Field Trip!!

This past weekend Leslie, Tracey, our friend Kim and I celebrated Leslie's birthday. We're a few weeks behind, but why not stretch out the party as long as possible?

We went to Bardstown, KY to see Stephen Foster - The Musical. It's an outdoor musical and wow do we have the bug bites to prove it!

The entire cast and even the girls with the programs dress in full period attire. It's a fun show and it's one of "those things" you need to go to at least once if you're in the area.

Of course, there's no escaping a photo opportunity when we're together so the poor program girls were asked to pose with our goofy selves:

I can't believe they let us out in public!

Hey, Leslie...that outfit looks awfully familiar...have I seen it somewhere? :) I hear Leslie does the equivalent of regifting with her Sunday/Monday outfits. Rumor has it her church outfit gets worn again on Monday morning...something about it taking the stress out of Monday mornings.

We need Tracey to post about that super cute dress she's wearing too - between that dress and her stunning bag, she was looking very glam, as usual!

Our buddy Kim is wearing her I'm Off Work Pants. Kim's an attorney and doesn't get to have as much fun with her wardrobe as we do during the work week. However, on the weekend or vacation, IT'S ON! Kim and I went shopping before vacation a couple of years ago and found the cutest capri pants that just scareamed "I'm Off Work!!" She had to have them! I usually make a face when I see capri pants, but Kim has the long thin legs that carry them off perfectly!

We had a great time and I can't wait for us to do it again soon. Next time, someone should bring bug spray!

I can't take it anymore!! --Leslie

I can't take it anymore!

I'm chopping my hair off this weekend. I'm quite sure it's the heat and humidity causing it but by 9am every morning it's limp, stringy and stuck to my head and lost entire shape and style. And I look in the mirror and feel blah. And darn it, I dress too cute to be feeling blah. Hair appointment is set for 11:45 Saturday morning.

What I am doing with it--well, that I'm not so sure about. I have a couple ideas--but they are just ideas. I'm open to more. That's where you fine, fashionable people come in. You've seen my style and probably get an idea of my personality from this blog to know what may work. And after all, I think hair is a part of fashion.

Here are the facts:

• I have incredibly fine, ultra straight hair. (My color has faded and I'm having touched up next Tuesday which will help make it a bit thicker--but not that much)
  
• I like big hair. And in addition to my hair being fine, there is not a lot of it. So it's a challenge to get it big. I like big hair because I have a full face and I think it balances it out
• I had a straight bob just past my ears--it was not good. 20 minutes after getting ready it was stringy and stuck to my face with no body. As such, it magnified my round face and cheeks. Not good.
  
• I use premium hair products. People always say "well if you cant get body or get your hair to hold style you need to use better products." Trust me, that is not the issue. It's really quite ridiculous. But once you start with that stuff, you can't seem to ever go back you know? Anyhow...that's a whole other post.
  
• Maybe the most important fact--I don't mind spending time to style my hair. I've never had a "wash and go" style because of all the reasons listed above so some styling and maintenance isn't a deterrent to me. Currently I spend about 7 minutes drying and about 10 minutes curling and flat-ironing every morning.
• My hair now is basically as long as I've ever had in my life (within maybe a half inch)
  

So there you go. Feel free to toss out ideas, links to pictures...whatever you think may work. This blog depends on you. Because if I have bad hair, then I won't want to be posting pictures. No matter how fabulous the clothes.

Help!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday - Jamie

Shirt: Target

Shoes: Khols

Lunch with friends - well I am back from N. Ohio. Here is my little cousin Bella - she said and I quote "Jamie you sit and let me read my Peoplezine" Ha!

Anyway, had lunch with my old co-worker/friend Nicole. I am so lucky my jeans still fit after a week of my grandma and aunt Bonnie's cooking. This top I bought at Target and it fits so comfy and the pink is a great color that I can wear into the fall. The shoes are surprisingly comfortable wedges that go perfectly with the top. Again, the belly was a little bloated so we went with the belt! Ha!

