The Cheap Diva

Tips for Saving Money While Being Fashionable

 The following fabulous money saving tips were sent to me by shopping Diva, Lesley Scott.

As we all know, keeping up with the latest trends can quickly break the bank. Finding great deals at fantastic stores is my passion, but there are also a few basic tips that you can use every day to look great without blowing your budget. 

Build a functional fashion foundation. A full wardrobe should always start with some well-fitting basic pieces that can be dressed up or down and accessorized to offer many looks. The specifics will depend on how and where you spend your time, but items you can wear with a variety of others will go a long way.

Get ideas from designers and clothes from discount stores. Without a doubt, the most fun fashion ideas come from the world of high fashion. But there aren't many people who can actually afford to purchase $800 shirts and $2000 dresses. Fortunately, many discount stores take their cues from the runway and offer similar styles for a fraction of the designer costs.

Create a mix and match wardrobe. While shopping, consider how each piece will work with others in your closet. Try to avoid buying pieces that only work with one other thing in your wardrobe as it significantly reduces the amount of times you will be able to wear it as well as the occasions in which it will be appropriate.

Accessorize. Here is a great place to splurge if you are able. Your accessories can convey your mood and show your unique style.

User friendly makeup is easy to waste money on makeup. Products that look beautiful in the store often don't look good once you get them on. Combination sets and palates can be a great solution. While it is more expensive, having makeup that looks natural is fashionable, regardless of what you are wearing.

This article is written by Lesley Scott. Lesley is a fashion writer and owns outletstoredeals.com giving an overview of outlets of different brands like bcbg outlet, polo outlet, hanes outlet, brooks brothers outlets and more!

 

 

Save Money at Macys with the Memorial Day Sale

I love Macy's because they embrace the concept of affordable luxury.  They seem to understand that just because I'm cheap doesn't mean I want to LOOK cheap!  They are having a fabulous 15% off sale through Memorial day on selected items, and if you find an item on sale and combine it with the 15% discount it can really add up.

Looking for a chic sleeveless top that won't make you look like a slob? Then check out this Charter Club Split Neck top on sale for $27.99 which comes in several colors.

 

A baggy T-shirt is not, I repeat not, a respectable swimsuit coverup.  Give your poolside look a glamourous upgrade with this Trina Turk Cover Up on sale for $49.99. The gold hardward at the base of the neckline makes a nice decorative substitute for all the flashy jewelry that you really don't want to wear to the beach.

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  Certain departments and products are only an additional 10% off during the sale, but 10% off pieces like this beautiful Martha Stewart Collection Dinnerware on sale from $6.99 to $49.99 is still a deal worth a closer look.

 

Save 20% off Everything at Half Price Books through Memorial Day

When I found out Half Price Books was having a 20% off Everything Sale starting today I was tempted to call in sick at work just to be sure I could get to Half Price Books and snap up the fashion book I had my eye on.  Because I have bills to pay I did show up at work and waited to hit the local Half Price Books right after work.  I picked up my coveted fashion book, a paperback  mystery and a magazine all for under $15.00!  Half Price Books is a growing chain so check out their web site to see if they have a location near you.

Wear Stylish Wedges from Payless Shoes

I love shoes that add a little height, but I hate the pain of high heels.  To compensate for my less than supermodel height, I wear wedges as a stylish  and comfortable alternative to high heels.   Here are wedges from Payless shoes that are as wearable as they are stylish.

From garden party to wedding showers, to cocktail hour, these Lilac Flower Wedges for $26.99 always look fresh.  The  versatile neutral metallic upper works with countless colors and it doesn't look as heavy as a black sandal would look.

 

 

Add a taste of something sweet and spicy, to your wardrobe with these red hot Sweetpea Canvas Wedge on sale for $19.99.  The feminine peep toe wedge is fashioned with a flirty flower detail and stretchy slingback for better fit.  Sweet!

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There's not mystery to why this Mysterious Embellished Low Wedge Sling for $24.99 is so fabulous, it's the bling!  It also has some other great features like a sleek thong design, a versatile neutral upper and a slim wedge to give your look a lift.

