Thursday -- Ally

I don't have an outfit for today, but I do have a "hatrospective" of Oaks/Derby attire over the years. I even threw in a little Breeder's Cup action for you. I bet you'll recognize some of these faces too :)

Oaks 2007. It was a drizzly and cloudy day. Such a bummer.

Oaks 2004 with Leslie! We didn't plan on matching that day either!

Oaks 2006. We were in the Infield that year and I'm pretty sure I've never been so hot in my entire life. That's Kim with me. Tracey was there too but this is the only quasi-flattering pic of the day!

Oaks 2008 with Leslie, Jamie, and Kim. This was mere minutes before the sky opened up and rained rained rained.

Breeders Cup 2006 with Leslie, Tracey and Kim. We're a Superfecta!

At Maker's Mark Distillery with Tracey (Al was behind the camera) at a Hillary Rodham Clinton rally last May. This is one of her Secret Service guys. He was HOT STUFF. This picture is on my desk at work and I get a giggle out of it every day. I was so surprised at how good-looking all the SS guys were. Oh and so you all know, when HRC was shaking hands with everyone at the end, she looked up at me and said, "I love your hat!" I babbled like a fool about how I was reading her book and that I loved her too. Such a wordsmith. *sigh*

So I was wrong about not having an outfit. I found one from a couple of weekends ago! Tracey and I went to Keeneland to celebrate my birthday.

Dress: Charlotte Russe

Cardi: Old Navy

Flats: Sam Edelman

Sunnies: Max Studio

Hat: Tracey and I each bought two of these from a guy at the Chow Wagon last year. This one in particular is hers. I have it in green and black. LOVE.

Bag: Furla

Necklace: gift




The top of this dress is smocking, it's strapless and it ties in two places in the back. How's THAT for support? Ugh. It is, however, adorable when layered under something. As Tracey put it earlier that day, "No one over the age of 12 should ever wear smocking."

I hope you all have a GREAT weekend. I'll do my best to get a Oaks/Derby recap up on Sunday so stay tuned!

Wednesday -- Leslie

Jacket: CAbi (Fall 2008)

Leopard Tank: The Limited

Red Pants: Express

Pumps: Pleaser

Does wearing animal print make anyone else feel as sassy as it does me? I swear, I wear animal print and I just walk a little taller and swing my hips a little more! Pair it with power red and I just feel like the woman in charge. Even if I'm not!

Tuesday -- Ally

It's Kentucky Derby Week and you know what that means: Tracey and I work as little as possible! We have a few days of big hats, small bets (well for me at least), and F-U-N fun ahead!

Dress: JCP

Belt: NY&Co.

Necklace: Walmart

Bracelets: Old Navy

Shoes: Ralph Lauren









I thought I've worn this dress on here a lot more than I actually have. Maybe I just haven't posted it. I've worn this dress here. And here. I have absolutely gotten my $19 out of it though. You can find some great deals in the clearance section on JCP's website.

Just did some quick math and this whole outfit was super cheap:
Dress $19
Belt $14
Necklace $5
Bracelets $4
Shoes: $28
Total: $70

Not bad!!

A cold morning but warm day

Red Shirt: NY and Company

Black Leather Jacket: Ann Taylor

Olive Zippered Skirt: Express

Pumps: Pleaser

This time of the year can be so hard to dress for. You leave home in the morning with bare legs and it's 40 degrees and by the time you head home after work, it's 70 and you're ditching the jacket.

I'm excited to start wearing skirts again for spring (and will be even moreso when it's about 55 when I walk out in the morning!) However, last week, I did determine that if the skirts were coming out soon, it was time to pull out the sunless tanner so I didn't scare you all. Hopefully the blinding white will subside by the end of the week!

Weekend -- Ally

Today is all about keeping it simple and comfortable...and cool. It's 87 degrees as I type this (didn't we have sleet last week?!?) and while to most folks that's just heavenly, it's too hot for me. Both my office and bedroom have A/C issues, so the only place I can get cool in the warmer weather is my car. I walk around and am outside a lot with work so getting sweaty is part of the deal unfortunately.

Pleated neck cotton shirt: NY&Co.

Jeans: Gap

Necklace: little shop in New Orleans

flats: Clarks (from my Zappos.com outlet haul!)

