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Looks for Less: Karen Walker Perfect Day glasses

25 Jul
I guess Karen Walker can thank Blair and A+P for informing me (and the bloggy world) about the most adorable cat-eye glasses ever.
I’ve been craving a pair of my own for months now, but can’t quite bring myself to drop $220 on some plastic and glass.
Enter ASOS.
Now tell me, readers, can you tell which pair is $220 and which is $13.26?
versus

Looks for Less: Stella McCartney Colorblocked Sheath Dress

21 Jul
I always do a double-take when I see a celebrity rocking this dress–mostly because it creates such a flattering, bombshell figure.   I love how this is colorblocked on a curve to trick the eye into thinking a body is slimmer than it actually is.
Kate Winslet loved this dress so much, she wore it in two colors!
While it does kind of remind me of those silly t-shirts that have the bikini body on them…
…it’s much more classy.
If you want the same dress for a more friendly price, then look no further than Dorothy Perkins’ affordable options…
Black and Latte Panel Dress – $55
Black and White Illusion peplum dress – $79
Red Side Panel Dress – $59
Coral Side Panel Dress – $69

Looks for Less: J Crew Tippi Sweaters

19 Jul
I first loved these J.Crew Tippi sweaters during a recent pretend online shopping spree, but then I loved the budget-friendly prices at Old Navy much better.
Looks for Less

Old navy sweater
oldnavy.gap.com

Old navy sweater
oldnavy.gap.com

sweaters
jcrew.com

Looks for Less: Cap Toe Platforms

5 Jun
Buy here
One pair of these platform pumps is under $40.  Can you figure out which one?
Buy here
Buy here

Looks for Less: Gucci Flapper Dress!

16 Apr
I can’t tell you the last movie she was in, but I’ve always been a big fan of Camilla Belle.  I think she’s super gorgeous, and always looks totally put together and beautiful.
When I saw her in a black embellished flapper dress by Gucci, I remember thinking, “If I ever get famous, I will buy that dress.” 
Apparently, some other ladies had the same idea as me…
Luckily for you, I stumbled across a budget-friendly look-a-like, so even if you don’t have awesome Camilla eyebrows, you can still feel like a slinky, gorgeous flapper.
Oasis Black Embellished Flapper Dress $130

Now take that $4000 you saved and go do something crazy (like buy me some new shoes!)
xoxo
Tier

Ruby Woo Loves… Michael Kors Fall 2012

18 Feb
Despite having never chopped down a tree, tried log-rolling, or even holding an axe in my life, I’ve always felt a special bond with lumberjacks.
Maybe because my brother’s flag football nickname was Hungryjack.  Maybe because lumberjack reminds me of flapjacks, and I’m a big fan of pancakes.
Or, maybe it’s because I really love the red and black plaid print that is the hallmark of lumberjack culture.
My lumberjack coat from Urban Outfitters!
My brother told me the other day that I looked like a very chic lumberjack in my coat, and you know what?
THANK YOU.
Michael Kors Fall 2012 line was heavy on the lumberjack, but surprisingly, not light on the glamor.  He pretty much incorporated all my style staples:
1.  Lots of red
2.  Lots of black
3.  Lots of fur
4.  Lots of leather
I mean, really, the awesome lumberjack prints aside, it was like he peeked in my closet and was like HEY!  I should make a collection for my friend Tier!
 

How do you get this look for less?

Look for big fluffy furs and cute plaid prints!

Michael Kors F12

Double breasted dress, $135
Plaid cape, $178
Faux fur jacket, $59
80s fashion, $65
Remember the Tartans Dress | ModCloth.com, $90

Five Paychecks to a Better Wardrobe, Part Two!

8 Feb
Welcome to Part Two of the Five Paychecks to a Better Wardrobe!  Read the introduction here!
Read Part One (Coach girl, with $200 to spend) here so you can get refreshed on the basics.  
To review, the pieces that you should buy if you want a classy update to your wardrobe are:

1.  A trench coat

2.  Dark-rinse jeans
3.  The perfect dress
4.  Leopard print flats
5.  Accessories

Today we will be focusing on the Business Class girl.  She has a budget of $300 to spend over five paychecks (or 2 1/2 months).  

