Star style under $150: Estelle

pic via InStyle

Ms. Estelle rocked it out in a tiered Matthew Williamson for H&M dress and denim jacket at the H&M Fashion Against AIDS event. I recreated her look using a somewhat similar print dress from KMart (yes, Kmart again, lol), a denim jacket from Target, and flat sandals from Go Jane. The look was finished with accessories from Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, and Newport News. Total damage? Only $127.00!

1. Attention tiered maxi dress $40, KMart
2. Mossimo denim jacket $30, Target
3. braided sandals $12, GoJane
4. necklace $10, Charlotte Russe
5. bracelet $6, Forever 21
6. quilted handbag $29, Newport News
   

Reader submissions: More budget friendly nude pumps and Designer way vs. The VP way

It seems that some of my readers are just as good at finding the deals as I am. Check out a couple of fab finds from Cheap Chica readers, Rhonda and VPNava:

As you recall, Cheap Chica reader, Rhonda, found the perfect DKNY nude pumps a few weeks ago at an amazing price. Well, she was on the hunt for a pair similar to the Stuart Weitzman pumps that Angelina Jolie wore to the Kung Fu Panda movie premiere, and she found them at no other than our beloved Go Jane!





$12.60 baaaaabyyyy!

She plans on recreating Angie's look with a black Isaac Mizrahi dress she bought a few years ago and a few accessories. Nice!


VPNava found a cheaper alternative to the Miu Miu zip front bustier dress:

DESIGNER WAY: Miu Miu zip front bustier dress $885, Net-a-Porter

THE VP WAY: zip front sateen dress $19.80, Forever 21

Chicalicious links 5-29-09

• Fabuless Beauty is giving away a Sunsilk shampoo and conditioner. Enter to win.

• Bargain Briana hooks us up with a $10 off $25 JC Penney's coupon. Thanks girl!
• Budget Babe checks out all of the cute spring pieces at Wally World.
• Need some retail therapy? Budget Diva has the rundown on this week's sample sales.
• J finds an almost identical, budget friendly match to the L.A.M.B. Ladonna sandal.
• Fashion Cents gives us ten tips to never let them see us sweat.
  

The HLMN Weekend Roundup 5-29-09

Affordable Fashion has spotted 9 bikinis under $50.
Brides and bridesmaids take notes.

Beauty Junkies Unite has the ultimate bridal season survival kit.

Beauty Luxe has 5 gorgeous lip stains for you to try.

Diary of a Style Addict spotted a new trend: the slashed jean.

Dirt Cheap Beauty reviews Vaseline's new Aloe Fresh line.

Hot Beauty Health discusses her new love for eau fragrance Fresh Mangosteen.

GIVEAWAY ALERT: Makeup Masala is giving away a $25 giftcard to TJ MAXX.

Noir Lace has the latest on a fashion tragedy. Christian Lacroix bankrupt?

Show off your legs in one of the 5 cute minis at Style Luxe.

Tres Chic Style has 10 more trends for Summer.

Workchic shows how you can go from the office to cocktails in style!

For more information on The HLMN or on becoming an affiliate visit our website.

Designer way vs. The Cheap Chica way

• Designer way: L.A.M.B. "Selene" pump $300, Heels.com
• Cheap Chica way: zipper trim patent pumps $28.80, Forever 21
  
  

The Cheap Chica's "spendervention" @ Marshalls

So what do you call a spending intervention? A spendervention, and I know some people that definitely need one (ahem, fashionista aunt), lol. Marshalls and TJ Maxx are spreading the word about their "Spendervention" campaign (I'm sure you've seen the commercials by now) and showing us that there is a better way to shop and that we never have to pay too much for fashion by shopping off-price stores. I don't buy too many designer items, but when I do, it's usually from an off-price store such as Marshalls, TJ Maxx, or Ross. I made a trip over to my local Marshalls last week to check out the new summer merchandise. Maxi dresses and jumpsuits galore. Now, my summer wardrobe this year is going to consist of nothing but dresses and skirts, so I peeped a few. I must've came too late because all of the size larges/x-larges in the dresses were gone.

