I’m so excited to feature this Shabby Apple Giveaway!  Shabby Apple is by far, one of my favorite brands for high quality dresses with a vintage flair.  

 In addition to being a purveyor of classic style, Shabby Apple also supports women around the world- so your purchase helps other women. Look good, feel good!

Whenever I hostess a Shabby Apple Giveaway people get so excited, and rightfully so!  I always get so many compliments when I wear a Shabby Apple dress!

If you’re looking for a work appropriate dress or a modest but gorgeous frock for a wedding with a victorian, flapper or even “Mad Men” type feel that screams of sophistication, Shabby Apple dresses are true investment pieces that will be true favorites in your wardrobe!

This Shabby Apple dress- Usra is a comfortable and cozy sweater dress.  It’s especially great for tall women- I noticed the sleeves were a bit long, so I rolled them up for a casual look.  I’m 5’8″ but may have the hem lifted a bit since it runs a bit long, even for me, but that wasn’t a problem on a crisp winter day!

Pair this dress with boots, leggings or cute socks that peek over the top and you’ve got a cozy but classy outfit that looks great but fits like a glove!

The kind folks at Shabby Apple are offering a giveaway to one lucky reader for a $50 shop credit!  Enter below to get a few entries to this awesome Shabby Apple giveaway!  Ends 1/28/13.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

also, be sure to check out Beautiful Giveaways  for the best giveaways on the internet with new giveaways 3-5 days a week!

As much as I love fashion- there are times where I get perfectly content wearing the same two things over and over again without much variation.  The weather in southern California has been (sorry, don’t kill me) splendid to say the least- and I haven’t had much inspiration to vary from a fashion formula that works.

For the past month, my two staples have been an Addison Satchel from YesWalker and a leopard scarf I picked up at Target.  I love to pair these two items with just about anything- black flats or brown riding boots with thick socks for cooler days.  I’ve dressed it up with a peacoat and dressed down with a cardigan and skinny jeans. But I can imagine it’d also look great with Leather Trousers for a fun night out or classy enough to be paired with affordable diamond earrings

The weather has been warm with a few rainy cooler days, so while I readjust to weather here (meaning, not having to live in the same overstuffed parka for two months straight like I did in Chicago) I like to choose one bag for a season, and keep the variety in my dresses, blouses and leggings.

This bag has been my go-to since late fall and I think I will be using it into winter since I find so much of my winter attire is black, I want to brighten up my outfits with a lighter neutral.

Personally, I love this bag since it has lockable pockets to hold my business cards without getting scuffed and it’s just deep enough to hold an iPad or book but not so deep that I end up losing my keys or lipgloss!  I think I chose it for the color and style and got addicted to it because it’s as practical as it is fashionable.

Usually before the season starts- I like to get a few essential pieces that will be easy to mix and match with pieces I already have or easy add-ons.  This season I seem to be obsessed with this taupe handbag, a leopard print scarf and brown riding boots.  I find that sometimes using the same pieces over and over isn’t a rut- it’s a sign you’ve found that right item that just works!

What’s you go-to winter fashion item?

Do you switch out your handbags frequently or use them for entire seasons (or longer?)

Fashion can be overwhelming, especially for those of us on a tight budget!  If you’re paying down your debts, saving for a big purchase or curbing your spending, this post will guide the way.  While trends are fun, every girl should invest in having some basic, universal staples that will survive short lived trends and be easily adaptable to any event or occasion with only minor fashion accessory supplements or adjustments.

I lived on an $800 monthly budget and still made my passion for fashion fit my limited spending.  Do your best to find the essentials as cheaply as possible and get creative with sales, shopping around and swapping with friends.  You don’t have to spend a lot to look fabulous!