Let’s jump right into it, shall we?

1.  An amazing coat:  The Trench!

Since we have a little more money to spend, why not look for a classic with an interesting twist?  Black piping or a check print adds a little interest, without getting too crazy.
Modcloth’s Afternoon Uptown coat $89.99
ASOS Checked Trench  $67.14
2.  Denim

Now, I’m not saying this because I worked here for a year, but Abercrombie and Fitch really has some of my favorite jeans.  The low rise fits aren’t friendly for everyone (I’m always tugging mine back up or having to wear a belt), but I love the dark denim, and the soft fabric, and the way they never get stretched out.   Sure, they can be pricey (averaging $70ish a pair), but I always buy mine when they go on clearance, and get good deals.

AnF Skinny Jean
J Crew Matchstick jean in classic rinse

J Crew also has really nice denim, and I love their Matchstick cut.  This is another pant that can be pricey (to the tune of $98), but J Crew has tons of sales, and their jeans are always marked down.  Plus, if you have a Crew Credit Card, you can get free tailoring!

Now, by now, you might have spent around $200 for a nice pair of jeans and a trench, but don’t worry!  We still have $200 left, and the rest is easy!

3.  The Perfect Dress!

I’m going to go with my newly discovered obsession, Dorothy Perkins, for these picks!  I tried to keep these under $75 so that we have plenty of $$ leftover to play with…

Navy V-Neck Peplum $49
Ivory and Black bird print dress $69
Red Ponte Dress $57
Man, I love this site.  So many adorable things for good prices.  Remember: when buying a classic dress, stick to tried and true colors and cuts.  Even the bird print, while borderline trendy, is classic with it’s black and white graphic feel and A-line cut.
4.  Leopard print flats
Me Too “Patty” Flat from Nordstrom $88.95
TOMS Leopard fleece lined slip on $59.95
Aoss Sonita T-Bar shoes $34.91  (Okay, I know these aren’t flats, but close enough!)
5.  Accessories!

Go crazy here!  (But, controlled crazy.  No Spirit hoods, kids.  Keep it classy.)

Elliot Lucca “Lucca” tote $88.90 (50% off!)
Marc by Marc Jacobs “Classic” sunglasses $98

Depending on what combination of things you decided to buy, you’ll come in at or under your budget!  Now….isn’t shopping fun?!?!!?!?
What are some of your favorite classic pieces to buy?!
xoxo
Tierney

Cute Dresses under $60

3 Feb
Sooooo, I know this is probably old news to some of you, but I just discovered the clothing site Dorothy Perkins, and HOLY COW, they have some super cute stuff for super cute prices.
Since I am a dress fiend, I always check out the dress selection first, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well-priced and cute everything was!
In fact, in like six minutes, I found eight dresses for under $60 that I could wear ALL the time.  Tights in the winter, bare legs in the summer.  Cardigan for work, cute sandals for the weekend.
Man, oh, man.  If Jason Wu wasn’t right around the corner, I might have broken down and spent the birthday money.
Be strong, Tier!  Be strong!
Cute Dresses under $60

Dorothy Perkins dress, $49
Dorothy Perkins lace dress, $49
Dorothy Perkins dress, $29

Cute dresses under $60

Dorothy Perkins peter pan collar dress, $49
Dorothy Perkins black dress, $59
Dorothy Perkins evening party dress, $49
Dorothy Perkins animal print dress, $39

Five Paychecks to a Classy Wardrobe Update: $200 Budget

2 Feb
Classic Looks for Less

H M sleeveless dress, £15
H M striped shirt, £9.99
Old Navy double breasted trench coat, $22
Wet Seal low rise jeans, $20
Dorothy Perkins flat shoes, $35
Pearl chain necklace, $40
Blu Bijoux linking ring, $26
Juicy Couture rhinestone stud earrings, $40
Wet Seal plastic sunglasses, $7.50

Welcome to Part One of the Five Paychecks to a Better Wardrobe!  Read the introduction here!

