Retirement?

So, my latest inspiration is all of this hulabaloo about Kim Kardashian retiring her favorite, go-to garment, the black one-shoulder dress. Now normally I would be hating on Miss Kardashian, but I do have to admit that more times than not, her and her sisters are styled superbly - Monica Rose = Genius. However, I can totally relate to falling in love with an item that works for your own personal style and taste, and continuously investing in the same thing with slight variations. What is the point in wasting money on apparel that does not work with your style and your figure.

In an apparel analysis class a few years ago, I was required to take apart my entire wardrobe, pick apart my closet, and re-organize everything. When all was said and done, we were supposed to analyze what was going on within our own personal collections of clothing. One of the questions was in reference to garments we have multiples of and things we seemingly purchased time and time again. Like Kim K. I have my go-to item and that is anything with stripes!

And why do I have an affinity for stripes, you may ask. I simply love the whole French or Nautical feeling of a simple striped item - I try avoid red stripes in fear of looking like a candy striper. Also, as I recently told my boyfriend after my purchase of a 90s inspired spandex dress with black and grey stripes, I love the fact that I can actually pull-off a horizontal stripe - especially when handfuls of stylists and fashion experts advise to avoid horizontal stripes because they widen one's figure. Fuck vertical stripes!

For a while I made an attempt to not purchase anything striped, but that is when I found myself stumbling upon the chicest looking striped garments! I gave in and just realized that they are my thing - for the time being - and that I should not fight my addiction. I do not need an intervention and neither does Miss Kardashian.

Although Kim K. wears her lonely shouldered black dress 24-7 and we have seen it a million different ways, I do not think she should retire it - she owns the shit out of that silhouette. Hence, I will never retire my stripes - I lived on a boat in another life. Many of her fashion choices are not frugal in the least bit, however, you can always find your personal staple item at a Fashion Friendly & Frugal retailer. When you find something that works for you, give in and own it!

*Images: www.fabsugar.com

www.insidecelebclosets.com

www.kimkardashian.celebbuzz.com

www.ladyandtheblog.com

www.letsbuyit.co.uk

www.nymag.com

www.stylebistro.com

www.superqueen.wordpress.com

Give and Get is Here!

Give and Get is Here!: "Enjoy 30% off from August 26-29 at Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy and we'll donate 5% of what you spend to a non-profit."

Being Fashion Friendly & Frugal never felt so good.

I Can't Believe It's Not Leather

Last Christmas I got the most fabulous faux leather jacket from Arden B which was very Fashion, Friendly & Frugal (30% off - I believe it was originally $68). I was hesitant to wear it and worried I would look too much like a badass biker chick, however my jacket could not be more perfect.

I have received many compliments on my jacket but the biggest compliment was when I saw a nearly exact copy of my jacket at Target a few weeks ago - the style finally made its way to the masses at a very frugal price. This is my whole inspiration behind this post!

Once again, Arden B has a few faux leather jackets beginning to creep onto their website and into their stores. Although it is not the same exact jacket I fell in love with nearly a year ago, it is beyond reminiscent of my very frugal gift. This year Arden B chose to lighten up their outerwear for early Fall. This jacket is a must have for Fall! Below are a handful of ideas for your end of the summer/pre-fall looks created around Arden B's faux leather jacket

Jacket ~ Arden B

Shirt ~ J.Crew

Earrings ~ Urban Outfitters

Sunglasses ~ Nordstrom

Denim Shorts ~ J.Crew

Clogs ~ Zappos.com

Straw Bag ~ Old Navy

Jacket ~ Arden B

Watch ~ Urban Outfitters

Necklace ~ Urban Outfitters

Sunglasses ~ Nordsrtom

Striped Tank ~ Arden B

Denim Leggings ~ Gap

Clogs ~ Nordstrom

Handbag ~ Nordstrom

Earrings ~ Urban Outfitters

Jacket ~ Arden B

Tank Top ~ J.Crew

Sunglasses ~ Nordstrom

Necklace ~ Urban Outfitters

Ring ~ Urban Outfitters

Skirt ~ Urban Outfitters

Shoes ~ Nordstrom

Handbag ~ Steve Madden

Jacket ~ Arden B

Silk Tank ~ Gap

Sunglasses ~ Nordstrom

Skinny Jeans ~ Urban Outfitters

Necklace ~ Urban Outfitters

Shoes ~ Nordstrom

Handbag ~ Nordstrom

Earrings ~ Urban Outfitters

*Images: www.ardenb.com

www.gap.com

www.jcrew.com

www.nordstrom.com

www.urbanoutfitters.com

Enough Said

Saw this today on J.Crew's website. All I can say is that my heart stopped and I wish their handbags were much more frugal! I am in love.

