Baby Budget Blog

The Stylists Own

2012-02-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

(Photo Courtesy of Sandra, 5inchandup)

I've teamed up with The Stylists Own (www.thestylistsown.com), an Australian clothing and accessory label to offer you fab readers a 10% discount on all their items.

I couldn't sum up their brand better than the founder, Billie:

"I wanted to create a label which offered something appealing to those who appreciate style,
but want more out of their clothes than a simple passing phase or ten minute trend.
Something that they can wear, no matter the season or number of years old it is,
that they are not going to see mass produced or on twenty other people that afternoon.
Pieces which they can keep and feel comfortable and compelled to wear for more than 2weeks."

This metal cuff belt, among the other gorgeous things on their site, is what caught my eye. I've seen it on runways and on Sandra's blog, and I immediately fell in love with it! It's unique and timeless!

The Stylists Own is also taking pre-orders for their very popular and currently sold out Splitting Maxi Skirt. If you pre-order now, you will receive a $10 discount!

Check out their website ladies. I'm sure you'll find a few unique pieces you'll love, and enjoy the 10% discount!

Use code: forpennies1

'...We Three Meet Again'

2012-02-21T15:17:00.001-05:00

I combined the three most favorite pieces in my wardrobe right now: the Zara floral print blouse, Free People's vegan leather pant and Jeffrey Campbell's Starburst boots!

After a year and a half of searching, being two months on back order, receiving them in the WRONG size and exchanging them for a size up, I finally have these studded babies on my feet! They look a hell of a lot like the Chloe Susan boots here but for about $1,000 less. And hey, any day I can save $1,000 is a good day in my book!

What I'm Wearing:

Zara Floral Print Blouse

Free People Vegan Leather Pants

Jeffrey Campbell Starburst Booties via Free People

Cambridge Satchel via Asos

Belt: JCrew

Collar: Asos

Rings: YSL, A Peace Treaty

Sunspecs: Ray Ban

'O Coward Conscience, How Dost Thou Afflict Me'

2012-02-19T08:04:00.000-05:00

When I first saw this coat in Zara, they were just putting it out on the floor. I thought the contrasting arms were just gorgeous. But I left it behind, while a friend of mine bought it. Seething with jealously, we left, her prize nicely hers and slung over her shoulder in a sleek black garment bag. Well...

Two months passed and the same friend and I were downtown perusing the stores when she suggested we check out Zara. Just before leaving, we went up to the second floor, and there, loaded on a rack was the very same coat marked down to $29.90 I bought it!

Yes, yes, yes, I broke my shopping ban, but I did say that I may slip every now and then. So here's me coming clean...but a word in my defense, I did sell two pairs of Frye's on eBay so...

My slips:

Rebecca Minkoff Mac (but I really did get it at a good price. Check it out on my Instagram here)

RayBan Sunspecs (the ones I'm wearing in this post...I blame Vday and I blame Lisa at L&T)

Jeffrey Campbell Studded Loafers (I don't have white shoes; if I didn't get them they'd be sold out)

One Teaspoon Denim cutoffs...(again, they'd be sold out later plus I need them for vacation)...

That's all :)

What I'm Wearing:

Zara Fur Coat

Orig: Price: $99.00

Paid: $29.90

Top: Gap

Pants: JCrew

Collar: Sibilia via Free People

Shoes: BCBG

Sunspecs: RayBan

Lips: Mac Quick Sizzle

Coming Soon....

2012-02-17T13:00:00.000-05:00

Zara fur coat, bright pink lips and gold collar love...

Have a marvelous weekend, guys!

Jewelry Box

2012-02-16T11:55:00.001-05:00

Pieces include:

A Peace Treaty, All Saints, Asos, Carol Marie, Coach, eBay, Etsy, Forever 21, Free People, H&M, JCrew, Jewel Mint, Lucky Brand, Made Her Think, Mykonos, Greece Jeweler, NYC Street Vendor, Sibilia, Tiffany's, Topshop, Urban Outfitters, Vintage, YSL

'A Blinking Idiot'

2012-02-13T12:02:00.002-05:00

Since my metabolism has seemed to slow down (damn you age. Damn you), I've had to give away most of my work pants because they've shrunk in size...ahem... These Alice & Olivia High waist pants are perfect for work because they're not boring and are appropriate enough for client meetings even though I'll be the brightest one in the conference room.

