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Fashion Giveaways

Three Little White Dresses to Fit All of Your Summer Needs

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.

Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:00AM | Permalink | 0 Comments


The Color of the Month, PLUS Six Ways to Wear It!

This month on Beauty and the Budget, we're going green--emerald green. Emerald green was most beautifully displayed on the runways of Elie Saab and Carolina Herrera. You can punch up your wardrobe by adding a pop of emerald green, or go all out and buy a bold dress or top in this color. Thankfully this attention-grabbing color of the moment looks fantastic on most skin tones, and it's sure to win compliments!

This green bikini is playful and fun, and it's even a mix and match from two different stores! Get the Retro Bikini Top for $34.00 at Boden, and wear it with this Tied retro brief for $39.99 at J.Crew. If you aren't quite smitten with the color, dabble a little bit in these fun accessories, like the Pieces Filigran Stud Earrings ($12.73 at Asos) or the Pieces Dolly Apple Ring ($12.73 at Asos).

For a more bold approach, try the Women's Printed Bow-Tie Chiffon Tops for $24.00 at Old Navy. The print definitely adds an extra element of flair, and it would look fantastic paired under a navy or black blazer. If you have a wedding or another fancy event to attend, I recommend investing in this classic Tuck Neck Shift Dress ($95.00 at Topshop). It's such a winner!

How do you style emerald green? Let me know in the comments below!

Posted on May 01, 2012 at 9:00AM | Permalink | 1 Comment


Four Easy Day-to-Night Beauty Looks for your Weekend

When it comes to the weekend, your makeup can be anywhere from bold to beachy depending on your activities. As for me, I'll be sunning in Charleston at Folley Beach or shopping for handmade soaps at the French Market during the day, and going on fancy dates with my fiance at night, so my makeup look will likely range from barely-there to dramatic. Luckily, the weekend always gives us a little bit more time to experiment with a variety of looks.

If you have several different activities planned during the day and at night, an easy way to transition is to apply a minimal look for the day and jazz it up with a liquid cat eye and a bold lip for night. But take inspiration from these celebrities, who have nailed the perfect summer beauty looks from each end of the spectrum.

Posted on April 27, 2012 at 9:00AM | Permalink | 2 Comments


Five Perfect Daytime Clutches under $50

There is nothing that can take your ensemble to the next level quite like a clutch. I've been carrying my aquamarine Urban Expressions Hollywood ($40.00) clutch from Twelve Oaks Accessory Garden every day for the past week, and it has been a faithful to adding that necessary pop of color to every outfit. Don't just reserve your clutches for the evening, either. An oversized clutch is perfect for day!

So, beauties, if you're jonesing for a new clutch but you don't quite have the extra cash to spare, here are five affordable clutches under $50.

I love my Urban Expressions Hollywood that I got from Twelve Oaks, but if you don't live near Hattiesburg you can get it for $40 at eBags. The bag comes in a variety of colors, but I suggest aquamarine (top, left) or red. If you're only considering one bag on the list, this is the one to get. It's a large, envelope style clutch that fits your wallet and cell phone comfortably with lots of room to spare for keys, lipstick, and a compact mirror!

For a basic black clutch, I recommend another winning bag from Urban Expressions, the Chelsea ($44.00 at eBags). It's a wardrobe mainstay and comes in several classic colors (like nutmeg and navy), plus I love the metal closure detailing.

If your mom always tells you that yellow isn't your color (ehem!), then you can always get away with adding it as an accessory! Although yellow clothing doesn't necessarily look great against my skin tone, a belt or a bag in this hue never hurts! I love this Big Buddha Mille Cross Body ($35.99 at Amazon.com). It would look fantastic paired with something teal or emerald green.

How cute is this little mangenta pink gem? Also available in green and yellow the Fiorelli Roka Small Leather Purse ($50.90 at Asos) is a little bit over $50, but worth every cent. This clutch makes a perfect work-to-night bag, especially if you have a hectic schedule and don't need a big bag slowing you down.

Last but not least, this red Ashley M Glossy Portfolio Clutch ($30.40 at eBags) adds that perfect bit of "ta-da" to your career wardrobe. For those of you serving the 9 to 5 daily grind in your corporate black blazer and pencil skirt, this bag gives you that fun pop of color.

