by cheapchica11 on August 17, 2010
I couldn’t be more obsessed with these! They’re just the thing to wear with jean shorts, tucked into flirty skirts, with jeans or over leggings. I know some people borrow theirs from their BF’s or husbands but I’m super petite and they never seem to look quite right on me. I was so excited to find these button-downs in a much more feminine cut…and a much softer fabric. They make everything in my closet look effortlessly chic…sub them in for your Summer T’s and you’re on your way to transitioning into the new season!
L to R: Placket Shirt, $22.80; Chiffon Button-Down, $58; Silk Blend Shirt, $22.80
by Leah on August 13, 2010
Go ahead and bookmark this one! Spottedmoth.com is an adorable online boutique with equally adorable clothing and accessories. Their motto is “Be chic and sweet in clothes that are rich in style but not in price!” And we couldn’t have said it better ourselves!
Based out of Orange County, CA, this has quickly become one of my go-to online stores. They feature feminine dresses, cute tops and bottoms, and have a great collection of unique accessories also. I love when I can shop and fill my “cart” full of goodies and not spend tons of money!
This Lilac Romper $29.99, is one of my favorites, as well as this Abel Brown Dress $36.99, which is perfect for a day at the beach. And I’m really into rope and braided belts right now – so this was a winner for me! Accessories include cutesy necklaces, like the Measure with Love necklace $14.99 and this gorgeous Carpenter Bee Bag $54.99.
Low prices for a Cheap Chica and cute styles for the fashionista in me! And be sure to check out their equally cute blog….Love it Spotted Moth!!
by cheapchica11 on August 5, 2010
and it might just be my new obsession–when it’s on sale like it is RIGHT NOW! The green shoes were what lured me in (what a surprise) but then I fell in love with all of her designs. I’m a dress girl and she had super cute styles that are versatile enough for me to wear at work or play. The two I bought are now both sold out, but the three items above almost made it into my shopping cart.
When I shopped on Monday they had an additional 30% off the sale prices and that doesn’t seem to be the case now but I would call up the 800# and ask if they’ll honor it…and in case they don’t these prices are still fabulous! I just got my order yesterday (super fast shipping and it’s FREE if you spend over $75) and the quality is awesome. This is not disposable fashion…this line is full of great pieces you’ll want to wear over and over again…and they look like you spent a fortune!
In terms of fit, I took an XXS or a 2 in everything and it was still big on me, so size down!
Links(L to R): Cocoon Jacket, Skirt, Top and shoes (but they’re not on sale) ;(
by Leah on July 19, 2010
When I saw this tank on jcrew.com I knew it was for me. I like ruffles, but I like subtle ruffles.
I buy tons of tank tops, but most of them tend to be on the simple side.
What I liked about this tank is that it has one detailed row of loose ruffles right down the center that dresses it up just enough without being overwhelming. Plus it’s not skin tight, which makes it a perfect, breezy summer piece.
It comes in 6 colors, but my favorites are the cement and the bronzed clay – colors that are right on trend for the summer! This tank can be paired with a pair of loose khaki’s and wedges for a daytime look and can easily transition to a nighttime look by adding a pair of dark denim jeans and a few accessories. At $29.50 this is an amazing summer steal!
by cheapchica11 on July 8, 2010
I’m a belt girl. In my opinion everything looks better with a belt. They help define your waist, turn a totally shapeless garment into a chic silhouette and it’s an easy-to-add accessory that makes everything you wear look so much cooler…especially nowadays when belts come in so many colors, textures and sizes.
My only problem with belts…is the sizes. I’ve always been super petite and with that came a lifetime of XS (now I am NOT complaining) and while that sounds like a great problem to have, it’s not so great when you can’t find a belt that fits around your natural waist.
Most belts have 4-6 holes that make them adjustable to a range of sizes, but the last hole was still too big for me, so I end up taking all my belts to my shoe guy (I refuse to use the word “cobbler” b/c I don’t live in the 1800’s) who punches some extra holes.
It’s an ok solution, but kind of a pain in the ass when you’re all about instant gratification like I am…but thanks to the geniuses at Madewell and their neon lights belt, they’ve now solved all my belt problems!
They designed the cutest (how ah-mazing are the brights) belts that use holes as a decorative element so you can size them as small or as large as you like…which also means you can wear the same belt at your waist or hips!! I bought the hot pink one yesterday (it was $19.99) and I’ve already styled 10 outfits with it…I am so freakin’ excited to wear them!
And if there are any belt designers out there…take a cue from Madewell and incorporate both style and function into your next round of waist-sinchers. This is the kind of sizing solution that will make me a very loyal customer!!
by cheapchica11 on June 23, 2010
…or just go barefoot and buy some new ones while you’re there! I just happend to stop into ALDO last night and boy am I glad I did!! They just started their amazing summer sale and all of the shoes I’ve been dying for are now up to 50% off regular prices–it’s not even July yet!!
