Workin' Gal.

Now that I'm officially a college graduate (Yay!), I'm going on job interviews and it was time for me to step up my wardrobe and get some more professional pieces. And of course, I had to do so on a budget since I am still unemployed. Today I picked up ten items: five skirts, one dress, one cardigan, one blouse, one top, and one pair of flats...and I only spent $140! I bought things that would look good together so that I could interchange pieces to make as many outfits as possible, gotta stretch that dollar! Check out what I scored:



Okay, this was by far the deal of the century. Each of these Old Navy skirts were .97 cents! Yes, they were .97 cents each. Talk about guilt free shopping. Not only were they practically free, but they're great basics.



This skirt was $17.80 from Forever 21. I plan on wearing this skirt with a basic tank, and then I can maximize my wardrobe by pairing it with either a blazer, cardigan, or blouse.



This is a $18.90 white linen blouse from Forever 21 and I love its simplicity; I can wear it under any of the skirts I purchased today.



Like the white blouse, this cardigan can be paired with anything...$24.80 from you guessed it...Forever 21



$19.80 from Forever 21...great with dark denim jeans or under one of the neutral skirts I purchased



$22.80 from Forever 21, this can be dressed up or down which is why I like it...versatile pieces are key!



This skirt was $9.95 from H&M and I think it will look great with the white blouse, perfect for summer!



And lastly, I got a $25 pair of metallic flats from Gap because they will go with everything.

Ten versatile pieces for $140? That's what I like to call chic for cheap folks. Stay tuned for some interview outfit pics this week...

Bun Envy.

Can a bun be messy and put together at the same time? I think this photo proves yes; doesn't she look chic yet effortless? Alright, time to grow out the hair.


image via

Going on a little blogging hiatus while I try to enjoy my last few weeks of college and apply to big girl jobs, wish me luck!

Happy Valentine's Day!

My sister held a gals only V-day party this weekend full of cocktails, cupcakes and candy. YUM! I wore this:



I brought these:


And rocked my new ring:



Check out more pics from her party at Domestikated Life. Trust me, they're adorable.

Okay, I'm ready for Spring.

Is anyone else feeling the effects of this super cold, snowy winter? We just got hit with yet another storm in New Hampshire and I'm feeling a little unmotivated, especially in the fashion department. As I sit bundled up with a blanket and a fresh pine candle lit, I'm dreaming of this tank top on a breezy Spring day with a pair of skinny jeans and gladiator sandals. Oh, and maybe a margarita too.


$37.99 from ModCloth

Saturday night sparkle.

This past weekend instead of trekking to the bar in -2 degree weather, my roommates and I stayed in and played around with nail polish. And yes, glasses of wine were involved. We all went for a different look, but I decided to use a bright color for a much needed winter pick me up, followed by a coat of gold sparkles. It doesn't get any louder than this folks:




Image via Essie and Sephora

How are you doing your nails lately? Bright? Sparkly? Both?

D.I.Y. iPod Case

It's the weekend before finals and what's a fabulous way to take a break from studying and paper writing? With a little D.I.Y. project of course. My boyfriend recently got me an iPod touch and I didn't want to spend $30 on a plastic case that I would probably end up breaking, so I decided to make my own using some scraps I had in my craft box. Check it out:

I took an old pair of light denim jeans that didn't fit, traced my iPod with a pencil twice onto the denim and cut out the pieces. I made them a little larger than the iPod so I had room to sew:




Then I took silver triangle studs and studded one of the pieces into a triangle shape. A little futuristic, no?



I took the two pieces, flipped them inside out and sewed them together by hand. When I was done sewing, I flipped the pieces back out and that's it! It took about a half hour to make and it was free, what's not to like? Just to be safe- I put some tape over the inside of the case to cover the stud backings so it doesn't scratch the iPod. You like?






Wouldn't these make great stocking stuffers? I also made one for my cell phone too, happy craftin'!

Santa Baby.

I can't believe it's that time of year again for Christmas wish lists, but hey, I'm not complainin'. As today rang in the first snowfall of the season (hello hot chocolate), I decided to share my 2010 Christmas dream list. I'd be happy with a day full of good food and family fun, but I certainly wouldn't mind finding these underneath the tree this year:

These Sperry boots are online for $98, but I saw them in a department store for half off. Aren't they a great Ugg alternative?

Finding a winter jacket I like is always a challenge; I feel like they're always too bulky. But this $60 jacket from Old Navy looks cozy and it just so happens to match those boots above.

I am a big fan of Tarte cheek stain; it gives your cheeks a natural, feminine looking flush. This holiday set is online at Sephora for $25.
I actually can't believe I don't own this book already. I'm home for five weeks over winter break, so I better start craftin'. Find it at Urban Outfitters for $20.


I'm a big fan of these dainty bow tie necklaces, they would be the perfect touch to almost any outfit. Find them at Lulu's for only $13.


Wouldn't you love to cozy up in this sweater on Christmas morning? I found it at Madewell for $88.

And did I mention all these items are under $100? Happy Shopping!

Thankful for vintage Coach.

Happy belated Thanksgiving, hope everyone had a lovely holiday. I spent a week at home with my family in New York and loved it. I took a day trip to NYC with my sister; we went to Mood fabrics (where they film Project Runway), stocked up on some crafting goods at M&J Trim, and of course, did some shopping. I scored this $10 vintage Coach bag at home; I love how lady-like it looks:



Hope everyone got some good Black Friday deals...now let the Christmas countdown begin.

Teen Vogue does decor.

