Chic on the Cheap

Mint and Leopard

2012-06-01T10:00:00.000-04:00

The explosion of mint colored denim throughout all the style blogs I read makes me wonder if I'll ever be able to come up with a unique way of styling them.

However, everyone knows that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so I'll just flatter a ton of people.

Photos by Louis Abate

The Rundown

Mint/Seafoam Jeans Lauren Conrad for Kohls Similar

White Button Down Loft

Leopard Clutch Dela Chic

Leopard Sandals - Target
Ring c/o Posh Locket
Ring Home D'Jour Consignment
Crystal Bracelet Taken for Granite Similar
Spike Bracelet Ebay Similar
Gold Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Earrings Aldo
Belt Steve Madden

Horse and Stone

2012-05-31T10:00:00.000-04:00

I don't wear hats to the office. (I would definitely get made fun of.) But I threw the fedora on before the outfit photos, and I have to say, it totally makes the look for me.

I might not necessarily recommend climbing on rocks in heels, but they do make a nice backdrop and you know how I'm always striving to look like I belong in a J.Crew catalog...

It definitely feels more like summer now, complete with tons of mosquitoes at the beach in the evening. I was eaten alive! Time to start keeping some repellent in the car.

The Rundown

Horse Print Blouse H&M Similar

Purple Pencil Skirt Talbots Similar

Sandals Onex Joan-2

Bag Thrifted Coach City Bag

Straw Fedora Gap Similar

Chain Link Bracelet Macy's Similar

Bracelet American Eagle

Ring Home D'Jour Consignment

Earrings Kohls

Nail Color Essie Aruba Blue

White linen

2012-05-30T10:00:00.000-04:00

Even though I have no regard for style 'rules' there just seems to be something so perfect about kicking off the summer season in a pair of white linen shorts.

The Rundown

Sheer green top TJ Maxx Similar

White linen shorts Banana Republic Similar

Leopard Wedges Sam Edelman Jorgia

Bag Thrifted Coach City Bag

Tassel Necklace Banana Republic

Bracelet Kohls

Ring The Cavernous Jewelry Box

Sunnies Betsey Johnson

Yellow Belt TJ Maxx

iPhone Case Kate Spade

Nail Color Essie Aruba Blue

Ice cream run

2012-05-29T10:00:00.000-04:00

Since it's summer now, walking to the center of town for ice cream shall be a regular occurrence. It's important that you walk and not drive, because there are at least 500 calories in a small serving of Phish Food...

So when I was getting dressed I thought that it was my idea to pair a rust colored top with these ikat shorts, but then I realized it was just my subconscious remembering something I'd seen in a J.Crew catalog last week.
But at least I can still take credit for the brilliant bag pairing -- a newly thrifted Coach!
I believe it's the City Bag, and I love the dual tone. So pretty.

The Rundown

Top Elle for Kohls Similar

Ikat Shorts Gap

Sandals Ciao Bella Petunia

Bag Thrifted Coach City Bag
Anchor Necklace Gift Similar
Chain Necklace Home D'Jour Consignment
Turquoise Spiked Bracelets Towne & Reese Avery
Chain Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Starfish Ring c/o LuShae Jewelry Similar
Sunnies Old Navy

Nail Color Essie Aruba Blue
Dog Chloe

black and white

2012-05-28T10:00:00.002-04:00

I'm finally wearing my fun new little skirt, and I played things pretty safe with one of my favorite yellow tops and gold accessories.

If I look a little awkward in these photos, it's because half a dozen people were about five feet to my right.

The Rundown

Top Elle for Kohls
Skirt Cynthia Steffe via Coco's on the Green Similar and way too much money,
Similar and cheaper
Shoes Adrienne Vittadini
Filigree Earrings Avon Similar
Belt Thrifted Similar via Ebay
Antler Ring House of Harlow
Bracelet Taken for Granite
Nail Color Essie Aruba Blue

Unofficial start of summer

2012-05-25T10:24:00.000-04:00

To all who celebrate, I hope you have a safe and happy Memorial day weekend, and enjoy the extra day!
(And keep your fingers crossed the sun actually comes out!)

