Style Inspiration: the Day Dress

Over at Banana Republic, it is all about the day dress. I will confide in you, I do not wear day dresses. I am not sure why, I mean it's practically one step dressing. This season makes it even more difficult for me because the hemlines are a wee high for my comfort zone. I was able to find some cute finds that won't expose your upper thighs to the whole world, and I even found shoes and accessories to go with:


Crochet Neck Jersey Dress $25.00 from Newport News

Platform Pumps $24.99 (orig. $29.99) from Target

Pairing nudes with nudes has been everywhere this season (and I am not talking about naked people). I love the flow of this dress, though I have no idea what a drop waist would do to my body.


V Neck Jersey Shift Dress $20 (w/ $.97 shipping!) from Walmart

Iridescent Faux Pearl Necklace $6.80 from Forever 21

Silver Wedge Sandal $15.00 (orig. $30.00) from the 15 Dollar Store

Doesn't this dress look so versatile? I. LOVE. THIS. NECKLACE. Doesn't it remind you of that bracelet I showed from J.Crew's color inspiration?

Belted Shirt Dress $12.00 (orig. $17.00, again with $.97 shipping) from Walmart

Metal Bangle Set $5.80 from Forever 21

Chinese Laundry Patent Heels $15.00 (orig. $69.00) from the 15 Dollar Store

I am totally digging the pattern on this dress, and what a screaming deal on those heels!

What do you guys think? Do you wear dresses for everyday wear, to work, or about your daily life? Are you going to start? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

One Outfit: Pegged Pants

I am seeing these 'pegged' pants everywhere (Including this post at CE, where Reachel calls them carrot pants). They just look like pleated pants to me, and I am pretty sure Stacy London has at some point said never to wear such things, and now that they are in style, we shall see her wearing them. (I only say this because she was SO against tapered pants, and you now hardly see the woman in anything but skinny jeans, but I digress.) I found a cute pair of pegged paints, and built an outfit around them:



City Style Pegged Leg Pants $18.47 (orig. $36.95) I realize these are an intense color. I just think it's kind of springy and fun (but hard to find an outfit to go with it). They are also available in navy, khaki, and off white.... so if you want to be boring (or safe) you have that option.

Watercolor Chiffon Top $17.95 (orig. $48.00)

Eyelet Flats $14.99 (orig. 34.99)

What do you guys think? Have I lost my marbles or are you digging it? Leave a comment.

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

Under Twenty: Print Tank

I bought a couple of patterned tank tops on a whim this winter (you can see one on this super old post). When I bought them, I had no idea how integral they would become to my wardrobe. I layer them under everything, and I think they add another dimension to every outfit.

You can get this printed tank over at American Eagle for $14.95 (orig. $19.50), here.

Under Twenty: Straight Jeans

I really like these jeans. Dark and slim cut to show off your legs.

Get them for just $19.99 (orig. $29.99) from American Eagle, here.

Under Twenty: Razor Vest

I would like to make an analogy regarding this vest. It's a little bit like a fashion mullet, but instead of business in the front and party in the back; I would say it's menswear in the front and all lady in the back. Plus, it has that amazing pop of coral in the back. Find it for just $12.99 (orig. $19.99) from Pink Ice, here.

Under Twenty: Short Sleeve Mint Jacket

I am not sure what I love most about this sweet jacket. The subtle color? The brass buttons? Or the ruffled placket trim? I don't know what it is, but I know that it's beautiful.

Find it for $17.95 from Heavenly Couture, here.

Under Twenty: Yellow Maryjanes

So, I work with a girl, with whom I have never spoken, who wears the CUTEST shoes, all the time. Yesterday, a fellow coworker got brave and asked her where she got these. And she said Target. A girl after my own heart, I really should talk to her myself. Anyway. You can find these sweet yellow maryjanes here for $16.09 (orig. $22.99). They are also available in brown in turqoise at full price.

New Layout

As you can see, I have a new layout... I am not sure if I am completely sold.... what do you guys think?

I don't really have any retail info to share. So, just share your thoughts on the new space, and check back for a series of things under twenty that will be filtering in all day.

Thanks!

Susie's Deals

I just found out about a store called Susie's Deals. The concept of the store seems absolutely crazy, in that everything is $5.99 or less. According to their website they are family run business that is able to provide such good prices because they buy overages and canceled orders from manufacturers. I found a few cute things on their website:


Scoop Neck Knit Top with Crochet - $5.99 - I love the color and detailing at the neck on this top.


