Fashionably Frugal: August 2006

People's Hot Finds 8/29

I was pleased to discover that a couple of People.com's nicer Hot Finds for 8/29 were actually quite affordable!

Emma & Sam - Black and White Striped Dress from LF. Was $120, Now $36

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Newport News Suede frame bag. Was $36, Now $14.99. Love it!

Fashionably Frugal Featured Products

Amazon.com has a fun new tool that allows me to feature nine Amazon products of my choice in a "store". I think it's pretty cool to have one more way to share fashionable and budget-friendly items with you.

Here is the link to my Fashionably Frugal Featured Products. Be sure to check back as they will change frequently!

Fashionably Frugal Featured Products

You may also use the link on your right.

*Edited to add: Internet Explorer users - You will find my link list at the bottom of this blog on your right. Firefox users - You will find my link list on your right.

People's Hot Find 8/24

This firey LIZ WEDGEwas one of People.com's Hot Finds on 8/24. Was $38.99, Now $25.99.

Hot Products

Here are some hot products that I've come across in some of my InStyle magazines as well as in my own life that might be just what you're looking for.

- Perfect for unruly flyaways:
All Ways Natural Castor Oil Conditioning Hair Dress. Celebrity stylist Peter Butler uses this on Sheryl Crow. InStyle magazine says that this "is the go-to grooming aid for conditioning hair and taming flyaways. The light formula gives lots of shine but won't weigh hair down." Was $9.75, Now $5.75.

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- Tired of the same old mouthwash?
Try Botot cinnamon-flavored mouthwash. InStyle refers to it as a "time-tested favorite that works as well (and looks as lovely) as when it first debuted." This would be the perfect touch in your guest bathroom. $10.00.

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- An effective way to help renew your appearance:
Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum. I tried a free sample of this three months ago and noticed results immediately. After I use it, my skin is softer, more even-looking, and old scarring and spots are faded. The bottle says to use it once or twice daily but I find that to be too much for my sensitive skin. I use it once or twice every couple of weeks. A little goes a long way, and the texture and smell are wonderful.

I decided to fork over the money for a small bottle of this serum back in early July (and actually paid more in the store than it's listed for here on Amazon). It still looks completely full. According to the reviews I've read on Amazon.com and Epinions.com, most people who try this agree that it really works. $16.57.

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- This is for those of you who wear soft contacts like I do.
You should always carry a small bottle of rewetting drops in your purse for those unexpected specks of dust or contact pop-outs. Rewetting drops should not be used for maintaining your contacts on a daily basis, but rather only to lend moisture to your eyes in place of or in addition to your natural tears. All you really need, in my opinion, is a .1 FL OZ bottle of rewetting drops. Unless you have very dry eyes it should last you until the expiration date.

Now, my tip to you follows from what my eye doctor told me at my most recent contacts eye exam. He said that the other rewetting drops out there don't lubricate your eyes very well and that I should only be using Systane Lubricant Eye Drops. I trust him on this because he is not normally one to show preference over one product or another unless there are differences in quality. Thus, when he strongly recommends something I listen.

He gave me a sample bottle and I could really tell a difference -- these are much richer and more lubricating than the normal Alcon or Renu rewetting drops that I'm used to. Therefore, I pass this information on to you in hopes that it will enrich your life in the small way that it has mine. The link below takes you to the smallest size I could find on Amazon. $20.67 for two .3 FL OZ bottles (pack of 3).

People's Hot Find 8/25

One of People.com's Hot Finds for 8/25 is this Emily pink leather clutch by lisyb. Was $149.00, Now $104.30.

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As a less expensive alternative, check out this pink Leather Envelope Clutch at Urban Outfitters with a detachable strap. Was $34.00, Now $14.99.

Fashion Alerts 8/28

These fun Metallic Toe Hold flip flops from Urban Outfitters have been reduced from $24.00 to $6.99. Available in three colors.

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These Urban Outfitters Studded Flip Flops are extremely affordable at just $5.99, down from $34.00, and available in three colors.

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La Redoute is having a Labor Day Sale and lists this classic Scooped Sweater for only $14.99, down from $16.99. Available in three colors.

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I just had to mention this one because it's practically free! Concentric Circle Necklace from Urban Outfitters, Was $18.00, Now $3.99. Available in gold and silver.

My Favorites 8/27

I bought these Bandolino sling-backs today at Hecht's to wear to work. I love Bandolinos! They're both comfortable and attractive. They're not always affordable but these certainly were and I encourage you to consider Bandolinos if you're in the market for new dress shoes and value your comfort. Check out the sales on the Bandolino website. Was $70, Now $30.