Today, we will be focusing on the Economy Fashionista.  Working from the logic that she has $40 each paycheck to put towards a new wardrobe, we established that her overall budget is $200 for new clothes.

Let’s get started!

Paycheck One:   An amazing coat.  

I am a HUGE advocate of coats, and honestly, they’re one of your better investments (fashionwise).  Often, people will only see and judge you based on your coat, and it functions as an outfit that you wear every day.  (If you work in an office like mine, which is FREEZING all the time, then you might even wear your coat indoors!)

For purposes of building a classic wardrobe, I’m going to recommend you go with a trench coat.  A nice trench will NEVER go out of style, unless the future suddenly gets here and we all start wearing spandex bodysuits 24/7.  (Mine will be leopard, for the record.  RHYMES.)

Luckily for us, stores are releasing their spring lines, and most have coats on sale.  STRIKE WHILE THE IRON IS HOT, LADIES!

Delia’s Double Breasted Trench $39.99
Old Navy’s Tab-Sleeve trench $49.94
Also comes in a bright, happy green!  SO PREPPY AND CUTE!

Old Navy’s Tab-Sleeve Trench $49.94

Averaging the cost of the two coats gives us $45.  That’s five dollars over what we originally had for this paycheck, so we have to remember to compensate accordingly.

We started with $200.  We have $155 left.

Paycheck Two:  Denim!  

While trendy, printed denim is fun, you will never go wrong with a well fitting, dark rinse jean.  This paycheck, look for the perfect fitting jean.   I love a skinny jean because it pairs so well with my lifestyle, but maybe you’re more comfortable in a traditional bootcut.  Whatever your choice, find a store with millions of jeans, and be willing to try on everything.   

Now, if you already have the perfect skinny jean, then buy a nice bootcut you can wear to work.  Or, look for white jeans.  We’re focusing on not only building up your basics, but expanding your outfit possibilities.   Yes, those leopard print pants are cute, but white jeans are so much more wearable and timeless.

Whenever I need a new pair of budget-friendly jeans, I always go to Delia’s.  They have all inseams (up to 37″) and a million different styles and rinses.  Plus, they’re always doing buy one, get one half off deals.

Mallory Mid-Rise skinny jeans from Delia’s for $9.99
Yeah.  You heard me.  Ten bucks for new jeans!  At that rate, go buy two more in other washes, and you totally win at life.  (Wait.  Darn it.  We’re on a budget.  I always forget.)

Other wallet-friendly jean stores are Charlotte Ruesse and Forever 21.

I’m going to budget $40 for your jeans.  Maybe you luck out and just go nuts at Delia’s and pick up a few pairs, or you spend a little more and just get one pair.  Whatever your philosophy, remember to stick to a nice dark wash that will never go out of style.

Budget:  $155
Money spent this paycheck:  $40
Remaining:  $115


Paycheck Three:  Cute Dress!


 I live in dresses.  It’s the easiest way to feel put together.  This paycheck look for two of the most perfect dresses–one for work, and one for the weekend.  My suggestion if you are trying to go for the ultimate classic wardrobe?  Find the perfect dress.  If you’re like me though, and you already have 23 perfect LBD’s, then my suggestion would be to go for another color you love:  like navy or red.  (Those are just my favorites–your favorite color might be green!  Or white!)  

Prints are always fun too, but stick to the classics–polka dots or stripes are your best bet.

 (Also, one of my best tips for party dressing is to not resort to your basic black dress.  Everyone else will be doing the same thing!  A bright happy dress not only ensures you’re different, but that you’re memorable.)

My favorite site for budget friendly dresses is F21!

