Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic Friends & Family 30% off

If you didn't receive an email w/this 30% off coupon or haven't received an email from a friend yet, email me at cuteonthecheap at gmail dot com and I'll send one your way.

This is good in-store only and November 12-15, 2009 but you can use the same coupon as many times as you like so hang on to it after you use it!

You can use it at Gap, Gap Outlet, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Banana Republic Factory Store.

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!

Closet update!!

You wanted shoes and shoes, my loves, I have provided! I listed a TON of new items to the Cute on the Cheap Closet and there are several pairs of shoes listed as well. I'll be putting up scarves and other accessories over the weekend and even have some fun, almost-vintage things too!

I'm shipping out items the same day as I receive payment, and I don't even charge extra for the hug I give each package before the mail lady takes them from me. You can't get service like that just anywhere... :)

Cardi: Old Navy

Ruffle shirt: Gap

Pants: Old Navy

shoes: Cole Haan












Nothing special or fabulous about today. Well, my shoes are awesome, but the rest is very pedestrian. My darling coworker will be back from maternity leave Monday, so maybe I'll have more time for morning pictures!

First and Last

Dress - Merona Target

Navy cardigan - Gap

Gold Peep Toe Kitten Heels - AK Anne Klein via Zappos Outlet

Owl Necklace - Forever 21














So, When I left this morning I felt kinda great. All cury, and bangin' and fabulous.. THEN I looked at this picture and OMG. I hate what this dress does to my thighs. It shows every little lump, bump, and crevice. I'm even wearing Spanx. This will probably be the 1st and last time that I wear this. Darn it!


























Ally has shown you her cute owl knecklace from Forever21 and here is mine! Mine is a little blinged out. I'm not sure you can tell from the pic, but he has little rhinestones around his eyes. He's so cute!

I got these great little gold peep toes from the Zappos outlet when Ally and I went a few weeks ago. They are having another big sale!! After all discounts they were $25. A great deal!

New Beginnings... and a giveaway too!

Blouse - Carole Little brand, Marshall's

Jeans - Gap Essential Fit

Nude heels - Apt 9, Kohl's
















Today is my last day at a job that I've been at for 11 years. While I've grown very tired of the stress and frustrations of the job, I've come to love a lot of the people I work with, so it's very bittersweet for me. I'm sure there will be plenty of tears when I finally walk out the door. Not only am I leaving a job, I'm leaving an industry that I've been in in one capacity or another for pretty much my whole working adult life. It's very exciting, but also a little scary!

In honor of my new beginnings and fresh start, I'm vowing to get things organized and get a fresh start in my personal life as well. Part of that is cleaning out the things that I don't use or need anymore. Ladies, my loss is your gain! I have a few gently used and new items that are up for grabs. So here is the dealeo... I'm looking for ideas for my "1st Day Outfit". My new career is in a very creative field, and I will have a front office position, so I need some ideas on fun creative outfits that still look professional and give a good 1st impression. Post your ideas in the comment section and on Monday June 15th I'll choose a winner!

Like Ally's giveaway from before, 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!



















2 Forever21 necklaces
1 Old Navy necklace
set of 3 sparkly bracelets
1 Gap faux patent leather red clutch (never even carried!)
1 Target faux leopard print frame clutch (Used once!)
And who knows, by the time it's mailed off to you, I may throw some more stuff in there! :)

I've gotta leave this town....

White Denim Jacket: Gap Outlet

Wrap Tee: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Crop Pants: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Peep Toe Heels: Steve Madden

Is it the weekend yet? It's really not even the week that is making me ask. I'm just so ready to leave this town and go on vacation! The countdown for the yearly treck to Hilton Head has begun. Beach...pool....8-calorie ice cream every single night...real fried shrimp....sleep....fresh air....maybe not looking goth white anymore....Pool Bar Jim...outlet malls...did I mention 8-calorie ice cream every night...vacation....

I can't wait....and apologize in advance for all my pre-vacation whining until the time comes to leave. I just get so ready to go that I can't think of anything else!

