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.

Under the (fashion) influence: Diane Kruger

I am so psyched to be back blogging again. And I am even more psyched to talk about this killer wood ring I received from Altin Place. Not only did it arrive in super cute packaging (which I am a total sucker for) with the Hawaiian islands printed in silver across the exterior ring box, but it's also a beautiful finishing piece to pretty much any outfit.

I really can't wait to rock it with something a little more boho, but I love how versatile it is that I could wear it with this outfit that was inspired by a photo I saw of Diane Kruger. As soon as I saw this pic I knew I had similar pieces to recreate it and I can't believe I didn't think of such a classic outfit idea on my own.

Here's the cheapskate breakdown:

1. Plaid coat, Marshalls ($59.99)
2. Striped sweater, Hammer's ($2.98)
3. Pleather leggings, ModCloth ($34.99)
4. Pumps, thrifted ($2.99)
5. Crossbody bag, Charlotte Russe ($9.99)
6. Sunglasses, gifted (thanks Peach!)
7. Vintage cocktail ring, gifted
8. Koa Wood Ring c/o Altin Place

Total: Under $125.00

 

 

 

 

Photos: Laura Menconi

Splurge on: Holiday essentials

Well, I think I "missed the boat" so-to-speak on getting these fun holiday items out in time for all the Christmas parties. But I think you'll still find these options helpful for ringing in the New Year!

1. Joe Fresh Beaded Satin Dress, $19.00.
2. Forever 21 Iconic Quilted Minaudiere, $19.80.
3. Urban Outfitters Bow Bobby Pins, $10.00.
4. ModCloth Over and Outfox Ring, $9.99.
5. Necessary Clothing Teresa Steel Toe Pump in Black, $39.99.
6. H&M Sequined Leggings, $24.95.
7. The Limited Faux Fur Cape, $59.95.
8. Charlotte Russe Geometric Drop Earrings, $6.00.

Ideal vs. steal: (p)Leather leggings

I bought these faux leather leggings from ModCloth about three months ago and I was so incredibly nervous when I got them in the mail. What if they didn't fit me well? Or what if I just looked ridiculous in them?

Well, it turns out I shouldn't have been worried at all. They fit like a glove and I think they look pretty amazing on. And as it turns out, they are also incredibly versatile. Don't believe me? Just check out this article from WhoWhatWear on the many different ways to style (p)leather leggings. Reading it made me crazy excited that I was smart enough to buy a pair before the fall.

And while I would love it if I could afford a pair of real leather leggings like this Joseph pair, I'm more stoked on the price and fit from these at ModCloth. So go get your own pair of (p)leather leggings. You will be amazed at how often you'll be able to wear them and not look like you're trying to be Sherrie in the Rock of Ages.

Aztec and leather (ok...pleather)

I feel like today's post really goes back to this one. Because Chris, the awesome dude behind the lens of the camera who took (and edited) all of these amazing photos, falls into the fourth paragraph of that blog post about climbing.

Yep, Chris was one of the first people I met when I started climbing. He was encouraging to me from day one and he still fills that role for other new (and old) climbers. He came to see me in the hospital when I did this and now he's the one with a brace on his arm—just for a totally different reason.

One of the best parts about this photoshoot (I mean, besides my killer outfit—am I right?!) is that Chris only recently took up photography. And he clearly is already ridiculously good at it.

But I also love that I can look back at these photos and this shoot and see just one super duper concrete example of the type of friendships I've made since I started climbing. It's so nice sometimes to be able to connect the dots and actually see where life brings you and who it brings into your life.

Chris is getting ready to leave for Cali for a few months and you can bet that me and a ton of other peeps are going to miss seeing him and hearing his goofy remarks around the gym. But I can't wait to see the photos he takes while he is gone!

Ok, here's the cheapskate outfit breakdown:

1. Aztec cardigan, gifted (thanks Ashley!!!)
2. Gray tank, Urban Outfitters ($24.00)
3. Leggings, ModCloth ($34.99)
4. Booties, Target ($24.99)
5. Hat, Target ($16.99)
6. Bag, ATL market ($20.00)
7. Circle necklace, Brooklyn Flea ($20.00)
8. Squirrel necklace, gifted (thanks Em!)
9. Vintage cocktail ring, gifted
10. Tungsten ring, c/o Modern Design
11. Square ring, Brooklyn Flea ($5.00)

Total: Under $125.00

 

 

 

 

Photos: Chris White

 

What's in my piggy bank for September?

Even though I live in the south and I should know better, I really feel like fall is just around the corner. I'm sure we still have another month or two before there is a chill in the air down here, but that's not stopping me from picking some great items to get ready for autumn weather.

