Budget Chic - How to do Fashion On A Budget

The Trend: Bright & Bold Colored Jeans

Budget_Chic — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:18:05 +0000

Yes, this trend is hot right now. Color is making a hellva come-back and I say “it’s about time’! There were quite a few bloggers before this trend who really embraced color, no they were not scare and they ramped it up without fear. Culturecynic being one of them. Love, love, love her use of bold colors and vibrant prints!

Why do we wait for trends sometimes before we get out of our comfort zone?

Neutrals have it place but I’ll always be drawn to bold, bright vibrant color that wakes my spirit up! So I’m working on several pairs of bold colored jeans and pants. New York & Company is on the list as Old Navy. Colored blazers are also on the list.

Khaki Jacket - To The Max
Striped Shirt – Sears
Red Jeans - Guess via Macy’s
White Woven Bag – Gryson for Target
Color Block Platforms – Target

Even though the weather was not that great today, extra cloudy….the temperature was very mild, so I hit the stores and found a few two-tone clutches. Two with a solid and animal print mix and the other with a nice color-box mix. I found a few a Target, but they seem a bit too small. I tend to like the XL oversized clutch, so I got room for all my stuff, may have just have to do a d.i.y. so I can get what I want.

PURCHASE THIS LOOK AT:

Silver Top – Forever 21
Stripe Top (plus) – Torrid

Red Jeans – Macy’s
Red Jeans (Plus) - Avenue

Khaki Jacket - FashionBug (includes Plus Size)

Color Block Platforms – Target

From Budget Chic – How to do Fashion On A Budget, post The Trend: Bright & Bold Colored Jeans

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New Kicks from Target – Colorblock Platforms!

Budget_Chic — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 17:03:22 +0000

I was doing my usuall trek through Tarjay and stumbled on this colorblock platforms. I was literally amazed! I love the tones in these shoes as well as the heel height and builded-up front platform. I was ready to walk out the store, but had to try them on first; because I know how ill-fitting Target shoes can be (at least for me anyway). Surprisingly the Size 7 fit just right, they stayed on my feet (which usually don’t happen with heavy pumps) and they felt comfortable.I tried these on with some skinny colored jeans, but the jeans weren’t working. I need to get the pair I saw in NY& & Company, I know they’ll be a better fit. Well, I think these are keepers! They are also available on the Target website.

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Happy Valentines Day!

Budget_Chic — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:54:21 +0000

From Budget Chic – How to do Fashion On A Budget, post Happy Valentines Day!

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How to be a Frugal Fashionista

Budget_Chic — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:26:50 +0000

How to be a Frugal Fashionista
In these hard times, satisfying your shopping needs is difficult at best – from prices going up and pay freezes more common than office tea rounds, there are mounting reasons why most of us are on tight budgets.
For the frugal fashionistas out there, here are five tips to saving your way to a fabulous wardrobe.
Know where to shop
Clothes that suit your body shape and personality are not just found in designer stores – keep your eyes peeled when browsing the high street stores as you’ll never know when you’ll spot your next fashion bargain.
Move out of your comfort zone and venture into the fashion unknown; whether that’s the cheaper high street stores you would usually wrinkle your nose at, or that vintage shop hidden round the back of your local you haven’t yet dared to venture in to. Facing new shopping frontiers can reward you with hidden gems and statement wears in sparkling treasure troves of accessories and dresses.

Own the sales

Weather you’re looking for ladies watches or scouting out a new pair of ankle boots, knowing where and when you can save on the pennies will greatly enhance your shopping experience. On average, the best time to buy something you’ve got your eye on is 12 weeks after it arrives in store – this is when the item is at its lowest and in the off-season sale.

Remember that it is always best to shop off-season, on weekdays and during the sales – grab your winter knits in the spring and your skimpy summer shorts during the autumn to bag the best bargains.

Online shopping

Shopping online could be your best move when attempting to shop on a budget, and with sites like eBay and iOffer at no less than a click away, there’s really no excuse for not having that Lipsy dress you’ve been looking at for months for no more than £5.

