Fashion Friday - J's Everday Fashion for the Everyday Fashionista

Happy Friday, lovies! It’s the beginning of the month, spring is nearly here (if you’re in Florida, like I am, it’s been here for a while, but that’s neither here nor there), and it’s time to put the sweaters and coats and scarves away for the year! Aren’t you excited? Bright colors. Breezy sun dresses. Linen pants. Wait. You don’t have any of that in your closet? It doesn’t fit anymore because you’ve been sticking to your workout plan? Buying a whole new wardrobe isn’t financially feasible? Are you kidding? As a Budgetista, I can’t even think of those words without shuddering. Where there’s a fashionable will, there’s a fabulous way. And I have found just the remedy for that problem.

A few weeks ago, I came across a blog and instantly fell in love. J’s Everyday Fashion helps women just like you and I, who know that the world is our runway, make financially savvy decisions on what to stock our closets with and how to put ensembles together that look effortless yet fashion forward. I love how she takes looks straight out of the fashion magazines, recreates them, then tells you where AND when she got the pieces (because I always wonder if it’s still in stores), how much they cost, and how to edit them to suit you. She outlines how to take a look from day to night with a few simple swaps. And best of all, J thinks outside the box. Some of the things that are hot on the runway have probably been sitting in your closet for a few seasons because you have no idea how to work it into your wardrobe. It’s as simple as taking what you already have, adding a few inexpensive pieces, and viola! Your closet has been transformed. It’s all around fabulous! I could learn a lot from her… And so could you! Check her out!

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista

Fashion Friday - The First Lady Rockin' A Frugal Frock, And Still Looking Fab

As I was checking my email I came across an article that made me stop in my tracks. “Michelle Obama wows in a $35 dress.” I instantly had to give my BFF the heads up about it. Her response: “You a damn liar!” Seriously. She was on the Today Show in a dress from H&M and it looked like a million bucks! A few styling edits and BAM! A phenomenal dress to fit her wonderful sense of style.

Regardless of your political affiliation, you have to admit, the First Lady has an impeccable sense of style that we haven’t seen since Jackie O. She appeals to the everyday woman and has become quite the fashion muse. If you’ve noticed, she’s not a brand snob. We’ve seen her in Target, J. Crew, White House Black Market, and now H&M. One thing is clear about Mrs. Obama’s personal style - It’s not about following trends or wearing big name designers. It’s about knowing who you are, what looks good on your body and what makes you feel good. PERSONAL style. It doesn’t matter who you wear, it’s HOW you wear it.

My best friend said it best, “Whether it's a $2000 dress or a $20 dress it doesn't matter it's all about how you wear it and how it fits your personal style.”

So find what works for you. Try different looks and trends and styles until you find what best fits YOU.

♥ - The Bougie Budgetista



Thrifty Thursday - A Shoe Lover's Dream at Ross Dress For Less

For today's edition, we're talking shoes. But not just any kind of shoes. Designer shoes! Not quite Louboutins or Manolos. I haven't found a way to get great deals on those (yet). But we're still talking shoes that retail between $75 and $140 at Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom for at least 50% off.

Let me preface this by saying that each Ross is different and could carry different merchandise, so you may have to try a few before you find the diamond in the rough. I'm lucky enough to have the most AMAZING Ross ever less than a mile away from my house. They carry Steve Madden, Jessica Simpson, Fergie, Carlos by Carlos Santana, Betsy Johnson, Guess, and even Michael Kors. Yes, I said Michael Kors! Their inventory is beyond compare. We're talking styles that are still currently in season, selling for full price in stores.

One day, a good friend of mine pranced into work with the most adorable pair of black leather Guess pumps. "I went shopping with a friend and was suckered into buying them." She got them from the Guess store and paid $90 for them. I couldn't help but shake my head when I broke the news. "I saw them at Ross last night in black AND brown for $32.99 a pair." Her eyes widened and the next day, she waltzed in with the brown pair. Can you guess what she did? I'm sure you can and, yes, I encouraged it.

They not only carry current ladies' styles, but also current men's designer dress shoes. And I know you fellows spend a pretty penny on shoes, but you'll wear them till they fall apart. You may as well save a few bucks, have a stylish pair of well made shoes, and use the money you saved on, I don't know, the next UFC fight or something.

Here are some of my favorite finds, all for less than $35 a pair. They're all my treasures. Enjoy the hunt!