 

 

 

 

 

Save Money with Stylish Solar Lights

In spite of weird weather fluctuations lately (one day I'm turning on the heat and the next day I'm cranking up the air conditioning) summer is finally here and I want to be ready to enjoy it.  I like having the option of hanging out on the patio after the sun goes down so I have scouted out some stylish solar lights.

This Smart Solar Scroll Summer Lantern for $19.99 features a frosted glass design that projects a kind of casual chic vibe that is so appropriate for summer.

 

This Color Changing Solar Light for $15.99 ties in perfectly with the whole Moroccan trend going on right now.  The design works beautifully with a exotic themed decor, but it's also contemporary enough to work with just about any style.  And you won't have to worry about it matching your furnishings since it's constantly changing colors.

 

 

 

  Sure a solar light that changes color is cool, but here's  a Home Solar Lantern Windchime for $19.99 that changes color!  Between the chiming and the changing colors this has to be one of the least boring pieces of outdoor decor I have ever seen.

 

Bridesmaid Dresses for Under $80.00

Bridesmaids dresses have a bad reputation as being extremely overpriced and flat out unflattering.  Fortunately, for bridesmaids on a budget, J.C. Penny provides attractive bridemaids dresses at very attractive prices.   

This London Style Embellished Bust Chiffon dress is only $74.99.  Best of all, it looks more like a cocktail dress than a typical frumpy and formal bridemaids dress.

 

   The phrase "You can wear the dress after the wedding!" is a bad joke when the bridemaid dress in question is a puffy peach taffeta number that looks like a Halloween princess costume.  For the bride who truly grasps the concept of a bridemaids dress that can be worn again, this basic black J Taylor Pleated Taffeta Rose Dress for $74.99 is the perfect choice.  Every woman could use a little black dress in her wardrobe.

For the bride who really wants their bridesmaids to shine, there is the Jessica Howard Rosette Shoulder Shimmer Sheath for $74.99.  This lustrous champagne colored number is a perfect neutral that will look perfectly elegant when worn at other special occassions after the wedding is over.

 

Spectacular Designer Showhouse offers Endless Inspiration

The Symphony Designers' Showhouse in Kansas City is so inspiring that after my first tour, I turned around and walked right back into the house to revisit all my favorite rooms, which meant touring most of the house.  The rooms range from an elegant cream colored dining room to lovely bedrooms done in serene blue tones to rooms featuring more intense colors, such as deep coral.  Between the cozy sitting rooms, porches and library I had an overwhelming urge to curl up on a sofa with a good book, but I didn't think the showhouse guides would appreciate that.  The Designers' Showhouse costs $13.00 online and $15.00 at the door, which is a small price to pay for so much inspirationn.  And when you visit the 42nd Symphony Designer Showhouse, be sure to stop and smell the roses in the private garden on your way out.

Where to Buy Cheap DVDs

When I see a newly released DVD at the local store selling for over $20.00 I am tempted to laugh out loud.  They expect me to pay top dollar for a mass produced DVD that's going to be selling for half that price 6 months from now, seriously?  I love instant gratification as much as the next Diva, but when it comes to DVDs I'm willing to wait it out and get great better deals later on. Here are some of the best places to buy cheap DVDs.

Amazon.com allows independent sellers to sell DVDs.  Depending on how popular a title is and how many indepedent sellers are trying to unload their copies of that box office flop, you can get DVDs super cheap.

eBay.com is a great place to buy DVDs because so many people will probably be selling the same title, keeping the prices down.

Half Price Books and other used book stores offer a hit and miss selection, but what they lack in selection they make up for in super cheap prices.

Lips Love Moisture Shine Gloss

  I was bracing myself for buyers remorse the first time I applied Moisture Shine lip gloss by Neutrogena.  I purchases a shade I call bubblegum pink.   BUBBLEGUM PINK, what was I thinking!  Fortunately for me Moisture Shine lip gloss is so sheer that it deposits just a hing of color and my lips didn't look like they were covered in cupcake icing.  The pretty pink gloss looks fabulous on my lips.  The subtle shine of the gloss and hint of color makes my lips look fresh and moist.  Best of all, this bargain priced gloss lasts a lot longer than typical lip glosses which typically last about as long as a commercial break.  Look for Neutrogena Moisture Shine Gloss at mass retailers and drug stores.