One area where I rarely keep it simple is what I carry around in my bag and keep in my desk at work. I'm still a Girl Scout at heart and am always not only prepared, but probably have you covered too. You'll never find me without a bottle opener, cork screw, knife, tissues, a dozen lip glosses/lip sticks, sunscreen, band aids, lotion, umbrella, dental floss, and probably even a snack. And that's just my daily stuff. My car is just as prepared and if we're going somewhere (road trip, Oaks/Derby, etc) I'll have it ALL. Heck, last year I brought some extra ponchos with me to the Oaks and sold them for $5/each. It PAYS to be prepared too!

While it sounds I'm only prepared for drinking, murdering, and primping, it soothes my control issues, and makes life easier.

I think we're all guilty of toting around more lip products than even necessary. I like to have choices! Kimberly over at Fab Finds for $50 is hosting a killer giveaway. Be sure to enter - you can get up to three entries too!!

I currently have WAY too many lippies...the breakdown:

On/in my desk:

• L'Oreal lipstick in Aishwarya's Beige (perfect nude color)

• Bare Escentuals lipstick in Ripe Fig
  

• Cover Girl lipstick in 980 (it's so old but still really pretty)


• Maybelline lipstick in Rasin Burst (another oldie but goodie)
  


• Revlon lip gloss in Peachy Sheen (I LOVE this stuff. Tracey gave me a tube b/c she didn't love it and of course it's limited edition. I found some at Big Lots last summer and stocked up)


• Lacura lip balm in milk & honey (I'll be reviewing these Lacura products soon. They're available at Aldi)


• Blistex Lip Infusion (I don't think this stuff works very well but I keep it around)
  

In my bag:

• Lorac Mocktail in Caffeini Martini

• Aveda lip tint in Berry


• Revlon lip gloss in Peachy Sheen (I keep multiples of this one around)


• Korres Cherry Lip Gloss in #33 Nude


• L'Oreal lipstick in Eva's Caramel


• Korres Cherry Lip Gloss in #27 Plum


• Burt's Bees beeswax lip balm (I have one of these on my nightstand too. LOVE)
  

In my make up bag (which is sometimes in my desk, sometimes at home, sometimes in Al's car)

• Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips Lip Gloss in Amber

• Korres lip butter in Pomegranate

I clearly need to enter a 12-step program. You don't even want to know how many I have at home!!! Ahh!!!!!!!! They're going to band together and take over the house.

Breaking out the white--jeans?!?!

Wrap Tee: CAbi (Spring 2009)

White Jeans: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Bronze Heels: Via Spiga

Trench: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Multicolored Necklace: Forever 21

I can hardly believe it but I bought white jeans. And I love them. Feel like I'm getting back in touch with my 80's side :-) Now all I need are some bright colored denim. Yeah, maybe not. I'll stick with white! I have a feeling these are going to become my summer staple.

(And side note...you can also tell that this loquat color is going to be my new favorite color of the season. I've seen it all over and am a big fan--a color I had previously not had in my closet at all!)

The weather is finally starting to cooperate and feel like a week before Derby! (As you can see in the background, hello sunlight!) It's a nice warm day and while it was brisk in the morning, it was warm in the afternoon. As opposed to taking 2 pictures, one with the jacket on and one with it off, I decided to just hold it open so you can see what's on underneath for when it gets warm!

Thursday -- Ally

I've had this dress for several years but I think this is the first time I've worn it on here. I *really* think it needs to be about an inch shorter but my sewing skills just aren't there yet. Kasmira and Oh That Girl both have this and it looks so beautiful on them - they've both also hemmed theirs. Tracey has it and the length is perfect on her.

Wrap dress: Target

Belt: NY&Co

Michelle Obama pearls: Walmart

bracelets: Old Navy

Shoes: Stuart Weitzman









The amount of compliments I've received on this outfit today has really surprised me. I think since I strayed from my uniform folks noticed. hahaha

So what do you think? Hem it or no?

Not fighting the weather anymore...just working with it!

Bronze Jacket: CAbi (Spring 2008)

Orange Cami: Old Navy

Cigarette Pants: CAbi (Fall 2008)

Orange Pumps: Schutz

Multi-Colored Necklace: Forever 21

Silver Necklace: The Limited

Was thinking today that I hadnt worn my orange pumps in a long time so wanted to pull them out. The orange cami seemed perfect to tie the outfit together--but it photographed more of a peach color. Let me assure you it's absolutely a deeper orange and I am not mixing peach and burnt orange colors together today.

