Über Chic for Cheap: September 2012

This Week

/// categories: meet a sponsor, our life, style

Some pictures from this week.

Tate is mastering his eyeliner technique | blueberry crumble (recipe)

pattern play | my very naughty, naked baby (what am I going to do with him!?)

Here are a few links to take you into the weekend:

I am seriously coveting these velvet skinnies (preferably in rustic brick).

This easy hair tutorial would be great for fine hair.

I desperately want these gold flats.

I think this DIY project is smart and totally doable.

I ordered this rad gold leather tablet case (& can't wait for it to arrive!)

Find emerald rings at www.rockstv.com.

Check out www.seasonsclothing.co.uk for great design and quality pieces.

I'm so relieved that the weekend is here. We don't plan on doing much of anything.

What are your weekend plans?

*This post contains sponsored content*

Refashion: H&M Floral Blouse

/// categories: ann taylor, blouse, DIY, outfits, refashion, style, thrift

I found a sweet floral shift dress (similar to this one) on sale at H&M over the summer. It was marked $7 with a 'take an extra 50% off lowest marked price' tag. Even though the dress was too short for me and hugged my bum a little too snugly, I was in love with the print, and even more in love with the price.

I took it to the counter at which point the employee rang it up for $7 & proceeded to try to tell me the tag meant either half off the original price or the lowest marked price. I tried to explain what a discount off the lowest marked price actually meant. It was a losing battle. Was I really working that hard to save $3.50? On principle, I was. But I let it go, because the dress was worth $7 to me. I still shake my head at that poor employee that really didn't understand what was going on. I wanted to pat him on the head and say, numbers are hard, huh?*

Anyway. I brought that shift dress home and chopped off the skirt. I gave it a curved hem, and I think it turned out pretty well.

refashioned floral blouse - $7 | similar here | here | and here

thrifted pencil skirt - $6 | similar here (on major sale) | and here

ann taylor wedges - gift | similar here (on sale) | here | and here

hair tutorial

What do you think?

Have you refashioned anything lately? Leave a link so we can all check it out!

*I would never actually do such a thing, I just have a very snarky personality in my head.

Meet My Sponsors

/// categories: meet a sponsor

I wanted to share a quick post and introduce you all to my newest sponsors.

C of oh, she dabbles loves to write, take photos, draw, paint, knit, crochet, scrapbook, cook, eat, explore new restaurants, hike, swim, surf, travel, dance, play the harp, learn new languages, and play with personal style.

The bulk of her blog content focuses on food, crafts, personal style, and adventures. So, yes, she dabbles.

Make sure to check out some of my favorite style posts:
{30 for 30: Day 9} {EBEW 30 for 30 Style} {Peplum-Lite}

Diana is a mother, wife, and graphic designer, blogger and shop owner at Livy Love Designs.

Make sure to check out some of my favorite items in her shop:
{home is wherever I am with you} {hand drawn floral rose}

Melissa is a calligraphy nut. She's done commercial work and teaches classes regularly in the Salt Lake City area. She publishes her work at MelissaEsplin.com (I Still Love You), her craft/design/everything blog.

You should take her online calligraphy course. You won't be sorry.

Check out Hsamuel.co.uk for jewelry, diamonds, watches, collectibles, personalized jewelry, gifts & more.

Make sure to check out the Pilgrim Jewellery at John Greed.

Pilgrim provides fashionable design and excellence in creation delivering unique styles to women. Each piece is handmade, hand assembled and hand painted.

{If you are interested in sponsoring über chic for cheap, click here}

Look For Less: J.Crew Purple Paisley

/// categories: blouse, j.crew, look for less, shoes, style

I was looking at the new J.Crew Factory outfits and I just loved this paisley blouse ensemble.

{j.crew look}

Paisley Smocked Top - Kohls - $21.00 (Orig. $30.00) {another good option}

Grey Ankle Stretch Pant - Target - $24.99 {also available in assorted colors}

Gomax Ashland Pump - Amazon - $29.99

The cheaper blouse has a similar print, but doesn't look quite as refined as the J.Crew option.

What do you think? Something you would wear?

