Change is Good

It's been coming. Change. I'm not a big fan of change, but sometimes it is needed and sometimes it is necessary. For the past five years, I've dutifully scoured the web for great fashions at affordable prices and presented them to fellow Bargain Chic followers. It has been fun, it has been informative, and it has been sometimes exhaustive. I've also expanded the original intent of the blog to not just include comparable designer looks for less, but great deals I've found on the web. From wedding dresses to home furnishings, I've run the gamut of bargain chic finds.

But, now, I've grown a little weary of my blog. I want to write about things other than fashion -- about things that interest me, that are being talked about at the water-cooler, on the news, and in my life. This requires me to be more than just a bargain fashion reporter, but someone who tells stories, mulls over issues-of-the-day, and comments on what makes me and others tick. I still want to share my fashion obsessions, my take on award show gowns, and places on the web where you can find amazing deals and steals, but those will be in addition to everything else that's important to me.

So, in the coming months, I'll be transitioning to a new platform. I'm hoping to change the look and logo of Bargain Chic, and I am hoping to come up with a new, snazzy name that will encompass everything this blog will be about.  I hope you will continue to follow me, enjoy what I have to say, and comment on it. A blog cannot sustain on posts alone -- I need your input, your insights, and your encouragement to keep this small but fun blog going.

If you have any suggestions on names, or comments on the upcoming changes, feel free to leave a comment or two.

Here's to a new and exciting year ahead for Bargain Chic and for all my friends and family!

Love,
TeeKay

Searching for the Perfect Chariot

Sorry for my lack of activity lately, and for the more than usual sporadic postings. I'm in the midst of a graduate literature class that has me writing for the pleasure of getting an A rather than for the pleasure of entertaining my small but loyal followers. I thought I would put together something I had been working on, but kept putting off posting because... well...when I have some free time, I'm usually watching old episodes of Ally McBeal or 30 Rock on my Netflix.  I digress...

Because I've been spending every night and weekend stuck to my home office chair, typing away at my computer trying to come up with something prolific to write about The Waste Land or Hemingway, I started thinking it might be time to get a new office chair. Something cute and comfy came to mind, but what's out there is mostly boring, black, leather monstrosities that cost an arm and a leg. I get it -- you spend most of your day sitting in these things -- but that doesn't mean what you sit in can't be chic and affordable.

So, starting with my inspiration, here are my bargain chic alternative for the humble office chair.

Inspiration Piece

Horchow, Cooper Office Chair, $1099

Bargain Chic Options

 Clockwise: Walmart, Padded Microsuede Executive Chair, $139; Office Max, Odessa II Task Chair, $89.99; Target, Feature Mesh Task Chair, $169.99; HomeDecorators, Craftsman Leather Swivel Desk Chair, $289.

What's Nude?

Nude. It's a tough color to pull off, and, well, it's an even tougher look to feel confident in. But hang-ups aside, wearing nude and even being in the nude usually makes a woman feel sexy and sultry, vivacious and daring. You're taking a risk -- exposing yourself -- by wearing nude. Even if you don't necessarily feel confident, wearing nude will instantly give you the persona of someone who is willing to reveal a side of them that they don't often reveal to the world.  So, try a little nudity in your life -- even if it is just with a pair of shoes.

Jessica Simpson, Ramonna Open-Toe Pump, $43.45; Michael Kors, Colette Pump, $60.50

 Naughty Monkey, Flirt Pump, $51.17

Remembering 9-11

10 years. Amazing. It seems so long ago, and yet also like it was just yesterday. I was 24. Living at home. Looking for work. Trying to figure out my life. My sister's best friend was living in NYC. She tried calling him all day. She finally heard his voice, and she cried. My mom's good friend was also in NYC. She worked not far from the World Trade Center. She was safe, thank God. My good friend's sister worked near the Pentagon, but again, she was safe. I was lucky that the people in my life were spared the grief and horror of that day. But that doesn't lessen my grief -- it didn't lessen the tears I shed then and the tears I shed today. Ten years have come and gone. We've had wars, and death, and tragedy, and hope, and grace, and love. But without the countless broken hearts from that day, we wouldn't have been able to open them up to new beginnings and the chance for something better.

