Sunday, August 30, 2009

Look for Less - Frye





While shopping at Target this afternoon, I spotted some lovely Frye Harness knockoffs. The top boots are the original, classic Fryes. They can be yours for $222 on zappos.com.

If $222 just isn't in the budget, but you love the look of the Fryes, then Target has a great option for $49.99 (botttom picture). I tried them on in store, and I'd say go up about a half a size. Like a lot of boots, they run a tad small.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

I've worn these flats into the ground.

I wear the heck out of these shoes and I'm sure you've noticed. I've finally worn a hole in the left shoe's sole. I wish I had snapped a pic of it before I took them to the shoe doctor today. I get them back next week so I'll be sure to let you know how they look. For $25, they better be mighty fine! :)
Dress: NY&Co.

I got this on some super, crazy clearance special for $7!

Michelle Obama pearls: Walmart

Flats: Sam Edelman

If you live in the Louisville area, I can't recommend Fern Creek Shoe Repair enough. They've been in business for decades. I remember going there w/my parents when I was little and sitting on the counter. They've moved to a new location since, but the same old lady and son still work there. I always can get my shoes shined and polished ($4) while I wait and am always impressed with their ability to fix even the most broken down shoes. My almond-toe Steve Maddens were fixed in 10 minutes and for $7 earlier in the year and I'm still amazed at that - they were a MESS!!

When I pick up my Edelman's next week I'm taking some others that need some love. It's worth the price to buy good shoes for sure!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Tuesday - Ally

We had a bit of cooler weather this weekend and it was very welcome. It's been so dang hot and humid lately. Seeing 60-anything on the thermometer was a treat!
Dress: Walmart

Belt: Walmart

Michelle Obama pearls: Walmart

shoes: Cole Haan












I didn't realized until later in the day that my entire outfit came from Walmart. I go to Walmart *maybe* 6 times a year so it's kinda funny how this happened. I went there the other day to pick up some stuff for work and went through the clothes b/c I wanted to see the Miley Cyrus/Max Azria line (it's cute but definitely for teens). I saw this dress mixed in w/the workout clothes and it was marked down to $11. Score! I was hesitant b/c it was a size smaller than my usual size. I don't know about you, but I have to size UP at Walmart. Ugh. Maybe that's why I never shop there? Anyway, it was a real surprise that not only did it fit, but it looked good. So yay for me :) My dress, necklace and belt were under $25 - not bad!!

Monday, August 24, 2009

The post I've been putting off writing...

Well readers, this is officially the post I've been putting off writing for a few weeks now...but I think I've put off all I can.

This will be my last post as a "Cute on the Cheap" blogger.

In the last month, you've noticed that there is a line of clothing I wear a great deal that I can no longer say the name of. While I don't agree with the reasons, it's neither here nor there at this point, it just is what it is. And, for reasons many of you can probably guess or suspect, my wardrobe is going to be even more heavy on such clothing line heading into the fall.

This blog was founded not only to try to give ideas on how to wear affordable clothing items, but also to tell you where to find such items. Since I can no longer do the second half much of the time, it doesn't seem fair to each of you who loyally read to not fulfill the "mission" of our blog. As such, I'm going to bow out and leave the posting to our other capable writers!

It's been a fun ride the last 14 months...I've been able to interact with some great women and have been inspired -- and challenged!-- by many of them. While I can't say my "style" as a whole as changed, I will say that I look at what I have hanging in my closet in a different way and for that I am grateful.

I've become a bit addicted to blogging, I must admit. There's just something interesting about the comments and insight you get from people who don't know you on a personal or every day basis that is enlightening. That said, don't be surprised if I forge into my own personal blog about fashion and life in general in the upcoming weeks--without singling out any brands of course! I've become a bit addicted to the dialogue that comes with a blog and think I'll want to continue it at some point. If that happens, I'll ask Ally to let you all know--it may not be about my outfits, but hopefully some of our readers may get a kick out of my random musings!

So there you go -- it's been real. Thanks for reading. When we started this, I don't know about the others, but I really never expected it to go beyond our small circle of contacts -- and it has done that and so much more! It's been exciting to be a part of for sure.

Happy shopping and styling to you all,
Leslie

In search of a new statement belt

Skirt: J Crew

Pumps: Diba at Meijer

I'm in search of another statement belt.

Before I bought this belt with the large rodeo clip, I had never spent more than $20 on a belt or similar type accessory. Just seemed to be extravagant--and it's just a belt, right? But after purchasing this one, I'm a firm believer that sometimes, it can be worth it. Every time I wear this belt, whether it's with jeans or a skirt or anything, it completely changes the entire look of the outfit.

