Tag Archive for "fashion" - Fantabulously Frugal

Posts Tagged ‘fashion’

Guest Post: Hot Summer Wardrobe Essentials Under $100

by Lisa on August 6th, 2012

What are your summer wardrobe essentials?

Inspiration via Neiman Marcus Resort 2012

I live in brighter, breezier tops and flirty dresses and skirts – after all, it’s hot and I want to stay comfortable and chic. The summer collections are out in full force at designer stores as well as high street retailers so luckily there are a lot of choices for summer.

So how do you choose what to buy? Don’t get tempted to get a bright top in a few colors or a different pair of sandals every time they are on sale. If you step into a store and know the basic summer essential pieces that you need, you can build many outfits stylishly and affordably.

Here are my classic summer pieces:

White/bright top

A white t-shirt/blouse is a building block of so many great outfits; pair this classic with your choice of bottoms – jeans, shorts or skirts and your outfit is the epitome of summer casual chic; a brightly colored top can also be quite versatile. A few fashionistas feel that James Perse is worth the price ($50-$100) but a blog buddy of mine has also recommended Zara for an affordable, long-lasting options.

Straw hat

I am all about hats. They both hide frizzy summer hair and provide much needed protection from the sun. A perpetually chic fedora suits many different face shapes and my go to place for fedoras is H&M (seriously I’ve gotten a ton of compliments on my hats) but stores that typically have younger consumers like Wet Seal have a great variety too.

Sandals

It’s time to ditch the socks and find a pair of good sandals. While the type of sandal depends on your lifestyle, you can always find great options at Nordstrom’s (free shipping and no time limit for returns = great chance to find your perfect pair!)

Shift/shirt dress

Does anyone like their pants sticking to their legs?! I love shift or t-shirt dresses because they are cut generously and can easily be dressed up or down with accessories. Uniqlo aka Japanese casual chic retailer is my new favorite places for casual dresses (I just got two in NYC last month and one was a collaboration with Velvet!) A longer length maxi dress is great as well!

Sunglasses

Every retailer makes sunglasses so you can afford to either get a few pairs or splurge on a luxurious pair or two (not going to lie, I love my Tom Ford sunglasses!) But when I want a great pair for a great price, I head to H&M or Zara for some fashion forward options.

Lace shirt, Zara, $29.99

Report ‘Jayde’ sandal, Nordstrom’s, $74.95

Striped boat neck half sleeve tunic, Uniqlo, $16.90 (have this and love it!)

Criss Cross fedora, Wet Seal, $10.50

Aviator sunglasses, Zara, $9.99

What are you classic summer pieces?

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Chic ‘n Cheap Living is a NYC native/mostly Asia resident that loves inspiration and design in any form. She lives to travel, loves to shop, and fills her life with beautiful items and experiences while saving money! She balances being both being chic and cheap (a deal is still a deal even for a vintage Chanel camera bag!). She shares tips and items that are worth the price while finding and sharing deals and inspiration. Be inspired and follow along this Chic ‘n Cheap Lifestyle.

Steal This Look: Olivia Palermo’s Black & Blue

by Lauren on July 31st, 2012

Hi Fantabulously Frugal fans!

I’m Lauren, a fashion editor based in New York and a Fantabulously Frugal reader myself. After years of doing celebrity looks for less at major fashion magazines, I can’t wait to share my secrets with you!

I happen to love this picture of Olivia Palermo, Exhibit A of how my favorite color combo, black and navy, can and do go together.

She’s got all the right pieces for a chic, eclectic ensemble: black leather, peplum, navy silk, cap toe pumps, and a top handle chain bag. But, her bag along costs over $3500! After scouring the internet I bring to you Olivia Palermo chic for under $100 each piece. Enjoy!

vegan leather peplum top, Tinley Road, $89

black bow belt, Asos, $13.26

navy silk shorts, Reiss, $90 (sale!)

black cap toe pump, LOFT, $79.50

white top handle chain bag, Guess, $88

Up to 75% off clearance at Torrid + Additional 10% Off

by Lisa on February 16th, 2012

Through February 20, 2012 plus-size shopping destination Torrid is offering up to 75% off all clearance items, plus you can get an additional 10% off your entire order with code “2AF12OFF“. Combining these two offers leads to some pretty fantastic prices!

There’s still some time to get some use out of winter clothing and this Grey Fair Isle Open Front Cardigan will do the trick nicely. Originally $48.99, it’s now on clearance for $9.99. After the additional 10% discount it costs just $9!

