About
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 I’m an outfit blogger and a fortysomething single parent with limited funds(my son 21, is entering his fourth year of college in the Fall, Woo Hoo!). As an outfit blogger (not a personal style or lifestyle blogger) and frugal shopper, I try to spend $40 and under for individual items. I’m try to be very frugal about my shopping and always shop clearance, seasonal or an add’l 50% off. I pay cash/debit for all of my clothing, shoes, handbags and other accessories.I seriously do not subscribe to the philosophy of running up credit card debt for things as frivolous as “fashion”. I like fashion and enjoy shopping just like the next person, but I’m not about to work my way into the poor house for overpriced shoes and handbags — I consider that kind of debt “bad debt”. Am an average Jane that works for a living folks. I was recently laid off and was able to find another job but with a reduction in salary. I have bills to pay just like the average consumer and I’m also helping my son with his living expenses while he is a broke, always looking for a job, full-time student; lol – so “budget” is definitely the buzz word up in here. |
I have a very difficult body type so I stick with solid colors for the most part with clean, simple, classic cuts. I love belted blazers and tops. I love, love, love pencil skirts (they make up a great deal of my wardrobe) dresses are a wonderful passion for me, trench jackets, and sky high stilettos (I’m short), particularly platforms and ankle-straps. I’m completely in love with the clothing from the 1940s and 1950s. I love the whole aesthetic from that time period and I try to incorporate different inspired pieces from that era, without looking costume-y or like I’m in some kind of time capsule. I’m a total Target addict  . Forty percent of my wardrobe is Mossimo and Merona — for women on a serious budget-nista Target is the best thing since sliced bread! I also suggest that women on a budget not overlook Kmart or Sears, they have really improved their apparel offering. |
| It’s not about labels. I’m not interested in being a bottom feeder who contributes to the excesses of a designer’s lifestyle. In my opinion, it’s clearly not about who’s name is on the label tag inside your clothes but more about how well an item of clothing compliments your body and how it makes YOU feel when you’re wearing it (I could care less who’s name is on the tag inside). A good understanding of what works well for your body type along with confidence and attitude plays a huge role in how well you can pull something off and you don’t need a label to do that! Besides, there are always very good inspired versions of any designer item from store like NY&Co, Loft, Macy’s, etc. Looking fabulous for less is the smartest game to play!
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| For the most part (in terms of my wardrobe) I don’t deviate too far from the above formula, I stick with what works for me. I do trends only if I like them and if it’s flattering on me, other than that I bypass them completely. I believe in buying leather shoes – sorry PETA but my feet can’t take poorly constructed man-made shoes. I might go out on a limp with a pair of PVC shoes if the fabrication looks good to me, the pvc is well constructed and they don’t hurt my feet, but I don’t make it a habit! (I’m frugal on other items like accessories, but not really on shoes). My shoe staple was Nine West but I’ve been cheating on them with Aldo Shoes. I also like BCBGirls, Guess, Steve Madden, Jessica Simpson, Marc Fisher, Dolce Vita and a few others (might slurge on Stuart Weitzman or Via Spiga).
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| I spend the least amount on handbags and jewelry. I believe no handbag is worth over $300 dollars. Yes, there are handbag manufacturers like Coach that will repair or replace your bag for life. I believe in those circumstances it’s worth it to pay over $300 but not much over. However, I don’t like carrying the same bag all the time. I change bags with my outfits, so therefore each bag to me is like a scarf or a piece of jewelry, it requires a different bag for a different look. I had to priorities where to spend the most money (handbags OR shoes, can’t do both on my salary) I picked shoes. I really would not think twice about spending $150 to $200 on a good pair of leather boots but I would on a handbag. Every woman values things differently, I prefer a good shoe over a nicer handbags.
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Email
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Hello,
Congratulations on the new site. It looks great! I use to check out your latest styles on stylediary and look forward to seeing more of them here.
This may sound odd, but I think I have a place where I can get you the perfect pair of grey stiletto pumps. Would you be receptive to me sending you a pair?
