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

Hiatus, Again, I Know...

So, I have once again been on a bit of a hiatus, or as I was told, "MIA". I have been super busy and neglecting my fashion responsibilities! BUT I do have a few things I must cram into this post, because I have been slacking off with my very patient blog.

First and foremost, workout gear from Old Navy is a Fashion, Friendly & Frugal must-have! Why spend $60 on a pair of spandex pants when you can slip into a pair of $10 Old Navy leggings?! I have shopped around, time and again for cute workout gear - that is not 100% black and boring. To my dismay, everything is always super expensive and oh-so-drab (whatever you do, do not shop at Kohl's. Their workout department is extremely overpriced).

Here is where Old Navy comes in. They have a great line of inexpensive active wear, which includes some very comfortable bras - which keep your ta tas in place. I recently got two pairs of leggings for $10 each! On top of that - pun intended - I found a very appropriate hoodie for $15! Furthermore, I saved 20% on my purchase because of some promotion they have going on through June for Old Navy card holders.

Round two. I was missing the mall, my second favorite mall - Topanga Canyon, you are my Mecca - so I dropped by last Friday. I was out of work two hours early and started my weekend by stopping by a few of my favorite frugal stores. Express was my first stop. Tons of stuff on sale. Skinny white jeans, on sale. Period, end of sentence. Cute navy blue cocoon sweater, on sale. And most importantly, I bought a red dress. Now for whatever reason, I have always avoided red dresses. I bought a cute, frilly one last summer and it has apparently turned into a summer tradition. The best part about my new red dress is that it looks like a Herve Ledger bandage dress - I gave into the knock-off look. The minute I put it on, I knew I simply had to have it. It was tight, flattering, and beyond sexy - in a very understated way. I fell in love. I felt like Kim Kardashian, squeezing all of that junk into a form-fitting dress to show off all of the right curves - but in a skinny, white girl way. The cashier must have thought I was crazy. I bought red, white, and blue and the 4th of July is clearly more than a month away. I am patriotic, but I am not that patriotic.

After I left Express, I felt the burn in my wallet so I streamlined for Nordstrom, which was near my exit and my car. Major fail. Cute stuff, wrong cuts and bad silhouettes. However, I was informed about the Half Yearly sale which started this morning at 8am! After working at Nordstroms for three years, I cannot help but get excited for their fabulous sales. My shoppping trip was a blessing in disguise because I got the much needed heads-up about the sale.

This is where my real excitement comes in. Hiatus or not, I still have been staying current with what is going on in the fashion world - New York Magazine Online, you are my BFF. So I joined in the festivities this morning on Nordstrom.com and bought... a pair of... jeggings! Yes, jeggings. Never thought those words would come out of my mouth, but I do like my jeans skinny. So I am waiting for my Easy Money jeggings to arrive, along with my Jessica Simpson, simple sandals - yes, again, I never thought I would give in. My total was very Fashion, Friendly & Frugal at just under $100! Sales are fun and so is frugal shopping.

So, there is my frugal update. Happy Memorial Day weekend, everyone be safe and wishing a very Happy Birthday to my girl Mel! Hiatus #3, here I come!

*Image: www.nordstrom.com

I Heart Zappos!

I am a huge fan of frugal fashion and quality customer service, but the two do not always go hand-in-hand. Usually, when I am browsing a store like Forever 21, I am left to my own devices and the sales associates focus on folding and re-folding tables full of discount garments. However, I recently ventured out of my comfort zone and started a relationship with Zappos.com - why I did not do this sooner is unbeknownst to me!

