Beauty and the Budget

A Clutch That's Worth Your $100

valeriekw — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:00:00 CDT

BCBGMAXAZRIA - Piper Envelope Clutch ($98.00 at Zappos)

Office Supplies for the Fashion Day Dreamer

valeriekw — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:00:00 CDT

From accessories to the perfect Post-It Notes, I've got you covered when it comes to spicing up your work-life. The 9 to 5 daily grind can get a little humdrum if you work in an office, and you can't always escape to your PopSugar iPhone app without getting caught by your coworkers. So what's a gal to do? These little extras will give you a little something to make your day a bit more interesting, or at the very least, you'll look really good being bored at work.

Anything Anne Taintor will surely get you through the day, such as this "Why Am I Sober?" pen ($4.99 at AnneTaintor.com). The Anne Taintor sticky notes ($4.49 at AnneTaintor.com) are practically an office staple where I work, and this one quickly sums up how efficient I am in taking messages.

Blush is a great pick-me up if you're feeling tired, and although TheBalm is a bit pricey, I think the packaging adds a little something extra. (TheBalm Down Boy $21.00 at Sephora.)

Peplum is sweet and fun and this flirty Sleeveless Top With Peplum And Daisy Print ($48.71 at Asos) will liven your work ensemble. Wear this to work on days when you need a bit of extra cheer.

Some ladies can walk around in stilettos all day, but I prefer something more comfortable, like a low kitten heel or flats. If you want comfort without sacrificing style, here's another choice to liven up your work wear: Cooperative Applique Flat ($34.00 at Urban Outfitters).

Give yourself something shiny to look at, like this Tropical Fish Mini Wish Ring (on sale for $24.49 at Juicy Couture). Bonus if you end up day dreaming about that cruise you've been dying to take.

And finally, if you love to write here's a quick way to enhance your writing skills--the One Word A Day Journal ($14.00 at Urban Outfitters). Write down one word that sums up your day or how you are feeling at work. It's also pretty interesting to flip back and look at!

Three Little White Dresses to Fit All of Your Summer Needs

valeriekw — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:00:00 CDT

Brighten up your summer days (and nights) by swapping out your little black dress for a little white dress!

Although you can stylishly wear white all year round (forget that Southern "after Labor Day" rule), you can wear it a little more often in the summer months. It's important to keep a few things in mind when wearing an all white look: red lipstick is a definite plus and you don't have to over accessorize the look, especially if you have a really great LWD. Below are three fabulous LWD options for you to choose from, and they're all under $60. Plus, I've included styling options to give you a few ideas!

Which dress is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

Dress with Front Patch ($59.90 at Zara.com)

This is the most expensive dress on the list, but it's such a great fit and cut that it's definitely worth the cost per wear. It comes with the belt, so it's a shirtdress that will already give you some shape. You can swap out the belt for a dressier look if necessary. If you're just going for an everyday look, I'd pair with congnac brown strappy heels and a long gold necklace. This dress is definitely appropriate for work!

ASOS Mini Dress with Mesh Panels ($34.79 at Asos)

This dress has been marked down from $78, so get it quick if you love it! The mesh side panels on this dress are what I love the most about it! I think it would be perfect for a date with your beau or a night out during a beach vacation. Vampy red lipstick and strappy metallic heels make the perfect accents.

ASOS PETITE Bandeau Dress In Textured Cloth ($46.10 at Asos)

This dress has also been marked down from $60, and it's such a great find! It's got an amazing cloth texture to it that really adds to the dress. It's casual enough to be worn during the day, but you can most certainly elevate the dress for night too. For day, pair with a floppy hat and wedges, and for night pair with nude pumps, a sleek updo, and shoulder sweeping earrings.

The Sexiest One-Piece

valeriekw — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:00:00 CDT

Plunge Backless Suit ($60.88 at ASOS)

Get Jessica Alba's Tory Burch Hat for Less

valeriekw — Mon, 14 May 2012 09:00:00 CDT

Image Courtesy: Zimbio

Recently Jessica Alba wore the perfect monochromatic outfit in New York, but I was particularly smitten with her Tory Burch hat! It's the perfect nod to summer and look great paired with bikinis, sundresses, or Jessica's look here--a loose sweater and oversized trousers. I'm pretty much obsessed with hats (specifically fedoras), but I think Panama hats are going to be the most popular style this season.