There's one I have my eye on that is a black belt with a gold crown buckle...that could be fun. But what I love about this one are all the colors in the buckle that I can bring out.

As much as I love this piece, I'm ready for a new statement belt. Anyone have any great places they love to shop for fun belts?

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Weekend -- Ally

Whew! I'm am TIRED. Like, really really really tired. We closed on our house last Friday (the 14th) and have spent our evenings and weekends working. Lots of landscaping has been cleaned up and we've gutted the kitchen down to the studs. The bathroom will get a similar treatment this weekend. My parents have been beyond helpful with everything and we're very fortunate to have them not only able to help but willing. Anyone in the area want to knock down some walls? We can consider it free therapy. Call me :)

Ruffle shirt: NY&Co.

Green ruffle cardi: Old Navy

Denim skirt: Geoffery Beane

Flats: Sam Edelman

Headband: Goody

Necklace: gift








I am (usually) never one to whine or complain about going to work. I genuinely enjoy what I do and the people with whom I work. I do get a little fussy about working Saturdays, but let me tell ya. I am THRILLED to be at work today b/c that means a "break" for me. No chainsaws, pry bars, scoop shovels, or eye protection are involved in my work day!!

Here's what my attire has consisted of:
Tank tops, jeans and boots.

I know you're all kinds of jealous.

Tank: NY&Co.

Jeans: Levis

Boots: Frye (not shown)

Gloves: Kid's mechanics gloves via Harbor Freight


Sometimes I look a teeny bit cuter. The only reason I'm wearing this shirt is b/c Al packed my work clothes bag for me. When I saw the shirt he put in there he could tell he got it all wrong and said, "But I've never seen you wear it! It must be a crap shirt, right?" No, honey. You've not seen me wear it much b/c it's NEW and I've only worn it once. Hahaha Oh well. It's no worse for wear and now I'll remember to pack my own bag.

Peacock tshirt: Target

Jeans: Levis

Boots: Frye (not shown)

Screwdriver: Craftsman











I hope you all have a great weekend! I'll be workin' workin' so keep me entertained in the comments section :)

Friday, August 21, 2009

Accessory Inspiration


Lace Cami: The Limited

Shoes: Charles by Charles David via Zappos

Necklace: Just Jewelry

I found this necklace at a Just Jewelry party earlier this spring and am so glad I came across it. The colors together have sparked so many new color combination ideas in my wardrobe that I just would not have thought of otherwise. Typically I buy accessories to match outfits but this is one time it worked in the opposite fashion!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Fall Colors and Fall Hair


Necklace: Just Jewelry

Shoes: Charles by Charles David via Zappos

(Sorry for the blurry photo ... didnt see it was blurry til I cropped today and this is the only image I have...)

Still trying to keep wearing my spring/summer items while introducing some fall. As you remember, I've been wearing this skirt all summer mainly with a lime-ish color which I loved. I thought adding a jewel tone may help give me a couple more wearings of the skirt but start moving into fall with the deeper colors.

And onto other matters, I know some readers of this blog will be dismayed to hear but but I'm getting antsy to darken my hair again as we head out of the summer months. I've liked the change and think it looks good but the deep chestnut just seems to feel more like me. But maybe I'm wrong. I can't decide. What do you all think? Keep the color now or go back to the darker shade (accurate color photo in link) or a slight reddish tent (another link)? Weigh in.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Will they make it?


Khaki Pencil Skirt: J Crew

Leopard Print Peep Toe Pumps: Nine West via Marshalls

My leopard print pumps may be forced to make their way into mush and grime for a media story from flooding this afternoon. No other spare shoes on site to change into. Peep toe means grime not only ruins shoes but hits bare feet. This could be bad folks. Update coming on whether the leopard pumps survived in my next post. Cross your fingers for them--and my feet!

Friday, August 14, 2009

Bless You Hollywood Fashion Tape


Outfit: Yep, still not happening

Belt: The Limited

Pumps: Nine West

Bless Hollywood Fashion Tape. I had always meant to order some but never got around to it so imagine my delight when I saw a box at Targetlast week. I tossed it in the cart and forgot about it.

As I'm running out the door at 6:30 a.m. this morning (yeah...still crazy at work....) I notice my fuchsia top is gaping badly between the first 2 buttons and I didn't wear a camisole. I grabbed a strip of tape, headed for the door and hoped for the best.