Spied: Cone Heel Pumps

/// categories: forever 21, shoes, spied, style

I stumbled on these awesome cone heel pumps at Forever 21 for a steal. They remind me of these incredible UO heels that I have had my eye for an eternity (seriously).

Cone Heel Pumps - Forever 21 - $22.80

I strongly believe that every woman should own at least one pair of nude heels.
They go with everything and make your legs look a million miles long.

Here are a few of my favorite nude heels right now:

UO Cooperative Canvas Pump (on sale)

Seychelles Opentoe Pump

Michael Antonio Genet Wedge Sandal (on sale)

Masiello Sandal

Kimchi Blue Suede Pointy Kitten Heel

Do you own nude shoes? (You totally should.)

Must Have: American Eagle Tops

/// categories: accessories, blouse, must have, sale, style

American Eagle is one of those stores that I all but give up on, and then they come out with a ton of pretty things. Look at all this pretty (and almost all of it on sale):

1 - Eyelet Blouse - $34.99 (Orig. $39.95)
2 - Beaded Chiffon Top - $29.99 (Orig. $34.95)
3 - Cozy Lace Popover - $34.99 (Orig. $44.95)
4 - Pleated Chiffon Blouse - $24.99 (Orig. $29.95)
5 - Feather Light Striped Crop Tee - $11.99 (Orig. $24.95)
6 - Pindot Blouse - $19.99 (Orig. $34.95)
7 - Pleated Floral Blouse - $29.95
8 - Polka Dot Peter Pan Blouse - $34.99 (Orig. $39.95)
9 - Striped Loop Scarf - $19.99 (Orig. $24.95)

What do you think? Do you ever venture into your local AE?

Project Runway Notes: Season 10 Episode 10

/// categories: project runway, style

This week was the designers were asked to create an outfit to be worn by the Rockettes. These challenges are usually among my least favorites, but this week I was pleasantly surprised.

{image source}

Did you watch the episode? Once again some of my opinions were flipped on their heads.

This goes without saying, but spoilers to follow.

This Week

/// categories: our life, style

I don't think I'll ever get tired of this view.

Here are a few links to take you into the week:

I'm thinking about jumping into to these ankle boots this fall.

Did you see this clever dipped bead necklace tutorial?

I can't stop thinking about this collared tee.

I'm dying to try this vintage style pony tail tutorial.

I think this statement necklace is great (& part of a great BOGO deal).

I'm loving this vintage-style winter coat.

I'm in the middle of this book and currently undecided.

We are going on a real date this weekend. A movie! Dinner! With no baby in tow. I am clearly excited. What are your weekend plans?

Spied: Old Navy Rock Star Skinnies

/// categories: colored denim, Old Navy, sale, spied, style

I received this Old Navy ad in the mail, and thought the graphics were so fun, I actually scanned it in & cleaned it up to share. You are all in luck because the rockstar jeans and cords are on sale for just $19 (online and in store).

Available in:

pop-color denim

pop-color cords

* printed-dot denim *

maternity pop-color denim

plus pop-color denim

I am in love with the blue polka dots (big surprise, right?)

I also think colored cords in deep hues are the perfect way to transition this trend into fall.

What do you think? Is this sale enticing you?

Look for Less: Anthro Retro Polka Dotted Blouse

/// categories: anthropologie, look for less, style

Peter pan colors have really hit this year. Combine that with polka dots and you have something that is right on trend. I spotted these look a like blouses and wanted to share.

Retro Polka-Dotted Blouse - $98.00
Peter Pan Dot Top - $29.50 (+ bogo half off)

Here are a few of my favorite Peter Pan collar blouses (all under $25):

Coral Peter Pan Collar Top

Lauren Conrad Lace Blouse

Ditsy Scottish Terrier Top

Collared Lace Top

Polka Dot Mesh Top

What do you think of Peter Pan collars? Would you wear one?