Wardrobe Essentials Every Frugal Girl Needs:

Shoes-

1 Pair of Black or Nude Heels

1 Pair of Statement Heels (My go-to are Leopard Print)

1 Pair of Black Flats

1 Pair of Classic Boots (i.e. riding boots)

1 Pair of Sandals To Go With Everything

Clothes-

A Simple Pencil Skirt

A Work/Church Appropriate Blouse

A Black Cocktail Dress

3 Cardigans (Black, Tan, Bright Crazy Color)

3 Pairs Of Jeans (One being a classy dark wash)

4 Camis/Undershirts (to be paired with cardigans, layered or worn alone)

1 Black Trench or Peacoat

Accessories-

Pearl Necklace & Studs

Basic Silver or Gold Necklace & Studs

Leather Belt (to cinch dresses, layer sweaters)

Statement Accessory Pieces (Vintage Brooches, bright scarves)

Leggings or Tights  (to layer with your summer pieces for fall)

Basic Handbag (a bag you love so much you’d wear it with anything!)

Get Creative On Where To Snag Essentials:

If you’re shopping for fashion on a budget, you will have to think outside the box to get the best deals on pieces that are highly valuable to your overall satisfaction and appearance.  Most of us only think about fashion when we get a craving or see something that calls our name- but before you succumb to marketing or emotion, look elsewhere to get great deals on fashion.

Whenever you can, scour daily deal sites, clearance racks or thrift shops, but be cautious since many of the wardrobe staples can’t be found there (and instead, you’ll find last season’s trends that aren’t always conducive to a gal’s targeted fashion budget).

If you’re looking for a keystone piece of jewelry or a high-end trench coat that you couldn’t afford, ask for it as a gift or request gift cards to help you save up.  You can’t always get essentials in your traditional “money saving” shops- a good pearl necklace or a handbag you know will go with everything cannot always be found on clearance racks or thrift stores.  It’s better to save up to get a high quality essential piece or get it as a gift than to either buy a cheaper version  you love less, or try and save money by buying a trendy piece you don’t totally love.

Take Notes Before You Shop & Scour For Essentials:

It is so easy to get caught up in the latest trends- but keep it simple if you’re on a budget.  Whenever you buy an item, ask yourself “How many outfits will this make?” or “What Will This Item Complete?”  

One of my favorite tricks is to take a mental note or leave a note in my phone when I’m struggling to put an outfit together at home and wish I had “a black pair of tights” or a “blue cardigan” to go with it, I make a note.

Most of the time, we waste money at the store simply because we’re looking for that perfect “thing” without being able to pinpoint our dissatisfaction or remember what little item would have helped us use items we already have (like a cami to cover up a busty dress or a thick belt to cinch a waist on a boxy blouse).  Whenever an idea pops into your head, make a list and stick to it!

Invest In Wardrobe Basics, Lightly Supplement With Trends:

Trends are costly.  Every time animal print or neon or faux leather falls into favor, people rush to Forever 21 and discount shops to stock up on the latest trends. While you are getting a discount, the high turnover rate of “cheap” fashion -either in durability or changing trends, seems to add up quickly.

The great thing about the above staples is that once you have them, it’s easy to adapt them to trends you love with just a few simple additions that can be implemented each season for $20 or less.  Having a classy black cocktail dress can be dolled up with a feather pendant, a broach or hot pink pumps in a dozen different ways with affordable additions.

Focus your budget on the basics.  Trends are tempting, but usually end up being regretted later, but stick to only what you need and supplement only with any extra spending money you have left over.

Patience Is A Virtue. Being Frugal & Fashionable Doesn’t Happen In One Trip:

Seriously girl, slow down!  If you’re busy and fashion hungry, waiting around for the right piece especially at the right price is truly a test of grit.  Timeless pieces that last beyond a season or two aren’t easy to find.

Just like a good meal that takes time to put together, you may not walk away with the perfect pair of jeans that hug you like a glove on  your first visit.  If you’re looking for the timeless essentials when you’re on a budget, know it will take some research and it will take some time to find on deep discount, thrifted or when swapped with friends.