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Here is a Rosetti purse that I bought at JCPenney today to go with my new shoes. I'm in love with the price! Was $35, Marked down to $16, On sale for $8.91.

Fashion Alerts 8/25

As soon as I saw this item on People.com this morning, I had to share it with you. It's not exactly budget-friendly but I think many of you iPod lovers can appreciate it. It's called the TuneBuckle. It's a belt buckle that holds and protects your iPod Nano for you while you go about your normal day listening to your music. Now, I am not an iPod person and know very little about them but I can certainly see the appeal in this product. I also find it moderately attractive for such a functional item.

The belt comes in two colors, black and white, and is offered in a variety of sizes. There are three types of buckles available: The Original ($60), shown below, which offers a view of the iPod inside, The Full Moon ($70) where only the iPod's volume dial is visible, and The Full Metal Jacket ($80), which completely encases the iPod inside the metal buckle. If you're interested in this item, you can purchase it on the TuneBuckle website, which I also linked above. Very cool!

Outfit for Less

I loved this outfit that Jackie wore in a few scenes of her season finale of "Workout". I'm going to see if I can mimic it with inexpensive items that I find online. If so, I may just have to buy them because this look uses my favorite color, pink, and is just incredibly adorable.

I will do this tomorrow because right now it's time for bed. Good night!

Fashion Alerts 8/24

This Out of Africa Bowler Satchel from Target is too cool. The animal prints would be the perfect accents to an otherwise neutral outfit. Brown tones and gold hardware lend this bag a chic, grounded look. Was $24.99, Now $17.49.

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Look cute as a button in this pretty pink Isaac Mizrahi Pointelle Cashmere-Blend Sweater in Cantaloupe. This can be paired with jeans, khakis, black dress pants, skirts, capris - just about anything, and in almost any type of weather. Was $39.99, Now $19.99.

People's Hot Find 8/22

One of People.com's featured Hot Finds from 8/22 is this funky vintage Binny and Thaya Heart Earring at www.girlshop.com. I don't even need to find a cheaper version because it's already affordable! Was $23, Now $12.

Rachel Zoe's Fall 2006 Style Guide

Here is an article about the top ten biggest fashions for Fall 2006 from celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe.

Rachel Zoe Fall 06 Style Guide

Keep in mind that you don't need to love all of these ideas (I don't!) and you don't need to completely replace your wardrobe in order to be fashionably current. Simply pick up a few new pieces here and there and combine them with your older items to create new looks for the season.

Fashion Alerts 8/22

Get this item for less:

Target Xhilaration ZIPPER TOTE, $26.99. This item is out of stock online but I saw it in black (and also brown I think) at my local Target. It's a pretty neat-looking bag, especially in person.

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For anyone looking for a white bag for winter, this Beaded Hobo from forever 21 is a terrific option at only $8.80.

Fashion Alerts 8/21

Available in black and blue grey, this Two-button Wool Blazer from La Redoute is a classic, chic addition to any wardrobe. At $29.99, it's also a steal!

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Speaking of outerwear, this Corduroy Bomber Jacket, also from La Redoute, is a perfect option for those cool, casual days. It's available in four different colors - pink, beige, chocolate, and black, and also only $29.99!

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This cute little Skull and Crossbones Necklace is only $4.80 at forever 21. Arrr!

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Thanks to Andrea for the heads-up on this one. I LOVE these shoes in pink! They're available at Overstock.com. Click here if you're a new Overstock customer to receive 10% off any order: New Customer Coupon.

Prague Envy Round-toe Snake Print Wedge, Available in pink and white, Was $93.95, Now $37.99.

Fashionably Frugal Store: Now Open!

I am excited to announce the official opening of the Fashionably Frugal Store! It's a work in progress so make sure to check back for updates and new products.

Fashionably Frugal Store

I've also added it to the link list on your right. I hope you like it. Please feel free to drop me a note with your thoughts about it as well as any suggestions that you might have. I love feedback.

Just a quick thanks to everyone who reads this blog as well as those of you who encourage me behind the scenes. I enjoy doing this and feel honored that others appreciate it too. Keeping up with this blog and things related to it has turned into a part-time job in a way. I'm hoping that this store will not only allow me to express myself further and enrich your wardrobes (as well as my own!), but also to get paid for the work that I put into this. :)

Thanks again and enjoy!

Not fashionable but definitely frugal

In an effort to be more environmentally friendly and get a little exercise while I'm at it, I went looking for an inexpensive bicycle today. I thought I'd use it for getting around town to avoid using gas for local trips. Because I didn't plan to use it for anything serious I felt that a used bike would be okay. My budget was $30.00.