The Bloomies salesgirl and I both gawked, then blinked at the register when they were rung up (check out the price below)! Bought them in a dark wine color as well and for Spring and Summer, I want this color, this color and this color too!

This pink leather jacket was also a steal from Bloomingdale's a couple of years back. Well, perhaps not as great a steal as the pants... You can't really tell from the pictures, but it's got great distressing and will age beautifully. At some ungodly price of I think $800, I got it down to $215. Last one, in my size, I couldn't resist...never mind that I can barely get it to close now...(damn you age. Damn you)...

What I'm Wearing:

Alice & Olivia High Waist Pants via Bloomingdale's

Orig. Price: $198.00

Paid: $31.00

Top: JCrew

Leather Jacket: Domo via Bloomingdale's

JCrew: Leopard Fedora

Zara Sequin Clutch

Belt: JCrew

Hope you ladies have a wonderful Valentine's Day with either yourselves or your significant others!

'Come, You Spirits That Tend on Mortal Thoughts, Unsex Me Here'

2012-02-10T12:12:00.000-05:00

Since I thought yesterday was today and posted the Instagram shots a day early (duhduh, Amy), you guys are gonna get an extra post from me this week :) Thanks for all your cool comments on that post by the way! I'm so glad you like my candid kinda everyday shots!

So, for the longest time, I've wanted over-the-knee boots but couldn't find a pair that didn't make me feel like a street-walker. Found this pair at Victoria's Secret, and since they have a pretty basic silhouette, are flats and just skim the top of my knee, I took the chance and bought them. Vickies also has them in a gorgeous brown, but I exercised some self-control (yes, occasionally it wins out) and just went with the black pair.

What think ye ladies of the over-the-knee boot?

What I'm Wearing:
Boots: Report via Victoria's Secret (check them out in brown here)
Free People Lace Dress
Hat: Asos
Collar: Asos
Tights: Milly via Bloomingdales
Lipstick: Mac

Awesome weekend wishes to all!

Instagram...

2012-02-09T10:20:00.000-05:00

Snagged this coat at the Zara sale for $29. No-shopping-ban be damned!

Floral and Fuchsia

Cool sound and VERY pink! Snagged on eBay for $34 (Check out the other colors here)

My new loves! Neck in neck with the leopard ones below...

Neck in neck with the ones above...oh and my vegan leather pants from Free People = LOVES

Partial shot of my shoe closet...

YSL favs...

Of course I had to throw in a pic of Sammy boy hogging the bed!

Keep up with me on Instagram, here!

Have a great weekend!!

'As Flies to Wanton Boys Are we to [Sales]'

2012-02-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

I saw these oxfords at Lord & Taylor at the beginning of the Winter season, fondled them, smelled the new leather but resignedly put them back. At $195, they had to be left behind. Fast forward a couple of months and a sick sale (in December for those of you who think I went back on my shopping ban promise) and a price tag of $51 and well, that's why there's blog pics of them now. Snagged them in black as well.

Thought I'd have some fun with them and pair them with this sheer maxi from Free People, my harness belt and floppy hat.

What I'm Wearing:

Oxfords: J Litvack via Lord & Taylor

Orig. Price: $195.00

Paid: $51.00

Free People Sheer Maxi

Sweater: BCBG

Harness: Etsy
Hat: Asos

Rings: NYC Street Vendor, Forever 21

Lipstick: Mac

Hope of A Flattering Tale did a little spotlight on me! First time I was asked some background information about me and my blog so it was uber cool! Check out her questions and my answers here!

and

Thank you to My Mini Bag for awarding BBBlog the Versatile Blogger Award!

Check out their blogs and show some love and support!

'The Fringe Curtains of Thine [Skirt]'

2012-02-04T21:02:00.002-05:00

It was relatively mild when I took these pictures, and I didn't have the heart to cover my legs with tights. I'm rushing the seasons and I'm proud of it!

