Happy New Year Fashionistas!

Wishing all of my Fashion, Friendly & Frugal followers a very safe, fashionable, and happy New Year! May the new year bring you health, wealth, happiness, and fabulous deals on all of your and my favorite clothing brands/designers.

What are your fashion resolutions for 2010?

*Image: http://yimg.com

Sales Galore

Many clothing retailers are capitalizing on after-Christmas sales this year. Shoppers were out in full force this Saturday morning making the most of the remaining winter, holiday seasonal sales. Some of my favorite Fashion, Friendly & Frugal retailers were practically giving apparel away! Stores such as: Gap, Macy's, Steve Madden, and Nordstrom offered items anywhere from 20% up to 70% off! So be sure to take full advantage of these final holiday sales before the first shipments of Spring merchandise flood the malls.

*Image: http://www.quickandsimple.com

Bad Tiger!

Just found this at UrbanOutfitters.com. He may have lost many of his prestigious endorsements, but he is infamous for many other things now that his private life has backfired in a very public way. This shirt ($24) is yet another slap in the face for Mrs. Tiger Woods, but it is beyond hilarious. Would you sport this?... bad Tiger!

I wish Elin all the best with whatever happens.

How do you feel about this shirt and its message?

*Image: UrbanOutfitters.com

Merry Christmas!

Wishing all of my followers and faithful readers a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Thanks for all of the support and keep reading my blog; I will have plenty of new material for the new year... 2010!

What's in MY Shopping Bag?: Happy New Year's Eve!

Christmas snuck up on me out of nowhere and apparently tomorrow is already Christmas Eve! What is even more terrifying is the fact that the new year is right around the corner. My biggest dilemma now is figuring out what to wear that will still fit within my budget (especially since I did so much damage for Christmas). Here are a few ideas I came up with; the best part: everything featured is under $100 - well, except for one pair of shoes!
First of all, I am in love with this color scheme. Purple is still very in right now and can be found in many different flattering shades for various skin tones. The colors here are dark but not too dark because the purple dress balances well with the black booties, sapphire polish, and the silver embellishments add a pop of special new year's cheer. (Dress: Arden B $68; Shoes: Steve Madden $89.97; Nail Polish: OPI $8.50 - "Light My Sapphire")

Black is always a girl's best friend, especially for a New Year's Eve party. However, pairing this LBD with a pair of fabulous gray suede pumps and some hot blue polish livens up this otherwise solid black garment. You will most definitely receive a New Year's kiss when the clock strikes 12:00am in this savvy ensemble. (Dress: Arden B $68; Shoes: Steve Madden $109; Nail Polish: OPI $8.50 - "Blue My Mind")

Dark colors are not always appropriate for a New Year's Eve bash. Depending on the location and theme of your celebration, something light may be much more suiting. This dress plays off of gold and neutral hues and paired with those caged pumps... it is unstoppable! Neutrals are always chic (you will be sure to stand out in this party outfit anywhere). Just be sure to spice things up with some metallic, skin tone tights! (Dress: Nordstrom $88; Shoes: Steve Madden $49.98; Nail Polish: OPI - "Brisbane Bronze")

Last and most certainly not least is this ridiculously fun romper. The spaghetti straps paired with the light silky fabric creates a fun and flirty ensemble great for any slightly casual celebration. However, this romper merchandised with these silver platforms and hot pink nail polish creates a funky and fresh party outfit. Isn't New Year's Eve all about fun anyways?! (Romper: Urban Outfitters $68; Shoes: Steve Madden $99.95; Nail Polish: OPI - "That's Hot! Pink")

What is your ideal New Year's Eve party outfit? What are you shopping for this year?

*Images: ArdenB.com

Nordstrom.com

OPI.com

Urbanoutfitters.com

Make-Up Deals

Now, even though MAC is my most favorite make-up, I have been able to find some substitutes for my MAC essentials when I am trying to take it easy on my finances. The greatest part about drug store make-up is that you can almost always find great deals. Right now, CVS has some kind of promotion on nearly every brand of budget-friendly make-up.

With companies like Loreal Paris owning others such as Lancome and Maybelline New York, I wonder what other companies have joined forces and.or bought one another out. The important thing to keep in mind is that these drug store brands are either owned by or own other designer brand cosmetics. What does this mean? This means that your favorite Fashion, Friendly, & Frugal brands could be manufactured by brands like Lancome and Estee Lauder! Fabulous.