I started out at 4:45 and visited:

-Local YMCA Thrift Shop - No bikes but saw some cool jewelry.
-Yard sale that I spotted driving down the street - Two bikes for less than $10. Score! Unfortunately they were about 30 years old, dirty, and rusting.
-Big Lots - 2 boys' bikes for $50, nothing else.
-Local sporting goods store - No bikes.
-Kmart - Cheapest adult bike I saw was $70. Boo.
-Walmart - Cheapest adult bike was $70ish. I seriously considered getting one of the boys' bikes for $40 but it was clearly designed for a young boy and I felt it wasn't worth going over budget for all of the strange looks I'd get.
-Local outdoor store - No bikes.
-Local bike store - Closed.

I was home by 6:45.

How disappointing. I'll hit the local bike store that was closed on Monday after work but I'm still trying to think of other places where I could get a refurbished or seriously discounted bike. I may visit more yard sales if I see signs for them but I'm honestly not the best yard sale shopper unless the items are like new.

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So that's what I did today after posting today's Fashion Alerts. Now I'm going to go work on a few new things that I'd like to introduce here soon. Be on the lookout for Fashionably Frugal merchandise in the (hopefully) near future and thanks for stopping by!

Fashion Alerts 8/19

People.com is featuring this boot from Target in their magazine. It's totally funky and available for $29.00 from August 20-26. Currently $34.99.

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This DVF Runway Fashion Tote, 16" is 50% off until 8/20. Diane von Furstenberg is my favorite luggage designer because her items are attractive (sometimes slightly whimsical), original, sturdy, and easy to clean. I have a tote similar to this one that I received as a gift two years ago. My tote has been used for many things including work and travel and still looks like new. I wouldn't hesitate to use it for toting heaving items like laptops. I love it and highly recommend her luggage pieces. Available in black/pewter & olive/bronze. Was $100.00, Now $49.99 until 8/20.

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Here is another Diane von Furstenberg piece on sale for 50% off. I've seen this piece in person and it offers a ton of storage room. DVF Runway Rolling City Bag, available in black/pewter & olive/bronze. Was $200.00, Now $99.99.

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These DELICIOUS ForMe Red Suede Stacked Heel Pumps are striking and currently on sale for $19.99, down from $44.99. Also available in tan and black.

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This St. John's Bay Solid SS Stretch Poplin Shirt is on sale at JCPenney.com right now for $7.99, down from $26.00. It's slightly stretchy and extremely versatile. It could be worn with anything from jeans to dress pants to skirts. Available in many colors.

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I am in love with this Winter White Kenneth Cole Reaction wool peacoat. It follows the current trend of short coats but retains the classic peacoat look. This coat works well with almost any outfit. Also available in black. Was $185.00, Now $110.00.

My Favorites 8/18

My new purse from JCPenney. The color and size suit me perfectly and the price wasn't bad either. It has convenient little compartments inside as well...one for my keys, one for my cell phone, and a zippered part in the middle for all of my little makeup items. Was $25.00, Now $17.00, On Sale for $15.00.

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I purchased this shirt from Target today in honor of my love for pirates. There are few things I love more than pirates and robots. This is a men's small. I tried it on when I got home and the fit was decently flattering, especially for a men's shirt. It'll fit even better once I shrink it in the dryer. Nice soft, stretchy material too. Was $12.99, On sale for $9.99.

Outfit For Less

Old Navy's done the work for me by assembling this playful, inexpensive outfit with versatile pieces that be reused in other outfits. Total? Only $88.00 for everything.

Order these items here.

Outfit For Less

This outfit on Vanessa Minnillo is really cool - fun, flirty, and comfortable.

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Here are a couple of options for creating a similar look.

I've been eyeing this shirt and am happy to be able to use it in an example!
Wet Seal Dolmen Side Tie Top, $17.50

*plus*

forever 21 Twill Dress Bermuda, $19.80

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Wet Seal One Shoulder Screen Top, $19.50

*plus*

Urban Outfitters Lux Cuffed Denim Short Short, Was $58.00, Now $29.99

Fashion Alerts 8/16

This is such a pretty dress. I love the neckline. As you can see it doesn't require much accessorizing, either -- earrings and a little black clutch and you're set!

White House, Black Market Rebecca Lace Dress, available in sizes 2, 4, 6, Was $148.00, Now $59.99

Outfit For Less

I love this outfit!

Banana Republic Premium dark wash low-rise jean & silk draped top

BR Silk draped top = $44.00
BR Premium dark wash low-rise jean = $128.00
BR 'Kirby' smooth crisscross open-toe pump = $128.00
BR Beaded cluster necklace = $48.00

Total = $348.00

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Less expensive version:

Ann Taylor Loft Wrap Front Pull Over, Was $39.00, Now $19.99