New look: Frat boy front tuck

So back in the day, when I was in college (trust me, it was "back in the day") my friends and I started noticing that all the fraternity boys had a similar look. Yes, they wore similar clothes and the sunglasses with the Croakies, but more than that, it revolved around what we liked to call "the Frat Boy Front Tuck." I can only assume that one of their many rules was that their shirt should be tucked in, but it seemed that none of them made it past tucking in the front of their shirt. And so the FBFT was born.

While we laughed at it then, I've started noticing a trend with button downs being haphazardly tucked into jeans or shorts, giving a sort boho, yet edgy appearance...and I like it! I was afraid to try it because I thought I would like a slob who just left the bathroom and didn't get the rest of her shirt tucked in. But I finally gave it a whirl last casual Friday and I have to say I think it's pretty darn cute.

Here's the cheapskate outfit breakdown:

1. Top, thrifted ($2.99)
2. Jeans, Rugged Warehouse ($9.99)
3. Heels, Oh Deer!, Rugged Warehouse ($9.99)
4. Crossbody bag, thrifted ($5.99)
5. Wooden Bangles, ATL market ($1.00 each)

 

Maybe those frat boys were onto something after all?

photos: Laura Menconi

What to wear: Sidewalk Film Festival

photos taken from WWWD and people.com

Yep. That's right. The Sidewalk Film Festival has arrived a month early here in the Magic City, and I for one couldn't be more ecstatic! Weekend pass is purchased, most of my movie choices have been narrowed down and the opening film starts Friday night at 8 p.m. All I have to do now is figure out what to wear for the next three days to this incredible event. Oh, is that all?

As an everyday-average kind of gal, determining what to wear to an event like this (or heck, even to work for that matter!) is always a process, am I right? A weekend long film festival is certainly no exception. So I'm turning to some of the best leading ladies out there for some inspiration. I thought I'd post my top choices just in case some of you other gals are trying to figure out what to wear for such an occasion as this. When researching my inspiration, I preemptively determined what type of outfits I was looking for based on a few wardrobe challenge assumptions I have.

Here's what I've determined these challenges to be: 1) it's still crazy hot here in AL, but I imagine that  it will be cold inside the theaters, so layers are important, 2) I will be walking all over downtown Bham, therefore flats/comfy shoes are a must and 3) most importantly, everything I choose needs to be hip and casual, not glamorous. Basically, I'd liken this type of an event to a music festival.

I've noticed a few patterns in the inspiration outfits I've chosen: flared jeans, olive green and a laid back hippie/ster vibe. So get ready for a follow up post next week featuring something I've pulled from the back of my closet that incorporates these types of items.

Later skaters! Enjoy the show!

ps. If you're at Sidewalk, look for me! I'm hoping to start BHAM street style this weekend and would love to feature you on my blog!

One dress, two occasions

As you know by now, I like to maximize my wardrobe as much as possible by taking a dress or outfit and wearing it over and over again, but make it seem different by changing accessories and shoes. While this dress is so powerful it doesn't look like I have changed it much, I have at least made it appropriate for two different occasions.

On the left, I'm rockin some heels and a lovely handbag, making the dress perfect for work or church or maybe even a shower or similar occasion. On the right, I'm rockin flats and a cross the body bag making this outfit perfect for a more casual Saturday morning farmer's market stroll or a Sunday afternoon picnic.

Here's the cheapskate outfit breakdown:

1. Sundress, Dress Barn (?? - so old)
2. Brown peep toe shoes, Strawberry ($19.99)
3. Adrienne Vittadini handbag, TJ Maxx ($69.99)
4. Wayfarers, Urban Outfitters ($10.00)
5. Cross body bag, Hammers (?? - so old it was bought for prom!)
6. Flat sandals, Payless ($16.99 -- but they are on sale now for $12.99)

Photos: Laura Menconi

What's in my piggy bank for June?

1. Styles for Less Overlay Ruffle Front Spaghetti Strap Dress ($19.99). I can't think of a more perfect summertime dress. Definitely great for cookouts and froyo dates and concerts.