Casual Friday - Tracey

Cardigan - Gap

Blouse - Forever21, LOVE21 line

Jeans - Gap, Essential Fit jeans

Shoes - Enzo Angolini via Nordstrom Rack

Snake necklace - Jessica Elliot

Hi, Ladies!! Sorry for the ugly backdrop. My house is a work in progress at the moment and I was in a hurry this morning and didn't have time to take the tripod and camera outside. It's too bad you can't see all of the black and white picture behind me. It's this fabulous print of Marilyn Monroe. I'm still trying to decide where I'm going to hang it, so it's been hanging around in various areas of my house for a couple of weeks now :)

So, as I reflect on the year since we started this blog, I realize this has been a very crazy year for me. Lots of major life changes. The death of my sweet momma, then I decided to go back to school, and then most recently the decision to leave the career I've had for the last 11 years and venture out into a totally different field. It's been crazy, but I'm really excited about the great opportunites that I have going forward.

I'm sure by now many of you have heard about Forever21's more "contemporary" line, Love21. It's supposed to be a more "mature" line of clothes and I have to say that I've been impressed by a few things that I've seen online. Our local F21 supposedly didn't have any Love21 items instore, but somehow when Ally and I were there on Wednesday, there was ONE item there. I had heard that the sizing was a little more generous than the traditional F21 line and I'd have to say from my experience with this top that it's true. I am normally a Large at F21 (On a skinny day!), but in this top I took a Medium. I've always been a fan of F21's cheap accesories and now I'm really excited about the possibility of picking up a few age appropriate clothing items! :)

No outfit synergy here

Denim Jacket: Gap

White Wrap Tee: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Chino Skirt: J Crew

Pumps: MIA

We always say how taking a picture makes you see an outfit differently. I felt so cute and sassy in my stripe pumps getting ready today. But when I looked at the picture, I don't like the outfit. I'm not sure what it is. I think maybe the proportion is wrong on the denim jacket? Not sure. I just know I'm not a fan of today's picture but don't know why. I like all the pieces individually--I'm just not liking them together for whatever reason. Don't ya hate it when that happens??

Tracey - Birds of a feather

Teal Cardi - Target Merona

Black Wide Leg Trousers - Gap

Belt - So old that I can't remember where I bought it!

Peacock Feather Necklace - Kenneth Jay Lane for QVC

Shoes - Impo via Marshall's. $10 clearance.

Silver cuff bracelet - Banana Republic

Tank - Old Navy

I am so glad it has been sunny and warm the last few days so I can take pictures outside!

So, anyone that knows me, knows that I am completely drawn to anything sparkly. When I first saw this peacock necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane I just knew I had to have it. #1 I love KJL #2 I love peacock feathers, and #3 I'm totally digging the trend of the longer pendant necklaces. It was a bit of a splurge, but I can honestly say that I've worn it a lot so far this spring. I often wear it with this cardi, but it also looks fabulous with a black t-shirt, jeans and flats or heels.

I tried to capture the sparkle in the pendant, but nothing I did was doing it any justice.

Overcoming those old-fashioned rules

Denim Jacket: Gap Outlet

Swirl Tee: CAbi (Spring 2008)

Ankle Pants: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Pumps: Chinese Laundry

I actually debated back and forth today about whether to wear flesh tone pumps or black pumps. I tend to gravitate towards the black (that old adage of wearing the color at the base of your outfit) but as I was getting dressed today I thought wearing a camel pump may lengthen my legs and pull out the camel in the shirt. Reese Witherspoon did a similar thing recently wearing nude wedges with black ankle pants so I decided if Reese could do it I could too!

Some of those old fashioned "rules" like wearing the color shoes of the bottom of your outfit, no white before Derby Day, etc are so hard to overcome mentally but I'm working on them all. I've made a vow to break all those "old-fashioned" rules this year. I started wearing my white jeans early and I'm going to wear them into fall, have been changing up the shoes, etc. What other old-fashioned rules do you find it hard to overcome?

