Fall Work Dresses

It always baffles me how little I have to wear once a new season starts.  Maybe I just say this so I have an excuse to go to the store and spend money, but truly...I'm in the market to purchase some new work dresses.  I did a little shopping and figured I'd share with you some of my finds.

The snakeskin dress from H&M is my absolute favorite and it comes in a variety of prints and colors.  When I saw it on the site, I almost grabbed my purse and took an early "lunch break" from work.

(Yes, I'm shopping on the job..don't act like you've never done it!)

1-Baby Blue Ruffle Dress from ModCloth: $32.99 (down from $109.99)

2-Snakeskin Dress from HM: $14.95
3-Cream and Tan Ruffle Dress from Lily Boutique: $34

4-Striped Contrast Dress from Forever 21: $18.90

5-Floral Chiffon Dress from Old Navy: $18.99 (down from $39.94)

$teal Endorsments

We all need a little inspiration.  Here are a few places I go to find mine...

These are some of my favorite sites that I suggest you browse. 

So much fantastic stuff happening out there on the internets.

Runway DIY

Who doesn't love having something solely unique?  And who doesn't love knowing that you did it yourself?  DIY Blogger, Arianna, gives step-by-step directions on how to make looks that come straight from the runway. That is Style at a $teal, no doubt!

 http://runwaydiy.com/

Fabulous on a Budget

These girls are great, wait..no, they're fabulous.  Two silly friends blogging together about fashion, party hosting, home decor and more...all on a dime!  I love how engaging they write and their posts are so entertaining.  You'll love "Tipsy Tuesday"!  For great info on how to save money fabulously, you must check out Mary and Leah at Fabulous on a Budget. 

http://fabulousonabudget.com/

Matchbook Magazine

This online lifestyle magazine covers travel, fashion, culture, arts, etc.  It is full of pretty pictures, ideas, recommendations and interesting articles that always spark creativity in me.  I discovered it a couple of months ago and now I'm hooked.  Once you take a look, you probably will be too :)

http://matchbookmag.com/

Maxi-mize...

I've seen a lot of maxi skirts on sale lately.  I'm not complaining.

Personally, I think pants are awful.  I hate wearing them and avoid doing so at all costs.  However, I'm not quite ready to put on tights, so I'm thinking long skirts are perfect for this time of year.  Here's how I would maxi-mize...

1-Tan Cargo Vest from Old Navy: $25 (down from $34.94)

2-Cowl Neck Sweater from Target: $22.99

3-Wedge Booties from DSW: $39.99 (down from $60)

4-Printed Chiffon Maxi from Macy's: $34.99 (down form $59)

Disclaimer:  I'm not in a relgious cult.  I do wear pants.  I force myself to put on a pair a few times per week so that I do not give the "religious cult of pants-hater" impression. 

My Style: Sister's Bachelorette Party

As stated in my last post, this past weekend was my sister, Katie's, bachelorette party.  As Maid of Honor, I tried to think of my sister's favorite things and make sure they all made an appearance at her party:  shoes, Michael Jackson, cookies, Boone's Farm, koozies, etc.  The cherry on top was a pink schoolbus to drive us around town, in which we had a dance party to DMB's "Two Step" (on repeat).  I hope everyone at the bash had as much fun as I did!

The dress code for guests was to wear all black, except for the shoes.

Metallic Tank from Forever 21: old

Black Leather Skirt from Forever 21: $15.80

Red Peep-Toe Shoes from Agaci: $20 (clearance)

Flower Necklace from Express:  borrowed from Sister (thanks!)

{Plastic Fedora and Glitter Glove are not part of the outfit :)  I'm just channeling the King of Pop}

She's even holding a coffee...

Fresh off a weekend celebrating my sister's Bachelorette Party, it would have been really nice to sleep in and skip work.  That wasn't an option. 

Since I have to go to work, my second choice would be to roll out of bed and throw on Miley Cyrus' comfy fall ensemble (seen here).  That wasn't an option, either, since jeans aren't allowed where I work.  I would have left the sunglasses on all day, even while indoors, with my hair tied back in a similar looking pony-tail.  Ugh...the fact that she is holding a coffee is even perfect!

Anyway, this isn't a perfect world.  I'm not wearing the featured outfit, but if I were, here's how much it would have cost me:

1-Olive Military Jacket from Old Navy: $32.50 (down from $42.94)

2-Mid-Wash Skinny Jeans from Macy's: $27.99 (down from $34)

3-Black Sunglasses from Forever 21: $5.80

4-Tan Laced Flats from LuLu's: $26

5-Basic White Tank from Old Navy: $8.50

So sleepy today.  Listening to Mumford & Sons really isn't helping, either... 

