Designer Chic on a Budget: Rue La La

You may have heard by now about the websites which have made a business off of selling its users designer clothes, shoes, and accessories at a discount price. Here’s a fabulous one: RueLaLa.com! Now, Rue La La is by invitation only, so, if you would like to gain access to some great designer discount bargains, you’ll need an invitation. Just email me at jwoys@umich.edu with something like “Ruelala.com invite” as the title, and I’ll send you your RueLaLa invitation! And you’ll be able to get cheap designer clothes. Nice!

Things I want: Urban Outfitters C2 Leather Bootie

I know, it's beautiful. And not to mention....it's perfect for fall! You could totally get away with wearing this in the summer, too (provided your feet don't get too hot!), which makes it a great transitional piece! And at half off, these boots are at a great price (I've been wanting them since the moment I laid eyes on them, but the price tag has been a little too...big). Originally $150, the boots are now $74.99...! Yeah, it's still a little steep for many of us frugal fashionistas out there, but I have a little trick up my sleeve, as usual...promotion code! So, use this Urban Outfitters Promo Code to get 10% off of your order: 4477WELCOME and then, like magic, your purchase will be 10% off! That means the boots will only be 60-some dollars, which makes them a good buy, even when you're on a budget!

Hot (and haute) for Fall: Plaid!

That's right. I said it. Plaid...is...in. Plaid, plaid, plaid! I know; it's a little hard for me to believe, too. Reminds me of the early early Marc Jacobs grunge look. But hey, plaid doesn't have to be grungy! In fact,
I think it can be incredibly cute when worn correctly (i.e. with a feminine touch). This fall, look for plaid pieces with feminine details like ruffles, or combine a more masculine plaid piece with something feminine like a high-waisted pencil skirt, or skinny jeans and heels. I promise, plaid can be good! And you can get cute plaid on a budget. Here are some of my favorite plaid blouses, tops, dresses, shoes, scarves and such popping up. Get your plaid for fall while it's hot!
Items from left to right, starting at the top:
ae tie neck blouse, $39.50
forever 21 multi color plaid shirt, $19.80
forever 21 silk plaid ruffle top, $34.80
forever 21 scarf, $6.80
charlotte russe purple plaid blouse, $16.99
wet seal plaid peep toe pumps, $24.50
wet seal plaid ruffle dress, $22.50
urban outfitters plaid long sleeve dress, $48.00

Retro chic for $89.29 (or LESS! Read on to learn how...)

This is how you look retro-chic. The revamped 50s diva look is very much in right now (just think about Amy Winehouse or Kenley from Season 5 of Project Runway...), and you can snag the look for less! A great way to pull together a polished retro look is with a high-waisted bottom (either jeans or a great skirt) and a voluminous blouse. I love love loveeee this blouse, especially because of its tie-neck. So cute! Pull it all together with some accessories (here, a headband) and some hot yellow platform pumps, and you'll not only be chic, but tall, too! And all without spending too much--under $90! This look totals $89.29, but if you use a handy alloy promo code, you can get 15% off of your order, making the jeans cost $33.58, for a grand total cost of only $83.37!!! Just make sure to check the box on your shopping bag page where it says 'promotion/catalog source code...type in the following code when it asks for it during checkout: aug15 ...then bam, 15% of of your whole purchase (only until August 15th..so hurry)! Now that's being a frugal fashionista.

Blouse $26.99
Shoes $20.00

Jeans $39.50
Headband $2.80