more fabric (as shown below).

Image Source: wikipedia.org

These 19th century bloomers are also considered a variant of the original harem pant.  Sassy, no?
Image Source: Soarcomm

Modern harem pants (done right):

Image Source: Glamour UK

Image Source: SheKnows

Review: Wet n Wild Take on the Day Mattifying Powder

As you may know, I'm a sucker for powder.  More specifically, I'm a sucker for powders that claim to control shine and oil.  I'm pretty forgetful and/or lazy with remembering to touch up my makeup, so a product that will help me stay shine free the entire day?  I'm all over it.  Keep in mind, my skin is very oily so these are just my thoughts on how they worked for my skin.

$4.99 at Walgreens

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!