Although I would prefer to stock up on anything created by MAC, I will most definitely, contently settle for Loreal or Maybelline; especially since CVS is promoting such great deals right now! Shop the department stores, examine products you are interested in and apply your own expertise at any drug store in order to create your own perfectly budget-friendly look. My biggest piece of advice is to take your time and compare colors and prices; you may not have the luxury of a make-up artist trying products out on you, but you do have the luxury of time.

Which cosmetics leader do you follow? What is your favorite make-up routine?

*Images: http://media.onsugar.com

http://geniusbeauty.com

http://mindandbeauty.com

http://styletips101.com

http://media.fastclick.net

http://images.smarter.com

Big and Bold

Shoulder pads have been popping up everywhere lately and I cannot believe it. I remember growing up, watching my mom and older sister getting dressed with their unusually large shoulder pads; big was never big enough. Until recently, I have stayed away from any form of a structured shoulder because of the 80s reference and lack of appeal. However, whoever started this reinvention of a trend should get an award!

Understated shoulder pads are here and now. This season's generation of healthy shoulders is very different from what we remember from 1980s "fashion". Fashion icons like Rihanna have been seen rocking this uniquely revived look in a very chic way. She definitely makes a bold shoulder an even bolder statement.

Not everything has a shoulder pad though. I have seen plenty of faux-padded shoulders in which the fabric is simply ruched or loose. The best look right now is the slim, long-sleeved top or dress with a puff, shoulder pad, or embellished sleeve. Try a solid color or a simple embellishment in order to ease yourself into this sometimes questionable trend. Any way you choose to work with this silhouette can be Fashion, Friendly, & Frugal (but please avoid anything that rivals the kind of shoulder pads Lady Gaga rocks)! Do not be afraid of a trend with a bad reputation; designer's have finally figured out how to work with shoulder pads in a flattering way.

What are your thoughts on shoulder pads and/or puffy sleeves? What is your favorite spin on a classic 8os mess?!

*Images: http://www.entertainmentwise.com/photos/Image/RihannaNYC1.jpg

http://www.americanchic.net/blog_images/balmain_runway_dresses.jpg

WTF

Tell me why that "call girl" who slept with that senator was on The View this morning and revealed that she in fact has a column in a New York newspaper now. WHAT? HOW? WHY? New York ladies: you do not need to look to a call girl for advice on men. Also, to all of you journalists and English majors, do not feel discouraged; at least you were not paid to be with men ;) I had to say something about this absurd situation!

Spread The Word...Thank You!

Let me begin by saying a big THANK YOU to all of my followers (yes, all fourteen of you)! Your continuous support and comments mean the world to me. Please continue following my blog and feel free to post comments or topic suggestions. Let me also extend a thank you to those of you bloggers that are not official followers; I appreciate your interest. As always, keep an eye out for updates, especially at the beginning of each month ("Rent's Due" - Oct/Nov/Dec). The holidays have kept me busy away from my computer but the new year is right around the corner and I look forward to adding much, much more to my blog! Happy Holidays and be safe celebrating for the next few weeks.

Please spread the word! Share my blog with

other fashionistas you know... I want to hear what real people think about fashion right now and what better way than to connect with my family, friends, co-workers, and other connections. THANK YOU!

Last MInute Holiday Shopping

Last night while I was holiday shopping for others, I was in need of some retail therapy for myself as well. Luckily the mall was not over crowded and the sales were in full effect. Below are some of the deals I encountered while trying to finish off my list of recipients:

Lush - Great bath stuff and very different from the run-of-the-mill Bath and Body Works or Body Shop products. They have individual soaps and/or pre-packaged holiday gifts (many of which are $20 or less!). The best part... the names of the soaps (i.e. "sex bomb"... love it)!

Macy's - I am not a huge fan of Macy's because their service is so poor and some of their lower-end products are even lower quality. However, nearlyeverything is on sale! You can most definitely find some last minute gifts at nearly any price point right now. Macy's was on my good side last night and I found the impossible: a cowboy style, red plaid shit. I have been searching for the perfect plaid shirt (not too big, not too small, snap buttons, and a color scheme including red, blue, and ivory/white). The best part about this shirt is that it is Ralph Lauren, Polo and it was 50% off (only $49)! Did I mention I found it in the men's department (the epitome of boyfriend fit)? It is the most unlikely find and yet the "best find of the night" according to my mom and brother.

Arden B - Not only did I have to do some holiday shopping, but I also had to find a fancy dress for a Christmas, Toys for Tots party! Surprisingly enough I found exactly what I had in my last post (the tunic with sequined shoulders). The best part... it was 30% off! Everywhere I turned in the store there were lovely little red tags advertising 20%, 30%, or 50% off! If you need a last minute gift for a frugal fashionista, you must stop by Arden B.