Matt
Matt,
Your a man after my own heart!!
Sensible AND Stylish. I like this lady.
just found your blog and absolutely adore it. i’m adding you to my rss reader.
Someone posted your blog on a messageboard, and we all came running to see your great fashion.
Keep posting. I adored what you said in your first paragraph about you and your dept.
Beautiful. Congrats on making such a great life for you and your son! I bet he is one good looking boy!
Thanks JJB Reader for the positive comment, it is very much appreciated! My son actually will be going to college this September. All of my family is very excited and we are happy about his choice of school; which is still in-state so I can still creep-up on him every now and then and see how he is doing.
Always the mama!!
You’ve a very feminine, elegant & classy style. You show us that fashion mustn’t be expensive! love, Meri
There are sooo many cheap chic options (plus ebay) that nobody has to be “left out” of the fashion game regard of what your income level is. You can make affordable fashion work, you make the clothes work for you and not the other way around.
HI there from Toronto Canada! I love reading your posts and the clothes that you wear. I wish the stores that mentioned we have it here but unfortunately we don’t.
And the sales you get there is unbelievable!!! In Toronto, for clothing everything is taxed 14% so go figure
That is why you see a lot of Canadians crossing the border and shop in Buffalo or in Erie PA.
Thanks!
Wow, I didn’t know that. 14% tax is a lot of money!! I don’t blame you for crossing the border. 7.5% tax must be looking pretty good to you. You’re better off buying stuff on Ebay if the item + shipping is less than what you would pay to purchase something there.
Hi, please take a look at http://www.styletogo.blogspot.com. You’ve got my “Inspiration of the week” from Style to go Award. love, Meri
OMG, thank you so Meri!! What a pleasant surprise. Girl, that was so sweet. It nice to know others appreciate your style…..makes me feel like I’m doing something right!! Thanks Again!! I’m going to display my award right now!
Hi!
I linked to you in my blog post today. I wrote about whether or not to show one’s head in self outfit photos.
http://whatiwore2day.blogspot.com/
Kasmira
I found you through Kasmira and love your style. I think you do an amazing job of looking stylish and sexy, and on a budget!
And I covet most of your shoe collection and the pencil skirts. How you find some of your clothes at those prices is truly a masterful feat.
Thanks Tess, I have no other choice, but to “work a budget” because my funds are limited. Girl, I search high and low and I try to leave no stone unturned when it comes to seeking out a bargain!
Hey Kasmira,
Thank you for the “luv” girl. I don’t show my face because I’m a mother, a parent and can not compromise myself or my family in that way. I can’t give up my privacy for strangers on the web, sorry.
This blog is a way for me to catalog my clothes and get feedback from others on what works on my body type and what doesn’t work.
It’s not about what I look like facially, its about the clothes, how I put my outfits together vs another person (especially if we bought the same thing) and how much I paid for an item (what bargains or sales I got and how much I saved vs. full retail), thats what “budget chic” is all about. Apparel on a budget.
I’m here by way of monicamingo.com
Love your site!
Thank you for sharing your tips with the world
Thanks Tanyetta, am trying to do a Tim Gunn and “Make it Work!”
GREAT SITE! I LOVE your style and this site is definitely up my alley! I’ll be adding you to my feed.
Ok, I thought of you when I saw this silhouette. (2nd one down) – http://dcgoodwillfashions.blogspot.com/ – check it out. I’m not crazy about the other outfit – love the jacket but not with that dress.
Fabulous dress, I really love the design. You know my style!!! I wish I could find a dress like that brand “new” and not vintage.
I love your site and you have given me so much insight into how to dress for the professional world while still maintaining some excitement in one’s wardrobe. I’m graduating college and I’m using replicas of your oufits to start off my look. Thanks again and keep up your wonderful style!!!!
I just found your site today when Google Reader suggested it. I wish I had found you sooner. You have fabulous taste in clothes and I’m getting a lot of great ideas from you. Thank you.
Thanks ladies I appreciate the positive feedback.
