Back of the closet: White sundress

Wow. I have had this white sundress forever. I mean, it's been at least 6 years, but I really think it's been longer than that. I honestly want to give myself a pat on the back for managing to keep it white all these years! I digress....

Whenever you have an object in your closet for this long, it gets really hard to think of new and inventive ways to wear it. Especially when it's something like a classic white sundress, I mean what all can you do with that in the summertime (yeah, I've been known to rock this in the winter. Don't judge. With the right sweater and boots, it's ok to wear white lace in the winter! At least I think so).

Anyhow, I really didn't do too much different with this dress last Thursday. I decided to keep things simple and for once, I wore the belt that actually came with the dress. Then I opted for flat sandals instead of my wedges that I usually prefer. Add a little straw bag that I hardly ever carry and I've got a sweet southern summertime ensemble.

Here's the cheapskate outfit breakdown:

1. Sundress, Marshall's ($39.99)
2. Sandals, Rugged Wearhouse ($9.99)
3. Straw purse, on a trip to Hawaii ($10.00)
4. Sunglasses, gifted/passed down (thanks mom!)
5. Earrings (??)
6. Flower ring, ATL market ($4.00)

Total: Under $75

ps. How's this last photo for making you feel uncomfortable?! ha!

Photos: Laura Menconi

Splurge on: Swimsuits

There's no denying it. Now is certainly the time to splurge on swimsuits. It's summer. It's hot. And oddly enough most of the swimwear is already going on sale! I know I'm not the only one pre-occupied with what to wear to the pool and beach. Just today, WWWD posted their white bathing suit picks. And while I do agree that white swimwear is white hot, I don't know too many gals who can pull that look off. So let's look at some other colorful (and, ahem, also more affordable!) options, shall we?

1. I'm not usually one for animal print OR bling/decorations on my swimsuit, but for some reason this one speaks to me. Maybe it's the call of the wild I am hearing?
Old Navy Women's Animal Print Bandeau Bikini Top, $16.99
Old Navy Women's Animal Print Bandeau Bikini Bottom, $16.99

2. This saucy red number available at Target is the perfect one piece. It's not too "mom-ish," yet not too sexy, it's not trying too hard and it also looks like it would be extremely flattering. Plus, you can pull the one strap down to keep you from getting weird tan lines. So lovely!
Mossimo® Women's One Shoulder Shirred One Piece, $34.99

3. A simple black swimsuit is a staple....and I don't even own one yet! I chose this one because the ruffles on it take it from a plain black suit, to just plain adorable!
Ralph Lauren Ruffled Triangle Bikini Top and Bottom, available at Macy's for $39.99

4. Black and white stripes, which never seem to go out of style, are definitely hot right now. This suit is probably my fav of all six picks even though I don't feel like I can rock this style of swimwear.
H&M Black and White Striped Bikini Top, $14.95
H&M Black and White Striped Bikini Bottom, $12.95

5. You can also never go wrong with a simple girly hot pink halter bikini. Especially when the price is only $15.00 via 15dollarstore.com.
Jamaican Style Halter Bikini (Hot Pink), $15.00

6. Not sure why but I feel like this swimsuit would be perfect for yachting. I mean I've never been yachting before, but it just looks a little glamourous than the other affordable options I found.
Newport News Metallic Rose-print Bandeau Tankini Top, $24.00
Newport News Golden Scoop Bikini Bottoms, $20.00

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.

hello, SUMMER!

I realize that technically summer is still exactly two weeks away....but if you live in the south, you know that it already feels like summer around here, with temperatures reaching into the very high 90s this past weekend.

Since summer is synonymous with cookouts and catching fireflies and pool parties and outdoor seating at restaurants and concerts, I thought I'd piece together a little ensemble that would be appropriate for any of those activities. In order to satisfactorily meet all of my summer requirements, this outfit would have to be bright and breezy and most important, comfy. I think I created the perfect "go-to" ensemble that accomplishes just that.

Here's the cheapskate outfit breakdown:

1. Tank top, Target ($8.99)
2. Skirt, Target ($14.99)
3. Vest, Know Style ($13.99)
4. Shoes, Dollar General ($6.98)
5. Sunglasses, Urban Outfitters ($10.00)
6. Peacock necklace, Forever21 (??)
7. Ring, ATL market ($4.00)
8. Butterfly purse, Urban Outfitters (gifted)

photos: Laura Menconi

What do you think? Does this outfit meet all of your summer requirements?