Birds Print Thermal Top - $5.99 - So this is uber-casual, but I like it in a "throw on a down vest and go camping sort of way". It's something I could wear while I am hanging out in Alaska, and I wouldn't feel overdressed or disgusting. Plus, I am totally digging the bird thing right now.


Puff Sleeve Yoked Turtle Neck - $5.99 - Available in Yellow, White, Red, Black, and Royal Blue. I like this top the very best. I am really tempted....

And as if these deals weren't good enough, they have a coupon on their site, find it here.

Susie's Deals also has 90 stores located in power centers, community shopping centers, and strip malls throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. Find one near you.

What do you guys think? Has anyone ever been here or ordered something online? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

Payless: Easter Sale

Payless is having a spring sale, and some styles are starting at just $9.99. As always with Payless, you can order online and pickup at your closest store, or you can just go to your local store...

Yellow is a hot color for spring. Wearing it in an accessory is a great way to follow the trend (especially if you don't love what yellow does when paired with your complexion). Find them for just $12.99 (orig. $19.99) here.


I haven't made a secret of my love for animal print shoes... and you shouldn't keep yours a secret either. Get these for just $12.99 (orig. $19.99) here. (Also available in black, white, and pink)


I am in love with these (you may remember these from this post). I didn't grab them during BOGO, and am going pick them up now. What a great color! Find them for just $14.99 (orig. $24.99) here.

I am so excited about the great deals. What do you guys think?

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

Budget Swimwear

Continuing with my delusions of good weather, today I have some good swimwear deals to share. Because not everyone lives in Salt Lake where it snows until May and then spends their summers freezing in Alaska. Hopefully someone else can go lay on a beach in one of these sweet suits in my place!

J.Crew is having a wicked sale on swimwear:


1 - Solid Twist Front Halter Tank (available in 11 colors!) - $39.99 (orig. $78.00) from J.Crew

2 - Solid Halter Tank - $39.99 (orig. $74.00) from J.Crew

3 - Solid Halter Tank Top - $24.99 (orig. $55.00) from J.Crew

4 - Solid Wide Band Hipster - $29.99 (orig. $38.00) from J.Crew

5 - Solid Underwire Swing Top - $24.99 (orig. $55.00) from J.Crew

6 - Fresco Bikini Bottom - $19.99 (orig. $42.00) from J.Crew

Newport News has great deals on shaping swimwear:


Shape fx Shirred Bandeau Suit - $19.99 (orig. $49.99) Newport News

V-Neck Halter Suit - $19.99 (orig. $29.99) Newport News

Shape fx Backless Halter - $25.00 (orig. $44.00) Newport News

From Charlotte Russe and Old Navy:


Striped Tie Monokini - $26.99 from Charlotte Russe

Tribal Floral Monokini - $26.99 from Charlotte Russe

Stiped D-Ring Swimsuit - $19.50 (orig.$29.50) from Old Navy

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

One Outfit

I totally love the idea of pairing a standard menswear staple like a pinstripe vest with a whimsical top, like this crocheted tunic. Couple that with black slim fit pants and a subtly colored sling back, and I think the outfit has a great harmony.

Here's an example:

Floral Crochet Top $21.99 from Charlotte Russe

Stripe Halter Vest $12.50 from Forever 21

Black Skinny Pants $15.00 from the 15 Dollar Store

Roma Flats $16.50 from Cutesygirl

What do you guys think? Leave a comment.

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

Under Twenty: Gathered Sleeve Blazer

I think this is the perfect blazer to carry your wardrobe through spring and summer. It gives a professional touch to whatever you are wearing without making you look stuffy. I am seriously considering buying one right now...

Get it from the 15 Dollar Store for $15 (orig. $59.00) here.

Thanks for reading,

Have a Happy Weekend!

Under Twenty: Wooden Stone Beaded Necklace Set

Things Under Twenty All Day!


I love the Earthiness of this jewelry set.

Find yours here for just $19.99, from Ruche.

Under Twenty: Snakeskin Maryjanes

Things Under Twenty all day!


These cute little shoes combine a few current trends.... maryjanes, snakeskin, and the thin wedge. I think they're pretty fab.

Get them for just $15 (orig. $55) from the 15 Dollar Store, here.

Under Twenty: Ribbon Necklace

Things Under Twenty All Day!


Ok, so this is almost under twenty.... but it was so fabulous, I figure it's worth the 2 extra dollars.

Go find this for $22.00 at Femme Petal's Etsy Shop here.

