Frugal Fashion Finds

shopping for a deal is half the fun of shopping!!  literally, I've gotten to the point now where I won't buy unless I have a coupon or a discount code of some sort.  i just love when someone compliments an article of clothing, and I can say, "right?  and I got it for half the price!!"  ahhh, it makes me so happy.  so of course, like most women I know, I scour the racks of Marshalls and TJ Maxx on the regular to score some killer deals (no coupon required).  I must say, I am a master maxxinista, having honed the craft of fab finding back in highshool, I am an veteran pro at this point.  so when given the opportunity to discuss budget friendly fall fashion, I knew just where to go, and lucky enough for me, they are side by side, so I got 4 head to toe looks in a 1 stop shop. 

i wanted to focus on 3 specific looks to hit every aspect of a woman's life.  starting with the first "Working Woman"  she's chic, sophisticated, and her look can take her from morning meetings to evening cocktails.  i chose this snake print silk blouse and paired it with sleek skinnies with a touch of edge in the zipper details.  her heels are on trend at a sensible height and the oversize bag can fit everything a busy day would need.  her makeup is minimal and professional with a pop of lip and slinging on this faux leather jacket completes the look.

 Caitlin's look is perfect for "Girl's Night Out".  she's sexy, and fun, and ready to dance the night away.  the sporty trend is huge for fall, so i wanted to give it a sexy vibe by pairing this pretty floral print baseball jacket with a mesh sweater tank and ruched knit mini skirt.  for added edge i paired the look with these zipper "peek-a-booties" (peep toe bootie) and the funky clutch adds a soft pop of pink.  her makeup is glam with smoky eyes, bold lip and bronzed skin.

 Chloe is my "Girl About Town".  this is the woman on the go; errands to run, schedules to juggle, comfort is key.  basically, this is the housewife/mommy uniform.  with a list as long as your arm, there's no time for fuss.  i chose these classic skinnies to start, they're full of stretch and a staple in any wardrobe.  i paired them with a henley tee and chunky knit sweater.  for a punch of fun, i paired the look with these silver slip ons and slung this years coolest trend "the backpack" over 1 arm.  i am loving these bags!!  they're full of room and keep you hands free!  her face is fresh and clean with a the bare necessities, mascara and lip gloss.

 for my look, i wasn't gearing toward any specific occasion, just an everyday look for the every girl.  i love utility/military inspired everything, and this look is a bit of a softer approach to the usually constructed trend.  the chambray is a staple in my fall wardrobe, and i love the grey tone of this one, i paired it with these boyfriend chinos and pink utility jacket.  i love the muted color palate, but it still needed a punch, so i paired it with these leopard pumps and a statement necklace.  my makeup is pretty fab and fall appropriate with long lashes and a bold oxblood lip. 

 "don't make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, and what you want to express"

 

special thanks to Pink Dot Beauty Bar for providing your glamming services!

 

be sure to check out my segment on lowcountry live to hear more about my picks for fall!!

 Head to Toe Looks were purchased at TJMaxx and Marshalls

 

Nola (Working Woman): snake print blouse Ivanka Trump // 2 tone leather jacket YOKI //

cadet blue zipper skinny Rag & Bone // 2 tone pump BCBGeneration

 

Caitlin (Girls Night Out): sweater tank TORN by Ronny Kobo // floral baseball jacket Free People // ruched mini Helmut Lang // "beckum" peek-a-bootie Report Footwear // circle clutch

 

Chloe (Girl About Town):  Henley Free People // sweater Free People //

"verdugo ankle" skinnies Paige // "bungie" slip ons Report Footwear // backpack Isabelle Handbags

 

my look:  gray chambray shirt Cloth & Stone // pink utility coat Max Jeans //

"vintage army trouser" Rag & Bone // "lucine" leopard pump Guess

How to Wear: White After Labor Day

 Charleston is lucky enough to host its first Pop-Up Dinner.  if you're unaware of the concept, don't worry, I was too!!  basically, its a dinner party where everyone is invited, only no one knows the location, until moments before!!  intrigued??  well I for one am definitely excited to experience this for myself and the only rule is one must dress in all white!! 

since rules were meant to be broken, this is one fashion don't, you can easily make a do!!

I will say, white can be a bit tricky coming into the colder months, but its all about fabric choice and styling.   layers are a sure way to look winterized and chic, but a lwd is so chic and always a winner in my book.  I've chosen a few dress options that are seasonally appropriate and perfect for an event such as this!!  if you are more of a separates girl, you can easily transition some of your summer staple whites into fall.  white jeans and blazers are definitely year round options.  add warmer layers like a funky sweatshirt or faux fur jacket for added texture.  just remember, color and texture variance are what makes the all white layers work!!!  when it comes to accessories, the white shoe is a staple this year for fall, but if you want to break it up a bit, I would add a pop of metallic!    

