within your means fashions

bold and the beautiful

2012-01-22T11:19:00.000-08:00

Of course my first two loves are my son and husband, but fashion is right behind them, and pretty much neck and neck with fashion are accessories. I am a huge fan of bangles, large purses (the bigger the better,) statement necklaces and earrings. I own to many bracelets and purses to count, and I'm starting to get a pretty good earring collection together. Accessorizing is defiantly an art because you have to know how to wear them exspecialy if you are rocking a piece of costume jeweler, you don't want to end up going overboard. If I'm going to be wearing just a basic over sized off the shoulder sweater or even a basic short sleeved tee ill add a big necklace, costume ring and lots of bangles. let the asseccories be the main focus and the clothing take a backseat. If I end up wearing something that has a print or pattern and is a little more bold then Ill usually just keep the rest of my look simple and maybe wear a couple bracelets, and cap it off with a trendy handbag. I almost forgot to mention SHOES!!!!!! Other than everything just mentioned above I have an abundance of shoes. A great pair of shoes can make an outfit shine and add that finishing touch that you were looking for.
Here are some accessory trends that are going to be big for spring

I wish I could own all of these, and I do have some pieces that are similar. The earthy look is big this spring. Choose from chunky necklaces, bold rings, earings and much more. Look for pieces that have a more rugged natural feel to them.

This bag is so fun. The electric hue really pops and will help it stand out amongst the others, while the studded detail gives it a more edgy feel. This more structured style bag is very in this spring. You can just slip the shoulder strap on or carry it like a clutch

Ankle strap heels are feminine and versatile. Whether your look is girlie or edgy this trend will add instant style to your outfit and give it a playful look. Thin straps are easiest to wear, but you can rock thicker straps too.

Ill be back later in the week to show you some looks :)

Go With The Flow

2012-01-20T14:14:00.000-08:00

With Spring right around the corner, I'm going crazy over new trends. And as you've been reading, pastels are really hitting big right now. So, as I'm browsing through celebrity styles, all I see is Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Blog after blog, I read about her. Why? Everything she wears is pure gold. .....Not really :) but she has such a classic style yet also very trendy. Here's a couple examples...

I'm seeing a lot of flowy feminine skirts/dresses lately especially in creams and pastels. I know silk and chiffon will definitely be a big must for me this spring. And since I never wear any tight clothes, I love to go with the "flow". Therefore, I love this style. Mix it up by adding a chunky bracelet or a skinny belt. Even go as far as adding a little pop with a rust colored purse. Be sure to stay posted for some examples of this style on a budget! :)

spring part deux

2012-01-18T18:58:00.000-08:00

As I promised I'm back to show you a couple different looks and ways to wear the floral trend. Believe me I wanted to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe (but this blog is called within your means after all.) As for the mint and polka dots I found some excellent pieces that wont break the bank.

This necklace is definitely a statement piece so let it do the talking. Wear it with a basic t-shirt or tank

Love this, not only is it an infinity scarf but it has fringe all for the affordable price of 6.50

This cable knit sweater is adorable, and I wish I would have taken a picture of the chere back.

I took this floral/thermal long sleeved shirt that I bought at Target today and paired it with rust colored denim, nude heels, a blue blazer, and some pearls. Oh yeah I forgot to mention that the shirt only cost me 4 dollars. I love finding treasures like this and mixing it with edgier pieces.

For this look which a little dressier I'm wearing a red blue and white flowy floral skirt with a blue and white striped off the shoulder shirt. I love mixing prints together and will always do this trendy or not :) If you aren't comfortable mixing patterns you could wear a neutral colored blouse. For jewelry I have on a red, turquoise, and tan stoned necklace with a teal colored watch

These shoes are amazing and only cost me 8 dollars at Target. Everyone should own a pair of nude or tan heels

If you don't think your ready for any of the looks above you could always ease into it and wear a headband

*all the mint pieces above are from Forever21

spring ahead

2012-01-15T07:59:00.000-08:00

I wish there was a fast forward button to get to spring. All the magazines and retail store fronts are screaming bright colors and resort wear. I put together some trends that are going to be popular this up coming season. Ill have some pictures from my own wardrobe wearing these pieces later in the week.

The polka dot trend is back in full force, you can wear a simple silk blouse with the retro print and dress it down with a pair of jeans, skirt, or even some high waisted white shorts. You could also mix colors and dot sizes for a very chic look.

I just read were mint green is going to be the new it pastel, and I couldn't be more excited about this. I am in love with all shades of green and will be rocking this trend for sure.

This spring is all about beautiful prints mixed with bold vibrant colors. You can wear this trend on a dress, flowy top, or a swing skirt.

Bold treasures

2012-01-13T19:10:00.000-08:00

So like I promised I have put some outfits together from my own wardrobe to show you how to wear bold colored denim and denim with a pattern. When Alicia and I were on our usual sale hunts around the mall we found that Gap was having an extra 40 percent off their sale items. I found a pair of leopard denim that I instantly fell in love with, and I haven't even told you the best part yet. They only cost me SIX DOLLARS!!!!!!! I didn't know how I felt about this trend, but these pants can be worn much like any pair of black or blue jeans, since the print is light and the texture is barely there. You just want to make sure that you don't wear a top with a similar pattern because you will end up looking like the lead singer of an 80's hair band. Keep the rest of the look simple, either wear a plain chunky sweater for winter or a bright colored basic to keep the style fresh and fun for spring.