Some magazine inspiration- Leslie

Cardigan: Express

Cami: The Limited

Skirt: The Limited

Shoes: Steve Madden


Magazine Inspiration: Marie Claire, July 2008

A few weeks ago, Kimberly mentioned keeping a file of favorite outfits from magazines for inspiration on new ways to wear clothing items. What a fabulous idea I thought!! I read all these magazines but do nothing with them except fold down the corners of outfits or items I like and then never ever go back to what I folded down. So a couple weekends ago, I took my years worth of old issues piled up on the floor and went through and cut out outfits I like and could similarly copy from my own wardrobe. I put them all in a binder with tabs for each month of issues the photos were from (figuring in the fall, I would know to turn to fall months for inspiration).

So last night, I went looking for inspiration and found this picture. What I didn't realize until this afternoon is that it is the exact same outfit Kimberly gained her inspiration from a couple weeks ago--too funny! Great minds think alike!

I actually had another photo that I didn't have enough guts for--one magazine had this actual skirt in their April issue--paired with a black and white striped top (it was showing how to incorporate stripes and florals together). I had the items in my closet to copy the photo almost exactly--but I just don't know that Louisville is fashion forward enough to appreciate stripes and florals and not look at me weird as I walk down the street so I went for the more conservative look.

Only thing I did not have--no chunky necklaces and seeing my photo, I think that really would have tied everything together. Must look for long, chunky necklaces!

So this is my new thing--with my "Binder of Inspiration", I'm going to try to post a few outfits a month with my inspiration photo, just so you can see a magazine photo on a "real gal". It'll be fun!

Monday - Leslie

Dress: CAbi

Blazer: Ann Taylor Loft

Shoes: Payless

Well, I promised to show the good days and the bad. And today was a classic case of taking a picture and realizing after looking at the picture that the outfit wasn't as flattering as you thought it was. I think I just gained 20 lbs in this picture. It happens. A fashion oops.

This is the same "After-Five" dress that I wore last week--very cotton, very breathable, very stretchy, very comfortable. You can't really see but it actually has ruching all at the waist which is quite slimming. It is however a sleeveless dress and we aren't allowed to wear sleeveless at work so I simply grabbed a blazer to throw on over top for the office today.

The blazer served the purpose of meeting dress code but unfortunately, it meant losing all the shape of the dress. Lesson learned: this dress needs either a fitted jacket or something belted at the waist to keep the shape--a boxy jacket kinda ruins it.

But hey, it was 90 degrees. And I was walking outside and sitting in meetings. And I was comfortable. So that has to count for something.

Weekend and Traveling Scarf -- Ally

I hope you've all had a great weekend - I sure have! Al and I went to the new Bristol in Jeffersonville on the river for a brunch date. Most Louisvillians talk a lot of smack about Southern Indiana (they do call themselves The Sunny Side of Louisville after all) but I love it. Lots of great restaurants and you can't get a view like this of our beautiful city IN the city, so why not cross the bridge??
Brunch was super yummy and we sat outside. We got there just in time because the sun began to creep over the top of the building and onto our table on the patio just as we got our check. Whew! This pale gal doesn't do sun!









Top: NY&Co.

Skirt: Lands' End

Shoes: Gianni Bini

Bag: Coach

Scarf worn as belt: Kimberly's Traveling Scarf!!










I had a couple other ideas (one involved a great red dress) but I got so bent out of shape this morning with said red dress that this was my back up outfit. It worked, but it really wasn't what I wanted to wear. Oh well!















I got these wedges at Dillard's super crazy clearance three or four years ago for $17 or something nuts like that. They're so comfortable and one of my favorites.










This evening I'm getting together with some girls you may know...expect pictures!!

The new girl in my life... - Tracey

After much anticipation, I'm posting my biggest purchase since I bought my house 10 years ago... my new (to me!) car!! She's a 2005 Acura RSX and she's perfect for me! Cream colored leather interior, sun roof, 5 speed manual transmission and perky! And best of all she has something that my former car was lacking.. A/C!

Friday -- Ally

TGIF! Usually I'm not one to get fussy about a week seeming long but goodness! This one seemed to drag along!

Part of me thinks this outfit is a little too "sexy" for work, but the other part of me said to get over it and stop being such a prude. We'll see.