Target - Toys for Tots is a very important part of the holiday season (my department host a few holiday charity fundraisers similar to Toys for Tots). Last year, my job adopted a family to raise money and gifts for, which was very rewarding. Target was my savior this year for Toys for Tots. Being the Fashion Friendly & Frugal lady that I am, I had to get a Barbie; what girl would not want a Barbie?! I chose a Beach Barbie which came in a sand bucket with a shovel for $6.99 and picked out an additional safari outfit for $5.84. The two best things about this gift are that it is very versatile and budget-friendly and some little girl will have a brand new doll this Christmas morning. Target is always the place to be and this morning was no exception; there were sales all over the store... perfect for any last minute shopping!

As always, Gap and Old Navy were having fabulous sales and gift cards are always quick, hassle-free gifts from affordable stores such as these. The Vans store had some pretty good deals on a very small selection of items, but nonetheless, great steals! You can financially survive this holiday season while still getting things for others that are from your heart. Remember to stay positive, hydrated, and frugal!

How is your holiday shopping season going? What are your fabulous finds? How was the recession changed your holiday shopping habits?

*Images: http://gracemagazine.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/shopping400.jpg

http://www.ieplexus.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/holiday-shopping-cart.jpg

What's in MY Shopping Bag?

So, right now I am absolutely in love with everything in the image above. The color scheme, the simplicity, and the versatility with all of the items (oh yeah! and the prices). Online shopping is definitely a hobby of mine, and searching out the best deals on the Internet makes my bank account very happy. Check out the deals I found below:

Old Navy Boots $49.50

Steve Madden Clutch $49.95

Brass Plum Scarf $18.00

Tibi Embellished Waist Dress $75.00

Gap Striped Boat-Neck Top $22.50

Guess Dark Denim $128.00

Kensie Cozy Knit Sweater $88.00

Arden B Sequined Shoulder Tunic $38.00

These are the things that are in my shopping bag as of today. What are you shopping for right now and what do you have in your shopping bag?

LIVE! With Regis and Kelly

This morning on "Live! With Kelly and Regis" I fell in love with Kelly Ripa's nails. Not only was her casually chic ensemble to die for, but her nail polish was out of this world. Playing off of a traditional neutral, nude hue, she was wearing a very light brown polish with a hint of purple or gray; I could not take my eyes off of the color! All I can say is that it better be O.P.I. so all of my fabulous followers can enjoy the beautifully different shade.

The shoes. What more can I say? Kelly's tall heels (must have been YSL) nearly matched her nail color. I love it! Her guest, Kate Beckinsale had the wonderful Mr. Louboutin on her famous feet. Black platforms with some kind of decorative gold toe; fabulous! Although these two women were far from frugal, however, they both looked amazing. My mission: to find Kelly's nail polish and recreate Kate's hair!

Find your inspiration wherever you can. You never know who or what will intrigue your next obsession.

Rent's Due: It's a Wrap!

Well, more specifically I am referring to scarves, not wraps. It is finally December and the Rent is Due! And what better way to celebrate the first of the month than to cue you in on a very Fashion-Friendly & Frugal holiday find. A few posts ago I brought up a few tips for budget holiday shopping in "Happy Sales!". This post is straight-to-the-point and all about scarves, one of the hottest, most versatile accessories and gifts of the year!

Why a scarf? A scarf is the perfect gift for any girl on your list. This ridiculously fun item can be worn a million different ways and can be found across a million different price points (especially for my fellow frugal shoppers). Anywhere from Target up through Saks Fifth Avenue, stores have been stocking up on this fashionista favorite throughout the past few seasons. Although the patterns and styles of scarves may have transformed from time-to-time, one thing has remained the same: the must-have appeal of wrapping your neck up in something funky, fun, and fresh.

No matter what you are looking to spend on the ladies this holiday season, be sure to check out a scarf or two. Lightweight, cotton scarves are perfect because they can be draped once around your neck for style or can be bundled up around your neck for the chillier weather; the longer the scarf, the more draping options you have! Heavier, wool (or fabrics that mimic wool) scarves are perfect for colder climates because they really protect your neck and sometimes your head (if there is a built-in hoodie). The best thing about scarves is that they come in a huge variety of colors, prints, patterns, textures, and fabrics.

So this holiday season, if you need a Fashion-Friendly & Frugal gift for anyone on your list, invest some time (and not that much money) in hunting for the perfect scarf!

What does your ideal scarf look like? And how do you feel about men in scarves?

*Images: http://blog.swell.com

http://evolutioncadres.com

http://www.thechicfashionista.com

http://xoxofashionista.files.wordpress.com

http://www.thefashionpolice.net