Frugal Feathers

Louis Vuitton, Fall 2013.

Obsessed does not begin to describe how I feel about the Louis Vuitton Fall 2013 looks. The drama, the glamour, the retro feel . . . all of it blew me away. Except for one part – the prices. What’s a fabulous poor girl to do? We all just want to channel our inner Hitchcock-retro girls at least once, don’t we?

Styled with Polyvore.

Lo and behold, feathery visions that meet your sartorial needs and stay within your wallet’s limits exist! Hopped up on the grunge ’90s revival coming this fall? Take a feathery skirt and pair it with a slouchy sweater, then complete the look with low, menswear-inspired boots. Want a more girly approach to the fine animal texture? Try a dark and glamorous dress with tights and low-heeled booties and a richly colored feather ear cuff. The best part? Everything here is under $50. Now, that’s fabulous.

 

 

Foxy Boxy

Proenza Schouler Fall 2013. From harpersbazaar.com.

Call it sculpted, call it rounded shoulders . . . we all know what word this look would bring to mind on us plebeians – “boxy.” While this is a hard look to pull off if you maintain the average BMI or above, where there’s a will, there’s a way. Never one to fight off a runway trend (except for flatforms and the revival of the Birkenstocks), I accepted the challenge of finding a way to attain this look with flattering and frugal results.

Styled with Polyvore.

Here’s the casual look: boxy tee, skinny (yet boyfriend-esque) jeans, big jewelry, and a surprising red lip. Add boots to toughen it up, or pointed flats (quite similar to the Proenza look, no?) to glam it up.

 

Styled with Polyvore.

Or invest in a trendy-meets-classic coat. Military style, cropped for fall or spring, or big and comfy with rounded shoulders – here’s how to fix them up. Ladies, a belt is your best friend. Keep it neutral with just a little shine for a minimalist feel. It’ll cinch in the waist, helping you escape the dreaded “I’m a box” effect, but it will also accentuate the sculpted shoulders, making you look couture on a budget. Now comes the fun part: statement jewelry. Every girl needs a big statement necklace or collar (I suggest checking out Aldo accessories… buy one get one free!), or channel your inner Dolce & Gabbana with big, colorful earrings.

Have fun with this trend, and remember – don’t be afraid to be fabulous!

What to wear Series: Sweaty and Chic

This has hardly been the hottest summer of my young life, but it’s hard to avoid the awful, sticky feeling that comes with working out in this humid season.  Because of this, I find myself grabbing whatever pair of shorts and t-shirt is lying around and completely disregarding what I look like. While this is fine for midday on an empty bike path, school is soon resuming, along with that season that shuts us all indoors: winter. So, to gain some more confidence to face the Jersey shore lookalikes and twiggy almost-models at my school’s gym, I’m thinking it’s time for a work out wardrobe update. How’s this for a chic way to get sweaty:

Styled with Polyvore.

There are the go-to Nike tops, and while under $30, they’re still a little pricey for something I’m going to grunt and sweat in. So why not stop by Forever21 and other budget-concious stores for cheeky graphic tees to add some much needed humor to your work out routine? Bonus points for shirts with ‘nerd’ or ‘geek’ on it – you break those stereotypes, girl. Cool neon shorts, leggings, or baggy sweats for extra cold/lazy days finish off the perfect formula for being sweaty and chic.

The Perfect Shorts

With summer in full swing, you may have noticed that you need a few more warm-weather staples to throw into your wardrobe. Here are a few round-ups of shorts that can fit any style or wardrobe – all less than $50!

Styled with Polyvore.

First up, the classic jean shorts. Channel your inner Cara or Rihanna by wearing a pair with a more ’90s, rocker vibe. Think frayed, high waisted, ripped up, old school washes, and cuffs.

Styled with Polyvore.

Something sweet a little more your style? Go for lace or floral prints. Vintage washes and cute bows can bring out the cute flirty girl in anyone.

Styled with Polyvore.

Or go all out with a trendy, edgy look. Beetlejuice stripes don’t just stop with pants… here’s a shorter version to fit the weather. White with gold accents is a hip take on nautical. Leather is always in – bonus, where it in the fall with tights and booties! Or go for a more laid-back look with the polka dot trend.

The best part about all of these cute shorts? Their price! Pick a few and you’re sure to look fabulous all summer long.

 

 

Get this Fabulous Look – for Less!

Valentino Resort 2014. Taken from Harpersbazaar.com.

Half the summer is now gone and it’s time to start thinking about the future ever so often. When looking ahead to ways to update your fall wardrobe, look no further than the Resort 2014 collections. Why? Because practically all of them can sashay seamlessly from the warm summer months to the crisper fall season. A cool blush color is one of the biggest trends from the runways, and you can have it too (without the runway price tag).

Styled with Polyvore.

Getting the same material as the Valentino look is hard on a budget, but this outfit comes pretty close. Snuggle up in a blush colored sweater from J. Crew and go matchy-match with nice shorts – perfect for going out or to work. Shake up the look with bold flats; try a bright yellow ankle strap version or a fun printed pair. Want something a bit more toned down? Opt for an almost-neutral shoe with this cheetah print flat. Keep the makeup simple (like the model was styled) and keep accessories minimal for a clean aesthetic. A pair of studs and swipe of low key pink or nude lipstick is all you need to finish off this fabulous look.

‘Merica

It’s America’s birthday tomorrow, so I put together an outfit in celebration. Every fabulous poor girl loves to dress up for a holiday, but you can’t spend $50 on an outfit that you’ll only wear once a year. So here are a few pieces that will keep you looking patriotic for the big day, but can be worn other times of the year without seeming downright silly (you can even wear the pieces all together again!).

Styled with Polyvore.

A cute tank with a hipster-esque rendition of the American flag is very Fourth of July, but is casual enough to last all summer long. Edgy ripped jean shorts are staples for any fashionista, as are a neat pair of sneakers (preferably Converse) or brown boho sandals. Add some cute bangles (a pack of red and gold can last year round, and is great for the holidays too; bold red, white, and blue might not look right all year, but they work perfectly for any nautical look in the summer) and you’re ready to go! Grab some friends, food, and fireworks, and have a happy fourth!

 

Want a Free Stylist?

Let me introduce you to this cool little thing I found on the internet the other day: Keaton Row. It’s this handy tool that’s going to change the whole landscape of personal styling. Here’s what it does: You create an account to either get styled or become a personal stylist. If you choose to get styled, you get matched up with a stylist who will talk to you about what you’d like or need. Then you will get a lookbook from your stylist – 5-7 full outfits and a few ‘express boutiques,’ which are just sets with choices of one item (say, jeans) that you really need and are looking for. Then, you choose whether or not you want to buy anything. If you do, your stylist gets a commission on what you buy.

Here’s where it gets personal. I recently signed up to be a stylist for this site. While the brands used for this site so far are great quality, they are not the cheapest. But, hey, why not get some inspiration and maybe score something on sale? You can sign up to get styled by me here: https://keatonrow.com/stylist/madelinest_amour.

What do you all think of this site? Do you think it’s great to give people the option to be their own stylist and boss, or should not everyone have the option to be a stylist? Do you think you’ll join up (use this link: http://keatonrow.com/stylist/signup?ref=51ca78b197c6c10000003ae5) or do you think it’s silly? Hopefully you do sign up, and hopefully I can help you revamp your style 🙂

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!

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!