Pantalon Jaune

I studied for some time in France and one of my professors, Madame Puech, wore a pair of yellow pants on a weekend outing.  My friends and I referred to her as "Pantalon Jaune" ("Yellow Pants"..very creative, yes I know) all day long.  Madame Puech was a true character.  I loved that woman.  When my friends and I would show up late to class because we were shoe shopping, she wouldn't get mad.  Instead, she would have us to show her what we got.  One of 4 million reasons I love that country...sigh...

 Anyway, little did we know that this woman was starting a fashion trend. 

Here's how I'd work the trend for both day and night.   With "loud" pants like this, I think it is best to subtly work in color and neutral prints, but stay away from flamboyant ones so that you don't look like a clown.

Royal Blue Jeans from Kohl's $31.20 (down from $48)

Purple Jeans from Charlotte Russe: $29.99

Red Jeans from Old Navy: $34.94

Day:

1-Striped Beach Flats from DSW: $24.94 (down from $45)

2-Geo Pattern Bangle from Forever 21: $6.80

3-Grey Sweater from Forever 21: $12.80

Night:

1-Animal Print Tank from Buckle: $24

2-Black Wedge Booties from Old Navy: $36.94

3-Bow Shoulder Bag from Sears: $15 (down from $39)

4-Target Bomber Jacket: $39.99

New shoes.

I am pretty lucky to have a Crossroads Trading Co. right by my apartment.  So many gems in that store and I always walk away excited about a purchase.  On Saturday, I popped in there to look for something to wear to my sister's upcoming bachelorette party.  Unfortunately, I didn't find anything for that occasion, but I did find some fantastic shoes. 

Grey. Suede. Fringe. Tassle. 

So much character crammed into a tiny price of $11.99.

They're Kimchi Blue, which is a brand sold at Urban Oufitters.  Full priced heels generally retail somewhere between $49-$79.  What I'm trying to say is that I got a $teal!  A nice little savings tucked away in my wallet.

I haven't had the chance to try these on with a million things in my closet, yet.  I have no doubt they'll be a perfect touch of "unexpected" to lots of outfits.

Just because...

My clothes are a reflection of who I am and I always try to make sure that my unique personality comes through in whatever I'm wearing. 

That is what I love about fashion---
The self-expression.  The creativity.  The resourcefulness.
To me, style is an artistic way to make a statement about yourself without saying anything at all. 

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” --CC

men's shirt = your new dress (skirt too!)

Just for fun :) 

 I love creative things like this!

Thanks to one of my readers, I can share this with you :)

Betweasons.

I made that up.  Does anyone know if I can get paid for inventing a word for Urban Dictionary? 

Betweasons:  Noun.  (bee-twee-zons).  The time of year when it isn't one season or the other; it is in between. 

Personally, I'm not a fan of between-season weather.  Figuring out how to clothe myself in the morning is a constant challenge.  Luckily I like being creative with my wardrobe.  For those who stand in front of your closet an extra 15 minutes this time of year with "What do I wear?" resounding in your head, this post is for you...

Say you got this dress late in the Summer season.  You still like it and feel it hasn't gotten it's full use.  Well, you're right.  It hasn't.  Don't fold it up and put it in a storage bin just yet; wear it into Fall.  It can still be shown off a million different ways.   

Here's how you used to wear it, but look how you can adapt it! 

I chose to pair it with a boyfriend cardigan and some flats to warm up the look.

1-Color-Block Tank Dress from Old Navy: $26.99 (down from $29.94)

2-Striped Boyfriend Sweater from Forever 21: $17.80

3-Gun Metal Flats from DSW: $29.95 (down from $40)

Now how about this tank that you know you can get some use out of, but just can't figure out how to do it?  You used to wear it with your cut offs, but now its too cool outside.  I suggest throwing a sweater over it and jumping into some skinnies.  The moccasins complete the outfit with some added personality. 

Yahtzee!! You're ready for Fall.

1-Dash Top from Forever 21: $22.80

2-Fringe Cardigan from Roamans: $28.99 (down from $74.99)

3-Minnetonka Moccasins from Online Shoes: $39.95

4-Black Skinny Jeans from Old Navy: $24.99 (down from $29.50)

The bottom line is to layer. 

