Unseasonably warm

It's 50 in Kentucky today. That's nuts considering it's been in the teens recently. It was so nice to leave my coat at home this morning!!

Cardi: Lands End
Tank: Lands End
Pants: Worthington via JCP
Belt: J. Crew
Shoes: Cole
Necklace: gift

Pants!

We are finally having some beautiful fall weather here in Kentucky!!

Cardi: Target
Tank: Banana Republic
Pants: Worthington ($17 @ JCP)
Heels: Cole Haan Fiona
Necklace: gift

Transitioning to Spring...finally!

I hope the weather is as Springy and beautiful where you are as it has been here in Kentucky. I've really missed sunshine and afternoon walks with my sweet doggie, Maddy!
Dress: JC Penney

Cardigan: Target


Flats: Sam Edelman

Michelle Obama pearls: Walmart

Bracelet: Coach

Watch: wedding gift from my sweet husband

This dress (with pockets!) is one of my favorite go-to items. It's pretty low-cut and boobilicious so I keep work-appropriate by adding a buttoned cardi. I really wish I could find more dresses with this cut as I feel it's flattering. It's not too flowy and no one (not even the bitchy lady at the dry cleaners) will ask me when I'm due!

Uniform Thursday AND a giveaway!!

It's the little things that make us happiest, ya know? One of my favorite things is to check the mailbox at the end of the day. When I was little I would watch out the window for the mail to come and run out to get it. Even now, Al will skip checking the mail because he knows it's my favorite thing to do.

Today's outfit is one of those little things too. The pretty sparkly buttons on this cardigan really make it for me. I love the pretty deep pink color, but the jewel-like buttons really dress it up. I wish I had picked up another color (maybe black?) when Old Navy had these on sale a few months back.

Cardi: Old Navy

Teal top: Target

Pants: JCP

Snow boots: Target

Necklace: gift

I had to jack up the colors a little as I'm still hobbling along using my cell phone camera. I have GOT to find my camera battery charger!!

 How cute is the decoration on this top? They feel like hard little buttons or something similar under the fabric. I snagged this for $6 on my last Target visit (when I got that cute black top for $3!).

I heard on the news 49 states have had snow this year and I think we all are ready for something bright and shiny to perk us up. How about free shoes?! CSN Stores contacted me and is offering up a great pair of shoes to one of our readers.

 

These great Naturalizer loafers are a bright red patent with silver hardware. They retail for $54 and they could be YOURS if you're the lucky winner. To enter the contest just leave a comment telling me what your favorite "little thing" is. You get one entry for your comment, one entry for Tweeting about the contest, one entry for blogging about it, and one for following us. Just leave a separate comment for each and a link if necessary.

This contest is only open to US readers (sorry international gals!) and closes on 2/24/2010 at 11pm EST.

Pink, brown and black.

I'm not really "feeling" today's outfit. As comfortable as it is, this sweater/wrap is only flattering on me worn this way and that's a stretch. It definitely would look better on a taller gal so it could be worn untied and loose. I also went with brown as the neutral for this dress instead of black. I think I really prefer black w/it after seeing this pic.
Dress: JC Penney

Sweater/wrap: Target

brown tights: George from Walmart

brown flats: Clarks

necklace: gift

The tights look black here, but they're brown. They're my beloved George tights from Walmart. For under $5 they're the best tights I've found. They last longer than the Merona tights from Target and they don't sag down or get all droopy. Bonus!





Fall is in full swing around these parts and I wanted to share a picture I snapped this weekend:
This is near the back of our property and all those yellows and oranges really made my day.

Thursday -- Ally

I totally lied about us having a flashback this weekend, huh?? I've had a really busy few days and just haven't had time to post or comment on your blogs. One of my best friends from college came in Sunday night and stayed with us for a couple of days and between that and Mothers' Day and work and everything else, time just slipped right away from me. We'll go way-way back soon. Promise.
Top: JCP

Skirt: NY&Co

Belt: Walmart

Flats: Sam Edelman












Boooooooooooooring! Can you tell I've just not been in the mood to spend time on my outfits? This one has great potential too with fun accessories too. Maybe June will be more inspirational than May?

Did anyone watch LOST? I was SO disappointed in the finale - I was just expecting so much more considering how awesome all the other finales have been. If you've not watched it yet, there may be a spoiler or two in the comments so tread with care (or watch the dang episode already!).