The great thing about this sale is that they actually have the styles you want (not the leftover crappy styles that you usually find) and every style I picked out they had in my size. But just in case you strike out in-store, you can find all of the styles online. And right now, you get FREE shipping on orders over $75.
Now if you’re like me, when I shop in-store, I tend to get spend happy when I find a sale this good (I can’t pass up a good deal), so my advice is to order all of the styles you’re interested in, have them shipped to your home (for FREE) and then see which ones work with the clothes already in your closet. Buying a pair of shoes (even if they’re only $19 like the flat oxfords above) isn’t a deal when you have to buy a whole new outfit to go with your new shoes! And if the shoes don’t work, ALDO offers free return shipping or you can just return them to any store!!
Now for fear of my husband reading this blog, I’m not going to disclose how many pairs I bought, but email me and I’ll tell you which styles made it into my closet! 
Here are the links to the shoes above (clockwise): NEMETS $59.98, MCKALE $49.98, ORPIN $64.98, GIBBARD $49.98, GURECZNY $49.98, BUFFKIN $19.98, SMOLNICKY $49.98
by cheapchica11 on June 15, 2010
I’ve always been the kind of person that will shop anywhere–grocery stores, gas stations, Wal-Mart, you name it! I’m all about finding good deals wherever that may be and lately many of those GREAT deals have come from one store in particular…
Their sales have been super aggressive and even on the good stuff…nothing is worse than a sale on the crap no one wants! And right now, you can get these amazing necklaces in your choice of metal for only $25! Click here to buy them and to find out where many of my recent deals have come from!
PS: Thanks to reader Amanda S. for the great tip!
by cheapchica11 on June 3, 2010
UPDATE: Big CONGRATS to Nina! She’s the winner in this fab giveaway!!
As if I needed another reason to love this site…
The people behind ShopItToMe.com have gone and given one of my favorite online personal shopping tools a total makeover! I get their personalized Salemails in my inbox every morning and while I both LOVE and DREAD them, they make shopping online so easy!
If you’re too busy to spend hours searching the Web for sales, you have to sign up for their daily emails! The site features more than two billion products every month, that’s right TWO BILLION! And everything on their site is on sale…sometimes up to 75% off!
You pick the designers, your sizes and the frequency and they deliver personalized Salemail alerts, notifying you of when your favorite items go on sale! Just this morning, I got an alert for this fabulous Free People dress–which I’m totally getting now that’s it’s $60!
So to celebrate all the goodness and savings that is SITM, we’re partnering with them to let one reader pick ANY item or items (that total $100) from their Salemails and ShopItToMe.com will send them to you for FREE!
All you need to do to enter is sign up for their Salemails and then leave a comment with your favorite item(s) as a hyperlink! Next Thursday, I’ll pick one winner who will receive their choice of item(s) for FREE ! Good Luck…and if you need help spending the $100, email me! 
PS: Check out this video I did about their site for NBC Philadelphia!
by cheapchica11 on May 14, 2010
One of my new favorite online shopping websites for summer-chic clothing is Tillys.com.
They have a fun selection of feminine, surf-inspired clothing and accessories from brands like Billabong, Volcom, Roxy, Full Tilt, and Hurley that will keep you looking Cali-cool all Summer long!
It’s important to add a little diversity to your wardrobe and I find that Tillys hits the spot when I’m bored of the same old looks and trends…best of all are their fabulous sales!
Every time I stop in, there’s always a plentiful sale section and if you prefer to do your shopping online, you can take advantage of their FREE SHIPPING offers!
With summer on the way, colorful dresses and printed rompers are a great way to go from day to night by adding layers and accessories and Tilly’s has all the fashionable goods to satisfy your cravings and get that surfer girl style we all love!
Shop on!!
by cheapchica11 on May 12, 2010
Listen up bathing beauties– Memorial Day is just two weeks away, so the search is on for the best swimwear to keep you looking stylish and sexy all summer long without breaking the bank! Luckily, the holy grail of swimsuit shopping- Victoria’s Secret- is offering 25-40% off over 200+ styles and if you use code SHIPVS10, you’ll also get FREE shipping on all orders over $100.
This offer is only good through May 18, so act fast! And while you’re there, be sure to check out their delectable summer dresses starting at just $29 along with the new Nakeds Collection which are seductive, comfortable, and lightweight bras and panties…perfect for summer heat!
by cheapchica11 on May 6, 2010
You can’t deny who you are and for as much as I hate it, I’m a shoe girl!
I will gladly spend my last two cents on a new pair of shoes before I buy a new top or a bag or jewelry…shoes just make happy!
I feel in love with a pair of yellow Elizabeth & James heels back in February and I’ve been stalking them on Piperlime for months now, but they are just way outside of my shoe budget.
