Cheetah Girl

I work in a professional office that assists the public every second of the day. That being said, though, my office is still pretty laid back. They welcome dressing up on the workday before Halloween. I desperately wanted to dress in fashions that pay homage to the 1970's - mainly because I wanted to rock my HUGE wood vintage platform sandals at work with no thought involved - but a work-related announcement of a foreclosure sale prevented me from doing that. I could have done it, no one told me not to, but I figure that isn't the most professional get-up to wear when doing a serious matter. This group is used to my usual casual-friday jeans so I kept with that look and threw in my animal print boots. I told everyone I was a Cheeetah Girl. :)


Top: Old Navy, Thrifted
Jeans: Not Your Daughter's Jeans, won at Fashion Pulse Daily
Boots: Bought on clearance years ago at Meijer, $7
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
Notice anything different? My hair is now in tip top condition thanks to my amazing hair stylist. She cut it just how I like it and we added a fun color on top. I absolutely love it and feel ten billion times better. It's amazing what a hair cut can do for your confidence!


It took me quite a while to find a hair stylist that I was willing to stick with, let me tell ya. I have been to zillions of salons and sat in many a different hair stylist's chair. The nice thing about me and my hair stylist? I've been a client of her's since she was in hair styling school. I visited our local Paul Mitchell School/Salon one day to get a cheap cut and she is who they matched me with. It's been a match made in heaven ever since! In fact, she told me today on facebook that I am her hair muse, that my hair inspires her. Love it! What more could I ask for? :)


These are one of my favorite pairs of shoes. They add that special something-something to an otherwise simple outfit. I bought them years ago for $7 (seven dollars!) from Meijer, which, if you're not in a state that has a Meijer, it's kind of like Walmart but heavier on the groceries... so, yeah, this was an absolute score in a random store. No one can ever believe that I bought these from there!

What is your best score from a random store?

Winning Wednesday: 10+ Fashion Giveaways

1. The ShoeBuy Blog is currently running a Halloween Contest. Read their clue, check out the shoebuy website and leave a comment with your answer in order to be in the running for a $25 gift certificate. It's currently day three of the contest so stay tuned for more!

2. Style Obsession is giving away a Madeline Tote from Mimi Boutique. Ends: October 30, 2010

3. Tres Chic Now is giving away a ROMYGOLD Biker Slash Tote. Ends: October 31, 2010

4. Gretchen's Closet is giving away a $200 gift certificate to Vogel10. Ends: October 31, 2010

5. Wild & Precious currently has a Reader Celebration going on & is giving away SO many lovely items in the process. The last giveaway ends October 31, 2010.

6. Chic Galleria is giving away five Ankora Love Leather Bracelets to one reader. Ends: October 31, 2010

7. Lah Tea Dah is giving away a little tea with a side of fashion! Ends: November 2, 2010

8. Great Blog Giveaways is giving away winner's choice of jewelry from Donaine Ltd. Ends: November 1, 2010

9. Thrifty & Chic Mom is giving away winner's choice of dress from Vfish Designs. Ends: November 3, 2010

10. BTC Elements is currently running a giveaway on twitter - @btcelements. Follow and re-tweet their contest tweet to enter. Ends: October 31, 2010

Good luck!

Sir Mix A Lot

Oh, Michigan. Your weather is so crazy. Allegedly, we were supposed to have the worst weather we have had in over 70 years... but all it did was rain for a little while and have a bit of wind. Torrential winds? Not so much. My drive home was full of deep dark clouds and it looked like it could be 10pm though it was only 4:30pm. Currently? Sunny with baby blue skies and fluffy white clouds. Ohhhh, Michigan.


Dress: Contempo Casuals, Thrifted
Sweater: Merona (Target), Thrifted
Shoes: Madeline, Thrifted
Black Skinny Belt: I think it may have come with something?
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
Does anyone else remember Contempo Casuals? They were like the Forever21 of today... but back like, gosh, probably 12 years ago? Maybe longer? I don't know. All I know is I was probably 11ish when they were around and I loved the place, though nearly everything was something my mom would never allow me to wear - hence the reason why my friend and I nicknamed it Contrampo Casuals. :)

I love the mix of patterns in this outfit. If you keep it in the same general color family, this trick normally works. (Though this can also work outside that boundry too!)