Rainy mornings = lined spring coat. And no flip in the hair. Ive decided to quit fighting nature and when the weather isn't cooperative, I'll simply wear the hair straight. It only took me 27 years to get to that mature viewpoint!

Tuesday -- Ally

Have you noticed with the exception of this past weekend I've had a serious lack of outside photos? I'll be sharing why later in the week. Let's just say it's a REALLY CUTE REASON :)
Cardi I wear too often: Old Navy

black lacy cami: Old Navy

Pants: JCP

Shoes: Cole Haan

Scarf: vintage Vera










I've been itching to wear this scarf ever since I scored it on eBay. I love blue and green together but until today, just hadn't had the right outfit. I like to pair a pretty scarf with something simple outfit-wise. Granted, I'm pretty simple most days, but I went super simple so the scarf can be the main attraction.

So so pretty and tied in the Pretty Gal Sal bow :)

Pretty sparkly around here!

A few weeks ago the lovely Nadia from one of the internet's most affordable jewelry stores Ice.com asked if I'd like to select a piece of jewelry from their $100 and under section and tell you all what I thought about it. I have an opinion about everything and I love jewelry so how could I say no?

I quickly set my sights on a necklace that was totally my style. I placed my order and in just a couple of days, my necklace arrived in a beautiful gift box. Ice.com really takes their packaging seriously and I'm a sucker for something well-packaged and presented nicely.
The gift box was wrapped in Ice.com tissue and then the box itself was wrapped in a blue bow. Inside the box was a blue velvet box with the necklace inside. Already I'm impressed and I've not even gotten my grubby paws on the goods.
Right away I was amazed at the quality of this necklace. It's sparkly and dainty yet substantial and classic. I'm trying to wear more gold with "warm" colors and this was a great piece to make that transition with. I've had the necklace for a couple of weeks and worn it several times and as delicate as it appears, it's very sturdy and I've been pleased with it.
I absolutely recommend checking out Ice.com and Nadia was awesome enough to give y'all a coupon code for 20% off. Just enter IMSHJ and receive 20% off anything except engagement rings or sale items. They offer free shipping too, so you can't beat it! The code expires May 8th.

Great minds dress alike...

Dragonfly Sweater: Old Navy

Floral Shirt: Old Navy

Pinstripe Pants: Banana Republic

Patent Sandals: Boutique 58 (part of my recent Zappos haul)

Bought these two items on the same trip to Old Navy but never saw them together until they happened to wind up next to each other in my closet. Don't you love it when that happens and you put something together you wouldn't have thought of otherwise just by happenstance on where they hang in the closet?

Funny thing today, I hear this voice right after I get in my office that says "Rumor has it I'm dressed like my boss today!" and my co-worker rounds the corner in an Old Navy cardigan the EXACT color of this sweater. And we had meetings together. And everyone commented on it. We have a bad habit of coordinating outfits--often times because we shop at the same places! We even have the exact same dress from Target that was bought before I even worked for the organization so I'll text with warning if I am going to wear it to work the next day! Wearing a cardigan and sweater the same color is one thing--but the exact same dress? Better not let that happen!

Weekend -- Ally

I'm admittedly a little lazy and a bit of a slacker when it comes to some stuff, and this blog entry is no different. I have a BIG weekend of horseracing, brunching, and celebrating going on, so these pics are from last weekend. I planned ahead, ladies. The only reason I even mention these are old pics, is b/c of the rain boots. You local ladies will know we have nothing but clear and sunny skies in our forecast, but last weekend was another story. Sunny then rain then sun again.

We went out with some friends and I was in no mood to get cute shoes all wet and dirty so I wore my trusty rain boots:
Cardi: Target

T-shirt: Old Navy

Denim pencil skirt: Lands' End

Leopard belt: JCP

Necklace: Ice.com (check back tomorrow for more about this necklace!)

rain boots: Payless

Per usual, you'll have to excuse the lack of make up. I usually put it on in the car en route to dinner/drinks :)





Sunday was Easter and nothing is Springy to me more than polka dots, pink and green:
Cardi: same from above, Target

Dress: Target

Belt: NY&Co.

Necklace: Walmart

Shoes: Target

Sunnies: MaxStudio

Bracelets: Old Navy

Bag: Furla




As you may remember, Leslie and I both have this dress and once, even wore it on the same day :) I've had this dress for a while and it's so versatile. Of all the places I've worn it, this is my favorite. Can you guess where I am??


