Valentine's Day Looks

Valentine's Day means different things to all of us. For some it might inspire a hearty, "F U!", for others it's all romantical boner city. Whether you've got a hot date with a sexy significant other, or you're just going to eat an entire box of Choco Tacos alone, you might want to throw on something cute. We thought it might be fun to get a few of us ladies to put together their dream Valentine outfits to share. And because I love all of you, I'm going to include the notes I wrote when I started writing this blog... enjoy.

Hearts, hearts, hearts, F U, blah, blah, blah. Tom Hardy lady boner, and Alexander Skarsgard dong dance. 

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.

Sunny Days and Spring Frocks

It's warm again!

Time to garden, go on bike rides, visit the beach, and bust out those cute lil' Summer dresses!

I searched through Etsy to find you some new duds, all for $30 and under!

Etsy Treasury list: Spring Frocks



Images by Etsy sellers voguevintage, FashionGoRound, and TyneeTreasures

Cheap Thrills: Party In Your Pants

I can't believe it took me so long to make a Cheap Thrills in your pants post, I must be slipping in my old age. Pants are my most dreaded clothing item, I have yet to ever wear a pair and feel comfortable in them. I'm not talking about jeans, trousers and jeans are two totally different animals, jeans require their own kind of scientific fit and shopping techniques. I'm talkin' about pantalones, the dressy kind you'd wear to work and the casual ones you'd wear to a picnic if you didn't feel like shaving your legs.

So instead of immediately clicking on the "Dresses" tab of my favorite online shopping destinations, I ventured into new bottom territory. Camel toes are not welcome at this party...

Put it on: Depeche Mode's Blue Dress

Hey girl.

Throwback time! I can't deny it, the older I get and the more and more distant the wannabe goth 15 year-old me becomes, the more creepy I notice Depeche Mode's lyrics to be. Although still a not-so-guilty favorite of mine, the clarity of adulthood has made it impossible to ignore all the carnal lust and fetishizing (and um, more than a few mentions of fifteen year olds) that my beloved DM exquisitely broods about. That being said, I still think Depeche Mode has made some of the sexiest music out there and their 1990 song "Blue Dress" from the album Violator is as sexy as it gets. Maybe that makes me a creep too? I'm OK with that.

“Blue Dress” is a sweet, kinky little song about a woman who becomes even more painfully desirable when wearing a certain, special dress. To me, this dress is understated and far from overtly sexy but becomes a focal point of desire because of the fine creature that it covers. It's the little things that matter sometimes in this big world and this song is about just that. Here are my picks for dresses that may do the same, all under $50! Blue isn’t a color I picture of when I think about a sexy dress, but that just may be exactly why these dresses work. 

Clockwise: Urban Outfitters $39, ASOS $45.45
ASOS $31.81, Go Jane $34

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...

Trendy Mommy Tuesdays: vol. 4

Inspiration: Elizabeth Banks

You didn't think this whole Hunger Games craziness would go buy without us even touching on the subject or the cast did you ? I shamefully admit that I have not read the books, nor have I seen the movie. All I know is that one of my favorite actresses is in it, Elizabeth Banks!

Anyhow, you don't often read about her in gossip mags or even see pictures of her out and about in the normal world. This rare picture is one of the most recent in the tabloids of her in a "lazy-chic" look. Here she is sans husband, child, and make-up but still a cutie!

Here is a very inexpensive version of her grey chunky knit cardigan (only $10!) from JCPennys. Remember to pair this sweater with a cute drop waist tunic ($30) from j. jill, and a pair of skinny jeans with room to cuff them of course, like these DC jeans at $21 from 6pm, or these at only $10.50 from forever21.

And of course, what is an outfit without accessories? Here is a cheaper version of her tan cross-body bag from American Rag at the low price of $26 from Macy's. You can find similar sunglasses at Kohl's for $15 and a classic straw fedora from Urban Outfitters at only $24.

As for the lace up boots, I found so many cute ones I just couldn't decide. Torrid has a brown faux leather pair on sale for $9.99, Tilly's has a lace up/zip up light brown pair on sale for $18, and these uber cute fabric pair from 6pm. I want them all!

Cheap Thrills: Mad Men Style

After a very long hiatus, Mad Men is back! Even if you're not a fan of the show, you're probably aware of the effect it's had on pop culture and fashion. The style seen on the show has popularized the retro trend in the mainstream, and you can see its influence everywhere. Whether you want to go full on Mad Men retro, or just add touches of the look here and there, you can easily get what you need without doing major damage to your budget.

To celebrate the kick off of season 5, we're going to do some Man Men inspired looks for ladies this week on Cheap Thrills. Don't think it's all about one look either! We're focusing on three of the main female characters, each one with a style all her own. Settle back with your martinis and enjoy the show...

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

Snugglekins - An Etsy Treasury of Comfort

With the cold weather and early nightfall all I want to do is lay in bed and lounge around, don't you? Slippers, robe, snuggly blanket, and a nice hot cup of tea, yes please.

Here's a new Etsy Treasury list of just that, all for under $35: Snugglekins

Stud Muffin

So what's this "Stud Embellishment" trend all about? You can see it on celebs, goths, emo kids, and hipsters alike. Studs, like any embellishment, add that extra "Oomph", or "Pizazz" to your outfit *insert Jazz hands here*. Studs have been around forever and they are trendy as a MoFo right now. Here are some Cheap and Chic options if you don't want to go the route of bad 80's.

Available at theOutnet on sale for $129.50

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!

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