Game of Thrones: Seven Kingdoms of Fashion Part One

Winter is coming... okay, no, it isn't, But the premier of Season 3 of Game of Thrones is! The show is a big hit, and the book series has a huge following, so it goes without saying that countless people are on the brink of losing their minds with sheer excitement about the new season. Heather and I are among those on the edge of sanity, so we decided to channel some of our nervous energy on putting together some looks inspired by some of our favorite characters on the show. In this post, I'm serving up the Stark ladies and Brienne of Tarth. Heather will feature her favorite character (can you guess who that is?) and some of the manly men.

Don't worry, we're not gonna suggest anyone go out and buy suits of armor or raid the Renaissance Fair. These are modern interpretations based on the characters, so put your fur cloak away. We're just going to play a game of fashion make believe and ask, if these characters were alive today, what would they be wearing? Also, what better way to get even deeper into fandom than to work some of your favorite character's look into your wardrobe?
 

Ready? Here we go...

Cheap Thrills - Faux No You Di'int!

It's the return of Cheap Thrills! I had to take a little break when I moved to a new job, but now that I'm all settled in, I can get back to sharing my retail therapy with the world. In this week's post, we're gonna fake it 'til we make it.

Normally, fakes are a bad thing, except for lashes and really good Photoshop. And, as our little friend Snooki is demonstrating, fake fur and leather. When you go with faux fur and leather, you save animals and money - everyone's a winner!  I rounded up a bunch of different leather and fur pieces... whether you want to go head to toe like Snooki, or just add small touches is totally up to you, darlings.

Etsy Treasury: Blindingly Bright

With warm weather finally here, it's time to brighten our wardrobes with Summer shades (or so I've been told, I only wear black). What better way to brighten than with oh-so-popular neon? If you're scared, no worries, a touch here and there will still be exciting!

I gathered some fun pieces on Etsy, all for $20 and less!

Here's the link, kiddos: Blindingly Bright

photos: iphone case by seller shopsway, octopus ring by CABfayre, and cosmetic pouch by PouchAPalooza

Cheap Thrills: 25 under $25

Since I took a little break and missed the last couple of weeks, I decided to do things a little differently. To make up for lost Cheap Thrills, I put together a big list of 25 goodies, each under $25. For you, for your friends, for your everyday gifting needs. Sometimes you need a pick me up that won't make a huge dent in your budget, or maybe you need a gift for someone but want to keep the spending to a reasonable amount... I gotchu covered, babies! Browse this list for a little inspiration, you'll be surprised how much fun you can get out of $25.

Cheap Thrills: Orange You Glad it's Cheap Thrills Friday?

This warm weather continues to work its charm on me, and this week I was inspired by a classic warm weather treat, the Orange Creamsicle. How does that translate into Cheap Thrills? Pretty easily! I thought I'd stick to clothes, but was surprised how easily it led me to accessories, beauty products and household items.

Orange is a major color and will definitely stand out, so get ready for some attention when you're wearing it. And don't worry, I tried to cover all levels of orange, from head to toe, to just small touches for lovely burst of color. Come see what I have for you this time...

Things You Didn't Know You Wanted: Medical Edition

A friend once told me that I've been to every website on the internet - twice. I took this as a compliment and even though it's far from the truth, I have been to ALOT of websites - many which have made me aware of things I didn't know existed and probably didn't need to know existed. From cute finds with animals that defy explanation (like this and this) to the much darker, disturbing side of the internets (I'll spare you those links. happy thoughts, people), it's a mixed bag of pleasure and pain this internet life of mine. I guess now is a good time to admit that medical supply websites are among the copious websites that I've had no right spending time on, but I definitely have. That's right, the same sites that sell pricey pink speculums and bed pans, is where I have found inspiration. C' mon, I've never claimed to be completely normal. Keeping that in mind, here are a few of my sweet, sweet finds:

Set of 5 Sundry Jars, QuickMedical $19.69

I was a little disappointed on a past doctor visit when I didn't see these ubiquitous fixtures displayed but I'm hoping doctor offices still use them because they are pretty darn cool. An entire set of five is under $20 and would be perfect for storing cotton balls and q-tips (or tongue depressors, if that's what you're into) in the bathroom. They also come in opaque white or fancy glass versions.

Cheap Thrills: Graphic Artist

Spring is just around the corner, so for this week's edition of Cheap Thrills let's look ahead at some spring trends. We're going to do things a little differently this time, we'll look at some high end options and their more budget friendly counterparts.

