Trending Tuesday: All that Sparkles isn’t Gold . . .

There’s a trend I’ve spotted that isn’t straight out of a fashion magazine. Browsing through my Bloglovin’ roll and looking at all of the great outfits styled by my favorite bloggers is how I get a lot of my inspiration for mixing things up with my own wardrobe. But there are a few details I keep noticing that I absolutely LOVE and think you might, too.

It’s a little something sparkly that can add a touch of elegance to the basic jeans and a tee combo or to full-out cocktail attire. And all that sparkles isn’t gold . . . it’s crystal.

Ann Taylor Necklace, $55.

Ann Taylor Bracelet, $55.

I’ve been seeing this all over my favorite bloggers, so now I’m bringing it here. And I know that most Fabulous Poor Girls can’t drop $50 on a bracelet, so here are some even more budget-friendly options that are almost as good as the Ann Taylor duds.

This bib necklace from Nordstrom is 40%, making it a doable $20.

This edgier bracelet from White House Black Market is made even better by its price – $15.

Here’s a more affordable bracelet from Ann Taylor – $20.

Super cute and double trend – crystal and mirrored. $5 from Dorothy Perkins.

Been meaning to try out Bauble Bar? Use these cute earrings as an excuse – $22

Last but not least, I’ll leave you with these beauties from Nordstrom – $8

Sundress Round-Up

The easiest go-to outfit in the summer? Any pretty little sundress! The best part about this is that sundresses come in just about any size, shape, and style – and a huge array of them can be found in the under $50 price point (or even under $25!). Here are a few of my top picks for this summer:

Styled with Polyvore.

(From left to right on top):

Hate the super-sweet floral look? Try this edgy and super modern take on the sundress from Topshop (on sale for $40!). Want a super easy boho look? Then this super easy dress from H&M is perfect for you – and your wallet. For those fashionistas that are feeling denim-crazed, this dress from boohoo.com is the answer to how to wear denim in the hot summer months. Another on sale Topshop dress hits just the right line between cute and too-sweet with gray polka dots over bright yellow.

(From left to right on bottom):

Want to embrace your inner old time pin-up but keep the summer vibe? Then this dress from Bonne Chance should do just the trick. For the wistful at heart that want a dress that just flows, boohoo.com makes the perfect match. For a vintage look sans pin-up vibe, go for this yellow number from Vero Moda that looks like T-Swift picked it out herself. And last, but not least, for the little bit of crazy Patricia Field in all of us, there’s this cute little cat dress from Nelly.

This Fabulous Look – for Less!

The 2014 Resort collections are all out and ready to go for millionaires with yachts and vacation getaways in the (sorta) near future. Lucky for us more frugal fashionistas, where there’s a will there’s a way when it comes to getting a great look at an even better price.

Carolina Herrera, Resort 2014. Taken from Vogue.com.

Carolina Herrera’s collection is simply divine (as usual) and has a very simple theme, according to the designer. It’s just prints – that, and clothes that can be worn year-round, for maximum sensibility. The idea is genius and – who are we kidding? – we don’t really need an excuse to want to look like we’re wearing Carolina Herrera, anyways. To get the impeccably chic look for less try these clean, simple pieces, which will (thankfully) be in style forever:

Styled with Polyvore.

The first step is simple: white button-down. If you can find one in your price range with a little twist like the high-end version, all the power to ya. I’m content with the $50 J. Crew version, which is named the “perfect stretch-cotton shirt.” Jackpot.

Next, a colorful and ladylike printed skirt. Longer lengths are in, which is both good for your dignity and good for your wallet – throw on a sweater and heeled boots, it works in the fall. Sweater, coat, tights, and boots, and it works in the winter! (You can layer those sweaters over the white shirt for a more professional look, too. Noticing the endless possibilities these pieces bring?) The skirt with the super girly, pink and red flower print is only $31 here. The blue skirt, which to me perfectly encapsulates how Herrera does chic floral prints (but at just the right price point), is only $40 here.