Under Twenty: Aqua Cut-Out Tunic

Things Under Twenty all day!

This great top is from a store that is new to me called Ruche. I read about this in a couple of places (including Down and Out Chic and Fun, Flat Broke and Fabulous). They have really cute stuff that seems akin to Anthrpologie, at a fraction of the price tag.

Get this top for just $12.99 here.

Weekend Round-Up

I have a few things to share:

First, don't forget to pick up your FREE SHIRT at Uptown Cheapskate. This deal is only good through the rest of today. Read my full post here from earlier this week.

Next, it seems Old Navy bit off a bit more than they could chew with Old Navy Weekly. According to this statement, they are altering what they do (Thanks to Amanda for sending this to me):

"Here what’s happened so far... We thought we were being sneaky hiding coupons for up to $75 and $50 off on OldNavyWeekly.com. We thought it’d take some serious snooping skills for anyone to find these fabulous coupons. Then we launched the site and over million visitors proved us very, very wrong. You all hunted and found the coupons in record time week after week and in the process even managed to shut down our site a few times due to overwhelming traffic. So, while we’re flattered by all the attention we need a little time to regroup—or rather find ways to make this game of ours a little trickier to solve. So for the next few weeks, OldNavyWeekly.com will still be updated weekly but we won’t be re-seeding the premium coupons and only hiding up to $10 off any $50 purchase. But in April, we’re bringing back the premium coupons and they’ll be in even more fabulous hiding places! So be sure to keep your hunting skills sharp! " {link}


J.Crew is giving an extra 20% off of it's final sale items through Saturday. If only I had known this before I order that sweet cardigan. So, you should take advantage of it so I don't feel so bad for missing out.


American Eagle is having a buy a pair of shorts and get one 50% off deal. They are also offering free shipping if you buy the dress of the day.

Also, the ladies over at Stuff Under Twenty wrote a blog posts that you should check out:

Three Great Stores That Some Recessionistas May Have Overlooked

And Reachel at Cardigan Empire spent the week writing posts on finds at stores other than Anthropologie:

Forever 21 - (and if you will notice she picked the same floral cardigan as I did here on Monday, just in a different color), JC Penneys, Kohl's, and one of my personal favorites, Old Navy.

If you know of any deals that you want to share, please leave a comment.

I will have a series of things under twenty all day, so check back.

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

Spring Color Inspiration

I got an email from J.Crew this week, displaying a stylist's picks from their collections for spring. I noticed they were using mostly aquas, mustard yellows, and soft iron greys and I just loved it. So, I have assembled a few things inspired by the spring colors going on over at J.Crew.


1. Layered Design Print Peep Toe Heel $19.30 from GO Jane

2. Polished Bead Bracelet $6.80 from Forever 21

3. Floral Shrug $13.80 from Forever 21

4. Semi Sheer Floral Burnout Top $12.90 from Forever 21

5. Stretch Twill Skinny Pants $15.00 (orig. $54.00) from 15 Dollar Store

6. Jordin Babydoll Top $24.80 from Forever 21


1. Marcy Knit Top $14.90 from Forever 21

2. Double Rose Sash Belt $19.00 (orig. $24.00) from Spiegel

3. Two Pocket Cardigan $14.99 (orig. $19.99) from Wet Seal

4. Soft Clutch Wallet $12.00 (orig. $24.00) from Kohl's

5. Paisley Top W/ Tassel Tie $17.80 from Forever 21

6. Patent Heel $12.99 (orig. $19.99) from GO Jane

What do you all think about this color palette? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

Beauty Budget Buys: Reprise

I found this great post on WhoWhatWear (with the tips and tricks from make-up artist, Kayleen McAdams), about tried and true make up products that aren't from the department store (it's like music to my ears). If only we could find all these products in a bin at Big Lots... then I would be really satisfied.

Eyes
Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen ($8.99)
Max Factor MAXeye Liner Eyeliner in Fresh Coffee ($4.90)
Maybelline Lash Discovery Washable Mascara ($6.25)
Maybelline Define-A-Brow Eyebrow Pencil ($4.94)
Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Mascara ($5.39)
L'Oreal HIP Metallic Shadow Duo ($7)

Face
Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush ($6.38)
L'Oreal Visible Lift Under Eye Line-Minimizing & Tone-Enhancing Concealer ($11.95)

Lips
Max Factor MAXalicious Lipgloss ($4.89)
CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain Lip Color ($7.49)

Nails
Revlon Nail Enamel ($4.99)

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

Free Shirt at Uptown Cheapskate

I just got this in an email from Uptown Cheapskate:


Nothing is better than getting something cute for free!