Note: Not a former boyfriend; just a friend. And no, he's not an alien with no face. Merely protecting the innocent!

We have a winner!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats to Milly at Shoes, Bages, Clothes...Oh My! for winning our Korres set giveaway. It was really interesting to read how you all get out of a fashion rut.

My super, scientific method of drawing a winner.

Seems the majority of you read fashion blogs, look at magazines, or hit the stores with a friend or family member. Some of you just shop and make it work - sounds like something I'd do!!

The response was overwhelming and it was great to "see" some new faces. Please don't stop leaving your great comments - it's been great to discover your blogs too!

Milly, email us your mailing info and I'll get it out to you!!

I'm not waiting anymore!

Trench: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Black Wrap Tee: CAbi (Fall 2008)

Charcoal Cigarette Pants: CAbi (Fall 2008)

Zebra Scarf: Boutique in the Mount

Pumps: Pleaser

I got this new trench a couple weeks ago and had been trying to wait until it was warm enough to wear short sleeves to wear it. I finally gave up today--decided I was tired of waiting so decided to layer!

I love the color--it's just different than anything else in my closet (same color as the wrap tee I wore a couple weeks ago with the travelling scarf) and the cut is very slimming, especially in the back with the gathers. My sales rep said many girls are buttoning the coat and wearing it as a dress. We'll have to see if I am that brave. I need outerwear like a hole in my head, so if the outerwear was a dress, it would allow me to rationalize some more!

Thursday -- Ally

***Have you entered the giveaway contest yet?! Tomorrow is your last day to enter! Also, don't forget to email us at cuteonthecheap at gmail dot com if you cross-posted it so you can get a double entry!!***

I have 5 Lands' End Friends & Family codes good for 30% off. First five people to email us gets them!!!

Today's outfit was one of desperation. It's laundry day (week??) around these parts so I picked what was clean and comfortable.

Cardi: NY&Co.

Pleated top: NY&Co.

Pants: Old Navy

Belt: Walmart

Shoes: JCP

Necklace: no idea







The belt came off for most of the day as I was chained to my desk. No sense in being bound up! I'd completely forgot I had this necklace until this morning as I was scrambling to get out the door. I bought it from a lady who sold jewelry at parties and she sold it to me for half off b/c it got twisted easily and no one wanted it. I like a good challenge, so I bought it for $7.

Cold Snap Dressing

Green Sweater: Old Navy

White Tee: CAbi

Scarf: The Limited

Navy Pants: CAbi

Camel Boots: Payless

I'm behind in posting but last week, we had a major cold snap in the Ohio Valley. As in from 75 degreees one day to in the 30s the next (sinus infection here I come...). When I woke up and the wind chill was below freezing, I had no clue what to wear. I wanted to still feel like spring but obviously wanted to stay warm. My office is floor to ceiling windows so it's warm on warm days with the sun coming in and freezing on cold, dreary days.

I love the combination of kelly green and navy--it just feels so preppy and bright and seemed like the solution to countering dressing for the cold snap. A scarf is needed in temps like those but this scarf was at least bright bold colors. It may not have felt like April outside--but I felt like April when I looked in the mirror!

Tuesday -- Ally & a new 'do

I hope you all had a great weekend! Easter is one of my favorite holidays and it's mostly because I hate casseroles and most Thanksgiving/Christmas food but LOVE ham and chocolate bunnies!

Cardi: Old Navy

Pink tshirt: Target

Pants: Old Navy

Perfect shoes: Cole Haan

Michelle Obama pearls: Walmart

enamel bracelets: Old Navy







While the 'do isn't really new, I did have six inches cut off the length and the bangs shortened. My hair goddess about had a heart attack - said I'm her only bride-to-be who ever asked her to whack off her hair instead of just trimming so it'll be long long long. To me it's just hair. It's been shorter and Al still loves me.

I looooove this cardigan and wish I had it in other colors:


The shoes are delicious. They're insanely comfortable (wore them 11+ hours the first time out of the box) and look great.














I'd love to have another pair in the champagne patent. My Weitzmans are my only bone/taupe shoes and I really would like another pair:


I'm not quite the Coat Collector that Leslie is, but I did need a lighter coat for spring/fall. I'd been eyeballing this coat at Target, but I just wasn't ready to drop $40 on it quite yet. I was at Target a couple of weeks ago shopping for a baby gift and after 20 minutes in the diaper aisle, I had to cleanse the palette and do a little shopping for me. I spotted the coat on the clearance rack for 50% off, in my size, and the last one. I couldn't say no!