Wrap Skirt Dress from F21 $24.80
Seaside Stripes Dress from F21 $24.80

Peekaboo Shoulder Tail Dress from F21 $27.80
Our budget is $115
Let’s say you spent $30 on a cute little spring dress.  
We have $85 left.

And, so far we have a new trench coat, a new pair (or two!) of jeans, and a new dress!


Paycheck Four:  Leopard Shoes!   


People might argue with me, but I think leopard is not only absolutely timeless, but it’s actually a neutral.  Name a color!  Any color!  Leopard print will look fabulous with it, guaranteed.  Red?  YES.  Blue?  YES.  White?  YES.  Purple?  YES.  Black?  HECK YES.   I promise you, little touches of leopard makes your otherwise neutral outfit a little more interesting.  Leopard can be abused (see all of New Jersey) but when done right, it’s really amazing.  

One shoe I wear a few times a week is my leopard ballet flats.  I work in a conservative office environment, and pairing my leopard print ballet flats with my all black (or all navy) outfits makes me happy. 


Madden Girl Hoops Leopard shoes $39.95
Madden Girl Hype leopard shoes $39.95

Merona Mattie Cap-Toe flats from Target for $12.48

Oh man, those Target flats are SO cute and SO cheap, I might have to pick those up myself!

Okay, so our budget was $85…
Let’s assume $40 for shoes.
Which leaves us with $45.

Paycheck Five:  Accessories!  
Here’s where your personality can shine through!  With your leftover money, have a mini-shopping spree!  Need new leggings?  Nordstrom Rack and DSW have the best quality selections.  Or, maybe a pearl necklace?  F21 is great for inexpensive jewelry that doesn’t look totally cheap.  Or, perhaps some giant, movie star sunglasses?  Nordstrom’s BP department has all the latest styles of sunglasses for only $10!


Have money leftover?  Then treat yourself to something else that you really want!

Hopefully this has been a nice, classic boost to your wardrobe.

Tune in later this weekend to see it all over again with a higher budget!

I’m curious to know how you guys handle your shopping budget.  Do you budget at all?  Or do you buy on a whim?

xooxoxoxoxo

Tierney

Five Paychecks Away from Building a Better Wardrobe: Introduction

1 Feb
The Frisky recently put out an interesting article called “5 Paychecks to a Better Makeup Bag” (although, come on, Frisky editors.  Rules of Grammar!  No starting sentences with a numerical integer, and anytime you have just one number in a sentence, you need to spell it out.  Five Paychecks to a Better Makeup Bag.  See how much better that looks?  xoxo Tierney the English Major)

I thought the concept was amazing, mostly because I know I can feel overwhelmed.  Like, the times I really wish I had some fresh life blown into my closet, but I’m poor and don’t have an extra $300 to shell out at HM.  But, by splitting it up and focusing only on the essentials, you can make your sartorial dreams come true with minimal monetary damage.

I remember all too well the days of going to school full-time, and then working some hourly job part-time.  Money was always tight, but I still wanted to be stylish.  Now, I have a good job with some extra cash to burn, and I can spend a little more on my clothing.  Since we’re all at different stages in life, this series will focus on three levels of “income”, if you will.



Coach will have a total budget of $200 across five paychecks (so, $40 a paycheck).  

Business Class will have a total budget of $300 across five paychecks ($60/paycheck).

First Class will have a total budget of $500 across five paychecks ($100/paycheck).


I am not an advocate of credit card debt–especially for something as trivial (yeah, I said it!) as clothing.  I always recommend saving up for your shopping spree.  By putting a certain amount aside every paycheck, you’ll eventually save up a nice little nest egg that you can spend guilt-free.  (Or, you can buy each piece with each paycheck–whatever works for you!)

Okay, money stuff out of the way, now on to fashionnnn.


I’m going to focus on the classic things every closet should have–regardless of trends.  Some things just never go out of style.  


Check back tomorrow for the first series–Building a Better Wardrobe on an Economy Budget!





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