Oh, don't even act like you don't like to twirl in a dress/skirt too! :)

Gingham and a Dress

Today I broke out of my comfort zone. I wore boots... Short boots. With a dress. Bah bah bahhhh:


I know it sounds silly but I've never had the so-called courage to wear short boots with anything but pants. Basically, I've never had the courage to bare my legs with a pair of short boots. I know that sounds weird... especially considering I will wear dresses and skirts any day of the week with heels. But here is my thinking: I was scared to wear short boots with bare legs because I felt like it would make my legs look thicker. I don't exactly have super slender ankles or legs. After viewing photo after photo of all you ladies dressed in dresses and short boots, I could no longer resist! And I'm glad I didn't.


Dress: Citi Clothing, Thrifted (last year)
Tank (underneath): FREE at Forever 21 w/ purchase (last year)
Boots: FREE from my sister (we made a boot trade)... I'm assuming they are from Payless though!
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
Here's why I'm happy to have given up being too scared to rock this look: 1) Life is too short, 2) Who CARES if my legs look "thick" and 3) It looks darn good! I think so, at least. :)


And this dress? An absolute favorite of mine. I thought I had packed it away because I couldn't find it for the longest time but I discovered last night that it was hanging on my boyfriend's side of the closet for some reason. It fits SO well and I love the print. I remember the day I found it at the thrift store. The minute I lifted it over my head and on, I was hooked. I love thrifting days like that.


Funny story how I got these boots, actually... I was at my parent's house over the weekend and spotted these by the front door. A quick "Oooh!" came out of my mouth just as my sister's head whipped around and she said "Uhhhh, those are MINE!" OK, fine. Fast forward to last night, she comes over to my apartment to pick up some clothes I was getting rid of when she spotted a tall, lace up pair of brown boots. She told me she would trade me these black boots for my brown boots and that was that. She whipped these off and whipped the brown ones on and I was left to do some outfit planning for today. I couldn't be happier with our trade!

What look are you loving but is one you are afraid to try? Why?

Another Pink Casual Friday

I decided that since my Casual Friday donation (we have to pay $1 towards a charity every Friday if we wish to dress casual) was being used to help fight breast cancer, pink would be an appropriate color to wear. I paired it with a very neutral tan sweater to not only help out with the chill factor but to also tone down the hot pink a bit. Plus, get a load of how much I paid for this sweater at the thrift store yesterday. It was a half off price sale day. Such days are also known as Katie's Happy Days. Especially after having a long, bad day at work. Especially then.


Jeans: Mossimo Skinnies (Target), Thrifted
White Tank: Deb, $7
Pink V-Neck Tee: City Streets, JCPenny, $5
Tan Sweater: Belle du Jour, Thrifted, $0.75
Boots: Sugar, Gift from my boyfriend, Christmas 2009
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
I've been itching to get these boots out of their box and onto my feet for a few weeks now. The autumn chill has finally arrived and my feet couldn't be happier. I love heels... but I also love me some comfy boots! Plus, the plaid has just the slightest hint of the same pink in my shirt, so the two coordinated together perfectly.


Now does that picture scream fall or what!? :)

Stuff I Like: Halloween-Style

I'll be honest, I haven't been into the idea of wearing a costume this year for Halloween. For the first time in a long time, I don't have any Halloween parties that I am planning on attending, so I'm not worrying about having a costume to wear. It's rather nice to sit back and not have to think about a unique costume to wear and find. That being said, though, I'm still in the Halloween spirit!


Women's White Burn Out Tunic feat. Ringen print in Choc. Brown
Available here from James Anthony Apparel
The second I set my eyes on this top, I was hooked. I think it is a great alternative for a festive look if you're not in the mood to wear a costume. Think of it paired with cuffed cords (like these from Ann Taylor Loft) and boots. Perfection.

What are you wearing this Halloween?

