The F - Affordable Fashion Finds

A few parting words...

2009-04-28T03:40:00.000-07:00

I started The F a little over 2 years ago now to share my love of fashion and cheapness with the Universe... but posts have been dwindling as of late and I think it's become apparent that I'm not going to be able to keep up.

Work and life are taking me in a new direction and I think I need to focus on that - time to move on. Wow! This is harder than I thought it would be! I'm going to miss my little blog so, so much. :(

I just wanted to say thanks to all who read, shopped and played dress up with me. I still think it's crazy anyone would listen to me or ask me for fashion advice, but it's been a great lesson - it's everyday chicas like you and me, that are definitively fierce. We make our own style from the things that we love and that is always HOT. Remember doll, your best accessory is your own personality and if anyone says otherwise, tell them to GET F'd!

Stay fab.

theFgirl
XOXOXO

Wear to work fab

2009-04-15T23:30:00.000-07:00

Apologies for the lack of posts this week darlings. Work has been SUPER hectic! You know how it is. And speaking of work, I've been getting quite a few emails about what to wear to the office this season. Here's one from Hyunjin:

i LOVE your blog. it is absolutely amazing. i was hoping you might be able to help -- i'm starting work this summer at a high-power fashion-type company, and the dress is business casual. not only do i not have any business casual clothes, but i have no idea how to make it look fashionable. i don't want to spend thousands, but how can i get an affordable wardrobe for work? thanks so so so much! - Hyunjin

Well aren't you lucky! Sounds like it's gonna be completely fabulous! To be honest, I never really understand dress codes like "business casual" or "tropical formal" - they're kind of an oxymoron - and it sure doesn't make our job of figuring out what to wear any easier, so I feel your pain.

You might as well have fun with it! It is a fashion company afterall! Take your power pants and pencil skirts and add a healthy dash of color. A vibrant print, some funky shoes and accessories are a must.

In this look, I used the pretty floral print top and worked the colors through the rest of the outfit with very simple pieces. You don't want to have too much stuff competing for attention- all things in proportion. Decide on a focal point and work everything else around that.

Hope that gives you some ideas and good luck with the new job!

TOTAL: $119.62

Pixie cut a la RiRi

2009-04-09T05:54:00.000-07:00

I just recently got a pixie cut. Any idea on how to make it feminine without looking too girly. Also I am petite and small. - Erica

There are a lot of ways to show off your feminine side other than wearing a dress and florals. It can be as simple as choosing tighter jeans and a lower cut top. Nothing says WOMAN more than curves and skin, but ofcourse, all in moderation.

Visual contrasts are also great if you want to be less subtle about it. Take your traditional girly concept like pink, hearts, dramatic accessories and contrast them with black, denim and leather.

Someone who does this too well (and rocks what is probably the most famous pixie cut of them all) is Rihanna. Girl is fierce, so there's no one better to take a few pointers from. Her mix of kick-ass streetwear infused with girl-next-door goodness redefines femininity for the modern day urbanista; pink meets patent leather, casual cropped jackets meets divalicious bling and so on. It's all about contradiction.

TOTAL:$102.67

Have a great Easter weekend everyone and see you after the break!

The Fine Print

2009-04-06T23:32:00.000-07:00

I check your blog on a regular basis for cheap ways to keep my wardrobe up to date. Your ideas are awesome and fit in well with what I like and what I can afford. However, after shopping with some friends they commented on how I never buy prints. I love bright and bold colors, and enjoying accessorizing those colors with scarves and jewelry that have print designs, but I rarely buy tops with prints. When I began looking for prints many of them seemed too loud and tacky, or too flowery and girly. What are some nice prints I can wear that are mature and fashionable? - Katrina

Thanks Katrina! I am such a cheat when it comes to prints because I completely agree with you. Good prints are hard to come by and when I do find one that I love, it rarely gets much wear. They get old fast so you need to retire your prints every so often so you don't get caught doing a double take.

Something I do is stick to "basic" prints in 2, maybe 3 colors. This way, I'm free to accessorize without worrying too much about looking like a christmas tree. Black and white is always fab and will make big, bold and all kinds of crazy patterns easier to swallow. Stripes (an essential this season) are also a great pick, because they're versatile and easy to mix and match. I'm a little more cautious with florals and other designs. I tend to stick to smaller, more delicate prints in small doses rather than ones that kinda take over the whole look. For a more mature look, stick to anything inspired by nature - leaves, soft lines, maybe even some mild animal print.

Hope that helps!

Left to right...

Tuesday's shoes day

2009-03-31T05:39:00.000-07:00

I saw someone workin' these shoes today and omg I want them now! They're kind of a gladiator-thong-kitten-heel-bootie hybrid and utterly fabulous. I think they'd be a great way to spunk up a work outfit. Found them at Cutesy Girl for 25 bucks. Score! The pewter color is lush so a nice handbag to match would be just the thing to tie a look together.

