Sewing Machine Diagram

A few weeks ago, I saw this diagram and it totally made me laugh:


You can buy this in poster form for just $11.40, here.

I hope you are all having a lovely Memorial Day weekend! I will be back with regular posts tomorrow.

Spied: UO One Pieces (Under 15)

It's Memorial Day weekend, and swim season is upon us (though I doubt it'll be warm enough to swim here). I have been looking around for good deals on swimsuits as of late. The last place I thought I would find a decent selection of cute one piece swimsuits was Urban Outfitters. But I found these stylish suits for less than $15!


1 - Shirred One Piece - $14.99 (Orig. $88.00)
2 - Ruffle One Piece - $14.99 (Orig. $88.00)
3 - Polka Dot Shirred One Piece - $14.99 (Orig. $88.00) {totally my fav}

As I said, I am totally digging one pieces right now. And I seriously want to grab that polka dot retro number, it's fantastic.

What do you think of one pieces this swim season?

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

PS - Doesn't that model look exactly like Marguerite Moreau (from tons of stuff, but most notably The Mighty Ducks)?

Check It Out: Sales and Links

Posts

This upcycled dress, to borrow a phrase, is bananas.

Sal's ruminations on taking a deep breath and walking away from the sales rack.

If you like Susan's elastic waist skirt tutorial, then you'll love the covered elastic version from Tania.

And I have been loving Elaine's modest runway picks.

Sales

It's Memorial Day weekend, a notoriously good time for sales.

• Ann Taylor is offering 40% off their sale section, in store & online (coupon code: SALE40
• Charlotte Russe is having a Buy One, Get One 50% half off sale, on these mix and match items.
• Shade is offering new markdowns + 20% off their clearance section.
• Payless Shoesource is offering their doubled up sales through the weekend.
• The LOFT is offering 40% off your entire online purchase with coupon code: 40SAVE
• American Eagle is offering Free Shipping through the weekend, automatically applied to all orders.
• Martin + Osa is offering 50% off all online weekend purchases, discount automatically applied
• Check See Chloe Shop for a comprehensive list of weekend sales.

Any other deals or posts you want to share?

Thanks for reading,

I hope you have a great weekend!

PS - The blog redesign giveaway ends Sunday!

I'm So Excited: Shade Striped Skirt

Remember that Shade Striped Skirt I posted about awhile back? It's so close, I can taste it.

This pic showed up on the Main Shade page yesterday.


PS - that sweet coral short sleeve cardi is now available for $32.50

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

Striped Flats Roundup

I keep stumbling on cute striped flats. I just decided that I should put all my favs in the same place. So, here, my friends, is a collection of striped flats at rock bottom prices. And this will be the last time I post on them, for at least a week.


1 - Bloom Flat - Payless Shoesource - $12.99 (Orig. $19.99)
2 - Groove Women's Candy - Navy - Kmart - $12.49 (Orig. $24.99)
3 - Dr. Scholl's Striped Slip-On Flats - Green - Overstock.com - $26.99
Dr. Scholl's Striped Slip-On Flats - Black - Endless - $29.00
4 - Mossimo Ocarina Striped Canvas Loafer - Navy/White - Target - $26.99
5 - Rocket Dog Kitten Shoe - Buckle - $9.75 (Orig. $39.00)

What do you guys think? Any of these catching your eye?

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

I Could Do That: J.Crew Dapple Dot Cardigan

I have been coveting the dapple dot cardigan from the first time I laid my beady little eyes on it.


I swore to myself that I would figure out a way to make something similar for myself. Imagine how pleased I was when I spied this twin set while thrifting. I realized that a sweater set would give me enough disposable fabric in the shell that it would work.

Here is the process:


I really wanted a 3/4 sleeve so I shortened the sleeves. I cut at the boundary of the cuff, and cut about 5" of the sleeve out above that point. I used this great tutorial to reattach the cuff.

Next, I cut the shell into 1 1/2" strips. I ironed the strips to prepare for 1/4" seams down each side. After sewing those seams, I pinned these strips in the pleated pattern around the neckline. Each visible pleat is 1", and they overlap each other for 1". I purposely made the pattern assymetrical, with the pleats extending further down on one side. I also decided to do one row of pleats on each side, because the v-neck cardigan left less space to attach them. (If you are lucky enough to score a twin set with a crew neck cardi, I would definitey do two rows.)

