The world is my closet...

Sometimes I shop online and act as if I own it all.  Wouldn't that be nice? 

Remember Cher's from Clueless?  Pretty much awesome.

Here's what "I am wearing to work today". 

Double Pockets from Old Navy: $26.94

Pattern Handbag from ModCloth: $37.99

Orange Corduroy Skirt from NY & Co.: $21.47 (down from $42.95)

Brown Sheer Tights from Urban Outfitters: $12

Brown Riding Boots from Target: $34.99

Jewel tones..no, not the singer...

Jewel tones always come back in the Fall.  Obviously I'm talking about clothing here and not the singer.  I'm pretty sure the singer, Jewel, is taking a break after having a kid, or something?  She has nice tones too.  In fact, I used to be able to sing that song "Who Will Save Your Soul" just like her.  Truly, I could...

There's your throwback to 1995 for the day.  And I apologize if I got that annoying song in your head.

1-Emerald One Shoulder Dress from United Habit: $37

2-Amber Embellished Flats from Asos: $43.65

3-Sapphire Button Top from Forever 21: $19.80

4-Amethyst Cross Body Bag from Aldo: $23.98 (down from $35)

5-Amber Scarf from Nordstrom: $28

6-Ruby Red Jessica Simpson Pumps from Dillard's: $49.99

Pumpkin Ale to match the orange bag...

..and cider donuts to match the tan cords...

I like to incorporate the color of beer, pumpkins and donuts into my wardrobe, and the flavors into my diet.  Here's how I do it:

1-Mocha Corduroy Pants from Target: $24.99 (down from $29.99)

2-Velvet Wedge Hees from Asos: $34.92 (down from $78.57)

3-Orange Messanger Bag from H&M: $24.95

4-Samuel Adam's Pumpkin Ale from your local adult beverage depot...drink responsibly

5-Faux Fur Vest from Macy's: $39.99 (down from $59.50)

6-Grey Wool Hat from Forever 21: $14.80

7-Cider Donuts hot and fresh from the nearest cider mill

DMB-So Right & Combat Boots

Do you ever rediscover a song  you've always loved, but then you start listening to it on repeat like you've never heard it before.  I love when that happens.  My new favorite old song:  So Right-Dave Matthews Band

That has nothing to do with combat boots.  But I like them just as much as my new favorite old song.  So do Ashely Tisdale, Nikki Hilton and Rachel Bilson.  Actually, I'm not sure if they're DMB fans at all, but they are fans of the boots... And I will say, the boots are "So Right"...

I love everything about Rachel Bilson's outfit.  Mostly because I would automatically assume that combat boots would only go with a casual look.  I appreciate how she wore them with a dressier combo. 

1-Knee High Lace-up from Urban Originals: $34.20

2-Black Lace-up from Urban Originals: $29.50

3-Grey Plaid Cuff from GoJane: $34.10

4-Tan Canvas from Zappos: $55.96 (down from $69.95)

5-Brown Lace-up from Target: $29.99



Fashion.Blog.Love.

Yesterday was a great day! I was featured on a blog about fashion blogs! This site is brilliant.  If you love fashion and if you love blogs then you'll love Fashion. Blog. Love.(go figure!)

Thanks Fashion. Blog. Love!  You made my week!!

pLeather...faux leather...leatherette

Anywhich way you say it, this leather is fake. false. phoney. Whatevs. 

If you like the way it looks, that is all that matters.

***no animals were hurt in the process of creating this post***

1-Hooded Bomber Jacket from Charlotte Russe: $39.99

2-Leatherette Pants from Forever 21: $22.80

3-Camel Aviator Vest from Target: $39.99

4-Crackle Pleather Dress from Hot Topic: $29.95

5-Brown Faux Leather Skirt from Venus: $24 (down from $34)

6-Imitation Leather Skirt from H&M: $34.95

Ideeli..so ideal...

Have you heard of Ideeli?  If not, it's pretty fab.  This pretty little site features limited-time sales from your favorite sites and stores.  You get these prices on a first-come first-serve basis, so don't waste any time.  Click on: Join Ideeli! to participate in the savings :)

Oh, and this site doesn't just offer deals on women's clothing, but also accessories, mens, kids, home goods, and travel gear.  Thank me later!!