Answering your questions re: my CAbi collection

Scarf: Macy's (it has shoes on it, hehe!!)

White Wrap Tee: CAbi (Spring 2009--I love these thin wrap tees and seriously always purchase every color because they are my go-to tee because they hide oh-so-much on this apple shaped gal)

Black Ankle Pants: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Denim Jacket: Gap (Bought for $10 at the outlet on vacation 2 years ago!)

Pumps: Pleaser

I've been asked before about my CAbi clothes and how I consider them "cheap" as in the name of our blog. I wanted to take a moment to answer your questions.

CAbi clothes are by no means "cheap" -- many of them are more investment pieces that may cost a bit more than a regular store (I would estimate CAbi to be in the Ann Taylor price demographic--but will say the Spring 09 season, 90% of the items were under $100 which made this gal quite pleased) but have great fit and quality so for me, end up being worth it. As we've said before, I tend to invest more in clothing basics as opposed to accessories--just my personal style. However, I have a good friend who always thought I was insane (to put it mildly) to spend a little more on clothing but joined me for a party once and ended up buying a wrap tee and jeans. She told me later it was totally worth it-- she had other black shirts and jeans in her closet but she never wore them anymore and was getting rid of them because they just didn't compare. She's now a regular every season and it is really her main shopping of the year! For basics that you'll wear for years and with everything, I think it can be worth it if you find a great fit/cut/fabric.

So back to the original question of how I get the clothing at a "cheap" price.....understand what we consider "cheap" is always relative to each individual, but I will say I didnt pay full price for all the items I own. I have for some great pieces and will continue to on occasion, but I absolutely have more items than I would otherwise because of their great hostess benefits. Depending on the amount sold at your show, you can get a select number of items at half price and even cash off in some instances! In addition, each consultant sells their sample line at the end of the season (first dibs to hostesses, then attendees) at a significant discount so I have put some items aside for the end of the season before (sort of like layaway!). I've been hosting shows and attending for several years so have built up quite the collection. You'll notice that I've started marking the collection date when I can remember so you all dont think it all came from a recent season. Many items are several years old now but they just build year after year.

I hope that explains and makes more sense to you. If you've never been to a party, I would encourage you to attend one or host one just to check the clothes out. Many times at home parties I know you are pressured to buy but CAbi is completely not like that--great if you see something you like (you probably will!) and ok if you don't--I've had people attend and not buy and it's always ok. But it's a great way to shop with friends and get new ideas on how to mix and match what you may already have in your closet--that's my personal favorite part.

We always love reader questions at Cute on the Cheap about our clothes, style, advice, etc. Feel free to email us and we'll respond with either a private or public answer--whatever you prefer!

Weekend -- Ally: Kentucky Derby Spectacular

Wow! What a great weekend! And by weekend, I mean Thursday through Sunday :) Friday I didn't go to the Oaks - I was too sketchy about it raining (which it didn't) so my friend Jessica, who was visiting from Paducah, and I went to Makers' Mark Distillery for a tour. I'm an Ambassador for Maker's Mark (heh) so I was able to dip a special bottle - so much fun!

Sweater: Old Navy

Jeans: Gap

Flats: Liz Claiborne

Awesome apron, sleeves, gloves, and glasses: Maker's Mark

Bottle of sweet, delicious bourbon: Maker's Mark

If you'll look closely, you'll see the bottle doesn't have the signature red wax on the neck yet. I was just about to dip it.







Taking a dip! It's way harder than it looks!!













Excuse the blurriness of this next photo. I was in a HUGE rush out the door and only had time to snap one pic.

Dress: JCP

Hat: no idea what brand, bought at TJ Maxx of all places

Shoes: Stuart Weitzman

It's possible Jessica and I made a trip to Zappos. It's also possible I bought two new pairs of shoes. I cannot confirm or deny this information, but I do mysteriously have two new pairs of CUTE shoes :)










Some more pics from the weekend:
Me, Erin, Tracey, & Megan. We had front row seats right by the track - so fun.












