Inspired

I don’t know if it’s because it’s just that time of the year (school year, that is) but I have had these insatiable urges to go shopping.  And, as a true shopaholic, I’ve given in to those urges. It started innocently enough when I picked up a top at Gap on sale, then it turned into a sweater, which turned into 2 cross body bags, and now I NEED a pair of Cynthia Vincent platform heels.  My birthday is coming up (5 days!) which I feel is a perfect excuse for why I’ve constantly been shopping online… Just deciding what I want 🙂

I have been so inspired lately by so many different things… I love this feeling!  However, I haven’t had a chance to channel my inspiration into outfits because of 1) my crazy schedule, and 2) the weather!  I know those really are poor excuses but that’s just how I’ve been feeling.  It’s tough being a fashionable college student!! Here are 2 of the latest photos that have inspired me:

Photo Credit: Black Eiffel

The effortlessness of this outfit is what captures me.  She looks comfortable (very key!) and just so darn cute! I have had a slight obsession with colorful socks since I was young, and I am so happy that they are in fashion now.  The model, Ingrid Sophie Schram, does a great job at letting the socks stand out, but not be the focus point of the outfit.

Photo Credit: Stockholm Street Style

This girl is so cute! I don’t think I could ever quite pull of this outfit like she can.  I’ve been searching for a fur vest for awhile now, but I haven’t been able to find the perfect one.  The way that she pairs the vest with a taupe-colored leather jacket, a lace dress, white tights, and rugged boots is amazing.  I may have to draw up my own outfit out of this…

The soundtrack from the movie Valentine’s Day is so wonderful! It is full of great love songs, and provides the perfect backdrop for a Valentine’s Day party!

Xoxo,

Frugalista

Crimson Mim Slideshow

Want to see how the fabulous ladies of Crimson Mim put together their favorite pieces from the year?  Check out a slideshow of them!

Xoxo,

Frugalista

What to Wear: Christmas in the Keys

While I usually spend my Christmases in chilly northern California, this year I will be jetting off to Key West, Florida for a white Christmas (white beaches that is).  With my What to Wear: Thanksgiving post those outfits I provided can easily translate for those of you who need something to wear to Christmas or Hannakah dinner.  But, for those of us who are going to be in warmer areas for the holidays I wanted to give you some inspiration.  Now is a great time to pick up a new bikini or cover-up since they’re all on sale!  Shopbop is a great website that has a huge index of designers.  All the clothes and pictures I will be showing you are from the Shopbop website.

Juicy Couture Lurex Stripe Terry One Shoulder Dress – $158 47.40This dress is great to throw over your suit and head to the beach or pool.  After a few hours of lounging in the sun, it’s the perfect cover-up to walk into town.  And at over $100 off you can’t go wrong!

Karina Grimaldi ‘Maria’ Strapless Romper – $174 121.80This is also another one of those perfect outfits to throw over a bathing suit.  What I like about this romper is the peacock plume which dresses up the romper just a tad.  To go out at night in this outfit pair it with a pair of wedges or strappy heels.

Vix Swimwear ‘Bazaar’ Bandeau One Piece – $145I’ve been craving a cute one piece like this one for awhile now.  I love the delicate scalloped hem which provides a girly touch to a traditionally plain suit.  If you’re into tanning then this isn’t the suit for you, but it would be great for spending the day playing on the beach.

L*Space ‘Slinky Solids’ Lola Bandeau Bikini – $150For those of you who like to keep your skin sun-kissed year round, this is the perfect suit to tan in.  The bandeau style of the top will keep away those pesty tan lines that ordinary string bikinis cause.  Another plus?  If you are a pear shape or have a fuller bottom, this suit will help to slim you through the hips and give you a beautiful silhouette.

Bop Basics ‘Open Weave’ Fedora with Ivory Trim – $65What day at the beach is complete without a hat?  As a thin-haired girl myself I know the importance of protecting my scalp from sunburns.  This fedora adds a playful twist on a typical sun hat.  It can also be worn for many other occasions, including a day at school.  It’s a great investment to protect your head!

I wish you all a very white Christmas!  Happy holidays!