[pics taken with camera phone. sorry for the blur] these are the dresses that I liked. None were in my size. Grr.

I then went over to the Shoe MegaShop to see what summer footwear they had in. I loved everything they had, but my eyes were on these cute gladiator heels from Madden Girl. They would've been the perfect going out shoe, but again, my size was nowhere to be found. I doubt if they get more in. $25 is a great price. But that's a con to shopping off price. If you see something you like, you better get it right then. In my case, I just came too late, lol.

Thirty minutes later, I walk out with a cute sundress and a flowy boho blouse:

• top $14.99
• dress $16.99. I try to stay away from tube dresses, but I love the print. I will wear a cropped cardigan/bolero over it to hide my arms and shoulders.
  

Maybe this weekend I will check out TJ Maxx to see what new merchandise they have in. I'm in the mood for a new handbag and maybe some stuff for my new home. What's the best bargain you ever found at Marshalls?

Today's printables and codes

• Lane Bryant: $25 off $75 or more purchase. Expires 5-31-09
• Singer22: Take an additional 20% off sale items. Coupon code: memorial20. Expires 5-31-09.
• Benefit Cosmetics: 20% off all orders. Coupon code: MAKEUP20. Expires 5-29-09


• Off Saks Fifth Avenue: 40% off any one item. Expires 6-2-09


• Ruby Tuesday: BOGO free entree. Expires 6-2-09
• Pink Cherie: 50% off all jewelry and accessories. Also, take an additional 20% off clearance items using coupon code extra20. Expires 6-30-09
• Save 15% site-wide at Charlotte Russe. Use code AFF15PCT at checkout. Promotion valid 5/26/09 - 6/13/09.
• $2 Shipping SIte-Wide at e.l.f. Cosmetics where Everything's a $1! Use code 2SHIP on any purchase of $25 or more.
• Hot Topic: 25% off all regular priced swimwear. Coupon code: HTSWIM. Expires 6-18-09
• Urban Outfitters: Last chance $5 sale (select items). Valid 5/28- 5/31/09. No coupon needed. In store and online.
  

The HLMN Midweek Roundup 5-27-09

Beauty Junkies Unite took a trip to Kinara for a tanning treatment


BellaLuscious tells us how collagen can do wonders for your face.


Blaq Vixen Beauty is feeling a bit generous since her first blogoversary is coming up! Enter to win 1 of 15 Beautyfix kits!


Cult of Couture spotlights Lanvin S/S 09 as the collection of the moment.


Diary of a Style Addict has added some gorgeous new pigment samples to her online store.


Miss Whoever You Are takes a look at Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics.


Style Luxe has 5 sexy one-piece swimsuits.


Looking for something to soothe your dry skin? Vex in the City Reviews Origins Modern Friction.


To learn more about The HLMN or about becoming an affiliate please visit our website.

Harem Nights. ..Do I or Don't I??

So. . .I've been checking out KMart's website, still debating that cute dress CChica picked up a couple weeks ago, and I strolled upon their version of the latest debatable trend...the harem pant. I have to admit something appeals to me, and this pair is a steal at $8. But I look at the cuffed leg, and I think about my muscular calves (think, Serena Williams), and I fear that my ankles will suffocate. Ahhhh...decisions, decisions.


Piper & Blue Harem Elastic Waist Pants, $8


And then while I was doing this post, a Kmart commercial came on. . .sign much? LOL.
So I ask, should I or shouldn't I buy these babies? And what would I wear with them? I think heels are a no-brainer. But what type of top? Decisions, decisions. . .

Here are a few ways I've seen them worn.









And JHud wore them a few weeks ago while performing. Not so flattering.




So, again I ask, do I or don't I......?

Cash, check, or charge: Coin necklaces

• cash
• check
• charge

And for an even cheaper version, check out this one from Wet Seal for $3.99!

H&M coming to Orlando. Yessssssss!!!!