Dress: Merona (It's the black version of the one Leslie loves so much)

Python print scarf: Walmart ($2.50!!!!)

Belt: Walmart

Shoes: Jessica Simpson (Zappos.com outlet)












As you may have noticed, I'm a little busty. I have the occasional misstep and it's The Boob Show all day. I fret over this a lot and am constantly taping, pinning and layering to keep things in control.

It's getting old, though, so I thought I'd try something new. I wrapped the scarf around me and tucked the ends in my faux-Spanxx (classy, I know). It's not going anywhere!!!











Tracey and I spent a delightful afternoon at Zappos a few months back and these were one of my purchases. They're mostly uncomfortable but only b/c the platform/heel are "off" somehow and it hurts my ankle. I have flats under my desk for later!








And now, for the bargain of the century! Kimberly had posted about snagging a killer Python Coach iPod case and, of course, I wanted one! I already had a plain black Coach one (thanks, Mama & Daddy!) but seriously. A girl needs something snakey and sparkly on her desk, right?

I got mine for $16.01 and that included shipping. Retail was $178. I too rock it old school and have an iPod mini and can't justify upgrading.

Speaking of "justify" - I'm currently desk-dancing to some Justin Timberlake - yay for iPods at work!!! Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!!!

Leslie -- FRIDAY FRIDAY!!

Black "After-Five" Knit Dress: CAbi

Bird Cardigan: CAbi

Studded Belt: Target

Red Peep Toe Pumps: Diba

A little sweet and a little sass today, inspired by the Carrie Bradshaw "Roger" belt like all of America. I really like her actual Roger belt but there is no way I'm going to pay $120 for a BELT so when I found this version at Target, it was about an inch smaller than I wanted but I decided for the $107 price break, I could deal with it.

You all know my love for printed cardigans. They are just feminine and really seem to match who I am. This dress is soooo comfortable. I bought it on the CAbi line a couple years ago and only wore it twice in a year because it was labeled "After-Five" dress. However, it's as soft as a t-shirt and I decided there was no sense in it being "After-Five" only. With a casual belt and/or cardigan, it easily becomes a day dress!

Leslie - Thursday

Tie-neck Top: GO International

Vest: Mossimo

Gray Pinstripe Pants: Banana Republic Factory Outlet

Yellow Pumps: Nine West

A lot of prints and colors happening in this outfit...but I love it! I actually had several compliments at work on this combination. I really enjoyed it because I think it comes off as flirty and fun--but still very professional. I'm lucky because I think working in marketing, people tend to say "Oh she's in marketing, she's allowed to wear bolder colors and combinations because they're the creative type." I'm glad they never had dress codes when I was in school because I couldn't have taken it--my clothing expresses way too much about me. Of course, when I was in school, my clothing wasn't near this cute either. :-)

Thursday -- Ally

Leslie once said you can wear sequins on your birthday. While today's not MY birthday, it's gotta be someone's so I may as well celebrate!

Black pleated cardi: Mossimo

Silver sequin tank: New York & Company

Pants: east 5th (JCP housebrand)

Shoes: Target

Necklace: vintage










I bought this several weeks ago but keep putting off wearing it because I didn't have a short-sleeved cardi to 1) cover my arms and 2) hide the ill-fitting straps. They really need to be taken up but do fine if under a sweater.

Thankfully I took this picture early b/c I managed to dribble coffee on it late afternoon!












This lovely vintage necklace is courtesy of my Me-Maw. She was in town a year or two ago and spent the night with my parents. I was over and she was going through all her old costume jewelry. Of course, I had to get my sticky fingers involved!!








I love the tassle on this!


















She gave me several pieces and I'll make sure to debut them soon!












These shoes get a lot of use!













So happy birthday Amelia Earhart! Happy Pioneer Day, Utah! Most importantly, Happy National Tequila Day!! These sequins are for you!

Wednesday - Leslie

Mesh Tee: CAbi

Pants: The Limited

Zebra Shoes: Mossimo

Necklace: Just Jewelry

Ally, Tracey and I (along with Ally's main squeeze Al and his friend) went to see the Dark Knight. First of all, let me just say it was fabulous and Heath Ledger is as amazing as advertised. Anyhow, that isn't the point of this blog...