Pepulm

2012-05-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

I've had this ruffled top for quite some time... and it's sort of been in the giveaway pile for a while. But I just couldn't follow through and bring it to the thrift store, no matter how little I wear it. The last time it was on? August, 2010.

But, with this recent resurgence of peplum tops it's practically trendy again.

The Rundown

Ruffled Top Gap Similar - Red Pencil Skirt Express Similar - Cherry Pumps Oh...Deer! Cha Cha Similar Similar - Bag Nine West - Ring Home D'Jour Consignment - Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box - Belt Thrifted Similar - Nail Color Essie Super Bossa Nova

Leopard Clutch

2012-05-23T10:00:00.000-04:00

This little clutch was a gift from Christine. It's totally perfect, becuase I have been wanting one for ages. I may have a leopard obsession, but I don't really see that as a problem.

I don't believe Christine has any of these clutches up yet in her etsy shop Dela Chic, but she has other cute knit things you should check out.

The Rundown

Blouse Thrifted Similar - Pink Skirt Made by Me Similar - Leopard Clutch Made by Christine - Leopard Sandals Target - Earrings Macy's - Rings Avon - Bracelet Coco's on the Green Similar - Nail Color Essie Super Bossa Nova

Leopard dress goes on safari

2012-05-22T10:00:00.000-04:00

This leopard dress still isn't getting as much wear as it should be, considering how awesome it is.
As much as I would like to avoid dressing to a 'theme' this jacket found it's way on to me and refused to come off. Safari-chic it is.

(And of course by going on safari, I mean, going to the office.)

The Rundown

Leopard Dress Calvin Klein Similar Similar - Jacket Free People - Sandals Ciao Bella Petunia - Color Block Clutch Zara - Belt Thrifted - Chain Link Bracelet Macy's Similar - Ring American Eagle - Sunnies Old Navy

fresh white and bright orange

2012-05-21T10:00:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone had as enjoyable as a weekend as I did - not only was the weather perfection, but I was out enjoying it. Hopefully May is going to step up and be the month it should for these last 10 days.

Today is my Brother and Sister-in-laws wedding anniversary, so I'm wearing the starfish necklace that was my bridesmaids gift. Can't believe that was a year ago already! Happy Anniversary L & K!

The Rundown

Orange Maxi Skirt c/o Sheinside - Striped Shirt Gap - White Blazer Cynthia Rowely Similar - Turquoise Bag Charm & Luck Similar - Sandals Aldo - Starfish Necklace Gift Similar - Bottle Necklace Made by Me - Starfish Ring c/o LuShae Jewelry Similar - Earrings TJ Maxx - Rope Bracelet Made by Me - Sunnies Old Navy - Nail Color Essie Aruba Blue

Thank goodness it's Frye day

2012-05-18T10:00:00.000-04:00

Yeah, I've been planning that for a while. Like maybe even a year. I'm also pretty sure I stole it off an email from Piperlime, so I can't even claim it as my own. But really, it was just too cute not to use.

The Rundown

Yellow Dress Forever 21 Similar - Seafoam Cardigan H&M Similar - Sandals Frye Gerry Slide Similar - Starfish Belt Nina Arjani - Earrings Wendy Mink - Bracelets Avon, The Cavernous Jewelry Box, Coco's, Belonged to my Grandma

Swept

2012-05-17T09:00:00.000-04:00

I really like taking photos at the beach. Of course, the warmer it gets, the more people there will be there, and the more creepy old dudes there will be to drive by really, really slowly and stare at me. And ask me where I live. Yup. Looking forward to it.

The Rundown

Navy Maxi Skirt Max Studio Similar, Similar - Dolman Sleeve Sweater TJ Maxx - Sandals Frye Gerry Slide Similar - Turquoise Bag Charm & Luck Similar - Starfish Cuff St. Thomas via TJ Maxx Similar, Similar - Necklace Aldo Similar - Sunnies Aldo

Pale

2012-05-16T09:00:00.000-04:00

For some reason I still struggle to take photos I am pleased with on overcast days. I feel like it shouldn't be that difficult and yet I continue to end up with photos that just don't feel right.