Grabbed this little fringe number from Joe Fresh back in November. It's currently on sale now and comes in silver and black. It got me through some holiday parties, and I'm sure it will spice up a Summer's night with a simple tank, massive amounts of necklaces and towering heels!

What I'm Wearing:

Zara Sweater

Joe Fresh Fringe Skirt

Asos Maybe Oxfords

Rings: YSL, Jewel Mint

Since I can not shop till April, I've entered myself in every giveaway contest I could find! This DV one is especially good! Check it out below and enter it! It's so easy and hey, you could win a free pair of shoes, and what girl does not like a complimentary pair of shoes?

'...Thou Canst Not Then Be False'

2012-02-01T14:41:00.000-05:00

Picked up these great Vegan Leather Pants from Free People. The material is amazing! They feel and smell like real leather AND I can machine wash them. Fast becoming my go-to pant for major zsa zsa zoom!

Also wearing what have now been dubbed my favorite pair of shoes (sshhh...don't tell my other shoes. A mother isn't supposed to play favorites...). They are absolute show stoppers. And comfy too!

What I'm Wearing:

Free People Vegan Leather Pants

Sam Edelman Leopard Petty via Revolve Clothing

Orig. Price: $190.00

Paid: $123.00

Top: Ralph Lauren

Belt: JCrew

DIY Body Chain

Ring: YSL

Lipstick: Covergirl

Thanks much to Cheap and Fabulous Mom for awarding BBBLog the Versatile Blogger award! Check out her blog ladies and and show some blogger support!!

'I Will Buy With You, Sell With You, Talk With You'

2012-01-30T09:38:00.001-05:00

I first saw this coat in Bloomingdale's in early 2011 while on a search for an interesting black winter coat. This Gryphon studded beauty was what caught my eye. Oh yeah, and so did the $665 price tag. I tried it on for fun then put it back on the rack, hearing it calling my name as I walked away.

This November, I saw it on eBay for $149 (Oh, eBay, how I adore you! You've given to me many a gem at fabulous prices).

Of course I was the winning bid, paying $160! And it was new with tags...Booyaa!

What I'm Wearing:
Coat: Gryphon Sophisticate
Top: Victoria's Secret
Faux Leather Leggings: Gap
Shoes: J. Litvack via Lord and Taylor
Orig. Price: $272.00
Paid: $103.00
Clutch: Love Cortnie (get yours here and check out the other colors)
Rings: YSL, Made Her Think
Necklace: A Peace Treaty via Urban Outfitters
Lipstick: Covergirl

A huge heartfelt thank you to Linisa of Black Girl in the Ring for choosing to feature my style. Her writing is really expressive and her words really touched me! Thanks, Linisa for choosing to feature BBBlog. I am nothing without my readers and am flattered that you find my choice of clothing inspirational :) Like I told you, it gives a girl the justification to shop on! Ha!! Check out her blog ladies and as always show some blogger love/support!

Nuts for Neon

2012-01-27T13:57:00.000-05:00

Planning on fully delving into the neon craze this Spring and Summer...that is, at least with my accessories!

Jil Sander neon yellow sole oxfords, $745
Cambridge Leather satchel, $170
McQ by Alexander McQueen stud-back heels, $415
Movado watch, $350
ASOS pink sole oxfords oxford shoes, $72
Urbanears 'Plattan' Headphones, $60
ASOS skinny belt, $11
Zoya Neon Nail Polish
Rebecca Minkoff pink leather clutch, $195

Are you nuts for neon? Come on, just a little??

'A Little Snow, Tumbled About'

2012-01-25T11:37:00.001-05:00

Took some quick shots after the first snow of 2012. We didn't get too much, but it was enough that I had to pick up a shovel. I HATE SHOVELING! But I guess it's winter and a few flurries are to be expected. Just come on Spring, come on!!

Loving my little lace dress from Free People. Been looking for the perfect lace dress for a long time, and this has come very close to what I'd envisioned! Although, I have to say, it really is a tad short, so for the Spring, I'll make sure to wear some bike shorts underneath. I can see it now with bare legs and oxfords! Can't wait!

The calf hair jacket is a little gem I picked up at the markets outside the Duomo in Florence, Italy. Sooo many leather goods for dirt cheap. Got it for $100!

