Today's Look: Street Fair Chic

I spent the day enjoying Seafood Fest -- a street fair that literally takes place outside my front door! I wanted to be comfy (hence the flats) and cover up my sunburned shoulders (hello, cardigan!) but still feel summery with a nautical inspired color scheme.


The Look:
Lace Tank: $7 - Walmart, 2007
Capris: $20.99 (on sale) - Old Navy, June 2010
Cardigan: $59 - INC by Macy's, June 2010
Bow Flats: $30 - Lela Rose for Payless, June 2010
Headband: $5.80 - Forever 21, July 2010

Total Look: 122.79

Today's Look: Summer Scarves!

One of the hottest looks this summer is wearing a cold weather accessory as the temperature heats up...the summer scarf! Tons of celebrities are rocking the look this season, and so can you! The best part is that you'll be able to wear your scarf year round and get the most bang for your buck! We FINALLY had a day above 75 in Seattle...in fact, it was 90! I used the opportunity to pull out my trendy new romper, and pair it with a scarf from my accessory blitz shopping trip last week.



The Look:

Denim Romper: $19.99 - Target, May 2010
Wedges: $30 (on sale) - Kohls, 2009
Scarf: $6.80 - Forever 21, July 2010
Earrings: $8 - Target, April 2010

Total Look: $64.79

Yesterday's Look: What I wore to my job interview

For my interview in Portland yesterday, I decided to go a little more formal than I did for my last interview here in Seattle. You'll notice that the basic pieces I used are the same, but I changed up the look with a Chanel inspired jacket from H&M and different accessories. I love the "stud" detailing on the shoulder and pockets of this jacket -- it gives a young, trendy feel to the classic look. I think I'll get a lot of wear out of the jacket -- it will look adorable with shorts and a blouse or tailored jeans and a tank!

A special thanks to my friend Kathy for letting me crash at her place, and showing me around Portland. Love you, Kathy!

The Look:
Chanel-inspired jacket: $60 - H&M, June 2010
Pencil skirt: $60 - INC for Macy's, June 2010
Ruffle Blouse, $23.70 (on sale, normally $39.50) - Ann Taylor Loft, June 2010
Topaz and clear statement necklace : $26.40 (on sale, normally 44.50) - Ann Taylor Loft, June 2010
Hollywould Leopard Print Peep-toe Pumps - $8 on clearance, Target 2007

Total Look: $173.10

A Frugal Alternative to Spanx

When I find a great, affordable product I can't help but share! No matter how adorable your outfit is, it just won't look right without the proper foundation. Many celebrities and public figures rave about Spanx products. Spanx are somewhat pricey, so I ordered a pair off of eBay for $30 (originally $68 at Nordstrom) to wear under my mermaid style wedding dress a few years ago. I was less than impressed. The fabric tore when trying them on for first time, they didn't "suck me in" enough, and you could see them through the dress! Doesn't that defeat the purpose?

Not one to give up so easily, I kept searching and stumbled across the ASSETS by Sara Blakely line at Target a few weeks later. ASSETS (love the name) are incredible! The fabric is comfy and durable, they make you look as if you've lost 10 pounds and they are affordable! The "unbelievable underwear" pictured above was only $15. They worked great under my wedding dress, and are still going strong 3 years later. I wore them to my job interview today (photos to come) under a pencil skirt. They make the skirt (not to mention my butt and hips) look a million times better. ASSETS offers a variety of products and are available online. Give them a try! I promise they will soon become the foundation of your wardrobe.

Shopping Trip: Accessory Blitz!

My husband Scott and I spent our day off relaxing, running errands, and of course...shopping! Scott needed to pick up some "investment pieces" (ie, expensive items he will wear a lot) for work. After spending a few hours of helping him pick out clothes, I felt like I deserved a few items myself! Since we had spent most of our budget on Scott's items, I decided to give myself a $30 to spend at Forever 21 on some fab accessories! I got four wonderful items...talk about stretching your dollar! I LOVE the accessories from Forever 21. There clothing can be a little bit of a risk (I've had good an bad experiences!) but there accessories are always spot on. Here's what I picked up:

Metallic Sprinkled Gauze Scarf - $6.80
I LOVE the variety of colors in this scarf. It can match so many things, and the sparkle takes it from day to night in a snap!
Ways to wear:
• With a t-shirt, shorts, blazer and shades...Holllywood chic!
• Knotted around the neck with a simple solid sundress
• Pair it with ripped jeans and a simple tank for a fun, casual look

Mesh and Feather Flower Hair Clip/Pin - $6.80
This can be worn as a hair clip or pin...so many options!
Ways to wear:
• Clipped into a messy updo...so fabulous!
• Pinned onto a blazer or cardigan to add some jazz to your office wear.
• Clipped onto your handbag...give and old purse a new look!
• Attach to a simple tee or tank and pair with cute jeans and flats...easy and put together.
• Clip it onto a skinny belt for some fun contrast.