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. 

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.

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...

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.

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)

Theme-less

Sometimes I feel pressure to have a "theme" for a post.  Today, I'm not doing that.  Maybe I sort of am, because it is a theme-less theme, but then that is thinking about it too much.  Instead of having a real theme I'm just going to show a few things I've found while browsing the sale and clearance sections of my favorite sites.  Yeah, I like these things, but I don't plan to buy any of them.  In a weird way it gets rid of my shopping urge.  It's like when I watch Food Network Challenge and it gets rid of my sweet tooth just by seeing all of that cake.  Funny how these things work, but I like it!  Inexplicably, my wallet stays loaded and my waist stays fit.  And that is all that matters.

1-Fringe Scarf from BleuDame: $3.97 (down from $14)

2-Bowie Snake Clutch from LA Vintage: $23.50 (down from $47)

3-Ankle Boots from Target: $12.24 (down from $34.99)

4-Black and Teal Polka Dot Top from Pitaya: $16 (down from $26)

(I'm cheating here, because I already own this top.  I bought it a few weeks ago. 

Yes, of course I got it on sale! And I only paid $14.  Two bucks is two bucks.)

Basically I'm curing my craving and tempting you :)  Sorry, friends!  Happy shopping!

Diamonds are a girl's best friend...

My grandma always used to sing this song to us grand-daughters.  It was when we were playing Crazy Eights, but even so, when she said "diamonds", I'm pretty sure she meant "rhinestones". 

Do you ever randomly stumble across something, like a scent or image that reminds you of your childhood?  I love the nostalgic feeling it brings. 

A couple of weeks ago, I saw a pair of clip-on earrings at the store.  They took me back to being 6 years old.  My grandma (best woman I ever knew) didn't have her ears pierced and always wore clip-ons. She had so many!

It used to be a huge treat when my grandma got out her "jewelry box" for us little girls to play dress-up.  At the time, we thought they were really fancy jewels that she wore to special events (I used to think she would go to balls like I would see in my Disney movies.  This is really funny to me now, especially picturing my grandpa at a ball!).  I realize that being the smart woman she was, she probably had a separate special box "for the kids".   Even if they weren't real, we thought we were something with all that jewelry covering over our bodies. 

I guess I never grew up because I still love draping myself in [fake] jewelry. 

Here are a few pieces of costume jewelry that I would play dress-up with as a big girl:

1-Pearlescent Earrings from Forever 21: $5.80
2-Vintage Bib Necklace form Etsy: $25
3-Vintage Bracelet from Amazon: $24.99 (down from $69.95)
4-Pearl Cocktail Ring from Asos: $10.34
5-Stacked Ring from Agaci: $6.50
6-Pearl Cluster Post Earrings from Urban Outfitters: $6.99 (down from $18)
7-Feather Hair Comb from Asos: $13.79

On a mission for Missoni...

I'll be honest, I never paid much attention to the fabulous Missoni print until I started following the blog, Lions Tigers & Fashion, OH MY!  She displays it in many of her posts and now whenever I see it, I fall more and more in love. 

Fitted Zig Zag Dress from Forever 21: $22.80

Pattern Front Knit Top from Forever 21: $17.80

Yesterday while making a return to Forever 21, Missoni was all over the store. It seems it's the hot trend for Fall (ugh!  I love Fall, but hate that it means Summer is ending).  I tried on a couple items in the print, but decided none of them were the Missoni piece I wanted to add to my wardrobe.  The search continues. 

Lucky for me, Target will be coming out with a Missoni line on September 13th (less than a month away!).  There will be home decor, stationary, clothing, accessories, etc.  Now I just have to wait...

I think these shoes are really what I'm holding out for:

I Love.

What do you think of Missoni?  Do you plan on participating in this trend?

Follow Style at a $teal's Facebook Fan Page HERE

Travel at a $teal: fromCHI.com

Right up there with fashion, travel is another one of my passions.  It's a shame that both are such expensive hobbies.  That's why I $teal.  I'm kidding, I am not a thief.  By $teal, I mean deal.  Anyway, back to the point of this post.

