The Frugalista Diaries

Beading

2012-01-31T01:18:00.000-05:00

I have a special appreciation for craftsmanship when it comes to clothing, beading in particular, the time and effort that goes into it just blows me away, and this gorgeous skirt is no exception. Another vintage find from my amazing cousin (last one here) from the talented Oscar De La Renta, a man who knows a thing or two about craftsmanship. shirt old navy, shoes dolce vita, skirt oscar

Shining

2012-01-30T00:34:00.000-05:00

sometimes monday's just need a little sparkle to help start the week off on the right foot. leggings forever21, shirt oxford and regent (DIY), vest chicos, boots tjmaxx (old), bag piper and blue, jewelry jewelmint, h&m, vintage

Spot The Steal - Steve Madden "Beasst"

2012-01-29T12:11:00.000-05:00

Looking for a dupe to Steve Madden's gorgeous "Beasst"? It would seem that Target caught the bold pink bug, and is selling an almost identical, sans the suede, for less than 1/2 the price of Steve's version. What do you think? Mossimo's Paisley in Pink, $29.99 Target Steve Madden Beasst in Fuchsia, $72.99 Endless I snagged them (seen here, and here)

In Love With Lemon Bars (Recipe)

2012-01-29T00:49:00.024-05:00

I wake up early every Saturday so I can hop down to the Farmer's Market just to indulge in freshly baked lemon bars, they've become somewhat of a weakness in my life, between the cooling yet tart flavor and the crumbly crust I just can't help myself and have been know to buy a few more than I 'need' to. So imagine how dangerous it was when I found this amazing, and (so so so) simple recipe for

This Week...

2012-01-28T00:27:00.001-05:00

I love when I have a week filled with shoes, packages and comfort food. What makes your week? Finally snagged these babies to realize this, uh oh, going back. Who doesn't love a cheeseburger and fries on the beach? New hair straightener from HANA. Box of vintage goodies from my cousin, I wore the Miu Miu here. And we took some pictures of the 4 of us...

The "Venice" 3 Ways

2012-01-27T00:22:00.001-05:00

After getting the "Venice", I teamed up with Stylemint to give the versatile striped top three different looks. What do you think? Next time I'm going to go with a more colorful separates, since I unintentionally went with dark hues. Frills Navy Ruffled Skirt, Black Tights, and Pumps Top Stylemint, Skirt Zac Posen for Target, Shoes Vince Camuto, Bag H&M, Tights Old Navy Vested

watercoloring

2012-01-26T00:38:00.000-05:00

Ok, it's true, I love purple a little too much. dress h&m, shoes candies, bag h&m, necklace honey rose & k

Plumed Colors

2012-01-25T00:27:00.001-05:00

It's been awhile since this shirt last surfaced (here, and here) and since it seems to be turning into Spring here what better time to bring out the lovely colors of the peacock plume. top liberty of london for target/DIY, shorts go international target, blazer target, shoes vince camuto, tights old navy, bag piper and blue, ring h&m, necklaces jewelmint & DIY,

Daily Buzz Style 9x9: Day To Night Make Up Tutorial

2012-01-24T02:01:00.004-05:00

When I was chosen to put together a Day to Night Make Up Tutorial for Daily Buzz's Style 9x9, I immediately knew what I wanted to do, a simple cat lined eye and a nude lip for day and for night, my signature bold lips, fuchsia in particular. And since most of you know, like my hair, I don't spend a lot of time on my make-up, since well, I already spend far too much time standing in

H&M Trend Guide SS12

2012-01-23T11:36:00.003-05:00

Well Hello Sprinnnng! Color, Tailoring and of course, Statement Jewelry.

From Her Closet

2012-01-23T00:32:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend I received an enormous box filled with vintage goodies from my favorite cousin in Chicago, the box included a gorgeously beaded vintage frock from the 20's, skirts from Oscar De La Renta and Ungaro, and of course a dress or two from one of my favorites, Miu Miu. I chose to wear the red Miu Miu dress first because I needed a little pop of color to brighten the other wise

Easy (and Quick) Macaroon Recipe

2012-01-22T00:12:00.001-05:00

I know I've said this before about some of the recipes I've posted in the past, but I just have to reiterate that it just baffles me that the recipes I thought were complicated and not so do-able, turn out to be the easiest. Take these macaroons for instance, I love cocoanut, love, but never thought to look into making macaroons because I "assumed" they'd be difficult, ha, was I wrong! This

Links À LA MODE Roundup - Jan 19th

2012-01-21T19:32:00.002-05:00

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: JANUARY 19TH Are You Endearing: Life Lessons Learned From a Little Black Dress Brunette Blogging: A fun approach to the widely discussed tale of the fashion blogger Coming Unstitched: Found that perfect dress? Here’s how to work it with every style. Denimology: Skinny, Slouchy or Drop Crotch? This Is The Question! Dressful: Bill Cunningham: The

This Week...