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!!!

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!!

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 :)

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!

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.

Monday -- Ally

I'm still on a purple kick! I might have too many purple sweaters!!!

Purple jeweled cardi: NY&Co.

Orange button-down: JC Penney

brown pants: Old Navy

shoes: Ralph Lauren

Necklace: Value City

Sunnies: Max Studio

Sorry I forgot my sunglasses were on my head! They weren't part of my outfit, but I wear them everywhere.




I also wear these green shoes with everything. They're my favorites! It's funny how stuff fits differently when you've not worn it for a few months. Usually I have to tape this shirt closed, but not today. It helped I was wearing a cardigan over it, but I was thrilled it was a little looser than when I wore it last.
I love love love this necklace and it was under $6!

TGIF - Ally

Goodness it's cold! I just cannot get motivated to wear tights (two pairs probably!) and a skirt when it's under 25 in the morning. I know, I know. That's not cold to you gals up north (I'm looking at you, Erin!), but for these pale white legs, it's COLD. I going to make myself wear a skirt or dress next week, so cross your fingers my legs don't snap off from the chill!

In the meantime, pants!

Wrap shirt: JCP

black cami: Old Navy

Pants: Old Navy

Shoes: Sofft via Zappos.com outlet

Necklace: gift










So I've lost about 10 lbs this past month and now my pants look pretty terrible. I've not lost enough to get a new size (of course not, that'd be easy!), but just enough that I need a belt (which I forgot today). If a baggy crotch isn't motivation to lose more weight, I don't know what is!

This shirt was fished out of the Goodwill pile earlier this week. I was off work Monday so I cleaned out our guest room closet and pulled out alllllll the clothes we need to donate, stuff to sell on eBay, stuff to consign or swap, and stuff that needed to be recycled (boxes, etc). It didn't take as long as I had expected, so while pulling out Goodwill stuff, I had time to go through stuff I had set aside months (maybe years?) ago. This shirt was in there and I didn't know why. It was in good shape, still fit, and was a good color red for me. A lot of reds don't look good on me, but this one does. It photographed more orange than it is IRL because it's actually a blue-red.

Speaking of eBay, I'm going to take this moment for some shameless self-promotion. I'm selling some good stuff, ladies. Some of it pains me, but Al and I have both promised each other we'd not only downsize (get rid of at least 25% of what we own), but we'd also "raise" money. We're looking to buy at house at the end of the year so every little bit helps!

I've got Stuart Weitzmans, a Goldenbleu clutch, Etienne Aigner boots, a BCBG bag, and a few other things. I'll be posting more as the week goes on, so add me as a favorite seller and keep an eye on things!

Click HERE and then click on "items for sale" on the left toward the bottom. Thanks!!!!

Cookie Exchangin' Ally

My friend Keri hosted a cookie exchange today and not only was it a great time, but the weather was nice and mild...58 degrees!!

Brown Cardi: Target

Brown/Black/White/Pink dress: JC Penney

Pink Tajmina: Target (Trae and I call them Tajminas b/c we're dorks!!)

Belt: NY&Co.

Tights: Walmart:

Shoes: JCP (gift from my bargain' hunting Mama)

Necklaces: Walmart and a gift

Pink leather bracelet: JCP




Geeze! I'm wearing a lot of accessories! I wanted to layer in case the weather turned cool (they say if you don't like the weather in the Ohio Valley to just wait 5 minutes and it'll change), but didn't want to get hot in a house full of cookie exchanging women!

I wish I had worn a black pair of tights under these brown ones. I don't like when they get sheer in spots - looks cheap. I mean, they ARE cheap - I'm not kidding anyone with that, but I think they look better when they're more opaque.

Last time I wore this dress I promised Erin and Kimberly I'd wear it with brown. Happy now?? :)

Who's gone to see "Burn After Reading?" If not, see it. It's probably the funniest movie I've seen in a long time. It's dark, but so clever and well done. Tilda Swinton inspired today's necklace layers. While in bed with Clooney (bitch) I couldn't help but notice her layered pearls and gold necklace. I don't have an amazing gold necklace like hers (or Clooney...but I digress), but I thought this silver necklace was still a classic style and would mesh nicely.