With Tracey. That's the starting gate behind my shoulder.












Just rounding the last turn and on the straight stretch to the finish line. SO EXCITING!!












While I didn't pick the winner (I had him boxed with a horse who didn't win - boo!) I did pick the show horse (Musket Man) so I picked up $12! All in all, I was up $1.80 for the day - breaking even or better is ALWAYS good!!!

This was an awesome time despite the precarious weather - I can't wait for next year!!!

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.

I look like a HIGHLIGHTER?!?!?!

Yellow Canvas Peacoat: Old Navy

Black Tee: Gap

Jeans: CAbi

Pumps: Pleaser

I must give credit where credit is due--I was placing an online Old Navy order a few weeks ago and asked my sister if she wanted to add anything to the order and she picked out this jacket. Well, seeing the great price ($25 at the time plus an additional 30% off with the coupon code!) I decided, given my love of coats and outerwear, to give it a try as well. When it came in and I saw the bright color, I thought it was a perfect piece to transition from winter into spring in my wardrobe and was very pleased with my purchase.

However, as I was wearing it this weekend, my mom pronounced that "I look like a highlighter--but she really likes it!". Yeah, I wanted to look bright and springy--but NOT like a HIGHLIGHTER! That said, it still won't stop me from wearing it!

Weekend -- Ally and a giveaway!

Happy weekend, y'all! The nice, warm weather we enjoyed earlier in the week took a cold snap and we were back to brisk, windy and cold. I worked Saturday so tights were necessary!!

Top: Old Navy

Skirt: Old Navy

Tights: George, Walmart

Lisa Simpson necklace: slutty teen store in mall

Shoes: Sam Edelman via Zappos outlet










I'm pretty sure I'm done with this skirt. It's WAY too big and hangs all weird and just doesn't work anymore. If you want it, email us and I'll mail it out to you. It's a 12 or 14 from Old Navy. I can measure it for you if you're really interested. I've worn it two other times: here and here.

After work we went out with friends for dinner and then to another friend's house for Trival Pursuit and adult beverages.

Dress: Target

Cardi: NY&Co.

Belt: NY&Co.

Tights: George, Walmart

Shoes: Steven by Steve Madden

Gray/black pearls: gift







This dress is so comfortable and I really like it better jazzed up than alone. I saw a blogger (whose blog escapes me now) who had it in black and had the sleeves removed and it was SO cute. It wouldn't really work for me unless I shortened it (which I need to do anyway) but it was really really cute.

I must have been really feeling the gray and purple combo because I wore this earlier in the week:
I wasn't going to post this because I was making the weirdest face ever and didn't notice until I had already changed for the day.

Anyway.

Ruffle top: Gap (I must really love this shirt!)

Cardi: NY&Co.

Skirt: NY&Co.

Gray tights: George, Walmart

Gray patent heels: Old Navy

Michelle Obama pearls: Walmart



I must feel guilty for never posting because you got THREE outfits!!! And I'm giving you the skirt off my back...side. :)

Classic Chic

Denim Jacket: Gap

Black Lace Tee: CAbi

Black Pants: Harold's

Red Bracelet: Forever 21

Pumps: Pleaser

Sometimes you don't need to over think an outfit. Today was one of those days. I was standing in my closet, feeling uninspired in all black and was debating on what jacket to wear. Then I saw the denim and thought black, denim and punches of red would be perfect.

Is it anything revolutionary? No. But do I always feel classic and chic in this ensemble (especially walking down the street with my red patent purse and oversize sunglasses)? You bet.

Monday - Ally

This is technically a weekend outfit, but it is what it is :) I've been really busy lately and haven't had time during lunch to do new posts and I've been too exhausted in the evenings. I'm sorry!!!

Sweater: NY&Co.

Navy tank: Old Navy

Jeans: Gap

Flats: Liz Claiborne

Necklace: New Orleans trip









I know you all hate this necklace so I decided to make you REALLY hate it with yet another close up :)



















The shoes - I wish I had these in other colors!!