Battery Park, NYC: The Sphere from the World Trade Center

I've Got Some Learnin' to Do

I have taken the plunge. Almost ten years ago, I started my Master's degree in English, and finally, after way too many false starts, decided to finish what I started. It has been nerve-wracking and anxiety-inducing, but I'm trying my hardest to push through those feelings, and just do the one thing I know I really want to do.

I've managed to pass my first class already (with an A+ no less), and now I am on to my next one.  This one is a little more intense. It's a survey on 20th century American literature, and that means, a lot of reading, a lot of writing, and a lot of analyzing.  All things I am good at and actually enjoy, but just a little apprehensive about my abilities.  Nevertheless, I just keep telling myself, "All you can do is the best you can do." And that seems to be helping.

And as I finished up my first writing assignment for the class, I started thinking about my fun, little blog here. I realized I had been neglecting it for awhile.  The classes I've been taking have put a damper on my free time, but I thought why not take a few moments to let everyone know what's been going on with me, and while I'm at it also showcase some school (and work) supplies that are fun and chic. I figured, when the stress of work and school starts to get to you, you can at least enjoy looking at and using some of the whimsical and delightful tool of your trade.

Shit Eraser, Paper Goods, $4; Lily Pulitzer Highlighters, See Jane Work, $10

Galison File Folders, See Jane Work, $8; Storybook Landscape Page Flags, Girl of All Work, $4.95

And something to put it all in...

Kailo-Chic Laptop Satchel, eBags, $63.74

It's the Economy, Stupid: Part 3

Kohls is my final budget-busting, bargain-chic store in this three part series. Its amazing prices and lower-end designer offerings makes Kohls a must-visit store when looking for a fabulous deal. You can't go wrong with the Simply Vera line, and the Dana Buchman and Lauren Conrad lines. Kohls has done a fabulous job at getting top designers to make clothes for the budget-conscious consumer. Although they may not always be quite as fabulous as the originals, they are, nevertheless, just as stylish and about a fraction of the price. Who can argue with that?!

Simply Vera pleated floral top, $31.20; LC lace shorts, $28.60; Simply Vera rhinestone fringe flip-flops, $9.60

Total: $69.40

It's the Economy, Stupid: Part 2

JcPenny has been around for-ever. In fact, according to Wikipedia, the JcPenny company was incorporated in 1913. So, for nearly a hundred years, JcPenny has been around. And, I'm sure every single person in America has been to a JcPennys at least once in their lives. It's pure Americana. Great-grandmas, grandmas, and mothers have bought clothes, home goods, home furnishings, and maybe even had their family portrait taken at a JcPennys.

My fondest memory of JcPenny is my Mom bringing home that big, thick catalog and the two of us sitting together look through it, picking out my favorite outfits and toys for my Christmas wishlist. It was always so exciting to see what was new for the upcoming season and to start planning all my fabulous back-to-school, holiday and summertime outfits.

And what made it even better was the price! JcPennys has always been reasonably priced, but never lacking in quality or style. As an adolescent, I had no concept of a budget, but as an adult, I can look back and realize that saving money doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style or substance. I'm glad that JcPenny continues its tradition of offering moderately priced apparel that is just as chic as more expensive department stores.

Here is an outfit that epitomizes the bargain chic look - stylish and sophisticated and quite the steal!

Liz Claiborne belted shirt dress, $49.99; Liz Claiborne Oak Hill shopper, $48.99; City Street Sierra pump, $29.99

Total: $128.97

It's the Economy, Stupid

The economy for the last four years has been a helluva rollercoaster ride for most people. At some point you or some you know has dealt with underwater mortgages, foreclosures, unemployment, or a drained 401K account. Our financial senses have taken a beating, and we have been forced to reexamine our outlook on how we spend our money.