TOTAL:$121.76

Recessionista Chic

2009-03-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

Hey Ladies! The fabulous folks over at AKIRA are offering all F readers 15% off at their new online store! You have got to check them out if you're looking for some haute threads on the budge. Check out their "Couture for the poor" lookbook for some edgy outfit ideas. Some serious stylin' going on over there! We love it! Use code THEF15 to nab your discount at checkout.

Paris Hilton's Bootie 70% off at Amazon

2009-03-25T06:04:00.000-07:00

That was kinda low, but if it makes any difference, the shoes are really cute. Would look hot with skinny jeans or micro mini. They come in black leather, grey leather, brown leather, brown suede, purple suede and black suede (picture above). All but the purple suede 9M are 70% off right now, so go get 'em!

Paris Hilton Palms Bootie ~~$139.95~~ $41.98*

*Black Suede, 7M

Updating a vintage dress

2009-03-23T05:54:00.000-07:00

Your blog is such a fun read! I was hoping you could help me out: my mom made this dress in the 70s for her wedding, it was later dyed to a cream color for a bridesmaid dress. I thought maybe I could wear it as a spring dress but dont know how I'd accessorize it. Any ideas? Thanks! -Amy

Hi Amy! This is such a great dress for spring and for several reasons: neutrals are haute, ruffles are haute and vintage is always haute! Now, provided mom won't murderize you for hacking away at her wedding dress, taking off some (or alot) of the length would be an easy way to bring this dress up to date. For jewelry, I'd stick with smaller goldtone pieces - nothing too intrusive. You don't need to add much by way of color really. Neutrals make the strongest statement when worn on their own. You can maybe do a pair of slightly darker stockings like how Nina Ricci did in her Spring RTW collection for a little extra pop.

TOTAL:$93.37

Do I like this shirt?

2009-03-18T04:42:00.000-07:00

We have a question from a reader today:

I recently bought this shirt from fifteendollarstore.com and can’t decide if I like it. Can you give me some outfit ideas? - Jennifer

Hey Jennifer! I love high waists and a ruffled bib, so this shirt looks perfect for it. If you're handy with a needle and thread (and I recommend all frugal fashionistas should be), you could give it an update by taking off the sleeves. Though very similar in style, the vibe is entirely different; On the left, we have straight edged and conservative and on the right it's all fun and flirtatiousness. I can be such an impulsive shopper myself, but before I decide to banish anything to depths of my closet, an intensive dress-up session is imperative. Hope these look give you a little inspiration!

Left...

Right...

Shoes...

Target Mossimo Valonia Patent Pump $29.99

You're a natural

2009-03-16T04:47:00.000-07:00

I know Spring's all about color, but sometimes... I just can't do it! Sometimes I just wanna keep it low key and fade out especially after these wild Friday nights I've been having. Here's a look I pulled together for a lazy day. A little on the artsy fartsy side, but you gotta love the sandals!

TOTAL: $100.29

Peep these peep toes

2009-03-13T18:49:00.000-07:00

Spotted these very couturesque looking peep toe booties at Wet Seal. Also comes in black. We likes!

Strappy Peep Toe Bootie $34.50

A little drama for your do

2009-03-11T02:59:00.000-07:00

I stopped wearing shiz in my hair when I was 8, but these cute hair accessories from LuLu*s might just make me change my mind about that. I love the feather pieces especially!

Clockwise from top left...

Spring is vivid

2009-03-09T04:40:00.000-07:00

In case ya haven't hearrrrd, this spring is ALL about COLOR, so I was snooping around for something cute and I came across these three fabulous little pieces at PacSun. I'm sure you've heard of statement jewelry, but how about a statement dress! Sure they're a little pricey by F standards, $64 for the pink number (my fave of this lot), but I think you can safely say they'll last you a few years. Classy cuts and nice detailing transcend 2-minute fads and one thing's for sure, all eyes will be on you! Loves it!

Left to right...

Fab Friday - What to wear clubbing

2009-03-06T05:56:00.000-08:00

Just when I thought my booty shakin' days were... er... behind me, my friend Nicole announces she's having a quarter life crisis and the only cure is for us to booze it up and break it down (apparently this medicine doesn't work without an accomplice). Clubbing every Friday she threatens. Not that I mind I suppose. I used to be quite the queen of the night. LOL. Now, I'm 28, and consider myself reformed, but I guess it's an excuse to go shopping for some fun (i.e slutty) clothes.. hehehe... which is still fun nonetheless. Check out these funky friday outfits each for under 100 bucks! TheFboy is not going to like this! ;)

TOTAL: $88.38

TOTAL: $99.86

*Size 6.5M - 8M

Passion for Purple

2009-03-04T23:46:00.000-08:00

I wear a lot of black to work, so I think I might try something pretty and feminine for a change. This ruffled top is from Old Navy is cute, but I gotta keep the power pants and pumps. Don't wanna over do it now!

TOTAL: $136.96

You MUST have this dress!!!