Last week, I had the opportunity to do a photoshoot with Jackie Norris. We focused on taking pictures showcase my projects. {By the way, she is awesome to work with}.

Here is my finished cardigan:


We went to Memory Grove, which seems to be everyone's choice of venue for pictures. There is a reason, because there are so many different backdrops and textures. You want it in the trees? Done. You want it next to a roman column, done. I was taken with Ottinger Hall, which isn't technically inside the park, but it is close by on Canyon Road.


What do you think? Were you eyeing this cardigan? Anything you are craving to make this week?

Thanks for reading!

Can't Get Enough: Oxfords

I have had a serious change of heart lately, regarding the oxford style shoes that seem to be everywhere. For a long time, I really, um, hated them. I just thought they were for hipsters and that they would go away. Not only have they not gone away, but my feelings on them have turned a full 180.

I have been looking around for a reasonably priced option on oxfords, here's what I found:

1. Sulia Oxford Flat Shoes - Brown - Target - $19.99 {my faves}
   Sulia Oxford Flat Shoes - Black - Target - $19.99
   
2. Lace-Up Oxfords - Chadwicks - $24.99 (Orig. $49.99)
   
3. Taree Oxford Shoes - Cognac - Target - $24.99
   Taree Oxford Shoes - Black - Target - $24.99

I have seen fashion bloggers wearing them a lot lately. One of my newest favorites, Kansas Couture, is often rocking thrifted versions of this style:

{left, right}
I found a few rules to help you make the transition to wearing oxfords {link}:

• “Putting flat lace-ups with a wide-leg trouser or jean is a very dated way to wear them,” says Jane Herman, Fashion Writer. “Instead, try a cropped pant.”
• “This should not be a Wall Street look,” states Filipa Fino, Senior Accessories Editor. “Let the men wear them with suits. Women should wear them with feminine pieces.”
• “Don’t match the colors of your shoe to your outfit,” suggests Izzie Burch, Fashion Assistant. “These are playful—do the unexpected.”
• “Avoid socks!” says Jill Demling, Entertainment Editor. “That’s my only rule!”

What do you think of this style? Are you wearing it, do you wish you were, or do wish it would go away already?

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

Spied: Knit Boyfriend Blazer

I have waxed on about my affection for knit blazers. Most of the styles I have previously seen are over $50. I found this one at JCPenney for under $30:


she said Knit Jacket - JCPenney - $28.99 (Orig. $58.00)

What do you guys think? Is this something you would wear?

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

{edit} Rumor has it that coupon code 4THECITY will save you $10 off your purchase. Let me know if it works!

Look for Less: J.Crew Cascade Ruffle Cardigan

JCPenney just keeps surprising me. Especially the St. John's Bay collection. It is full of great pieces at even better prices.

I found this cardigan in their outlet section, and was surprised to see how similar it was to this J.Crew cardigan:


Cotton Cascade Ruffle Cardigan - J.Crew - $49.99 (Orig. $78.00)
St. John's Bay Ruffle Front Cardigan - JCPenney - $10.99 (Orig. $44.00) {also available in plus}

What do you think of this look? Is it something you would wear?

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

Meet Mary Plautz {Giveway}

***Giveaway Closed***
Meet my newest sponsor, Mary's Last Chance Blog Design. Mary just completed the newly unveiled blog layout for Über Chic for Cheap, and I couldn't be happier. I have long admired Mary's layouts for her own blogs, and was so excited when she decided to start a blog design business.

One of the best parts of her new business is the reasonable price. A customized blog design is now in everyone's reach.

And now I get to do one of my favorite things, offer all of you a giveaway! Mary is feeling extra generous because she has offered to design layouts for two lucky winners.

{And if you don't win the giveaway, she's kindly offering a discount for Über Chic for Cheap readers - 15% off your custom design if you contact her before June 7th, using coupon code: UBERCHIC.}

Here are the rules:

Anyone can enter (including you, anonymous readers). Just comment below with your first name and a valid email address so we can contact you if you win.

You can enter in either (or both) of the 2 ways listed below. EACH entry must be notified in the form of a comment on the blog. The winners will be determined by giving each entry a number and using random.org to select the winning numbers.