2012-01-21T00:46:00.000-05:00

I debuted my DIY Dress for Proactiv's X Out, found some amazing shoes at Target, wore some color and (gasp) flats, and mixed prints and sequins. Oh, and I baked, but you're going to have to wait until tomorrow to see what I made ;). And all while doing so I snapped a few pictures, one, of my new favorite cookie, that's currently hiding in my desk from the two other sweet tooth's (big and

Sunshine

2012-01-20T00:00:00.001-05:00

It's a rare occasion to catch me in flats (I spent 99.9% of my pregnancy last year in heels), so when I saw these boots collecting dust in the back of my closet I thought it was time to switch it up a little bit. Especially since buying them for a mere $5 at Targer (real leather, baby!) a few years ago, I think I've worn them once, the shame. Shirt Agar Fashion, Bag Baciami, Leggings

The Spots

2012-01-19T00:12:00.001-05:00

What is it about leopard print that's so alluring, it's hard for me to turn anything down that's resembled the spot, now I don't think I'd go overboard with leopard but I would go as far as saying that my week is not complete without a pop of leopard. On another note, how fabulous is this oversized Jewelmint bangle (also seen here)? It's the perfect amount of texture (wood), shimmer (gold)

Fancy French Cologne Secret Sale

2012-01-18T21:33:00.000-05:00

Psst....Fancy French Cologne is having a secret sale and you're invited!

When It Comes To Macy's

2012-01-18T15:48:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite department stores growing up, had to be Macy’s. To a kid the store was enormous and had everything you needed from shoes to clothing, makeup and even electronics. Not to mention their own parade, but that’s for another time. It would seem that not much has changed over the years, they still have it all and more, now I’m not only looking for this season’s color blocked

Coloring

2012-01-18T00:34:00.001-05:00

Surprisingly, I didn't pick up too many things while I was in New York last month, but one of the few things that I did snag was this amazing bold shift dress. I just couldn't pass up the print, color, or the fact that it was only $15, and it just so happens that it matches these tights perfectly! Dress H&M, Tights Sculptz, Necklace Vintage, Bangle Jewelmint, Bag Target, Booties Steve

Fab Shoes Finds Under $50 At Target

2012-01-17T17:01:00.003-05:00

Leave it to Target to lure me in for something completely irrelevant to shoes and me end up leaving with a new pair of berry pumps. But who can deny themselves such a color and shape at such a price? Am I right, did you see that heel, chic. Plus I found some other bright and fabulous finds for under $35, who's loving the colorblocking and those amazing flats, trend alert! Mossimo Paisley,

Neutralista

2012-01-17T00:31:00.000-05:00

Who says neutral palettes are boring, add some print and texture and it's anything but boring! dress bcbg, belt vintage, sweater old navy, tights sculptz, boots jessica simpson, bag baciami, bangle jewelmint

Giveaway Winners

2012-01-16T21:46:00.001-05:00

I thought instead of individually announcing giveaway winners, I'd put them all in one post as a one stop shop announcement! Thank you ladies for entering all the blogiversary giveaways, I look forward to many more! High Gloss Fashion Jewelry Giveaway Mimi's The Look For Less $30 Giveaway H&M $50 Giveaway - 2 Winners & Haute Glam Boutique Giveaway SneakPeeq.com

DIY For A Cause: Proactiv's XOut Inspired Dress Challenge

2012-01-16T00:01:00.003-05:00

When the makers of Proactiv's XOut reached out to me to DIY/Design a dress inspired by their new skincare line, I immediately jumped on board, not only was it a chance to do a little DIY/Designing but it was also for a great cause since we're auctioning off our dresses for 100% of the proceeds to go to Pacer's National Bullying Prevention Center. After signing on board, I immediately got

P.F Chang's Lettuce Wrap Recipe

2012-01-15T00:28:00.001-05:00

If you're a fan of P.F Chang's, you're probably a fan of their famous and delicious lettuce wraps. I mean how can you not like the crunchy yet filling appetizer? So when I stumbled upon this recipe on YumSugar, I hopped up, ran to the store and made it for dinner that night. P.F Chang's Lettuce Wraps MARINADE1 teaspoon cornstarch2 teaspoons sherry wine or red wine2 teaspoons water2

Snap Snap

2012-01-14T00:06:00.001-05:00

(Dye Job #1, I'm currently on #5, It's still not black!) While you are all out (hopefully) enjoying your weekend I'll be stuck inside cramming to finish up the dress I signed on to do for Proactiv's X-Out, as we currently stand the dress is refusing to hold color and intends on defying me, good thing I have a few tricks up my sleeve. Luckily this week was filled with little gifts that I