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



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