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

Posted on April 25, 2012 at 9:00AM | Permalink | 0 Comments


The Look for Less: Get This Prada Inspired Outfit Now!

Beauties, meet Alice Eve. She's the latest "Look for Less" star!

I'll be honest, I had to Google Alice Eve before I wrote this post. I had no clue who she was! (She's the Irish nanny from Sex and the City 2, who knew?!) However that doesn't mean her celebrity style didn't stand out! This winning combintaion of mint green and bright green is absolutely stunning, which is why Alice Eve deserves a spot on the lastest Look for Less post right here on Beauty and the Budget.

The TFNC Sleeveless Cowl Back Wrap Skirt Dress ($63.63 at Asos) flatters almost every figure, and the silhouette is comparable to Alice Eve's Prada ensemble. Take this dress to the next level by pairing it with the Urban Expressions Kennedy ($46.40 at eBags) clutch, and as for that perfect pop of coral, try  L'Oreal Colour Riche Nail Color Versailles Romance ($5.99 at Walgreens). I'm not particuarly smitten with her shoes here, so I substituted them out with something more simple and affordable--the Sam & Libby Prowly pumps ($25.99 at 6pm.com).

Are you loving this color combination? Let me know in the comments!

 

Posted on April 24, 2012 at 9:00AM | Permalink | 0 Comments


Get the Shoe of the Moment for Less

Celebrities like Kate Bosworth, Rosie Huntington Whiteley, and Katie Holmes have all been spotted on numerous ocassions wearing the shoe of the moment-the Isabel Marant Dicker suede ankle boots ($580.00 at Net-A-Porter).

These popular booties are a pretty sizable investment, but luckily several fashion brands have been designing the shoe for a lot less! So if you can't find your dream Isabel Marant Dickers, which most stores are sold out of anyway, here are some pretty fashion-forward substitutes that won't set you back as much financially.

The Dicker booties have been paried with everything from jeans to dresses. How will you style your booties? Let me know in the comments!

 

Tesstify

($99.98 at Steve Madden)

 

AGGIE Suede Pull On Casual Heel Ankle Boots

($81.81 at Asos)

Side-Zipper Western Bootie

$42.50 at Charlotte Russe

Posted on April 23, 2012 at 9:00AM | Permalink | 0 Comments


One Polka Dot Dress, Three Fun Ways

Beauty and the Budget here with all of your weekend style needs...

Featuring the pattern of the month, this Polka Dot Shirtdress ($22.80 at Forever 21) is sure to win a few compliments. The bright orange dress stands out on its own and would look well paired with neutral accessories, but why not have a little more fun with it? No matter where you're going this weekend, here are some fun ways to style this dress. Don't be afraid to try these style tips with your own favorite sun dress, too1

Orange and turquoise look fantastic together. For a refreshing take on beach style, pair this dress with the Schlessman ($39.98 at Aldo) bag, the Hembre ($50.00 at Aldo) sandals in turquoise, and Essie 'Go Overboard Collection - Go Overboard' Nail Polish ($8.00 at Nordstrom).

If thrift shopping is on your weekend to-do list, you'll look ultra stylish in this winning pattern-mixing combination. Pair it with Mix No. 6 Carlene Wedge Pump in Olive ($44.95 at DSW), the Leather Barb Wire Bracelet ($20.00 at Topshop), which was also featured in the arm candy post earlier this week, and this fantastic Chasing Down Chic Scarf ($24.99 at ModCloth), which really makes this outfit pop.

And, last but not least, if you have a casual date on the agenda this weekend, here's how you can style this dress: a bit of pattern play again with the Dant ($40.00 at Aldo) bag, Lovely Peple Dorothy Slingback ($49.95 at DSW); and for a kissable lip try one of my favorite lip shades, Maybelline Make Me Pink 135 ($6.63 at drugstore.com).

Posted on April 20, 2012 at 9:00AM | Permalink | 0 Comments


Three Dresses You Need, and Three Dresses You Want

 

You don't particularly need all of the latest trends, but you still might want them! When you're on a budget, it's all about narrowing down between the things that you want and the things you actually need. Sometimes the classics outweigh the trendy pieces, but if you have a little extra cash to spare indulge in a new spring trend or two. As for the perfect summer dresses, here are some affordable pieces to add to your shopping list!

