It is a rainy day here in Louisville, and I just got called off work. My lovely computer won't charge?!?!?! So I'm posting from my trusty Blackberry. I have discovered a new website that is great. I just received my first purchases. The website is called Tobi. I ordered an adorable blazer with a zipper all around the waist, a dusty pink blouse, and a rose gold bracelet shaped like a nail. If you like the store on facebook, or ask 5 of your friends to join, you receive 50 percent off your order (read the fine print for exclusions). All of my goodies totaled $60. I'm very happy with the quality of the items. They have adorable jeans, jackets, blouses, and dresses. Check it out, and go forth in style!

Pearl Embellishment

     I've been seeing pearl embellishments on a lot of stuff lately.  Pearls are so gorgeous and classic. I wear my  studs all the time. I buy my pearls from a little Asian  man who has a  stand in our mall. I've gotten beautiful cream, pink, and black studs for 10 bucks each. They make great gifts as well. I actually first saw this trend a few seasons ago (I think it was season 8) on Project Runway.  Mondo was in the finale and made an insane white leather motorcycle jacket with pearls. Oh, it was fantastic. I wanted it immediately.
     Balmain is doing some ridiculously beautiful embellishments this season. I read somewhere that they were inspired by the intricate detail of a Faberge egg. Below is a picture from their fall runway..  

Balmain fall 2012

How completely beautiful, right? Well if you have  thousands of dollars to spend on a  piece of clothing, that's amazing..but you are probably not reading this blog. So for all of you haute honeys on a budget, I saw a little DIY option on Pinterest, which I am picturing here...   How easy is this? Grab a basic shirt from anywhere, (I think denim would even be a cute option), some pearls from Micheal's or your local bead store, and start sewing. You could add just a few to the pocket, cuffs, or the collar as shown. While your at it, make a headband or hot glue some pearls to a simple barrette. This stuff is easy, fun, and looks adorable.. I hope I've given you a little inspiration. Stay tuned for highlights from New York fashion week. Go forth in style.

pearl embellishment DIY,  Pinterest

Animal print shoes

urban outfitters, $65

Alright, I've got just a little bit before I'm off to work...and I wanted to show you lovelies these shoes. This is the type of animal print I like.  Just a touch...you don't want to look full on Jersey Shore.  I love an animal print accent like a belt, bag, scarf, or shoes.  Even a cute coat would work.  These shoes are a great way to show just a hint of that wild cat inside of you.  You could wear these anywhere, with anything.  Casual with jeans, or to the office with a simple black dress or skirt.  Just a quick post, but I shall return! Thanks for reading, and go forth in style...

Favorite Fall FInds

I just worked 12 hours today, and I'm beat..not to beat to do a little online shopping though. Here is what I'm wanting right now. Since we are recessionistas, everything is under $100.00.

necklace, piperlime $22

dress, piperlime $79

blouse, piperlime $99

blouse, urban outfitters $59

wedges, urban outfitters $69

jeans, piperlime $68

Those studded wedges are HOT! Definitely the next purchase for my over tired aching feet..The ploka dot blouse is all black lace in the back, so adorable...I love the necklace to jazz up any simple ensemble..The dress would be great for the office or a date. It's a great day to night piece..Just swap out your heels and pearls for a tough necklace, and your black booties. Wear a blazer or black leather jacket over it. Printed jeans are so in right now. I like the tame tye dyed colors on this pair. Rock them with the studded wedges, a white t shirt, and any color blazer..my eyes are closing as I type..sweet dreams all! Go forth in style...

White after Labor Day

free people, piperlime, $59.99

The question at hand is will you wear white after Labor Day? I certainly will! These old traditions are exactly that..old. I don't feel they apply to fashion these days.  So don't put away those white jeans just yet...I wear my white jeans all through winter. Tuck yours into tall brown or black boots with a cozy sweater. If  you don't own a pair, get some. Now is the time, they are on sale everywhere. That's the thing about buying off season, you can get some great bargains. I bought my daughter a bathing suit last night for around $15. She talked me into it, since she's going on a cruise with her grandparents this winter (lucky girl..)  Only buy something if it fits perfectly and you absolutely love it..Here are just a couple pairs of jeans I found..both are marked down. The Hudson's are some of my favorites, as I've mentioned before. It doesn't matter that the Free People jeans are cropped, since you will be wearing cozy knee socks and tall boots over them.

hudson, piperlime, $98.99

urban outfitters, $79

urban outfitters, $69

The brown sweater and boots are available in a variety of colors, including black. I love pieces like this because they are so interchangeable with everything else you already own. Boots look great with jeans, skirts, and dresses..and we already know you can throw a cardigan over anything.. Great price for those boots too. I have had my black pair for almost 5 years, and I wear them ALL winter. Good investment!