1. Forever 21 Southwestern Shawl Cardigan in Navy and Wine, $29.80.
2. Mossimo Supply Co. Floppy Leather Tie Hat in Tan, $16.99.
3. ModCloth Girl’s Fest Friend Skirt, $57.99.
4. Forever 21 High Voltage Faux Leather Booties, $42.80.
5. Fred Flare Rust Jesse Sunglasses, $12.00.
6. Joe Fresh Boyfriend Jean, $29.00.
7. Necessary Clothing Reverse It Clutch in Gold and Black, $30.99.
8. Lulu's Moon Dust Grey Skinny Belt, $11.00. 
9. Charlotte Russe Textured Metallic Collar Necklace, $6.00.
10. H&M Knee Sock in Natural White, $9.95.

In a flash

I have to admit when I was approached by Jack of All Trades about picking out a comic book tee shirt, I got a bit excited. Not only are their shirts super cute and comfy, but it just so happens that J (the boy) also knows a thing or two about some comics. So yeah, I was pumped to have him help me pick out a shirt.

We looked at several options and had a tough time deciding, but we finally narrowed it down to Superman (duh) and the Flash. But the more I looked at the two shirts, the more I realized that I probably had a bit more in common with the Flash: I'm a runner (though not very fast) and I'm always rushing around to my next big adventure or activity.

Plus the shirt was red and it had a lightning bolt on it. I mean really, that alone was probably enough for me to make my choice!

When I asked my friend Amy to handle this photoshoot, she very quickly threw out the idea of shooting at the new LightRails art-light installment near Railroad Park. At the time she had no clue what my outfit was going to look like, but she couldn't have picked a better location.

So get ready for a Fashionplate Cheapskate superhero-inspired photoshoot. In the meantime, here's the cheapskate outfit breakdown:

1. Flash tee shirt,  Jack of All Trades
2. Leggings, ModCloth ($34.99)
3. Heels, Nine West outlet ($29.99)
4. Crossbody bag, Charlotte Russe ($9.99)
5. Vintage cocktail ring, gifted
6. Earrings, gifted (thanks Joy!)

Total: Under $100.00

 

 

 

 

Photos: Amy D

What to wear: Music festivals, Vol. 2

In honor of Secret Stages this weekend (and oh, I don't know, maybe another little ole fest called Lollapalooza), I figured I'd do another "what to wear" post for music festivals. It might seem a bit late to the game for this type of post since most of this year's festivals have come and gone, but I think there are still a few left that will make this content worthwhile.

This time around, I decided to pull a few photos of girls' outfits that I liked who attended Coachella and other fests and created a similar ensemble for each one—and of course all with affordable options.

Look One: Basic Boho 1. Urban Outfitters Staring at Stars Scout Panama Hat ($39.00) 2. Forever 21 Round Half-Frame Sunglasses ($7.80) 3. H&M Chiffon Blouse ($24.95) 4. Necessary Clothing Deep Blue Shorts ($12.99)
5. Charlotte Russe Tribal Cross Friendship Bracelet Set ($6.00) 6. Xhiliration Key Item Crossbody in black ($19.99)
7. Charlotte Russe Perforated Lace-up Combat Bootie ($40.00)

Look Two: Feminine Boho 1. Forever 21 Round Half-Frame Sunglasses ($7.80) 2. ASOS Warehouse Festival Across Body Bag ($54.30) 3. Lulu’s Live for Today Cream Crochet Dress ($72.00) 4. Forever 21 Rhinestoned Spike Necklace ($4.80) 5. Forever 21 Lightning Bolt Bangle ($2.80) 6. Forever 21 Pyramid Stud Stretchy Bracelet ($8.80)
7. Charlotte Russe Lace-up Ankle Cuff Wedge Sandal ($30.00)

Look Three: Classy Tie Dye 1. Urban Outfitters Somedays Almond Sunglasses ($14.00) 2. H&M Chiffon Blouse ($29.95) 3. Urban Outfitters Geo Lapis Gold Necklace ($48.00) 4. ASOS Tie Dye Shorts ($19.52) 5. Mossimo Supply Co. Fringe Hobo Bag ($24.29) 6. Matisse Kellie Platform Sandals ($56.99)

Look Four: Gettin' Graphic 1. Urban Outfitters Staring at Stars Scout Panama Hat ($39.00) 2. Forever 21 Half Frame Cat-Eye Sunglasses ($5.80) 3. Charlotte Russe Braided Cuff Bracelet ($6.00) 4. Necessary Clothing LA Dreams Tank ( $15.99) 5. Charlotte Russe Tribal Cross Friendship Bracelet Set ($6.00) 6. Forever 21 Street-Chic Backpack ($27.80) 7. H&M Distressed Denim Shorts ($24.95) 8. Charlotte Russe Side Braid Sueded Western Bootie ($40.00)

Look Five: Plain & Breezy 1. Sunglass Warehouse Aviators in Black ($12.71) 2. Forever 21 Spiked Friendship Bracelet ($5.80) 3. Forever 21 Charm Bracelet Set ($3.80) 4. Necessary Clothing Diamond Crop Top ($14.99)
5. ModCloth Morning Radiance Skirt ($29.99) 6. Mossimo Supply Co. Macrame Fringe Bag ($26.99) 7. Old Navy Faux Leather Capri Sandals ($10.00)