I loved the color and have been looking everywhere for something in this shade, so when I found these Steve Madden sandals in the exact same color, I was all over them!
They aren’t quite as versatile as the E&J pumps, but I don’t think I would wear these year round anyway, so they’re perfect…oh and they’re also on sale for only $49.95 so that makes them even more perfect!
And in case yellow isn’t your color they also come in coral, cobalt blue, and a really pretty blush tone!
by cheapchica11 on May 4, 2010
I’m going to totally date myself by saying this but I just need you younger girls to recognize how lucky you are to have a store like Forever 21 carrying prom dresses…
My options were sooooo limited back then (12 years ago to be exact!) and as a result I ended up spending way too much money on a dress that made me look 10 years older–and no, I will not post my old prom pic!
I was at the mall this weekend and couldn’t believe how many chic and modern “not your typical prom dress” dresses F21 had…I typically shop there for all of my clothes, but who knew they had such cute formal party frocks!?! They’re even offering FREE SHIPPING (use code DRESSMEUP at checkout) on any of their prom dresses to help make your purchase more affordable!
Anyway I digress…I had about a million emails asking for advice on where to buy a beautiful prom dress on a budget, so to answer all of the questions in one foul swoop, I’ve put together some my favorite finds for prom season…
If there’s one thing I think any girl should have it’s a short dress–you have to dance on prom night (duh!) and wearing a long gown will only get in the way of you getting down, so opt for a shorter hemline. And keep this in mind while you’re shopping, if you go short, you can easily wear it again for a party…can’t do that with a long dress!
I’ve also broken the dresses down by “mood”…there isn’t a perfect dress out there for everyone, so stay true to your style and find one that fits your body type and that reflects your personal style or the type of look you’re going for at prom! And if you’re shopping in-store you can even save 15% on select styles…oh and take the extra money you saved and get yourself some cute jewelry and a killer pair of shoes!!
BTW, if you’re way past prom age, you should still check out the assortment, some of them would work really well for all of those upcoming weddings!! Love this one!
by cheapchica11 on April 25, 2010
I’m a huge fan of LuLus.com–I check their site at least once a week (sometimes more) and I always find great buys under $50 no matter what I’m looking for…
so I was really excited to see that they added a new LOOKBOOK component to their website! If you like their clothes, you’re going to really like this feature. They’ve put together some of their favorite trends (Geek Chic, Ladylike and Tribal for now) and built entire outfits around them!! Check it out here!
And BTW, if you were a fan of the La La Love Dress–it’s back! You can get it in Navy, Purple and Grey now but click fast…these babies sell out sooooo quickly!
by cheapchica11 on April 24, 2010
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of beautiful stationary…
it gives everything a personalized touch and in a world when an email now counts as a formal “thank you” note, it’s really nice to get something handwritten in the mail!
One of my absolute favorite sites to buy modern, personalized stationery is Minted.com. They have such a beautiful selection of styles and they really do have something for everyone! For example, how adorable are these photo cards?
I think they would be such an incredible and thoughtful gift for any new mom! You can literally upload any picture and they look amazing in person!
Or what Mom wouldn’t love some custom stationary like this set below…
So just in time for Mother’s Day (it’s May 9th!) we’ve partnered with Minted.com to giveaway one set of custom cards for one lucky reader and her Mom! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment letting us know which set you’d love to gift one of the most important women in your life!
Any of these cards would make a wonderful gift and with most of these sets priced under $55, they’re both stylish and affordable!
You can also save 10% off your order by using the code MDAY2010–but don’t wait to order–you need to have your orders in by Tuesday to guarantee delivery in time for Mother’s Day!
NOTE: The winner will be announced on 4/27 so that the winner is guaranteed delivery by 5/9.
by cheapchica11 on April 21, 2010
I spend a lot of time at my local mall doing “research” but one store I never stop in is American Eagle…for some reason I always felt like I was way too old to shop in there but I stopped in there to pick up that denim shirt I wrote about a few weeks ago for a friend and completely changed my tune! They not only have great basics, but given that whole cargo/military trend that’s going on right now, they have some really cute pieces that are must-haves for the summer!
Here’s what I picked up…and ALL of it was an additional 30% off the clearance prices–with the exception of the Military Jacket ($49.50) because it was just too cute not to buy and the slim fit is exactly what I’ve been looking for!
Most of their solid tees were less than $5 and they’re super soft and drapey–I also bought them one size up so that in case they shrink I can still get that oversized look I want…the jeans and jorts were all under $30 bucks and the soft faded colors are perfect for the season…the dress is everything I want in a Summer frock–perfect over a swimsuit and super cute with wedges…and finally my go-with-everything vest for less than $25!
Now I did notice that the prices on the website are higher (sometimes by as much as $7) than in-store so if you have one near you, it’s worth it to stop in to take advantage of some serious Summer savings!