I'm quite pleased to say that it is fabulous! Held the fabric together perfectly all day for no-gaping! This is going to be a wardrobe must-keep-on-hand for sure. Love it for buttons, holding a scarf in place, "hemming" a pair of pants for the day...the possibilities are going to be endless! Who needs a needle and thread when you can smack fashion tape on it? Not this girl!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Intro to Fall


Scarf: (**shakes head no**)

Top: The Limited

Skirt: Express

Shoes: Payless

I love fall clothes. It's my favorite time of the year so I get antsy to start introducing new items and colors to the wardrobe. This scarf seemed like a perfect way to make a start into fall because it has oranges and browns which are traditional fall colors --- but all mixed in with hot pink! I started the day with it looped like this but after 10 minutes in an un-air-conditioned building, it became a sarong around my waist!

Monday, August 10, 2009

Not much time to post

Outfit: If I told you, I'd have to kill you

Pumps: Chinese Laundry

All you-know-what has broken loose at work.

Sometimes I wonder what I was thinking getting into the marketing and communications field.

Ah, who am I kidding? As stressful as it may be at times, I especially love the crisis times when its fast-paced and constantly moving.

I'm just glad I was dressed comfortably for the day that lied ahead little to my knowledge when I got dressed that day!

Friday, August 7, 2009

You can't stop the beat!

Tunic: On clearance at a store in Hilton Head

Leggings: Can't tell you

New platform peep toe's (after my Steve Madden's died): Nine West

Went to see "Hairspray" at Music Theatre Louisville recently. My mom, sister, friend and her mom all went and we had a great time! What was perhaps the most fun was that my hairdresser Jill was in the performance playing Velma! She was awesome--multi-talented I tell you!

This tunic and leggings just seemed appropriate for a fun show like "Hairspray." I'm still bouncing around singing "You can't stop the beat!"

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

It may not be flashy...


Denim Jacket: Gap Outlet

Belt: The Limited

Dress: Can't tell you

Leopard Pumps: Nine West via Marshall's

Sometimes I try to put together these flashy outfits and while I think they can be cute, I don't know that they are always "me" and I think it shows. However, this outfit just feels quintessentially "Leslie." It may not be exciting-- but it's how I am the most comfortable! At the core, I'm still a classic dresser at heart.

Random note : this dress looks terrible belted with the jacket off on me. However, I've found that as long as I keep a jacket on, belts add a lot to the look of this dress and add color and dimension. So I'm going to stick with it!

Monday, August 3, 2009

Ally update

Oh, y'all. Forgive my lack of outfit posting these past few weeks. With the wedding coming up (that we're pretty much just started planning) that's 4 weeks away and with work being crazy (OMG my awesome co-worker came back Monday!!!), and everything else going on I've just not had a lick of time.

You might be wondering why I'm selling off so much of my closet and so many things I love. Well, my darling poodles, it's time to spill to beans to everyone:

WE'RE BUYING A HOUSE!!

Pretty exciting stuff, huh? Some of you already knew b/c I can't keep totally quiet and I really appreciate how supportive and helpful you've been when I wanted to completely freak out.

We're getting a 6.5 acre "mini farm" that's way the hell out there but still only 10 minutes from the expressway. Ahh, the best of both worlds. It's a pretty badass place with a pond, and a big garage for Al, and lots of outbuildings/barns/sheds, and even a little cabin back on the pond. All this AND there's a house. A house that needs some serious love. Like, L-O-V-E love. Paint and flooring and plumbing and electrical and cleaning and OMG. I'm sweaty just thinking about it.

One thing about old farm houses? They have teeny tiny closets. What the hell did people wear 75 years ago? Whatever it was, it didn't take up much room and couldn't have been well accessorized. Now you know why I need my stuff to come live at your house. There's no room!!

I'll be keeping you posted on how it all goes but right now, it's looking like we'll be closing, moving and getting hitched in 3 weeks. If we're not divorced by Christmas we'll be golden :D

I'll also do my best to do something other than bitch about how my garden isn't growing or about the dirt under my fingernails. We'll see how well I can balance high heels and fishing reels.
Our first (of many to come) sunset pics on the porch swing. <3

P.S. Look for more stuff coming to the closet. There are about 60 items up now (shoes! necklaces! clothes!) and more to come!!

Accessory Change


At a conference a few weeks ago, I saw someone wearing this exact same jacket I am wearing (and was wearing that day as well). What was interesting was how different hers looked than mine. Mine was just tied around the waist and while it was cute and fun, it didn't say WOW. However, this lady had taken the given canvas belt out and put in a black studded belt in it's place. It totally made the jacket and her outfit pop.

Accessories can sometimes easily be overlooked but I dont think it can be underestimated the difference changing up accessories can be. It can take an outfit you've worn before and make it feel brand new again! I cant wait to try some of my other belts with this jacket heading into fall. While it may be a light summer weight, with the right colors and belts, it will be a fall jacket for me for sure!