What's in my piggy bank for January?

For some reason when it comes to looking at fashionable purchases at the beginning of the new year, I seem to gravitate toward simple, basic items in (go figure) basic colors. I guess I just want to get a couple of staples to get 2014 started off right. The rest of the more "fun" pieces can come into play later on in the upcoming months. 

1. H&M Viscose Blouse, $17.95.
2. Urban Outfitters Bold Initial Stud Earring, $4.99. 

3. Necessary Clothing Leather Snap Back, $21.99.
4. Joe Fresh Assymetrical Zip Moto Jacket in White, $59.00
5. Merona® Perforated Leather Glove with Buckle in Brown, $21.99.

6. Target Limited Edition Bucket Bag in Navy, $34.99.

7. Forever 21 Chic Accordian Pleated Maxi Skirt, $22.80.

8. Zara Chain Belt, $19.99.

9. ModCloth Unisexy Sunglasses, $11.99.

10. Fioni Womens Two-Piece Flat in black, $27.99.

What's in my piggy bank for December?

Well obviously my obsession with faux fur coats and animal prints continue. I also think this month's piggy bank picks are just a tad random, don't you? But I guess that's ok. I suppose I don't always have to have pieces that make sense together.

Basically these are just some things that have been on my "list" for a while and the others are just super cute pieces I've seen around the internet lately. Here's hoping you'll find some inspiration in these picks as another year comes to an end.

1. Dorothy Perkins Blush Zebra Fluff Jumper, $49.00
2. Minnetonka Womens Thunderbird Soft Sole Moccasin, $35.95

3. Yellow Hammer Creative Heart of Dixie Pullover, $25.00

4. Zara Shorts with Lace Hem, $39.90 

5. OASAP Striped Faux Fur Coat, $60.29

6. Necessary Clothing Becker Leopard Belt, $4.99

7. Charlotte Russe Golden Bow Stretch Ring, $6.00

8. Brash Women's Monroe Backpack, $26.99

9. Old School Small Retro Steampunk Flip Sunglasses, $3.98

10. Forever 21 Cozy Knit Beret in pink, $5.00

What's in my piggy bank for October?

I think October is my favorite month of the year. It's the time of year when football season is in full swing and the weather actually starts to turn—along with the leaves.

October says put away your shorts and tanks and pull out the boots, scarves and comfy sweaters. So I'm listening to Mother Nature and looking at several basics to get the fall season started off right, with a couple of flashy fun items to throw in the mix as well.

1. Old Navy Women's Long Sleeve Shirt Dress, $19.00.

2. Forever 21 Forever Cool Fauz Leather Jacket, $15.00.

3. Styles for Less Rib Knit Slouch Beanie in black, $6.99.

4. American Apparel Neon Nail Polish, $6.00. 

5. H&M Studded Skirt, $34.95.

6. American Eagle Women's Filly Crossbody, $19.99.
7. Mossimo Twisted Neck Snood Scarf in Ivory, $19.99.
8. H&M Knit Tights in Burgundy, $9.95.
9. Forever 21 Pearlescent Beaded Collar Necklace, $12.80.
10. Charlotte Russe Studded Knee-High Buckle Boot, $42.50.

Under the (fashion) influence: Solange Knowles

I don't know if it was it was Solange's bright smile or her colorful outfit, but either way I immediately fell in love with this ensemble of hers the second I saw it on Lucky magazine's website. It's so simple, yet so chic, which I think is because of the small details like the bright yellow belt.

It's also extremely easy to replicate. So I figured that's exactly what I would do. I realize that my skirt is more pink than red and it's also a bit longer than hers, but still the overall idea is there. Now if I could just get my hands on an amazing pair of sunnies similar to those she is rockin'!

Here's the cheapskate breakdown:

1. Top, Ann Taylor Loft, ($19.99)
2. Skirt, thrifted ($2.00)
3. Crossbody bag, thrifted ($5.99)
4. Sandals, Payless ($24.99)
5. Silver bracelet, c/o Oopsy Daisy (thanks mom!)
6. Earthy chevron bracelet, c/o Oopsy Daisy (thanks mom!)
7. Square ring, Brooklyn Flea ($5.00)
8. Leaf ring, gifted (thanks Em!)
9. Sunglasses, Venice Beach ($7.50)
10. Earrings, Stella & Dot ($34.00)
11. Yellow belt, Cato ($1.99)

Total: Under $100.00

 

 

 

 

Photos: Leslie Evans

What's in my piggy bank for April?

