The Cheap Diva

Save Cash on Colorful Summer Essentials from Kohls

Is your wardrobe ready for summer?  A basic black dress can look heavy and depressing during the warmer  months.  To look like you are attending a wedding instead of a funeral, do yourself a favor and invest in a festive party perfect summer dress for all of those weddings and other summer social occasions.  This Meloni Floral Sateen Dress on Sale for $84.99 is a brilliant bouquet of color, pattern and playful style.  The floral print avoids cutesy flower cliches by including dramatic grey roses against the cool aqua background and more abstract painterly flowers on the fully feminine skirt.

 

Enjoy SPF 50 protection all day with this Speedo Colorblock Rash Guard Shirt on sale for $19.80. Sunblock from a bottle can wash off and wear off over time.  Sunblock from a Speedo shirt on the other hand, lasts as long as you do.  Given the pasty white skin tone of the model, I suspect she is used to slathering on a sunblock lotion with a SPF of 800 at least.

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I love a shoulder bag for hands free convenience with a casual outfit, but when I dress up I hate wearing a bag with a strap that crosses right over my fabulous outfit.  This Dana Buchman Hill Convertible Mini Shopper on sale for $23.99  is the ultimate style chameleon, allowing you to wear it as a cross body bag for a more casual look, or remove the long strap and carry it as a wristlet or clutch for a dressier vibe.

 

Casual and Colorful Dining at Cheap Prices

Skip the flimsy paper plates and plastic cups.  This summer show off your colorful taste with affordable dining accents from Crate and Barrel.

A well designed wine glass can make cheap grape juice look like an expensive vintage wine, but do you really want guests walking around with crystal goblets at your summer socials?  This durable and dishwater safe Set of  4 Stacking Blue Acrylic Wine Glasses for $9.95 bring a touch of elegance to the table and a ton of practicality to the after party clean up.

 

 

 

The arrival of summer marks the arrival of brightly colored gaudy dishes in patterns that look like a kindergardner drew them.  Sunny cheerful colors are rarely combined with such a sophisticated pattern as this Trina Yellow Plate for $6.95.  The advantage of buying decorative plates individually is that you can mix things up, buying some Trinas plates in violet or blue, for example, to create an even more colorful set.

 

 

 

 

  Add some flavor to your kitchen style with this Summer Pops Dishtowel for $4.95.  The sweet colors really do pop against the crisp white background, and buying a fun dishtowel is one of the cheapest kitchen upgrades you can make!

True Blue Style on Sale at Macys

  While Target and Walmart try to pass off cheap looking clothes with unfinished edges as "fashion" items,  Macys stocks the kind of polished and stylish clothes that I would be happy to parade around in public in.  The Jones New York line features many contemporary pieces that look current enough that no one will accuse you of being stuck in a time warp, yet the styles are timeless enough that they won't go out of style in 5 minutes.

Lightweight pieces,  like this Jones New York Signature Shirt, Roll Tab Sleeve on sale for $49.99, are easy to layer under sweaters, over tank tops or worn alone.  Their versatility makes them the ultimate transitional pieces for changing seasons and temperatures.

 

 

 

A lightweight sweater like this Jones New Your Signature Sweater, Three Quarter Sleeve Open Knit on sale for $69.99 is a wardrobe must have for changing environments.  When your environment shifts from sultry moments outside to quality time spent in frigid  buildings, it helps to have a sweater that can breath in the heat yet prevent frost bite in overly air conditioned buildings.  It's also great for vacations, because when you travel you need clothes that are adaptable and don't wrinkle easily!

 

 

 

For an effortlesslly chic look , you can never go wrong with a simple sheath dress like this Jones New York Dress, V-Neck Sheath on sale for $89.99. All you Divas who have too much pride to strut around in stretch polyester (hopefully that includes everyone reading this) will be happy to note that this brilliant dress is made out of a luxe cotton/silk blend fabric.

 

 

 

 

Frugal and Fabulous Mother's Day Gift

What busy mom's need this Mother's Day is a fun gift that will make their life easier. My book,   The Cheap Diva's Guide to Frugal and Fabulous Living: How to Shop Smart, Look Your Best, Decorate with Style, and Have Fun for Less Money!  Available as a paperback and an ebook , is an entertaining read that offers simple strategies for living better by spending smarter.  With advice on everything from avoiding common retail rip offs and get better deals, cashing in on your clutter, effortless ways to look stylish for less, how to spend less time shopping yet buy exactly what you need, chic and simple home decorating and organizing solutions, and hassle free ideas for having more fun for less money. This book shows busy moms how cheap and easy it can be to live with style.

In the book I share my secrets on looking great for less. I reveal how to enjoy the pampering you deserve with cheap spa treatments, how to look great by making the most of the beauty products you already have, how to expand your wardrobe options without buying a thing, and frugal ways to get fit. Once women learn the secrets to living better by spending smarter, they will realize that by making the most of what you have, it's possible to design a life you love.