Girl I just found your site, I loves It!!!!! I am 40 and truly believe that 40 is the new 20 , I too love fashion and i am on a limited budget myself, 1 son just graduated college SMU and I have 1 who graduates this coming year, and 1 5 year old. I love shoes and handbags and yours are very flattering. All i can say is Rock it !!!
I love your site, it’s very inspirational! And, thanks so much for the kind words. I feel like the weight of the world is on me right now. I do know that with God, all things are possible.
I’m glad to find fellow frugal. Keep up the savings!
I looooove your website! I only just discovered it a few days ago and I am hooked! Don’t tell my boss…
You have a wonderful sense of style. Unfortunately my body type is the opposite of yours (I am tall with wide shoulders and no waist), but your outfits are still a great inspiration to me.
Keep up the good work!
I am so happy I found your blog. I have the exact same body type as you and I had gotten lost wearing mostly pants and not nearly enough belts. I shop at most of the same stores (except Ross which they don’t have in NY–I miss it soooooooo much from when I lived in ATL) and your outfits are great inspiration for dressing like a classy adult. I am a recent grad and it’s about time I started looking more pulled together. I can’t wait to start shopping!!
P.S. can you post more links to the items if they are available online?
P.P.S. if you find any fabulous shoes in Ross in size 8 let me know–paypal works wonders! LOL
Thanks again for the great site and you look fabulous.
Thank you Amanda!
It’s a really hard trying to dress a body with a short waist area. The “Dress for your Body Type” documentation thats out here on the web is not always right. You have to take into consideration your height, weight and bone structure. So don’t follow those things by the letter.
My suggestion to you is to be honest with yourself, about the fit, the color and the shape of the items you are buying. Try everything on and only select the things that flatter your body.
Semi-wide belts are a big plus for me and one of the things they tell you to stay away from if you have a short waistline, but actually they works wonders for me because they define the fact that I actually have a waist and hips.
One great thing about us short-waisted girls is that our legs are longer!! Thats definitely a plus!
Nice blog! I am also a big fan of Target. They have some amazing deals on designer stuff. We even get some of our food there!
Love your site!!! just added it..check back at my site in a few days..i’m just getting started
Hello, I am so glad I found your website! I am sure one day I will be as glamorous as you. It’s hard for me to pull a look together but you make it look effortless. Keep up the good work. You look wonderful!
Thank you so much for the feedback, I appreciate it. Sorry I had to edit your comment but I like to keep it positive around here and not feed into drama, that way no one can manipulate me, ya know. Budget Chic is all about affordable fashion related topics. Thanks for stopping by and your welcome back anytime!
Hello.. I recently found your site after making a commitment to upgrade my look for 2009. I got married last year after dating my now husband for 3 years. Within that time I totally lost my sense of style. I’m on a mission to be a well put together 30 something and your site has helped me gain a bit of “courrage” to do so. So thank you!
Also, if you could could you provide some guidance about how to “begin” the make over process, focusing on budget, stores, etc. I’m fairly petite and usually can’t fit women’s clothings…
@ Tren,
If you are anything like my sister (Under 5’4 and 98 pounds) it is hard for her to find clothes that fits her in the women’s misses section if they don’t carry at least a size 00. She has to shop in Juniors or other retailers where the clothing is designed to fit young teenage bodies that are not “fully developed”. She is a very tiny, tiny person.
Stay tuned because I plan to do a full post on your question and hopefully I can be of some assistance to you or at least give you some options to think about!
Really love your style, I follow your blog daily. Thanks for all the great fashion tips, you are very inspiring!
We got several fashion websites, so we want to know how we can link our sites via your nice website
We looking for text links, and banners as well
We also have an affiliate program
Please let us know how does we can do it
best regards
I just want to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. I think your fashion sense is fantastic and I can’t believe how frugal you are with you purchases, yet you still look so put together! I am in awe!
You are my inspiration, keep up the good work!
@ Kelly – thank you so much!
I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know what an inspiration your website is for me! I love that you find and put together such high-fashion looks shopping at such budget friendly stores. I too, spend very little, stick to my mall discount stores and tend to visit the juniors section for more trendy items. I look forward to reading your site for years to come!
