Lady Frugal : Affordable fashion for all!

Today's Look: Street Fair Chic

2010-07-11T18:12:00.001-07:00

I spent the day enjoying Seafood Fest -- a street fair that literally takes place outside my front door! I wanted to be comfy (hence the flats) and cover up my sunburned shoulders (hello, cardigan!) but still feel summery with a nautical inspired color scheme.

The Look:
Lace Tank: $7 - Walmart, 2007
Capris: $20.99 (on sale) - Old Navy, June 2010
Cardigan: $59 - INC by Macy's, June 2010
Bow Flats: $30 - Lela Rose for Payless, June 2010
Headband: $5.80 - Forever 21, July 2010

Total Look: 122.79

Today's Look: Summer Scarves!

2010-07-09T20:28:00.001-07:00

One of the hottest looks this summer is wearing a cold weather accessory as the temperature heats up...the summer scarf! Tons of celebrities are rocking the look this season, and so can you! The best part is that you'll be able to wear your scarf year round and get the most bang for your buck! We FINALLY had a day above 75 in Seattle...in fact, it was 90! I used the opportunity to pull out my trendy new romper, and pair it with a scarf from my accessory blitz shopping trip last week.

The Look:

Denim Romper: $19.99 - Target, May 2010
Wedges: $30 (on sale) - Kohls, 2009
Scarf: $6.80 - Forever 21, July 2010
Earrings: $8 - Target, April 2010

Total Look: $64.79

Yesterday's Look: What I wore to my job interview

2010-07-08T10:22:00.001-07:00

For my interview in Portland yesterday, I decided to go a little more formal than I did for my last interview here in Seattle. You'll notice that the basic pieces I used are the same, but I changed up the look with a Chanel inspired jacket from H&M and different accessories. I love the "stud" detailing on the shoulder and pockets of this jacket -- it gives a young, trendy feel to the classic look. I think I'll get a lot of wear out of the jacket -- it will look adorable with shorts and a blouse or tailored jeans and a tank!

A special thanks to my friend Kathy for letting me crash at her place, and showing me around Portland. Love you, Kathy!

The Look:
Chanel-inspired jacket: $60 - H&M, June 2010
Pencil skirt: $60 - INC for Macy's, June 2010
Ruffle Blouse, $23.70 (on sale, normally $39.50) - Ann Taylor Loft, June 2010
Topaz and clear statement necklace : $26.40 (on sale, normally 44.50) - Ann Taylor Loft, June 2010
Hollywould Leopard Print Peep-toe Pumps - $8 on clearance, Target 2007

Total Look: $173.10

A Frugal Alternative to Spanx

2010-07-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

When I find a great, affordable product I can't help but share! No matter how adorable your outfit is, it just won't look right without the proper foundation. Many celebrities and public figures rave about Spanx products. Spanx are somewhat pricey, so I ordered a pair off of eBay for $30 (originally $68 at Nordstrom) to wear under my mermaid style wedding dress a few years ago. I was less than impressed. The fabric tore when trying them on for first time, they didn't "suck me in" enough, and you could see them through the dress! Doesn't that defeat the purpose?

Not one to give up so easily, I kept searching and stumbled across the ASSETS by Sara Blakely line at Target a few weeks later. ASSETS (love the name) are incredible! The fabric is comfy and durable, they make you look as if you've lost 10 pounds and they are affordable! The "unbelievable underwear" pictured above was only $15. They worked great under my wedding dress, and are still going strong 3 years later. I wore them to my job interview today (photos to come) under a pencil skirt. They make the skirt (not to mention my butt and hips) look a million times better. ASSETS offers a variety of products and are available online. Give them a try! I promise they will soon become the foundation of your wardrobe.

Shopping Trip: Accessory Blitz!

2010-07-05T22:22:00.001-07:00

My husband Scott and I spent our day off relaxing, running errands, and of course...shopping! Scott needed to pick up some "investment pieces" (ie, expensive items he will wear a lot) for work. After spending a few hours of helping him pick out clothes, I felt like I deserved a few items myself! Since we had spent most of our budget on Scott's items, I decided to give myself a $30 to spend at Forever 21 on some fab accessories! I got four wonderful items...talk about stretching your dollar! I LOVE the accessories from Forever 21. There clothing can be a little bit of a risk (I've had good an bad experiences!) but there accessories are always spot on. Here's what I picked up:

Metallic Sprinkled Gauze Scarf - $6.80
I LOVE the variety of colors in this scarf. It can match so many things, and the sparkle takes it from day to night in a snap!
Ways to wear:
• With a t-shirt, shorts, blazer and shades...Holllywood chic!
• Knotted around the neck with a simple solid sundress
• Pair it with ripped jeans and a simple tank for a fun, casual look

Mesh and Feather Flower Hair Clip/Pin - $6.80
This can be worn as a hair clip or pin...so many options!
Ways to wear:
• Clipped into a messy updo...so fabulous!
• Pinned onto a blazer or cardigan to add some jazz to your office wear.
• Clipped onto your handbag...give and old purse a new look!
• Attach to a simple tee or tank and pair with cute jeans and flats...easy and put together.
• Clip it onto a skinny belt for some fun contrast.

