Showing posts with label girl on a budget. Show all posts
Showing posts with label girl on a budget. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Girl on a Budget: Spring Wardrobe

I'm back from a great weekend. I hope you all enjoyed a weekend full of friends, cocktails, laughs, sunshine and warmer temps, just like I did:)

A few days ago, a good friend asked for my help in finding new wardrobe items for spring but at LOW prices. I am, shall we say, overly excited to whip out sundresses, loose cottons, bright colors, tanks, shorts and sandals for spring and summer. This winter has done a number on me and i. am. over it. In fact, I am wearing flip-flops and a neon short sleeve shirt today. Yes, I do realize it's 50 degrees and raining here in NJ and that people are looking at me funny (the cast on my arm doesn't help matters), but I don't care - March is the beginning of flip-flop season in my book. I also just got word that ice cream is being delivered to my favorite ice cream shop down the shore, Skipper Dipper, which means that summer is a'comin!!! See, I told you I live in the wrong state. That said, like most of us, I need to keep my springtime shopping budget to a minimum. So I got straight to work in finding the most budget-friendly wardrobe updates for spring. My best advice is to take good inventory of what you already have in your closet, make note of the basics and classics you'll need and spend a little more money on those pieces (make a list and stick to it!), then infuse some of these less expensive, fun and trendy pieces in there. Don't be afraid of color and pattern and keep in mind what's big for spring - pretty florals, printed dresses, crochet, stripes, 70s, longer hemlines, tribal prints, wide legs and flares. Voila! Spring has sprung.

Forever 21:

Zara:

Modcloth:


Target (Target has brought back their most popular dresses from their GO International Designer Collective lines. Take advantage!):

ASOS:

Urban Outfitters:

Piperlime:


H&M:


Dress, $29.95


Pants, $24.95


Blazer, $34.95

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Get the Look: Bicycle Wall Art

(Sheryl Crow's living room, via Architectural Digest)
Many of you are aware of my fondness for bicycles, especially the retro beach cruiser types. Though I'm currently on the disabled list (long story, but hence my lack of typing) and the weather in these parts is still wintry and unfavorable, I'm counting the days until I'm pedaling down beach roads again. While those dreamy days may still seem in the distant future, we can enjoy the carefree feeling of a vintage bike all year round with this ultra cool wall art. I first saw this great decor idea in the recent issue of Architectural Digest, featuring Sheryl Crow's Hollywood Hills home, a 1926 historic Spanish Colonial. Called a "boneshaker" for its uncomfortable ride, the 19th century American bicycle adds an element of authentic eclecticism to the whitewashed walls and neutral foundation of the home. While Sheryl purchased hers from Obsolete in Venice, California, you can get a similar look on the cheap with this bicycle wall sculpture from Home Decorators Collection:

Definitely going on my wish list! And if you haven't yet, be sure to check out the new Architectural Digest with ex Elle Decor editor-in-chief Margaret Russell now running the show. She has given the magazine a much needed modern update and it looks wonderful! Consider me a subscriber.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Calypso for Target!

Ever since I moved into my new apartment, I have been on a serious budget. But then again, who isn't these days? I definitely think there is an art to dressing stylishly without spending a fortune - the key being mixing high-quality classic pieces with less expensive trendier items...and of course having the will power to wait for things to go on sale. Target's designer collaborations are PERFECT for adding those contemporary pieces to your wardrobe without breaking the bank. In fact, I have a few things from the Target collaborations with Rodarte and Tucker that I absolutely adore and wear religiously. Imagine my excitement when InStyle announced yesterday that Target's next partnership is with Calypso St. Barth! Calypso is a go-to of mine for carefree chic looks that transport me to luxurious sunny destinations. I especially love their tunics, breezy tops and dresses, and their eclectic home goods. Some recent favorites...
(Ikat Caftan Dress, $195)
(Rope Embroidered Tunic, $195 and Malaga Tote, $375)
(Blockprint Tunic, $150)
(Batik Sailor Tunic, $295)
(St Barth Ikat Pant, $250)
(Indigo Euro Pillow, $120)
Launching May 1st, the Calypso St. Barth for Target line is just in time for summer. The limited-edition collection will include clothing for women and children, accessories, and home goods such as pillows, candles and glassware. And with prices from $1.99 to $79.99, I will surely be first in line!

Images via Calypso St. Barth