Since I knew I wouldn't have time to change after work and I would be sitting in a theatre for close to 3 hours, comfort was of the upmost key. I wore these more tailored pants for my one work meeting of the day which was first thing in the morning. I then changed into black mesh pants (the top is mesh as well) and black flip flops. Can't get much more comfortable than stretchy mesh and flip flops for a day getting major work done at my desk and then a movie after work. Plus, the mesh pants are fun because all I had to do to shorten them was simply cut off with a pair of scissors--no charge for hemming! Yea! I only wish I had ordered them a size smaller because they basically fall off. But they are comfortable and that's the point. The mesh pants and shirt are my "closest I can get to pajamas and still be considered business casual and in dress code" outfit. I think the fact that the pants are black make them acceptable.

What is not so comfortable are my zebra print shoes. You may remember when I got them. I walked around the condo in them a bit and thought they were surprisingly ok. Well, next time I'll walk for an hour and on concrete before delivering a verdict and deciding to keep them. Not so ok then. They are shoes made for a day of walking from the car to the office, sitting at the desk all day, and then back to the car. That and only that.

Road Trip Ready - Jamie

Top: INC (Love that line!)

Shorts: Old Navy

Sandals: Target

Well I am off to N. Ohio to visit family. I will make this short and sweet, because as Leslie can attest, I am always running late to things non-work related :) Jamie Time as my parents like to call it!

I am normally not a shorts girl but today is an exception given the warmth and the fact that I will be stuck in a car for 5 hours. Regardless, I am very excited to be heading off to see my family, computer in tow (toe? whatever).

Wishing you all a wonderful week and happy fashion!

Ciao Darlings!

Tuesday- Leslie

Ruffled Top: The Limited

White Pants: The Limited


Floral Shoes: Mossimo

Indulged in some retail therapy at the Limited this weekend...they had an extra 30% off all sale items so I grabbed a pair of super dark wash jeans for $10! I also grabbed this cute ruffled top (which looks even cuter layered under the new vest I bought) as well as a cardigan. Stay tuned to see all the new items. I had another big coupon in addition to the 30% off so that's how I was able to get some new fall goodies.

I typically don't wear wrap dresses or shirts because I hate to draw attention to my stomach, being the area I'm always trying to camoflauge. I don't think this is necessarily my top most flattering outfit but I was pleased that I thought it looked ok and was great for a 98 degree day!

Most importantly, maybe for the first time ever, I got through the day wearing my white pants without spilling anything on myself!!! It normally never fails!

More housekeeping!

Hello my wonderful fashionistas! Coming to you semi-live from Benton, KY once again to tell you I've gotten more work done for the site!

First, you no longer need to know some long blog address. You can now find the girls (and the occasional post from myself) at http://www.cuteonthecheap.com or http://www.cuteonthecheap.net ! Your current bookmarks and links will still work, but hand the new URL out to some of your friends who don't know about us yet!

Next, we've got mail! There are now e-mail addresses for any of you who want to contact Ally, Leslie, Jamie or Tracey. If you've got something cute you want to send along, send an e-mail to cuteonthecheap+cute@gmail.com . For a good fashion deal you want to pass along, send e-mail to cuteonthecheap+cheap@gmail.com . And if you've just got a question, comment, or technical issue, send an e-mail to cuteonthecheap@gmail.com .

We'll always get back to you. Also, in the sidebar, you'll notice a new link to the bios of the girls. Drop in there and check it out.

