365 of 365: Best Of 2014

Today marks the last day of the year. 2014 has been a good year for the blog as well as our personal lives. We are looking forward to what next year has in store. 

Below are our 5 most viewed blog posts this year; if you hadn't read them before do so now!

When buying wardrobe essentials, I believe you should buy quality pieces that will last for a long time which may cost more than you normally would spend. Think of them as investment pieces. The key to purchasing great quality pieces while still being frugal is shopping out of season, outlet stores and major sales. This post lists some essentials I believe every lady should have and where to buy them for the low! - See more at: 8 Wardrobe Essentials Worth the Splurge
 

I'm an advocate of not paying more for an item than its worth. A lot of these 'high end' makeup brands have good products but some are not worth the price in my opinion. Here are some inexpensive makeup products that can be purchased at a drugstore or your local beauty supply store.  - See more at: Beauty on a Budget 

A Hermes belt kit starts at about $800 and the enamel bracelet is $650. I see a lot of people with both items some real and some fake. Instead of spending all your money or buying a fake, check out this look for less. - See more at: The Look for Less: Hermes

Did you catch Beyoncé in her Double Pom Pom Beanie? If you want to make your own, I found a fairly easy DIY tutorial for the Double Pom Pom Beanie on A Pair & A Spare's blog - See more at: DIY Double Pom Pom Beanie 

UGGS aren't cheap and finding some on sale is a challange. Over the Christmas holiday I came across these cute little boot wraps by Homage, which are liners that pop onto soles of you UGGs. They come in a variety of colors and patterns. The prices range from $29.95 to $34.95. They are sold exclusively at Nordstrom. These boot covers are perfect for sprucing up an old or new pair of UGGs. - See more at: Dress Up Your UGGs

Happy New Years! Leave us a comment below and let us know what you would like to see from us in the new year! 

Get The Look: Rihanna

I think almost everyone saw Rihanna in her royal blue fur jacket a few days ago, well if you haven't see the pic above. Rihanna is a trend setter and I admire her personal style because she pushes the envelope and owns what she wears. After doing a little bit a online window shopping I found the jacket she was wearing is 14FW Oversized Fur Jacket by Kye, a Korean fashion designer. Her jacket will run you about $900 so of course I had to find a more frugal version.

 Choies Blue Lapel Faux Fur Coat $74

Pass or Purchase? Let us know what you think!

-Derria

New Years Eve Outfits Ideas

New Years Eve is right around the corner and its time to plan your outfit if you already haven't done so. If you haven't this is for you. I've picked out a few outfits that I think would work for any type of NYE celebration.

Outfit 1: Necklace || Dress || Shoe
Outfit 2: Necklace || Jumpsuit || Shoe
Outfit 3: Dress || Clutch || Shoe
Outfit 4: Jacket || Pants || Shoes   Checkout MissGuided and BooHoo for other great outfit ideas! 
 - Christen

The Look For Less: Isabel Marant

A frugal shopaholic can dream right? I spotted these Isabel Marant boots on Instagram that are too die for! But unfortunately for me they are $810. But of course it wouldn't be right if I didn't find the look for less. On my daily forever21.com run through I came across this Isabel Marant inspired boot. They look so muck like!

The Look: Isabel Marant Nowles Ankle Boots $810  
For Less:  Chukka Wedge Bootie $40

Would you buy them? Hot or not?

-Derria

Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide

Tis the season for family gatherings, secret santas, white elephant parties, and other holiday events where gifts are exchanged. Last minute Christmas shopping can be stressful, but don't panic I've got you covered with some ideas. So instead of picking up some gift cards try the items below. If you order soon you will have the items by Christmas.

1. Leather Key Fob $24 // 2. Initial Bar Bracelet $22 // 3. Monagram Candle $16 // 4. Monogram Wine Stopper $34 // 5. Ice Geo Cuff $15 // 6. Three-Piece Fragrance Set $27 // 7. Croc Embossed Passport Holder & Luggage Tag Set $20 // 8. Seven-Piece Lip Gloss Collection With Clutch $19 // 9. Lush Holiday Set $19 // 10. Chatbook $6 (Use code 63H9YH3Xfor for 1st free book)

Don't forget to use our Daily Deals page to get additional money off! 


- Christen

What's The TREND? Flatflorms

Flats are a staple item for your wardrobe each and every season. But this fall/winter we've been formally introduced to "flatorms". Flats with a platform that give you a little height and add a little spunk to your wardrobe. Ive purchased a one pair of flatforms and I love them. They always give me a retro feel. I've seen various styles including espadrille, brogue and sneaker flatforms. Below are some frugal options!

