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!

WW$D: A wardrobe in transition...

Here's another inquiry from one of my fantastic followers asking for advice:

"I am a 30 year old wife and the mother of a toddler.  Even though I have a family, I still feel young.  Getting dressed is always a challenge for me because I feel like I have to dress both "mommy" and age appropriate even though I really want to wear some of the trendy styles I've been seeing.  How do you suggest I deal with the dilemma?"

Dear Momma,

I can understand the feeling of having to transition your wardrobe based on life changes.  And I appreciate you trying to look fashionable rather than reverting to the good 'ol "Mom Jeans".

 I don't think there is any reason why you can't still pull off current and trendy looks that are both "mom" and age appropro.  Be creative with a trend to make it work for you. Here are a couple of examples that you can hopefully find relatable.

If you like the girly and playful look of hair accessories, but feel they're more for your daughter, put a spin on the look to make it work.  Instead of wearing a big bow headband, find something similiar on a smaller scale like this satin bow from Forever 21.  Clip your half of your hair back with the bow to look fresh and youthful, but not immature or like you're trying too hard. 

Satin Bow Hair Clip from Forever 21: $3.80

I featured this girl in my Lollapalooza Fashions post earlier this month.  Maybe you like the shirt she is wearing, but are thinking it isn't an option for you. Maybe this shirt could be:

Fringe Tunic from Roaman's: $17.99 (down from $36.99)

Trends are for all ages.  The key is to to think of how you can make it work for you and your lifestyle... 

My Style: Wine Tasting

Last weekend I went wine tasting for a bachelorette party in Northern Michigan.  We had a great time sipping the day away and celebrating the upcoming nuptials of my fabulous friend, Stef! 

Here's what I wore:

Sheer Floral Tie Shirt from Marshalls: $12.99

Navy Button Shorts from Urban Outfitters: $10.99

Brown Wedge Sandals from Target: $7.48

Woven Cross Body Purse from Crossroads Exchange: $8

Bracelet & Earrings at least 5 years old from Forever 21

Watch: gift
Sunglasses from Marshalls: $9.99

 

Can't wait for the wedding!  Less than 2 weeks away :)

Fru Gal vs. $teal- The 1970's

Fru Gal from the Red Eye is at it again.  The self-proclaimed thrifty shopper is doing anything but recommending items that are affordable.  This week she's doing a throw-back to 1970's fashions.  I must say this article lacked a little creativty.  Two pairs of jeans?  Come on, the 70's are full of fringe and tie-dye.

Anyway, I do like everything she featured even if she wasn't very diverse with her selections...

...and as usual, I've found just as fashionable items for better prices.

Fru Gal

Felt Floppy Hat from New York & Company: $29.95

Inner Circle Shades from Anthropologie: $24

Buckle Trouser Jeans from Gap: $79.95

Peasant Top from Bloomingdales (featured at $58): $40.60 on sale

Ugg Clogs from Bloomingdales: $160

5-Pocket Flares from Free People: $78
Total: $429.90

$teal

1-Felt Floppy Hat from Old Navy: $19.94

2-Braided Trouser Jeans from Old Navy: $25 (down from $39.94)

3-Brown Circle Shades from Buy.com: $8.95 (down from $30)

4-Tan Clogs from Amazon: $24 (down from $59.99)

5-Feather Peasant Top from Kohl's: $21.49 (down from $36)

6-BDG Dark Blue Flare Jeans from Urban Outfitters: $54
Total: $153.38

This week I saved you $276.52...

These are some of my favorite posts to do.  I don't see Fru Gal becoming frugal anytime soon, so stay tuned for future face-offs!

High Low Skirt...Dress...Skirt...

One of the latest trends is the high-low skirt.  They aren't quite yet all over the place, but they're catching on and I like!  This past weekend, my friend Nikki asked me to help her figure out how to wear her "new skirt".  I'm not going to lie, I got clothes-envy when I realized it was the high-low look I've been wanting!  

Nikki's is from Nordstrom and it is not a $teal.  Being so pricey I wanted to make sure Nik got her money's worth.  Here are three ways she could wear the skirt, but the options don't stop here.  I loved discovering the versatility and seeing that not only can it be worn for the rest of the summer, but will take her into colder temperatures as the season changes. 

(Isn't she pretty?)

Style #1:  Wear as a high waisted skirt with a plain white tank.  I suggested allowing her pink bra to show through the white shirt (you know I love this look), which unfortunately you can't see it in this picture.  Then we paired it all with some neutral flowered sandals.

Style #2:  Tie drawstring on the skirt around the neck so it appears as though it is a halter dress.  Cinch the waist with a thin belt and throw on those flowered sandals again.

Style #3:  Let the skirt lay low on the hips and wear with a comfy sweater.  Nikki had some fantastic boots that had to be shown off and matched the sweater pretty perfectly. 

For the night she went with wearing the skirt as a dress. 

The options to wearing this skirt (or sometimes a dress) are endless.  Here are a couple less expensive high-low skirts I found that can be worn the same ways I styled Nikki. 

High Low Skirt from Venus: $19 (down from $39)

Black High Low Maxi Skirt from Von Maur: $36

Have fun playing dress up :)

What's your favorite style Nikki wore?

Shopper's High

I love Target.  Target is such a treat.  I could go on and on about Target.

I rarely go when I'm in Chicago because it is always so busy and I have to take public transportation to get there.   Whenever I visit my family in Detroit, pretty much the first thing that I do is go to Target.  On Friday, I coaxed my mom into making a trip with me because I needed "things".  By "things" I meant, I wanted to browse every department to see what I was missing out on during the past several weeks since I had been home.  Obvi Target knew I was coming because it saved 2 pairs of shoes for me that I had been needing and they were the only 2 left and both in my size.  When that happens, it is euphoric....a shopper's high...

BUT WAIT!  It gets better!  Both of the pairs of shoes were on clearance. 

Yes, that is right my friends. 

• 1 pair of brown flat sandals left on the rack
• 1 pair of brown wedge sandals left on the rack
• Both pairs fit my foot
• I needed both of them
• Clearance

I can't really describe the kind of shopper's high I got from this, but it does make me think of this song...

Brown Flat Sandals: $6.24 (down from $24.99)

Brown Wedge Sandals:  $7.48 (down from $29.99)