internet malfunction

so apparently of all days the internet has decided to crap out today is the day. disabling whatever blogging I was planning on doing, here's hopes of being back tomorrow...

on another note happy 24th birthday to me, I'm disappointed I didn't get to share my birthday look today - perhaps tomorrow ;)

xo megan


ps - craving cookies? free cookies at great american cookie tomorrow to celebrate the start of national cookie month...

Spot The Steal - Dolce Vita 'Hayword'

I love this sculpted wedge, it's the perfect amount of stiletto and wedge topped off with a sultry suede finish. Dolce Vita's Hayword runs for around $155 and though it's not extremely expensive Alloy offers the same style for a fraction of the price. I'm actually lusting over their green pair right now. What do you think? 

Dolce Vita Hayword, Endless $155.25 ( also in Grey and Burgundy) 

Parker Wedge, Alloy $32.90 (also in Grey and Green, save 15% off your order with Promo : CCV15A

Spot The Steal - Miu Miu Suede Platform Pumps

A big thanks to reader Ashley for the tip on these beauties... 

I love a blue suede shoe as much as the next girl, and Prada's little sister Miu Miu has stunned me again with their Suede Platform Pump. However, the almost $600 price tag has me begging for a cheaper alternative. Thankfully Steve Madden heard me and created the Darrina which looks quite identical to the Miu Miu version. And for $90, we can get one in every color - and they do come in every color.
What do you ladies think, can you spot the steal?

Miu Miu Suede Platform Pumps, Net-a-Porter $580
Steve Madden 'Darrina', Zappos $89.05

Gingham Express

I'm not sure why I'm just now jumping on the boyfriend gingham/plaid oversized button down train, but I'm kind of loving it though I'm not sold on this top ( I'm thinking it's the color...). I snagged this grey and black bad boy at Old Navy the other day and couldn't decide what I wanted because the two things that were on my list were sold out (faux fur vest and poncho), so I settled and am thinking of returning this top. What do you guys think? 

Top Old Navy, Leggings Marshall's, Vest Express, Necklace My Creation, Booties Steve Madden, Bag H&M, Bangle Kohl's, Watch Vintage 

Sear's $25 Gift Certificate Winner

And The Winner is....

#17 Kasrealtor

Congrats! Please Email Me Your Address...

 Thank you everyone who participated and a special thanks to Sears for making this giveaway happen! 

Xo

Sequins for Day

Dress Cynthia Steffe, Sweater Old Navy, Belt and Bag Vintage, H&M Bangles, Calvin Klein Pumps

I love sequins for day, they add a perfect pop of shimmer to any look. However, sequins do need to be toned down for day looks so you don't get confused for Liza Minnelli's back up dancer ( I will be forever haunted by her rendition of 'Single Ladies' for the SATC sequal...The Horrah). I paired my sequin dress (last seen here) with a belted oversized knit vest, a simple clutch and black cut out pumps. Fun yet, fun.

Happy Weekend! 

Spot The Steal - Christian Louboutin 'Pique Cire' Bootie

I love this caged peep toe bootie from Christian Louboutin, and though it's only a mere $716 it's actually quite popular to the point of being sold out. Surprise, Surprise. However I luckily stumbled across something quite similar leading me to believe this may be a Christian Louboutin Pique Cire inspired shoe from Forever21. Ok, they're not exactly the same but they have quite the resemblance. What do you think?

Christian Louboutin Pique Cire in Black, Bluefly $716.40 (1 left)
Gladiator Heels, Forever21 $26.80

Living in Green

For the last few days you may have noticed the lack of looks from me, mainly because I haven't left the house because I've been swamped with unpacking 3 oversized suitcases from our trip. Why is it easier to pack than unpack? None the less I had to venture out today to go grocery shopping, turns out you can only go so long with nothing in your fridge. For my excursion I threw a color blocked scarf over a green printed dress and purple pumps. What do you think?

Dress Banana Republic, Scarf Old Navy, Pumps C/O GoJane, Vintage Bangles, Necklace Baker's (?)

6pm's Boots Under $50 Sale

6pm.com has pages and pages of boots on sale for under $50, from ankle to slouch to wellies to OTK. You're bound to find something you like with brands like Steve Madden, Kenneth Cole, Sam Edelman and more.

My Picks - 

Nine West Zelipew $49.95, Madden Girl Rollins $32.97, Jessica Simpson Ciera $44, Sam Edelman Utah $49.95, and Paris Hilton Flipsy in Black $49.95

Also take 20% off at Old Navy with PromoCode: onsave20

20% off at Kohl's with PromoCode:foruonly

Look for Less - "Rachel Berry's" Polka Dot Dress

I think I might be the only person who hasn't seen Glee yet...I know, I know I've been living under a rock. However, I have seen the styles sported on the show and I'm especially fond of the dress 'Rachel Berry' wore in the most recent episode. The dress itself actually comes from Urban Outfitters and retails for a mere $40, get Rachel's Look for Less from American Apparel, Kohl's and more under $50 a piece.