2009-03-02T23:08:00.000-08:00

Ooh la la! This much fabulousness at 25 bucks is just criminal!

Forever21 Strapless Satin Pleated Dress $24.80

Steals 'N Deals - Baghaus coupon 25% off

2009-02-25T23:01:00.000-08:00

Another great sale going on at Baghaus y'all so check that out if you're in need of some new arm candy. I so want this feather fringe bag from Melie Bianco - fabooo! I also want all the ones you see below. LOL. Sale runs til this Sunday only... decisions, decisions!

Hello sunshine

2009-02-23T03:56:00.000-08:00

There's a bunch of fab new stuff over at Ruche. It's been a while since I checked them out. I hope I haven't missed too much. This yellow tunic immediately caught my eye. I love this sunburned mustard yellow. So nostalgic and warm and fuzzy... a great color for spring. I paired it here with a pair of beat up jeans in keeping with that lazy Sunday mood and some funky beaded earrings from Forever21 for just a little razzle dazzle. The rest is from Target. The shoes are really cute. Not bad for 17 bucks.

TOTAL:$120.72

Finger lickin' good

2009-02-20T17:05:00.000-08:00

I am wondering where can I find some brightly colored fingerless leather gloves (like the fashionable kind)? I hope you can help!-Gwen

Ooh! I like that! Fabularized by queen of fashion, Miss Rihanna (Chris Brown grrrrrrrr!!!), it's no surprise these babies are not an easy find on the cheap.

Miss Tina does a really cute pair in hot pink with studs (pictured above, though the HSN site where they sell exclusively is unreachable at the moment booooooooooooooooo!). Nordstrom has them in patent yellow, red and black and for a little more dosh you can also get them at Patricia Fields in pink and purple.

Save

Splurge

Fashion Flash - Tattooed tote

2009-02-16T23:56:00.000-08:00

Waddaya think of this tatted out tote? Bad ass or just bad?

TOTAL: $95.13

Fab Find - Bamboo Dress

2009-02-13T16:38:00.000-08:00

Check it. This dress was featured in Francesca's weekly newsletter. It's made from 100% organic bamboo fabric which is antibacterial and water absorbent so you not only look fresh, but feel fresh too. Love the green, but it also comes in pink (mauve) for all you girly girls. Seen here with a trendy multi-strand chain necklace (hot!) , camel clutch and heels, it's the perfect little date dress. Happy Valentines Day chicas!

TOTAL:$ 106.17

Sensible Chic

2009-02-11T04:23:00.000-08:00

We have reader mail today my lovelies. And this is an issue I know a lot of us gotta deal with!

I work in technology and do alot of field work (physical activity over several offices). We are only allowed to do jeans on Friday, at the same time are not required to dress up because of our work environments. I am trying to find chic, stylish, outfits (along with flat shoes or wedges) to wear to work without looking drab. Thanks in advance - Website Fan

Aren't office dress codes the worst?! And quite the predicament when you can neither dress up nor down.

Suiting pants are great for such situations because they're really either or. Check out NY&Co for a nice selection, affordable too! They also have some fab ideas in their lookbook if you're in need of a little fashion inspiration.

Comfort is key when you're running around all day, so you're right on with the flats and wedges. There are a ton of trendy styles out there to choose from, but a word of precaution - avoid cork heels, they're just a little too laid back for work. These basic black wedges by Qupid are sensible but chic and a great everyday pair to mix and match with.

Lastly, use funky prints and colors to jazz things up and don't forget to accessorize! Stack-em-up bangles, trendy belts and dramatic earrings are your best friends!

TOTAL: $119.13

Go Low Key Cute this Valentine's Day

2009-02-09T23:50:00.000-08:00

There is something innately sexy about a t-shirt dress. They are that distinct not-trying-to-be-chic kinda chic. A great pick for Valentine's day if you don't wanna over do it. This one comes from American Eagle. The "Gladiola Pink" goes perfectly with these funky beaded sandals from Target. For accessories, I found these fab rainbow bangles from Forever21, for a little color variation. It's bohemian meets street for under 100 bucks.

TOTAL: $75.28

The Bomb Diggity - Ruffle Wedge Sandals

2009-02-05T02:47:00.000-08:00

This is the hautness! And how much does such fabulousness cost you ask? 30 bucks - quite the steal! I think I've found my new faves. An easy way to chic up a work outfit or add a touch of class after 5. Also comes in pewter. Hmm tough call. Get both. Thaaaank youuu Target! X

Target Mossimo Panya Ruffle Wedge Sandal $29.99

Fresh Spring Fashion

2009-02-02T23:47:00.000-08:00

I just love this top from Old Navy. Cute color combo! And a nice contrast with blue jeans. These boy fit jeans from AE are super trendy, but a little pricey at 50 bucks. You can def shave a few dollars off the total by getting them elsewhere or heck, roll up a pair of old ones. The yellow peep-toes really make this look pop, while the tan belt and bag keep it grounded.

TOTAL: $157.99