Cheaply Chic

So like I've mentioned before, I really try to stay away from Forever 21's stores, but sometimes that proves difficult when they offer particularly tempting goods.

Two examples:

This tunic/t-shirt dress is most likely totally flimsy, but if I wear a nude slip underneath and maybe belt it, I think it would make a nice relaxed summer look. Plus...$5.99? Come on now.


This item is actually in stores, and I have been so tempted to buy it on numerous occasions. It's a stylish windbreaker, which almost feels like it should be an oxymoron. I've seen it in person and it's made of swishy water-resistant fabric, which means it would function wonderfully as a raincoat, and where I'm going for college that would be a great addition to my wardrobe. Alas, it's 3/4 sleeved. If it's cold and rainy I'm probably going to want coverage on my wrists, and unfortunately this doesn't give it. I know it's kind of a picky detail, but if I'm going to spend $29 on a Forever 21 windbreaker, it had better have everything I need. Sigh...

In The Navy

I recently received a coupon in the mail for Gap's Give and Get Program. Now, I know the clothing at Old Navy/Gap/Banana Republic can at times seem a bit overpriced for the basics that they're offering, but they last a long time and often feature sweet little details that are overlooked in the same basics at, say, H&M. This coupon takes a hefty 30% off of any of my purchases, and while I've been satisfyingly lazy ever since I got this coupon in the mail, I'm seriously considering these items from Old Navy:

This is the kind of thing that I hope to be wearing in college. I can throw it over jeans and a tank and it looks pretty casual, but kind of in that effortlessly comfy-casual with a hint of style way. $10.99


I'm kind of obsessed with textural floral details, like the rosette designs that have been everywhere or these types of cutout designs. This tank would be great to wear under a cardigan with jeans for a typical college day as well. $7.99


This ruffle-neck cardigan is yet another college friendly piece, just because it's a simple thing I can throw on over anything, but yet it has a little bit of flair. $12.99


I already have a black jersey T-shirt dress, and it's so comfy and easy to accessorize that I find myself wearing it all the time, every season (it's great with tights for winter!). I think this slubby grey one would be another nice college basic, just because it's so easy to throw on but it kind of looks put together. $11.99

Do The Wang Thang

While I was doing my usual bout of online browse-shopping, I happened upon two bargainous finds from a fashion favourite, Alexander Wang.

Alexander Wang blush crepe gathered babydoll dress, $197.99


Alexander Wang keyhole dress, $196.80


Though these may not be the most frugal finds in the world, they're quite cheap for Alexander Wang.

You can see the lovely Sea of Shoes wearing the latter dress here.

View from the Top

As a 5'2" teenage girl, it can be daunting to take on the fashion world which often seems to be tailor-made for leggy, Amazonian, model-types. In my own life, I don't find being small too much of a hassle but I definitely wouldn't mind an extra inch or two. But the life of a high school teen who has to climb numerous stairs to her classes doesn't exactly call for platform heels. I've slowly tried to pull myself away from the many gorgeous flats out there (trust me, it's hard!), so in honor of that here are a few wedges for anyone looking to gain an inch or two without breaking the bank (or your ankle).

This simple brown pair of flats would be a great, classic addition to any girl's wardrobe. They go with everything (well, almost) and can be used in both winter and summer. The 1.5-inch-heel gives you an extra boost height-wise without going crazy, and the though the $39.99 clearance price isn't outrageously cheap, these simple shoes will last you a long time.


These grey suede flats deviate from the traditional black or brown wedges (though you can get these shoes in both black and brown as well) while still remaining classic and neutral. The 2.5-inch wedge might be daunting for some, but take it from me - it's a lot better than a 2.5 inch skinny heel. Again, the $49.99 clearance price isn't the greatest, but these are classic shoes that will last you for quite a while.


If you're looking for a more summery vibe, these green canvas espadrilles offer a punch of colour for neutral-loving gals like myself. Plus, they're only $19.00 at Newport News!


Or, if you're looking for something a little bit nicer but still summer-appropriate, check out these cute polka-dot wedges, also from Newport News. At $24.00, they're a bit pricier than the espadrilles above, but they're still a lovely addition to anyone's shoe collection.


For a dressier vibe, try these metallic open-toe wedges, which offer a comfy yet stylish alternative to stiletto heels and are wonderfully priced at $19.00


Or, to rock the metallic in a subtler way, try these black wedges with silver trim ($24.00), or black wedges with a gold heel ($25.00). These two are a tad higher than the other wedges I've featured, but they're still easier to walk in than heels!