Bright colors are an obvious spring trend, the weather starts to warm up and suddenly we're drawn to bold colors and big pops of color. But this spring we'll also see lots of graphic prints, in the form of abstract florals, modern geometric designs, and bold prints and patterns. These pattens don't have to be limited to your clothes, you can jump into the trend by looking for accessories with these fun patterns. It's an easy way to incorporate seasonal trends into your regular wardrobe. No need to spend big bucks to rock the latest style.

Flapper Frocks and the Future of Downton Abbey

Have you heard the word on the streets? Well, ok I guess there is really nothing "street" about the mind numbingly addicting PBS series Downton Abbey but rumour has it (among other things) that the third season, which enters the 1920s, will be jam packed with cocktails instead of cordials, flapper-riffic slang, hot jazz, and an overall roaring twenties good time. It may be a little early to start planning a season three premiere party for Fall 2012 but it's not too early to start pondering the Grantham ladies' new fashions, which will no doubt be deliciously more daring than demure and more tawdry than Titantic (while hopefully still keeping it Crawley-style classy).

Lady Crawley, is that you?

I Heart Chu

New Etsy Treasury list! Today's theme: Valentine's day hearts, all for under $30.

<3

Crafty Crackers

Running out of time and money, but still have some more gifts to buy?

Let's get craftin'!

Here's a list of DIY present ideas for us to try:

A Bow Ring

"Floating Book" Shelf

Sugar Scrub

Bath Bomb

Custom Glass Jars (or cups)

Fake Book iPhone Case

For your word nerd friends

Cute Mirror

Jars on Stands

Cuter than it sounds.

Mittens From Sweaters

Solid Perfume

Chocolate Spoons

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Mmm

Fit for a Drag Queen - An Etsy Treasury of Holiday Party Wear

There's lots of fancy parties this time of the year... and when I think of fancy I think sparkles. Here's a new Etsy Treasury list of fun, glittery party wear, all for $25 or less!

A Drag Queen's Delight

photo: the legendary Divine

Cheap Thrills: She Blinded Me With Science

SCIENCE! We love it, right? Well, I know I love yelling out the word when I'm trying to justify doing something slightly ridiculous. But science is our friend, even when it comes to shopping. For this week's installment of Cheap Thrills, I decided to focus on goodies with high tech materials or construction. So everyone, please, get your lab coats on and make sure your goggles are strapped on tight....

Head Cold

Dear Whoreders,

I have made another Etsy Treasury list for you... this time head and neck coverings for cold weather, all under $30! A bargain, I say!

Cheap Thrills: Coif It Up

In this edition of Cheap Thrills we'll be exploring our inner hair inspirations, be it Rapunzel, Mia Farrow (circa Rosemary's Baby) or Curly Sue. The bevy of hair accessories available to us is staggering, but let's try to narrow it down to a selection that is worthy of our lovely locks that won't break the bank. Toss your hair back and dive in!

Ghoulish Garb

Hello. I made you an Etsy Treasury list of great Halloween/creepy/horror inspired clothing and accessories for under $40:

Clothing for Creeps

You're welcome again.

Photo by the lovely Shannon Brooke.

Cheap Thrills: Hallow-Bling

Halloween season is in full effect! I know Target has had Halloween decorations out for weeks, but I don't officially recognize Halloween season until after October 1st. So if you or someone you love is a Halloweener, I've got a list of goodies here that's sure to tickle their spooky pickle. Pretty sparkly things with a sinister flair, Hallow-Bling!

Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want

Ever since the perfectly overcast day when I discovered the enchanting Bonadrag.com, I have spent more than a reasonable amount of time browsing the site for garments and baubles of inspiration, brooding eye candy, and sparks of magic. No, it’s not because of the blatent Morrissey reference (although that helps). It's not Bona Drag's blog bursting with beautiful, artistic people or the impeccable track listings on their mix tapes (also awesome). It’s because I am a closet sucker for the dark, luxe and romantic designer duds that, like my first real crush on the boy who sat in front of me in 8th grade homeroom, are so close yet oh so far. Could I afford this all forgiving black lace maxi dress of my dreams? Technically, yes. Could I also pay rent and buy a MetroCard, food, and hair dye next month? The unholy verdict is NO. I admit, I splurge on special things when I can but sometimes it's just not an option and a girl needs options! I have found that with a little imagination, diligent web browsing, and the right wistful yet subtle swagger, anyone can look this elegant and edgy on any budget, even a cheap, bargain basement one like mine at the moment. The key is finding the right swaps. After awhile, it becomes like a game. An addicting, exhilarating game. So, fear not my broke, fair maidens! Behold:

The essential black maxi. Eat a turkey leg or a tub of frosting and still feel like a million bucks in the comforting abyss that is black fabric - all while still showing a little leg.

Left: Imitation on Bona Drag, $292 Right: LuLu*s, $25