Their website lists a few of their favorite things in the store {link}:

Abercrombie tees starting at $7.
Hollister jeans starting at $12.
G-Star Jeans for men and women - starting at $45.
Light yellow Juicy Couture tracksuit for $39.99 (sz small)
Women's leather Diesel Jacket for $94.99 (sz small)
NEW $250 leather Michael Kors heels for $39.99 (sz 8)
Juicy necklace for $27.99.
Diesel shoes starting at $17.99.
True Religion jeans for $45 and up.
Authentic Fendi bag, Dooney & Burke bags, and Bebe purses.
Prom Dresses! Unique prom dresses that will be great for spring.

And just below that, they linked to my blog! So, thanks Uptown Cheapskate. I appreciate the link.

WHAT THEY'RE BUYING

They're buying the best of all season right now, and will pay more for high-demand brands like True Religion, 7 For All Mankind, Diesel, G-Star, Daytrip, BKE, Express, Bebe, Hollister, Abercrombie, and Juicy. They offer 30-40% of what they can resell your items for depending on how in-demand the items are.

They need more: jeans, shorts, tee-shirts, capris, men's pants, tank tops and shoes. Stop by anytime they are open, and they will pay you cash on the spot for the things they buy.

Don't forget your free shirt ($7 value, Thursday and Friday only).

Uptown Cheapskate
353 W. 200 South, SLC
Phone: 801.931.3388
Hours: Mon-Sat 10-8

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

One Outfit and Belt Love

I have been kind of obsessed with belts for awhile, not that I have a lot of them, but that I wear them with everything. Part of this started about six months ago when I read this little post over at Say Yes to Hoboken. Below is some great J Crew inspiration on how to wear a belt with flair.

{images compiled by Liz at SYtH}

One of my favorite looks is belting over a cardigan. I like this because not only does it add something to an otherwise boring outfit, it defines a waist where a cardigan might normally obscure one. Below is a belted outfit on a budget:


Floral Cardigan from Forever 21, $24.80 - I am so in love with cardigans (I know you all know this), but my new love is a good printed cardigan. It gives a whole new umph to the concept. {I also really like this cardigan from ON.}

Woven Belt from Forever 21, $9.80

Stretch Slim Jeans from the 15 Dollar Store, $15.00

Buckled Round Toe Boot from GO Jane, $15.99

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

Under Twenty: at J Crew

I found this adorable cardigan over at J Crew. It's on sale, and still available in a myriad of sizes and colors. Bet you can guess what color I bought.... I'll give you a hint... it's grey.

Go snatch up this killer deal for yourself.

Tissue Cardigan $19.99 (orig. $45.00)

If you are a really big spender ($175 or more) use COUPON CODE: SECRET to get 20% off your order (which is atleast a $35 discount)

Have a very happy weekend!

DIY: Freezer Paper Stencil {Update}

Amanda sent me the cute little pictures of her sweet baby's shirt.




She used purple paint, then she applied a fabric ear (and I love love love the green floral with the purple). She finished it off with a grey embroidery floss eye. So cute, don't you think?

Here is the best set of directions I found {link}

1. Print out your stencil image
2. Using an exact-o knife, cut out the black sections
3. Iron on a piece of freezer paper on the opposite side of the fabric where you plan to do the stencil.
4. Iron on the stencil cut out of freezer paper onto your fabric.
5. Using fabric paint, dab (or brush) the stencil with paint thoroughly.
6. Dry briefly with a blow dryer (only takes a couple minutes).
7. Apply paint again, blow dry again until desired color is reached.
8. Peel off paper carefully.
9. Voila! Wait a couple days to wash it.

We learned a couple of things doing this. If you happen to buy spray fabric paint (which I don't recommend if you can find another kind), use a brush to apply it rather than spray it on. Make sure to dry the paint thoroughly between each application, especially if your paint runs on the thin side.

Best of luck. I really do recommend doing this craft. The possibilities are practically endless, and it's very budget friendly.

Thanks for reading,

Happy Crafting!

Weekend Round-Up

I don't have a lot of retail news to share, except my own personal triumph at Old Navy Weekly. I got a $75 off of $100 purchase (with the purchase of a dress) coupon last evening. My friend Amanda and I were working on a craft (I'll get to that) and checking the site diligently, we got in as soon as we could and clicked around like mad women, and we both got the prized possession. It wasn't easy, and they were gone very fast. But, I am so proud, I keep staring at it just to make sure it's real. And just so you all get really jealous, I have a $25 gift card to Old Navy from my credit card rewards, so I will be buying $100 worth of stuff for nothing.