They still have it online for $28 and it's absolutely worth it. The lining is adorable (orange with white polka dots!!!!!) and I wish I had snapped a shot. I'll do it soon.















Speaking of wishing, I wish I had bought more of these bracelets when they were cheaper! I bought them in black and green:

Don't forget to enter our giveaway! Last day for comments is Friday, April 17th.

Easy Mixing of Black and Brown

Black Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft

Black Tank: Merona

Brown Cuffed Pants: Banana Republic

Black Pumps: Pleaser

Neckerchief: Stolen from my grandmother

I've seen several people mix black and brown with great style. It's a color combo that used to be "off-limits" but now looks sophisticated and chic. However, because it was taboo for so long, I've never been able to quite get comfortable with it.

I've found that for me, the easiest way to mix the colors on my own is with a touch of leopard print. It ties the colors together and makes it obvious that the combination of colors was desired and not a mistake. I think that's the key when mixing colors like black and brown; black and navy; pink and orange--that you make it clear you meant to put the two together!

What "taboo" color combo do you like to try from time to time?

Weekend -- Ally and a giveaway!

Can you believe the poinsettia at work is STILL alive?? It's still alive b/c I've not touched it, this much I know.
Cardi: NY&Co.

Pleated tank: NY&Co.

Jeans: Old Navy

Necklace: gift

Bracelet: Walmart

Shoes: Sam Edelman








Since I've been boring you so much lately with my "uniforms" I decided to do a little giveaway. I've been a fan of Korres products for several months now and want to share the love.

The Best of Korres set is a terrific way to get familiar with the brand and try a little of everything.

Included in the set:
Guava Body Butter
Basil Lemon Shower Gel
Vanilla Cinnamon Shower Gel
Wild Rose moisturizer
Eye cream
Cooling yogurt gel

So here's what I need from you: What do you do to get out of a style rut? Do you look at magazines for inspiration? Check out fashion and style blogs? Watch runway shows?

Leave a comment with what you do and I'll draw a name from all the entries. You have until April 17th to leave your comment!

If you post this on your blog with a link back to this post, you'll get another entry :) Be sure to email us with your link so we can be sure to count you!

Thanks and good luck!!

(I feel like a total eBayer with this pic. Nice thumb, huh?)

April layers

Wrap Tee: CAbi

Button Down: Bitten

Scarf: Limited

Pinstripe Pants: Banana Republic

Pumps: Charles David

April is such a weird month. The weather is so up and down that you can't always wear your spring clothes but yet it IS April so you don't want to be wearing wool.

This outfit seemed perfect for the cold snap. A teal tee, lined light gray pants and a bright colored scarf kept me warm--but still feeling seasonably approrpriate!

Thursday -- Ally

April showers bring May flowers, right? I sure hope so. I'll take the rain and the cold and the snow (seriously, snow.) if it makes for a pretty Spring!
Cardi: NY&Co.

Lace cami: Old Navy

Pants: Old Navy

Shoes: Sofft

Necklace: Sarah Balmer via Scout










Nothing out of the ordinary - it's my "uniform." :) At least I'm consistent, right?


Close up of necklace. I LOVE THIS NECKLACE. I've totally gotten my money's worth out of it.












Shoes. I wear these pretty often, and they are really comfortable, but after 11 hours at work and a LOT of walking, the tops are like cheese graters on my toes. OWIE.

Leslie's Zappos Haul

A couple weeks ago, Ally mentioned her Zappos haul during their big sale so I figure it's only right to show mine off as well. I've been a Zappos girl for about 8 years (going back to the days where everything in the then-tiny store was $20 regardless of brand) and this was one of, if not the, best sale I've ever seen as far as prices and selection go.

Gabriella Rocha: $17.50 (reg price $68.25--I know--I had ordered them the week before full price and then found at the outlet for $17.50 so returned the other pair since I hadn't worn them yet!

Via Spiga: $46.50 (brown croc strappy heel)

RSVP: $7.97 (navy patent with gold heel)

RSVP: $7.97 (basic black, patent pumps)

Boutique 58: $36.50 (medium brown patent--I think these are my favorite!