1. Shabby Apple Fete Des Fleurs Blossom Skirt, $78.00. Love this ballerina inspired tutu skirt! So SJP.
2. Forever 21 Kentucky Bluegrass Boxy Tee, $14.80. I think this would look amazing paired with the ballerina skirt. Just funky and fun.
3. dELiA*s All Over Long Sleeve Lace Dress, $44.50. I adore anything lace right now. I like how this one has a more boho vibe to it than other lace dresses I've seen. (I'd remove the belt though.)
4. Christian Siriano for Payless Julie Mary Jane in Mint, $29.99. Pointy shoes are back and I love this mint green strappy option.
5. ModCloth On the Open Rose Shorts, $42.99. Yes, I'm still obsessed with florals. I need these shorts for spring for sure.
6. Charlotte Russe Mini Chain Strap Evening Bag, $12.99. A lovely lady-like purse that I am picturing perfectly with a flirty dress.
7. Fresh Trends Sapphire Double Sweetheart ($31.64) and Pink Hearts Enamel Square Band ($34.30) Stackable Rings. I've been on a pink and navy kick ever since Ashley's wedding. And I love stackable rings. These heart ones just look so sweet together.
 8. Mossimo Paka Perforated Ankle Boot, $34.99. Confession. I already own these. But they are going to be so amazingly versatile that I wanted to include them in my piggy bank picks anyhow!
9. Necessary Clothing Spiked Bangle in Gold, $12.99. I love this bangle. It's just a little bit edgy, but still dainty and girly.
10. Urban Outfitters Arched Metal Mix Sunglasses, $16.00. How I still don't have any hip high fashion black shades is beyond me. These need to be purchased...pronto!

What to wear: Football games, vol. 2

I cannot believe football season is here already. Time clearly flies. The Crimson Tide is coming out of another national championship year, and even though the competition is always tough in the SEC, I am super psyched about this season!

One of my favorite things about football season (besides all the yummy/bad-for-you tailgate snacks!) is trying to figure out what to wear. I feel like this is the ultimate wardrobe challenge. Because as I've mentioned before, there are several key things to consider, including:

1. Temperature. I've worn a tank top and shorts to the Iron Bowl in November one year, only to have to suffer out the same game next year in a sleet storm while wearing a down jacket. You truly never know what Alabama weather will bring. Layers are so important.

2. Comfort. Football games are an all day affair. You tailgate before, go to the game if you have tickets and then depending on the time of the game, you come back to tailgate afterward. Clearly comfort is a mah-jor consideration. This means flats are a priority and the only acceptable heels are wedges. I won't even wear wedges unless I know I will have plenty of sitting time.

3. Showing school spirit. To me, this is my favorite part of the challenge. I like to walk the line between wearing the school colors, but still remaining more on the "fashionable" side of things. Especially if I am actually going to the game. Around the house to watch on tv, I might just throw on an AL tee shirt or sweatshirt, but I don't consider that acceptable for myself when visiting Bryant Denny Stadium.

So in honor of our opening home game, I'm going to leave you with a few inspiration boards of what to wear. And of course, again, these are on a college my budget.

Look One

Alabama:
1. Necessary Clothing Stud Me Up Dress in Wine, $34.99
2. Charlotte Russe Dangling Triangle Stud Earrings, $6.00
3. Forever21 Striped Ring Set, $3.80
4. Forever21 Zippered Crossbody in Gray, $24.80
5. Dexter Women’s Kylie Wedge Pump, $26.99

Auburn:
6. Charlotte Russe Beaded Coral Teardrop Earrings, $6.00

7. Charlotte Russe Pyramid Stud Bangle Set, $6.00
8. Forever21 Zippered Crossbody in Gray, $24.80
9. Charlotte Russe Sueded Gladiator Slingback Wedge in Cinnamon, $32.50
10. Necessary Clothing Ruby Zig Zag Dress in Rust, $29.99

Look Two

Alabama:

1. Forever21 Lace Swing Tank, $13.80

2. H&M Pants in Burgundy, $14.95
3. Forever21 Angular Gemstones Necklace in Black, $12.80 
4. Charlotte Russe Pyramid Stud Bangle Set, $6.00
5. Forever21 Zippered Crossbody in Gray, $24.80
6. Charlotte Russe Embossed-Python Gladiator Sandal, $27.50

Auburn:
7. Forever21 Angular Gemstones Necklace in Blue, $12.80
8. Charlotte Russe Pyramid Stud Bangle Set, $6.00
9. Charlotte Russe Fold Over Leatherette Clutch, $19.50
10. Charlotte Russe Sueded Pointy Toe Ballet Flat, $19.50
11. Forever21 Lace Swing Tank, $13.80

12. H&M Pants in Cornflower Blue, $14.95

Look Three

Alabama:

1. Alabama Crimson Tide Baseball Cap, $25.99

2. Merona Women’s Classic White Button Down, $19.99

3. Forever21 Distressed Cuffed Denim Shorts, $18.90

4. Charlotte Russe Layered Aztec Disk Necklace, $6.00
5. Forever21 Dimpled Knuckle Ring, $3.80

6. Necessary Clothing Knotted Skinny Belt in Black, $5.99
7. Forever21 Zippered Crossbody in Burgundy, $24.80
8. Charlotte Russe Embossed-Python Gladiator Sandal, $27.50

Auburn:
9. Forever21 Zigzag Heart Necklace, $5.80
10. Forever21 Dimpled Knuckle Ring, $3.80
11. Necessary Clothing Soultry Skinny Belt in Navy, $7.99
12. Charlotte Russe Fold Over Leatherette Clutch, $19.50
13. Charlotte Russe Sueded Pointy Toe Ballet Flat, $19.50
14. Auburn Tigers Baseball Cap, $21.99
15. Merona Women’s Classic White Button Down, $19.99
16. Forever21 Distressed Cuffed Denim Shorts, $18.90

Enjoy the games and as always, Roll Tide!