Party Like a Money Savvy Mermaid

Going overboard with beach themed dining accents is an entertaining cliche of titanic proportions.  Create an inviting beach vibe for your next party without the usual sea shell cliches by shopping at Broadway Panhandler.

Introduce a splash of  elegance to the table with this streamlined Paper Boat Lighthouse Schnapps Set for $29.92 . The stoneware carafe and four ocean blue hand blown stackable glasses hints at opulent oceanside living and private yacht parties, all for less than the price of a cheap bikini!

 

This Gin and Titonic Ice Tray Product for $8.95 is the perfect conversation piece to prevent your party from hitting the rocks and lapsing into boring conversation.  The ice tray pops out 4 mini icebergs and 4 mini titanics and lots of suprised looks.

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Surf's up!  Don't hide these surfboard shaped Tropical Collection Bamboo Cutting Board for $12.95 and Ukelele Cutting Board for $24.95 in the kitchen.  They deserve a starring role on a tropical themed buffet at your next summer bash.

 

 

 

 

Tropical Beach Fashion at Bargain Prices from Calypso

 There's a tropical breeze blowing into your neighborhood, and it's coming from the local Target store.  Target has teamed up with lifestyle brand Calypso for a tropical collection that feels fresh and sunny.  Some of the pieces do feel like you picked them off a Walmart clearance rack.  Luckily the Cheap Diva is here to separate the gems from the junk.

Even if you live in the city or the suburbs you can still experience tune into the more relaxed island vibe with this Calypso St. Barth Tie Die Braided Knit Tank for $19.99.  The tie die inpired print and casual tank style practically screams summer at the beach.

 

   Dump that frumpy super size tote you dragged to the pool last year and replace it with something practical and pretty like this Calypso St. Barth Natural Straw Tote with Scarf for $24.99.  The lightweight straw fabric won't weigh you down when your partying at the pool and the pink scarf adds a burst of bright color.

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    Sophisticated "Serious" costume jewelry doesn't exactly say "fun in the sun" .  Lighten up and have fun with your jewelry by wearing brighter and lesss heavy pieces during the summer.  This Calypso St. Barth Wrap Bracelet with Chain for $14.99 matches the playful attitude of summer clothes perfectly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buy Cheap Mother's Day Cards at Dollar Stores

I love a "Hallmark" moment as much as the next person, but not enough to shell out big bucks for a fancy Hallmark card.  In honor of my fabulously frugal mom this Mother's Day I got a great deal on her gifts, had them shipped directly to her from the online retailer to save on shipping, and bought her Mother's Day card at the dollar store.  I bought 2, yes 2, Mother's Day cards at the local dollar store for 1 dollar!  The cards don't have the glitter, paper cutouts, ribbons and other fancy  details of more expensive cards.  The cards feature a lovely graphic design on the front and an even lovlier sentiment on the inside.  So if you love your mom, but you don't love spending a fortune on fancy cards, head to your local dollar store today!

Thrifty Things Reviews Cheap Diva Book

I love my book being reviewed by other frugal bloggers because when I shamelessly plug 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 people might suspect my opinion of being a bit biased.

That's why I'm delighted that the The Thrifty Things blog gave my book such a fabulous review, and just in time for Mother's Day to!  Thanks!

 

 

Find High Drama and Offbeat Design on Project Runway Season 8

Project Runway Season 8 is packed with all the elements you have come to expect from Project Runway.  There are countless impossible challenges, on camera cat fights, the usual reality show cliches (if someone expresses fear about being kicked off during the episode then you know they will be safe from that elimination round) and lots of good design, bad design and just plain boring design. The drama isn't as intense as it was in past seasons.  In fact there were more group hugs and mutual support in this cast than in any other Project Runway crew I can think of, which is fine with this fashionista.  I prefer to see drama ON the runway, not behind the scenes.

As with past seasons there are certain people who I thought should have been eliminated long before they were, including the winner of the competition.  The guest judges seem to be there for decoration, since their (perfectly valid) opinions were often ignored by the regular judges. Ultimately the conflict between the judges on selecting a winner was more interesting than the boring designs the winner sent down the runway.  For all of it's flaws, Project Runway Season 8 offers an opportunity to see the creative process at work with some outstanding design talent.   As long as Project Runway delivers great design, I will stay tuned.