I was in the mood for a pair of summer sandals and I simply began my search at Zappos to see what my options were. I had no idea the kind of heaven I had re-discovered. I used to window shop at Zappos.com, but I never fully committed to purchasing anything because I was always too caught up in my affinity for Steve Madden. However, there has been a shift in the shoe universe and Steve Madden is no longer my number one.
I recently had a very sobering experience with Steve Madden online which left a very sour taste in my mouth. Now, some of their shoes may not be all that Fashion, Friendly & Frugal, but they always used to fit me perfectly and were always just the right height. A little over a year ago I noticed the quality of their shoes was slowly dropping along with their customer service. Ordering and/or returning shoes online with them is horrendous! I attempted to get shoes for my commencement ceremony last year, but the pair I tried on in the store was falling apart and all scuffed up and the pair I ordered online just did not fit. Needless to say, I was very disappointed but optimistic this was a one time thing.
Within the last six months, I have been visiting Steve Madden stores with zero luck. Every pair of shoes I have gushed over and tried on, have simply not fit correctly - and usually look pretty beat up. I used to be a size 8 across the boards, but recently I have tried on everything from a 7 up through a 9 with them. I know I am high maintenance when it comes to shoes, but when you are spending upwards of $100 on a pair of brand new shoes, you deserve to have a brand new pair.
A few months ago they released a pair of platform pumps which resembled YSL's ridiculously sky high confections worn by, none other than my favorite starlet, Christina Aguilera. I wanted them, I had to have them, but they were only available for pre-order. Eventually I ordered them in a beautiful blush hue, but they never came. Their pre-order date had passed and so had my shipment date. I contacted customer service and was continuously given the run-around. By the time my shoes arrived, I was agitated and beyond eager to finally get the chance to wear them. They did not fit. They were disgusting. They had water marks - they were suede - a ripped sticker on the bottom of one shoe, and looked as if they had been handled a whole lot. I was absolutely disappointed and frustrated.
I sadly returned the shoes, upset with Steve Madden and their lack of quality and absence of care. Their customer service people did give me a future discount, but it is hard to return to a company that has been consistently out-to-lunch. I wish I could use my discount at Zappos.com!
This is where Zappos comes in. After all the crap I went through with Steve Madden, I decided to branch out and give my business to another shoe company. Not only did I find out how amazing Zappos.com is, but I purchased the most beautiful pair of Michael Kors wedges - see below. They offer free shipping and returns, they upgraded my second order to overnight shipping, and answered all of my questions and concerns quickly about my return. It is one thing to have a good product and it is a whole other thing to have good customer service, when you combine the two - successfully - the outcome is unstoppable.
Yes, I am gushing about my love for Zappos.com because I am one satisfied customer. So, the next time you are thinking about investing in a new pair of Fashion, Friendly & Frugal shoes, check out Zappos.com, I promise you, you will not be disappointed!

*Image: www.schoolclubrewards.com

What's in MY Shopping Bag?: Memorial Day Getaway

We are already halfway through May and Memorial Day is approaching... FAST! Memorial Day barbecues seem to be quite the popular form of celebration, which leads me to ask, what are your plans for the holiday weekend? More importantly, what are you planning on wearing. Whether you are going to a beach, someone's backyard bash or even just a fun restaurant, I have picked out some very Fashion, Friendly & Frugal outfits to go with any kind of get together - after the fact I realized a theme involving the color blue, ha!

Urban Outfitters ~ Pins and Needles Fedora $28

Arden B ~ Stud Front Tunic $59

Urban Outfitters ~ Layered Graphic Bead Necklace $28

Urban Outfitters~ BDG Cigarette Jean $54

Nordstrom ~ B.P. "Gloria" Sandal $49.95

Nordstrom ~ Roxy "Personal Joy" Satchel $40

Nordstrom ~ MARC Butterfly Frame Sunglasses $85

Urban Outfitters ~ Vintage Two-Tone Cat-Eye $14

Urban Outfitters ~ Multifaceted Stone Earrings $24

Arden B ~ Voluminous Embellished Neck Top $59

Nordstrom ~ Trouve "Trina" Sandals $99.95

Gap ~ Chambray Cutoffs $49.50

Old Navy ~ Fashion Cuff $9

Old Navy ~ Metal Bangles $9.50

Urban Outfitters ~ Ecote Print Dress $68

Old Navy Pointelle -Trim Cardigan $26.50

Gap ~ Classic Boyfriend Belt $34.50

Old Navy ~ Metallic Detail Necklace $9

Old Navy ~ Gold Earrings $7.50

Macy"s ~ Giani Bernini Straw Satchel $75

Nordstrom ~ Nine West "Lautman" Sandal $89.95

Old Navy ~ Racerback Hooded Dress $19.50

Victoria's Secret ~ Bright Stripe Bandeau Bikini $40

Zappos.com ~ Juicy Couture Georgia Too Sandals $65

Nordstrom ~ AX Armani Exchange Sunglasses $6

*Images: www.gap.com

www.macys.com

www.nordstrom.com

www.oldnavy.com

www.urbanoutfitters.com

www.victoriassecret.com

www.zappos.com

The Kentucky Derby

My brother forwarded me the link to an article about the history of derby fashion. I am not a huge fan of hats but some of the things these ladies pick out are phenomenal - I doubt I could ever find any appropriate hat that is Fashion, Friendly & Frugal. Did you watch the derby this past weekend? And how do you feel about the typical derby fashion statement? What is your dream Kentucky Derby hat?!