2. PL Straw Fedora with Grosgrain Band ($21.99). I love the color pairing of the hat and the ribbon attached to it.

3. Fred Flare Breanne Sunglasses ($12.00). I clearly have a sunnies obsession. These would be such a fun pair to add to my collection!

4. Montego Bay Glitter Stretch Sandal ($19.99). I also have a Payless Shoesource obsession. This pair perfectly combines comfort and a little unexpected bling.

5. Forever21 Very Berry Sweetheart Romper ($19.50). I can't get enough of rompers. They are such a great "go to" casual piece to thrown on no matter what you're doing or where you're going.

6. Charlotte Russe Smooth and Hammered Bangle Set ($4.00). I already have a set of skinny gold bangles, but now I think it's time I add some fatter ones to my collection as well.

7. Striped Two Piece Beach Towel Set ($13.99). Every time I go to the pool, I am reminded of how badly it's time to update my beach towel collection. I haven't done it yet because the really good ones are always so expensive, but for just $13.99 you can get not one, but TWO of these cute turquoise and white striped towels. Looks like I'll be making a Target run soon!

8. Straw Studios Dorothy Clutch ($15.99). I originally thought I wanted a large straw tote bag, but after researching them, this cute little straw clutch caught my eye and I couldn't look any further.

9. Mini 3pk Assortment of TIKI Citronella Candles ($12.17). You cannot survive in my backyard right now without some bug spray and citronella. I think these cute little bucket candles would make a nice addition to my patio.

10. Sinful Colors Queen of Beauty ($1.99). My friends and I are currently obsessed with the gold sparkles version of this polish called "One of a Kind," so something tells me I would love the silver polish equally.

What's in my piggy bank for May?

1. Urban Outfitters BDG Twill Ankle Cigarette Pant in Coral ($49.00). It’s all about neons and neutrals right now. I’d pair these fun pants with the adjacent gray tank top from Target.

2. Mossimo® Women’s Shirttail Pocket Tank in Heather Gray ($14.99). The perfect slouchy, yet cute and casual tank top. Very Jennifer Anniston, don’t ya think?!

3. Old Navy Women’s Ruffled Bandeau Swim Top in New Zealand ($19.50) and Women’s Eyelet-Trim Swim Bottoms in Navy ($14.50). Like most girls, I hate swimsuit shopping, but I do try to buy a new one every summer. It never fails that I always buy either a green or navy one, so I figure why not put the two colors together this year?

4. Urban Outfitters Starlight Sunglasses in Black ($14.00). Nothing says old Hollywood glamour like a pair of dark cat eye sunglasses. Perfect for pool side lounging.

5. GAP Men’s Two Pocket Chambray Shirt ($24.99). No, I haven’t lost my mind picking a long sleeve button down for May. I’m thinking this would be a hip swimsuit coverup. (side note: You could probably find an even cheaper version of this at your local thrift store.)

6. Faded Glory Women’s April Gladiator Sandals ($10.00). Obviously I’m looking forward to keeping it casual this summer and I think these flats will help do the trick...and cheaply!

7. Charlotte Russe Bird, Bow and Blossom Earring Set ($4.00). Another way to stay low key for summer is with minimal accessories. This set of six earrings will be a sweet, simple summer jewelry staple.

8. Wholesaledress.net Single Shoulder Cotton Style Dress in Black ($8.10). Honestly I only just found this website and can’t vouch for the quality of purchases from it, but I do think this is a fab on trend dress that would be perfect for upcoming graduation events. I might just have to do my “research” and purchase a dress (or two?) from this site.

9. Forever 21 Heart Shaped Evening Handbag ($20.80). This isn’t usually my “style,” but I am crushing on this fun bling-tastic gold sequined evening bag from Forever 21 for some reason. I think it’s because it reminds me of Carrie Bradshaw.

10. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Siren ($7.99). The perfect shade of bright orange to add a pop of color to a neutral outfit.