My favorite part: the shoes. There are just so many great strappy sandal options out there right now. Go sexy with neon yellow from Express for $48, modern chic with a red straps from Zara ($50) or Mango ($20), or add a little glitz with this pair for $50.

Finally, top it all off with a statement necklace (if you like – I know Herrera’s presentation didn’t include one, but I think this outfit is just screaming for one). Try something different from Guess – wood and metal bars put together to add a chic accent that’ll be a great conversation starter. Then it’s just some nude nail polish, red lips, and a ’50s cat eye to finish off the perfectly ladylike, forever-chic look – in the perfect price range, too!

Things Are Made to Happen

The Perfect Denim Jacket

Lately I’ve been craving the essentials in my life more than any trends. There are a few good pieces that every girl should have in her closet . . . but they are so essential that you want to absolute love whatever it is. This usually ends up being a never-ending question for “the perfect _____.” I’ve decided to take matters into my own hands and scour the internet for the perfect whatever it is I’m coveting and post some fabulous (for your closet AND your wallet) options here, beginning with my perfect denim jacket.

The biggest problem for me with finding a denim jacket is that I want it to go with everything, but I don’t want it to be normal and boring. It needs a little something unique to it . . .

Like this seemingly average denim jacket from Forever21 for $33 . . .

That has a great tribal print on the back to add a little edge or flair to any basic look.

Or this jacket, also from Forever21 ($30), that has some great fading action going on.

Orrrrr I could go with a crisp bleached version . . .

Calvin Klein, $50

Forever21, $28

Or do I feel like going all out with an utility jacket goes denim look?

Forever21, $35

All the options are laid out on the table now. I just have to decide if any of these even meet my seemingly-impossible standards for the perfect denim jacket. Hopefully I helped someone get a little closer on their quest, and who knows . . . maybe I’ll look back and realize that I’ve finally found the one!

What-to-Wear for: Summer Day Trip!

One of my favorite parts about summer is that there is so much more time to just get away. Road trips, day trips, weekend getaways, whatever it is you prefer, it’s always a great experience to just explore a new place with old friends. The biggest downside: so much time in the car. The only reason that’s really a problem is because it’s uncomfortable. Picking just the right outfit that’s cute, ready for any weather, and that you can wear for hours in a cramped space without wanting to take it off is hard. Here are a few staples to incorporate into your ‘getaway’ wardrobe to help make the ride a little bit smoother:

Styled with Polyvore.

The t-shirt dress is always a friend. Wear a tight one if you’re confident, a loose one if you’re going to eat/drink a lot, or a maxi one if you’re not that graceful a person. This gray tank dress just yells (irony) “I’m chill!” and a black t-shirt dress is chic without even meaning to be. If you wanted something a bit more formal, try a colored take with some nice ruching. Now it’s time for layering. Step one: throw on a jean vest (bonus points if it’s super faded or acid washed). A cloth green vest thing (I don’t know how to describe the green vest above) is a cool alternative, especially with the gray tank dress. Step two: layer again with a denim jacket or an oversized leather jacket, if you have one. For the more proper yellow dress, I would just layer it with the ultra-casual rain jacket above – I love how cool it’d make the dress look. Next, the shoes. For possibilities of rougher terrain, try combat boots. If you’re going to walk a lot, tie on some sneaks. And if you’re confident that it won’t rain and want to show off your pedicure, wear cute sandals (tip: a t-strap is less likely to dig into your feet and hurt over time than a regular flipflop is). All you need now are some cool summer bangles and a tan fringed backpack – and you’re ready to go, go, go.

Trending Tuesday: Nautical with a Twist

It’s almost June and officially summer now, so you know what that means: a flurry of nautical-inspired outfits are coming our way. I’ve always been a fan of the nautical look; the stripes, the anchors, being able to wear red, white & blue without looking like July 4th threw up on you. But why not mix it up a bit?

Styled with Polyvore.