1. cut out sleeve midi dress ASOS  2. "daeng" single strap Aldo  3. ice io earring BaubleBar 

4. stratospheric blazer NastyGal  5. "ridley" skinny jean ASOS  6. "peat" buckle bootie Aldo 

7. pure sugar sweatshirt Piperlime  8. full midi scuba skirt ASOS  9. faux fur roll clutch TopShop 

10. faux fur jacket H&M  11. mesh contrast midi MissGuided  12. ruffle body con ASOS 

13. tux dress MissGuided  14. silver pump ASOS  15. jumbo pearl necklace BaubleBar 

16. cigarette pant ASOS  17. gold clutch MissGuided  18. thread lightly top NastyGal

 

for your guy, white can be not only tough to find, but hard to style!  I think its best to stick with the basics like a vneck tee and a crisp chino.  staple items that might already be in their closet are perfect with an extra layer or two.  I definitely would NOT go white for the shoes, find a light shade of gray or even a khaki tan to finish off his look.

if your local, be sure to snatch your tickets HERE!!  this is sure to be an event you don't want to miss!  if you're not a Charleston native, be sure to check HERE to see if the dinner is popping up in a city near you!! 

 1. knit cardigan H&M  2. Henley H&M  3. "emo" tassel loafer Aldo  4. slim fit jean GAP 

5. linen shirt GAP  6. twill pant H&M  7. "brandstad" linen sneaker Aldo

 

 "forget the rules; if you like it, wear it"

 

pretty pink peplums

 I think by now you know how much I love boyfriend jeans, and I really do!  but these pink bfs might just be my new fave!  they're a little outside the box, but that's what I love about them.  I paired them with this black peplum to dress them up and added pops of metallic.  it used to be a faux pas to mix metals, but since there truly are no rules anymore, im all about mixing metallic, especially for fall!! 

"if you're your authentic self, you have no competition"

 

 

peplum styleXchange // bf jean MinkPink via House of Sage // heels ShoeMint //

clutch FOI Clothing // sunnies Forever 21 // necklace Jewelmint // cz chain Belk

 

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fall forecasting

happy friday ladies!!  I apologize for not getting this post live last Wednesday.  after my segment on lowcountry live, i wanted to continue the discussion of what's to come for fall!!  I had the opportunity to sit in with Arlene Goldstein, the fashion director of Belk to forecast fall fashion and it's got me revved up and ready to roll into cooler days and lots of layers!!  every year a whole new batch of trends hit the runway and it can be so hard to muddle through and pick which ones work for you, but Belk made it easy and showcased what they're calling the "Most Wanted" list!!  I must say, this years trends feel a lot like last years, but with an updated approach and a more polished appeal.

1.  Soft Pant:  think loungewear, silk trousers, and sleek sweats.  this is a personal fave of mine and I cannot wait to start wearing my pajama chic pants again and again!

2.  Longer Skirts:  the midi skirt was huge last year and is definitely still relevant, but more full pleats less body-con, although, I will never give up my body-con!!

3.  Creative Cardigan:  I always love a topper, and this year they come in all shapes and sizes; cocoon, fringe, embellished; you can never go wrong with a knit layer.

4.  Novelty Vest:  another topper!!  puffers are back in a big way and fur has and probably never will go out of style but tailored vests are making their mark as well.  tuxedo, utility and trench (sans sleeves) are a great way to take your summer styles into fall.

5.  Fashion Sweatshirt:  this is another favorite of mine!  sporty chic is such a huge trend and with embellished necklines, fun prints, and graphics I will be comfy cute all winter long

6.  Tunic Top:  I've never been terribly fond of the tunic, but paired properly, a totally chic look

7.  Midi Length Sheath:  boxy and bold, with a classic twist, this is an easy grab and go chic style

8.  Statement Neck:  Big, Bold, and definitely living up to its name, the statement necklace is always a must have in my book!

9.  Over the Knee Boot:  yes yes yes!!  the falls version of the gladiator, this boot is sexy and takes the most boring of outfits to exciting new highs

10.  Satchel:  while I am definitely a fan of a big bag, I think the "of the moment" bag is the backpack!  but the satchel is a classic and most likely stickin around for quite some time!

 

so what are you most looking forward to this fall?  Im eager to try them all and layer them on!!

have a fabulous weekend!!

"people who take fashion seriously, are idiots" -Joan Rivers 

 

all above looks are available at BELK



country blues

i hope everyone enjoyed their long weekend!!  I got some much needed rest and enjoyed a quiet weekend in the country!  my apologies for the sporadic posts lately, but im back on track and slowly (like turtle speed) transitioning into fall.  for those of you who were unaware, summer still has 3 weeks left, so lets not get ahead of ourselves and totally make the switch!  I have definitely started accumulating quite a few pieces and pulled some of my favorites out to put back in rotation, but light layers are still a must in this crazy heat.  I always love a blazer and tee combo, whether it be basic or graphic, its just an easy look that's cool and crisp and can take me almost anywhere.  I had an easy day of agendas with the kids, so I paired this white on white combo with cutoffs and gold flats.  I added the slightest pop of pink with this clutch a few simple gold accessories.  this is definitely a look I have on repeat year round, switching out my shorts for jeans and a bootie in place of the flats as the weather cools off. 

how are you transitioning to fall and still beating the heat?

 "rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time"

 

tee H&M // tuxedo blazer H&M // cutoffs NastyGal // flats TJMaxx // clutch Marshalls //

sunnies MinkPink // envelope necklace Jewelmint // on the mark Stella & Dot

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