I stumbled on to your website from thebudgetbabe, and I absolutely love your style. I must have gone through all your archives tonight checking out outfits (it is seriously addictive)and I am completely inspired. this will definitely be one of my fave sites to visit each day. keep up the good work!
Hi,
If you want to add Facebook or email sharing buttons to your blog posts, there’s a plugin that does it for you: http://tinyurl.com/sharebuttons
Hope you find it helpful!
Cheers,
love your site, and how you put together things. Gives me ideas. I would suggest you find some outlet stores; which have even better prices (read: cheaper) but you are doing very well.
I am SO feeling this. From reading the “about” page, I think we are almost long lost twins. It sounds like we have very similar philosophies. You have just acquired a new loyal follower.
Thanks for doing what you do and keep it up!
Your blog is soooo fly. I’m very glad I found it – like a lot of Americans, I’m on a tight budget and your blog provides so many inexpensive fashion finds and tips! Keep doing what you do. Your fashion sense is fabulous!
@ keesha – thank you I appreciate that!!
Dear Budgetchic,
Love your blog.
I sent you an email to the email address posted above seeking a conference regarding a blog you posted. I would be forever grateful if you would read and respond to the email. I will not take too much of your time.
Sincerely
infoseeker
Hello Budgetchic,
I came across your blog some months ago and I have been reading it since then and I must say am loving the outfits, the ideas, handbags and most of all shoes.
Thanks
Evey
Thanks Evey, I’m glad you like the blog. Thank you for your support!!
OMG i lvoe fashion and i am glad I found your site. you are such a beautiful woman . Although i am not in my 40s yet i hope when i get there i stay as cute as you . Thanks
@ ciaa – thank you, I’m glad you like the site!
im loving your truthful and down to earth blog..i like the article about bloggers going to far to impress..you said so much of what i feel …My fashion blog comes out in spring 2010 and I’m definitley a frugal, family-girl, fashionista with a flair for fiber ( i’m a knitter)
just wanted you to know you have a new reader and i’m totally loving how you hooked up that summer dress with the blazer and belt ..i’m going to do that too!!!
peace and luv !
@ nashe – thanks Nashe I appreciate your support. When you get your fashion blog up and running, let me know so I can add you to my blogroll, I like to reference to blogs that believe in the art of saving money.
fdiary ~ I was wondering…do you get approached by designers, or makeup companies, etc… to review or try their products?
@ Kim – I don’t get approached by cosmetic companies, I guess because I don’t do makeup tutorials. I think youtube is probably a better venue for that. I did have a anti-wrinkle creme company contact me, actually a pretty well-known MD that has his personal name affiliated with the product and has done some celebrity endorsed commercials. I declined because it would have “appeared” as if I was using his product when I wasn’t, and besides I only like to use organic facial products, that all that I could ethically ever think about endorsing on this site if I told folks I was actually using it.
fdiary:
I came across a comment you posted on a Huffington Post article regarding Forever 21. In it, you stated “I did a post about Forever21 just the other day about some shoes they advertised as genuine suede but they are faux suede. Mad as hell.” This comment struck me as surprising because, in my opinion, you should’ve been happy that no animals were harmed in the making of your shoes. Faux suede looks, feels, and sometimes even smells like real suede, but no animals were cruelly harmed in the process.
The next time you make a purchase of any sort, please consider where the materials came from. Leathers and suedes are an unnecessary and cruel expense added to your pocketbook. Compassionate fashion is all the rage now-a-days!
@ devyn – thank you for visiting my website. I understand your viewpoint but I don’t put my “views” or my personal stance on certain issues off on other people. I like to do my own research and draw my own conclusions thereafter, I don’t get hyped up if someone comes on my site and feels like they are “educating me” nor do I feel like I have to explain my position. Have a wonderful day now!