This spring, you will need...

A shirt dress. If you didn't pick one up last summer, go ahead and invest in one this year. It's comfortable, and you can dress it up or down. Plus, it's perfect for work when paired with a blazer, or take it to the beach by adding gladiator sandals and a straw fedora! This Nautical Woven Shirt Dress ($19.99 at Charlotte Russe) is an updated classic due to its high-low cut, and it's at a fantastic price point!

A basic black dress. When do you not need a basic black dress? You probably already have one, but I am completely smitten with this Smoking dress ($59.99 at Mango). It's modern with sophisticated detailing and that menswear charm.

A maxi. Maxis are always on trend for spring, but if you want to make an investment, I suggest sticking to a basic maxi. This white Gathered Empire Maxi Dress ($92.00 at Topshop) is a contemporary staple.

This spring, you will want...

A sheer maxi. This dress is fantastic. It's quite an investment at $92 for a trendier piece, but I'm convinced that you can stretch out its wear due to the classic color and cut. If you need the perfect sheer maxi, try this Floral Mesh Back Maxi Dress ($92.00 at Topshop).

A watercolor-print dress. Of course floral prints reign for summer, but why not try something different? A watercolor print adds a bit more of an artsy edge, but it still has that summertime feel. I adore the You Art to Try It Dress ($54.99 at ModCloth).

A neon shirt dress. If you want to take your basic shirt dress to the next level, get it in a trendy color like neon. You can pair it with dark accessories in black or navy. This Sparkle & Fade Chiffon Shirtdress ($69.00 at Urban Outfitters) would look great paired with a black fedora and a stack of arm candy!

Posted on April 19, 2012 at 11:00AM | Permalink | 0 Comments


3 Different Ways to Wear Your Arm Candy

Stacking bracelets is certainly in vogue for spring, and you don't want to miss out on wearing your own arm candy this year. Arm candy is the ultimate summer accessory, and the prinicple idea is more is more. Just when you think you have enough, you could even add a few more pieces. Create a story with your bangles according to your style personality, and don't be afraid to mix textures, metals, and statement pieces. If you're interested in adding this accessory to your wardrobe, take a look at some of the best ways to wear it!

 

 

 

 

Posted on April 18, 2012 at 9:00AM | Permalink | 0 Comments


The Pattern of the Month, PLUS 6 Ways to Wear It

What's black and white and spotted all over? Beauty and the Budget's pattern of the month--polka dots! Prints are huge for spring, and this classic pattern has had a strong comeback. While the classic black and white polka dots will always remain a mainstay in my closet, I also love the newer color variations I've seen--specifically cobalt blue polka dots against teal.

For a sublte way to wear polka dots, accessories add the perfect amount of pop. The Polka Dot Ribbon Floppy Hat ($12.80 at Forever 21) would look fantastic paired with a red summer dress or with a pastel top and white trousers. If you want to add a pop of pattern and color to an otherwise dull outfit, you can't overlook this Polka dot silk scarf ($19.99 at Mango). With contrasting colors like coral and purple, it simply makes the perfect statement!

Polka dot bottoms provide a bold way to make a statement. Forever 21 offers the perfect dressy short with these High Rise Polka Dot Shorts ($15.80 at Forever 21), and a red blazer with a white button up would be the perfect compliment. For an even bolder statement, try polka-dot pants!

Naturally a bag is a great and versitle way to add this pattern to your ensemble. The polka dot Milian bag ($40.00 at Aldo) also has the perfect contrast of cognac brown trim and antiqued gold detailing. For those obsessed with Peter Pan collars, the Tinley Road Peter Pan Knit Top ($39.00 at Piperlime) will satisfy your cravings for the ultimate nod to Alexa Chung. And lastly, let's not forget about getting your feet into this trend, too. Several variations of the polka-dotted shoe have been created, but these LILLE Ballet Flats ($44.76 at Asos) have certainly caught my eye.

Which pieces are your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

Posted on April 05, 2012 at 9:00AM | Permalink | 1 Comment