1. Floral Sandal $39 2. Embossed Loafers $35 3. Metallic Pointed Flatforms $35 4.Leopard Sneaker $35 

flatforms

What do you think? Flatforms.....Hot or Hmm?  

-Derria
 

Meet Frugal Shopaholic Charlie

Name: 

Charlie

Where are you from? 

Chapel Hill, NC

Explain your blog or Instagram name. 

 I am a frugal shopper who loves to catch deals. I LOVE vintage clothing so I shop at many thrift stores as well shopping malls to get the look that I am looking for. I decided to go with the name FrugalFabFashion because I’m frugal, fabulous, and I love fashion!!!

Describe your personal style. 

I LOVE and LIVE for bright colors. I love to step outside of the box and explore the fashion world. I really love a vintage and classy look. Ladies always remember that you can be sexy but classy as well. That’s my motto.

Where are your favorite places to shop? 

My favorite places to shop would be ANY thrift store or shopping mall but my heart belongs to the Durham Rescue Mission Thrift store. It feels great to find a deal and to know that the purchases I make from the Durham Rescue Mission will help those who are in need. I love to give back and look great while doing it.

What does being a “Frugal Shopaholic” mean to you? 

Being a Frugal Shopaholic means that you are a beauty on budget and that you are dressing well and looking your best for less. My fashion blog shows you how to look great without spending all of your hard earned money!

What is a frugal shopaholic tip or trick that can be shared with our readers? 

Some tricks or tips that I use are COUPONS!! They are EVERYWHERE! The app RetailMeNot helps me out a lot. It’s an app that can be downloaded on your phone for FREE to show you where the discounts are in your area. Also, if you are a frequent thrift store shopper like me, you could sign up for their mailing list. While being on the mailing list you receive coupons. Yep that’s right, coupons for the thrift store. It can't get any better than that.

How can we keep in touch with you? 

You can keep in touch with me by following me on instagram at @frugalfabfashion

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Wishlist

It's that time again! My Black Friday & Cyber Monday list isn't long at all.  My favorite time of year to shop on an extreme discount!  Below are the items I plan on snagging this year.

1. Fujifilm X UO Custom Colored Mini 8 Instax Camera $100 at Urban Outfitters. 
Hopefully, they will have their 50% off clearance sale. This camera will be perfect for traveling in addition to my trusty iPhone.

2. iLive Bluetooth Soundbar- $35  at Walmart

3. Faux Leather Moto Jacket $35 at Forever 21

Provided this jacket comes back in stock in my size. I hope to get at least 30% off!

These are the only items on my list. What on yours? Let us know!

-Derria

Best Deals for Black Friday

My favorite holiday (Black Friday) is only days away. Unfortunately for me, I won't be able to participate in the madness this year. Typically, I use Black Friday to purchase electronics and household items that I've been wanting all year, and Cyber Monday to buy clothes, shoes, and other stuff. I've sifted through a number of online flyers and ads and honestly I' m not impressed. The same items are on sale year after year, TVs, iPads, blah blah blah. Nonetheless I found a few deals.

Element  29in Flat Panel LED HD TV at Target // Panasonic 50in LED TV at BestBuy // HP Intel Celeron Touch Laptop at Walmart // RCA 7-in Google Play Wi-Fi Tablet at Radio Shack // Canon EOS Rebel T5 18-55 Kit at eBay.com // Beats by Dr. Dre Pill Portable Speaker at Walmart
- Christen 

P.S. To avoid some lines some stores (i.e., Target and Walmart) usually put the in-store only sales online the morning of Thanksgiving 

Elevate Your Style With Daily Look Elite

Earlier this week, we got an email about DailyLook's Elite program. With the Elite program you recieve, a box of hand-picked fashion items, curated by YOUR personal stylist, sent right to your home! I'm an avid online shopper, I even buy groceries online. So convenience is a big thing for me. This program is perfect for people who are always on the go and don't have time to shop for them self. Everyone should be able to have a stylist not just the celebs!

Each box contains 6-8 exclusively hand-selected items that will generally range from $50-$150. Discover the latest fashion brands, risk free for $20 a month. The $20 monthly styling fee is waived for your first 3 months. After your free 3 month trial, your credit card will be charged a $20 per month styling fee, which applies toward your order. You can skip a month or pause your membership anytime. There is no obligation to buy and you can cancel anytime. 