I had the opportunity to write for fromCHI.com, which is a travel website for Chicagoans who have limited time off of work and living within a budget (raising my hand!).  I love this site because the trips these guys put together are so affordable.  On top of this, they make sure to point out appreciating the culture of the getaway.  Whether it be immersing yourself into the crazy fist pumping antics of the Jersey Shore, relaxing in the small town feel of Grand Haven, Michigan enjoying the town's musical fountain, or touring Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin to understand the events that lead to Ireland's independence, there's a little something for everyone.   These trips are definitely for fun, but at the same time, suggest you appreciate what each new place has to offer. 

Now, I understand if you aren't from Chicago, this kind of sucks for you.  But don't fret!  There is a Chicagoin' section to the website that you out-of-towners can reference in order to experience the most of the Windy City's uniqueness.

My post is a Girlfriends Getaway Weekend to Traverse Bay Wineries.  You can check it out HERE!

This was fun for me to do.  Thanks fromCHI!

Lollapalooza Fashions

This past weekend I attended Lollapalooza for the 3rd year in a row.  It never fails that Lollapalooza ends up being one of my favorite weekends of the summer.  So many great shows and such fun energy.

One thing about Lolla is it's unique style. 

When it comes to deciding what to wear for such an event, things are a little more complicated than one would think.  While being fashionable is always at the top of my priorities, so is being comfortable.  These concert festivals involve being outside for 12 hours at a time, lots of standing and waking, the heat, the humidity, etc.  By now, I know exactly what to wear and not to order to make sure I'm not distracted by my clothing.  At Lollapalooza, all you want to focus on is enjoying the music.

Such a precious man staying cool and colorful this past Saturday.

Anyway,  here are some of the most stylish, yet approprately dressed ladies I spotted over the weekend:

1-Printed Maxi Dress from Dillard's: $29

2-Straw Fedora from PacSun: $14.50

3-Michael Antonio Pewter Sandals from DSW: $19.94 (down from $45)

4-Turquoise Necklace from Overstock.com: $18.99

5-Cross Body Braided Strap Bag from Tilly's: $16.99 (down from $19.99)

***

1-Royal Blue Racerback Dress from Asos: $34.48

2-Silver Sandals from Piperlime: $29.99 (down from $59)

3-Purple Stone Necklace from Forever 21: $7.80

4-Aviator Sunglasses from Urban Outfitters: $16

5-White Crossbody Bag from Zappos: $39.60 (down from $49.50)

***

1-White Fringe Tee from Lulus: $49 (down from $83)

2-Acid Wash Shorts from Forever 21: $22.80

3-Lace-Up Flat Sandals from Macys: $27.30 (down from $39)

4-Burgundy Cross Body Bag from Fashion Addict: $13.86

5-Aviator Sunglasses from Urban Outfitters: $9 (down from $14)

I'm not sure if you can notice, but this last girl is even wearing a black bra under her white tank!   That makes me so proud.

Would you wear any of these outfits?  How do you think these girls did?

Follow the Style at a $teal Facebook Fan Page HERE 

Colorful Monochromatics

If you're not afraid of color you may want to try this look. 

If you are afraid of color, then you probably would enjoy listening to Nirvana over reading this post.

It is easy to pull off an all black ensemble and look incredibly chic.  On the other had, wearing a colorful monochromatic look can be intimidating.  Just pretend you're Eva Longoria or Heidi Klum and walk out the door wearing confidence as your main accessory:

Here are some colorful monochromatic $teals:

1-Coral Day Dress from Urban Outfitters: $19.99 (down from $49)

2-Coral Cross Body Bag from YesStyle: $19.99

3-Coral Sandals from KMart: $9.99 (down from $14.99) 

1-Turquoise Shorts from Asos: $34.48 (down from $51.72)

2-Turquoise Tank from Urban Originals: $23.10

3-Turquoise Sandals from Aldo: $30

4-Turquoise Straw Tote from Urban Originals: $24.20

Take a look at your closet.  Certainly you've got a collection of items in your favorite color. 

Can you put together an outfit like this?  Would you give this look a shot?