"Kentucky Derby Fashion: History & Celebrity Inspiration"

*Image: www.huffingtonpost.com

Rent's Due: Absolutely Obsessed

Can you believe it is already May? April flew by and my blog has been lacking. I had to take it easy for a while with my "field research" because I was not being very Fashion, Friendly & Frugal. However, it is a new month and that means that the Rent's Due! What better way to start off a new month than to spotlight a very special pair of shoes (I am totally loving shoes right now)?

I am very picky when it comes to fit, with any piece of apparel or accessory. No matter what the price point may be, it must fit just right in order for me to spend my money on it.

So, the Nine West sandals I wrote about a couple posts ago were finally shipped to me and I simply was not happy with them. I tried them on with what I would wear with them and I was less than impressed. Needless to say, I returned them.

While I was searching for the perfect pair of wedge sandals, I stumbled across the most gorgeous pair of Michael by Michael Kors wedges at Zappos.com. It was a complete accident but I fell in love, until I saw the price. Leather straps wrapped around a cork wedge with faux wood stacked five inches high. Fabulous. Although they were $165, I was won over by the fact that Zappos does not charge for shipping, so I put them on my credit card and did not look back.

They arrived this past Friday and I just about had a heart attack when I opened up the box. They were the most spectacular pair of shoes I have ever purchased and they were exactly what I have been looking for in a sandal. However, I ordered them in a 7 1/2 because of what other customers' reviews said and they fit, BUT I am hesitant to settle for something so expensive that should be absolutely perfect.

So, I ordered a half size up and am waiting to see which fits better. I am well aware that my purchase is nowhere near Fashion, Friendly & Frugal, but I sooo deserve this beautiful pair of shoes. They will not sit in my closet and they will not collect dust, I will wear all five inches of each of them until they are worn out. I am confident their cost-per-wear will pay off in no time.

Being Fashion, Friendly & Frugal is all about making your wardrobe work with new purchases and making new purchases fit seamlessly into your current wardrobe. If you strategize correctly, you can splurge on things like this without breaking the bank, especially if the item goes with nearly everything in your wardrobe. At the end of the day, you must be happy with what you decide to spend your hard-earned money on, and I am more than happy with the fact that I purchased something I am absolutely obsessed with at a somewhat reasonable price (the quality is well worth the price). As is with many things in life, it is not necessarily the quantity but the quality that counts - yes, that was very cheesy.

*Images: www.zappos.com

Discarded and Oh So Divine

I'm back! I know, I have been on a bit of a hiatus and have had a HUGE case of writer's block. I have had absolutely no motivation to post anything, whatsoever. I am sorry to those of you who actually follow my blog!

Anyways, if any of you are familiar with Discarded to Divine, then you immediately recognized my title, referencing the amazing organization. It is a San Francisco based non-profit organization which works with the St. Vincent De Paul Society in an effort to transform the discarded. Not only do they throw a spectacular charity fashion show annually, but they collect discarded clothing for "discarded" people with the hopes of creating something divine. One of the speakers last night explained it a lot better than that, but that is the gist of the organization.

Oddly enough, I have never heard of this event. I grew up near San Francisco, attended an apparel merchandising and design program near Los Angeles, and one of their educational partners is FIDM. I have no clue how I missed any of this! Needless to say, I am fortunate to have finally been informed about this charitable event and I am so lucky I was able to attend.

The night began with a silent auction made up of amazing creations by fashion students, designers, and even a few guest designers - Project Runway's Sweet P. and most recently, Jay Nicolas Sario. Two things stood out to me, a cluttered eclectic recycled necklace, a beaded silk tulip dress with curves for days. Amidst the crowded room filled with people and fashion, I spotted Jay Nicolas Sario. The room was dark and I had already used one of my drink tickets, but I still recognized the talented designer. I took full advantage of the opportunity and got a photo with the designer I had been rooting for all season long.

