Forever Frugal Friday

 

i fell in love with this striped cutout dress after seeing it on stephanie sterjovski's instagram feed the other weekend.  i think it is so cute and fun and summery and i am crossing my fingers that i find it at my local forever 21 this weekend to wear to a going away party saturday night. 

 

 

Forever Frugal Friday

just like last year, i continue to be drawn to animal prints, neon, stripes and chevron and why not allow a few trends from last seep into this year? 

 

leopard print ballet flats - must own

 

geo pattern shift dress - while i am not crazy about the color of the dress, i do really enjoy the belt and chevron print.  i am thinking with a bright statement necklace we have an all around winner!

striped shirred waist top - it can be concluded that i have a slight addiction to stripes, but then to go ahead and add the peplum to the stripes - go ahead and commit me cause i love every bit of it.

what trends are you okay with moving from 2012 to 2013?  which trends would you like to see disappear?


Forever Frugal Friday

a good striped light weight dress is just what every girl needs for summer. 

loving this basic striped dress w/ belt from forever in charcoal and navy.  perfect for days out on the boat, summer concerts or afternoon brunch.

hip-hip-hooray for stripes!

Bikini Bonanza

yesterday i sported a bikini at the pool.  while my body still isn't quite where i would like for it to be, it's getting closer and while i love my little mix and match bikini i threw together, i noticed some darling bikinis around the pool which had me thinking i may need to upgrade to something a little more fun.

my absolute fave is this modern amusement stripe push up sweetheart bikini.  love the red, love he navy, love the stripes and the pop of yellow.  also love the models body...

i know sequins by the pool is a little glitzy and rhooc, but these victoria secret bikinis have me rethinking my view on sequins by the pool.  specifically the abbie sequin stripe triangle bikini and the sequined waterfall triangle bikini that belongs on a yacht in the french riveria.  yes please!

a good bandeau never hurt anybody and definitely provides the most friendly tan lines.  you can't go wrong with a simple gorgeous aqua belle bandeau bikini that literally looks good on anyone with a tan!  or root for team usa in all your stars and stripes in the americana bandeau bikini that is far more chic and a lot less budweiser girl than other red, white and bikinis i have seen.

what's your favorite swimwear?  do you have suit that you absolutely adore? 

Forever Frugal Friday ~ Current Faves

i want to wear this ditsy floral surplice dress w/ belt tomorrow for my gf's b*day celebration.  sexy, cute and paired with cowboy boots totally appropriate for early evening celebrating in venice!

a few years ago my gf mrs. r, brought me back a fantastic weekender/workout bag that i have used the life out.  the zipper no longer zips and it needs to be replaced badly.  i have been looking for an affordable weekender/workout bag for sometime now (under $50) and think i may have found a winner with this striped canvas duffle.

i also want this strapless combo dress for summer cocktails and possibly the wedding i am attending next weekend in seattle.  only i would replace the cheap black belt with my gold glitter jcrew skinny belt or my neon pink express skinny belt to liven it up a bit. 

Forever Frugal Friday ~ Stripes & Scallops

necklace/tank/heels/skirt

i am majorly loving the scallop lace trend that i see everywhere.  combine that with some stripes that i am still addicted to from last year, some nude heels and a statement necklace and i have a perfect little friday or saturday night outfit. 

now where to go...

Desperately Seeking Sully ~ Sensational Stripes

this past weekend in whistler i tried on the lululemon stride jacket above and fell instantly in love.  not much of an impulsive shopper, i thought it best to wait and pickup in the states.  dumb move.  it is no longer available and if i want to make it mine i have to buy it on ebay.  tear.

also, i am loving this topshop giant pansy stripe bodycon dress which was in 3 magazines i read over the weekend.  don't worry...sold out as well.  mother trucker. 

those two sold out striped goodies got me in an all things stripe mood and has me thinking i shouldn't delay in purchasing the stripes below.

diagonal stripe 4 / skipper beach duffle / stripe bandeau bikini top / striped cotton dress

Desperately Seeking Sully ~ Dorothy Perkins

i am not sure how i am just being introduced to the fabulous dorothy perkins, but man oh man am i glad i have now met her! great fashion and stylish items for amazingly low prices. a great site to pick up some new work pieces and just about anything else. here are just a few items i am currently coveting!

 the taupe/navy batwing dress which drew me into the dorothy perkins website

this navy contrast waist wrap dress is just perfect for the office

i love the metallic flair that spices up these apricot twist peep toe pumps

aqua/pewter side bar clutch needs to be mine, stat

this bad ass gold look spike necklace will help me gain some street cred

loving the colors and mixture of prints in this navy spot and stripe scarf

are you new to dorothy perkins too?  have you ordered from them before and if so how was your experience?  what items are you loving right now from the store?

Forever Frugal Friday

One of the trends for 2012 that I am loving is the return of the pleated skirt.  The only thing I like better than a pleated skirt...a striped pleated skirt! 

I love the versatility of this skirt!  Paired with a simple tank/tee and flats, you'll look perfect for Sunday brunch.  Pair it instead with a button down, blazer and heels and everyone will know you mean business. 

Perfectly girlie and chic, this skirt is a must to start of twenty twelve right!

Forever Frugal Friday

Do yourself a favor and invest in this Bold Shoulder Striped Blazer immediately!  Last February I purchased an almost identical blazer (in navy blue) from H & M and it was easily one of the best purchases I have made as I am constantly complimented on every time I wear it.  The blazer is the perfect piece to add to almost any outfit and I just know you will love it as much as I love mine! 

Forever Frugal Friday ~ Trendy Tights!

1/2/3/4/5

Today was the first day of the season that I pulled out a pair of my trusty polka dot black tights, and I have to say I am quite happy with the results and received numerous compliments at work (yay!). 