I tried to sign up for the Elite program but its not available yet in France. :( Try it out and leave us know how you like it. 


- Christen

The Look for Less: Moschino

Designers have been making bags inspired by milk cartons, perfume bottles and other items for the past few seasons. Jeremy Scott, creative director of Moschino, designed some handbags inspired by leather jackets. They are super cute and different from a traditional purse, but the price however aren't in a frugal shoppers budget.  Well of course I found a dupe checkout this Moschino look for less below.

 Moschino Biker Jacket Shoulder Bag $1995

 Moto Jacket Handbag $69

- Christen

Say it With A Clutch

Most recently the only purses I've had the urge to buy or carry are clutches because they are limit all the junk I can carry and they are just more convenient with work and life's ins and outs. But I had my eye on a clutch by Zara from a couple seasons ago that I never bought but hoped they'd restocked but unfortunately that didn't happen. 

It wasn't surprising to me that other companies would come out with their versions. As you know frugal shopaholics live for a "look for less". But I found a few that I like that are on the frugal end!

1. Money 2. Blame Society 3. Flawless

 Have you seen any phrase statement clutches that are cool? Comment or email and tell us where!

-Derria

What's The TREND? Backpacks

 

Backpacks aren't just for carrying books anymore, they are a fashion statement. Not the Jansport bag that you had in high school. Backpacks are the it bag of the season. All the designers are making them and your fave celebs are carrying them.

Are you down with the backpack trend?

-Christen 
 

Back to Black

I've seen headlines like orange is the new black, gray is the new black, white is the new black when referring to color trends. But for me no color will every replace black in my wardrobe. From November to February you can find me dressed in all black like the omen. Some people don't like wearing black because they think it is boring. However it is classic, looks good on every skin color, and it's slimming. Here are some black items under $50 

Outfit 1: Jumpsuit | Fedora | Quilted Handbag | Lace- up Bootie
Outfit 2: Lapel Coat | Bodysuit | Skinny Jeans | Patent Leather Pumps
Outfit 3: Sweater | Leather Shorts | Ankle Bootie | Handbag

-Christen

Meet Frugal Shopaholic Maribel Mendoza

Name:
Maribel Mendoza aka The Fashion Cheapskate

Where are you from?
Southern California girl, born in The City of Orange, now a semi-desert dweller in Canyon Crest California.

Explain your blog name?
I've been a shopaholic for as long as I can remember and I've always felt a sense of pride in being able to stretch my dollar on apparel and still be fashionable. Don't get me wrong, I like designer items and nice things, but I love showing off how many items I've purchased with the same budget that most people spend on one pair of shoes! And from that, I've been called many things including frugal, tight, penny pincher, stingy, well you get the point. I've never argued otherwise when it came to the name calling, in fact I've always openly admitted that I was all of those things mentioned, but for some reason the word "cheapskate" always rolled off of my tongue smoothly. So there it is, my name is Maribel and I'm a fashion cheapskate, a proud one.

Describe your personal style?
My style varies on my mood, but distressed jeans and heels are always my go to. I don't necessarily follow trends, I just happen to like a few pieces of what is considered to be "on trend" at the moment. I tend to buy individual pieces and when I bring them home I shop my closet and always find several ways to wear my new addition. Versus shopping for complete outfits where I tend to buy things that aren't versatile enough to wear with anything else in my closet.

 
Where are your favorite places to shop?
Definitely discount stores and you will probably never find me in a mall. My go to stores include; Marshalls, Nordstrom Rack, Susies Deals and Ross. Also, the world wide web is truly amazing, the virtual clearance racks are bountiful!

What does being a "Frugal Shopaholic" mean to you?
Being a frugal shopaholic means that you never pay full price for anything, or even a sale price unless its deeply discounted. One must set a budget and stick to it and within that budget, also have a budget for specific things, handbags, shoes, dresses etc,.( I like to challenge myself and see if I can buy more items than I did on my last haul) But by no means compromise your own sense of style, you can still buy what you like, be on trend and look like you've spent thousands on your wardrobe.

What is a frugal shopaholic tip or trick that can share with our readers?
Never pass up the opportunity to buy what retailers consider to be "out of season" or "end of season" items, so ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS start your shopping at the clearance racks! For tops, dresses and sweaters look through your size and two sizes up! It's amazing how much the fit in size varies from one brand to another. Also, don't forget the power of a cute belt or a great tailor to turn that one size too big piece into a fabulous piece.

How can we keep in touch with you?
http://instagram.com/thefashioncheapskate