Xoxo,

Frugalista

Black Friday Shopping

Every year on Black Friday my mom and I head to San Francisco to find some great deals.  Unlike most Black Friday shoppers my mom and I don’t shop for Christmas presents, we shop for ourselves!  I found a lot of great clothes that I’m so excited to wear!  While I found so many great deals at the department stores, my favorite buy was at Marshalls.  I usually only search for tops at Marshalls, but this week I journeyed into the pants section.  I found 3 great pairs of pants by American Eagle Outfitters at more than half off the normal price!  They’re all boot-cut/wide leg style, which is a nice change to my usual skinny jeans.  Here are some of the fabulous things I bought…

Nordstrom Jou Jou Faux Leather Bomber Jacket – $58Photo Credit: Nordstrom

Leather motorcycle jackets are so big this season!  I’ve been scouring all over for the perfect jacket, and this Jou Jou one is great!  It’s roomy enough to layer a Juicy Couture velour hoodie underneath for those chilly nights.  It can also be amped up to create a rocker chic outfit by adding a pair of skinny jeans, cute tee, and some Converse shoes.

Nordstrom Amici Accessories Zip Detail Bag – $28Photo Credit: Nordstrom

Purses are one of my favorite accessories!  I’ve been using the same purse almost everyday for 4 years now, so it was time to update.  I’m very picky about purses but when I saw this amethyst colored bag at Nordstroms, I fell in love.  It’s so spacious inside and I would even be able to use it as a book bag.  The color is perfect for winter, but will also be able to transition with me into the spring and summer months.

Nordstrom Steve Madden ‘Tyller’ Boot – $78.95Photo Credit: Nordstrom

As I’ve said before, Steve Madden is my favorite shoe designer.  I’ve been looking for a pair of cowboy boots for awhile now, and Nordstroms carries a lot of great options.  However, they are all terribly expensive and out of my price range.  These boots above provide a great change from my typical black leather wedge boots by coming in a brown suede material.  These boots evoke images of a prairie girl, but I can also see myself dressing them up a bit with tights and skirt.

As crazy as Black Friday is it’s always fun to go out and join the masses and get in the Christmas spirit!  Happy holidays!

Fashion slideshow with Crimson Mim

The ladies of Crimson Mim show off their favorite outfits of the year.

Crimson Mim slideshow

Interview with CeCe from Crimson Mim

Check out my interview with CeCe, store manager and buyer at the boutique, Crimson Mim in Los Altos, CA.  She gives some great tips for college students on a budget!

Thanks CeCe and Crimson Mim!

Crimson Mim

What to Wear: Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving a few days away it’s crunch time to pick out that perfect outfit.  The clothes need to be cute and elegant but also have some stretch to eat that second piece of pie.  I always love to get dressed up for the holidays and slip into a pair of tights and cozy sweater.  This year, however, I’m spending Turkey day with my dad, sister, and brother, so I don’t feel the urge to dress up.  I’ve put together a few different outfits that would be appropriate to wear for Thanksgiving, whether you’re spending it at home with one person or going to a party with 50.

Outfit 1: A casual Thanksgiving dinner with the family

dELiA*s Minnie Mouse Tee – $26Photo Credit: dELiA*s

Jolt Skinny Stretch Jeans – $42Photo Credit: Nordstrom

Cashmere Crewneck Cardigan – $158Photo Credit: J.Crew

I think this outfit is great for hanging out at home and watching football.  The jeans will give the perfect amount of stretch to eat your heart’s desire.  The Minnie Mouse tee provides a touch of adolescence that is balanced by the properness of the cardigan.

Outfit 2: Dinner with the grandparents, cousins, etc.

Bella Leopard Cardigan – $49.50 44.50Photo Credit: dELiA*s

Necessary Objects Exposed Zip Skirt – $38Photo Credit: Nordstrom

Paired with a simple white tank and black opaque tights, this outfit is so great!  The cardigan adds a sweet touch to liven up the outfit.  Jewelry could be layered on to add to the ensemble.  Lastly, slip on a pair of flats for a fabulous look!

Outfit 3: A big, fancy dinner party

Lush Mock Two Piece Dress – $42Photo Credit: Nordstrom

This dress is so sweet and girly!  Paired with some tights and a cardigan or jacket would look so great at a big party.  I love headbands, and think a black bowed one would be a perfect accessory.

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

My Christmas Wish List

With Christmas around the corner I’ve been thinking of what I’m going to ask Santa for.  I’ve been scouring different websites for cute clothes, and I’ve found some great things!  In my family we send e-mails of our wish lists with the link to the present, as well as the color and size… there’s no room for error with our method.  Last time I showed you some great clothes from American Eagle Outfitters, and many of those are on my wish list.