 I love love love winter white. It just looks so clean and crisp. This sweater and jacket are adorable.  The white motorcycle jacket is a nice alternative to the black one everyone already owns.  Or try the studded one I mentioned in my fall trends post.   Another great thing about white, is that is goes with EVERYTHING! I love the texture of the open weave on the sweater, and it's sexy. It's hard to find a sexy sweater..

urban outfitters, $44

I would love to hear what you think about breaking fashion rules..will you keep wearing white? Thanks to those of you that have read my posts so far..I've never blogged before, so bear with me...It's been a lot of fun, and I would love to hear comments or suggestions...go forth in style!

top shop, $110

Fall trends on the cheap

Ok,  now that we have the September issues of all our favorite mags, it's time to talk about the trends.  Not only will I discuss the trends,  I will show you exactly where to get an inexpensive version that looks like a million bucks.  Here we go:

blouse Zara $89

1. Brocade- it's everywhere..too much and you will look like your grandmother's drapes, but just a touch can really rev up your style. Here are some options:


I love the look of these 3 pieces.  The peplum blouse is actually a combo of 2 trends. Peplums seem to be everywhere, on shirts, skirts, and dresses. Use them to camouflage areas of the body that are a little soft.  The dress is styled great with black tights It is season less.  Throw a black blazer over it for fall/winter, and  edge it out with black booties.  Lose the tights and blazer and wear cute wedges or metallic gladiators for spring and summer.  I've been seeing a ton of ankle length trousers lately. Use them to show off the beautiful strap of a shoe, or once again pair with trusty black booties.

pants Zara $119

dress Piperlime$69

2. Leather- it's not just  rock and roll anymore. There are some seriously sophisticated frocks around these days. I've even found some vegan choices for you animal lovers (I certainly am, I've been vegetarian my entire life).

When to splurge

There are definitely times to spend the big bucks.  Some things are classic and will last a lifetime. I have the simple yet elegant black Chanel 2.55 bag with a silver chain strap, that I will carry until I'm 90. Since having this bag, an amazing friend (Nate..he deserves props) gave me a smaller vintage version that belonged to his grandmother. See,  get a little Chanel and it multiplies.  Every woman should have one great black and one great brown bag. I happened upon an amazing website today called the real real.com.  they have adorable consignment designer pieces for a fraction of the cost.  Pictured are just a couple of my finds. The Chloe Paddington bag was priced at $650.00,  while the Chanel was $725.00.  I know it's pricey but  if it is something you will love and use forever, it's great.  I also love the fact that buying from consignment is like recycling.  Good for the earth and you is a win win.

Here's the link:www.therealreal.com

  Another thing to splurge on is a great pair of jeans. I literally live in my jeans.  Right now my favorites are from J Brand and Hudson. Finding the perfect pair of jeans is like finding a four leaf clover.  You feel lucky and exhilarated.  I don't need to tell you how versatile they are, but I will, because I like to talk....Also as we all know, you want to find a pair that makes your bum look good.  For someone like me who has not much going on back there,  you need something with a detail on the pocket.  Hudson jeans are great because they have a flap and a button on the back pocket.  If you want to minimize that area (why would you though?),  look for something with a plain pocket in a darker wash. I have even scored a couple of pairs on sale. I picked up a pair of Hudson's at T J Maxx for $70.00.  Look around these places when you have time.  Ross (for all you west coasters),  Loehmann's, and Steinmart are all great places to check out. 

 One more thing that every stylish woman should own is a nice watch.  I have a Gucci bracelet watch with interchangeable faces that my great grandfather gave me when I was 16.  Actually, I lost the original but found another on Ebay for around $100.00.  I think vintage watches are the sh**!  Beautiful, classic, and well  made.  They just don't make things like they used to.Browse Ebay and see what you can  find.  ALWAYS make sure you buy from a highly rated seller,  and read the fine print.  If your not a watch girl,  I get it.  I used to not be either, but they grew on me.  A nice vintage watch is also a great gift for any man in your life, which reminds me of Carrie in the Sex and the City  movie. Doesn't every girl want to be Carrie?  Or at least have her closet?

