10.17.2012

Leopard Dilemma

Awhile back I came across this InStyle feature and decided leopard print pants were a must-add to my wardrobe.


Believe it or not it has been hard to find the perfect pair of leopard print pants.  I want a fancier pant that I can dress up or down and wear-to-work versus a pair that is more jean-like. Dilemmas I know! The good news is I have come across two affordable pairs that I think will be incredibly versatile.  Now how to decide which pair?


Leopard Dilemma
[Leopard Dilemma // Merona Skinny Leg Pant at Target // Loft Zoe Ankle Pant (n/a online)]

Obviously for $28, you cannot beat the price of the Target pair but they are lighter than what I was looking for and appear to have a 5-pocket style which I was hoping to avoid.  I love the Loft pair and think they could be exactly what I want despite technically being "dalmatian print."  I am mad at myself because I tried to play the sale waiting game and hoped that the Loft pair would get a second markdown and my size would still be available.  Now my local Loft is sold out of my size.  Wah.

Turns out I may not have much choice in the matter unless I continue to hold-out for the perfect pair.

10.14.2012

Baby Boo...etc.

I find myself more into Halloween this year.  Not costumes and candy per se, but more from a home decor perspective.  Fine.  And a little bit food-wise I guess.


Unfortunately mercury glass in general, and clearly this skull, do not photograph well.  If you don't believe me, check out the link above.  I will tell you in-person, this skull is pretty cute...if that's possible. Mercury glass is all the rage in home decor and can be pricey so I was pleased to find this gem for $10 at Kohl's.  It kind of reminds me of [Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty].  Perhaps a Halloween decoration that will stay on display past October 31st because skulls are quite en vogue?  Bonus points to those who can identify the book on which this skull sits.


Although technically not Halloween-themed, I have been loving this candle lately.  This candle has a nice balance of fruity, sweet and woodsy notes which, in my opinion, is the ideal fall combo.  Notes of pomegranate, red apple and balsam have left my house feeling cozy which is my ultimate goal come Fall. I rarely go back and buy a candle twice but I must say 'Autumn' is a worthy contender.  I also have my eye on [Cider Lane] so we shall see.

Last but not least brings me to my white pumpkin centerpiece:


I saw on Pinterest someone had decorated white pumpkins using puffy paint and I thought it might be fun to try.  I bought these minis at [Barn Owl Garden] for less than $5 and decided to leave them plain because I thought they were elegant in their simplicity.  I think these guys are called 'Baby Boos' which let's be honest is an amazing name.  You will also note in the background a $2.99 mercury glass votive candleholder and some faux black roses both found at Target.

As a sidenote, keeping with a fall theme, I would recommend the [Yoplait Light Limited Edition Pumpkin Pie yogurt] and [Philadelphia Cream Cheese Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice], both also available at Target.  Because you know I love food.

10.07.2012

Pointed Toe Wedges

I hate to keep going all Forever21 but I cannot resist sharing these shoes.

click on link to buy

You see these wedges are very similar to a Pour La Victoire pair but for about $200 less.  I was obsessed with these shoes but could not find them in a F21 store so I broke down and ordered the aqua pair online.  So well worth it because not only are they super cute but they are also very comfortable.  I would have ordered these in the black too but they were sold out online.  Now that they are restocked, it is without a doubt the black pair will be ordered asap.

CC Confession:  I don't have a small foot and therefore generally avoid wedges because I think they make my feet look like Hermen Munster, but these wedges are the rare exception.  So sleek and chic.

10.05.2012

CC Must Have: Urban Soiree Chicago

We interrupt this somewhat fashionable program to share with you a stylish, petite party-planning company that I have the pleasure of being good friends with it super talented creator.

Let me introduce the CC community to [Urban Soiree Chicago], a party-planning service dedicated to designing petite get-togethers.


Seriously my friend Elaine is so talented and innovative yet her creations remain authentic to you and your aesthetic.  She truly is a master at mixing materials in ways that are interesting; [think Etsy meets Anthropologie].  Elaine's background is in landscape architecture which means her florals and centerpieces are stunning but created in a way that feels homegrown.