Monday night - Tracey

Zebra striped top - Nanette Lepore from Bluefly.com

Jeans - Gap Essential Fit

Shoes - Enzo Angolini from Nordstrom Rack

Bag - Rebecca Minkoff from NYC sample sale














Ok, so I have a confession to make. I'm quite often "cute", but not always on the "cheap". Although I never pay retail for designer goods, I'd say most of the people I know wouldn't exactly consider the things I buy a bargain. This outfit would be an example of that. I have this crazy girl crush on Nanette Lepore. I love her designs and feel like her clothing is a good representation of my style. Sexy and young at heart, but yet conservative enough to not look like I'm trying to 10-15 years younger than what I really am. It's very hard in your mid 30's to find age appropriate clothing to where you feel like you've still "got it" but you aren't letting "it" all hang out, if you know what I mean! I know how Nanette Lepore clothing is cut and so far it's pretty standard across the board... so if I see something in my size online on super clearance I can grab it and feel pretty safe that it's going to fit. I saw this Zebra print shirt online last fall and fell in love with it. I stalked it, but by the time if fell 50% off they were out of my size. When I saw it on bluefly.com, a couple of weeks ago, I acted fast and I'm so glad I did!

The shoes and bag are a little "matchy, matchy" for my taste, but I was in a hurry and it worked out good enough. The bag is the Rebecca Minkoff Morning after Mini bag. A friend of mine was lucky enough to get one from a sample sale in NYC for way under retail. For some unknown reason, she didn't like it, so I was happy enough to take it off her hands! I lovingly refer to her as "Becky". One of these days I'll take a picture of the inside of it. It's just as cute on the inside as it is on the outside! Oh! And the bottom of it is this gold crackle. FABULOUS.
The Enzo's I picked up on a recent trip to Milwaukee. They are super comfy and suprisingly versatile. I've worn them a lot so far.

Monday - Jamie

Shirt: TJ Maxx

Jeans: Vintage

Shoes: Payless

Hat: Target






























My first day of unemployment! Whoo hoo! Regardless, I refuse to walk around in sweats all day, I can still look cute :)

I am off to run some errands and have dinner with a friend tonight, so I figured jeans and a comfortable top will do. I am going to Chipotle for dinner so I definitely needed a shirt with some "give", because I just can't say no to a burrito! I am also all about the hat thing this week, I LOVE hats and wear them a lot, especially when the hair is looking a little funky.

My shoes were a lovely $14.99 purchase from Payless, the shirt was from TJ Maxx for $9.99 and jeans are vinatage. The most special piece of this outfit is my necklass, it has some history. This is circa 1960's given to me from my grandma Jo. Isnt it classic?

Weekend - Tracey

T-shirt dress - J Crew

Bag - Devi Kroell for Target

Shoes - Walmart George

Hat - Festival vendor














This Saturday was the Indianapolis Microbrewers Festival so I took a little trip to visit our neighbors to the north! Actually this was my 2nd trip to Indy this weekend, but more on that another day! I knew it was going to be rediculously hot, so once again I went for a dress. This was a dress that I tried on at Jcrew a few months ago and liked it a lot, but just couldnt allow myself to pay $88 for it. I stalked it until it came down to $30 and snagged it!

I decided that a hot sunny day spent outside would be the perfect opportunity to bust out one of my sun hats and I'm so glad I did! Allison and I both own these hats. We picked them up at one of the festivals around town that happen at Kentucky Derby time. Between the 2 of us we bought 4 hats. He had so many great colors that we just couldn't decide which ones to buy! The guy cut us a little bit of a deal, but not as much as we had hoped! It's made of straw and it's totally packable and crushable. I know this because I stuffed mine inside my tote bag on the trip up. :)

These gold sandals are becoming a summer staple. Definitely a good find for $10!!

Weekend -- Ally

What a great weekend!! Exhausting, but great. Tracey, Al and I took a little road trip to pick up T's new car (can't wait for her to share her new, cute ride!) and did some serious SuperTarget shopping! We don't have a SuperTarget in Louisville but now I really wish we did!

Dress: Mossimo ($20)

Wooden necklace: Walmart ($5)

Belt: "borrowed" from Mama

Bracelets: Old Navy ($3 for all 10 - super sale!)

Wedges: Nine West Studio ($20 @ Zappos.com outlet, natch)

Purse: Coach (not cheap but cute!)







This belt is probably 20 years old. I remember Mama wearing it with jeans and when I got a little older, I took it over. It's been mine ever since but I've probably not worn it in at least 10 years. It's lived in my donate-to-goodwill box for so long it's embarrassing. Yet today, for some reason, I remembered it and thought it'd pull this dress together - and it did! The elastic on it is nearly shot so it doesn't have much life left.