When you use a store’s site to shop, remember to check out their P&P as well as returns policy – some shops offer free delivery and store-returns, meaning if something doesn’t fit you’ll be able to return it without splashing out.

Sell and swap

Just like with men, one girl’s disaster is another’s treasure – put this priceless piece of information to good use and sell, sell, sell! If you’re after money for your unwanted clothes then head straight for online auction sites or your nearest car-boot sale. However, if you’d rather get some material for your hideous 90s leggings, there are plenty of online swap-shops available as well as swapping parties being held in every city.

Avoid impulse buying

Impulse-buying is a bad habit that often results in ill-fitting and expensive items that end up sat at the back of your wardrobe reserved only for fancy dress. To avoid giving into the temptation of impulse buying, get into the habit of asking yourself one question before handing over your credit card: “Do I really need this?” If the answer is no, but you still find yourself pining after that sparkly jumper, wait 30 days and reassess your need to buy – chances are you would have forgotten all about it by then anyway.

From Budget Chic – How to do Fashion On A Budget, post How to be a Frugal Fashionista

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Ode to Fashion Week: 1940′s Fashions by André

Budget_Chic — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:34:22 +0000

This stuff is amazing! I just want to get in a time capsule and grab everything up!! Andre Fashions was located at 570 7th Ave, NYC.

From Budget Chic – How to do Fashion On A Budget, post Ode to Fashion Week: 1940′s Fashions by André

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The season’s ‘other’ trend: androgyny

Budget_Chic — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:56:41 +0000

While a large chunk of the fashion world is obsessing over femininity, portrayed through sixties-inspired shift dresses and flower chiffon maxis reminiscent of the disco days of the seventies, a healthy proportion is taking a completely different approach to women’s wear. This ‘other’ side to winter fashion is decidedly more masculine: enter the androgyny trend.

The latest, urban, edgy trend of the season is far from being unflattering and overly male-like. On the contrary; a woman that can pull off this look with aplomb will end up feeling more sexy and ladylike than every as well as more than just a tiny bit empowered.

Strong tailoring is the backbone of this mod look. Styling is taken straight from the luxe sportswear brands of the 1960s through to the 1980s and is ever so slightly punk. The ultimate must have is a blazer or tuxedo jacket. Cut in at the waist, these jackets actually do wonders for a woman’s frame. When the temperature falls however, a military style double-breasted jacket will have you looking tailored – almost suited and booted – but without the briskness and harshness most men adopt in such a formal coat.

Tailored skinny and peg-leg trousers work with rocker tees and cable-knit jumpers. Denim, particularly of the coloured variety – think plum and kingfisher blue – is a more workable way to master this trend. New Look’s range of womens jeans are particularly on trend at the moment, offering a wide variety of colours in plenty of different styles, including the ubiquitous skinny. To give the jeans a slicker edge, team with a tailored shirt or monochrome blouse.

Accessories are key to bring this look together. A satchel is a must, but add a feminine touch with patent materials and twist locks.

A hat is a good call. Whereas in previous seasons a bowler or trilby worked best, this season it’s all about the fedora. Do not like home without one.

In terms of shoes, you can choose between flats and heels. However, either way you should wear some kind of brogue or loafer or a Chelsea boot.

If you need inspiration, perform a Google image search for The Kinks and The Jam; this kind of ‘proper’ stylish is exactly the look you are going for. Only keep it a bit more feminine with loose hair and a good lashing of mascara.

From Budget Chic – How to do Fashion On A Budget, post The season’s ‘other’ trend: androgyny

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A Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway

Budget_Chic — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:35:28 +0000

In My Ear:
Ray Charles and Mary Ann Fisher – What Kind of Man are You

I was sent this dress by Shabby Apple to show you how gorgeous their dresses are. I wore this dress to Service today and I received SO many compliments. I did the whole 1940′s vintage look, gloves and all. I can’t tell you how many ladies ask me where I ordered my dress. I selected this number because it’s a stretch sateen which is easy to care for.

