Haircut!

I got my hair cut yesterday at the local high school's cosmetology dept. I mentioned this in an earlier post as being a great option for frugal spenders. I paid $16 before tip for a full head of foils, shampoo, cut, and dry.

As long as you don't mind being a subject on which these students practice and learn, it's a terrific way to save about $100 on foils and cuts. The instructor also supervises everything and corrects mistakes so it's not as risky an undertaking as it might sound.

In order to take advantage of this opportunity you must be available during school hours. Outside of tax season my office closes at noon on Fridays so it's a good day for me to get my hair done.

These are pics from yesterday. It was my first time styling the new cut. Today I've dried it chunkier and straighter, which I prefer.




























You can see the red streaks better here. They're funky without being unprofessional for the office.

Heads-up

I was just alerted of this:

Pacific Sunwear: Hoodies Sale! Buy 1 and Get 1 50% OFF - Guys & Girls Sweatshirts from the Top Surf & Skate Brands

My Favorites/Fashion Alerts 9/25

There two things I'd like to address in this entry, both of which are related to Target.

First things first. I told you I love ballet flats! I found these hot little leopard print flats at Target today. They are originally $14.99 but are on sale for $10 until Saturday. If you're craving these as much as I did, get yourself to Target right away because there were very few pairs left. I was lucky enough to get the last pair in my size. Did I mention that they're comfortable too?























For some perspective, consider these sexy Delman flats at Zappos.com for $378.95

















...or these Steven by Steve Madden leopard flats for $109.99 at Shoes.com. The Target flats are a terrific substitute for these designer shoes at only a small fraction of the price.

















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Second, I posted about this Target Xhilaration ZIPPER TOTE last month and noticed today that it was on sale for $18.88, down from $26.99. Snag it while you can!

Sticker Drawing Winner

Thanks to everyone who entered the Fashionably Frugal Sticker Drawing! I really enjoyed reading about your favorite accessories and hope to do something like this again in the future.

The winner of this Fashionably Frugal "fabulous." vinyl water- and UV-resistant sticker, chosen randomly from among the other entrants, is:


Jennifer from MN!

Her favorite accessory is "the Fabulous Hoodie for adults and kids!"

Jennifer wasn't required to list something from the FF Store but I'm happy that she likes these items so much. :)


Congrats, Jennifer!!

Fashion Alerts 9/24

Old Navy Women's Tie-Front Blazer
A velvet jacket similar to this was shown on TLC's What Not To Wear this past Friday, 9/22/06. I really liked Clint & Stacy's suggestion of this blazer to Marcy for something that worked well for both work and play, and that accentuated her curves and drew attention to her narrow waist. Available in artichoke and khaki. Was $36.50, Now $17.99.






















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This Lux Crinkled Stripe Boatneck Tunic from Urban Outfitters is a perfect transition piece for heading into fall and early winter. It would look terrific with a hot pair of pumps or sweet little ballet flats. Available in four color combos: black/mushroom, eggplant/ivory, blue/charcoal, red/grey. Was $38, Now $14.99.

























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Ooh, I really like these Studded Skimmers, also from Urban Outfitters. This is a great price for such an attractive and versatile pair of flats. The studs add a fun touch to an otherwise conservative shoe. Available in black and ivory. Was $48, Now $19.99.

























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This Chunky Bead Necklace from forever 21 is an accessory that everyone should have right now. It goes with almost anything black or gray and can be worn with both casual and formal outfits. I wish it had been available when I was doing Outfits For Less last month! At only $5.90, this is an excellent price for something so versatile.

People's Hot Find 9/21

People's Hot Find for 9/21 is this affordable and attractive pleated pleather Twisted Strap Fringe Hobo by Intuition. It's a nice caramel color that's perfect for fall. Was $60, Now $15.99.

Fashionably Frugal Sticker Drawing

I feel like giving something away so I've decided to hold a random drawing. Sweet! It's not a huge prize, but hopefully with your help in passing on the word about Fashionably Frugal, I'll be able to give away something more substantial in the future. :)


Enter for your chance to win the Fashionably Frugal "fabulous." sticker shown below!

*Sticker is printed on 4mil vinyl using water and UV resistant inks.











To enter: Starting today, simply drop me an email at fashionablyfrugal@hotmail.com with your name, Subject: Sticker Drawing, and your favorite accessory at the moment. I'll randomly choose a winner from everyone who submits an entry. One entry per person, please.

Drawing deadline: Sunday, September 24, 2006 at 11:59pm EST. I'll announce the winner on Monday morning.

Good luck and happy Wednesday!

