Vedette Shapewear Giveaway!

I have a really great giveaway for my readers thanks to the super awesome people over at Vedette Shapewear. There will be THREE lucky winners to receive a suprise piece of shapewear from Vedette! 

The contest is open internationally - except for those in the Philippines (SO sorry ladies! There's minor technicality they are working to fix very soon!)

Here's all you have to do to enter:

Mandatory:
1. Like Vedette on Facebook - leave me a comment to let me know

Additional forms of entry:

1. Follow Vedette on Twitter - leave me a separate comment to let me know

2. Follow me on Twitter - leave me a separate comment to let me know (if you already follow me, leave me a comment, too)
3. Follow me on Bloglovin or via Blogger - leave me a separate comment to let me know (if you already follow me, leave me a comment, too)

That's a total of 4 entries! Good luck!

Giveaway begins Monday April 30th at 9:00 a.m. CST and ends Sunday May 6th at 11:59 p.m. I will notify the winners via email and we will work out sizing details, etc with Vedette. Be sure you use an email address that you check often! If you do not respond to my notification email within a week, I will choose another winner.

What to wear: Spring/Summer Weddings

In honor of two very good friends of mine that are getting married this weekend (Emily in KCMO today and Tayo back in my hometown tomorrow) and the fact that I am missing both of their weddings because it's track season, I thought I would do a "what to wear" post for weddings. I know I always need a little inspiration for these events during this time of year (and more inspiration is needed for fall and winter weddings!) so I thought maybe you gals could use a few styling ideas as well.

I chose these leading ladies to offer a variety of styles for either casual or formal weddings, but yet they are all still polished enough for a special occasion like this.

QUESTION: I almost chose a red dress that Michelle Williams was wearing...would any of you guys ever wear a
red dress to a wedding? Or is that asking for all eyes to be on you instead of the bride?

Opinions welcome! Leave me a comment below. 

One Vedette piece: From day-to-night

I'm pretty excited to announce that I have been asked by Vedette Shapewear to be a part of their "I've got nothing to hide" campaign. They want every woman to feel beautiful in the skin she's in, and that's what this campaign is all about. I couldn't be more honored to be a part of a great movement like this.

In addition to the inspiring message we're sending out to women everywhere, I'm also psyched about the parts of the campaign they've asked me to complete. This first segment is a Day-to-Night look, and you girls know by now that I am all about some wardrobe efficiency. Whether it's maximizing your closet so that you wear the same pieces, but in different ways or if it's just having a hectic day and trying to do a wardrobe change with least amount of packing possible, I am a huge fan of getting the most out of a piece of clothing. So here I am taking the Marian from a casual daytime outfit to a fun and splashy evening outfit.

I chose this piece because of the beautiful lace detail. I knew it would be perfect no matter what time of day or where you were wearing it. I mean, what could make you feel more beautiful than rockin some black lace? And having one shoulder makes the piece a flexible wardrobe item as well. I think figuring out a way to rock an item of shapewear in your everyday wardrobe is something anyone could try. It helps you think outside the fashion box and pushes your creative limits.

Here's the cheapskate outfit breakdown for the day look:

1. Marian shapewear, c/o Vedette

2. Shorts, H&M ($19.50)

3. Vintage chambray button down, thrifted ($4.99)

4. Oxfords, TJ Maxx ($12.99)

5. Hat, Rugged Wearhouse ($3.99) 

6. Sunglasses, Rugged Wearhouse ($3.99) 

7. Crossbody bag, thrifted ($3.00)

8. Belt, Charlotte Russe ($3.00)

Total: Under $75

And here's the cheapskate outfit breakdown for the night look: 

1. Marian shapewear, c/o Vedette

2. Pleated skirt, Forever 21 ($19.99)

3. Chinese Laundry silver sandals, discount shoe store ($15.99)

4. Vintage handbag, Zoe's ($19.99)

5. Bangles, gifted (thanks mom!)

6. Earrings ??

Total: Under $75

Photos: Laura Menconi

ps. Want to know one other thing I love about Vedette? They have an incredible blog full of content ranging from outfit ideas to what to do with your old worn out bras to answering all of your lingerie questions, including those about fitting. They also have my inspiration board on their blog and you can see it here.

Grooveshark picks for April

Artist: Ben Howard
Album: Every Kingdom
Why I love it: It's (mostly) upbeat and
melodic and his voice has a beautiful rough
clarity that I can't get enough of.
For fans of: James Vincent McMorrow, Gregory Alan Isakov, Of Monsters and Men

Artist: Emily Wells
Album: The Symphonies: Dreams
Memories & Parties
Why I love it: It's so unique. I think her
album title aptly sums up the sound. It's a symphonic blend of what I think dreams, memories and parties would sound like.
For fans of: St. Vincent, The Pierces,
Lily Allen

Artist: Fun.
Album: Some Nights
Why I love it: Because it's fun!
Ok, lame pun, but seriously true.
For fans of: The Format,
Panic! At the Disco, Queen

Artist: Quiet Corral
Album: Quiet Corral
Why I love it: It has a nice ebb and
flow to the whole album. It's just
classic good music.
For fans of: The Decemberists, Blind Pilot

Artist: Rubblebucket
Album: Omega La La
Why I love it: This album and the sound
of Rubblebucket in general is just neat-o.
For fans of: Ra Ra Riot, The Ting Tings,
Toubab Krewe

Featured online retailer: ZB Sports

I like to buy "local" when I can, mostly as an effort to support the Birmingham community. And for some reason, I especially feel the pressure to do this with any outdoors or exercise apparel or equipment that I buy. Probably because we have some pretty great stores around here to shop at and purchase these items. But usually you can save money when you buy online and sometimes my thrifty nature just wins out.