I am lucky to have learned early on what I consider the golden rule when it comes to finance: do not spend more than you have. It seems simple enough, right? Well, with credit cards and enticing financing options and the idea of always having to keep up with the Joneses, we've become a nation of financial nincompoops. Sure, we all want things, but do we all need them?  If you don't have the money to buy that fabulous designer purse that you see in all the magazines, then don't buy it.  If you can't afford to makeover your kitchen like you saw on HGTV, then starting saving money and do it little by little. And, if you feel like you have to eat out at that new restaurant, then wait a little longer until a smoking deal come up on Groupon.

You can blame society, peer-pressure or The Real Housewives reality shows, but honestly the only one to blame is yourself. You can be fabulous and cool and oh so chic without spending thousands and thousands of dollars on things that mean nothing more than: "look at me, I am broke, but I still managed to buy this ridiculously priced pair of shoes." If you truly insist on having an overpriced designer wardrobe or that expensive Pottery Barn leather sofa, then plan for it: sacrifice, save, and savor the fact that you worked hard to get something you wanted.

In the meantime, the best way to start saving for those big ticket items is to start making wiser decisions on the items you can be more frugal with. There are tons of clothing stores that offer designer-inspired looks at a bargain price, and in my next posts I'll be highlighting a few of them. These stores offer a lot of great basic items that can last you a while and some trendier items that can be fun for a season. Whatever styles you choose, I guarantee they'll be a perfect addition to any bargain chic-ette's closet.

First up is Old Navy. A great bargain store for t-shirts, jeans, and flip-flops,  but also a fantastic place to find items that you can wear to work, to after-work shindigs, and to weekend fetes. Here's an example of an outfit I pulled together from items on the Old Navy website. It's classy, it's sexy, and it's priced oh-so-nice!

Clockwise: Dolman-sleeve cardigan, $36.94; Chiffon-tiered jersey cami, $17.50; Leopard-print skinny belt, $14.94; Braided t-strap sandal, $17.97; Skinny mini-flare jeans, $19.50

Total: $106.85

A Bicycle Made for Cool

It's impossibly hot right now in Phoenix, and I'm starting to dream of the days when temperatures are tolerable and I can be outside for more than five minutes. And when the weather gets cooler, I'm determined to enjoy it while riding around on a cool new bike. Yep, I am on a mission to get back to the basic. And I want to go old school. Not banana handle bar, pink princess bike, but retro chic beach cruiser bike.

Inspiration Bike

Debutante, Schwinn Bicycles, $520

Bargain Chic Bikes

 

 

 

Huffy Women's Cranbrook Cruiser, Walmart, $79.97

  

Schwinn Ladies' Cruiser Bike, Walmart, $159

Micargi Tahiti Women's Cruiser, Joyride Cycles, $239.99

Sailing through the Desert

Living in Phoenix, I am landlocked by desert, which means my only access to any seafaring is tubing down the Salt River or playing with toy boats in my bathtub. The city is surrounded by several man-made lakes, and there is a much-ballyhooed urban "lake," but seafaring really looses its panache when you are doing it from a speedboat or catamaran.

I'll admit, I have never really had any seafaring experiences -- unless you want to count a harbor cruise around San Diego Bay or a  ferry ride to Ellis Island. And I am not sure I'd be the picture perfect Poseidon of the sea. I'd probably be hanging on for dear life as my captain -- a likely twin of Jack Sparrow -- hoisted the sails or battened down the hatches (whatever that means).

But that won't stop me from imagining an experience similar to the made-up scenarios in J.Crew catalogs. I picture myself on a strikingly white sailboat with a handsome captain, blustery ocean breezes whipping through my perfectly weathered mane, wearing a cute nautical-inspired outfit.

Of course it is all about the clothes! More than my love of the sea and cute sailors, is my love of nautical stripes. And, I love them on everything from dresses to shoes to handbags. No matter what it adorns, the nautical stripe makes anything look fresh and easy. And just because I don't live near the sea or own a sailboat, doesn't mean a desert dweller like myself can't look the part. I say if you can't be at the sea, at least look like you are. And here are some great example of bringing the sea to your style without having to find a boat and a cute captain.