Make nautical a little edgy instead of keeping it safe and filled-to-the-brim with prep. These white, buttoned shorts (Forever21, $23) are perfect for a boat get-away, or just looking like you’re on one. Add a tank with stripes that are balanced out with cool heather gray (sarahaghili.com, $27) to avoid being too cliché. Layer on a faux leather vest (Forever21, $18) and pair with some combat boots (gojane.com, $33) to add a bad-girl vibe to the normally good-girl aesthetic. Try Essie’s “Naughty Nautical” polish, and some fab jewelry from Etsy (bracelets: $8, anchor necklace: $14) for some girly details with a splash of color. Finish with a bright red cuff (Mango, $15) for an unexpected bit of va-va-voom.

Trending Tuesday: Look Electric Cool in Electric Blue

From HarpersBazaar.com.

Taking some inspiration from the Cannes Film Festival street style, I put together a couple of outfits featuring electric blue and stark white. I love the high contrast, and it’s a more colorful alternative to graphic black and white for spring.

Styled with Polyvore.

Keep it casual and cool with a cool blue crop top and white capri-length jeans. Add thick-soled sneakers and gold bangles to keep it edgy. Get a more girly look with a pretty, detailed top and white flares – pair with brown booties and a beaded bracelet to add a little country. Wear blue to a more formal outing with a blue bodysuit, worn with a white skater skirt over it. Add contrasting heels (with an ankle strap for bonus trendy points!) and a gold chain necklace to keep it elegant with a modern twist.

Sales Sunday!

Hope your Sunday has been lovely! Where I am it’s been gray and rainy, a perfect day for some lazy shopping and snuggling up in bed with a good book. Here’s a sales roundup to make your week just as nice as your Sunday!

New York & Co.: For the rest of today, get $50 off $100 with code 3161 or $25 off $50 with code 3160. Also, 30% off everything with code 3380, and BOGO 50% off new arrivals!

H&M: All over great sale going on, stuff starting at $5. Was just there today and there are great dress pants for $15 and even dresses for $10!

Banana Republic: Ends today, 30% off purchase of $150+. Also today, they had 40% the store (where I live, anyways).

JC Penney’s: 40% swim for all, 30-70% off clearance, and a lot of sales on furniture.

J. Crew: 20% off women’s clothing with code look20.

Charlotte Russe: BOGO for $12.50 on dresses and shoes, and they have their blowout sale starting at $5 going on right now!

Macy’s: “The Great American Summer Sale” is going on – 20-50% off.

Victoria’s Secret: Annual swim sale, 25-40% off swim.

Ann Taylor: Extra 50% off sale items right now until 11AM tomorrow.

Express: BOGO 50% off shorts.

I hope this will help you have a very good week! Stay fabulous!

Trending Tuesday: Bikini Round-Up

It may be only May, but lots of us have only one thing on our minds – summer. Everyday it’s getting closer and – hopefully – sunnier. Soon pools will open and beaches will get crowded as heck . . . which can only mean one thing: you need a bikini wardrobe, ASAP! Luckily, there are plenty of cost-friendly pieces to choose from. Here are a few picks that are perfect for any fabulous poor girl:

Styled with Polyvore.

There are so many style you can choose from when it comes to swimsuits. Go retro with a striped halter and high-waisted bottoms, or pick a sleek and modern monokini. Be spirited and fun with a very American take on the strapless bikini, or go wild and crazy with a fringe piece in a fun color. Have the best of both worlds by combining a crocheted, vintage bikini top with a sleeker, color-blocked bottom.

Styled with Polyvore.

Need something to throw on for the ride home? Pick from these stylish cover-ups and you’ll look good all the way home. A classic white cover-up is the easiest choice, but don’t be afraid to choose an electric mesh dress if you want some ‘wow’ factor. A stylish sarong is easy and ever-so-chic; choose a retro polka dot print or a sexy animal print – whatever fits your mood! Need something that can take you to dinner on the boardwalk too? Try a simple maxi dress in black to add some sophistication to your beach style.

Styled with Polyvore.

Want to add some more fun to your beach look? Pile on these summer-ready accessories. Long, layered necklaces make your look chic in seconds flat, and piled up rings add some necessary edge. A cool hat not only helps your look, it also keeps you safe from harmful sun rays! Throw on some über cool sunglasses (cateyes and colored aviators are huge right now) and you’re ready to go!