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!

LOOK GREAT FOR LESS: Thigh High Boots

There has been a pair of boots I've wanted for quite some time now: the thigh high boot. Everytime I see someone wearing them, I die. They look, at least in my opinion, gorgeous on anyone: tall, short, skinny, not skinny... you get the idea. The hard part is finding the right pair to fit your legs. This becomes an even bigger task when you factor in price.

Thigh high boots are no cheap task. Regular footwear can be pricy, so add in the fact that you're asking for a thigh high piece of footwear and you're looking at high prices.

I sat down determined tonight to find the perfect, frugal pair. I am sick of lusting over these beauties! I was ready to make a pair mine. The weather has been particularly chilly here lately so fall/winter has been nipping at my ear. Thoughts of boots, coats and sweaters have been dancing in my head! Oh, yes, I thought... a pair of boots shall become mine tonight!

HOURS later - I came across the Da Viccino Sofit at Shoebuy.com. Yes, perfect! Why? Well, I was looking for a non-suede, angled top pair of boots that looked like they could be roomy enough for my calves. Yes, ladies, I have been cursed blessed with ample calves. This pair provided all of that for me. Why not suede, you ask? I love the suede boots I have seen but felt for my first pair I would prefer to not have suede.

The best part? These came in under $50! Now that's what I call a deal!

Not convinced that these are as fantastic as I think they are? Check out this comparison with a slight lookalike pair:

Don't get me wrong, the Modern Vintage Carina is a gorgeous boot and with it's leather exterior, it's bound to last for ages... but I just don't have the $450 to shell out in this type of situation.

What do you think? Do you like my lookalike?

Looking for the perfect pair of thigh high black boots? Check these out - all pairs are under $50!