Flat Back By Peg Leg NYC Ross Dress, Urban Outfitters $39.99
Mootsie Tootsie Meteor Loafer, Kohl's $30.99
Girlie Lace Socks in White, American Apparel $9

Look for Less - Sandra Bullock

I know the Movie Awards were ages ago but when I saw this dress I had to jump at the opportunity. Though this version of the dress lacks the shimmer of Sandra's it is the perfect stand in for a fraction of the price. Get Sandra's Look for Less from FashionJunkee, Charlotte Russe and More for under $50 a piece.

Backless Draped Long Sleeve Mini Dress In Black, FashionJunkee.com $45

High Shine Stud Earrings, Forever21 $3.80

Clinique Different Lipstick in Angel Red, Dillard's $14

Suede Covered Platform Pumps, Charlotte Russe $30

Rested in Reston

I can't say I'm sad to go home today, It's been a lovely trip and relaxing for the most part but I do love having a set routine and some sort of order. None the less for the last part of our vacation we stopped in the quaint town of Reston, It reminds me a of a 'newer' Village mixed with a little Boston. While there we stopped in Sephora to pick up my Beauty Insider Birthday Present (become a beauty insider here, free) for my upcoming birthday, and was pleased to not only get my gift but a bagful of fabulous samples as well. As far as my outfit goes I paired a colorful print top with a silk (seemingly wrinkled) mini, completed with brown pumps and a colorful bag. I went a slightly low key on the jewelry, maybe due to laziness but my claim was I didn't want to take away from the colors.

Top TJMaxx, Skirt Forever21, Bag Old Navy, Shoes C/O GoJane, Vintage Bangles

Fabulous Fall Finds under $50 - Newport News

This morning I stumbled across some fabulous finds while browsing for a cape to add to my closet for fall, and was pleasantly surprised with the prices and selection at Newport News for fall must haves. It seems I've been missing out for quite some time on their steals. Here's What I Found....

Cape Style Jacket $29.99

Capes are the perfect pairing choice for the chunky knit sweaters that everyone 'has' to have this season without the sausage stuffing effect that you'd get from a jacket. I love the shape and color of this cape, and for $29.99 it's a sure winner.

Cable Knit Cape $34.99

I love the idea of a poncho this season paired with legging or a pencil skirt with boots and a chic bag.

Triple Ruffle French Terry Sweatshirt $29

I'd love to pair this with leggings and over the knee boots or even shorts with tights underneath, it's the perfect casual but not to casual piece. 

Plaid Ruffle Blouse $44

Mad for plaid in the best of ways, I would wear this entire look and add a leather jacket or a vest and I'm off. 

Buckled Stiletto Ankle Boots $44

Worn with textured tights under a bohemian chiffon dress or with skinny jeans they're a simple yet chic piece for the wardrobe. 

Lace Up Ankle Boot $49

This season is all about all things utility and lace up booties are on the must have list, and for $49 you don't have to splurge.

Over The Knee Platform Boot $49

Seems as if OTK boots are going to be around for awhile and I have my eyes set on these.

What do you have your eyes set on for Fall? 

Spot The Steal- Isabel Marant "Otway" Boot

Isabel Marant's Otway bootie is one of the most sought out boots of the season, and I can see why. The triangle heel on this fabulously studded adds the perfect amount of edge to any look. Being that they're about $1300 and sold out online we had to find a much cheaper almost identical version, enter Alloy's Trinity Bootie for $42.90. This practically identical version gets the job done for a fraction of the price, what do you think can you Spot the Steal?

Look for Less - Kate Moss

Fur Vests are another one of last year's trends that are here to stay,  and Kate Moss pulls this vested look off effortlessly.  A simple yet chic monochromatic ensemble with a pop of texture from the (extreme) fur vest, though I couldn't find a vest exactly like hers I found something slightly similar. Get Kate's look for less for under $50 a piece from Fred Flare, American Apparel and More.

Raven Striped Faux Fur Vest, Fred Flare $44.99 (Org. $60)

Double U Neck Mini Dress, American Apparel $38

Opaque Tights, Gap $12.50

Rampage 'Nicki' Pump, Endless $39

Ismael, Aldo $40

There's No Place Like Home

Trying to cram everything into 24 hours isn't the easiest thing to do in New York City, it's actually quite frustrating. But I managed to get everything done and show Aiden everything I wanted him to see,  lucky for me he loved it and I have no worries about moving him up this winter. It was good to be home even for a short period of time and I look forward to when it's a permanent residence again. For the last part of our time here we picnicked in Central Park, the weather was an absolutely delightful 68 degrees with a breeze. I  just love fall. I wore a belted print dress with my utility jacket (I couldn't decide if I like the belt under or over the jacket) and scrunched boots. Added a colorful bag and bangles and was off for the day. 