Look What I Bought: Lace Skirt

I finally bit the bullet and hit up my local Target for something I have been lusting over for a while now...

Target likes to call these lace skirts Smokey and Old Lace, but I like to call it the Kyla no matter what color it is because she rocks it SO well. In fact, she is the reason I bought it! I was initially hesitant on buying one because I didn't know what to wear it with... but she has shown so many great ways to work it that I could resist no longer!

The best part? The skirt is on clearance right now at Target (well, at least at my store). The asking price on each skirt? $4.24 That's true fashion frugality right there, folks. :)

Now I need to plan on what to pair with each and when to wear it!

Inspired by: VIOLET

A few weeks ago, I came across Harper's Bazaar list of Fashionable Young Stars. The minute I set my eyes on this photo of Anna Kendrick (Twilight), I was hooked.

Yes, the dress (Alberta Ferretti) is amazing... but that color! Oh, that color. I had to have more...


1. Chunky Wool Knit Headband in Bright Purple @ Whitebat, $16
2. Rhododendron Flower Heel @ ModCloth, $124.99
3. Vintage electric violet boucle slouch cardigan @ NikitaJade, $42
4. Sam Edelman studded platform heel @ Shop Akira, $189
5. XXXLarge Rock Candy Brazilian Quartz ring @ Beijo Flor, $99
6. Kensie Girl Selina bow heel @ Shop Akira, $49.90
7. Steve Madden Dedee Purple Suede Heel @ 6pm.com, $47.97
8. ROSA LUXE pyrite & pink druzy necklace @ Beijo Flor, $89
9. Rebecca Minkoff Belle purse @ My Obssessions Boutique, $350
10. Aryn K silk flounce waist dress @ Shop Akira, $119.90
11. Sewing Machine Tee @ Caustic Threads, $16
12. Vintage bright floral confetti fabric @ Thriftypyg, $10

What do you think? I think this is going to be a huge color once spring hits!

Sunlight Strip(e)

Friday casual day has finally arrived.


Black/White Stripe Top: Talbots via Thrift Store, $3
Long Black Tank (underneath): Deb, $3 (sale)
Jeans: Old Navy, $15 (sale)
Shoes: Converse All Stars via Target many ages ago
Necklace: Handmade by the BFF
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
What is better than black and white and Converse and a payday AND a Friday? Not much! (Also, how do you like my fancy footwork up there? Ha ha. "Modeling" is definitely not an easy task, not going to lie.)


My casual day donation (we pay $1 at work every Friday in order to wear jeans) this month goes toward the fight against breast cancer so we get to wear these fun stickers.

Let the weekend begin!

I'll Meet You In The Sun

Monday was the picture of perfection. I had the day off from work thanks to it being Columbus Day, I slept in a tid bit and I had a delicious breakfast. It's the little things for me. A good breakfast makes all the difference in my day.


Sheer Floral Ruffle Blouse: Thrifted, Mossimo (Target)
Orange Tank: (worn underneath) Mossimo, Target, $3
Jeans: Mossimo, Target
Orange Suede Flats: Thrifted, Spiegel
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
Earrings: Classic Pearl Earrings from Odette Boutique - Won from Jaebumfangirl
Can you believe this sun!? I intially wasn't going to share these because it was SO sunny and I am SO pale and I basically disappear in these... but I changed my mind tonight. This afternoon was just so dark and dreary that the second I saw these pictures, I wanted to share them and bask in that sunlight again.


I'm actually donating this floral top. I've tried wearing it a number of times and have finally come to the conclusion that I just don't love it. I took a chance on it to begin with considering it has a big ruffle at the bottom. Bottom ruffles are not my thing... especially when they are at my waist/bum line. You see where I'm going with this? It just doesn't work on me but maybe someone else will come upon it at the store I am donating it to and will love it more than I do!

Giveaways/Sweepstakes Around The Net

I'm busy scouring the WWW for 25 of my most favorite items to give as a gift. No, it's not for my own personal gift giving this holiday season necessarily... but more like ideas for you and lots of other people... I'll let you know more about that later. :)

No outfit post for today because, well, I went grocery shopping after work and then came home and flopped down on the couch to read my latest issue of Saveur.