The mecca for cheap chic fashion, H&M, is coming to The Florida Mall this fall. Woo hoo! This will be the first store to open in Florida. I heard about this a while back, but I thought it was just a rumor, so I thought nothing else about it. Then, I visited the Deal Divas, and a reader, D, commented that H&M was in fact coming to Florida. I'm so excited and I can't wait because the only time that I come across H&M items are through thrift, and that's rare. So, O-Towners, are you excited about H&M opening up? Why or why not?

Shop the Box

I haven't shopped the clearance box at Express in a long time. I almost forgot how great their deals were until I was browsing their site today. A lot of cute items below $10 and you can take an extra 20% off, too! I'm so there.

• relaxed cropped pant $9.99
• boyfriend jeans $29.99
• modern stretch dress $9.99
• print dolman top $29.99
  
  
  
  

The HLMN weekend roundup 5-22-09

Affordable Fashion has 6 fab Summer dresses priced under $50.

Amber of Beauty Junkies Unite reviews Cargo Lash Activator Mascara.

Beauty Luxe has listed the 6 best lip glosses. Do you agree?

Work your own fierceness! Deborah Estelle shows you how to accentuate your fab five features.

Dirt Cheap Beauty uncovers a new summer beauty must have.

Memorial Day will be here soon and no matter what set of fashion rules you follow White Pants are perfect for so many activities. Fab Finds Under $50 has you covered.

Fab Glance Nashville is letting you know about a great sleeper trend: white jeans.

Style Luxe has the 25 hottest handbags and The Ultimate Guide to Memorial Day Sales.

Tres Chic Style has the inside scoop on the debut of Real Housewives of Atlanta's Sheree Whitfield's fashion debut.

Workchic shows how you can still be Mom-to-be chic even in the summer heat!

To learn more about The HLMN or about becoming an affiliate please visit our website.

Chicalicious Memorial Day sales

I doubt that I'll be doing any shopping this weekend. I'm at the point where I try to avoid shopping on a holiday weekend, lol. I'll be out this weekend enjoying my family, so check out these deals, online and in-stores.

• Alloy: 15% off your purchase. Coupon code: VACAY15. Expires 5-28-09
• Get 20% off your dELiA*s purchase through 5.28.09! Use code MAY20 at checkout.
• Check out the Sweet Deal Event at Piperlime. Save 30% off select shoes and handbags. Ends May 31, 2009.
  
• Get yourself a sexy pair of sandals for the summer! Chinese Laudry is having a sweet sandal sale, with styles up to 50% off!
  
• 40% off white denim at Levis.com.
• BOGO 50% off shoes at Steve Madden! Clearance items not included. Expires 5-26-09
• If you have a Nordstrom near you, check out their Half Yearly Sale.
• Don't forget to go to Old Navy tomorrow (5/23) and stock up on their $1 flip flops!
• Banana Republic's having their own Memorial Day Event (online only). Ends 5-25-09
  

Cybershopping: Yet another fab item from Kmart

And I used to dread this place a while ago...

When I saw this dress on Budget Chic and Cheap JAP, I had to have one too. Sound familiar? Yes, my lovelies, it's from Kmart (again). I tried this dress on last week in the store, but all they had were a size large and in the other color. I tried it on anyway just to see how it would fit and then I was going to order it online in the brown color. Although the large fit, it was a little too snug. I followed Budget Chic's advice and ordered a size up and it's perfect. I can't wait to wear it out this weekend. It's currently on sale right now for $17.99. I also ordered a pair of sandals from the Attention brand as well.


sorry for the crappy quality of my camera. One of these days I'm going to get a new one.

Today's printables and codes

• Babies R Us: 15% off all car seats. Expires 5-28-09
• Catherine's: $15 off $25 or more purchase. Expires 5-21-09. Hurry!
• The Limited: $20 off $60 or more purchase. Expires 5-31-09
• Express: 15% off your purchase. Expires 5-26-09
• $2 Shipping SIte-Wide at e.l.f. Cosmetics where Everything's a $1! Use code 2SHIP on any purchase of $25 or more.
• Newport News: 30% off any order. Coupon code: 506. Expires 5-25-09

Congratulations to Holly! She is the winner of the Friday Night Fashions shopping spree!

