My most recent cheap-chic find has been a James Dean inspired t-shirt dress by Allen B. at JcPenney. I love that it mixes the feel of a great boyfriend tee with the beautiful lavender color of spring.  It's made of a great drapey jersey fabric so that it is lightweight and irresistibly comfortable.


I was recently asked how to wear the t shirt dress:  It all depends on the shape.  The Allen B. dress, for instance, would have to be belted to keep from having a "tented" look. Pair with some stacked bracelets and a neutral shoe for a casual look. If you desire a more dressed up appeal, pick a silk or satin dress in a mid-thigh length. Pair it with layered necklaces, a cocktail ring or two, and a great cut out sandal, and voila!


Allen B. James Dean Dress, JcPenney $10 (clearance, in select stores only), Mossimo Virginia Pump in Taupe

Ruffles are all around for Spring 2010, I especially love them on these tube dresses. The Ruffles on these dresses can make them either super casual like shopping or lunch with your gal pals, or throw on some strappy heels and bangles and you have the perfect spring date look.

What do you think, do you love these Ruffled Tube Dresses?





















Dress Upper Left - BOBI Supreme Jersey Ruffle Tube Dress, Revolveclothing.com $57
Dress Lower Right - Ruffled Tube Dress, Old Navy $24.50

Not into pink? They both come in a selection of colors. :)

I'm Loving Heidi's casual chic look. Pairing a bold print like leopard with black leggings and a boyfriend blazer really gave her a chic put together look, perfect for shopping on Rodeo.


















1. Leopard Tank - Forever21 $6.80
2. City Streets Black Denim Leggings - JcPenney $17.99 ( 2 or more $14.99)
3. Marinah Wedge - Steve Madden $79.95
4. Mossimo Sateen Boyfriend Blazer - Target $29.99
5. Slouchy Leatherette Shoulder Bag, Forever21 $30.80
6. Knotted Bead Chain Necklace - Forever21 $6.80
7. Plastic Aviator Sunglasses, Express $24.50

I absolutely love what New York and Company did with mixing patterns! It's Bold and looks effortless to pull off. This is a great way to pull in the COLOR trend. By pairing these patterned A Line Skirts with these Bold Tees, if gives off this playful artsy look that I am loving. Especially topped with a Neutral Boyfriend Blazer. Tres Cute! I think It's perfect for brunch, a shopping day and maybe even a date.

The Skirts are $39.95, The Blazer is $59.95, and the Tee (is a pricey) $32.95. However, they have a take $10 off sale going on for select Skirts, Pants and Jackets.

Now, New York and Co. isn't the only one doing pattern mixing, they're just an example. I also saw pattern mixing at Target, Forever21, Macy's and Old Navy. So whichever store is more 'your' style, I'm sure they have the same thing for your budget.

What do you think? Are you loving this look or is it too much?

 A must have essential for everyone's closet is the Classic Trench Coat. Trenches now a days come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. Some opt for classic, and some are more into wild prints or bright colors. On my most recent trip to Old Navy I spotted the Classic Trench in Khaki, Black, White and Grey ( Linen). It seems they also carry a Green one which I would've loved to see.
 I snagged the black and khaki ones to try on and they fit beautifully, have a great length and the XS fit my waist perfectly (even my Burberry Trench can't fit that bill). And the material is light enough for Spring and Summer wear. They're originally $49.50, but they're on sale for $35 until April 4th.
 So if you need a trench, I recommend getting it before the 4th, on sale!

It was hard not to walk into Steve Madden when I saw the bright colors just staring at me from inside the store.
I completely ignored all of these seasons must have wedges and went straight to the bright pumps that caught my eye.

The 'Trinitie' pump ($99) comes in an array of colors and looks even better on. I love the yellow and cobalt blue! ( Yes, that's my 9 month old fashion extraordinaire in his stroller enjoying the shoe scenery)
 The 'Caryssa' ($99) double platform pump is to die for and gives you that extra oomph we all love!
Lastly, The 'Toppazz' ($99) ruffle pump is a mix of this season spring must haves, Color and Ruffles! Need I say more?


What do you think of these? Are they you?

The Garden Collection finally made it's full debut to my H&M store. I walked in and the front was covered head to toe with bold prints and bright colors. I first ran over to see if they had the Watercolor Mini Dress I've been obsessing over for the last couple of months, Yes, but not in my size (don't fret, I'm going to pick it up at another store tomorrow!) . Next to it was the a cream rosette shift dress and a blue ruffled dress. It seems 'Blush' and Blue were the key colors, along with the floral prints. I tried a few items on and found that everything was well made and wearable.



 Everything is under $65, and most the items I tried on are under $20, except for the 'Blush' Origami Dress that was $49.99. All in All, I am quite impressed with the Collection and feel H&M is on the right track with an Eco Friendly Line.





                                  Dress $19.95 Tunic $14.95
                                         Dresses $19.95
                                           Origami Dress $49.95
                                              Dress $17.95

Vanessa Hudgens has adorable bohemian style, and is a Style Icon for her age group. I absolutely love this look, it looks entirely effortless, chic and comfortable. Love it!

What do you think of Vanessa's Bohemian Chic Look?




