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista 

Carlos by Carlos Santana "Queens"

Guess Patent Leather Platform Pump

Carlos by Carlos Santana "Feisty"

Getting over Hump Day with a Great Deal

It's Hump Day and I've hit quite a hump with my writing. I can't seem to think of any content lately and it's driving me bananas! But today's Living Social deal really put a smile on my face and gave me something worth writing about.

Until 7am EST tomorrow, you'll have the opportunity to get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Certificate for $10! Amazing deal, right? At first I thought it was just for books, but when I saw all of the merchandise available for purchase I was super stoked! Get it while it's hot, ladies and gentlemen.

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista

Extreme Couponing - A Habit We Should All Pick Up

Holy Crap! I totally didn't get a chance to post today because I was planning my gosh darn grocery shopping adventure. And an adventure it was. Two different stores, price matching, the only thing that was missing were coupons. So, the two big contenders were Publix and Walmart. Publix had great deals on healthy food (I mean, let's face it, it's resolution season; everyone's trying to get healthy) with their BOGO (Buy One Get One) sales, but Walmart is always known for their low prices. I think from here on out, I'm going to have to adopt some tips from the Krazy Coupon Lady and start my stockpile. Why should I have feminine products, body wash, toilet paper, and canned foods on every shopping list and pay full price for them when I could be getting these things for free if not close to it by using coupons? But extreme couponing is no joke! Take a looksie at TLC's special on people who obsess about saving money. But who said that was a bad thing?

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista

The Bougie Bookworm

If I were a multimillionaire, there are two things that would be in abundance in my home: shoes and books. However, even if money were not issue, do you think I would break my budgetista habits? Absolutely not! Now, shoes are easy to get at a discount. You should see the Michael Kors peep toe pumps I saw this week at Ross! But books, on the other hand, are a little bit trickier to get super cheap, unless you hone in on your super savvy shopper skills. For those of you who are lacking in that department, you know I'm always here to help.

Most people will search for books at Barnes and Noble, Borders and other major bookstore retailers. Those are all fine and dandy if you like coughing up full price for books. Next time you're at the check out counter and they ask you if you want to sign up for their emails, SAY YES! Yeah, so you'll get some random emails about the latest books that you have no interest in, but every once in a while, you'll get a gem of deal, like 25% off your purchase. For the rest of those emails you could care less about, there's the delete button. I will take it one step further, and encourage you to join their membership programs. Barnes and Noble's is probably the best known membership program out there. For $25, you get a one year membership offering you 40% off hardback bestsellers, 20% off adult hardbacks, and 10% of nearly everything else, plus $50 worth of coupons to use. Borders has stepped up their game, but at an even better deal. The original savings program is still available and it's free! With the Borders Rewards program, you get exclusive coupons to use in-store and online, you earn Borders Bucks for qualifying purchases, personal shopping days, deals on beverages, birthday coupons, and 30% off the list price of hardcover bestsellers. For a $20 one year membership, you get 40% off hardcover bestsellers, 30% of selected hardcovers, 10% of nearly everything else AND free shipping on online orders. But wait, it gets better! For a limited time, if you sign up for the Borders Rewards Plus program, you'll get $10 in Borders Bucks back. So basically you're getting a whole year for $10. Not bad, eh?

If you're looking to read the latest bestseller, aren't a member of any program, and can't wait to get your hands on that book, take your tush straight to Target or Walmart. I have yet to see a novel priced at the list price. With an instant savings of anywhere from 10%-30% off the cover, it's your best bet when patience isn't your virtue.

Personally, I love going to bookstores. The smell of new books, the sound of crisp pages cracking, the feel of the books in my hands make me happy. But, if you're willing to give up the experience, or modify it, you may be able to find even better deals! Go ahead, peruse the shelves armed with a pen and a pad of paper, and jot down all of the titles you want, then hit up Half.com. When they say you could get your favorite titles for 50% off or more, they're not joking. I've gotten books for as little as $0.75. I can't even get a cup of coffee for that cheap! The caveat, though, is that you do have to pay for shipping on each item, which could run between $2-3 per item. But if you order from the same seller, shipping costs drop, since they can ship multiple items to you at once. It's an awesome, inexpensive way to build your library, especially with hardback or hard-to-find books.

All my love to my fellow bookworms out there. Happy reading!