The Rundown

Lace Top Talbots Thifted and Altered Similar - Pink Jeans TJ Maxx Similar - Bag Shop in Italy - Sandals MRKT Holly - Ring The Cavernous Jewelry Box - Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box, Belonged to my Grandma - Earrings TJ Maxx - Sunnies Betsey Johnson

Starfish cuff, again

2012-05-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

This is the first appearance of the starfish cuff this year. It was finally warm and beautiful over the weekend (no longer the case) and it seemed like it was time to take it out again.

It is a certainty that you will be seeing a lot more of it in the coming months.

The Rundown

Yellow Button Down Thrifted - Chevron Skirt H&M Similar - Turquoise Bag Charm & Luck Similar - Sandals Onex Puffy - Starfish Cuff St. Thomas via TJ Maxx Similar, Similar - Necklace TJ Maxx - Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box, Thrifted - Ring The Cavernous Jewelry Box - Sunnies Aldo - Nail Color Avon Coral Bikini

Lady Date

2012-05-14T09:51:00.002-04:00

Even though it can be really hard to organize, I do love getting together with other bloggers. I feel so fortunate to have met Courtney, Christine, and Megan. Knowing them through their blogs is great, but getting to spend time face to face talking, laughing, and complaining is even better.

We Connecticut bloggers might not be the most organized, but we are definitely trying and hopefully soon we can build a really great community. And hey, now we've even got a facebook page, so if you are in CT, I hope we can meet!

1. Cheers! We've finally made it to the restaurant.
2. An enormous platter of fish and chips at the Chowder Pot.
3. A gorgeous leopard clutch that Christine made. (Isn't she super talented?)
4. Chocolate mouse cake. What more needs to be said?
The Rundown
White Button Down Loft - Skirt Desigual - Turquoise Sandals Frye Gerry Similar - Color Block Clutch Zara - Anchor Necklace Gift Similar - Turquoise Bracelets Towne & Reese Avery - Chain Link Bracelet Macy's Similar - Earrings TJ Maxx - Nail Color Avon Coral Bikini

Congrats to the winner of the Shopbop Giveaway, Piper Alexander!

going out

2012-05-11T10:46:00.000-04:00

I got this sequined clutch in January and this is only the second time I've used it. Either I need to start going out more, or I just need to force more sequins into my daytime looks.

Fortunately I've got a date with three lovely ladies this evening!

The Rundown

Leopard Shirt Anne Klein - Jeans Kohls - Leather Motorcycle Jacket Express - Shoes Adrienne Vittadini - Sequined Clutch Halston - Necklace Belonged to my Grandma - Rings Home D'Jour Consignment, c/o Poshlocket - Bracelets Cinderella's Attic, The Cavernous Jewelry Box, Ebay - Earrings Vera Wang for Kohls - Sunnies Aldo - Nail Color Avon Coral Bikini, Essie Aruba Blue

Last day to enter to win $100 to Shopbop!

What I'd buy if I won a shopbop giveaway

2012-05-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

If you haven't noticed, I'm hosting a Shopbop Giveaway right now, and unless this is the first time you've ever read a blog, you've probably noticed that at least a dozen other bloggers are hosting them too.

Since I've been entering them, and spending so much time perusing Shopbop's site, I thought I'd share some things I'd love to get, the main objective being not to spend more than $100.

BB Dakota Jacinda Print Tank Dress - $59.50
House of Harlow 1960 Spike & Cone Cuff - $95
Rachel Leigh Jewelry Estates Rock Ring - $70
Elizabeth and James Curled Wishbone Ring - $95
Boutique 9 Piraya Multicolor T Strap Sandals - $78

Did you know that the average person, when given a gift card, spends 40% more than the value of the card?
Now if I should decide to be one of those people...

Equipment Slim Signature Blouse - $238
Ray-Ban Cats 1000 Sunglasses - $135
Rebecca Minkoff Cherish Tote - $125
Sam Edelman Yelena High Heel Sandals- $140

Lyddie vs the five inch leopard wedge

2012-05-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

I've been on a quest for a leopard pump for a really long time. Not being able to find any that wouldn't slip off the back of my foot, I decided to focus my energies on finding a leopard sandal.