I have a few DIY updates to share. My friend and old roommate, Martha, also had a chance to do the totes craft:


She said this: "{I} wanted to share the tote I did using your DYI cheaptotes.com post. I loved it. I made a couple more for my best friend, my mom and even for my baby (a diaper bag for church that isn't bulky)."

I am so glad that you were able to use the tip! Check out the DIY Tote post.

As I said, I was working on a DIY project tonight. It was the DIY freezer paper stencil project.


I bought the shirt over at the Down East Warehouse, and got the fabric paint at Michael's (in Sugarhouse). The shirt was $3, and the paint was $1.59. I used the bird image I posted for the tote bags. I love the pairing of yellow and grey (especially with my new yellow flats from Uptown Cheapskate). It probably took an hour (or would have if I hadn't been feverishly trying to get a coupon at Old Navy at the same time). Amanda also made a very cute shirt for her little girl, maybe she could email a picture of it, because it turned out great.

It was an off week for me, so I don't have a whole series of things to post this afternoon. However, I will post one great find later today, so check back.

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

30% off Friends and Family Event

The other day, I got an email from the Old Navy/Gap/Banana Republic family saying;

"We'd like to offer you 30% off during our Friends & Family event. We're calling it Give & Get because for every purchase you make from March 12-15, we'll give 5% of the amount you spend to your favorite non-profit. During the past two Give & Get shopping events, we raised more than $4 million for our non-profit partners. And this Spring, we're adding new partners – so at a time when our communities need it most, you can make your shopping count for more."

I am excited about this for 2 reasons, 30% off is a pretty hefty discount, and it gives me an opportunity to help out a non-profit, while shopping, for myself. I get to selfishly give. Yay!

Find the in-store coupon here.

I went through the Sale sections at all 3 stores to see if I could find some killer deals.

Old Navy:



Floral Blouson Top $5.59 (orig. $14.50)

Button-Front Sweater Coat $16.79 (orig. $23.99)

Short Sleeve Sweater $6.99 (orig. $24.50)

Boatneck Tee $7.00 (orig. $15.00)

Gap:


Banana Republic:

Ruffled Bib Shirt $10.49 (orig. $44.00)

Wrap Cardigan $13.99 (orig. $38.00)

Short Sleeve Yoke Top $11.19 (orig. $29.99)


Cotton Bow-Tie Blouse $20.99 (orig. $49.00)

Long-sleeve Shirred Top $10.49 (orig. $34.00)

Pleated Sweater Dress $45.49 (orig. $110.00)

Silk Tulip-Sleeve Printed Ruffle Blouse $27.99 (orig. $69.00)

The deal is good through Sunday!

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

Old Navy Weekly

My super crafty friend Amanda told me about a very cool site. Old Navy is doing something very interesting at their new website, Old Navy Weekly. They have turned finding coupons into something like a treasure hunt. Every Thursday they reset the coupons with the following values:

5% (unlimited)
10% (unlimited)
15% (25,000 unique codes)
20% (10,000 unique codes)
$10 off $100 (5000 unique codes)
$50 off $100 (3500 unique codes)
$75 off $100 (1000 unique codes)

I will try to show you how to find the coupon deals to the best of my ability. What is funny, is they only thing I can compare this site to is the old J.K. Rowling website where she would hint about details of the upcoming books. (Did I just totally fly my Harry Potter geek flag there? Oh well, the secret's out!)

The main thing to look for is the arrow cursor changing to the hand cursor. Anytime this happens, there is a link to click, which could be a coupon. The better the deal, the harder it is to find the coupon.

If you click a link, and this image comes out, you are on the right track (just a little too late).

Below is a small example of different links to be clicked.


The blue buttons will just tell you about a fabulous find at the store. The other links are coupons. As a point of reference for next week here is a list of places the better coupons were found last week (that are now mostly gone):

$75 off $100 - Click on the yellow butterfly that floats in every 5 min. or so - or click on a scene 13 seconds into the 'watch & click' video
$50 off $100 - Click on the right side hand of the Blonde girl, bottom of the screen
20% off - Click on the plane flying with a banner that says EXTRA, in the background (shown above)

So, anyway, they should update their coupons on Thursday, so go hunting for a killer deal.

If any of you get a good one, share it's location on the comments section of this post.

Thanks for reading, and

Happy Hunting!