-Leave a comment telling me your favorite of Mary's blog transformations.
-Post about the giveaway on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter and leave a comment telling me about it.

The Giveaway ends on Sunday, May 30, at 10 PM (Mountain Standard Time).

Thanks for reading and good luck!

Inspired: Family Photo Session

Some of you may remember the red dress styling tips post I did last month. The other day, I was cruising through Jackie's photo blog and I found this adorable family photo session.

{courtesy of Jackie Norris Photography}
Her outfit totally inspired me to do another post on that red dress. Here are the pieces I think will give the feel of her outfit:


Mesh Up Hair Clip - Forever 21 - $2.50
Leopard 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan - Forever 21 - $22.80
Mossimo Ruffle Braid Dress - Target - $24.99
Cailey Slingback Flat - Payless - $12.99 {part of the double payless sale fiesta}
TOTAL: $63.28

What do you think of this look, because I am kind of in love with it.

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

PS - I am going to be unveiling a whole new layout tomorrow and I will be hosting an awesome giveaway, so make sure to check back then!

Payless Shoes Sale

This week, Payless is doubling up on sales. They have their $12.99 and up sale going until May 31st, and they just started their BOGO sale. This means one could potentially get two pairs of shoes for under $20.

I found a few pairs that I thought were worth posting:


Heart Sandal - $12.99 (Orig. $19.99)
Peyton Flower Sandal - $12.99 (Orig. $19.99)
Mitch Patent Cork Wedge Sandal - $19.99 (Orig. $24.99)

The yellow striped embellished flats I posted about last week are still in stock and just $12.99 (or less if you use them in the BOGO deal). Also, look for one of my favorite $12.99 pairs of shoes in this afternoon's post.

What do think of these picks? Are these promotions enough to get you to buy?

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

And the Winner is.....

I was so pleased be host a Shade Swim Giveaway last week. Thank you for all your comments, it was so fun! The winner is lucky number 110,

Erica

A big thank you to all of you for participating. It was, as usual, a blast!

Check back later this morning, I have a mega shoe sale post to share.

Friday Wishlist: Cartography Cardigan

I have been stalking this cardigan for so long, it's embarrassing. According to one source, this little lady has been discounted (in store only) to $50, which probably still isn't enough for me to buy it... but a girl can dream. {sigh}


Cartography Cardigan - Anthropologie - $98.00

What do you guys think? What's your fashion dream this week? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading,

I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

Old Navy Swim Sale

This week, Old Navy is having a swim sale on styles in every department. I spied a few one pieces and a tankini that I really liked:


1 - Halter Swimsuit - $19.00 (Orig. $29.50)
2 - Ruffled Tankini Top - $10.00 (Orig. $19.50) + Bikini Bottom - $10.00 (Orig. $19.50)
3 - Ruffled Swimsuit - $19.00 (Orig. $29.50)

What do you think? Are you guys as interested in one pieces this season as I am?

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

Style File: Jessica {Tunics & Belts}

Some of you may remember my post for Jessica last week. She's a lowered figured gal trying to learn the best way to wear skinny jeans. Go to that post to read about my tips for finding skinny jeans that work. She continued her email with this question,

What types of tops are good for a pear like me to wear with skinny jeans?

My tips on what to pair with skinny jeans for the pear:

• Keep your tops light & bright. Feel free to add color and pattern liberally to elevate attention from your bottom half.
• Accentuate your waist, as it's one of your best assets

A great way to minimize the transition from your itsy waist to your fuller hips is to wear a tunic length top. And don't forget to cinch your smallest point with a belt.

Here are a few tunic finds:


1 - Abstract Tunic Set - Kohl's - $16.80 (Orig. $42.00)
2 - Striped 3/4 Sleeve Shirt - Forever 21 - $13.50
3 - Geometric Tunic - Kohl's - $14.40 (Orig. $36.00)
4 - Drawstring Striped Tunic - Forever 21 - $11.50
5 - Striped Ruffled Tunic - Kohl's - $15.20 (Orig. $38.00)
6 - Lauren Conrad Roll-Tab Henley Tunic - Kohl's - $21.99 (Orig. $38.00)

And a few fun belts to mix and match with them:


1 - Wide Woven Belt - Forever 21 - $4.50
2 - Studded Metallic Belt - Forever 21 - $14.80
3 - Mini Braid Belt - DownEast Basics - $14.99
4 - Criss Cross Belt - DownEast Basics - $14.99
5 - Sliced Front Elastic Belt - Forever 21 - $7.80
6 - Patent Bow Belt - Forever 21 - $5.80

What do you think of this look? Is it something you would wear? Tips to impart on dressing a lower figure body?