People's Hot Finds 9/20

I'm not going to have any Hot Finds to research soon if People.com keeps featuring fashion items that are already affordable. :)

This sweet little Tara Jarmon Swiss Dot Mini Bag in Whiff of Peach from Target is another Hot Find for 9/18. It has a snap closure and a chain and faux pearl handle. Was $16.99, Now $6.79.

















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One of People.com's 9/18 Hot Finds is this Metro 7 Bubble Skirt from Walmart. It's not really my style but it's perfectly affordable for you bubble skirt fans. Available in walnut (one size) and ivory. Was $11, Now $7.

Avast, me beauties!

Aye matey, today be Talk Like A Pirate Day...one o' me favorite days o' the year! Arrr! Swab the decks or be keelhauled!

Yes, support your fellow pirates and drink a mug o' grog in honor of this wondrous day. To read more about Talk Like A Pirate Day and to learn how to talk like this most despicable yet endearing creature, go here. I'm way ahead of you because, as you can see from my profile picture, I dress like a pirate every day.

For the super n00bs who are only able to communicate in leet speak, read this most amusing article and start talking like a pirate on the internet.

Why should ye talk like a pirate? For the GWMD, o' course (guns, women, muskets, and dubloons...although in my case it's more like GMMD)!

Load t' cannon and drink up me hearties, yo ho!

Start your Christmas shopping early!

If you're like me and prefer to get an early start on Christmas shopping, consider purchasing Fashionably Frugal garb for your fashionable friends and family! Take a look at our shop and contact me if you have any questions. If you have something in mind but don't see it here, let me know and I'll whip it up for you if I can!

Fashionably Frugal Store


Here are some of my favorite items. Along with these items, our store also offers sweet pet shirts, a variety of t-shirts, bibs, onesies, a bbq apron, and a few other things. I have several different designs (and many more in the works!) but the "fabulous." line is my very favorite as you'll see below. :)


This adorable Fabulous Jr. Hoodie is perfect for accompanying your outdoor workouts in the brisk autumn air. It's a good idea to have one on hand for the movies or running errands since these places tend to be chilly. This is also an ideal gift for a fabulous sister or girlfriend!












Calling all fabulous teachers - this item is for you! This machine washable 100% cotton canvas Fabulous Tote Bag is perfect for transporting papers, books, and manuals. Get one for a fellow fabulous teacher while you're at it, or enough for all of the wonderful ladies in your grade level! Measures 15"x18"x6".












I made this Dream of Fashion Jr. Spaghetti Tank for you fashionable dreamers out there. Snag a few for yourself and a couple of friends!












And finally, I can't resist these two items. So cute. Express yourselves, ladies! Fabulous Sticker and Fabulous Classic Thong (not shown here due to Blogger problems).

People's Hot Finds

Another one of People's Hot Finds from 9/14 is this cute brown faux leather Classically Caged bag with a braided pull from www.amiciaccessories.com. Was $52, Now $30.






















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I thought these Self Esteem Knit Hot Shorts at JCPenney were sassy and definitely affordable! I especially like them in this color. Was $19.99, Now $9.99. These were a People's Hot Find on 9/11. Available in black, heather gray, heather olive, and white.

People's Hot Find 9/14

People.com featured this Opposites Attract Ballet Flat as one of its 9/14 Hot Finds. Not only do I love this flat, but I own two pairs just like it and only paid half of what it's listed for here ($50)! Check your local Gap for flats like this in brown, black, and green. They should be $25 or less.

Fashionably Frugal Hair Maintenance

Here's a hair tip that I wanted to pass on:

If you are like me and pretty easy-going when it comes to your hair, see if your local high school has a cosmetology department and consider going there for your haircuts and coloring. Just call the front office or the cosmetology dept. line and set up an appointment during their school hours.

I did this and was able to get a full head of foils in two colors, a shampoo, cut, and dry for only $15 total before tip! That is unbelieveable, especially since they did a terrific job. It looked as good as anything I've ever had. At that price I can actually afford to regularly get the works. Sweet!

I'll try to remember to take a picture next time I go. The one draw-back is that they're only available during school hours. However, it's worth it to me (and my boss is okay with this) to take a couple hours of off work to get my hair done and then stay late the next day to make up the hours.