When you’re out shopping, know stores are not geared to help us find timeless pieces, everything is tuned to make us “buy now,” and “get it now” instead of waiting for the right piece. It may be frustrating to exercise patience, but when you have finally a killer wardrobe that means you’re never without the right thing to wear, your pocketbook will thank you!

I have always loved cowboy boots but felt too shy to wear them since I don’t live on a ranch or live the country lifestyle- then I started to see ladies around Chicago wearing them with a variety of atypical outfits- paired with shorts, girly dresses and plenty of casual tops that didn’t ever seem to include the cliché button ups or skinny jeans.

I admired cowboy boots from afar, but never let the fascination take hold- that is, until I saw nerd-icon & unconventional fashionista, the fictional Amelia Pond rock them in a few episodes of Doctor Who  (see here).  Amelia is a ballsy redhead, Scottish (read: not a typical cowgirl) and sported them with tights…. my mind was blown and I loved her look so much I had to indulge!

I teamed up with the fabulous people at Justin Boots to get my first pair of cowboy boots…and they had so many to choose from. I finally settled on a versatile but appropriately stylized pair that came complete with gorgeous teal stitching-  Stampede Western Justin Boots (which come in several colors) had to be mine!

I couldn’t believe how gorgeous the complete package of Justin Boots was when they arrived!  The box, wrapping and packaging was so girly it felt like I’d just opened up a pair of Christian LouBoutons, not cowboy boots- total luxury!  I still have the box to keep summer momentos in… that’s how much I loved it!

As for the Justin Boots themselves, I was impressed with the quality. The detail on these boots are totally gorgeous-  they have style without being over the top and are versatile but have a touch of girly flair, just the right amont of everything for a first time cowboy boot wearer!

The soles had great tread, and the stitching on the boots was sturdy but elegant, adding a touch of style and durability.  I could instantly tell that after breaking these in, they’d be my go-to pair for a long time.

I love Justin Boots because they’re an investment piece- you get a versatile pair and the comfort and styling options will hold up over time with these great boots.  I wore these out for a few hours and once you wear them in, they lose their stiffness and fit like a glove.

Fall Trends I Recommend To Pair With Cowboy Boots:

• Pair with distressed leggings or skinny jeans for an easy on-trend outfit for nightime.
• For day looks, pair cowboy boots with cute socks or lace boot toppers.
• Dresses aren’t off limit!  Shirt dresses & sweater knits would be perfect!

If you’re totally sold on cowboy boots- I’d highly suggest getting a pair of Justin Cowboy boots and you can buy them online or at a local retailer for about $80-$120+

So ladies, what fall boots trends are you obsessed with?

Do you dare to wear cowboy boots?

Jewelry-  Tiffany & Co. & Questhaven Fashions / Dress- Questhaven Fashions / Shoes-  Fergie from Hautelook 

One of my favorite things about summer is how simple it is to get dressed when you have a simply adorable dress and a pair of cute wedges, add in some bangles or statement jewelry and you’ve got an outfit!  This dress is probably one of the most comfortable I own and I love how feminine it is without being constricting.

This was actually the last outfit post I took while still in Chicago- it was a sweltering & humid day, not great for hair or even for personal comfort!  I should have taken a picture of the floral hair pin I’d used to pin my hair bun, but it’s also one of my favorite accessories!

Bangle- Questhaven  /  Shoes-  Fergie from Hautelook 

These shoes from Fergie caught my attention instantly on Hautelook-  is it just me or does every celebrity seem to dabble in clothing or perfume nowadays?  JLo, Britney Spears, Nicole Richie, Paris Hilton & Jessica Simpson (among others) have all

Luckily, Fergie makes a gorgeous shoe, even if they are still needing a bit of work to break and be comfortable.  The bangle from Questhaven is a versatile favorite- white is a great color for summer and goes with everything!

Huge thanks to Questhaven for sending me these review pieces!  I absolutely adore their dresses and they also have a wide selection of accessories to make a complete outfit within budget.

So, do you have any celebrity brand products you adore?