So when it came time to buy new running shoes a few weeks ago, I gave in to purchasing them online this time. But I found a way to appease both my wallet and my conscience with ZB Sports. They had a great selection of shoes (particularly the Saucony Kinvaras that I had been looking for and now LOVE) for a great price...and guess what else. They give a portion of their proceeds to charity! You can choose from a variety of animal, environmental and health organizations that you would like for your percentage to be donated to.

I got my affordable shoes (delivered to my house—quickly) and I helped out a charity. To me, this is a no brainer. So if you're looking for some new kicks or maybe some outdoors/active wear, I think you should give www.zbsports.com a try!

Winner of the Shabby Apple Giveaway

Congrats to Mikayla for winning a $50 giftcard to Shabby Apple! I will be in touch with you soon to work out all
of the details!

Buy this not that: Ivory lace dress

When I saw this dress by TBA, I immediately thought it would be perfect for any outdoor music festival this summer. It's so pretty and girly and boho. So I knew I had to find a reasonably priced solution for all my girls out there looking for something similar.

I just got lucky that my first stop on the web was Lulu's and they had this fabulous Mercury Rising Ivory Lace Dress
for only $39. Just be sure you find something to go under it since it appears to be pretty sheer!

And just in case you're not a fan of how sheer either of these are, A Wear has this lined lace dress for $90.90 and it's pretty fantastic as well.

Back of the closet: Vintage Lilac Dress

This dress has one of my all time favorite stories behind it. I was visiting my friend Natasha in Seattle a couple of
years ago and we were in this adorable vintage shop called The Pretty Parlor. The first thing my eyes fell on was
this pretty little delicate 70s lilac dress. I scooped it up, eyed the price tag and decided I could handle $29.99. I tried
it on and it fit like a dream, (bananas, I know!) but as I looked in the mirror I was afraid Birmingham just wasn't
ready for a dress like this.

So I lamented to Natasha and the cutie pie Brad Goreski look-a-like behind the counter - "I mean I live in Birmingham, Alabama. When in the world am I going to wear this?" His matter-of-fact response: "On a Wednesdaaaay."

Sure, sure. On a Wednesday. Why hadn't I thought of that? But seriously, I realized he was right. Who cares? It's beautiful. I love it. It fits me. It's affordable. So why shouldn't I rock it? So this pretty little thing found a new
Southern home that day!

And even though I try not to wear it too often, in hopes of preserving it as long as I can, the other day I decided it
still needed to be "remixed" and given a little something-something to make it feel new again. So I grabbed a hat, a different bag and added the platforms and socks instead of the other heels I normally wear. And I'm pretty fond of
the outcome!

Here's the cheapskate outfit breakdown:

1. Vintage lilac dress, The Pretty Parlor ($29.99)
2. Hat, Forever 21 ($12.80)
3. Platforms, Charlotte Russe ($16.25)
4. Socks, Charlotte Russe ($2.99)
5. Vintage Ray Ban Sunglasses, gifted/passed down (thanks mom!)
6. Vintage Etienne Aigner bag, gifted/passed down (thanks mom!)
7. Vintage cocktail ring, gifted (thanks Cathy!)

Total: Under $75.00

**Oh and don't forget, you have until Sunday to enter the Shabby Apple Giveaway!**

photos: Laura Menconi

Free Fun: Third Friday in Forest Park

I've mentioned before how much I adore the neighborhood of Forest Park and the cute shops
and restaurants it has to offer. It only gets better on Third Fridays—an event supported by the
neighborhood where all of the stores particpate in offering special menu prices and store discounts.

While you honestly wouldn't have to spend a dime because it's fantastic to just stroll around
the neighborhood, I really can't think of a better way to spend a Friday—supporting local
businesses. Plus, you're able visit the shops and art galleries that aren't usually open late at
night. So head over to Forest Park tomorrow night, it's an event that really shouldn't be missed!

Details:
Friday April 20th from 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m
On Clairmont Avenue between 38th - 40th Streets

For more information about the participating businesses, visit the Facebook event page.

Have fun!

*above image taken from www.nakedartusa.com

Product pick: Sally Hansen Mint Sorbet

I'm pretty sure everyone is aware of how hot pastels are at the moment, especially mint green. I know I've
personally been on the lookout for the perfect shade of a mint green nail polish, that also wasn't ridiculously
expensive.

So I'd like to thank my lucky stars for being able to spot this one from Sally Hansen at Wal-mart one day for $2.48.
It's called Mint Sorbet and I absolutely adore it. (read: get ready to see it a lot on my finger nails in future photos!)

If you want to snag this shade for yourself, you can check Wal-mart, Target and Walgreens—I think they are all carrying this color at an affordable price!

Shabby Apple Giveaway!

Crazy good news ya'll! The awesome folks over at Shabby Apple are hosting a giveaway on my site. One
lucky Fashionplate Cheapskate reader will win a $50.00 gift card to spend at www.shabbyapple.com!
You can choose absolutely anything to spend this money on. The only hard part will be deciding which item(s)
you like the best!

Oh and they are also offering my readers 10% off any purchase with this code: fashionplate10off 

The code expires in a month, so be sure to use it soon! 

Entering the $50 gift card giveaway is super easy, here are the rules:

1. You must "like" Shabby Apple on Facebook
2. Visit Shabby Apple's website and leave me a comment below letting me know which dress or item is
your favorite - be sure to include your email address in the comment!

For one bonus entry each:
1. Follow me on twitter, then leave a comment to let me know
2. Follow me on Bloglovin, then leave me a comment to let me know

That's a total of three entries possible.

*You must be a U.S. resident to enter. Sweepstakes begins Monday April 16th at 11:59 a.m. CST and ends
Sunday April 22nd at 11:59 p.m. CST.

Good luck!