While the colors are more fall than spring this Olive Hooded Twill Jacket is a great seasonal transition piece. Originally $58.50, it’s now on sale for $19.99. After the extra 10% discount the price drops to $18.

Click here to check out the entire Torrid Clearance Sale now!!!

Steal This Look: Mila Kunis Shopping in Paris

by Lisa on August 2nd, 2011

Here’s how to steal Mila Kunis’s Look for Less!

1. White Perfect Tee from Old Navy – $5
2. Armitron NOW Gold-Tone Crystal Leopard Watch from Kohl’s – $54.99
3. Elasticized Two-Button Jacket from The Limited – $148
4. The Flirt Skinny Jeans from Old Navy – $19.97
5. Unionbay Buckle Cross-Body Handbag from Kohl’s – $29.40
6. Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan Air Bacara from PiperLime – $138
7. F6705 Sunglasses from Forever21 – $5.80

Check out These Missoni for Target Preview Pics!

by Lisa on August 2nd, 2011

Moodboard has an excellent preview of the Missoni for Target collection that is featured in the August issue of Vogue.

I’m a newer fan o f Missoni {maybe thanks to all of the Target buzz!}, but I can’t wait to get my little hands on some of these items. The skirt above, featured on Margherita Missoni, is so dang cute. According to Moodboard it will sell for $40.

Truthfully, from the preview that’s available, the Missoni vases above are my favorites. I love the one holding the purple flowers. It seems that unlike many of the previous Target collections, many of the items in the Missoni collection will actually be ceramic – score! I’ve got my fingers crossed that the ceramic items include the vase.

The Missoni for Target Collection is set to hit the racks September 13, 2011. Are you ready?

While you’re waiting, be sure to check out the entire Vogue preview at Moodboard!

Project Runway Star Christian Siriano To Design Bridal Line

by Dory on July 26th, 2011

Yay! One of my favorite Project Runway stars Christian Siriano has announced he is doing a bridal collection!

He confirmed it in an interview with Refinery29:

“Christian, we hear you’re doing Bridal! How’s that going and what else is on your horizon?
Yes! A few of my more elaborate show gowns translate well into bridal with some design changes, and I have always done custom bridal. My studio has created a lot of beautiful gowns for discerning brides for several years, but we have also just started a partnership that will bring a few of my affordable bridal designs to a department store in the near future! We will still be doing custom bridal and create one-of-a-kind gowns for private clients, but I’m excited that my new bridal line will be available to many more people!”

So exciting! Are you a fan of Christian’s designs?

6 Hour Sale: 40% Off Almost EVERYTHING at Banana Republic

by Lisa on July 24th, 2011

For the next six hours ONLY you can enjoy one heck of a discount at Banana Republic: 40% off nearly EVERYTHING at Banana Republic online!

Pretty incredible, right? You’ll want to arm yourselves with promo code “BRSUMMER” to get the savings.

The sale begins at 6 p.m. ET and ends at midnight ET tonight.

There are some exclusions, though for the most part this sale does apply to all women’s apparel.

Promotion not valid on Timeless collection, Monogram Dresses, Men’s bags, Men’s Gavin, Dawson, & Emerson pants, men’s and women’s shoes & accessories, and Chan Luu.

The sale will continue at midnight, but the discount will drop to 35%, and it’ll drop even further, to 30%, on Tuesday.

My suggestion? Shop tonight! It’s super duper rare that Banana Republic offers a discount as high as 40%… which is why they’re only offering it for 6 hours.

Click here to head to Banana Republic now!!!

I already have a couple of items in my shopping cart, as I bide my time waiting for the sale to go live.

I have been obsessing over this Betsy Animal Print Blouse since it first appeared on the site. I don’t normally do animal prints of any kind, but this print is very subtle. And I absolutely adore the color! This top is also $79.50, or $47.40 with the discount.

I love BR’s Martin fit pants, and these Martin fit textured black cuffed crop need to be in my closet. The length is perfect for work during the summer, and I charcoal gray is a great color for all seasons. Normally $79.50, with the discount they’re just $47.70. {I plan on pairing these pants with the top above.}

So this Gemma Wrap Dress is more of a fall purchase, but the price truly can’t beat. Originally $98, this Grey Heather color is on sale for $39.99. After the additional 40% discount it costs just $25. $25 for a BR dress? Yes, please!

Shipping at BR is free on all $50+ purchases. Remember – 40% off is ONLY valid for 6 hours. Don’t miss this sale!

Click here to head to Banana Republic now!!!