1. Converse One Star 3/4 Sleeve Tunic, Target $24.99
2. I Heart Ronson Boyfriend Shirtdress, JcPenney $34.99 ( Extra 15% off coupon below in previous posts)
3. 3 Strap Gladiator, Wetseal $10
4. Stud Cut Out Hip Belt, Wetseal $12.50
5. FABULOUS CAMEL WIDE BRIM DIVA STYLE FLOPPY HAT, Amazon.com $26.99
6.Supple Buckle Shoulder Bag, Forever21 $32.80
7. Lacquered Up - Essie, Ulta $8

 I love Scalloped Edges, I feel like they are the perfect romantic finish to a piece of clothing. It really gives a sense of vintage.  When I think of Scalloped Edges I think of Chloe's Scalloped Shorts, seen on Gossip Girl
(worn by Leighton Meester) and all over the Red Carpet.

It just so happens that Scalloped Edges are all Spring 2010! Here are My Frugalista finds for Scalloped Edges.

What do you think about Scalloped Edges?



















1.Embroidered Mesh Tunic, Forever21 $27.80
2.Kimchi Blue Silky Scalloped Jumper, Urban Outfitters $58
3.Kimchi Blue Scalloped Shorts, Urban Outfitters $24
4.Lace Mini Skirt, Wetseal $21.50
5.Bobbinet Lace Woven Shirt, Forever21 $22.80
6.Merona Scalloped Tank, Target $8.04

JcP is having an Appreciation Sale Now until Saturday, March 27th. Women's 30-60% off and shoes up to 50%...and more...

How about we top it off with an extra 15% off ANYTHING ( except Sephora, Outlet stores and gift cards) including sale and clearance items!

Extra 15% off Anything and Everything!

Color is everywhere for Spring, I recently spotted some boldly colorful chiffon mini skirts in the Girls Department at Target on sale for $9 (org.$12.99, in stores only) . The Girl's Dept. isn't always for just girls, most the time L and XL is the same size as 0-2 and 4-6 in misses sizes. They're fun and flirty, and best of all they come in eye popping colors!

What do you think?   Do you ever shop in the Girls Department?



 Just for fun!

Chanel is like no other, but trying to justify buying a $500 flip flop with a flower on it is outrageous. I might spend it on a Manolo or Louboutin, but never on a flip flop. Eck!

But Of course I found a Steal, at none other than Tar-zhey. It's Merona's Emilia Leather Flower Thong Sandal for $22.99. It is unbelievably comfortable and  real leather, I even might go as far as to say better than the Camellia, it only lacks the famous tiny gold Chanel logo.

What do you think? Do you Like the Emilia or the Camellia better?



















Chanel -Camellia Flower Thong, Malleries $500
Merona - Emilia Flower Thong, Target $22.99

   " Dear Frugalista Diaries,
          I've been seeing a lot of harem pants around, are they still in style for spring 2010? If they are how do you wear them? And where do I get a great pair for cheap?
                                       Sincerely, 
                                            To Harem or Not to Harem "


Great Question! Harem pants are still around, I actually just broke down the other day and bought a pair. I've been fighting the urge but they've grown on me and have some sort of sensuality.  Harem pants are going to take more of a tailored trouser form for Spring 2010. Making them more flattering and wearable.

Now how to wear isn't tricky at all! If you're petite like myself you don't want an extra long 'crotch' and you want them to be pretty slim. Also make sure to pick the appropriate leg length for your height, if you're under 5'3, opt for a more cropped / capri length to avoid oompa loompa faux paas.

 Make sure you pick a great  fabric, like silk or a soft cotton, a little drapey but  more tailored because that's how it's being worn for Spring. Black is a simple yet chic choice, however color or metallics are eye a little more eye catching if you're wanting to be bold!

For a top you want a body grazing top, you want the top to be a little more down played next to the pants. Keep it simple with accessories, the pants are the 'star of the show', the top and accessories are the 'back ups'.



Don't be afraid to belt it or tuck your shirt into the pants. If you want to do a jacket try a cropped cut so the pants are the obvious feature.  As for shoes, heels are probably best, the higher the better ( to balance out your figure of course). Strappy Sandal or Cut Outs are the best choices,  If heels aren't for you try a gladiator sandal.


Where to buy Harem Pants on a budget? Lauren Conrad's collection for Kohl's has "Trouser Capris" ($24.99) in Silver and Black. JcPenney also has Silver and Black Harems on clearance for $14.80, in stores.


                                       
What do you think are Harem Pants for you?

I'm completely in love with the Valentino Petale Dome Bags, I think they're classy and wearable with just about everything and come in a range of colors. And of course they're spot on for Spring 2010, however the $2,495 (at Bergdorf's and Nordstrom's ) price tag is not so wearable. Don't fret I found a more budget friendly bag that looks identical to the Petale Dome Bag! Big Buddha "Mia" Bag, from $80-90 found in a variety of colors at Dillards, Piperlime, DivaBellaDesigns.com and more.

Now Can you Spot the Steal?

 What do you think of this season's must have bag?
 


                                                  
                                                             
1. Valentino Petale Dome Bag - $2,495
2. Big Buddha "Mia" Rose Dome Bag -  $80-90