Bright & Budget Friendly Design from Crate and Barrel

In the unpredictible world of fashion and style, some things are actually easy to predict.  I predict style editors will promote products that are as overpriced as they are unattractive, and every spring brilliant colors will steal the style spotlight. I'm delighted about the bright color prediction coming true,  the overpriced products, not so much.

The clean lines and contemporary pattern of this Kado Rice Bowl for $5.95 delivers a lot of sophistication for under 6 bucks!  It also shows what an impact bright colors can have when balanced with a pure white background.

Rummaging around your huge tote bag like you are dumpster diving is not chic or convenient.  To find items faster, try packing a handy Portable Tote Bag Organizer for $16.95.  The cheerful tangerine color makes it easy to find your important essentials, such as cell phone, wallet, keys and that cheap lip gloss that looks like a million bucks on you. 

Using citronella candles is a popular strategy for repelling such commom pests as flying insects and telemarketers.  OK, the part about the telemarketers may not be true, but this true blue Large Citronellas Candle in a Can for $4.95 is the real deal when it comes to adding a festive yet practical touch to your outdoor entertaining. After the candle has burned down, why not remove it and use the colorful can as a pencil holder?

Stylish Metallic Sandals for Every Occassion

 

Bright crayola colored wedge shoes with heels higher than my credit card bill have been seen strutting down countless fashion runways for spring.  Meanwhile, here in the real word real women are stepping out in metallic sandals that are neutral enough to complement any color scheme.  Whether parading around in an ugly bridemaids dress or chic cocktail sheath, these Mossimo Halle Glitter Sandals for $14.39 will add a dazzly touch to your look.  The 2.25 inch heel height is high enough to rise to any elegant occassion, yet low enough to stand up to hours of partying in comfort.

  Instead of walking around in flimsy fashion victim flip flops this summer, add some polish to your summer wardrobe with these flat out fabulous  Zandy Braided Sandals for $22.99.  The braided straps and metallic sheen lends itself to a kind of a luxe casual vibe, as if your plans for the day include hanging out at an upscale beach resort.

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Metallics are generally neutral, but gold can sometimes come across as a warm color like yellow while pewter can sometimes come across as a cool color like blue.  For the ultimately in versatility, try a mixed metallic shoe like these Dana Buchman Illaria Wedge Sandals on sale for $31.49. The deep pewter straps contrast nicely with the golden straps creating a sandal that is virtually foolproof.  It goes with everything.

 

Neon yellow wedge shoes look cute strutting down a runway, but in real life stylish women are skipping the day glow colors and stepping out in versatile metallic sandals.  Metallics are always neutral, but their lustrous shine can add a bit of pizazz to any outfit.    

Princess Diana Exhibit is a Royal Treat

Princess Diana is described as a "glamourous humanitarian" by her brother in the wonderful exhibit celebrating her life .  The Diana, a celebration display at Union Station in downtown Kansas, does an excellent job of striking a balance between her image as a elegant style icon, her personal history and the reality of her volunteer efforts.  She ultimately comes across as a person, not just a fashion plate. The Diana, a celebration, exhibit gets off to a stunning start with a sparkling tiara as one of the first exhibit pieces.  The intimate exhibit includes highlights from home movies, some of her childhood momentos such a personal letters and portraits, and moves on to a room showcasing her wedding dress on a mannequin while a video clip of the wedding plays on a nearby screen.  The most important stop for us style addicts is the fashion room containing over 2o of the outfits she wore to glamourous events, as well as more humble outfits appropriately worn for her humanitarian efforts.  To make the event even more fun, attend glamourous exhibit with some gal pals like I did then do lunch at a nearby restaurant. Diana, a celebration is the perfect destination for a leisurely girlfriend get together.   

Posh Patio Accents from Pier 1

Get rid of those tacky paper cups and smelly citronella candles right now!  A Diva like you deserves better than disposable style. Give your patio an upgrade with affordable decor from Pier 1 Imports and show off your sophisticated style all summer long.  

Talk about luxe for less! The lustrous stripes on these beautiful Blue Luster Striped Hurricanes for $20.00 and $28.00  is the kind of upscale detail I expect to see on fine glass pieces in upscale department stores, not a strip mall staple like Pier 1 Imports.  

 

Now that the flimsy paper cups are history, you can break out these Colorful Outdoor Stemware for $5.50 each at your next backyard bash.  These brilliantly colored goblets aren't getting by on their looks alone.  They are shatterprooff and dishwasher safe which makes them just as practical as they are pretty.

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A crisp clear blue on an outdoor pillow conjures up images of sunset parties on private luxury yachts.  Even if the nearest source of cool water is your kitchen faucet, you can still enjoy smooth sailing with these fade resistant weather resistant Princess Blue Oblong Pillow for $20.00.  So sit back and relax knowing that your pillows will weather everything from rain to food spills beautifully.

 

 

Get $10.00 off Everything at Kohls

As a savvy shopper I am more than willing to accept bribes in the form of coupons.  The affordable clothing and home decor at Kohls department stores is nice, but when Kohls.om throws in a $10.00 coupon good on any purchase over $50.00, it's time for some serious shopping.