See that gold necklace? I want it. I also want her hair color, but I'm not going to push my luck!

(You can clicky the pictures to enlarge any of them. Just be sure to click "back" to come back to us!!)




Oh! Obviously, my Christmas tree is finally up. I'm not quite in the holiday spirit yet, but it seems I usually don't until I get presents wrapped and sorted. Ho ho ho *sigh*

If at first it doesn't work, try, try again

Black Wool Blazer: Banana Republic

Black Turtleneck: The Limited

Red Patent Belt: The Limited

Chino Skirt: J Crew

Plaid Tights: The Limited

Pumps: Type A

Last time I wore these tights, it was not such a good thing. But as we are all told growing up, "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again." And I did.

I wore these a couple weeks ago with a denim pencil skirt and liked the look so just changed skirts to my tan one this week so I could wear to work. As they were the last time, people either raved over them or pretty much hated them. They are unusual enough that they garner a strong reaction both ways. I just like them because I think they are fun and add an unexpected punch to the outfit.

However, I will say that they are a pain keeping the lines straight all day!

Voting Ally

Happy Election Day, y'all! I'm SO EXCITED today's here and can't wait to watch the news all night. We're going to a party at a friend's house (it's actually an Obamathon to be precise) so we'll all be up together watching the results. Can't wait!!

Sorry I look so tired - it's the end of a long work day for me and I'm beat!!

Sweater - JCP

Skirt - Banana Republic

Scarf - vintage Vera, ebay

Shoes - Target










My MO Pearls didn't show up, so it looks like I'm in search of a new set. Cross your fingers Walmart still has 'em cheap!

I don't really own much in the way of red, so I went with green today since the environment and green causes are so close to my heart :) I've been saving this Vera scarf just for today and figure it took the place of the "I Voted" sticker I didn't get :( Leslie and I are very bummed our county doesn't give them out. Al called earlier, though, and said he made one for me and it's even laminated with Scotch Tape. Sweet!!











Don't forget to email us a pic of you at the polls or in your Election Day best! We've already gotten several pics and can't wait to see more!!!

Wednesday -- Ally

I'm having the hardest time finding a good spot for pics now that the sun is changing its position. My previous "new" spot is too dark in the mornings and this spot is too light. *sigh*

Dress: JCP/Worthington (It's on super clearance now - I had to get a size down too, so keep that in mind if you're ordering)

Cardi: NY&Co.

Tights: no idea. They now live in the trash can. More on that in a bit.

Shoes: JCP (Mama got them for $2.94 or something nuts earlier in the summer!)

Bag: Furla *swoon drool*

This is the "real life" picture for the Peanut Gallery (ahem Tracey, Kimberly, and KT!)




Tim Gunn and I are both firm believers in the idea of "Just because it comes in your size doesn't mean you should wear it." I realize I'm not 115 lbs and a size 2. I'm frankly thrilled of that fact, but whatever. I know my limitations when it comes to wearing some things and work around it. For one, I don't look good in white and ivory, so you'll not see me wear it. I look like crap in shorts and short skirts so I don't wear them. I, along with 99% of the population, shouldn't wear low-rise anything, so I don't.

However, some jackass thought it'd be a great idea to make low-rise TIGHTS and I bought them on accident. It never occurred to me to look for that on the package. I saw my size (*cringe*), my color, and ran to the register. Who knew they'd make tights that dissect you in places you didn't even know could be cut into. I pulled and I tugged and I kicked and I stretched and I kicked (you know you love Sally O'Malley!) and I couldn't get the blasted things up over my butt! I finally threw some Spanx over 'em because I was going to be late for work. I made a Walmart run as soon as everyone got to work and swapped those babies for some REAL tights. Tights that come up to my waist like proper tights should. What boggles my mind is this: If it's cold enough outside for tights, would you NEED low-rise pants? Isn't a bare middrift a seasonal thing anyway?

Cute, huh? I love a good deal and I especially love a deal when I don't even have to pay for it! :)

Monday -- Ally

I hope you all had a great weekend! The weather here has cooled off and I'm loving it!

Teal corduroy blazer: Weird TJ Maxx brand. Had it for years.

Orange shirt: JCP

Black pants: Old Navy

Shoes: Target

Brooch: vintage

Necklace: gift







I'm super annoyed at how the waist of this jacket just goes right up under my boobs. What the hell? I know my waist starts about there anyway, but seriously. I'm not THAT short-waisted...or am I??