Picked up this necklace at Walmart for $5 or so.

The bracelets were an Old Navy super clearance deal. They were packaged together in a pretty box for Mother's Day and marked $20, but I got them for $3! It's a set of 10 and each are different.












I looooove these shoes. I call them my Big Girl Shoes because I'm at least 5 inches taller in them. They're certainly not something I wear if I'll be walking at all.

I guess the Nine West Studio line isn't around anymore because I couldn't find them online. They were Nine West's high-end line and featured nicer leathers, styles, and all the shoes came with sleeper bags. These retailed at $140 but you know I didn't pay that! $20 at the Zappos.com outlet!


I have a feeling this dress will get a LOT of wear this summer. It's so versatile and I can't wait to try some new things with it!

Friday -- Ally

Wow it's hot outside! I try to dress in layers, but being as I'm hot-natured I'm never comfortable this time of year. My office is in the corner of the building so two walls of windows + an over-worked HVAC unit = One hot and fussy Ally.

Cardi: Merona

Black/white tank: Merona

Pink lace trim shell: Mossimo

Pants: Worthington

Shoes: xhiliration

Bracelet: Walmart








I wasn't sure how this would work but I like it! I usually wear a red tank under the black/white shirt because it's so low but the pink perked this up nicely!




















I love a good sparkly shoe! These are no exception :)


I have a pair of Steve Madden pumps in a similiar design (LOVE THEM) but these are much more casual and fun.










Happy weekend and stay cool!!

Fantastic Friday!! -- Leslie

Striped Ruffle Tee: The Limited

Vest/Waistcoat: NY & Company

Dot Print Skirt: The Limited

Shoes: Diba

It was red peep toe pump day at work--unplanned but 3 of us all wore red peep toe pumps and one of my co-workers wore all black and white too! I think we all just think too much alike.

I am liking this look MUCH better than the last time I wore the waistcoat. I like the skirt with it better I think (feels more feminine) and I think the ruffles on the shirt also help balance out the menswear look.

This outfit was a fun "print mixing" when you saw up close (you can click on each picture to see larger) because the top was striped and the skirt has tiny polka-dots. I liked how they turned out together though.

Also, I received some compliments on my monogrammed bag from earlier this week. It is from a line founded in Louisville called B's Purses where you can basically design your own bag. I have just a couple of their basic bags I alternate between on occasion but thought you may be interested to know that the founding ladies are going to be on the View today. Check it out!

Also, how it exciting was it to see Project Runway back on the air Wednesday evening? Yippee for Tim and Heidi!

Thursday - Leslie

Dress: Merona

Belt: The Limited

Shoes: Nine West

Well, I finally broke down and bought the yellow pointy toe pumps I have been whining and longing for for the past 2 months. Once I started enjoying my orange pumps more, I decided I was ready to purchase another new pair of colored pumps. I debated on which color to get (it was between yellow, purple or green) but I started noticing all of Kasmira's fabulous outfits with yellow pumps and decided they would be my color of choice. Around that same time, I started noticing all the items in my wardrobe with a hint of yellow that some fabulous yellow pumps would really pull out. Then the fabulous KT starting assisting me in my search and found some cute ones on endless.com. The rest is shopping history.

I don't think I've posted an outfit in this dress yet which is totally shocking since I have worn it more times than most items in my wardrobe. I found it at Target last year and just love it. It's comfortable, a fun print, can have any color incorporated, is simple to pack, etc. What is funny is that one of my co-workers who I work the closest with has this exact same dress (I saw her wearing it the day I came in for my first interview and thought "Uh oh, this girl is wearing my clothes, this could be a problem..." :-) ) so anytime I'm going to wear it, I try to make sure to let her know the night before or call that morning so we don't have an embarrassing situation showing up to a meeting like the Bopsy Twins! I'm still waiting on the day that it happens though--it'll be funny when it does!

Anyway, this simple, inexpensive dress has been many places in the last year....most notably the Kentucky Oaks (below with Jamie, Ally and our friend Kim) and on a cruise to the Bahamas with the college friends (picture below with Jamie).

Hmmm....now about those purple pumps....