Sweet Ruffle Trimmed Fedora - $9.80
I love that the fedora has a feminine twist with the feather and floral detail! I could never quite mesh the fedora trend with my girly style...until I found this!
Ways to wear:
• At the beach or on a boat with your swimsuit/coverup! A stylish way to protect your skin and hair from the sun
• With a maxi dress for an elegant look that doesn't require too much effort.
• With a tank, cardigan, shorts and gladiators...casual cool =)

Full Side Floral Headband - $4.80
The blue version of this headband was featured in my 4th of July looks for less post earlier this weekend. I chose the neutral cream version so that I could work it into a few more outfits and color combos.
Ways to wear:
• With a feminine cardigan for a preppy look
• With a floral sundress, a very garden party combo
• With dark denim and a cream top and flats. It puts a new spin on the classic jeans and white tee combo!

Featured Site: Frugal Fashion Focus

I stumbled across a FABULOUS site last week called Frugal Fashion Focus. They feature bloggers (like me) who post about incredible fashion at incredible prices! The site has a terrific collection of blogs and resources that will inspire you and help save some cash!

A huge thank you to Frugal Fashion Focus for including me as one of their featured bloggers. Now go check out their site if you haven't already...I promise you will soon become a huge fan!

Today's Outfit: Wedding Wear

I spent the weekend traveling to Spokane, WA for a dear friends wedding. We had a great time celebrating her big day, and getting all dolled up! My LBD (little black dress) is from JC Penney. I wear it all the time and always get tons of compliments. Plus, it's easy to change up the look of it with fun accessories. If you haven't shopped at JC Penney, you should! They have a fabulous dress section with great brands like Nicole Miller, Bisou Bisou, a.n.a., Allen B. (ABS), I ♥ Ronson and many more. Everything is priced very reasonably, and half of the store is always on sale by at least 30%! Seriously, check it out. The MOTB (Mother of the Bride) did and looked fabulous in an adorable ensemble she snagged at Penny's for half price!

The Look:
Dress - $50 (on sale), JC Penney October 2009
Heels - $25.99, Christian Siriano for Payless, June 2010
Clear and Topaz Stone Choker - $26.40 (on sale NOW, originally $44.50), Ann Taylor Loft, June 2010
Gold and White Giraffe Print Bracelet - $20, Michael's Market and Bistro - Moses Lake, WA. (A cafe that also has a fabulous boutique!) July 2010
Gold and Pearl Statement Ring - $8, Target, April 2010

Total Look: $130.39

Last-Minute Fourth of July Outfits for Under $75

The fourth of July is just around the corner, and what fashionista doesn't want to look fabulous and festive while sporting her red white and blue? Don't yet have your chic ensemble yet? It's not too late! I've put together two separate looks that are both well under $75 (one is under $60) that look patriotic and posh. The best part is, each piece will look great year-round and can become a staple in your day to day wardrobe. I've selected items from easily accessible stores -- we're down to the wire which means no time for online shopping/shipping. Enjoy these looks...they'll be sure to set off some major fashion fireworks!



LOOK 1:
Jean Sailor Shorts - $29.70 (on sale, originally $49.50), Express
Red Ruffle Front Tank - $7.99 (0n sale, originally $19.90), New York & Company
Turquoise Bauble Bib Necklace - $15.70 (on sale, originally $19.50), Old Navy
Marshall Natural Wedge Slingback - $9.00 (on sale, originally $24.99), Payless Shoes
Blue New York Street Tote - $9.99, Target
Total Cost: $72.38

LOOK 2:
DKNY Jean Dress - $29.99 (on sale, originally $79.00), Macy's
Red Cailey Slingback Flats - $7.00 (on sale, originally $17.99) Payless Shoes
Hollywood Intuition Blue Beaded Clutch - $16.99, Target
Blue Full Side Floral Headband - $4.80, Forever 21
Total Cost: $58.78

Today's Outfit: Comfortable Fashion

Today was one of those days where I didn't even want to get dressed! Let alone get out of bed. I was up until 1am working last night, and have a BUSY day of work ahead. So, comfort was key today. I kept it simple with black and white...and decided to go with a nice stretchy pair of leggings....very cozy! Good thing I have the day off tomorrow!

The Outfit:
Striped Top - $11, Old Navy (on sale), June 2010
Leggings - $10, Target, May 2010
White Belt- $15, NY & Company, 2008
Shoes - $12.99, GoJane, April 2010
Necklace - $30, Duque Salon & Spa, March 2010

Total Look: $78.99