The hot pink color of this Suite 7 Ruffle Sheath Dress on sale for $64.99 spices up the lady like silhouette of this brilliant dress.

 

Get two hot spring trends for the price of one with these comfortably chic A2 by Aerosoles Rotunda Dress Sandals on sale for $41.99 .   Metallic makes fashion sense with just about anything you wear because it's a neutral, and the snakeskin pattern adds a subtle touch of the exotic to the strappy design.

 

 

The beautiful Sonoma Life & Style Ocean Breeze Jar Candle on sale for $6.99 lends an artistic look to your decor at starving artist prices.  The striped pattern may vary from candle to candle, so you could buy several candles and display them next to each other on a table for more visual impact.  

 

Enjoy Free Design Inspiration at the Spring Homes Tour

Normally the only way I could gain access to a million dollar mansion would be to break in like a cat burglar.  However, at least once a year I can tour elegant and ridiculously expensive homes to my heart's content thanks to the KC Spring Homes Tour.  The KC Spring Homes Tour runs from April 16 through May 1 this year and it's free!  The purpose of the KC Spring Homes Tour  is to encourage potential home buyers to check out one of the hundreds of homes featured on the tour, but you don't have to be a serious shopper to participate in the tour which is open to the public.

My strategy is to select 5 to 7 of the most expensive fully furnished homes on the tour and make a day of exploring those homes and getting free design inspiration.  Some of the professionally designed interiors are fabulous, while others are so bad they prove that money can't buy good taste.  Either way it's an entertaining way to spend a leisurely afternoon.

Enjoy Cheap Thrills with Free Attractions and Roadside Oddities

The seductive siren song of summer calls even the most budget conscious babe to get out there and have some fun while the sun shines.  So how do you enjoy more adventures without spending a lot more money? 

An easy way to save cash is to get creative and look for free or cheap attractions near you to reduce on travel costs.  If you're so broke you can't even afford to pay attention, check out free-attractions.com. This handy web site lists free attractions, such as museums, concerts, parks, etc. by state and by city making it easy to find attractions right in your own back yard.  A terrific web site for oddball roadside attractions is roadsideamerica.com. Roadsideamerica.com features the kind of attractions, such as bowling ball house, big coffee pots, two story outhouses and the world's largest lava lamp, that aren't likely to show up on traditional tourist web sites.  Now that you have lots of cheap inspiration, it's time to get out there and have some fun!

Save 50% off Winter Clearance at Savers Thrift Store

I'm such a serious thrift store shopper that when I purchased a book and some magazines at the local Savers thrift store the other day not only did the cashier recognize me as a regular customer, he also noticed that I had gotten a hair cut since the last time I had been in!  His observation made me wonder if maybe I was shopping Savers a little too frequently, but then I reminded myself that you have to hit thrift stores often if you want to grab the good stuff before it disappears.   

In spite of Savers dirt cheap prices, they often have sales and specials.  This April 9th through April 11th you can get an additional 50% off winter clearance for men, women and children's clothing.  The sale does not include coats, but there is plenty of other winter apparel to choose from. If where you call home feels more wintery than warm (I sometimes forget what month it is because right now it does NOT look or feel like spring outside) then you could easily wear your dirt cheap "winter" deals right now!

Cool Blue Home Accents at Hot Prices From Pier 1

Beautiful turquoise blue is the color of cool swiming pools and tropical ocean scenes worthy of a glossy travel brochure.  No wonder turquoise  is the unofficial color of summer, showing up in everything from dinner ware to home decor.

Introduce something cool and cheap to your next cocktail party with Blue Drip Stemware for $8.00 a piece.  The pool blue drinking glasses feature a "drip" of blue color inside the clear glass stem which gives them an upscale vibe that makes them look like expensive glasses.

 

 

 

For a contemporary twist on the turquoise trend, check out the Turquoise Twist Ceramic Vases for $29.95 and $49.95. The super mod design of the vase brings the popular ocean blue color into the home without the predictable beach sand and sea shells decorating cliches.  It also makes a great gift item for anyone allergic to boring vases.

 

 

 

 

Lighten up your home decor with this Sea Glass Lamp for $50.00.  The streamlined design proves that sophisticated design doesn't have to be formal and stuffy.  The right combination of elegance and simplicity it can be as calm and relaxing as a cool ocean breeze.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hard Candy Lip Gloss at an Easy to Love Price

The downside of wearing a sheer lip gloss is that it usually disappears faster than a pair of cute shoes at a clearance sale. The Sheer Shine Lip Gloss by Hard Candy is one of the first lip glosses I have worn that lasted as long a high quality lip stick.  No more reapplying my lip gloss every five minutes, yippee!

Sheer Shine Lip Gloss offers a bit of shine and a subtle hint of color to the lips. A long lasting sheer lip gloss is a foolproof way to liven up your lips.  I say foolproof because no matter how intense the color looks while it's in the tube, when it's applied to the lips the color is so subtle that all you really notice is a slight shimmer on your kisser.  For more drama you can always layer the gloss over one of your more colorful lip sticks for added shine.  Sheer Shine Lip Gloss is available at mass retailers for less than 10 bucks.