It's not necessarily coat weather yet, but it is no longer warm enough for bare arms and legs. 

You don't need a whole new wardrobe, just be creative with the one you have. 

Christian Siriano is a prince...

Little Christian Siriano is by far my favorite contestant to ever grace the show "Project Runway".  In fact, I have never loved a season so much as his.  It is no wonder that he has had such great success. 

And I love him all the more because he is designing for you and I...the ones who

 a) can't afford designer clothing, and

b) like a deal! 

Here are a few of my favorites from his line at Payless:

1-Purple Stud Pump: $19.99 (down from $34.99)

2-Black Flats: $19.99 (down from $29.99)
3-Grey Heeled Sandal: $29.99 (down from $34.99)

He is such a prince...

Wedding Attire: Stef & Steve's Wedding

This past weekend I had the honor of being a bridesmaid for one of my longest and best friends on her wedding day.  Stef and I have known each other since 4th grade and even though our lives have lead us in different directions and we live in different cities, we've maintained the same 'ol friendship we've always had.  My friend looked gorgeous and didn't take that smile off her face all day...even when the tears were streaming while walking down the aisle.  I couldn't be happier for her and her new husband, Steve (who I love!).  Their wedding was all about them and one of the best parties I've ever been to. Congratulations to you both <3 

***

I definitely did some outfit creeping of guests at their wedding.  Here are my favorites:

Not everyone can pull off this color, but this girl knows what she's doing.  I loved the pockets on her dress..and of course the statement necklace.  5 Stars for this gal.

1-Almond Strapless Dress from ModCloth: $44.99 (down from $64.99)

2-Nude Pump from DSW: $34.99

3-Rhinestone Choker from Forever 21: $21.80

This guest here pulled off a fun all black look.  It's easy for black to be boring, but the ruffles on the dress and shoes make the simple color scheme interesting.

1-Black One Shoulder Ruffle Dress from GoJane: $29.90

2-Black Ruffle T-Strap Heels from DSW: $39.95 (down from $56)

3-Beaded Bracelet from Charlotte Russe: $4

4-Beaded Teardrop Earrings from Forever 21: $5.80

This girl has a funky style and I love that she showed her personality through her clothing...and in the picture.  She matched the blue streaks in her hair to her shoes..fantastic!

1-B/W Printed Strapless Dress from Dillards: $35.40 (down from $59)

2-Beaded Necklace from JC Penney: $11 (down from $22)

3-Blue Peep-Toe Pumps from 6pm: $26 (down from $65)

So here's to Stef and Steve:  An awesome couple, incredibly fun wedding and well-dressed guests :) 

Fru Gal vs. $teal: Geometrics

Fru Gal gets a point this week, but she still loses. 

She actually posted a shirt from Forever 21 for $15.80.  I was proud of her.

Just as last week, my items I chose aren't exactly what Fru Gal found, but they are all still geometric patterns and shapes.  Some of the items I really didn't like and wouldn't endorse even if it weren't outrageously priced.  In those cases, I purposely tried to find something with a twist.  It doesn't mean that Fru Gal's finds are bad, just not my taste.

Back to savings.  I did a lot of that for you (as usual!). 

Fru Gal

(Photo via Droid 2 by Nathan Fournier)

1-Geometric Stone Necklace from Arden B.: $29 (not featured on website)

2-Mosaic Cuff Bracelet from American Apparel: $24.50

3-Colorblock Dress from Macy's: $69 (not featured on website)

4-Digital Print Jersey Top from Asos: $73.18

5-Tribal Necklace from Urban Outfitters: $29

6-Ruffle Tunic from Forever 21: $15.80

7-Colorblock Silk Scarf from Ann Taylor: $68 (not featured on website)

8-Geometric Spot Chiffon Top from Topshop: $55

Total:  $363.48

$teal

1-Geometric Necklace from Etsy: $15

2-Geo Stretch Bracelet from Forever 21: $8.80

3-Tube Dress from Lulus: $32

4-Square Geo Necklace from Etsy: $17

5-Tribal Open Shoulder Blouse from Agaci: $13.50 (down from $22.50)

6-Ruffle Tunic from Forever 21: $15.80

7-Colorblock Scarf from Bleudame: $6.80

8-Geometric Cropped Top from Von Maur: $25 (down from $38)

Total:  $133.90

Savings: $229.58

Annnnd...you're welcome!

