Keith Haring for Forever 21


Keith Haring was an American artist and social activist whose work responded to the New York City street culture of the 1980s by expressing concepts of birth, death, sexuality, and war. Haring's work was often heavily political and his imagery has become a widely recognized visual language of the 20th century.

I have always been a fan of Keith's work but most of the apparel and merchandise I've seen and wanted has been way out of my budget but luckily Forever 21 came to save the day with frugal Keith Haring options. Check them out below!





-Derria

Subscribe to our blog to get the latest updates to your inbox.

White Hot Summer

It's going to be a white hot summer for me, actually I like all white all year round like Lisa Raye. But it's something about all white in the summer that just looks great! See the outfits below for some ideas on some all white ensembles for the summer. 


White Hot


Top Left: Top || Bottom || Shoe || Bag
Top Right: Top || Bottom || Shoe || Bag
Bottom Left: Dress || Shoes || Bracelet
Bottom Right: Top || Bottom || Shoe || Sunglasses

- Christen
 
Subscribe to our blog to get the latest updates to your inbox.

Frugal Finds: Swimwear

Since we've skipped over spring and headed right to summer weather it was only right for me to keep you all in the loop about frugal swimsuit options for this fabulous weather!

Everyone should be well aware I love American Apparel, but when I found this swimsuit dupe and it's price I really almost lost my mind as well as this bathing suit seen on Kim K.  I found the frugal version on eBay. Don't sleep on eBay, it's definitely your friend and will always help you find frugal versions of your favorite items!



             
   


I know for a fact these  women didn't pay less than $20 for their swimsuits but you can! 


-Derria

Subscribe to our blog to get the latest updates to your inbox.

Frugal Style: Mismatch

                   

Back in high school I remember all of my clothes matching from the shoes to the shirts to the accessories maybe even the pants. It was in back then, but as the years passed by things changed and it was okay to not match at all.  But the best of both worlds have made their way back to the World of Fashion. 

Prints and monochrome are my favorite types of "matching" they allow you to stand out in a crowd and show your fashion sense to those you encounter.




ShopStyle

-Derria

Subscribe to our blog to get the latest updates to your inbox.

Frugal Spotlight: Nasty Gal


Nasty Gal is an american-based and owned retailer which specializes in fashion clothing, shoes and accessories for you women. This company was founded by Sophia Amoruso and is based in California. Sophia Amoruso launched an eBay store in San Francisco selling old pieces of clothing. The store name was Nasty Gal Vintage, where they sold vintage fashion that Amoruso would source at secondhand stores; one of them being a Chanel jacket she purchased at a Salvation Army for $8, she sold for more than $1,000.

Nasty Gal is probably one of my favorite online stores. I usually only shop in the clearance section but its well worth it for the unique/vintage type items they have. Prices are in the frugal range but there are some items that are pretty steep. All in all, Nasty Gal separates themselves from other online retailers with unique pieces check them out now! 

-Derria


Subscribe to our blog to get the latest updates to your inbox.

Links à la Mode: 4th Feature

We were featured in the Independent Fashion Bloggers weekly roundup again! Every week they picked the best 20 posts and we were chosen for the fourth time. Checkout all the posts chosen below! If you haven't seen our post that was selected check it out here 8 Wardrobe Staples Worth The Splurge.

lalam0515


Investment Chic

Maybe it's the return of 90's minimalism, but these days it seems like the word on the street is all about getting back to the basics. Investing in the classics, returning to classically understated style and timeless beauty. Of course we all have to update this notion of "classic" to fit into our world today, which is why identifying what that means is a never-ending conversation. This week's links will give you some inspiration to that "classic" look that's just right for you.
Brought to you by: East Dane Wonderland, Form Watches, F+C Bags, & 3 Dots, Sarah Chloe, Men's APC, Grenson, Zinke, Men's 7FAM, NDC & Zac Posen Bags

Want to be featured in Links à la Mode?

1. Read the clarified rules and submit your links on this page: Links à la Mode.
2. If your link was selected and you need this week’s code, visit this page: Links à la Mode Code.

- Christen

The Look for Less: Gucci

Gucci Look for Less


I've seen a lot of pics of  people wearing these Gucci booties, and honestly I didn't even know they were Gucci. I thought they were Zigi NY or something like that. In my opinion these shoes aren't worth $995 at all. So if you have been trying to get this look for less check it out below! 


Gucci Olimpia Elastic Ladder Strap Bootie $995

Strap To It Faux Leather Heels
 Strap To It $38

- Christen

Wardrobe Essentials Worth the Splurge

I shared a post a few weeks ago from Penny Pincher Fashion about smart shopping, and she touched on items that are"worth the splurge". When buying wardrobe essentials, I believe you should buy quality pieces that will last for a long time but 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 (i.e., friends and family, semi-annual and half-yearly sales).  Below are some essentials I believe every lady should have and where to buy them for the low!

White Shirt
Don't overlook the classic white shirt as an investment piece. Try this Classic Non-Iron Shirt by Ralph Lauren for $69 available at Bloomingdales, Macy's, Lord &Taylor or any other major department store. The best to get this item is during a friends and family sale, items are usually 25% off.