I love the dress, but if you are short-waisted you will have to make some alternations as the dress is cut for a long waist. I so wish they had a short and long torso version (would have made my life so much easier). I also selected an easy to care for dress (Mariposa Grove) as the giveaway and one I think will compliment many body types.

How to Enter to Win!

Leave a comment in the comments section, with your name and email…

and Tweet this giveaway!

“Like” Shabby Apple’s on their Facebook page and receive an additional entry!

Contest ends Sunday, February 14th at 12pm. Open to U.S. Residents only. Winner will be selected randomly using Classtools.net Random Name Picker

Work Outfit II – Edgy Metallics

Budget_Chic — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:53:37 +0000

Yes, I did wear a sequin skirt to work!. I’ve been wanting to wear this skirt for some time now. I saw this outfit on Samantha in the first SATC movie, I knew I had to dupe the look. I just had to wait a while to get all the pieces. I’d been feeling so down and out and really dealing with a lot in my personal life, but this outfit really lift my spirit’s today. I’m trying to regroup and get focused again!

Did not mean to get off topic- I finally, found all the pieces at NY&Co but at different times. I got the sequin skirt on sale last summer and the silver cardigan I found about a month ago. I was all glittered up at the office, but all the ladies loved it! It’s good to push the boundaries every now and then and see what you can get away with, surprisingly enough it worked!

Silver Cardigan - NY & Company
Sequin Skirt – NY & Company
Necklace - NY & Company
Red Textured Clutch – CATOs
Gold/Blk Pumps – Qupid

Every girl should have a great clutch collection. I’m constantly working on adding more colors and designs to my small for useful collection. I was so happy to find this oversized red clutch at CATOs for under $22 dollars!

PURCHASE THIS LOOK AT:

Silver Cardigan - Target
Silver Cardigan (plus) – Avenue

Sequin Skirt - Macys
Sequin Skirt (Plus) - Macys

Red Clutch - Windsor

Hoop Earrings – Peppermintchic

Not This Mess Again!

Budget_Chic — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:15:18 +0000

Why, I’m even talking about this I don’t know. I was emailed this by BlogLovin. *Sigh* You know I wish stuff like this would just stop. It’s so unhealthy to the blogging community. Yet again, the same tired people (year in and year out) no diversity what so ever. People bringing their ‘high-school popularity contest’ mentality onto the web. Don’t see how crap like this benefits the fashion/personal style blogging community. I also do not see ANY diversity in this line-up. I don’t see any African-Americans or Hispanics bloggers. I do not see bloggers that focus on affordable fashion or Plus size fashions, and what’s up with the reality TV actress, really, I mean really? This is just a numbers / traffic game for BlogLovin’.

I can’t!

What are your thoughts?

Holiday Party and a Faux Fur Stole

Budget_Chic — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:20:56 +0000

These are some pics I took a few weeks ago and I just wanted to upload them. I have not been up to taking any recent pictures since I’ve been under a bit of stress lately in my personal life. I’m slowly climbing my way out and I have my family and friend to encourage me to keep moving!I was very happy to find this faux stole at forever21 because I really, really wanted one and did not want the upkeep of taking on a vintage stole made of real animal fur. There is much you have to do to maintain and retain the look of real fur and it can be costly.

I found the right shade, style and price ($26) at forever21, and I wasn’t even really look, who knew.

Faux Fur Stole – F21
Jacket – NY & Company
Black Jeans – Dream Out Loud
Lace-Up Booties – DBDK
Blue Leather Bag – OR by Oryany

I wore this outfit to a Christmas party where I ended up tripping, spraining my ankle and ripping my jeans. So I looked cute for about 10 minutes and that was it; foot was swollen but I kept partying anyway!

PURCHASE THIS LOOK AT:

Tan Blazer – JC Penney

Black Jeans - Old Navy

Fur Stole - Forever 21

Hoop Earrings – Peppermintchic