Lastly my dears is a good haircut.  My hairdresser (Kim!!) is simply superb.  For you ladies that dye your hair at home I give you mad props,  but I am not quite so talented.  I see her about every 2 months for highlights and a cut. She's like my therapist, best friend, and Sally Hershberger all rolled into one. I strayed from her once,  and ended up with my long luscious locks cut to my chin with stair step layers in the back..took 2 years to grow out.  Having good hair makes you feel good,  and I'm all about everyone feeling good.  If you don't have a regular hairdresser,  keep your eyes peeled.  The next time you see someone with a great haircut, ask who they go to..people love being complemented.  Another thing I'm sure you already know is to please tip well.20% minimum. This goes for dining out also. Bad tipping is classless.  If you can't afford to tip properly,  don't have the dinner or service.  

Alright save up pretty ladies, and then get yourself a snazzy purse, some bootylicious jeans, an old school watch, and your hair did! Go forth in style..

My Go-To Look

This is kind of a no brainer... 
I'm sure you ladies have that one outfit that you always feel good in (would love to know your faves). Lately for me it's been skinny jeans, a super soft tee shirt, a nice fitted blazer, my tried and true black leather booties (thank goodness they are still in style), and a statement piece of jewelry. Isn't jewelry the best? You can completely transform any look with a great pair of earrings, some noisy bracelets (the sound is half the fun), or a necklace that makes people take notice. Plus you can find the best deals on jewlery, it comes in any size, and it can really personalize your style.  One of my favorite pieces is a silver tree necklace that I bought at Von Maur for $3.00!! I get complemented  almost every time I wear it,  I even have a good friend who said if she ever gets married she wants to wear it for the wedding. I will upload a pic soon..but jewelry is a whole other story..let's get back to the topic at hand. So this outfit of mine is great for a night out with the girls, or dinner with your man. I'm going to show some great ways to make this look with pieces under $100.00.

These jeans are great and they are $39.00 from Urban Outfitters right now.  They are made by Cheap Monday.  I also really like their brand BDG for jeans, and they are priced very reasonably at about $60.00.  If you wanna go even cheaper head to Forever 21 and pick up a pair for $25.00 or less.  I do believe jeans are one item to splurge on, but I will go into that later...                                                Check out this freaking adorable blazer from Zara..I love this! I think this may be my next purchase for fall.  This blazer is $99.90.  See how great it looks with a simple white tee shirt? You could also pair this with a black pencil skirt or trouser for work..or throw it over a dress.  Another I like is a black and white striped option from Express (for some reason I couldn't download the image).  Its $68.00, that's including the 30% off sale going on right now.

You can pick up a great tee almost anywhere...I love a good 3 pack of Hanes men's tees. Come on! 10 bucks for 3 shirts!! Grab them at Target. Also try Gap, Old Navy, or Forever 21 for inexpensive tees.  For me the softer, the better.

These shoes are $29.90 from American Eagle!! I mean really, how do you ever find shoes this inexpensive?!! They are adorable and super versatile. How cute would these look with a mini skirt and tights during winter?  Love, love,love!

This necklace is from Forever 21.  it's $7.80. I get a lot of my jewelry here.  This is the place to buy the trendy stuff. Here's a tip: to make rings last longer paint them with a coat of clear nail polish.  So there we have it..a great ensemble for under $200..it includes things that you can interchange with items already in your closet. Go forth with style my ladies!

What this is...

OK people, I have a serious addiction to anything concerning fashion. I was reading my mother's Vogue at six years old. I want to create a space to show you all how to get serious style without the serious price. I am most definitely a babe on a budget, and have always been known for being a total bargain hunter. I will share with all of you my tips and tricks for looking beautiful without breaking the bank. My sixteen year old daughter calls me her stylist, and I love to dress her a little edgier than myself.  I want to help ladies(or drag queens) of ANY age.  Here I will show everything from fun party looks, to office wear, to laid back frocks for you casual weekenders.  And PLEASE ask questions, send me suggestions, or show off looks of your own.