I do, however, have a few giveaways and sweepstakes to share with you. What better way to be a frugal fashionista but to enter to win free fashions!? Another reason why I love fashion giveaways is because it introduces me to a product/line that I may have never known about otherwise.


& Check out The Sak's Dog-Eared Contest. You could win an Artist Circle Foldover Flap in Copper World One print purse and a Peaceful Mantra Word necklace. Giveaway ends: October 21, 2010. Must be 18+ and a US resident in order to enter.
& Check out Vera Bradley's Splash of Color sweepstakes for your chance to win a $500 (one winner) or $100 (three winners) Vera Bradley gift card. Giveaway ends: October 30, 2010. Must be 18+ and a US resident in order to enter.
& The Bag Snob is giving away two Tory Burch bags this month to email subscribers. Ends: October 31, 2010. US residents only.
& Stop by Pure Habitat to see how you can win a $500 shopping spree to Pure Citizen - the sample sale that gives back. Giveaway ends: November 8, 2010. Must be 18+ and a US resident in order to enter.
& Head over to Denimology to see how you can win an amazing $400 Leather Wardrobe from Blank NYC. Giveaway ends: October 15, 2010.

Etsy Favorites: $25 and Under

1. Vintage Red/White Polka Dot Blouse @ Fluke Store, $19.99
2. Lime Sherbert Painted Canvas Earrings @ StringsnTings, $24
3. Black, White and Caramel Vintage Purse @ MadelineRenee, $21
4. Vanilla Cream Vintage Shoes @ Fluke Store, $19.99
5. Little Rainbow Earrings @ JennyHoople, $14
6. Key No. 2 Necklace @ Edor, $19
7. Twiggy Lawson Tshirt @ RockOnTheWorld, $18
8. The Eyeglass Necklace @ Barberry and Lace, $13
9. Purple Freshwater Pearl Necklace @ Floaty Toes, $11
10. Soft Crossover Fitted Sweater @ Lea's Vintage, $18

Links for the Week's End

I think Ernie knows how to embrace the weekend spirit! :)
This Anthropologie neckace DIY by Flamingotoes.com is gorgeous. I am already envisioning my own version made out of a thrifted scarf and pins...

I feasted my eyes upon this gorgeous lace scarf from Conversation Pieces this morning. (Found via the shop's Facebook page.) It's now on my fall lust list!

Still not sure what to dress up as for Halloween? Miss Vinyl Ahoy created the most fantastic Lady Gaga costume and tells you how you can create the same look here.

I think the idea of modge podging boots with fabric is so, so neat.

Want a fancier boot? Modge podge with glitter! Oh, how I love this! (Via my BFF, Alicia!)

These crispy green bean fries are on my must make list for this week. I love recipes that re-make naughty foods using vegetables.

How is your weekend going? Mine has been perfect thus far - I slept in late and then went on a run with my boyfriend. He was a great motivator as he's into running and I am very much not a runner. :) When all was said and done, I felt great. I always forget how good exercise feels after you get over the hump of not wanting to do it. On my list for tonight: A bachelorette party! The over the knee boots are coming out to dance!

Keep It Comfy

Black Trench: Last Kiss, Thrifted
Long Grey Top: Banana Republic, Thrifted
White Tank: Walmart
Scarf: Old Navy, $3 clearance
Jeans: Not Your Daughter's Jeans, Won from Fashion Pulse Daily, FREE!
Shoes: Black ballet flats, Kenneth Cole, Thrifted
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
Friday is my "casual day" at work - just like most offices. I wanted to keep my outfit for the day comfortable because I had a lot of files to catch up on and I can't stand feeling constricted all day if I have a lot of work to do.

I love this Banana Republic top (dress? I like it as a top) that I picked up at a thrift store ions ago because it is so, so soft. It's a tshirt with slightly more appeal to it, ya know? And it pairs perfectly with my favorite scarf from Old Navy that I picked up over the summer during one of their big 50% off clearance price sales.