Quality Denim



Invest in some quality jeans that FIT! All jeans are not created equal, so find a pair that suits your body type. Try J Brand they have a wide array of styles, cuts and rises to choose from. Uniqlo has some quality inexpensive jeans. They are my current favs and the fit is great



Leather Jacket


A leather jacket is a wardrobe essential because of its versatility. It can be worn with just about anything and it will look great. Now is the perfect time to buy one. Try searching eBay or Amazon for a designer jacket at a low price. 

Trench Coat
Collection icon trench
A true classic, it's the kind of coat you'll wear season after season. It serves as a raincoat or a heavy jacket, and it's suitable for work or play. Try this classic trench from Banana Republic or J. Crew! Also, check out their factory stores.  

Oversized Watch
Everybody needs a gold watch, something classic that will never go out of style. While there are a bunch to choose from, find one that best suits you and your budget. While I would like a Rolex, I only have Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs or Nixon money. Shop Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale for good discounts. If you don't want to wait until then try Nordstrom Rack or T.J. Maxx

Leather Handbag
Find a handbag that you can pull out of your closet 5- 10 years from now and it will still be in style. Again stay within your budget. Try your local T.J. Maxx, I've seen everything from Gucci to Givenchy in there.  



Classic Pump


A simple, classic pump works for everything!  Every woman needs a black and nude pump in her closet doesn't matter if it's calfskin or patent, you need this in your wardrobe. Shop at BlueFly, Nordstrom RackSaks Off FifthBarneys Warehouse, or Last Call by Neiman Marcus for designer pumps that aren't super expensive. 


Riding Boots
I love riding boots, I think it is perfect for the fall and winter. A good pair will last you a lifetime. Invest in some Frye boots and you won't be sorry! If ordering them online be sure to try them on in-store first.  You'll find the best price at 6pm or Zappos

If you need help finding an item for less, email us. Click here to sign up for Ebates and get cash back and coupons when you shop!

 

Frugal Style 101: Christasphere Prom 2014

Prom season has come and gone but I had the pleasure of working with a fellow UNCG Alum, named Christa Bethelmy, to help assist a young lady get ready for prom! She needed my assistance finding a dress, accessories and shoes all on a strict budget which was pretty easy!

Alexis is a 17 year old  honor roll senior among the Top 100 Students in North Carolina. She wanted a dress that had sequins but wasn't too short and we finally came along a dress that she absolutely loved. Details on where we got her items are included below! The grand total of all the items we purchased were a little over $100.


Dress: $79.99 w/ additional 40% off--$47!
Shoes: Nona Sandal Pumps $15 (Burlington Coat Factory)
Purse: Silver Heart Clutch $20  (Shoe Warehouse)
Jewelry: Earrings $11  (Claire's)
               Bracelet: $14  (Claire's)
       Ring: $6

-Derria
 
Subscribe to our blog to get the latest updates to your inbox.

What's the TREND? Holographic

Just about anything I can get my hands on that's holographic I buy it. Holographic purses, shoes, pants, shoes skirts the list goes on. The stores I've seen these items in includes: Nasty Gal, GoJane and ASOS. Below are some holographic items that you can incorporate into your own wardrobe. Tell me what you think about this trend!


Trend Alert: Halogram/ Holographic


-Derria

Subscribe to our blog to get the latest updates to your inbox.

Meet Frugal Shopaholic Maggie Derzinski


Name: 
Maggie Derzinski

Where are you from? 
I am from Tonganoxie, KS, currently living in Lawrence, KS

Describe your personal style? 
I have to say that I don't have a certain confining style. I will try anything once! Two "styles" I really love and wear a lot of are boho chic(lots of tribal patterns and animal prints) and classic feminine (lace, pastels, classic silhouettes). 

Where are your favorite places to shop? 
My favorite places to shop are the clearance rack of an store (especially Maurices!) and thrift stores! I like chain thrift stores like Salvation Army and Goodwill but I most prefer small, hometown thrift shops! Supporting small businesses is very close to my heart! 

What does being a "Frugal Shopaholic" mean to you? 
Being a Frugal Shopaholic means being a fashionista on a budget. Styles and trends change so often, why pay full price to look fabulous? Being frugal is important to me because I'm on a tight budget but so is being stylish and looking sharp. I work in the professional world and need to look on point every day.

What is a frugal shopaholic tip or trick that can share with our readers? 
As far as a tip  would share, I would say don't be afraid to buy second hand. Check out local thrift shops(often!) and places like Plato's Closet and Ditto. I do a lot of clothes trading as well....buy something and turn around and sell or trade for something else. Recycle your style! I am always happy to give out any other tips, pointers, or style help - Just Direct Message or comment on a photo! 

Instagram: @Magnoliafine
Facebook: Maggie Derzinski
Twitter: @Magnoliafinee

Submit yourself and your frugal finds for a chance to be featured as the Frugal Shopaholic of the Month by leaving a comment in the comment box below telling us why you are a frugal shopaholic.  
Subscribe to our blog to get the latest updates to your inbox.

Celeb Style: Pleated Skirts


Box Pleated Skirts are my absolute favorite trend this season, worn perfectly with single sole heels and a crop top. They can be found in just about any color, hue and length but it's definitely a look you'd want to make your own. Pleats give you a dainty and polished look and can be dressed up and dressed down. Peruse the pleated skirts below!


-Derria
 
Subscribe to our blog to get the latest updates to your inbox.