Sale: Anthropologie

/// categories: accessories, anthropologie, cardigan, dress, mall modest, sale, style

Anthropologie added a host of new things to their section and I was pretty impressed with the goods and prices. Here are my faves:

1 - Tilda Slims - $49.95 (Orig. $98.00)
2 - Sedimentology Cardigan - $29.95 (Orig. $88.00)
3 - Ocean Tubes Necklace - $39.95 (Orig. $78.00)
4 - Faded Pleat Skirt - $19.95 (Orig. $98.00)
5 - Cabana Chemise - $39.95 (Orig. $68.00)
6 - Hercynian Peasant - $19.95 (Orig. $78.00)
7 - Willemstad Necklace - $39.95 (Orig. $58.00)
8 - Graduated Dip-Dyed Tee - $29.95 (Orig. $48.00)
9 - Katydid Poplin Crops - $39.95 (Orig. $148.00)

What do you think? Anything tempting you?

Look for Less: Steve Madden Varanda Flat

/// categories: look for less, Old Navy, shoes, style

I saw this look for less and wanted to share.

Varanda Flat - Steve Madden - $89.95
Printed Flat - Old Navy - $24.94

I also spied this mid-priced Urban Outfitters option.

I actually prefer the heel of the Old Navy option (even though the Steve Madden heel might be a bit sturdier).

What do you think? Would you wear dalmatian print flats?

Project Runway Notes: Season 10 Episode 9

/// categories: project runway, style

This week was The HP/Intel Challenge, which is aways an interesting episode. A fashion designer does not a textile designer make.

{image source}

Did you watch the episode? Some of my opinions were solidified and some were flipped on their heads.

This goes without saying, but spoilers to follow.

This Week

/// categories: meet a sponsor, our life, style

I received this print from Livy Love Designs this week and I adore it.

I am so excited to hang it on our bedroom wall.

Here are a few links to take you into the week:

These flats are at the top of my wishlist.

I am loving this teacher outfit series.

I think the print on this skirt is divine.

This updo tutorial for shorter hair is fabulous.

I think this statement necklace is great (& so is the price).

Have you seen the longer hemline section at Ruche?

I have been listening to this album non-stop.

We are planning to have some family time this weekend.
Steve has been so busy this semester, sometimes it seems like we never see each other.
What are your weekend plans?

Must Have: Swiss Dot Skinny Jean

/// categories: colored denim, forever 21, style

I spotted these sweetly subtle polka dot skinnies and had to share.

Swiss Dot Skinny Jeans - $19.84 ~~$24.80~~

Today is the last day to get 20% off any one new arrival using coupon code FALL20.

What do you think? I am pretty smitten with the mint pair, myself.

DIY: Floral Elastic Waist Skirt

/// categories: accessories, ann taylor, DIY, Old Navy, outfits, refashion, shoes

Last weekend, Steve's sister, Karen, came to visit us. One of the things on our to do list was making a few skirts for her to take home. While we were fabric shopping, I saw this floral print and couldn't walk away. (Isn't it just the prettiest?) So, we made one for Karen and one for me.

DIY skirt (tutorial) | similar here (on sale) | here | and here

old navy tee - $5

ann taylor wedges - gift | similar here | here (on sale) | and here

vintage earrings - $1.50 | similar here | here | and here
hair tutorial

I know most people are planning out their boot and jacket purchases for fall, but I have several months before it will begin to cool down here and am excited to wear the skirt.

Have you made anything good lately?

Spied: Polka-Dot Chambray Shirt

/// categories: Old Navy, spied, style

I was at Old Navy this weekend, and spotted this jem. The pattern is both subtle and sweet.

Polka-Dot Chambray Shirt - Old Navy - $24.94

Here are a few other pretty dotted things around the web:

Sheer Clip-Dot Blouse

Polka Dot Chiffon Button Down

Polka Dot Denim Button-Down Shirt

Finals Week Chic Polka Dot Top

Modern Dot Blouse

What do you think? Are you as into polka dots right now as I am?

Project Runway Notes: Season 10 Episode 8

/// categories: look for less, project runway, style

I love watching creatively competitive reality TV. Project Runway is one of my all time favorites and this season is finally heating up for me. I find myself looking for an outlet for all my commentary, and as gracious as Steve is to listen to me talk about it, I thought this might be the best place to share.

Did you watch the latest episode? I loved it. One of my favorites of the season and I usually hate team challenges.

This goes without saying, but spoilers to follow.