The HLMN Midweek Roundup 5-20-09

Affordable Fashion has a fashion relic we though was extinct. Cute dresses priced under $10.

Beauty Junkies Unite has the lowdown on the best concealers on the market.

Beauty Luxe has tips on how to wear brown mascara. Hint: It's not as hard as it seems.

Kimberly of Fab Finds Under $50 found a convertible dress perfect for all Summer weddings.
Fabuless Beauty reviews several shades of Max Factor Vivid Impact Lipcolor.

Check out the trends for Summer 2009 Image and Style News

MissLikey has a review of the Chanel 2010 Resort Collection. He's going back to Venice, y'all.


Who doesn't love shoes? Style Luxe has 20 fab Spring sandals.


To learn more about The HLMN or becoming an affiliate please visit our website.

Dots, Marshalls, Target~ Plus big news!

Hey, hey Chicas!

I've been up to some good things, my life is very exciting right about now. I got a new job, so this time next month I will officially be an East Coast Chica!!! Also, Big and I will be ending the long distance aspect of our relationship. Will we make it? Time will tell. . . now on to my shopping!

I spied a beautiful turquoise howlite ring at Target, with a necklace to match:



Cheap Chica posted a Dots survey a while back, and I took full advantage. The reward for filling out the survey was a $10 coupon in the store. I bought a skirt, got it home and didn't like it, so I returned for this funky yellow and brown number:


I think it'll be fly with cute sandals and a simple tee.

Then I had a dress to return to Marshalls. I lost the receipt so I was unable to get my cash, but I exchanged it for a cutesy strapless denim dress that I'm picturing with cute sandals and short sweaters . Besides the ruffly detail, I love the fact that I can dress it up and down. It's about mid- calf on me, showing off my tattoo.


I told myself I wasn't going to buy anything, but this simple gray dress caught my eye:




If you haven't noticed, I'm all about skirts and dresses this summer. I can't wait for the weather to warm up and for summer to officially arrive.

$1 Old Navy flip flops 5-23-09!

Just in time for Memorial Day! Make your way over to Old Navy this Saturday (5/23) and score a few pairs of solid color flip flops for only $1! Limit is 5 per customer. Looks like I'll be scooping up a few to add to the collection, lol.

Fab find: NY& Co. strapless foral dress

See, this is why I love Shop It To Me and they're weekly sale mail that they send me. Sometimes the sales are on point that they send me from my fave stores and sometimes they're not. But, this dress right here is definitely a steal. At $10, this is right on the money and perfect for that upcoming outdoor film festival that I may be going to here around Chicaville. Get it before it's gone!

A question for my curvy CC's- have you checked out Faith 21?

As you know, Forever 21's plus size line, Faith 21, debuted the first of this month in select stores and online. I wanted to see the collection up close and personal, but of course my local store closed down. I was going to take a chance and order a top that I really liked in XL (since when is that considered plus size?) to see how it fits. I always have trouble fitting into some of their clothes because some of them are cut small. Has anyone seen or tried on any of the Faith 21 pieces? How was the fit? Did you buy anything from the collection?

Btw, isn't this dress lovely? At less than $23, it's perfect for a summer beach party.

Star style under $150: Kim Kardashian

[pic via The YBF]

Yep, another Kim K post. I adore her style- I really do. What she's famous for besides that tv show, I still don't have a clue, but the girl can dress her ass off. Here she's spotted having lunch at The Ivy in her Balmain vest. A true Cheap Chica knows that you can take your butt to Tar-jay and snap that bad boy up . Here's a re-creation of her outfit on the cheap:

• bandleader vest (out of stock, check your local store) $35, Target
• skinny distressed jeans $40, American Eagle Outfitters
• sunglasses $3, Wet Seal
• black cami $10.50, Old Navy
• silver clutch $20, Nine West
  
• pumps $23, Charlotte Russe

GRAND TOTAL= $131.50