After the silent auction came the fashion show followed by the live auction. The Emcee was hilarious and set the mood for a great auction. The show began and I was beyond impressed. There were so many beautifully crafted garments, but only two truly grabbed my attention. First was a military-inspired vest and skirt by Jay Nicolas Sario which was strong yet feminine and fun. The second was a flawless beige dress hidden by the most magnificent white coat - which was auctioned off in a fight to the death for $1,200. Fabulous.

I left feeling motivated and re-connected to the fashion world. It is officially almost a year since I graduated with my degree in apparel design and merchandising and it sometimes feels as if the fashion world is slowly slipping through my fingers. However, last night revived my passion for fashion. Discarded to Divine is a wonderful charity which shares an incredible evening with anyone interested in being a part of something so positive.

http://discardedtodivine.org

*Images: my personal photos

http://discardedtodivine.org

On a Mission

I have been stalking yet another item. For the past week, since I have been sick and was able to do a lot of browsing online. I have been in the mood for the perfect pair of slightly hippie, but totally hot, platform sandals and have been all over the web looking for them. This pair of Nine West wedges kept popping up on every site I visited. I will willingly admit that I am a complete brat for specific brands and stores and the minute I saw them at Nordstrom, I was sold.

I finally acquired enough energy to go out and test my luck at an actual store front. HOWEVER, I was not having very much luck at all. Nordstrom was empty, there were hardly any employees, and the sandals I wanted were just shipped and still sitting on the shipping dock! The economy needs to pick up already so things like this do not happen.

Eventually I got to try on the lovely wedges in three different colors: black, olive, and nutella. I really wanted the nutella but someone who was most definitely not a size 8 tried on the only pair of nutella size 8 sandals Nordstrom had in stock! I was beyond disappointed.

I had to order them from another store and they arrive next week. So, cross your fingers for me, I am hoping nobody else has tried them on!

*Images: www.Nordstrom.com

Gorgeous

Watching the Masters yesterday was a little bit on the boring side. However, witnessing the love and excitement shared between Phil Mickelson and his wife Amy was the highlight of the tournament - for me. If you do not know their story, Google it. Not only is she recovering but she looked fabulous! I was recently asked to write about sunglasses for my department's newsletter and Mrs. Mickelson wore the hottest pair while at the Masters, which needless to say, inspired me. They are probably in no way near Fashion, Friendly & Frugal, however, she looked amazing. Congrats on the win and good luck with the fight!

Want to help fight breast cancer? Follow the link below:

http://ww5.komen.org/

*Image: www.yahoo.com

True Love

Just wanted to share these with you all. I was on revolveclothing.com tonight, then jumped over to their outlet website reverse-reverse.com and stumbled across these lovely Velvet Angels platforms. They are Fashion, Friendly & Frugal because they are only $129 marked down from $480! Love them, enough said.

*Image: http://www.reverse-reverse.com/w/DisplayProduct.jsp?&l=c&s=Category&d=F&b=&c=Shoes&se=&sen=&st=&n=&product=VELV-WZ20&a=true&prefActive=false

Almost There, But Not Quite

I cannot believe I am saying this, admitting this, or even acknowledging this, BUT while I was browsing PerezHilton.com today, I came across a post about BEBE and the Kardashians. Now, I was very critical of their first attempt at collaborating with real designers for BEBE - everything was half faux leather with hoods, corests, and shoulder pads. However, I checked out their second attempt at "designing" and things are kind of clicking for them.

I am still very unhappy with the price points, which range from $59 up to $229! I will reiterate what I stated before in my post "WHY?!", BEBE is poor quality and most definitely not worth their high prices (in relation to their low quality) and the Kardashians did not design a stitch of clothing, however, things are looking bright for the infamous trio.
I am very interested in checking this line out in stores to see what it really looks like, up close and personal. I am not sure I have been persuaded enough to purchase anything, but I do have to give the girls (and the real designers) some much deserved credit. Now I am interested to see what else they will release!

How do you feel about this new line? Did you ever witness their first disasterous attempt at "designing"?

