Substitute Your Look: Animal Print in Red

OK, so I have to say that I am normally not a huge fan of the color red, but this dress had me hooked the second I saw it. Perhaps it is the style? Perhaps it is the animal print? Whatever it is, I LOVE IT.

But.

$95? Not exactly fashion frugality there. It's not terrible, no, but not cheap either. I am not ready to commit for that price. How about you?

But this pattern! Oh, this pattern. It must be available to the rest of masses, right? Those of us who consider ourselves a little extra frugal?

Why, yes! Yes, it is! And it comes in the form of a scarf! I think that is a great trade off, as I'm not sure this is a print I would want to wear for next three years or more. I think a great way of adding in "trendy" pieces is to do so in the form of an accessory - which is what we have here.

What do you think? Fair substitution? Which would you rather wear?

Lesson in Frugality: Tribal Necklace

I have been obsessed with Nicole Richie's House of Harlow line since it hit the market. I will admit to being a bit of a jewelry minimalist, at least lately... I don't wear much of it on a daily basis and when I do, it's just one of two small pieces. The House of Harlow line, though, is one I find myself drawn to time after time. Rarely do I like every single piece in any given line... but this one? Yes, please. However, with each jewelry piece ranging in price from $25 and up (and most pieces being on the up), it's not something I see myself readily dropping money on anytime soon. In case you didn't get the memo yet - this girl is cheap.

This is why I am constantly on the hunt for pretty pieces that either model the look and/or feel of the House of Harlow line. And let me tell you, when I found this vintage piece at Miskabelle Vintage I about did a jig! It easily captures the tribal feel of the House of Harlow Triangle necklace.



FRUGAL: Vintage Teal Enamel Triangle Necklace at Miskabelle Vintage
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...NOT SO FRUGAL: House of Harlow 1960 Tribal Triangle Necklace in Turquoise at Singer22.com

Truth be told, I'm actually a bigger fan of the vintage necklace from Miskabelle Vintage than I am of the House of Harlow necklace. The fact that it is vintage is icing on the cake. I love that it has an actual cut out design to it too.

So, my question is, which necklace would you rather wear?

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?

Lesson In Frugality: Sequin Tanks

Have you bought a sequin top yet? I've been resisting because I wasn't sure I was on board with this look. Sequins bring me back to the days of dance recitals. I wasn't sure how they would translate to clothing - especially every day pieces.

Recently, I found this gorgeous, yet simple grey sequin tank on Piperlime.com. It sold me on the sequin look. It was a little bit funky but not over the top - the perfect mix of a piece to work into my wardrobe. The price, however, wasn't working for me. $76 on sale? Not for this girl.

It took a little bit of time, but I found a decent frugal lookalike. I know that Kmart isn't the first place many of us would look for fashion choices, but you should really reconsider that! The Kmart design team is really shaking things up over there & breathing fresh air into Kmart's designs! Anyway, the lookalike? I think it's pretty close. The cut on the bottom is a bit different - but I actually like it more that way.

What do you think? Do you like the high or the low version more? Have you purchased a sequin piece for fall? If so, how do you plan on working it into your wardrobe?

Looking to add a little sparkle to your wardrobe? A sequin tank is a great, inexpensive way to do that! Looks great on its own for a night out or layered under a cardigan for a day date - the possibilities are endless! Give these options a try - they are all under $50 each!