If you end up buying some colored denim after you read this blog (which you should,) and you want to ease into the trend, the best way to do it is with a simple basic tee. You can let the pants do the talking and keep the rest simple. I added in some leopard wedges and some chunkier bracelet's to make the look a little more fun and my own.

If you wanted to dress them up a bit and are a little more daring you can add a bright colored top. I love emerald green and cobalt blue together. The shirt is silky, off the shoulder with an exposed zipper which can be very classic and edgy at the same time (don't mind how wrinkled the shirt is.) This color blocking is not a new trend but is making its way back around, don't be shy at experimenting with colors, a bright orange handbag would like amazing with the colors i have on above. I decided to keep the rest of my look simple here with just some black booties . This trend is so great because it gives us the opportunity to partner colors together that we probably never would have gotten the chance to use otherwise. Who's ready for spring :)

So here are my beloved 6 dollar jeans, I paired them with a navy blue chunky sweater, black pumps, and a chunky statement necklace

New West

2012-01-12T14:04:00.001-08:00

There is a concept at work that I absolutely love called New West. It is made up of plaids, hometown florals, suede, brown leather, and soft floaty maxi's. It's a very soft, feminine take on the western style. This may be my new favorite style come springtime. Here are some inspirations...

I loved Nooma Rapace's character in the movie Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. Playing a gypsy, her wardrobe was very western inspired. Consisting of solid maxi skirt, chunky leather belt and hat, she displays a more masculine side of this concept.

Its easy to have this style without making your wallet hurt. Take for instance, this long, soft crocheted sweater. I found it at Goodwill for under $4.

Oversized, man's denim, button-up shirt at Goodwill. Also under $4. In fact, I think it was $2 :)

A little bit more pricier item. Tan suede jacket Goodwill $5.

But this item I enjoy the most. Its daring but very simple at the same time. I found one at Forever 21 for $20.

All you need is a few key pieces, mix it up with some plaid or florals and add a chunky scarf or bracelet and you are good to go. Don't be scared to try new things. Sometimes it might not be good, other times it could be your best outfit yet :) Just remember, you don't need to spend a fortune to have a wardrobe!

Colored Denim and Goodwill

2012-01-11T19:23:00.000-08:00

Alicia and I took our first shopping trip for the blog and went to.......wait for it......Goodwill. You have to have hours to kill if you want to look through every rack that they have, but if you take the time you can find some gems.

Right now colored denim is a huge trend, and is one of my favorites. It can offer a playful edge to your everyday style, we found some great colors at Goodwill, and none of them were over five dollars unfortunately none of them were in our size :( I just bought a pair of cobalt blue from Target for the whopping price of 19.99 and I am in love, pictures to come.

For now here are some examples how to wear the trend

2012-01-11T18:29:00.000-08:00

So Ive decided to jump on the blogging wagon, and share my passion for fashion ( rhyming lame I know right.) My goal of this blog is to show you that dressing trendy and fashionable doesn't have to wipe out your checking account, you can look through the pages of Vogue magazine and find similar pieces at Target, Tj maxx, Forever21, HM and so on. My blogging partner Alicia and I will put outfits together from our own closet and some pieces that we get from shopping excursions ( I mean what would be the point of this if we weren't shopping) to show you how to wear the trends that are hot for the present and upcoming seasons, and also how to own your personal style.
We are so excited about this blog and hope you all enjoy it because fashion is meant to be exciting, fun, and creative......ENJOY!!!!

"Only great minds can afford a simple style."

A Day in the Life, Part lll

2012-01-04T14:57:00.000-08:00

XXI Visual Merchandiser modeling for a day.

model: Alicia Szostak...me :)

A Day in the Life, Part ll

2012-01-03T18:45:00.000-08:00

XXI Visual Merchandisers modeling for a day.

model: Diana Biryuk

A Day in the Life

2012-01-03T18:31:00.000-08:00

XXI Visual Merchandisers modeling for a day :)

model: Ashley Nadeau Belanger

Accessories to Love

2011-12-30T16:43:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to lie... I am cheap. I refuse to pay over $25 for ANY article of clothing, shoes, bags, etc. (Maybe that is why my husband loves me.) I am always scavenging for sales and ways to get more with my money. But something that most people love which I hate, the buy one get one 50% off deal, was happening at Pacsun a while back. I wasnt a huge fan because I am very aware that it seems like a good deal but really you still spend more money than you originally wanted to. Not the case here though. Pacsun jewelry is very affordable and so far, I would say exceptional quality. A few pieces I had wanted forever had finally come into my sight with a deal attached. A must-have in your jewelry box (especially if you loves rings) is an oversized stone/gem ring.

I picked this one...turquoise :) originally $9.

And for a mate I admired this feather charm necklace with coordinating turquoise stone. This subtle solo feather adds interest to an outfit without the overwhelming feeling of being the "crazy peacock lady". Originally $9 as well.

Two good quality pieces to my jewelry box for a total of $13 plus tax. :) Thats smart shopping!