*Images: www.bebe.com

What's in MY Shopping Bag?: All Dressed Up

Spring has sprung - sort of - and I cannot wait until the weather warms up enough so I can start wearing dresses. Whether you are in the mood for short and flirty or fitted and sophisticated, there are plenty of different silhouettes, patterns, colors, and fabrics out there for you to choose from this season; your perfect dress is just a shopping trip away! The best part is that your options are endless when it comes to being Fashion, Friendly & Frugal.

With so many short dresses in high demand, my go-to shoe is sure to pair well with any mini. Platforms + a short dress = UNSTOPPABLE! So this season, keep an eye out for any kind of dress that catches your attention, because you cannot go wrong with something as fantastic as a brand new dress (at a great price, of course!).

Clockwise from top left corner:

Bloomingdale's ~ "Plenty" by Tracy Reese Tunic Dress $95

Victoria's Secret ~ One Shoulder Dress $58

Arden B ~ Floral One Shoulder Dress $64

Forever 21 ~ Faux Denim Dress $22.80

Bloomingdale's ~ Theory Tunic Dress $150

Nordstrom ~ As U Wish Lace Dress $64

Arden B ~ Crochet Dress $69

Urban Outfitters ~ Cooperative Chambray Dress $58

Bloomingdale's ~ BCBG Floral Strapless Dress $108

Saks Fifth Avenue ~ Ella Moss Lace Detail Dress $138

Urban Outfitters ~ Cheap Monday Mini Check Dress $88

What is your favorite silhouette for a dress? Do like prefer solids, patterns, texture, etc.?

*Images: www.ardenb.com

www.bloomingdales.com

www.forever21.com

www.urbanoutfitters.com

www.victoriassecret.com

Sky High

I have mild height issues, therefore I am absolutely obsessed with high heels, specifically, platforms; the higher the better. So, I wanted to highlight a few of the heels that have crossed my path within the past few weeks. Enjoy!

Clockwise from top left corner:

Steve Madden ~ Caryssa $129.95

Steve Madden ~ Brigitt Platform $129.95

Steve Madden ~ Loyyall Platform $89.95

Piperlime ~Michael Antonio $60

Nordstrom ~ Michael Kors Gansevoort Platform $164.95

Nordstrom ~ Michael Kors Pressley Platform $139.95

*Images: www.nordstrom.com

www.piperlime.com

www.stevemadden.com

Time to Splurge

I am desperately trying to rationalize this MARC by MARC JACOBS watch as Fashion, Friendly & Frugal. However, I do not think I am having any luck. I came across this gorgeous leather watch at Nordstrom.com a few days ago and I have not stopped thinking about it ever since. It is embellished with Swarovski crystals, gold plating, stainless steel, and a simple white face. How could you not love this piece?

The downer is that it is $200, but that is not the problem. However, when you are trying to justify this as "frugal", there is no way to work my magic with cost-per-wear (realistically, no one would wear this everyday for a year or two. It is an accessory made to enhance an outfit, not something to be worn everyday). In my definition, this item is most definitely a splurge!

It is rare that something like this, at this price point, catches my eye. My gut says, this is not frugal, while my heart says, you should be more than willing to treat yourself to something so right. For now, I will simply admire it, but who knows, I may splurge on it in a week and a half - payday! I condone splurging every once in a while, but when it turns into a habit, then you are no longer practicing Fashion, Friendly & Frugal ideas. Be careful what you splurge on!

What items do you usually splurge on? Is this watch worth $200? What is your ideal "everyday" watch and what is your ideal "dress-up" watch?

*Image: www.nordstrom.com

How to Make it in America: Finale?!

I cannot believe it, the season finale snuck up out of nowhere! I usually catch "How to Make it in America" On Demand and they never show the teaser for the next week out; so I had no clue the end was here! Last night's episode was all about creating the suspense needed to promote the second season; I hope there is a second season! Ben woke up with Rachel in his bed; I am 95% sure they got it on. Cam swore at his cousin, which is a huge no, no. Renee stole his own company's truck from Ben and Cam - which had the boys shirts in it! - in order to get money from his insurance company. Rachel quit her job and her boyfriend, but I have a feeling he will put up a fight in season two.
All I can say is that I am satisfied with Ben and Rachel's relationship - because I really want them to get back together! Although, I know it will be very rocky next season. On the other hand, I am a little disappointed with the lack of fashion in the finale. On the bright side, Cam and Ben were able to ship off their vintage shirts to Japan. At the very end of the episode, the guys talked about creating another sample pair of denim - yay! And then Cam offered up the idea of creating hoodies for Crisp Denim; I love it.
I cannot wait for the second season! Catch the full first season of "How to Make it in America" on HBO demand before they stop airing the episodes. I will most definitely be watching the first season one more time just in case I missed anything. Maybe next season there will be even more fashion story lines!!!