What I'm Wearing:

Free People Lace Dress

Calf Hair Jacket: Bought while in Florence

Fur Collar: Etsy

Hat: Asos

Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Sasha

Shoes: Seychelles Biography via Piperlime (see two other colors here)

Orig: $99.00

Paid: $47.00

Tights: Forever21

Rings: YSL, Carol Marie

Lipstick: Covergirl

'The Plain Single Vow...'

2012-01-23T09:35:00.000-05:00

I am constantly trying to find heels high enough to keep these Free People Extreme Vintage Flares (worn in the Summer here) from sweeping the ground. I really adore their swish, their overall cut, color and the fringe bottom so I'm too much of a wuss to cut them off.

I paired them this time with this crochet arm tee and my jacquard crystal waist jacket (first worn here) that barely sees the light of day (mainly because I keep forgetting about it). Btw, I took these pictures back in November when it was still a bit warm out (yup, warm in November).

I so swear to you ladies, I will shop in my closet from now until my birthday in April! (But of course being the gentle women that ye all are, you'll not fault me if I stray from my vow now and again...teehee)

What I'm Wearing:
Jacket: Arden B
Pants: Free People Wide Leg Extreme Vintage Flares
Shirt: Free People via Bloomingdales
Orig. Price: $68.00
Paid: $37.00
Shoes: Betsey Johnson via Zappos
Ring: Carol Marie
Necklace: A Peace Treaty

Absolutely NEEDING these glitter booties from To Be Announced. If they become low in-stock, I may have to break my vow. I'm sure you all understand though, right?

NEW IN:

2012-01-20T10:12:00.001-05:00

I had wanted these beauties for such a long time, and when I saw them in person at the Sam Edelman Spring '12 preview (here) I HAD to have them. Got home that night and immediately ordered them. I don't play shoe favorites with my babies, but these are seriously a close first. Don't want to wear them I love them so much (if that makes any sense)!
(**Update: I'm wearing the hell out of them!!! Men and women compliment them every time too!)

Sam Edelman Petty via Revolve Clothing
(still available here, here, here and here)

Orig. Price: $190.00
Paid: $123.00

'Furred [Coats] Hide Them All'

2012-01-17T12:04:00.000-05:00

Scored this ultra warm, faux fur coat on Etsy for $30! Love the ode to animal print, love that it feels like a blanket effectively hiding me from the cold...erm, if it were actually cold! The weather in NYC is just what it used to be like years ago before Winter began to wallop our butts! I think we're do for a break so I hope Winter doesn't realize that um, it's Winter...

These Citizens are fast becoming my favorite pair of jeans. Granted I had to have them hacked off because apparently at 5'5, I'm a super short girl, but now they're perfect! LOVE the slight flair, the highish waist and the forgiving stretch!

What I'm Wearing:
Coat: Vintage
Jeans: Citizens of Humanity Angie Flare via Bloomingdales
(They were aprox. $228 but got them for $70 (I think - that's how long they've been at the cleaners)
Top: Anna Sui via Lord and Taylor
Belt: JCrew
Boots: Betsey Johnson Maybill
Necklace: Carol Marie, JCrew
Zara Sequin Clutch
Sunspecs: Rayban Wayfarer

Instagram...

2012-01-13T11:01:00.000-05:00

Ice from Carol Marie...

My sister-n-law's banana pudding goodness and my brother's weakness :)...

New booties from Piperlime, bought at an insanely low price ($50.00!!)...

New vest and fedora that FINALLY went on sale...

Shoes from L&T. Had gone in to return something and came out with these (all seriously reduced)...oye!

My nightstand on a given night...

A glimpse of my NYE outfit...

My cutie boy, Sammy...

One of the perks in getting the iPhone is Instagram! Love it! (You can follow me here)!

Have a great weekend!!

'One [necklace] is Gold, Another is [Bronze], and The Third is [Glass]'

2012-01-11T00:00:00.004-05:00

Recently acquired some new neckwear. Really into collars and ladder necklaces right now!

Oh, and leopard....