Some fun weekend wear

Leather Jacket: Ann Taylor

Wrap Tee: CAbi

Denim Pencil Skirt: Gap

Argyle Tights: The Limited

Tall Boots: Chinese Laundry

Was heading out for birthday dinner at P.F. Chang's with a group of good friends...I never get to wear denim to work so my weekend wear is always denim. Usually I'm in jeans, but decided to switch it up this evening and wear the skirt so I could wear my cute tights again!

With the ice storm we had last week in the Ohio Valley, cute tights are about the ONLY positive thing I can say about winter right now!

Icy Ally update

Our power is back on!!!!!!!!!!! We were without for about 52 hours and we came home just after lunch Saturday. While we had a good time with my parents playing cards and watching movies, it is great to be back home. We didn't lose any groceries out of our fridge (thanks to Al's expert snowbox freezer he made on the balcony) and our pipes didn't freeze. All in all, it was a win-win. We're fortunate to have only been out just over 2 days. Some folks have been out since early Tuesday and are still out.

I wasn't the happiest of campers this week as situations like this tend to bring out people's true colors. Getting yelled at for stuff that is not my fault or responsibility AT ALL gets old so I might've been a little cranky at work. I also might've not smiled for most of Tuesday or Wednesday.
Old tshirt; circa 2001: from college/sorority

Jeans: Gap

Boots: Frye

Scowl: The toll of hearing constant complaining about snow/ice all day.

It's a really good possibility I slept in that tshirt the night before too.

I thought I had more outfit pics that turned out, but not so much. I was taking them in a different place and had a hard time getting one to turn out.






In other more exciting news, we heard back from the vet about Maddy. The lump she (our amazing vet) removed was a malignant Nerve Sheath Tumor but fortunately, she got all of it and we won't have to have Maddy treated for it in the future. She said we should just keep an eye on Miss M and rub her down frequently to check for new ones. Since she's gotten one, it's possible for her to get more.

Maddy's recovering nicely and is slowly growing new fur :) She's milking it for all it's worth, though, and is currently wrapped up in a blankie and watching Animal Planet.

Thanks again for all your sweet words, emails, phone calls, and text messages. It meant the world to us.

Icy Ally

Well, if you've not heard (or care) Louisville and most of Kentucky/Southern Indiana got hit with a major ice/snow/sleet storm earlier in the week. Yesterday morning a little over 200K folks were with out power. Guess who was one of them? That's right. This gal :)

Al and I stuck it out at our place for as long as possible, but when it hit 55 in the living room, I had to throw in the towel. Fortunately, my parents had power (and cable and internet) so we packed up Maddy and moved the party.

Cashmere hat: Banana Republic

Green sweater: Izod

unseen tshirt: Target

unseen wool sweater: Old Navy

black turtleneck: Old Navy

Jeans: Gap

tights: Walmart

Socks: two pairs from Target, one pair hand knitted by yours truly

Mittens: Old Navy

Wine: Trader Joe's

Even with all that clothing on and under a blanket (and drinking!!) I couldn't stay warm. It wasn't cute and probably wasn't cheap, but it is what it is. :)

Tracey doesn't have power so she'll be MIA, but Leslie planned ahead and has some posts scheduled, so come back for new posts! I've been working this week but the outfit pics I took are on my lap top and that's at home and well, you know the rest of that story. It'll be some time next week I'm guessing.

In the mean time, enjoy some pics of the mess that is Louisville:



Our balcony where many outfit pics were taken in warmer weather.














Walking to work. Luckily the company I work for has a few properties in town and while I don't live where I work, I did work here a few years back so I can hold down the fort when no one can get here or if I'm stuck! I miss the days of walking 3 minutes to the office!








Ice, Ice, baby...too cold, too cold.













Oh and if this isn't enough, we're supposed to get hit with a major snow storm on Monday and they said "12 inches" one time too many.