Did you see any of the first season?! What do you think? Are you interested in the second season?

*Image: www.hbocanada.com

Two Birds, One Stone

My mousepad at work is very Fashion, Friendly & Frugal (definitely killed two birds with one stone). I am a die-hard follower of InStyle magazine and have been in the routine of reading it during my lunch breaks since my last job; I cannot live without it. I needed a mousepad and it just so happened that my inexpensive InStyle was in the right place at the right time. Gwen Stefani is on the current April color issue sitting on my desk, next to my computer, and under my mouse; the perfect mousepad for any fashionista.

Be creative with your belongings and make your life more Fashion, Friendly & Frugal any way you can!

*Image: cdn.buzznet.com

Rent's Due: Stella's at it Again

I have no kids, I have a very small income, and these items are not very frugal. However, Rent's Due and I have to share something with my readers! Stella McCartney has done it again and designed yet another chic line of apparel for GAP Kids and Baby GAP.

If I had kids and a larger disposable income I would be all over these beyond adorable miniature clothes! Everything is under $100 and looks appropriate for the children's parents to wear (only on a larger scale, of course!). Although these fabulously dressed little ones will soon grow out of their Stella McCartney garments, they will for sure look amazing every time they do wear these clothes. I love them all.

What do you think of Stella's latest creations? Are you a fan, because I am! Would you buy this stuff for your kids?

*Images: www.gap.com

Recreate It!

Kristen Stewart is becoming somewhat of a household name. I personally really like her and appreciate her personal style, albeit sloppy at times. However, a recent photo has been circulating the web from a recent screening of her newest movie, "The Runaways". I absolutely love the bright pink dress she was wearing with a simple pair of black peep-toe pumps and sleek hair.

I have been hesitant to do anything related to "looks for less" because of all the magazines that already do it. On the other hand, I could not resist what I stumbled across while window shopping online. Here is what I found, which is very Fashion, Friendly & Frugal... Enjoy!

Arden B ~ Chiffon Tuxedo Ruffle Tunic Tank $39

Steve Madden ~ Tobbi $109.95

Urban Outfitters ~ Back-Zip Mini Skirt $38 --> $19.99 SALE!

OPI ~ Black Onyx Nailpolish $8.50

*Images: www.ardenb.com

www.opi.com

www.stevemadden.com

www.urbanoutfitters.com

LTFH

Another link full of laughs. I cannot help but scroll, read, laugh and continue to scroll - it pretty much has to do with fashion, in a very amusing way. You must check it out!

Look at This F*cking Hipster

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

How to Make it in America: Money

Tonight's episode was a little better than last week's episode, however, it was lacking substance in the area of fashion. The plot thickened with Cam and Renee - his cousin or uncle - and their whole money situation. Rachel and her boss landed a huge gig with Rachel's boyfriend, Darren, the hotelier. And Ben's relationship with this new girl, Julie, really flourished.

The boys saw their vintage tees for Japan come to life, silk screen printing and all. The only downside was that Renee was bugging Ben and Cam for money they borrowed from him. Here's a huge spoiler... their shirts were stolen! Who knows if they will turn up and who knows where this will place them in the fashion world. Either way, everyone is in their own predicament.

I love this show, but I am getting anxious and I want to know what happens! It may only be the first season, I know there is a lot to look forward to, but I want it all to unfold right now! On an intriguing note, Ben and Rachel had a very interesting rendezvous which left me hanging and abruptly ended the episode...

*Image: www.hbocanada.com

White Wayfarers

Hilarious and Fashion, Friendly & Frugal! Do you like Ray Ban Wayfarers? Then follow the link below for some frugal laughs:

http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2009/12/22/130-ray-ban-wayfarers/

*Image: http://v-style.typepad.com/my_weblog/images/2008/04/29/14dvd1650_3.jpg