I just wanted to say I LOVE your blog. I was assigned to start a blog for my class this semester. I’m a Junior with a need and love for fashion. BUT I’m on a budget. I decided to do my blog on fashion for less. I stumbled across your blog and I think it is fabulous. I love love love your style and your voice in your writing. I am so busy right now, but I demand to have my blog as good as yours. I guess I can say you are an inspiration to me and my quest to make my blog entirely me. I think I’m yappin’ too much, but the point is – I love your blog and love to see other fashionistas that are still budget conscious! :] Thanks & I will definitely be frequenting your blog.
@ mariacaslin – Awww thank you for that, am touched that I have inspired you in that way. I want to represent the ladies who know they don’t have to spend money on designer clothing to look good! You are encouraging me to keep doing this!!
Hi Budgetnista! I, too, am a 40-something mom – I just started a budgetcentric fashion and beauty blog – please check it out! If you like it, please consider adding me to your blog roll
Thanks and keep up the good work – I love your blog!
Michele Hood aka “The Fabululu”
Spring Hill, TN
I just found your blog and I love it. I love your style and your budget saviness. You’re definitely going to be one of my daily blog reads!
Just discovered this blog and love it. Your style is inspiring (even before you check the prices) – love the way you put an outfit together. You have a real knack for mixing up your look while still keeping a sense of your own style.
@ Gina – thank you so much! I appreciate that!
I am thrilled that I found your blog while doing a google search for best jeans for short waisted women! I am perusing the sight and really enjoying it. I share your philosophy and even your designer shoe preferences. (I love Jessica Simpson, she is less than 5’4″ and her shoes are gorgeous and made with us in mind!)
I love the pieces you put together on a budget! You look like a million bucks!
Thanks for such a great resource!
@ Mrs. D. – thank you I really appreciate that!
Wow! Wow! Wow! Thankyou for your wonderful blog. I run a few discount sites and totally agree with your philosophy. I would love to cross promote with you. Maybe give you some wonderful give a ways for your readers? Please contact me when you can.
And thanks again for your great blog. Nice.
JJ
I like your style. It’s nice and conservative and I share your style philosophies also. I usually stay under $40 per item and I love love target. Merona and Mossimo yep.
@ Kemi – thank you, I don’t like being too over the top or extra! Target is one of my favorite stores.
Hi! Great blog – have only been reading for a short time, but am blown away by both your style and your confidence. I found you through thebudgetbabe which I also love. I think your blog will become part of my daily morning routine!
x
@ Lauren – thank you so much for your kind words. I’m glad that you enjoy the blog, sometimes I feel like packing it in, but great feedback like this keeps me going!
Hi BudgetChic! I’m 20 and I’ve been following you on-and-off for almost 4 years now, I started on your previous blog. I wanted to share with you how much I love you & the blog; although we may be a generation apart, I am inspired by your style & very much by your confidence, and frankness. Last year I started an amateur style blog on tumblr, but now that I’ve started interning as a student teacher, my style has taken a turn, from college edgy to professional. I miss outfit blogging, and I’m thinking of switching gears and creating a different blog, this time featuring my style challenges in getting accustomed to professional work-wear aka “teacher clothes.” I look up to you as a blogger, do you by chance have any words of wisdom? Thanks in advance! Wish you well.
@ Nancy, thank you so much for the kind words.
Budget Chic, I followed your previous blog and was always intrigued by your outfits and how you put them together. I’m a 25+ fashion student who lives for great finds and you always shared your finds which I appreciated!
I couldn’t recall your location, but do remember you mentioning a great shoe repair/cobbler that you used and wanted to know if you could share his/her information. A great shoe repair is hard to find!
I look forward to reading your new blog be sure to check me out as well http://blackbeautydailytips.blogspot.com.
Budget Chic I was curious if have you shopped at. Just curious of your thoughts on the products/prices? All accessory items are $10.00 or less. Would love to hear your take on the site and product quality and if items offered are a TRUE bargain?
-An Accessory Junkie
I found your blog and love it! I’m hoping you’re still blogging. I’m finding it hard to find women in the 40′s with style… You were like light at the end of the tunnel.
Thanks June, I’m still blogging. Just working on some other stuff right now!