I ordered three pairs, Por La Victorie Helice platform sandals, Sam Edelman Jorgia wedges, and Sam Edelman Lucia sandals.

Because these brands run narrow, I bought a half size up on all three. The Por La Victories were still too narrow, which was a shame, because I adored the style. The Lucia Edelmans were super sexy, but with a 5" spike heel and only a half inch platform, I knew I would never get much wear out of them.
So I decided to keep the Jorgia Edelmans, the wedge and 1^1/4" platform made them the most wearable. But they are still really high for me.

Fortunately they were practically free because I had a $100 shopbop gift card and only had to pay $8. But, the price dropped again today, and now they are only $77. (So annoying when that happens!)

And obviously I bought those flat leopard sandals from Target as well, so now I have two pairs of leopard sandals.

The Rundown

Equipment Shirt Old Navy - White Jeans TJ Maxx - Leopard Wedges Sam Edelman Jorgia - Bag Lucky Brand Bella similar - Necklaces Kohls, Belonged to my Grandma - Rings Home D'Jour Consignment, c/o Poshlocket - Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box, Ebay - Nail Color Avon Coral Bikini, Essie Aruba Blue

Have you entered to win $100 to Shopbop?

Orange Crush

2012-05-08T09:00:00.000-04:00

After so many days of rain, it doesn't take much to get people to the beach, in swimsuits, in the water. I'm certianly not one to go diving in while the air outside is just passing 60°, but there didn't seem to be a shortage of them at the beach.

Of course I appreciate the warm, sunny weather as much as I can, but do it a safe distance from the water and remain fully clothed.

This skirt is courtesy of Sheinside; when asked to choose something from their numerous offerings, I had to go with the super bright orange maxi skirt. This one doesn't quite hit the ground on me, so flat sandals are a must. The light chiffon layers do catch the breeze quite nicely. I can easily see this becoming a summer staple.

Sheinside offers free shipping, though the products are coming from overseas, so shipping did take over a week. Also, a signature was required for delivery, so I had to wait until Saturday when I could go to the post office and sign for it.

The Rundown
Orange Maxi Skirt c/o Sheinside - Top TJ Maxx - Leopard Sandals Target - Bag Lucky Brand Bella similar - Leopard Scarf Gift - Necklace Gap - Antler Ring House of Harlow - Ring American Eagle - Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box, Ebay, Kohls, Macys, c/o Bohemian Spirit Jewelry - Earrings Taken for Granite - Belt Gap - Sunnies Betsey Johnson

Have you entered to win $100 to Shopbop?

Red and Chambray

2012-05-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

This weekend I didn't get to see the Supermoon at all on Saturday night because it was so overcast, and Sunday I was out having fun with my friends, and going to see The Avengers, so I didn't see it rise. It was still pretty nice at 9 pm when I was driving back home, but not big enough for my camera to capture anything dramatic.

If you were wondering, I did like The Avengers. Joss Whedon wrote and directed it, so really, how could it be bad?

The Rundown

Chambray Tuxedo Shirt J.Crew - Red Jeans Urban Outfitters - Sandals Nine West - Bag Otis Thrifted - Belt Steve Madden - Ring c/o Poshlocket - Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box, Ebay, Belonged to my Grandma, Thrifted - Sunnies Aldo

Have you entered to win $100 to Shopbop?

May Showers

2012-05-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

When it rains in New England, it really commits to it. The clouds rolled in Monday evening and here we are on Friday and it still hasn't broken. Forecast has rain scheduled through Saturday as well - but I hope it clears up by the evening because there is going to be a Supermoon, and I want to see it!

The Rundown

Bow Blouse Vintage Swapped Similar - Seafoam Cardigan H&M Similar - Jeans Kohls - Mustard Flats MIA Similar - Bracelet Taken for Granite Similar - Rings Home D'Jour Consignment, The Cavernous Jewelry Box

Have you entered to win $100 to Shopbop?

Search for the perfect skirt

2012-05-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

I often hear other bloggers talking about how they love to wear maxi skirts to the office because they are so comfortable they feel like they are working in their pjs.