Dress Marshall's, Jacket Old Navy, Boots Baker's, Bangles and Necklace Vintage, Bag Old Navy, Belt Vintage

Win a $25 Sears' Gift Card

Sears is giving one lucky reader a $25 gift certificate in celebration of their fabulous Spend and Get Promotion offering $10 off a $50 purchase on apparel, shoes and more...Starting Sunday, September 19th and ending on the 25th (More Info Below). 

Here's How to Enter and Win -

1.  You must follow or subscribe to The Frugalista Diaries via bloglovin' or google friend connect. Leave a comment below with which method you use to follow.

2. Go to Sears.com  & Tell us what you would purchase with your Sears Gift Card.

3. For additional entries LIKE The Frugalista Diaries on Facebook And/Or Blog (or Tweet) about this giveaway on your blog, Be sure to leave separate comments below for each. (2 extra possible entries, and you can already LIKE us on Facebook to be eligible for another entry, just be sure to leave an additional comment)

All of which must be done by 11:30pm (EST) on Sunday September 26th. Goodluck! Winner will be chosen at random on Monday 9/27. If you have any questions feel free to email me @thefrugalistadiaries@gmail.com

*Sears’ Spend and Get promo starts this Sunday, September 19, and runs until September 25. The offer is $10 off a $50 purchase on apparel, shoes, diamond jewelry or stuff for the home! You need to download the coupon at http://www.sears.com/savings

Here are additional details on the offer:

• Sears will run a  $10 off $50 coupon effective 9/19-9/25. Coupon valid for Regular, Sale & Clearance Apparel, Accessories, Home, Footwear, Diamond Jewelry (Lines 31 & 32) & sears.com.
• Exclusions - Mattresses, Fragrances, Cosmetics, Levi’s, Lands End, remaining standard exclusions.
• This coupon cannot be stacked with any other coupons. However, it can be combined with an associate discount.
• Customers will download coupon at sears.com.
• Coupon WILL NOT be distributed in store.

** I received a $25 gift card in conjunction with this giveaway. 

Hello Lover

New York City, the place my heart calls home. It's been a little over 2 years since I left and it seems like a decade but I always pick up right where I left off. To top off our trip to DC we took a little detour trip to the city to visit some family in Queens, and of course the first thing that happens to me as I step out of the car is a 90 year old woman cat calling how sexy I am in my leopard print. Queens it's like no other, I'm pretty sure leopard is the key to the dress code here. Exhibit A - The Nanny. I snagged this maxi dress the other day at H&M and fell in love with it immediately without even trying it on. I'm actually attracted to the fact that it's utterly sheer and played it up with high waisted black shorts underneath. As for my accessories I have to credit the belt to my fabulous mother in law for lending me this chic beetle belt.

Dress H&M, Belt Vintage, Necklaces and Bag Old Navy, Shoes Alice and Olivia for Payless, Shorts Go International

Happy Weekend

Black as Night

I took these early this morning on our way out and of course my boots and hat don't show up because it was literally pitch black out.  And though it kind of defeats the purpose I wanted to have a look of the day because I knew I wouldn't be around the computer all day because I plan on keeping busy running around the city. However I will be back tomorrow with an look, and it will be fully lit ;). I paired a belted pink dress with a boyfriend jacket topped with a floppy hat and boots - both of which you might be seeing a lot more of.

Jacket Target, Dress H&M, Belt and Hat Vintage, Necklace Old Navy, Boots Baker's

Spot The Steal - Michael Kors Channing Boot

Wedge booties are another lust worthy item for fall, especially those that lace up. I'm a big fan of Michael Kor's Channing Boot, It's the perfect amount of wedge, booties and lace giving any look a touch of edge. Whether paired with knit tights and a bohemian dress or skinny jeans and a leather jacket it's bound to be chic. Their $285 price tag isn't too bad but it's not exactly budget savvy, where as Gap's Suede Wedge Bootie for $80 seems more reasonable. What do you think, can you Spot The Steal?


Michael Kors Channing, Michael Kors $285 (also in Camel)
Suede Wedge Bootie, Gap $79.50

Stripes on Stripes

Last evening we went out for ice cream and a walk in the cool weather, fall is most definitely my favorite season. I decided to pair stripes with leggings and tie boots (here) and complete with a chunky wooden necklace. What do you think?

Jacket H&M, Top Old Navy, Leggings Marshalls, Boots Bakers, Bag Old Navy, Necklace Express, Bangle Kohl's