[To view more Urban Soiree click here]

So exciting because[ Urban Soiree] is featured on [Daily Candy] today!  Please check-out the feature as well as Urban Soiree's [stunning gallery] to see how Urban Soiree can transform your petite parties into stylish, memorable get-togethers.

[Read the Daily Candy feature here.]

If you are like me and love to entertain but don't have the time or perhaps the creative mojo to craft a get-together that feels true to your spirit, I could not recommend [Urban Soiree Chicago] more.  Not to mention, the decor created for your get-together is a keepsake once your party is over.  The pieces can be used as favors, repurposed or integrated into your home as mini memories of a fabulous get-together, hosted by you.

CC Tip: Read Urban Soiree's [blog] for some homespun DIY ideas and creative inspiration.

All images courtesy of Urban Soiree Chicago.  

Edgy Glam

My favorite ensembles are ones that mix basics with glam pieces and accessories with a slight edge.

Edgy Glam

Edgy Glam by couturecheapskate1 featuring a chain necklace


This [sequin blazer] is a steal at under $75.  Pair it with a basic white tee, jeans and simple jewelry that will not compete with the sequins.  That being said, my favorite and beyond affordable [statement necklace] is a must for a touch of edge.  [Red pumps] and a [teal faux snakeskin clutch] are the perfect color complements to the pewter blazer.  A [smokey eye] and [hunter green nails] are all the drama you need to complete this edgy glam look.

10.03.2012

CC Must Have: Full Pleather Skirt

Let's face it.  Faux leather is fancy talk for pleather.  And while I acknowledge there can be a wide spectrum of pleathers, ranging from tacky and cheap (read: garbage bag) to luxe and overpriced, I surprisingly have always been pleased with the quality of Forever21's faux leather.  I bought a pencil skirt there earlier in the season and could not believe how luxe it looked for under $20.

click link to buy online

The full skirt is the hot skirt silhouette for Fall and like most Falls, leather is a key component.  The reality is leather is a substantial investment in one's wardrobe.  For example this skirt would cost at minimum $500 if the real deal.  So why not invest in a faux version if there is no perceived difference in look and feel to free up more dollars? Besides the countless compliments you will receive, you will be pleased with the value this skirt packs as a modern basic in your wardrobe.

On trend.  Good value.  High style.

So pleather?  Faux leather?  Call it what you will.  Either way, I for one will be completely satisfied with my pleather pencil skirt and full skater skirt to the tune of less than $50 for two faux versatile bottoms.

CC Tip(s):  For taller ladies, size up.  You will want the length and the proportion will be a better fit. Not to mention F21 skirts tend to run short.  Go figure.  Also, these faux leather pieces sell out fast online and are barely available in-store so it is worth taking the chance and ordering online.



10.01.2012

Lost & Found

Focusing on Fall pieces that will easily transition from warm weather to cool.

Recent Additions

Recent Additions by couturecheapskate1 featuring lace up boots

1.  [Old Navy Women's Boat Neck Sweater $25]  An affordable knock-off of this close to $300 J.Crew sweater.  //  2.  [Forever21 Sparkling Chain Fringe Necklace $12.80]  I've been wearing this non-stop; perfect mix of edgy and glam.  //  3.  [Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in Black/Brown $7.50 The best replacement I could find for my beloved Bobbi Brown eye pencil; softer than black.  //  4.  [Forever21 Colored Safari Print Shirt $19.80]  A lightweight blouse with hints of mint and magenta; pair with a pencil skirt.  //  5.  [Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick -- Kate Moss Collection $5]  Bold colors that make me feel glamorous.  //  6.  [Forever21 Stacked Ring Set $6.80]  Many inquiries on why I decided to splurge on such decadent jewels.  //  7.  [H&M pants $12.95]  Was on a mad hunt for these pants to pair with a black boyfriend blazer, white tee and these boots -->  //  8.  [DV by Dolce Vita 'Pilar' Wedge Booties $99] I actually bought these booties for a lot less at my new favorite shopping spot, Bloomingdale's Outlet.  //  9.  [Express 'Columnist' Pant in Cedar Green $59.90]  My favorite pant in Fall's hottest color.