I'm not afraid to admit it; I'm 21 years old and I am still an avid Teen Vogue reader. So when I was browsing their blogs this morning I came across a JC Penney and Teen Vogue bedding collaboration and it's adorable. This is my favorite bedding from their line, and did I mention it's affordable too... What do you think?


Image via Teen Vogue

The Real World.

As scary as it is for me to say, I graduate college in May. Every time I go shopping now, I can't help but start to think about transitioning my wardrobe from casual college duds to fancier, "Please give me a job" clothes. I purchased this black skirt on clearance for $10 at Gap and I instantly got excited about looking for a job and more importantly, the excuse to get dressed up everyday.



But for the time being, I think this skirt will suffice as part of my Thanksgiving day outfit.

Rabbit Rabbit.

Happy November!I have a habit of getting really excited and giddy when planning outfits for events and holidays. So as today marks the first of November and with Thanksgiving just a few weeks away, yes, I am starting to think about my outfit. I spent my lazy Sunday pulling some inspiration from Polyvore and this is the look I want to achieve but using what I already have in my closet...you like?



What will be your turkey day duds?

DIY- Boho Necklace

You can never go into a craft store and just get one thing. It's inevitable that you're going to pick something up and say, "This is really cool, what can I make with this?" And sometimes that pays off- like this necklace that I made for $1.50! I found these boho beads at Michael's on clearance while shopping for my Halloween costume materials. Luckily, I had black chain at home from New York Design Shop and in a matter of seconds I had a chic new necklace that cost almost nothing to make! You like?




Psst- Speaking of Halloween, is anyone else making their costume? I'm being Pebbles and my costume cost five bucks, can't wait to show some pictures! Happy craftin'

Time to get cozy.

Today was a beautiful New England fall day; the slight breeze and crisp air made me want to grab a sweater as cozy as this one! It's the perfect comfy piece to thrown on with some leather boots and a scarf. I think I'm in love.



Also, if you know me well, you already know that I take way too many naps and my bed is my favorite place in the world...so this sweater is right up my alley.

P.S.-- It fits my college gal budget, $42.99 from Mod Cloth.

Case of the Mondays.

It's a cold, gray, rainy Monday morning; the kind of day where you just want to lie in bed, not get dressed and be totally unproductive. I'm taking on this dreary Monday in style...throw on some leggings, your favorite pair of knee length boots, and a chunky cozy sweater and you're good to go. Here was my inspiration this morning as I got ready for the day ahead:



Image via Polyvore


What's your Monday look?

A little scarf goes a long way.

Whenever I go thrifting, I always keep my eyes peeled for vintage scarves. Not only are they usually inexpensive, but I find myself using them in so many ways to pull together an outfit. Here are some of the ways to accessorize a simple scarf:

• Spruce up your exercise duds by grabbing a scarf from your closet and using it to tie your yoga mat up. So chic! All your workout buddies will be jealous.
  
• Wear it as a necklace- tie small knots into the scarf and clasp it in the back by either tying a knot or using a safety pin. Layering different scarves would look great too! Here's mine:
• Use it as a belt- cinch it around a skirt or a dress at the smallest part of your waist and tie it at the side, very flattering!

• Tie it around your hair as a headband. Blake Lively rocked this look in Gossip Girl:

• Whenever I need a little pop to my outfit, I grab a scarf and tie it to my handbag.
• And last but not least, use them for wall decorations. Get them in funky colors and arrange them in a pattern for your wall, great for a dorm room!

PS- This morning on the Nate Berkus Show, he pressed and framed silk scarves for wall decorations. I like your style, Nate!

Image via Scarves Wraps

Back to School Cool.

Tomorrow is my last first day of school. And despite usually having my outfit picked out at least three weeks in advance (don't lie you did it too), this year's a little different. I just moved into my first place and between the moving and the unpacking I haven't had time to think about it (aka obsess over it). So it's into the closet I go! I want to look cute but not like I'm trying too hard. Here's the look I'm trying to achieve:


Image via Fab Sugar

I love this casual look; the blazer makes it a little more polished but it's still relaxed. Wish me luck! What's your back to school look?

PS- Check out my back to school guest post on Domestikated Life!

Dear Fashion Gods,

Will a cute little trendy stork deliver this outfit to me for my first day back to school? K, Thanks!
No but seriously, am I the only one whose so excited for blazers and knee boots? Yipeee!

Image via Polyvore

What a day.

Today turned out to be quite an excellent Thursday. I've been scouring the shelves all week for the September issue of Vogue and had no luck until this morning; I hopped off the train, ran to the first newsstand I could find and there it was, in all its two and a half pound glory. I was perhaps a little too giddy about it, until of course I realized I already had two other September magazines (Marie Claire and Lucky) in my purse and that my bag just gained about ten pounds and I would have to lug them around all day. But believe me, it was worth it.
Image via Vogue

Oh, and did I mention it's their biggest issue to date? 726 pages.

It also happened to be my last day interning at New York Design Shop and my boss surprised me with the best field trip ever....the Barney's Warehouse sale!! It was as I expected it to be, overwhelming, kind of stressful and still a little too expensive for this gal's budget. But it was a fun experience non the less.

P.S.- Thank you to NYDS for letting me help out this summer! I learned so much about DIY and I can't wait to get craftin' in my new apartment. Don't forget to check out their site for tutorials on the Fall trends coming up, contests and giveaways!

You go gurlfran!

Looks like Hollywood starlet Drew Barrymore is hopping on the chic for cheap bandwagon! She recently graced the red carpet for her Nylon Magazine cover in a 25$ thrift store dress. And she looks fab:


Do you like Drew's inexpensive, yet red carpet ready look?

Image via MTV Style