Sweet Ruffle Trimmed Fedora - $9.80
I love that the fedora has a feminine twist with the feather and floral detail! I could never quite mesh the fedora trend with my girly style...until I found this!
Ways to wear:
• At the beach or on a boat with your swimsuit/coverup! A stylish way to protect your skin and hair from the sun
• With a maxi dress for an elegant look that doesn't require too much effort.
• With a tank, cardigan, shorts and gladiators...casual cool =)

Full Side Floral Headband - $4.80
The blue version of this headband was featured in my 4th of July looks for less post earlier this weekend. I chose the neutral cream version so that I could work it into a few more outfits and color combos.
Ways to wear:
• With a feminine cardigan for a preppy look
• With a floral sundress, a very garden party combo
• With dark denim and a cream top and flats. It puts a new spin on the classic jeans and white tee combo!

Featured Site: Frugal Fashion Focus

2010-07-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across a FABULOUS site last week called Frugal Fashion Focus. They feature bloggers (like me) who post about incredible fashion at incredible prices! The site has a terrific collection of blogs and resources that will inspire you and help save some cash!

A huge thank you to Frugal Fashion Focus for including me as one of their featured bloggers. Now go check out their site if you haven't already...I promise you will soon become a huge fan!

Today's Outfit: Wedding Wear

2010-07-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend traveling to Spokane, WA for a dear friends wedding. We had a great time celebrating her big day, and getting all dolled up! My LBD (little black dress) is from JC Penney. I wear it all the time and always get tons of compliments. Plus, it's easy to change up the look of it with fun accessories. If you haven't shopped at JC Penney, you should! They have a fabulous dress section with great brands like Nicole Miller, Bisou Bisou, a.n.a., Allen B. (ABS), I ♥ Ronson and many more. Everything is priced very reasonably, and half of the store is always on sale by at least 30%! Seriously, check it out. The MOTB (Mother of the Bride) did and looked fabulous in an adorable ensemble she snagged at Penny's for half price!

The Look:
Dress - $50 (on sale), JC Penney October 2009
Heels - $25.99, Christian Siriano for Payless, June 2010
Clear and Topaz Stone Choker - $26.40 (on sale NOW, originally $44.50), Ann Taylor Loft, June 2010
Gold and White Giraffe Print Bracelet - $20, Michael's Market and Bistro - Moses Lake, WA. (A cafe that also has a fabulous boutique!) July 2010
Gold and Pearl Statement Ring - $8, Target, April 2010

Total Look: $130.39

Last-Minute Fourth of July Outfits for Under $75

2010-07-01T18:23:00.000-07:00

The fourth of July is just around the corner, and what fashionista doesn't want to look fabulous and festive while sporting her red white and blue? Don't yet have your chic ensemble yet? It's not too late! I've put together two separate looks that are both well under $75 (one is under $60) that look patriotic and posh. The best part is, each piece will look great year-round and can become a staple in your day to day wardrobe. I've selected items from easily accessible stores -- we're down to the wire which means no time for online shopping/shipping. Enjoy these looks...they'll be sure to set off some major fashion fireworks!

LOOK 1:
Jean Sailor Shorts - $29.70 (on sale, originally $49.50), Express
Red Ruffle Front Tank - $7.99 (0n sale, originally $19.90), New York & Company
Turquoise Bauble Bib Necklace - $15.70 (on sale, originally $19.50), Old Navy
Marshall Natural Wedge Slingback - $9.00 (on sale, originally $24.99), Payless Shoes
Blue New York Street Tote - $9.99, Target
Total Cost: $72.38

LOOK 2:
DKNY Jean Dress - $29.99 (on sale, originally $79.00), Macy's
Red Cailey Slingback Flats - $7.00 (on sale, originally $17.99) Payless Shoes
Hollywood Intuition Blue Beaded Clutch - $16.99, Target
Blue Full Side Floral Headband - $4.80, Forever 21
Total Cost: $58.78

Today's Outfit: Comfortable Fashion

2010-07-01T09:00:00.001-07:00

Today was one of those days where I didn't even want to get dressed! Let alone get out of bed. I was up until 1am working last night, and have a BUSY day of work ahead. So, comfort was key today. I kept it simple with black and white...and decided to go with a nice stretchy pair of leggings....very cozy! Good thing I have the day off tomorrow!

The Outfit:
Striped Top - $11, Old Navy (on sale), June 2010
Leggings - $10, Target, May 2010
White Belt- $15, NY & Company, 2008
Shoes - $12.99, GoJane, April 2010
Necklace - $30, Duque Salon & Spa, March 2010

Total Look: $78.99

Today's Look: What I wore to my job interview

2010-06-30T22:30:00.000-07:00

Today I had a job interview at Smith-Harmon, an email marketing agency here in Seattle. I didn't actually apply for the job, they found my website and resume online and contacted me first. That being said, I wasn't quite sure exactly what to wear. I'm not much of a business suit gal, so I decided to keep things a little more casual. As a web designer, my work wear never has to be extremely formal...I can get away with more style and less business.