What I'm Wearing:
Neck Cuff: Sibilia via Free People
Collar: Asos
Ladder Necklace: Carol Marie via Free People
                 Orig.: $398.00
                  Paid: $99.00
Fedora: JCrew
                 Orig: $178.00
                  Paid: $72.00
Top: French Connection
Pants: via Lord & Taylor
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Fairlane
Lipstick: Mac Red

'Suffer Them Now and They'll O'er Grow the Garden'

2012-01-08T00:00:00.003-05:00

I LOVE this floral blouse from Zara. The colors are so vibrant and I love how it pops even more against the black background! Great in the winter, PERFECT in the Spring!

Since the floral pattern varied on each of these blouses, I went to at least 4 stores to find the perfect mixture of fuchsia and orange on a size Medium (yeah, I'm a bit nuts like that). Didn't find the exact pattern that I had previously spotted on an XL (it had gorgeous amounts of fuchsia on it) so I settled for this one. I love it nonetheless!

And a huge thank you to Taylor for taking these shots of me :) You were a lifesaver!!

(Pics by T. Engelson)

What I'm Wearing:
Zara Floral Blouse
Pants: JCrew
Coat: Gryphon
Sibilia Collar
Necklace: JCrew
Rings: YSL, Made Her Think, A Peace Treaty
Watch: Coach

Sunspecs: Ray Ban Wayfarer

NEW IN:

2012-01-05T21:37:00.000-05:00

I call them my low-top Litas! And incidentally my only purchase on Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined. I'm so proud of myself (**grinning widely**)

Jeffrey Campbell Fairlane via Nasty Gal

Orig. Price: $158.00

Paid: $118.00

These I bought a while back and have only now just taken them out of their box and found a spot for them on my shoe shelf. LOVE them and how cute are the lightning bolts on the zippers!

(**UPDATE** I have since worn these shoes since writing this post and must confess that I totally ate the ground and scratched the toe on the right foot. I am devastated!!! Not because I went down like a sack of potatoes (and I fully blame my tall ass boyfriend who thought I could keep up with his long strides in my six inch heels, and I blame the damn uneven pavement of NYC) but that I scuffed my beautiful babies on their first go. Boo!)

Betsey Johnson Maybill via Zappos

Orig. Price: $169.00

Paid: $152.00

'What a Deformed [Thing] This [Skirt] Is'

2012-01-03T09:55:00.001-05:00

Hope everyone had a great New Year's! Can't believe the holidays are all passed and it's 2012. Time fliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiies!! Before you know it, it'll be 2013 but then I'd be 35 (egad!!!!) Let's change the subject!!

Here's what I wore for New Year's Eve!

What I'm Wearing:
Free People Flawless Maxi Skirt
Orig. Price: $168.00
Paid: $29.99
Vest: Sanctuary
Sequin Tank: ArdenB
Neck Cuff: Sibilia
Rings: YSL, Made Her Think
Cuff: Asos
Shoes: Victoria's Secret
Zara Sequin Clutch

'A Long Farewell To [This Year's] Greatness'

2011-12-27T11:34:00.003-05:00

Some of my favorite posts from 2011! Did your favorite make the cut?

Middle Shot: If He Be Married, My Grave is Like To Be My Wedding Bed

Clockwise from top:

Whose Manners [I] Limp After in Base Imitation
Where Thou Art Not, Desolation
That Which We Call A Rose
All the [Coldness] The Sun Sucks Up
Imitate The Action Of The Tiger
That Looks on Tempests and Is Never Shaken
Beware the Ides of March
The Lady Doth Protest Too Much
If [Clothes] Be The Food of Love, [Shop] On
Take A [Fashion] Bath Once Or Twice A Week...It Is To The Soul What The Water-Bath Is To The Body
Is This [The Necklace] Which I See Before Me?

I'm going to take a little blogger break until after New Years. I'd like to wish you all a very special, safe, healthy and Happy New Year! Thank you very much for all your support! I really really appreciate it!

I'll be tweeting on the regular so follow me on Twitter (here) to keep abreast of my daily ramblings, outfits and purchases!!

And So This Is Christmas...

2011-12-25T09:16:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all, a very Happy Holiday!

Coming Soon...

2011-12-23T18:27:00.000-05:00

Blouse love....

On sale now at Zara for $39.99!

More pics coming soon!