Nautical pieces for under $25

The nautical look is back for this coming spring. Get in on the look with these inexpensive pieces.

Striped top $15.80, Forever 21


Anchor headband $6.00, Wet Seal


Scarf $20.00, Urban Outfitters


bag $16.00, Lulu's Fashion Lounge


Anchor necklace $24.00, Urban Outfitters



canvas flat $16.99, Go Jane

Today's quiz: Will you keep your New Year's resolution?

You Probably Won't Keep Your New Year's Resolution

Something isn't quite right with the resolution you've selected. Maybe it's time for a different one?

Will You Keep Your New Year's Resolution?

Cheap Chica advice: How to take care of those dark denim blues...

Here's an email I've received from a reader:

Q. Is there any way to keep really dark denim from fading? I have a pair that I've just bought and worn once, but I'm afraid to wash them for fear of fading. Help!

A. Here's a way that I keep my dark denims from fading. Turn the jeans inside out and wash them in cold water on the delicate cycle. Use a detergent with color guard (Cheer Dark is good, that's what I use). Do not, I repeat, do not throw them in the dryer (heat is a major factor in fading). Hang them to dry. Ta-da. That should keep them dark.

Clearance alert: Walmart

How could one pass up a cute pair of Metro 7 pumps for only $8? Did I mention the shipping is only $0.97?

$0.97 shipping on clearance apparel@ Walmart

Have you done your after-Christmas shopping yet? Well clearance at Wally World just got a little lower. Save More on Clearance Apparel Items at Walmart.com. There's also $0.97 standard shipping on clearance apparel as well. Hurry!

Today's printables and codes

from Style for Free:

Baby Phat: Take 20% off all juniors' and plus size sale apparel. Coupon code: 20OFF. Expires 12-31-06.

Bloomingdale's: Take an extra 30% off already reduced items. Coupon code: JINGLE. Expires 1-1-07.

Bealls: Free shipping on apparel and shoe orders $85 or more. Coupon code: CJHOLIDAY. Expires 12-31-06.

Chadwick's: Take $25 off $200 or more purchase. Coupon code: CHDEC33. Expires 12-31-06.

Delia's: Free shipping with $25 or more purchase. Coupon code: DQSW25. Expires 12-31-06.

Fashion Bug: Take 15% off your order. Coupon code: 776146904. Expires 1-26-07.

La Redoute: Take 15% off your order. Coupon code: 1651-00433-368. Expires 12-31-06.

Newport News: Take 10% off your order. Coupon code: 568. Expires 12-31-06.

Spiegel: Take 10% off your order. Coupon code: 235. Expires 12-31-06.
Take 25% off your oreder. Coupon code: 247. Expires 12-29-06.

YOOX: Free shipping with any order. Coupon code: ENJOYOOX. Expires 1-31-07.

Dots: Take $5 off $25 or more purchase. Valid 12-26-06 to 1-1-07.

Happy Holidays!!!

Me, Mr. Cheap Chica, and Napoleon would like to wish everyone a happy holiday. I'll be back on Tuesday until I go on my mini vacation at the end of this week. For now, I'm going to leave you with the remix to Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas" video (love it). Merry Christmas!

Clearance outfit for under $55: Torrid

For my plus size Chicas, a club/ New Year's Eve outfit straight off of the clearance rack of Torrid.


halter $15.49

Sateen crop pant $17.49

gold heels $12.99


gold bangles $9.00 (not clearance)

Designer way vs. Cheap Chica way

DESIGNER WAY...


Castaner satin peep toe espadrilles $150.00, Saks Fifth Avenue

VS.

CHEAP CHICA WAY...

"Quincy" ballet espadrille $19.99, Payless

So cute for this coming spring...

My under $5 find

I told myself that I wasn't going back to the stores until the Christmas crowds were gone, but, we ended up going to Tar-zhay because Mr. Cheap Chica needed batteries out of the $1 Spot (yes, it still exists, somewhat). While I was there, I decided to pick up some items that I needed. Of course I can't do that without scoping out the clearance racks. I found this top for $4.48. I usually don't wear tops like this, but it's really cute in real life and it fit perfectly. Score!

French maid shirtdress $8.99. Obviously online price is different from in-store price. Still a great price.

FORUM TOPIC(S) OF THE DAY: What will be the trends for spring/summer of '07? Hmm. Also, would you spend a fortune on trends that will be no more by the end of the season? Holla!

Today's quiz: What kind of gift giver are you?

You Are a Practical Gift Giver

Your gifts are useful, appropriate, and custom tailored to each person. In your opinion, the best gifts are gifts that someone will actually use. Your gifts may not be the most glamourous, but they are always appreciated.

What Kind of Gift Giver Are You?

Payless Holiday sale

Shop Payless Today! $5 Off Any $50 Purchase, Code: PSS50FF50



FORUM TOPIC(S)OF THE DAY: Glittery heels... can they be worn after the New Year? And is anyone excited about seeing the new Dreamgirls movie? Holla!

Today's video clip: Target skit from SNL

spotted @ Hip Candy

I'm sure this scenario has happened to us at least once in our lives. Not necessarily at Tar-zhay, but other places, lol.

One week only! Free $10 e.l.f. gift card

Right now, when you buy a $25 e-gift card, you'll receive a $10 e-gift card free! Shop E.L.F. now>>>

Under $5 finds at Wet Seal

These are some of the items I found on the site for only $4.99! I went into my local store and they had $4.99 clearance as well. Too bad I couldn't shop for myself today, lol.

