Yes, I'm Cold

I'm just not ready for Fall. This cold feels so foreign and undesired. I know most of you are rejoicing, excitedly piling on cardigans and boots. But the frigid cool blowing in through my still open windows is making me depressed.

Yesterday I ventured out and did things, but not today. I stared longingly at my summer clothes and felt betrayed.  It took several cups of coffee and twice through my September magazines before I forced myself into clothing at a late and unmentionable hour of the day.

Even still, the best I could manage was an outfit that might as well be pajamas -- leggings, long loose top, long loose wrap cardigan.

Don't be fooled by the presence of footwear, these were only on during my brief time outdoors for taking these photos and walking the dog.

And after finally getting out of bed, I relocated to the couch and watched Breakfast at Tiffany's. So good. I cry at the end. And her style. Sigh... 

I also had an extended battle with blogger and my desire for a second sidebar. It was more challenging than I'd anticipated and now I don't know if I like it. But I suppose any change takes a bit to get used to, so we'll give it a go. Do let me know if it isn't laying out properly for you. I thought it might be nice to have a space to track my purchases and keep track of my monthly budget.

I have a few items to go up there!
Saturday I went to a church fair/tag sale and found a few things at the jewerly table I had to take home. Apparently I have a thing for gold lions, as I instantly fell for this lion crest pin for $1 (going to be so fabulous on my navy blazer!)

and these lion earrings for $3, which I'm not sure I will actually wear as earrings, but rather turn into something else.

I also picked up this skinny grey belt for 20 cents. How could I not?

My most expensive purchase at the fair was a huge bowl of peach shortcake for $5 -- so yummy!!

Then I went to TJMaxx and you will not believe my self restraint!! I only took four things into the dressing room and then only let myself buy two of them. I ended up with a pair of khaki pants for $15,

and this glittery burnout tee for $13.

I'm sad, I wasn't though with my summer wardrobe and am having trouble feeling excited for fall. I did see lots of red pants, fur, and animal prints, which I did rather enjoy. Maybe in a few more weeks I can start to embrace fall, but fingers still tightly crossed for another heat wave.

Happy Birthday Chic on the Cheap!

Today Chic on the Cheap turns two! I can't believe it's been that long already, and I am continually amazed at how much this little blog is growing and all the wonderful people I've met because of it.

I never though this would be read by anyone other than myself and perhaps a few friends, I didn't even tell anyone I had started it for some time after. But then I got a comment from someone I didn't know (yes, you Robin), and it was as if the whole world had changed. Suddenly I was writing for someone else. Having an audience was a powerful thing. I started to post more, add more content, start outfit posts, and become a fashion blogger.

I am hoping you will all help me celebrate this occasion by sharing your favorite fashionable steals; perhaps when you spotted that designer label dress in a thrift store for $3, or when you found one last pair of boots on clearance and they were in your size, or when you went to the register expecting to pay full price for something only to have it ring up at half off -- You get the idea!

And if you have a photo of yourself looking very chic on the cheap, please post a link to it or email me and I will include them with your story in a post next Friday.

These photos took so long to orchestrate, from getting out the Christmas lights to finding candles and getting the heart bokeh to look good - I'm beat! Time to eat the brownie...

Today's look is comprised of all my usual suspects, items grabbed off clearance racks, old clothes I've altered to get more use out of, second hand items, and things I've made as copies of expensive things I've seen in stores.

And yes, I did wear these shoes all day at work. They actually aren't that bad, but nine hours later I was anxious to take these photos and get them off!

The Rundown

Top Arabella (clearance rack) - Cammi Banana Republic (second hand) - Pants Express (old, but altered) - Shoes Jessica Simpson (half off at TJMaxx) - Belt Made by Me (as inspired by J. Crew) - Earrings Made by Me - Bracelet Gift

P.S. All of you who thought I was referring to today as the dog's birthday in my other post, thanks for all the kind wishes! She will actually be 11 in December.

Wishlist Wednesday

Overslept again this morning. I was having a crazy bad dream brought on by last night's episode of White Collar. Which seems weird because of all the awful violent television programming I subject myself to each week (yes, I mean you, True Blood) White Collar is pretty tame, usually just funny, and you know, adorable.

But none of that matters when I am now 20 minutes late and must grab the simplest thing in the closet. A dress of course. And one with sleeves so I won't have to worry about any other layers for the office. Silver and black accessories to be simple. Perfect.

With the exception of the stupid belt, which was very poorly designed. The buckle is too heavy for the thin leather and it sags. See?

I'm mad at the designer, but I'm mostly mad at myself for buying it and never realizing the fatal flaw. I did try it on, didn't I?? Perhaps I could glue another piece of leather to the back? Perhaps I could take it to a cobbler. They do belts, right?

The Rundown

Dress Avon - Sandals Onex - Bracelet Chicos - Necklace The Cavernous Jewelry Box - Belt Steve Madden

So.....
It's a week into September and I've got my $80 budget to think about. I still can't get through a day without at least a little fantasy shopping, so here are a few of the things currently on my mind.

Tulip Skirt, $34.50 at the Gap
Wishbone Necklace, $24.50 from Etsy seller SoraDesigns
Zig Zag Railway Top, $29.99 at Ruche
Anchors Aweigh Oxford by BC Footwear, $32 from Amazon Wharehouse Deals (list price is $51)
Wilhelmina Waist Belt, $24.50 from Delia's

What is Closet-Worthy this month?