Hive & Honey button detail top, Piperlime, $24.50; The Classic Sheath, Chadwicks, $24.99

TOMS Canvas Wedge, Nordstrom, $68.95; Rebels Wrapture Flower Flat, Delias, $34.50

 Timex Modern Camper, Piperlime, $50; Nautical Bow Tote, Ann Taylor, $149

Mission Impossible: The Perfect Couch

I'm on a mission to find the perfect leather couch. I have three requirements I like to call my couch trinity: 1. It's comfortable. (Isn't that a prerequisite for everyone?!) 2. It's stylish. 3. It can get dirty and still look clean. These three simple requirements seem easy enough to find, right? Well, that is until I add my rule that governs nearly everything I buy: it must be a bargain.

It ain't easy to find all three on the cheap. It always seems that one of the requirements is lacking, but I will not let that stand in my way. I shall charge forth with fortitude! And to begin my mission, I present to you my inspiration couch and a few bargain chic knock-offs that might quite literally get me off the couch and starting seriously looking for a new one.

Inspiration Piece

 

Bargain Pieces

Soflex Abilene Sofa, Amazon.com, $857.87

 

Umbria Sofa, Macy's, $999

 Linden Street Langley Sofa, JcPenny, $899

The Art of Words

I am a big fan of words. I love reading them, writing them, understanding them, and even looking at them -- especially when it is done in an artistic way. I think my interest in typography can be attributed to my old college roommate. Tobi was a graphic design major, who had an affinity for typography. I remember watching her painstakingly choose a font for her projects -- trying to figure out which one would covey the message she was trying give. She was quite the master at it; and after graduating, that craft and skill became one of her trademarks.

Coupled with my appreciation for the art of typography, I've also always had an eye for symmetry -- almost an obsessiveness with it. I like things straight, parallel to each other, patterns that conform in number (especially three) and a desire to center things. I guess the best way to fully understand my slight OCD behavior is to think Jeff Lewis of Bravo's Flipping Out fame, but dialed down by about 50%.

With my interest in words, typography and symmetry, I think it is pretty safe to say, I overall enjoy the art of language -- whether that be in the simplest form of words on paper or the tools used to craft those words on paper. Here are some great finds -- some vintage and some not -- that I found on Etsy (a fantastic place for finding handcrafted items). They are all perfect examples of why I love how letters, words and meaning combine to creating brilliant art.

(Top to Bottom): 12 vintage metal letters, The Hope Tree, $44; To Be Yourself art print, Bubby and Bean, $20; vintage letterpress number set, Handmade By Alison, $38; magnet: vintage paper handmade flower, LBC paper, $9.95; Always Definition Commitment Ring, Happy Go Licky, $45.

Swimming Into Summer

We're heading into summer, and here in Phoenix with temperatures finally pushing into the 100s, I can't help but think about the beginning pool season. And if you live near the ocean, then god bless you for the ability to enjoy your summer months on a beautiful beach. Both destinations have their appeal, and both inspire the desire to do some new swimsuit shopping.

There are several great bargain stores that offer tons of swimsuits at great prices: Delias, Gap, Kohl's, Old Navy and Target to name a few.  Plus, you can also find some good sales on swimwear at places like JCrew, Victoria's Secret and most department stores.

Sure, you could go all out and buy a fancy, designer bikini, but really, ladies, why pay an arm and a leg for something that barely covers an arm or a leg? I'm no connoisseur of swimwear: I don't know the complexities of their construction, the subtle details or quality of fabric of high-end swimsuits. But, what I do know is that if I am going to update my swimwear wardrobe on a seasonal basis, I best invest in some reasonably priced swimsuits.

Here are some of my favorite, bargain swimwear finds I've come across so far. Where are your go to places for finding bargains on swimwear?

Clockwise: Crochet-trim dress, Gap, $34.95; Halter Top, $24.50 and Side-Tie Bottom, $19.50, both Delias; Rhinestone Embellished Sandals, Old Navy, $7.99; Halter and Bottom Tankini, Old Navy, $39; Croft & Barrow Solid Floppy Straw Hat, Kohl's, $26; One-Piece Swimsuit with Gold Broach, Target, $29.99.