Tangent much...my whole point was that every lady should have at least 2 or 3 pairs of tights for those cold days that have already arrived or are coming soon to a city near you.  I love the playfulness tights add to any outfit and it reminds me of my youth and love for tights as a young girl. 

I love the variety of styles out there and there is just about something for every girl, whether you like to play it safe with solids, bright, or trendy with those leopard lace tights.  Everyone can wear tights!  All of the tights above are under $15, so you won't feel guilty if you snag, poke a hole or rip them after a couple wears. 

And just because I mentioned it, and have never actually done an OOTD, here you go!

(close up so you can see the tights)

(please excuse my terrible background)

Desperately Seeking Sully ~ Orange Crush

As I look at the window and am greeted with fog, it has suddenly dawned on me that fall has arrived and with fall comes new scents, flavors and a color palette.  And since we are in the month of October (and I did just return from Amsterdam where the color of the country is orange) I decided I should really try to incorporate the color that I despise so much into my wardrobe. 

(click to enlarge)

clutch, watch, bangle, ray-bans, earrings, iphone cover, gloves

I think the easiest way to incorporate orange for me would be in accessories.  Accessories allow you the luxury of being bold and bright without being too trendy or over the top.  I am loving all these varieties of orange goodies but am most definitely favoring the iPhone cover, as I am about to make the switch from blackberry to iPhone.  It's a little bit edgy, fun, punk and perfect to set me apart from other iPhone users. 

(click to enlarge)

sweater, blouse, ruffle top, pumps, dress, scarf

While the easy and safe route would be accessories, I would like to own one orange staple item.  However my fair skin and light hair are not complimented by orange.  So the trick is to find the right orange for you!  For me, I veer towards the coral and the red-orange options.  But if you are gonna go full out orange a scarf or shoes would be another great choice. 

This fall I am really going to try face my fear of looking like a pumpkin and try out this orange trend.  With options like the ones above I am pretty sure I can't go wrong!  What are your thoughts on orange? 

Gung-ho or steer clear? 

Forever Frugal Friday ~ Splurge vs. Steal

Ever since I first saw the T-Mobile commercial with that cute bright pink Marc for Marc Jacobs 'Jailbird Stripe Dress' I have been hunting for a cheaper version of my own.  Well wouldn't you just know that Forever's Striped Dress w/ Belt is a great alternative at a fantastic price.  Don't worry, you won't end up jailed for this fantastic steal!

Forever Frugal Friday

I absolutely need this Layered Beaded Section Necklace this summer.  The perfect statement piece to dress up your simple tank top, maxi dress or anything really. 

Last February I purchased one of my favorite items in my wardrobe a striped blazer from H&M that cost me a whopping $24.  Every time I wear it I get compliments and it is sold out all over from what I can tell.  I forwarded this Striped Knit Blazer over to my coworker and although it isn't exactly the same it is pretty close and still a great deal. 

Forever Frugal Friday

This one goes out to all my fellow small busted women out there.  I recently picked up this Rib Trimmed Sports Bra at Forever and it cost me a whole $3.80.  I loved how bright it was and thought for $3.80 it couldn't hurt to try it out.  So I tried it out at my Circuit Works class and I have to say that this little baby provided me with great coverage during my work out.  I held the ladies up and while I was running on the treadmill they weren't bouncing all over the place.  The adjustable straps are a great feature, and it has little inserts that prevent you from nipping out. 

I think this bra would work great for any ladies size 34B and under, or if have a larger bust, perhaps it could work for you as well, but for less physical activities and more stretchy bendy activities (yoga, pilates, bar method).  And if you are hesitant to even try it while working out, it would make a great little bra under a tank top or t-shirt for errand running. 

Let's keep those babies up and running shall we?  Screw you gravity, I found a new friend that helps me out just dandy!

Forever Frugal Friday

I am heading sailing this Sunday and would love to wear this Nautical Knit Dress.  The stripes, the gold buttons, makes me want to tip my hat to the captain!  Realistically a dress on a boat in the wind is not the best of options.  However a girl can dream right??

Forever Frugal Friday

Lately getting ready for work has been a chore.  I haven't purchased any new work clothes in a long while and it shows in my closet and attitude at work.  Seeing as I spend 40 hours a week at work I try to take pride in my outfits, which has not been happening lately.  What I need to do is add a few essential pieces into the mix. 

Starting with this Striped Bow Front Skirt.  Perfect with a black cardigan and black heels.  As much as I would love to wear it with those socks and shoes, that just wouldn't fly in my office. 

What office clothing staple can you not live without? 

Forever Frugal Friday

I have been eyeing this skirt at Forever for about two months now.  Contemplating whether I really need it or really like it that much.  Well, at the engagement party I attended on Sunday, a guest was wearing this skirt and I realized that I do REALLY want it and need it.  I am thinking it would be cute with a button down and blazer at work and then a tank, cardi and boots for dinner with the girls.  In any case, this Striped Skirt w/ Belt is ridiculously cute and looks like you got it from Anthropologie not Forever 21.  Done and done.

Forever Frugal Friday

You know when you look through your closet and you feel like you are missing something?  Like that one piece that will make everything right?  I am feeling this way often lately, and when I saw this Striped Cardigan Vest I realized that I am definitely missing a vest for my summer attire.  I love the loose causal fit, and while I love it with jeans, I think it would also be darling with shorts.  Totally fun, hip and cute, perfect for the summer days ahead.

Forever Frugal Friday ~ Just Keep Swimming

Is it just me or are you also loving the popularity of stripes this spring?  It looks like this trend will continue into summer as well, and this Nautical Stripe II top and bottom just begs to be worn on a sailboat complete with a captains hat.  This suit is also available in red stripes with blue string accents and would also make a festive 4th of July suit without being as obvious as this.....