Fashion Tip

Here's a tip that I came across in a magazine the other day. I felt it absolutely worth mentioning:

"Employ the secret that draws the I-can't-quite-put-my-finger-on-it-but-you-look-great comments about every It Girl: Get your outfit tailored. That's what celebs do--and you can too. 'No one is a perfect size 4 or 8,' says Hollywood stylist Jeanne Yang. 'When I'm dressing the stars, every piece of clothing requires some tailoring in order for them to look really fabulous.' Don't think the dress has to be Prada either to be worthy of special attention from a tailor. Even that supercheap dress from H&M can be taken in at the waist or let out at the hips, and it could end up looking like an $800 designer number, says Yang." - Cosmopolitan Style & Beauty, summer/fall 2006

This is so true. I bought a dress for a wedding several months ago for something like $40, down from $70 I think? I spent $15, half of what I saved by buying it on sale, to get it hemmed since I'm not tall, and taken in since I was between sizes. It was so worth it. The dress fit noticeably better, made me feel great, and was eye-catching in my opinion. :) Another great thing about this is that it's ready for future events now! All I have to do is add jewelry and I'm ready to go.

*Specials*

I just wanted to give you a heads-up on a few things.

1) Gap is having a 40% off sale right now. Almost everything in the store is at least 40% off if not more. I was able to get this adorable wardrobe staple for only $3.14! Gap Long Sleeved Dobby shirt, was $29.99, on sale for $12.99, and I used a $10 off coupon that I earned through my Gap credit card to bring the total to $3.14.























These little bows on the cuffs are a sweet touch.















2) People.com is giving away designer clothes and accessories right now so be sure to enter your name every day to win! Stylewatch Fall Style Giveaway

3) B. Moss is having a sale this Thursday, 9/14. You receive 40% off three of your favorite items, and 50% off each additional item after the first three.


Also, my thoughts and best wishes go out to those who lost loved ones five years ago today on September 11, 2001.

My Favorites/Item For Less 9/9

This black Burberry Quilted Jacket is a wonderfully classic look for any wardrobe, one that could be worn by women of all ages over several seasons. $375.
























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I found a terrific alternative to this jacket at Walmart! While some of the pieces are a bit pricier than they should be in my opinion, I'm really liking the George line. It has a lot to offer the fashionably frugal shopper. This George - Women's Quilted Coat was available in four colors, all of which I liked, and seems quite comfortable and nicely made for $29.76.


















Here is mine, which I bought yesterday. The shape of it on the body is flattering and I can't wait to wear it with my straight leg jeans and black heeled boots once it's a bit cooler outside. This coat could also be worn with skinny jeans tucked into a pair of sassy black boots - it's up to you. I just haven't worked up the courage to graduate to skinny jeans yet. *blush*
























9/11/06 - Edited to add: Something important that I forgot to mention is that this quilted coat is available at Walmart in plus sizes too!

Item For Less

Today Mr. Manolo of Manolo's Shoe Blog recommended this Robert Clergerie Dostic boot to a woman looking for a sleek black boot with a rounded toe and medium heel. While it's very nice, it is also trop cher at $718.95!

















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Here's a less expensive version of this boot that won't put me out of lunch money for the next nine months: Target's Isaac Mizrahi Chiara Tall Shaft Boots - Black. $36.99.

Thanks for the add, Mr. Manolo!

I'm excited to share that Manolo of the popular Manolo's Shoe Blog has added Fashionably Frugal to his list of fashion blogs.

Take a look! Manolo's Shoe Blog

I believe his list is continuously rotating so check back later if you don't see us now.



Below is the message I received from Mr. Manolo today.

"Hello to the Sam!

The Manolo he has linked to your most amusing blog.

Muchos Besos!

Manolo

P.S. You are indeed super fantastic!"



How fun!

Item For Less

This ruby boarskin Kate Spade Wellesley Piper purse is delicious! It's the perfect way to spruce up an otherwise neutral outfit this fall. $235.

















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Here is a more affordable version of this beautiful bag:
"Gwen" Mini Satchel
$12.99.

Fashion Alert 9/5

This Silk & Cashmere Sweater from La Redoute is the perfect fall addition to your wardrobe. This sweater can be dressed up or down, paired with dress pants or jeans, and worn with boots, heels, and flats. Available in beige, chocolate, and black. Was $24.99, Now $19.99.

Item for Less

This lovely silk charmeuse top with velvet and crystal detail by Miguelina was featured in InStyle's September 2006 issue. $395.

















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This Button Satin Trim Tank from Wet Seal is a nice alternative at only $13.50. Available in black and brown.

People's Hot Find 8/31

Kenneth Cole "The Hole Story" tote. Was $378, Now $265.



















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This one was a little tricky. Here are a couple of possible replacements:


"Gina" Satchel
Payless, $19.99.















Mossimo Satchel - Black, Was $27.99, Now $23.79

Fashion Alerts 9/1

I'm so loving these Old Navy bags! They're perfect for work or even just errands around town.

Faux-Croc Roll Bag, Available in black and brown. Was $19.50, Now $16.50.






















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Women's Quilted Tote, Available in black and brown. $19.50






















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Women's Sequin Tweed Tote, $24.50