Star style: Beyonce's Prada bag

Here's a scan that I got out of People Magazine's Style Watch Fall 2006 issue. Peep that nice Prada bag. Too bad I don't have Prada money. But, there is a cheaper alternative:


Melie Bianco Shirred doctor satchel $54.99, Fashion Flairs. Right now, take 20% off all orders. Coupon code: FF20.

New forum topics

I'm having a major brain fart today, so check out these new topics at the message board, or feel free to start your own topic. Holla!

• What's your favorite place/site to shop for bargain fashion?
• What trend did you go overboard with this year? Mine was red and patent leather, lol.
• Should I keep or return those Payless Louboutin knockoffs I bought Friday? Need style suggestions.
• Some sellers on Ebay are getting ridiculous with their shipping prices. How much are you willing to spend on shipping?

Clearance outfit for under $50: Target

Here's a complete outfit I came up with for under $50 from the sale racks of Tar-zhay.




shirtdress $8.99



Isaac Mizrahi skinny pants $13.99



Mossimo pumps $12.49


tote $12.49

Designer way vs. Cheap Chica way

Designer way...


Oh Deer! patent peep toe $125.00, Urban Outfitters

vs.

Cheap Chica way...

Linen peep toe heel $24.50, Wet Seal

Lunch break shopping: Payless

Right now, if you head to your local Payless, they are having an in-store clearance with select styles up to 60% off. I ended up buying the patent wedges that look like the Louboutins that I posted about a month ago for $9*. Some people are skeptical about Payless shoes. Yeah, some of them could be a little uncomfortable, but these are really comfortable. I love them. The glittery "Ilecktra" pump was on sale for $7*. There were a couple of other shoes that were on sale, but the ones that I listed were the cheapest and cutest in my opinion.

*prices may differ from store to store.

Right now, there is free overnight shipping for orders $50 or more until 12-19.06.

Today's printables and codes

from Wow coupons:

Daffy's: Take 10% off any purchase. Expires 12-31-06.

HallMark: Take $2 off $10 purchase or $5 off $20 purchase. Expires 12-24-06.

Off 5th Saks: Take 30% off a single purchase. Expires 12-17-06. Hurry!

Osh Kosh B'Gosh: Take 20% off any item. Expires 12-24-06.

Sports Authority: Take $10 off $25 or more purchase. Expires 1-31-07.

from Style for Free:

Footlocker: Take $20 off $100 or more purchase. Coupon code: LKS16XMA. Expires 1-2-07.

Couture Candy: Take 10% off your order. Coupon code: SCC10. Expires 12-30-06.

Karmaloop: Free shipping on any order, plus 10% off orders $75 or more. Coupon code: GOOD. Expires 12-31-06.

Today's quiz: Are you a Grinch?

You Are Somewhat Mature

Although you may feel Grinch-like at times, it's just because you're worn out from the holidays. You get into the holiday spirit more than most people - and you truly enjoy celebrating with your family and friends.

Are You a Grinch?

FORUM TOPIC OF THE DAY: Tall women wearing high heels... is it a do or a don't? I'm 5'8" and I wear heels up to 3.5". I see nothing wrong with it. Click here to voice your opinion.

Today's video clip: Madanna's tellin' you he's not goin' nowhere

With the approach of the new "Dreamgirls" movie coming out next week, I thought it would be great to show a clip of Madanna singing to Jennifer Holliday's hit "And I'm Telling You (I'm Not Going)". This guy is very dramatic in this clip, lol.




But Jennifer sings it best...

Freebies for all!

1. Dove Advanced Color Care sample
2. Neutrogena Rainbath bath gel sample
3. Soft & Dri Clear Glide invisible solid deordorant sample
4. Dove Ultimate Clear Smooth Cashmere deordorant sample
5. Sally Hansen Diamond Strength nail color sample
6. Diva in a box sample

FORUM TOPIC OF THE DAY: A Cheap Chica reader has a problem- her in-laws don't like her! She's been with her husband for 5 years and they still don't acknowledge her as family. Her and her husband are spending Christmas apart this year. Read on>>

New Cheap Chica message board

Hey Chicas, I've started a new forum. So if you ladies want to talk about anything, start new topics, etc., feel free. To everyone who were registered members at the old one, sorry, that board is no longer in existence. Maybe this new one will get some action going in it, lol. Check out the new message board now.

Under $5 find

Silk blouse $4.99, Forever 21


If it weren't for my big Popeye arms, I would get this blouse. I love this top. Sigh. Me and silk shirts just aren't made for each other.

Clearance alert

Round toe patent cork heel $19.99, Urban Outfitters. Also available in red.

I just bought a similar pair off Ebay last month. They're not patent, though. I got too many patent leather items already. I like these.

Last day for free shipping @ Wet Seal

Don't forget ladies, tomorrow is the last day for free standard ground shipping on all orders at Wet Seal. Shop now>>

Weekend find

Now that the Christmas shopping crowds are getting thicker and thicker, I've tried to stay away from them. But, since I was bored out of my mind Saturday, I decided to take a trip to my local Ross Dress for Less. I wasn't looking for anything in particular and I really didn't have an interest in shopping that day, but I spotted this top and I thought it was beautiful:


top $9.99. I've added the brown cami underneath, and I think I will wear the red necklace to bring out the print.

Bargain shoe of the week 12-10-06

Tortoise print peep toe $24.50, Wet Seal

Star Style under $100: Garcelle Beavais-Nilon

Steal "Fancy's" (yes, I still call her Fancy from "The Jamie Foxx Show", lol) style for under $100.


Plaid pencil skirt $18.50, Wet Seal


Turtleneck $24.00, Mandee


"Lyla" slingback $17.99, Payless


Patent belt $10.99, Go Jane

Clutch $13.50, Lulu's Fashion Lounge