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

{If you are interested in hiring me as a personal style consultant, email me for rates}

Spied: Striped Embellished Flats

My affection for all things striped is escalating. These sweet little flats are fairly similar to the Anthro flats I posted about a few weeks ago, and they are on sale. hooray.


Bloom Flat - Payless Shoesource - $12.99 (Orig. $19.99)

What do you think? Is this something you would wear (after a thorough scotchguarding)?

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

Look for Less: Designer Ruffle Tank

I stumbled on this look for less yesterday:

{via}
3.1 Phillip Lim - Net-A-Porter - $275 (sold out)
Sheer Chiffon Top - Forever 21 - $19.80

The F21 option is missing the asymmetrical layers, but it's a great option in color and shape. I think this would look adorable under a lightweight white cardigan this summer.

What do you think is this something you would wear?

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

PS - Make sure to enter to win a Shade Swimsuit.

Shade Swim Giveaway

***Giveway Closed***
Shade was kind enough to send me a swimsuit to review. I thought I would spare you a picture of me in said swimsuit (as I am so pale I am practically translucent). But it's fantastic.

Shade swim is so dependable. When you walk in the store and you know that you will find a suit that is comfortable and will never run you the risk of exposing yourself to other swimmers. They have so many options, and I love how easily their two pieces mix and match {see their style guide for ideas}.


Shade has kindly offered to give away a swimsuit to one of you. The best part? You get choose the suit!

Here are the rules:

The winner will be determined by giving each entry a number and using random.org to select the winning number.

Anyone can enter (including you, anonymous readers). Just comment below with your name and a valid email address so I can contact you if you win.

Leave a comment (only one comment this time) telling me what swim combination you would buy if you won! {Visit Shade Swim}

The Giveaway ends on Sunday, May 23, at 10 PM (Mountain Standard Time).

Thanks for reading and good luck!

Style File: Susan {Photoshoot}

As you all know, I have been working with Susan of Freshly Picked on her wardrobe and styling.

This week she had a photo shoot with David Newkirk and needed to pick something to wear. As the shots would mostly be portraits, we were more concerned with what she was wearing from the waist up.

We are both really fond of stripes this season, so we did another ensemble using them. Here's what we came up with.



Boatneck Striped Top - Forever 21 - $10.50
Racerback Button Front Vest - Charlotte Russe - $25.00
Skinny Leather Belt - Shade - $10.50
TOTAL: $46.00

We placed the skinny belt at the waist again (over the buttoned up vest), because this highlights one of Susan's best assets.

You can check out the results at Freshly Picked this afternoon.

What do you guys think? Is this something you would wear?

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

PS - My giveaway will be posted this afternoon. Make sure to come back and enter!

Reader Request: Family Pictures

My good friend, Erin (whom you can all thank for encouraging me to start this blog), emailed me recently asking for some help,

We're getting family pics in a few weeks and I wanted to know how I should accessorize my outfit, or if I should choose a new outfit altogether ... I got the Shade striped scoop neck 3/4 sleeve with cuff in khaki and the poplin button skirt in off white. The lady at the store said I should add color with a long necklace and some strap-y sandals. I wanted your good taste to weigh-in on the issue. And, of course I'm a cheap-o, so I'm not into spending lots of $. I feel like I already spent too much on the shirt and skirt. Anyway, thanks for your help whenever you get the chance!

Family pictures are one of the most daunting fashion choices I can think of. What you wear will be documented forever. It freaks me out just as much as anyone else.

I looked around for a pair of shoes and accessories to help Erin make the most of her neutral backdrop:


Striped Scoop-Neck 3/4 Sleeve Cuff - Shade - $21.50
Poplin Button Skirt - Shade - $30.80 (Orig. $38.50)
Aqua Flower Necklace - Charlotte Russe - $8.99
Peep-Toe Wedges - Old Navy - $20.00 (Orig. $24.50)
TOTAL: $81.29
TOTAL for Erin: $28.99

I thought it best to add a pop with the shoes and necklace. I think the accessories will easily mix and match with the rest of anyone's wardrobe.