The hat is unavailable online, but there are a few affordable options for the rest of us to choose from!

Which hat is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

Panama hat

$29.95 at Gap

Forever 21 Wide Brim Fedora

$12.80$10.11 at Forever 21

Florent Spring Fedora

$128.00$49.99 at Rugby

3 Dresses that Look Expensive, but Aren't

valeriekw — Fri, 11 May 2012 09:00:00 CDT

On the avenue of dress shopping for an upcoming special event or occasion, you can go from something really fancy (but pricey) to something that's not as flashy (but rather affordable). However, if you shop properly (read: scour the racks) you can find many fabulous dresses that are under $50. Fortunately, you're reading an article from an expert bargain shopper--under $50? Found it! And I'll take one in every color!

Below are three dresses that look expensive, but aren't. And if you keep reading, I'll give tips on how to wear these dresses, so that you can avoid "cheapening" the look. Ready? Read on...

The Dress: West Coast Wardrobe Midas Touch Dress

The Cost: $44.00 at Boutique to You

What makes this dress look expensive?

The little flash of "precious metal" definitely makes this dress look more expensive than its worth. Plus the high low hem is so on trend right now.

Personal Styling Tips:

Pair with a dainty gold necklace that parallels the neckline, a metallic clutch, and dark red lip color, and you'll look like you're ready for the red carpet!

The Dress: Two Tone Silk Midi Dress

The Cost: $40.00 at Topshop (was $130!)

What makes this dress look expensive?

If the old price tag is any indication, this dress looks expensive because it's 100% silk. Fortunately for we bargain shoppers, this dress is now on sale. Snap it up before it's gone!

Personal Styling Tips:

I would have a little bit of fun with this dress since it's a pretty simple colorblock design. A python print clutch might look nice, or you could try a statement necklace to add a bit more character to the look. If you want to accentuate your waist, add a textured belt in a fun color like yellow or keep it simple with a black belt.

The Dress: Love 21 Cascade Flutter Dress

The Cost: $27.80 at Forever 21

What makes this dress look expensive?

The silhouette! This cascade detailing and the flutter sleeve make this dress look like it's designer. It will surely garner a "Where did you get that?" or two.

Personal Styling Tips: I would wear with strappy gold heels and a statement necklace that runs parallel to the neckline. A gold cuff and pretty nude polish would finish off the look perfectly!

Wait, THAT Lip Color is Popular for Spring?!

valeriekw — Thu, 10 May 2012 09:00:00 CDT

Deep red lip color is this spring's most unexpected trend! The color is usually reserved for fall and winter, but at the Met Gala Lana del Ray, Camilla Belle, and Kate Bosworth proved this lip color can be worn year round. I was a bit surprised a few weeks back when Scarlett Johansson wore a deep cinnamon colored lip for the Marvel Avenger's premiere in London, but it seems darker red lips are really catching on! I'm particularly smitten with the shade, and I think it's perfect for those hot summer nights!

Dark lipstick can provide a refreshing contrast to some of spring's biggest trends, like metallics and pastels. Camilla Belle paired her dark lipstick with a liquid silver gown and a sleek updo for a modern spin on 1920s style. But good luck trying to get her vampy lip! She used three different shades to create her own custom lip color.

You can, however, get the look for less at your local drugstore or department store. Here are three shades to try: Colour Riche in Classic Wine $9.49 by L'Oreal at Walgreens; SEPHORA COLLECTION Rouge Cream Lipstick in Bewitch Me $12.00 at Sephora; or For something really intense try Revlon Super Lustrous Lipcolor $6.99 by Revlon at Ulta.

5 Ways to Get This Met Gala Look for Less

valeriekw — Wed, 09 May 2012 09:00:00 CDT

Ginnifer Goodwin opted for bright and bold at the Met Gala in a beaded orange Monique Lhuillier dress. She looked absolutely stunning, and I have to give her props for being such a risktaker wearing an orange gown. (Of course, Beyonce was also a risk taker in her completely sheer Givenchy gown!)

Other stars who wore orange were Eva Mendes, Kristen Bell, Kristen Wiig, and Katherine McPhee.