While looking at the Nordstrom website they have so many adorable things for Christmas!  Here are some of my favorites…

1) Juicy Couture ‘Iconic’ Velour Stocking – $42

Photo Credit: Nordstrom

Ah, it’s so cute!  As Rachel Zoe says, “I die.” My stocking is the same one I’ve had since I was born and I think this Juicy one would be a nice upgrade into adulthood.  Don’t you agree?

2) Betsey Johnson ‘Snow Bunny’ Charm Bracelet – $50Photo Credit: Nordstrom

I LOVE charm bracelets!  They are so cute, and this Betsey Johnson one is no exception.  I love that she combines pearls and big gold links, it’s very creative and adorable.  The charms are so cute and very wintery!  I can already imagine myself wearing it with a comfy, ivory-colored cashmere turtleneck… cute, right?

3) Dogeared ‘Healing Gem’ Pendant – $40-$48Photo Credit: Nordstrom

Dogeared has amazing jewelry!  All their pieces have a lot of meaning behind them, and are great gifts for your mom, sister or best friend.  My sister and I gave each other the Hummingbird necklace which symbolizes sisterhood.  This year I’m really craving the Amazonite stone which means confidence, truth, and self-expression.

4) Juicy Couture ‘Iconic’ Pop Top Mittens – $55Photo Credit: Nordstrom

These Juicy Couture mittens are so great!  They’re very simple and classic, but have added a great twist with the charm.  I love the light pink color!  They would be so great for those cold mornings when my hands are frozen!

5) Betsey Johnson Pearl Drop Earrings – $45Photo Credit: Nordstrom

I love these earrings!  They combine my two favorite things: pearls and diamonds.  I think it is so adorable that it has a bow above the pearls.  These would be great to wear for a fancy Christmas or New Years party.

6) Just Ginger Lace Trim Cardigan – $38Photo Credit: Nordstrom

As I’ve confessed before, I’m obsessed with cardigans.  Just Ginger takes a great twist on a basic cardigan by adding a delicate lace outline.  This would look great with the earrings above!  It could be worn over a dress for a nice dinner, or with some khakis for a day of shopping.

What’s on your Christmas wish list?

Map of Clothing Stores in San Luis Obispo

American Eagle Outfitters Fashion

In my last post I talked about J.Crew fashion, but today I am going to show you some of my favorite fashion finds from a much more affordable store, American Eagle Outfitters.  With the winter season upon us, AE has come out with a great line of cold weather clothes.  These clothes are great for those brisk mornings but can also be worn well into the warmer months.

1. Rugby Striped Cardigan – $44.50Photo Credit: American Eagle Outfitters

How cute is this sweater?  I’ve always loved clothing with rugby stripes, but this grandfather style cardigan is the epitome of Fall days.  I think this sweater would look amazing with a pair of jeans and ballet flats to wear for a long day of classes.  Paired with a long strand of pearls instantly updates the outfit to chic.

2. Cable Knit Studded Sweater – $69.50Photo Credit: American Eagle Outfitters

This sweater exudes a rocker chic vibe that would look great over a pair of leggings.  Plain black leggings makes for a very classic look, while you could amp the outfit up with some lacy tights or leggings with cute details.

3. Shrunken Bonfire Flannel Shirt – $39.50 $24.95Photo Credit: American Eagle Outfitters

Plaid is so big this season, and this shirt takes on the trend with a girly twist.  Paired with some cowboy boots this shirt would look so great.  I could definitely see myself wearing this shirt all day long, and even sleeping in it… it looks so darn comfortable!

4. Skinny Cord – $39.50Photo Credit: American Eagle Outfitters

Thinking of winter always brings up memories of wearing corduroy pants.  American Eagle takes a great twist on the classic corduroys with a skinny jean style and it comes in so many great colors, like this dragonfruit pink color.  Personally, I want the black ones for a more traditional look, but if you have an edgier style than the pink would be perfect!

5. Stripe Button Leggings – $19.50Photo Credit: American Eagle Outfitters

These leggings are so sweet and cute!  I think they would look adorable as an alternative to the normal black leggings that everyone wears.  In addition, these are such a great price!

6. Admiral Waffle Hoodie – $34.50Photo Credit: Aerie by American Eagle Outfitters

American Eagle has a line of lounge clothes called Aerie.  This hoodie is one of my favorites on the Aerie line.  It looks so comfortable and seems like a great alternative to a regular thermal.  The stripes add a chic nautical theme.

American Eagle has so many great clothes to fit any budget as well as any style.