I realize this outfit is a little more expensive than most. One of my favorite people, Tim Gunn from Project Runway, wrote an amazing book called A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style. If you haven't read it yet, I highly reccommend picking up a copy. It's written for the everyday woman and talks about shopping at lower priced stores (Target, H&M, Forever 21) but really investing in classic pieces. He has a list of 10 must have items (things any woman will wear over and over), which includes a pencil skirt and classic white button up -- as you can see I'm wearing both in this picture! While I didn't buy anything expensive (everything here was under $60) this outfit does cost a little more than average. But hey -- it's a job interview!

I'm really glad I didn't end up going more dressy or wearing a suit today. The office was a really cool urban loft and many of the employees were wearing jeans (my kind of office!). I felt dressed up enough for an interview, but not so formal that I look out of place.

The actual interview went great! I think I may finally be ready to transition from working from home into more of a traditional office environment. We'll see. I have another interview next Wednesay where I'll be wearing a slightly more formal look. Stay tuned for pics!

The Outfit:
White Button Up - Ann Taylor Loft, $30 (on sale) June 2010
Blue Cardigan - INC by Macys, $59 June 2010
Pencil Skirt - INC b Macys, $59 June 2010
Stilettos - Christian Siriano for Payless, $25.99, June 2010
Belt - NY and Company, $15, 2009
Necklace - JC Penney, $15, 2006

TOTAL COST: 203.99

Today's Look

2010-06-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

It's another cold, gray Seattle morning, and I just wanted to be comfy. I work from home, so I have the luxury of actually wearing comfy clothes and not needing to get all dressed up everyday. I am however meeting friends for Happy Hour after work, so I still wanted to look put together. I've been dying to wear my new leopard flats from Payless, so I paired them with a simple black and white combo, and accented them with a piece of funky jewelry.

I'm slightly embarrassed to admit that while I bought this sweater vest in 2008, this is the first time I've worn it! Good thing I kept it around...it's cute AND comfy. I have a feeling I'll be dragging it out more often =)

Dark Denim Capris - New York & Company, $15 (on sale) 2008
White Tee - Target, $9.99 May 2010
Black Sweater Vest - New York & Company, $20 2008
Leopard Flats - Payless, $12.99 (on sale) June 2010
Necklacke - Duque Salon & Spa, $40 (on sale) May 2010
Total Look: $97.98

Christian Siriano for Payless

2010-06-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love a good pair of designer shoes? And who doesn't love the King of Fierce himself, Project Runway's Season 4 winner Christian Siriano? Christian recently came out with a fabulous line for Payless that merges high style with low price...love it!

I snagged this pair below (on sale) for $28.99!

These heels are fierce, if I do say so myself.

Run, don't walk, because styles and sizes were running low. Can you resist a pair of Siriano heels for under 30 dollars? Ok...$35.99 If you miss the sale. But still!

Today's Look

2010-06-28T00:19:00.001-07:00

Tank, Horseshoe (local boutique), $35, March 2010
Cardigan - Target, $16, June 2010
Capris - Old Navy, $25 (on sale) June 2010
Heels - Payless $18.99 (on sale) June 2010
Bangle - H&M $7 summer 2007
Total Look: $101.99

Summer has yet to arrive in Seattle. In fact, Spring still isn't really here either-- we haven't had a single day over 75 degrees in 2010! While the sky may be overcast and gray, I'm making the fashion fun and colorful! Since it's not warm enough for just a tank or sundress, I've been doing lots of layering. Tanks and cardis have been a favorite combo. And who doesn't love a bright pop of color? The hue today is a bright summery violet...skin isn't the only way to ring in the summer...color can have the same effect!

I have two favorite things in this outfit. Numero uno is the fabulous shoes! I think that bright colored pumps are a staple every woman should have in her wardrobe. You can wear them matchy-matchy (like I've done here) or pair them with a neutral outfit to jazz things up. While a purple shoe may seem impractical at first, you'll be surprised how often you find an excuse once to wear them once they are sitting fabulously in your closet!

My other favorite item is the tank. I purchased this in March at a local boutique. The top was normally well over $100 and I snagged it for $35. Because it's from a boutique, I've never seen anyone else with it. While local boutiques may seem pricey, check the sales rack! You'll never know what goodies you'll find, and by purchasing things out of season (like I did with the tank) you can save a bundle.

Last thing...because I KNOW you are going to ask. Yes, I am mixing metals. The detailing on the tank is a bronze/gold color, and my bangle is silver. While many people think this is a fashion no-no, I really love the look! I think mixing metals looks uber-sophisticated and helps you avoid the fashion faux-pas of being to perfectly matched. If it drives you crazy, don't bother...but if you're feeling adventurous, give it a try!