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista

JT's Bringing Sexy Back to Target

I'm a huge fan of diffusion lines. One of the most recent and most anticipated collaboration for Target comes from William Rast. Justin Timberlake (yes, our childhood boy band heartthrob) and Trace Ayala put together an amazing line at an amazing price for the department store. It's a fusion of motorcycle roughness and bohemian softness that is sure to please all tastes, and quite frankly, all budgets. Check out the designers themselves dishing on the inspiration behind the line and the take a look at the line itself.

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista

Fusion Fashion for the Financially Fit Fashionista

It should come of no surprise that I love fashion. One day I WILL own a pair of Christian Louboutins. Preferably in the year 2011. But that's neither here nor there. I know my fellow fashion addicts lust for the looks on the runway, but since few of us are celebutants, A-listers, or a Trump, the prospect of having a closet full of Chanel, Dior, Dolce and Gabbana, and the likes any time soon is not yet in the cards. How does a budgetista make due in the meantime while working on on becoming their own CEO?

The fashion dieties have heard our pleas and created affordable lines for the masses, available at our neighborhood H&M, Payless, Target and Kohl's. With price points that fit everyone's budget, the financially savvy fashionista in all of us is finally satiated.

I remember being in elementary school and watching Cindy Crawford report on the latest and greatest fashion trends by designers like Isaac Mizrahi on MTV's House of Style. Yes, I've been in love with fashion since then. By the time I got to high school, I heard about his line at Target and felt like a little kid on Christmas morning! I could finally own something with Isaac Mizrahi's name on it! And so, my love affair with diffusion lines was born.

These days, high-end designers have taken diffusion lines to a whole new level. Today, H&M will have a sneak preview in select stores of it's newest collaboration line and will be available in more stores on November 23rd. The Parisian designer Lanvin has collaborated with the brand to create gorgeous dresses, with hints of vintage flair. Ruffles and bright hues make these looks perfect for any holiday soiree you have on your planner. And you know if it's at H&M, it's going not going to cost an arm and a leg. Lanvin is just the newest addition to H&M's designer collaborations. Over the years, Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Madonna and even Jimmy Choo have worked with the brand, and the buzz over Lanvin Heart H&M is proving to be as anticipated as its predecessors.




Target has long been known for teaming up with designers to give us fashion hungry shoppers access to the hottest looks for less. Their latest partnership with handbag designer Mulberry is truly delightful. Together with the retailer, Mulberry has put together a collection of satchels and crossbody pocketbooks that are closely resemble their original handbags for a fraction of a fraction of the cost!

Mulberry Satchel - $1,250

Mulberry for Target Satchel - $49.99

In January of 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama looked stunning in a mint green dress by Cuban-born designer Isabel Toledo. Now we can all partake in her delicate and highly feminine designs for Payless Shoesource. Yes, I said PAYLESS! And it doesn't stop there. Project Runway's Christian Siriano is also contributing his fierce styles to the discount shoe store. With chunky heels and bold accents, we can all make the sidewalk our runway. Can we say "Vicious"?

Isabel Toledo for Payless, Toreador Pump - $44.99

Christian Siriano for Payless, Mena Dress Boot - $59.00

With that said, if you hunger for high-end fashion, you can finally satiate yourself on a low-end budget. Designers all around the world have heard your plight. Go forth and be fabulous... Budgetista style!

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista

Pretty Boy (or Girl) Swag, FancyLo Style

They say "Don't judge a book by it's cover," but let's be real. When you're walking through Barnes & Noble, what makes you stop and browse through a novel you've never heard of before? The cover! The same same applies to people and their appearances. A well dressed person is more likely to spark the interest of those around them than someone who takes no pride in the way they look. "But it's the weekend... Why should I dress up on my day off?" Because you never know you're going to run in to.

Many of us have our normal nine to five, to which we give 110% Monday through Friday. But once it hits 5:01pm, our focus turns to our own pursuit of success. Since the world's down time is our grind time, we are constantly at work, but during those off hours, we get to be the boss. To those of you who morph into Super-CEO the minute you clock out, ask yourself "What does my weekend wardrobe say about me?"

I have a colleague who I love dearly. She has a vibrant spirit and a killer work ethic. But, up until recently, I would see her at the office looking like she had given up on herself. She's so exhausted by the daytime job, her MBA, and her own grind that she opts to hide from the world behind frumpy garb rather than take the time to unleash her inner diva. "I set out something fabulous the night before, but when I wake up in the morning, I just don't feel like making that effort anymore," she told me. With a closet full of Cole Haans, Stuart Weitzmans, and Michael Kors, she defaults to cheap flip flops and oversized sweaters that do nothing for her. She would swear up and down that she was what she likes to call FancyLo - low maintenance, but still put together. But unfortunately, her look was taking "Lo" to a whole new level. Borderline "Sloppy", actually. The more we got into our conversation, the more I realized that I wasn't seeing the half of it. If this is how she presented herself during the work week, then how on earth was she carrying herself on the weekends?