Real Housewives' Fashions

I admit it. I'm a fan of the Real Housewives franchise. It's my guilty pleasure. I pretty much watch all of them and revel in the crazy drama that is always brewing between these grown, seemingly classy, women. My favorite of all of them, though, is the New York City "housewives." And, by "housewives," I mean women who may or may not have husbands and who may or may not work. Aren't we all housewives then??? Anyway, I love the ladies from NYC because they seem to have a bit more edge, sophistication and, well, real money (well, with the slight exception of Alex and Simon) than all the other housewives (again, some exceptions should be made for some of the Beverly Hills housewives).

Because I love RHONY so much, I thought it would be great to do a post on these housewives' fashions. Seeing them week after week, I started noticing each of their distinct styles. And, I've decided to stick with the housewives I've come to know the longest, so Sonja and the new girl Cindy won't be included (Although, I'm starting to sense Sonja has the sexy style, while Cindy has the requisite downtown rocker-chick style.)

So, here we go...

Ramona loves a satin, jewel-toned dress -- preferable short with a bit of sassy. She must have stock in satin because photo after photo had her in some form-fitting satin cocktail dress. But, I suppose it represents Ramona well -- you can't miss bold colored satin on a bold and colorful lady.

On right: Calvin Klein Mesh Trim Stretch Satin Dress, Nordstrom Rack, $59.97

Then, you have Jill, who tends to have a rather frenetic look -- one minute trendy, then cutesy and then sexy. She always seems to pick looks that are a bit fashion-forward, and sometimes a little too young for her look. But, somehow, they always work for her.

On right: Gathered Hemlock Dress, Anthropologie, $148

Oh, and of course, there is Luann. The Countess, Dahhhhling. She is the epitome of sophistication and class. Ms. Manners must always look perfect. And, she usually does. She likes to show-off her attributes, which seems to be her shoulders. She sticks with what looks good on her and doesn't stray from it.

On right: Donna Morgan Asymmetrical Jersey Sheath Dress, Nordstrom, $128

Then, there is Alex. Oh, Alex. You try, honey, you really do.  Sometimes she is on spot, and other times, it's like, what?! She is the trendiest of them all, with a strong desire to be avant garde, couture and fashion-forward all wrapped into one almost Bjork swan-like get-up.  But, I have to say she has fashion guts and puts it out there for all to see.

On right: Adrianna Papell Hailey Sequined Cut-Out Floor-Length Gown, Lord & Taylor, $168

Finally, there is Kelly. The fashion model. She's beautiful with a great body. She looks good in nearly everything, but it seems her favorite look is super short and flowy. When I think of her style, I think of the brands Free People and Urban Outfitters. Of course, she can afford a more sophisticated look that oozes that youthful, free-spirit, yet sexy look.

On right: Lipsy 60s Style Mini Dress, ASOS, $101.56

If I had to choose one RHONY housewife that represented my style, it would be tough.  I like each of their styles and think I could encompasses them at some point in my life. But, if I must pick, I would have to combine the looks of the two most polar opposites: Luann and Kelly. I love the classic looks of Luann mixed with Kelly's quirky styling.

What is your favorite RHONY housewife style? And, which one represents your style the best?

Let's Celebrate

It has been an amazing week! I have had the pleasure of sharing in the joy of my friends' accomplishments and important life moments. A co-worker (and friend) got a huge and well-deserved promotion on Wednesday. Then, on Friday, another co-worker and his wife became proud parents of a beautiful baby boy. And, to top off the week, one of my best friends found out she passed the California Bar.

When exciting and momentous things occur in my friends' lives, I reveal in it as much as I would if it was happening in my own. I cherish these people deeply and when good news arrives, I can't help but celebrate with them. So, in honor of their achievements and new beginnings, here are some special occasion dresses that exude a happy and heartfelt congratulations!!!

 

Dresses: Cotton-silk Faille Leighton Dress, J.Crew, $69.99; Asymmetrical Ruched Dress, Gap, $69.95, Bisou Bisou Belted Dress, JcPenny, $49.99. Shoes: Michael Antonio Casey Sandal, $54.95; Pierre Dumas Bounty-3 Sandal, $24.75; Enzo Angiolini Mezzo Open-Toe Pump, $76.66; all from Endless.com.