My Style: Street Fest

While in Detroit for the wedding over Labor Day, I went to a street fest with some of my family.  I sported my fav black bra/white tank look, paired it with a flirty skirt then threw on some metallic sandals.

White Tank from Forever 21: $3.80

Black Lace Bra from Marshall's: $4.99 (yes, $4.99!)

Kisses Skirt from Forever 21: $13.80

Earrings from H&M: $2.80

Sandals: borrowed from sister (thanks!)

Watch & Necklace: gifts

It's hard to believe summer is over :(

***

Side note...

Fashion comes in all forms; you just have to own it..like this guy I saw walking around: 

 He did all of the drawings on the jeans himself.

I'm a big advocate of Detroit and felt akin to this man.

He's pretty much a rock star.

It's savings, not spendings :)

I have no shame in walking directly to the Sale or Clearance section of a store upon entering.  The same when it comes to online shopping; I immediately click on the red link connecting me to the deals.  It may be a warped perspective, but when I buy something discounted, I think of it as saving money, not spending money.  I may need to re-evaluate that logic, but in the moment of the purchase it seems right. 

I've been browsing the Clearance section at Zara and have almost died about 40 times at how great the deals are for really incredible items.  Here are a few of my favorite finds, all of which will bring you into Fall:

Leopard Print Blazer from Zara: $29.99 (down from $129)

Diamond Fabric City Bag from Zara: $7.99 (down from $29.99)

Decorated Ballerina Flats from Zara: $14.99 (down from $89.90)

Trench Coat from Zara: $14.99 (down from $99.90)

When the savings out do the spendings, how can you not justify the purchases? 

Spendings: $67.96  vs.  Savings: $280.83

I almost died again.

My Style: Swanky Wedding

This past Friday, I went to the wedding for one of my longest friends.  No, it is not the wedding affiliated with the winery trip...that is next weekend!  A super busy schedule, but so worth it.  Helping one of your lifetime friends into her wedding dress is surreal and such a special moment...

The wedding was absolutely gorgeous, just like my beautiful friend!  It was at the swanky and classy Detroit Athletic Club in downtown Detroit, which overlooks Comerica Park.  I think the bride and groom will have a very happy life together considering the Tigers won that night  8-1!!!

I was honored to do a reading at the ceremony. Here are a few pictures from the wedding.  

Congratulations to Brent & Jennifer!

(I was really excited that The Bible matched my nails and shoes.  These kinds of things are important)

Here's what I wore:

Purple Ruffle Dress from Forever 21: $24.80 (2 years old, never worn..my bad!)

Red Peep Toe Heels from Agaci:  $19.99 (Clearance)

Grey and Gold Beaded Necklace from Forever 21: $9.80

Stud Earrings from H&M: $2.80

Watch: Gift

Bangle: old

Gold Clutch Purse: borrowed from Sister (thanks!)

 

Fru Gal vs. $teal - Pendants

I won't lie, this week, Fru Gal from the Red Eye set me on quite the chase to find comparably similar looking pendants.  Regardless of how unique these necklaces are, they aren't so unique that they cant inspire a mimic.  My finds aren't exactly the same as what Fru Gal has chosen, but at the savings I've found you, I can't imagine you loving one of Fru Gal's selections so much that you by pass the extra cash in your pocket.  I may be biased, but I'm thinking I win again :)

Fru Gal

1-L'Noir Owl Pendant from Cusp: $36

2-Faux Pyrite Necklace from Piperlime: $30

3-Aztec Layered Pendant from TopShop: $45

4-Baby Mamuska Necklace from Max and Chloe: $80

5-Fringe Pendant Necklace from Bloomingdales: $25

6-Stone Pendant Necklace from Banana Republic: $49.50

7-Egyptian Pendant By Kim Kardashian: $60

Total: $325.50

$teal

(I really need to learn how to white-out those backgrounds)

1-Owl Pendant from Forever 21: $2.80

2-Black and Silver Pendant Necklace from Forever 21: $2.80

3-Aztec Inspired Necklace from Etsy: $35

4-Babushka Doll Necklace from Etsy: $19.97

5-Fringe Necklace from ModCloth: $15.99

6-Gold Loop Necklace from H&M: $5.80

7-Wing Pendant Necklace from Etsy: $18

8-Clear Stone Necklace from PacSun $8.50

Total: $108.86

Savings of $216.64

Mosey on over to fromCHI.com and book your trip to the Mall of America with those extra bucks!