That sounded pretty good to me, but I didn't feel that my striped maxi was office appropriate. I began to search for my perfect maxi skirt.

I wanted it to be black, in a non-clingy, opaque fabric, that was full enough on the bottom to balance out my wide hips (no ice cream cone syndrome please!), and long enough that I could wear it with my usual three inch heels.

I went to three stores and tried on no fewer than 15 skirts before I finally decided on this one by Max Studio. The MSRP is $78, the TJ Maxx price is $25. I had to settle for navy, since I couldn't find the black one in a medium and I was convinced that the small would be too tight. After wearing the medium for a day, I think the small probably would have been okay.

The other surprising challenge was finding a skirt that was long enough. Being 5'2" I'm typically swimming in everything, but most of the skirts would have been short enough for me to wear flats in.

Which brings up the question that's been bothering me - where should the hem of a maxi dress hit? Should you see your feet or should it skim the floor?

The Rundown

Sailboat Blouse Old Navy - Maxi Skirt Max Studio - Jacket NY&Co. - Sandals Onex - Belt Thrifted Similar via ebay here and here - Earrings Taken for Granite - Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box - Starfish Ring c/o LuShae Jewelry Similar

Have you entered to win $100 to Shopbop?

Last, last, last season J.Crew

2012-05-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

I know this outfit looks a little more fall than spring, but that's because it was inspired by the J.Crew fall 2009 catalog.

I was browsing the racks at Coco's, my favorite secondhand store, last week when I spotted this orange ruffled blouse, one I immediately recognized, as I spent the latter half of 2009 lusting over it and wishing for a reduction of it's $88 price tag.

Even though it really is a size too small (I always have to size up with button downs because the top button pulls) for $18 I wasn't about to let it pass me by.

I also picked up a cute black and white printed mini skirt for $22... can't wait for the weather to warm up a little!

And I must say that Coco's on the Green is probably the best store to happen to the center of Branford in a long time. All the other shops and boutiques that line these brick sidewalks are not very friendly to the girl on a budget. But I've struck gold at Coco's numerous times; I should probably go check out the owners two other stores sometime.

The Rundown

Orange Ruffled Blouse J.Crew - Striped Blazer H&M - Jeans TJ Maxx - Boots Madden Girl - Earrings TJ Maxx - Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box, Handmade - Rings Home D'Jour Consignment, Avon -
Nail Color OPI Mod-ern Girl

Have you entered to win $100 to Shopbop?

Pink

2012-05-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

These bright pink pants are a bold element on their own, but I decided to do some subtle print mixing as well.

I wore this outfit shopping over the weekend. I went to Marshalls where I found tons of things I wanted, but none seemed to be in my size. I was especially bummed about a pleated mint hi-low skirt that was only in a size large.

I then drove over to TJ Maxx (since its only a little ways down the road) to continue the search. No mint skirt, but I did come home with a navy maxi and I almost got a pair of Ray Bans. I may have to go back for them.

The Rundown

Tribal Print Top TJ Maxx - Pink Capris Old Navy - White Blazer Cynthia Rowely - Leopard Sandals Target - Belt Gap - Gold Bracelet Belonged to my Grandma - Brown Bracelet Kohls - Ring The Cavernous Jewelry Box - Sunnies Aldo -
Nail Color OPI Mod-ern Girl

Have you entered to win $100 to Shopbop?

Seafoam and Yellow

2012-04-30T09:07:00.000-04:00

As you might expect of springtime weather, there have been a good deal of grey and rainy days. I'm always a little disappointed when I get deprived of a sunset.

I did finally pair the seafoam jeans with the bright yellow sweater, a color block match made in heaven, just for the spring. Hopefully it brightened up this grey day just enough.

The Rundown

Seafoam Jeans Lauren Conrad for Kohls - Yellow Sweater TJ Maxx - White Blazer Cynthia Rowley - Sandals Frye - Bracelets Towne & Reese Avery, Ebay - Ring The Cavernous Jewelry Box - Sunnies Emmanuelle Khanh Paris -
Nail Color OPI Mod-ern Girl

Have you entered to win $100 to Shopbop?