Is this something you would wear? Any personal tips to share on wardrobe choices for family pictures?

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

PS- Tomorrow I'll have a giveaway! Don't miss it!

I Could Do That: Field and Game Cardigan

This Anthropologie cardigan has been all over the web lately.


Field Game Cardigan - $118
This would be a ridiculously simple project. As long as you find a good fit for the cardigan in trim.


Bold Stripe Cardigan - Forever 21 - $24.90
2 3/4" Imported Metallic Lace - M&J Trimming - $5.98/yard (1.5 yards) - $8.97
TOTAL: $33.87

I think this cardigan is a good option because of the bold stripe pattern and the v-neck shape. I simple straight stitch around the neckline is all it would take.

What do you think? Have you been eyeing this cardigan? Anything you are craving to make this week?

Thanks for reading!

Check it Out

I have noticed a couple really interesting posts this week, and thought you should check em out:

A former model's take on how model bodies play into body image issues for all women {via the wonderful already pretty}.

Did you see Susan's Make-Up Brush Tutorial last week?

An interview with Kendi of Kendi Everyday. I was especially interested in her thoughts on blogger compensation.

How about Liz's ridiculously cute DIY Beach Tote Bag?

Sale Updates:
-J.Crew is offering 20% off their sale section with the coupon code: EXTRA 20
-The LOFT is offering an extra 30% off their sales styles. Coupon code: SALE30
-Martin + Osa is offering 30% off all purchases (discount automatically taken at checkout)
-Free Shipping at Urban Outfitters. Coupon code: SHIPHAPPENS

Any other features or sales you noticed this week and want to share? Leave a comment!

Blog Love: Totally Tessa

Today's blog love feature is all about Totally Tessa.


Tessa's blog is incredibly new (started less than a month ago), but it has completely caught my attention. I stumbled onto her fashion blog through this feature on Breton Stripes at What I Wore.

One of the most amazing things about her blog is her keen sense of fashion at 16. I only wish I knew anything about my style at her age.


Have any of you been following Totally Tessa? Any new blog loves you want to share with the rest of us? Leave a comment!

Spied: Ankle Skinny Jeans

I am slightly obsessed with ankle crop skinny jeans. I have oohhed and aahhed over J.Crew's Ankle Toothpick Jeans for over a year. I did get a pair of toothpick jeans at the J.Crew outlet, but they weren't ankle cropped. So, the drooling continues.

I spotted these jean in the Fabulous Finds section at Forever 21:


Ankle Skinny Jean - Forever 21 - $9.50 {yeah, $9.50}

One of my favorite features is the clean stitching. No crazy embroidered, sparkly back pockets. Something about discount denim and sparkly bum just seem to coincide.

I seriously think I am going to pick these up.

What are you thoughts on these? Is this something you would wear?

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

Protect Your Clothes: Wear an Apron

Most of this time I talk about ways to get yourself new clothes for a deal. I decided I should start a feature on ways to keep the clothes you have in good condition. The deal is negated if you get something on sale and it's ruined a month later.

Today we discuss wearing an apron.

I think that people don't wear aprons nearly often enough. I am not sure if they have never gotten in to the habit or that the just dislike the aesthetic.

Aprons should be worn when cooking, and I am not talking about a half apron either. Full aprons protect your clothes from splatters and spills, and give you an immediate place to wipe your hands.

Having a fun apron can go a long way to make the concept of protecting your clothes more appealing. I found a few options under $20:


1 - Russian Floral Apron - World Market - $19.99
2 - Red Poppy Apron - Bed Bath and Beyond - $19.99
3 - Black, White & Bright Suzani - World Market - $7.99

And here are my favorite choices from Anthropologie (which means they will cost you a bit more):


4 - Tea-And-Crumpets Apron - Anthropologie - $32.00
5 - The Lady's Apron - Anthropologie - $32.00
6 - Inked Octi Apron - Anthropologie - $32.00

Of course you can always make yourself an apron. I made one a few months ago and keep it on a hook in my kitchen for the easiest access.

What are your thoughts on wearing an apron? Do you do it, do you intend to?