Are those neck wrinkles?? JEEZE!!!!



















The last time I wore this jacket the button was kind enough to pop off and hide...for good. I forget to buy a button for it every time I'm out, so I grabbed this brooch/pin this morning. I think it's kinda cute and did the job.














These are from the Target haul a few months back. I wish they were lined better. They're lined in that cheap plastic and they make my feet sweat something awful. I know you wanted to know that, but whatever. Cheap shoes = stinky feet.

My favorite fall pants

Orange Chinos: J Crew

White Button Down: The Limited

Scarf As Belt: NY and Company

Pumps: Rampage

We all have those items in our closet that are simply all time favorites. The ones that luckily seem to always fit no matter what your weight fluctuation and never seem to go out of style.

These orange chinos are one of mine. They were discovered 5 years ago (I think--it's been a while I know!) while at the J Crew outlet in Hilton Head. I love them so much that if I could find another pair that fit like these, I would buy in some other fun colors and just plain khaki as well. But I can't find this fit anymore. It says it's the "Favorite Fit" but I've tried those on and they just don't fit the same. Or maybe these have just formed to me over the years. Who knows.

They are just so truly fall--the orange is bold and I personally believe, as a result, pretty seasonal (it's too bad I'm not a UT fan!). Since I only have a few months of quality time with them, I wear them to work and out on the weekends both. The above is more of a "work" option (still for a pretty casual day) while on the weekends I wear with a white long sleeve tee, wedge loafers and a brown and white striped belt most commonly.

Do you have favorite "seasonal" garments that stand the test of time?

Wednesday -- Ally

Happy Hump Day! We've had some beautiful, cool fall weather and I couldn't be more excited. The mornings are much cooler than the afternoons (25+ degree difference most days) so it's been a guessing game on how to dress. However, I have strong opinions about "seasonal" dressing and will rant about that another day (in short: We work and live in temperature controlled environments...why all the bundling in the office? Why?).

Shirt: JCP

Pants: Old Navy

Scarf as belt: vintage Echo (via ebay)

Shoes: Cole Haan











You might notice something a little different...I had my hair cut! I average about 4 haircuts every 3 years so this is a big deal. The last one was in early January 2008 and I made it until October before I got the itch to change it. For what it's worth, I don't heat style or do anything to my hair so my ends don't get icky and ratty. The girl who did my hair was shocked to learn it'd been nearly a year and said she couldn't tell - so there! :)

However, I still needed a cut and wanted some sort of style. Tracey's hair is the cutest (you'd see it if she ever posted...hint hint!) so I went to her gal at Z Salon. We talked about my current 'do (or lack of) and how much effort I'm willing to put in for styling (5 min tops) and all my crazy requirements (must go in pony tail, no weird layers by my face, no short bangs, must look good on days I wash 'n dash). Fortunately, she didn't kick me out of her chair and went to work. She gave me a cut that's cute but takes all of 5 minutes in the morning. Thanks, Trae, for guilting me into getting my hair did. :)


See...it's not THAT drastic to most (Hell, Al didn't even notice I had it cut. No words, ladies. No words.) but to me it is. She gave me some swoopy bangs on both sides of my part and a shorter layer about mid-way through.

Tameka (the hair goddess) said my hair would look longer and she's right! I've had several folks say how much longer it looks and how they didn't know it was this long before. Tameka cut about an inch off the bottom too and put layers in it as well. She did magic I say.

Oh and honey, even the stinky UPS guy noticed my new 'do. Just sayin'. I know you said my hair looked cute (and it did), but when you buzz off all your hair w/clippers I notice that. Same difference, right? :)



As an aside I wanted to post a pic from the weekend. Al and I met up with some friends for the Trolley Hop and before I could bitch about how hot it was in the gallery (OMG HOT), a friend pointed out our Congressman, John Yarmuth, standing behind us. He's running for re-election and evidently we walked into the gallery who was hosting him for the evening.

Anyway, we met with him and shook hands and chatted for a bit and then all were major nerds and had our pics taken with him. Regardless of where you lie politically, it's always cool to meet someone who's in DC and representing you and this was no different. He was very friendly and said he's having the time of his life up there.