Take inspiration from Ginnifer Goodwin (and the other bold beauties who opted for this hue) and get a perfect summer-ready look! Take a look at this gallery, featuring five looks under $100 which are inspired by Goodwin, and be prepared to turn heads!

6 Mother's Day Gifts from the Daughter on a Budget

valeriekw — Tue, 08 May 2012 09:00:00 CDT

Mother's Day is this Sunday, and if you haven't already, it's time to get Mom something special. You've been through everything together, so now is your opportunity to show her your appreciation! Of course, you could really go all out and get her fancy anti-aging products or a day at a luxurious spa. Those are fabulous gifts indeed. Thankfully dear ol' mom will understand if you don't have lots of extra cash to spend. That's why I've rounded up several affordable yet fabulous gifts under $40 for the daughter on a budget!

Give mom a little hint of sparkle with a fabulous pair of earrings, like these Rachel Roy Sabine Round Jewel Stud Earrings ($22.00 at Piperlime). I recently bought my mom a similar pair in a light green for her birthday a few weeks ago, and they add the perfect hint of shine to every outfit! Another way to help mom accessorize nicely is with this Macy's Haskell Bracelet, Blue and Brown Beaded Shaky Bracelet ($25.00 at Macy's). Inspired by Brazil, this is perfect for when Mom is vacationing at an exotic destination or when she wants to add a bit of bohemian flair to her outfit.

You really can't go wrong with anything Burt's Bees, and this Sugar Scrub Honey & Shea ($12.99 at Walgreens). With the warm scent of honey and shea, this natural sugar scrub combines ground almonds with aloe leaf juice to leave skin polished and perfectly soft. She will surely appreciate it!

My mom really loves handbags, especially Buddha bags. While Buddha bags are a little on the pricey side, this straw satchell Hard Framed Satchel - Green ($39.95 by Kelly & Katie at DSW) would be a fantastic option. This bag is right on trend for summer and it has enough room to carry everything Mom needs.

My mom also really loves a good skincare product. Most good skincare products are expensive, but Clinique actually carries a great line of products for a reasonable price. Your mom might really love this New Mild Clarifying Lotion ($12.50 at Clinique). This comfortable exfoliator helps create smooth, glowing skin, and it clears away pollution, grime, dulling flakes. The non-drying formula is also gentle enough for sensitive skin!

I'm pretty much obsessed with MOR cosmetics--the scents are fabulous and refreshing and they carry a wide range of products to accomodate your beauty needs. Try this Essential Collection Hand Body Wash ($16.00 by MOR at Zappos). Your mom can use it as a ultra luxe hand wash or in the shower.

And don't forget, if you want to give Mom something completely free, here are a few great options: Wash dishes for her, cook her a meal, do the laundry for a week. As busy as Mom is, she just might appreciate that more than anything!

What will you be getting Mom this Mother's Day? Let me know in the comments!

The Top 5 Must-Have Beauty Products for May

valeriekw — Mon, 07 May 2012 09:00:00 CDT

If you were going to buy just five beauty products this month, here are the ones I recommend:

For all of your soft chignons and braided updos for those special events this season, you're going to need something to really accent your hairstyle. This Forever 21 Eyelet Rosette Hair Clip ($3.80 at Forever 21) is the perfect accessory, and I love the eyelet detailing!

I can't get enough of Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor ($7.49 by Maybelline at Ulta) and the perfect shade for summer is "Are You Red-dy?" This color is a great way to add a lot of pop to your beauty look!

For a bronzed glow, skip the orange glow of the tanning salon and get Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer ($6.79 at drugstore.com). It's a classic lotion that will give you a sunkissed look in just a few days!

I am obsessed with all shades of the Sally Hansen Smooth & Perfect + Care ($5.99 at Ulta) collection. I have at least three shades of this line, and I will eventually buy them all. Why do I love it? The polish brush has a square tip, allowing easy application; it has a velvety soft finish; and it dries super fast!

For some reason, bronzing powder is ridiculously expensive--even drugstore brands can run upwards of $12--but I think if you're going to give yourself a natural glow you can get it just as easily as with Forever 21 Love & Beauty Bronzer ($3.80 at Forever 21). The bronzer comes in two shades, a dark bronze shade and a dusty pink shade. You can always mix it with your regular powder to customize your look.

What are some of your beauty staples for May? Let me know in the comments!