These jeans - they're amazing. I first read about Not Your Daughter's Jeans on a blog that is now dead (sniff - Fell 4 Fashion - sniff). She had a pair that looked AMAZING on. I kept meaning to go check them out myself when I came across a contest to win a pair on Fashion Pulse Daily. I ended up being a winner and fell even deeper in love the second I put these babies on! I am wearing the 5-Pocket Boyfriend Jean. They are on the pricier side for a frugal lady like me - but I would definitely say that you get what you pay for. They are a good investment.

I am SO glad today is Friday! I'm even happier that I have a three day weekend thanks to Columbus Day! What are you weekend plans?

Shirt Around My Neck

I wore a shirt around my neck today.


Dress: Converse One Star, Target, $7.48 (clearance)
Scarf: DIY by me, Walmart, $3 (clearance)
Shoes: Apostrophe, Thrifted, $4.99
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
I made this fringy scarf using an old shirt and this tutorial from PS I Made This. I love a good, easy DIY. This takes absolutely no thought to do. An old shirt, good scissors, cutting and you're done.



I've held on to the shirt I made the scarf out of for a while. I bought it at Walmart off a clearance rack thinking it would look perfect with leggings because it was long and loose. It ended up looking like a sack on... which I, of course, found out at home since I didn't bother to try it on at the store. Oops. I liked the design of the stripes, so I held on to it, determined to recreate it into something else. The minute I found this tutorial I knew it would be perfect for this shirt. I think I was right - what do you think?

P.S. Yep, that's my messy kitchen. I didn't get home until late today because I picked my little brother up at school. It was too dark to take a picture outside so I improvised. Hope you don't mind! :)

Lesson in Frugality: Lace Up Boots

All I can think about right now is boots. Boots, boots, boots. I blame it on the SUPER CHILLY weather we have been getting right now. I know it's fall, but this weather has been making me think Michigan was going to skip that season all together and move right on in to winter. That being said, I went on the hunt tonight for the perfect lace up boots. I'm picturing these paired with some nice knit socks and a pretty full skirt. Sassy!


Quite a price difference, no?! Don't get me wrong... the Steve Madden Harllem boot is gorgeous. I like its smooth leather finish. I could see these paired easily with almost any outfit thanks to it's classic finish.

HOWEVER. You're here because you are frugal, like me. We don't regularly spend $99 on shoes. Well, I don't... especially when I know this boot may not be one I want to wear next fall. That's where the Route 66 Justine boot comes in. This lady is quite a deal at $29.99. Her finish is not as smooth as the Harllem boot, but that's ok. I like the more worn-in look this boot has - it adds an edgier look to it, which I think is perfect with a boot like this.

Which do you prefer?

Links for the Week's End

How is your weekend going? I have spent this rainy Saturday lounging around with my Ernie. (That's him, a bit smaller than he is now, above.) I wouldn't ask for anything more. I love to spend rainy weekends holed up inside, away from the cold and wet.

Here's some of my favorite things that have been found via my web browser lately...

Sparkle Power's friday etsy favorites are always fantastic. I especially love this week's edition. These vintage style feather pendants ($6!) from Two String Jane are at the top of my swoon list right now.

Emily (Cupcakes and Cashmere) has me toying with the idea of making my own english muffins. They are my bread breakfast item of choice. Topped with homemade strawberry jam? Yes, please.

A Pair and a Spare is my most favorite fashion/DIY blog right now. So, so, so in love with this blog! I am toying with the idea of creating one of these cut out shoulder shirts. This would be a cute look to wear to a bachelorette party I am attending next weekend.

I am loving this headband DIY over at ClosetConfections.com. It's a no sew - which means it's quick and easy! Imagine all different looks you could create with fun vintage ties...

Who doesn't love P.S. I Made This? I am especially enjoying her fringe scarf from an old tshirt DIY this week. Check out the video - It's so easy! I already made one and am planning on wearing it this coming week.

MakingItLovely.com is talking about her new necklace which is pretty but has meaning. I love the idea behind this! (And I'm loving dainty, small necklaces right now to boot.)

And, finally, I enjoyed viewing these very fashionable wedding guests! They gave that bride a run for her money! :)