This got me thinking. How do you pull off "low maintenance" without looking like a hot mess? First, we have to start by putting your sweats where they belong - next to your gym bag and/or your cleaning supplies. Next work on your closet and make it easy to navigate. Section it off in three parts - Daytime (work), Evening (play) and Weekend (relax). Each section should make one cohesive statement about who you are, where you're going, and what you're going to do when you get there. Since weekends are normally a time to kick back and relax at your local coffee shop and work on your boss status (assuming you're like the rest of us), stock your closet with über comfortable basic pieces that say "I care about myself and my work and so should you." Skip the tailored shirts and slacks you wear all week and opt for well fitting tees in a natural material (both long and short sleeved), laid back oxford shirts, comfy sweaters, relaxed cargos, breathable leggings (for the ladies, of course), and a great pair of jeans. Stick to neutral colors to you can grab and go without having to put much thought into how things go together. The great thing is that a lot of these essential pieces are not expensive at all and you can stock up without breaking the bank. Ladies, finish off the look with a pair of adorable ballet flats, gladiator sandals or riding boots. Gentlemen, depending on your personal style, go for boat shoes, casual sneakers that show off your personal style (like Pumas or Nike SBs), or just stick with a classic and throw on a pair of Chuck Taylors. Bottom line, your weekend wear should be chic, simple, but always put together. Sometimes, less really is more.

In the great debate about the definition of FancyLo, my colleague argued that I was far to Fancy and I didn't have a Lo bone in my body. I couldn't disagree with her more. Just because I like the finer things in life doesn't mean I won't go grab brunch in a sweater and leggings (à la modern Flashdance) with little, if any, makeup. I just want my exterior to always reflect my interior. And until this conversation, she wasn't letting her amazing personality and talent shine through her wardrobe. The next day, when I saw her at the office, she looked adorably laid back - hair done in a chic pony tail, a simple but well fitting black sweater, and a printed A-line skirt. And now I know her weekend wear was equally as sophisticated. I couldn't have been more proud. She finally understood what I had been fussing with her about for weeks. If you look good on the outside, you'll feel good on the inside.

Everyone has a little FancyLo in them. I do it city style. She's all California girl. Midwesterners add their own flavor to it, etc. The point is that FancyLo should never be just Lo. There should always be some effort put into your effortless look.

So as we kick off the weekend think about what you're about to throw on to run your errands. If you were to meet who could become your best client, would you feel good about the impression you made when you handed him or her your business card? Marinate on it and have an awesome weekend!

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista

"Fabulosity" Just Fits

They say “if the shoe fits, wear it.” Well, what if it’s a gorgeous pair of Christian Louboutin black patent leather platformed stilettos that are just a hair too small? You could cover your foot in baby oil and force your foot in there, but seriously, chances are it won’t be all that that comfortable. Have you ever noticed the girls leaving the bar after dancing all night in their high heel shoes? You know that “my feet are killing me” waddle? Imagine walking like that the entire time you’ve got those Loubs on. So not sexy.

The simple fact of the matter is that fit is everything. If something doesn’t fit correctly, not only will you feel absolutely uncomfortable in what you’re wearing, but you most certainly won’t look your best. And folks, it’s time to face the truth – your outward appearance makes a huge impact on how the people you come in contact with perceive you. Some of you may be thinking to yourselves, “Oh, but I don’t care what people think about me. My clothes has nothing to do with the quality of my work. “ I can’t help by shake my head and laugh at these poor souls. Of course, honey, we all know that your clothes don’t make you more talented, but no one in your industry will ever take you seriously if you don’t place some importance on your appearance. For this very reason, it is imperative to put your best foot forward at all times. In order to do so successfully there are a few habits you should break and others you really must pick up straight away.

1. Drop the size denial. As we get older, our bodies change. Whether you had a baby, stopped playing football, got an office job, had a bad break up or whatever, more likely than not, you’re not the same size as you were when you were 18. Whether you’ve gotten bigger or smaller, you need to come to grips with what your body looks like right now and dress for that body.