*Image: www.jcrew.com

Clogs, Anyone?

Frugality is dependent on each individual's income and personal idea of what frugal may be in relation to their disposable income. My idea of Fashion, Friendly and Frugal comes in the form of a wonderful clog. Yes, clogs are making a comeback - but not those ill-fitting Candies clogs with super fun print ads (1990s-ish, anyone?!). While at The Rack the other day I was enthralled with the never-ending new shipment from Nordstrom stores. This was actually a very successful and dangerous visit to one of my favorite places for accessories.

I began with the clothes, T.B.D. of course! I worked my way through each "department", tried on some tops made for even smaller people than me - and by small I mean short. Left the fitting rooms disappointed and paved the way for the racks, upon racks of shoes.

When you cannot afford something, it makes you want it that much more. Driven by my love of Designer anything -because I cannot afford it - I streamlined for the small area with a very limited selection of Designer shoes. Not only were most of these shoes still ridiculously over priced, but all of the cute shoes were made for those even smaller than me people.

So I reluctantly turned down the size 8 aisle and to my surprise, there was the most beautiful pair of totally in-style, in-season clogs... by Via Spiga! I must have been hallucinating or something. The best part was that they were most definitely Fashion, Friendly and Frugal! No, no... the even better part, is that not only were they the only pair of size 8 Via Spiga clogs, but they are still in high-end department stores selling for nearly $200 and I got mine for $89! Seriously?! I will be happy as long as I do not find out why my shoes ended up at The Rack.

These clogs may be considered frugal at their original price point to some, but for me, I enjoy the fact that I am able to wear such a high quality shoe at a very Fashion, Friendly and Frugal price in relation to my personal views on what passes as frugal.

Clogs, a must for Fall!

*Images: www.thesoulsofmyshoes.com

www.marieclaire.com

www.shopstyle.com

www.lorisshoes.com

www.polyvore.com

Rent's Due: Motivation In Moderation

Yes, it has been over two months since my last post but busy cannot even begin to describe just how frazzled I have been. Although I have neglected my blog, I have not been able to stay away from my passion for shopping... BUT in major moderation. My "field research" for Fashion Friendly & Frugal took a turn for the not-so-frugal with the purchase of my beloved MICHAEL by Michael Kors wedges a few months back. Seriously people, not frugal. However, I do not regret investing in such a classic, funky summer sandal- especially since one can wear open-toe shoes year-round in sunny SoCal.

During my record-breaking hiatus I stumbled across jeggings - which I absolutely support 100%! Nars blush - Orgasm, I'm fancy huh?! I had another beyond pleasing experience with Zappos.com with some very affordable YSL knock-offs. Bought a few more pairs of ridiculously wonderful sunglasses, and last but not least, I was introduced to a whole new side of J.Crew - Gap's CEO bailed for the Crew!

I have been in search of the perfect straw fedora, almost stripper heels (but still classy), lightweight shawl cardigans, and Fashion Friendly & Frugal stuff for the office - which has beena major fail. Most importantly, I have been intrigued by Christina Aguilera's signature red lips and have sought out the hottest lip product under $13.00 (Loreal infallible lip color in Beyonce Red)! Red lipstick, who would have seen that one coming?!

The low-light of my hiatus had to have been the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Can you say, "Major Disappointment!" I recently revisited the site of a pre-sale rally in Pleasanton I attended while still with Nordstrom... I have no words. It was sloppy, smelly, and super sad. The departments were filled with lack-luster sale items which were marked up today. Anniversary Sales used to be the shit.

Long story short, I have managed to accumulate some amazing frugal finds in the past couple months, I simply have not had the passion or time to post. Have no fear, Fall is creeping up on us quickly and I cannot wait to share my frugal opinion! Boots, here I come.

*Images: beautifulhairstyles.com

jadorefashionblog.wordpress.com

pacsun.com

portraited.com

realsimple.com

sgcafe.com

urbanoutfitters.com

womenforchange.com

zappos.com