Go to the store and stop looking at size tags. Besides, once you get home, you can rip that tag out and never look at the number again. Ignore the number and go with what fits you best. Remember, not all designers cut their clothes on the same scale. Some brands run small, others are a little larger. Bottom line, you will not be the same size in every single brand under the sun.

Also, just because it zips doesn’t mean it fits. Really look at how the article of clothing drapes your body. If you see parts of you protruding where it should look smooth, then go up a size. If the fabric is dropping where it should be fitted, then go down a size. Always fit your largest part and work down from there (we’ll get to this in a minute, so hang tight!). No one wants to look like a sausage or a tent, so really focus on wearing clothes that actually fit you and you’ll instantly look slimmer.

2. Embrace your age. There are certain styles of clothing (and fabrics, for that matter) that were perfectly acceptable with you were 21. But as we reach our mid- to late-twenties and thirties, and as we begin to blossom in our professional lives, we have to start letting go of wardrobes past. Baby tees with silly sayings or cartoons, skin-tight spandex sparkly tube dressed and halters, and super low rise hip-huggers on a thirty-something screams “has-been cougar.” I’m not saying you have to dress like a Golden Girl. But what I AM saying is that you should be taking your cues from  the leading ladies of Hollywood, both past and present.

Notice they almost always grace the pages of magazines in a fusion of timeless, truly classic pieces and silhouettes with trendy accents. Also note that they almost never look like they’re trying to keep up with the young bucks, but instead, carry themselves with an air of refinement and poise.  Again, you’re probably thinking, “Well, I’m no millionaire. I can’t afford to have the likes of Rachel Zoe dress me.” Honey, you don’t need her or anyone! Some things never change. A-line dresses, pencil skirts, oxford shirts and tailored suits have been in style since our grandmothers were our age. And have you ever looked at a picture of your grandma in her prime? I don’t know about yours, but mine was quite the hottie. Her dresses skimmed her curves, but always left something to the imagination. Use that same principle in your wardrobe.

Look for classic pieces in quality fabrics that can go from one season to the next. Pair these essentials with trendy accessories and you’ve got a classic yet relevant look! There will be times where you come across a piece that is so amazing it makes you want to die. The key is purchase it in a classic color (black, white, gray, camel) to get more wear out of it. Looking to get hip with a particular print or color scheme? The most sage thing you can do to indulge in the trend, but still have an item that will last you a while is to get it in a classic silhouette (cardigan, a-line skirt, trouser, etc). Get the picture? Now go rid yourself of anything you’ve ever purchased in the junior’s section! Welcome to the future!

3. Make it fit and make it last. So, I know this goes against the whole Louboutin deal I was talking about earlier, but stay with me, because it may very well be the most important piece of information to help you look like a million bucks without spending a million bucks. You need two new BFFs – a tailor and the cobbler. No, not a peach cobbler! A cobbler is the guy (or lady) who fixes your shoes. Anyway, you must find both and they must come recommended. Check out a site like Yelp or ask your coworkers who they use.

It’s worth taking the time to find a good tailor because this is the person responsible for making your off-the-rack amazing finds you got on sale (you DID shop the sale right? If not, I’ll surely show you how) look like they were made for you and only you. As I mentioned before, each designer is different. They don’t all use the same scale, but they DO use the same proportions. They’re not taking into account your short torso or your best friend’s onion booty or your beau’s extra broad shoulders compared to his narrow waist. According to them, one proportion fits all. Since we all know this isn’t the case, your tailor will nip and tuck and doctor your clothes into your second skin.

Along with these fabulous duds, you’ll need some equally gorgeous shoes. If you’re anything like me, when you find a pair of pumps that are tall, sexy AND comfortable, nothing can get those bad boys off your feet. So after a while, the stoles start wearing out, the tips of the heels come off, there starts to be some wear and tear at the toes, etc. Your first thought may be to chuck the shoes and try to find another pair just like them. Why waste money when you don’t have to? Take your fab footwear to the cobbler. He’ll wave his magic wand and POOF! They’re like new again! Ok, so it’s not magic. And yes it’s going to cost you $10 or $15 to fix, but it’s so much more cost effective than hunting for the exact same pair and paying full price for them, I’ll tell you that. And THAT is being a budgetista, honey!

I once heard that the way you dress is very indicative of the type of person you are and how you want people to see you. People DO judge a book by its cover. If the cover isn’t appealing, no one is going to buy the book. So now that you have the tools, make your cover as interesting as possible. There is no excuse for you not to shine like the brilliant talented star that you are!

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista