Guest Post: Trendkin "Frugal Fashion"

Hey!  How is everyone doing?  I'm off trying to escape some of the blistering heat, so Trendkin is guest posting for me today while I'm gone!  I hope you enjoy, they have an amazing blog!

Brittany and Jennifer make up the female half of Trendkin. Brittany writes about style tips and trends for women while Jennifer heads up the DIY posts. Both girls know it’s important to look your best, but it can be even more important to stay inside your budget. Great style doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg.

We love that rewarding feeling when you find clothes for a screaming deal, knowing your adorable addition to your wardrobe didn't break the bank. Even though we love dressing up as much as the next girl, we rarely pay full price for any of our outfits. You don't have to spend a fortune to look your best! Here are a few of our personal tricks and tips to starting a killer wardrobe on a budget.

Thrift it up

Our tips and tricks aren’t anything new, but we swear by them. It's even turned into a hobby for both of us. Our number one go-to place when we are looking for something new (well, new to us) is a thrift store. We love hunting through thrift stores and we never limit ourselves to just one. By hitting up multiple stores, you increase your chance to score a big find, and you might find exactly what you are looking for. Some of our favorite pieces have come from stores like Goodwill, DI and other thrift/consignment stores!

Still not convinced places like Goodwill has awesome stuff? Check this out.

Brittany:

My outfit in the pictures above was almost entirely thrifted. I recently nabbed the white Oxford shirt and the green jumper at Goodwill on half price day. I knew I was getting a steal when the cashier told me that the jumper had come in only the day before and was still in a Dillard's bag!

I also love Nordstom Last Chance. Phoenix is one of the only locations, so I feel so lucky to have one close by. I picked up my nude Enzo Angiolini pumps there about a year ago. They go with just about everything and are quite comfortable. The best part? These shoes sell for well over $100 in department stores, but they were less than $20 at Last Chance!

And as for my accessories, I thrifted the purse and got my necklace at Stein Mart using a 40% off coupon. Stein Mart has great sales and coupons are always available online. The store might have a bit of an elderly stigma, but let me tell you, I have gotten some quality pieces for next to nothing at Stein Mart!

Jennifer:

The two necklaces I am wearing are the only things in my outfit that aren’t thrifted from Goodwill. I made the blue necklace (you can check out the DIY here) and the tan one is from Charming Charlie’s discounted merchandise. Charming Charlie’s is a fun store any day to run by and find some great accessories on a budget. I love my tan necklace because it goes with just about any outfit and can be layered with practically any other necklace I own. 

My skirt and belt aren’t brand name per se but they are awesome quality and totally fun pieces as the geometric embroidery is really ‘in’ right now and the snake skin belt is a perfect accent to so many looks. And getting a J. Crew shirt and Guess heels for less than $10 isn’t a bad deal either!

***As a side note, you probably won't be successful every time you hit up a thrift store (we for sure aren’t), but don't give up! It's definitely hit and miss and you will get better as you keep going.

Be in the know

Another great way to save on clothing is to sign up for emails from your favorite stores. If you are going to shop there, you might as well be on top of all the sales and promotions. Most stores have at least 35% off on their stock about once a month and some have deals that will surprise you. One of our faves, Banana Republic, sometimes has 40% off one item almost weekly!

If having your inbox inundated with emails from stores every day is not your thing, or if you are afraid that you will be too tempted, make an email solely for your subscriptions and just check it when you are ready and looking for the perfect purchase.

Want to see some of our favorite steals?

Brittany:

Another one of my favorite stores always seems to surprise people. A lot of women ask where I bought the blouse in the pictures below, and when I answer, many are shocked I didn't buy it at Anthropologie. So where did I buy it? JCPenney!

My skirt is part of a Tehari suit that retails for over $500 dollars in regular department stores, but I got it for less than $50 at Stein Mart a few years ago. I love the bright yellow color and that I can wear the suit as a complete ensemble or as separates.

Once again, I got the platform sandals at Last Chance. You really need to take a peek; you might walk out with some fabulous shoe finds.

Jennifer:

I adore J. Crew styles, but my wallet doesn’t really let me indulge in their prices. I was ecstatic when I realized that J. Crew has a factory store online that has great deals all the time. I got my ikat top for 30% off for some recent family pictures and it is easily one of my new favorites.

My shorts were an amazing find for me. I am nearly six feet tall and it is extremely hard to find shorts that fit me correctly and with all the cute printed shorts that are too short, it was pretty disheartening to not be able mix things up more. I was beyond excited when I found these shorts on Gap.com that came in talls. All I had to do was wait for a 30% off sale and they were mine!

I got my sandals at Target, a perfect place for great and easy styles on a budget, and my purse was $30 from JCPenney.

Next time you hit the stores, don’t forget the idea behind frugal fashion is taking the time to search for deals and being aware of sales. Also, don’t get stuck in the mindset that a store is out of your price range or won’t have clothes that fit your style. Most of the time, you will be surprised at the sales and inventory some stores have. Being in the know will not only help save time, but will help you achieve the look you love, without emptying your wallet.

Favorite Spots Around Town: Liquidators

My friend Angela told me about this place.  Brett and I decided to take a peek, and I can tell you I will be popping in every once and a while.  Especially if we are in need of new electronics (Brett's favorite), because they have amazing prices. 



I don't know tons about this place, other than they have pretty much everything at steep discounts, many things (if not everything--I'm not sure) is from Costco. 

They had lush carpet area rugs for $60!  Not sure if you have looked into buying an area rug recently, but that is literally a steal!  They have home décor, electronics, clothes, small and large appliances, food, and anything else you can imagine. 

I forgot to snap pictures in the actual store, but I took some of our purchases.

Location: Sorry for those who viewed this originally, I forgot to add the location!  This store is located off of Alma School and University, behind the Fresh and Easy.  It is one of the only things in business in the entire strip mall.  Hope you get the chance to go take a look at it sometime! 

I got these pillows for $12 total.  Normally one pillow like this would, at the minimum, cost $12.  So $6 each...I was happy with that!



And Brett got these Docker's flat front panel pants for $10 (and another different pair, too!).

I mean, these pants are so durable, he can even do work in them--like feeding the chickens.  (Ok, so really I just like snapping pictures of his toosh--so don't tell him I posted this, he'd be really embarrassed.  He's a pretty modest fellow, that husband of mine).

And since they decided to disperse during the above picture, here is a glimpse at our chickens.  We currently have 8.  Which means lots of eggs will be coming our way soon!





Summer Accessories: 3 for Under $3

It's always fun to revamp a few things for a different season.  When it starts hitting the triple digits here, I need something to help me get geared up to deal with the summer heat. Here are a few accessories I found for $3 or under...

I snagged these adorable sunglasses, at the Dollar Tree for $1.  I was quite shocked at what a good selection of cute sunglasses they had.  I never spend tons of money on sunglasses.  They always get broken or lost.  And it is fun to justify having a couple pairs, which you can do if you get them for a bargain.





I also bought this new lip shade for 93 cents at Wal-Mart, and I have been loving it!  I wear it almost everyday.  The eclectic shade of pink is a fun and nice change (it doesn't look as bright here as it seems to be in real life).







I picked up the nail polish at Target, for $2.49, after Brittany inspired me with a comment on my nail post.  I am pretty sure this will be my go-to summer color from here on out.  I never thought of this color, but I kind of love it. 



sunglasses: Dollar Tree

lip color: NYC #316 "Blossom"  

nail color: Sally Hansen #270 "Lacey Lilac"

 

These would be especially fun splurges if you are heading to the beach anytime this summer.  Have a good start to your summer--on a budget, of course!

Let's Talk Nails

I love getting my nails done, just as much as the next girl.  And I feel so much more pulled together with my nails nicely manicured.  And on top of it, my new indulgence is of course, the "gel nails".  But being a young wife and mom, getting my nails done on a monthly basis isn't a priority when we budget.  So going to a nail salon to get them done is now a rare treat, not part of my regular beauty routine.

But of course, that doesn't mean I can't have rockin' nails!  Just the last few months, I have discovered a great top coat polish that makes nails super shiny and is fast-drying (so you can squeeze a manicure in during nap time!).  I have had several people ask me if they are gel nails, but it's just the awesome top coat!  It also helps your nail polish last longer, although the results don't last quite as long as gel nails, they do keep them in pretty good shape for a while!

The top coat is Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat.  I use it over all my polish now!

I bought it at Target, but you can purchase it from Amazon, and I am sure most drug stores and beauty supply stores carry it as well.

Another thing I have learned about doing my own nails, is that there is a huge difference between nail "polish" and nail "lacquer".  I now pay  more attention when I am buying a color that I think I will wear often.  I typically will spend more on a lacquer for a color that I think I will use regularly, and buy the cheaper quality stuff for trendier colors that I just want to try out for fun. Brands like OPI and Essie are nail "lacquers".

Mimosas with Mr. & Mrs.

For example, I own OPI in Mimosas for Mr. & Mrs. and in Lincoln Park After Dark because they are both shades I wear often.  I want to splurge on a coral color for this summer!  I just pick up trendier colors like greens and blues (that I don't tend to wear as often) at the drug store with brands that are less expensive and not usually nail "lacquer".

The reason I love Mimosas with Mr. & Mrs. is because you can wear it so long!  Even if you have a little "wear and tear" on your nails, the color is so natural, you don't notice chipping nearly as easily.

Here is a shot of my toes.  This is a cheapy polish I got for 99 cents, but it looks fabulous with that top coat.  This picture doesn't do it justice.  Very shiny and thick looking.  Looks like a professional pedi, even from this amateur! 



What are some other tips for nails?  I love learning more about what works for other people!

Fallas Paredes Women's Finds: 2 Looks under $30 Head to Toe

Remember this post yesterday where I revealed a potential gold mine for trendy clothes and accessories on the cheap...?

Well I promised to reveal a separate post on the things I found for myself.  I must admit, they had me giddy!

For the first outfit, I posted a teaser on instagram, because I knew I would be wondering where someone scored those polka dot pants for $7!

shoes: Fallas Paredes ($9.99)
polka dot pants: Fallas Paredes ($7.00)
lace shirt: Wal-Mart ($9.94)
pearl earrings: Forever 21 ($2.80 for 10 pairs of pearls)

That entire outfit totals for under $30!  I could have accessorized more, but being a mom and with the heat, it was a top-knot, minimal kind of day that day!


The next look is a floral print pant.  I have slowly come around to embracing some comoponents of the floral trend.  And while I feel a little "iffy" about these pants, the print itself was one I felt pretty comfortable with.  I am trying to figure out ways to wear them more!

shoes: Fallas Paredes ($9.99)

floral print pants: Fallas Paredes ($9.99)
gray shirt: Fallas Paredes ($3.99)
pearl earrings: Forever 21 ($2.80 for 10 pairs of pearls)

And again, all came down to less than $30 for the entire outfit!  Not too shabby, especially since all of these were purchased new, not even thrifted or second-hand.

And these are most definitely "mom approved" outfits.  Landon had to be whisked off the lawn mid-photo shoot since he was consuming handfuls of grass at a time.

I also purchased a pair of swim suit bottoms (for $3.99) to go with a swimsuit top I purchased at Wal Mart (for $13).  But I will spare you a picture of that for now.  Maybe some time by the pool I will take a quick snapshot.  

photo cred: my adoring husband Brett.  He said he would charge me $50 for a photo shoot, but I made a counteroffer he couldn't refuse ;)

And you can check out my pinterest board "printed pants" that I am using to help give me ideas on how to style these pants!

Favorite Spots Around Town: Fallas Paredes

I stumbled upon this store in high school and have shopped there ever since!

If you are on the lookout for trendy items on a budget, you should look here first!

I mean, how many stores do you go into that have a sign that says $1.99 and has clothes hanging on the rack below it?  I have gotten a dress here for $1 before!  

This is also a great place to get work out clothes, sweats, and leggings if you are looking to keep your price point low.  They also have a decent selection of plain colored shirts for around $3.

Of course, it is hit-or-miss, but most places are with good deals.  I just pop in here when I am nearby and have a few minutes to spare.

I got some killer cute things there, so tomorrow I will have a feature post on the "women's" things I got.  But here is a peek at what other goodies there are!

I even saw decorative pillows starting at $3.99!  Now that is a steal!

These colored/printed skinnies for little girls are too cute for words.  And for $7.99/piece, I wouldn't feel bad about buying a pair.  It really beats these J.Crew Girl's colored and printed pants starting at $42+ (on clearance) for sure!

They also have a huge baby/infant and men's section as well as a decent selection of plus-sizes!  Stay tuned for my finds for tomorrow.  They are the purchases I've been most excited about yet!  

This store is located on Mesa Dr. and University, behind the McDonald's.  There is another location on Stapley and Southern, in the same shopping center as the Pro Ranch Market.  However, I prefer the one on Mesa Dr. and University.  Happy shopping on a budget!  

Secret Eyelashes

So I have fairly long eyelashes.  But they aren't super thick or dark, so for me, mascara is necessary.

Which meant I was super jealous of the luscious lashes that eyelash extensions gave a lot of women I saw around town.  But let's be honest...my husband wouldn't be thrilled if I thought that spending $30+ a month on my eyelashes was a priority.

One day, my cousin's adorable wife Stephanie, invited me to go with her to the MAC counter in Nordstrom.  It changed my life (Okay, slightly dramatic.  But it was indeed a wonderful secret she let me in on!).

That secret, I will now share with you...

False Eyelashes.

Don't worry!  I had nightmares of ripping out all my own lashes or never being able to get them on the right way.  And while I am still learning things as I go, I can assure you, that with a little help from the MAC people, and giving it a try one or two times, you will be well on your way to beautiful lashes on a dime!  Of course, you have to reapply them every day, they aren't permanent like extensions.  But saving this much money and still looking this good, is way worth it to me!  Once you have practiced, it will be a breeze applying them.

Stephanie is loyal to the Nordstrom Mac counter, she has always had better experiences going there, because she thinks that the MAC training combined with the Nordstrom training gives the best possible customer service.  So that's what I do.  You can go elsewhere if you feel so inclined!

They are great there, at the MAC counter!  They will help you pick out the lashes you want (I love the #7 lashes, and those are what I would recommend for first timers--more natural looking, but still make a statement).  They trim them to fit your eye, and will even put them on for you.

The lashes themselves run around $15, but the first time you go, you have to buy the glue.  The glue is one of the biggest secrets.  It starts out white, but dries clear.  The glue is amazing!  It is $12, but will last forever.  Don't scrimp and buy it elsewhere, or you won't enjoy putting these lashes on and wearing them.  At the MAC counter, they tell you that these lashes will last you 5-6 wears if you take good care of them.  I will tell you they will last you 3ish months, wearing them everyday, if you take good care of them!

So the first time you go, you will spend a little less than $30, but after that, you won't need to buy glue.  So $15 every few months for amazing lashes is awesome and way cheaper than extensions!  Here is another secret...my other cousin's wife, Skye, professionally applies eyelash extensions for other people.  But she wears MAC false eyelashes!  That is how great they are!

Tips for wearing these lashes:

- I put one very light coat of mascara on BEFORE applying the lashes (not after, the lashes won't last long if you put mascara on them) so that my natural lash won't be noticeable since they are light colored.

- If you don't have them trimmed by a MAC person, or they poke you in the inner corner of your eye, trim them down a little more.  I like it when my lashes only cover a little more than 3/4 length of my eye.  Your natural lashes will continue to the inner corner and if you have a light coat of mascara on already, it will look great and they will be much more comfortable!

- The glue starts out white and dries clear.  Apply a thin layer of glue (they should show you this at the MAC counter--I use a toothpick to do it) and let it air dry for a minute or so.  It will turn a slight yellow color, and that is when you should apply it to your eye.  It will be a  little more tacky and stay when applied.

- As long as you see "white" where the glue is, you can continue moving and fixing the lashes in place.  Once the white is gone, the glue has dried and you will probably have to re-apply.

- If you take Sunday afternoon naps and tend to sleep on half of your face (like I do), take the lashes off.  So you don't smoosh them into a weird shape.  It was a sad day when this happened to me!

- When taking the lashes off, they can peel right off.  It won't rip your natural lashes out, I PROMISE!  There is usually a thin layer of glue stuck to the lashes, resembling that of dried Elmer's glue.  Carefully pull it off the best you can, to keep your lashes in tip-top shape for a long while!

Hope this inspires someone to give them a try!  They really are so fun to have and use.  I feel pretty with nothing more than these on and some lip gloss, even at the grocery store with a baby on my hip.

Accessories: K Momo Style

So, the other day I was out and about, and had a few minutes to spare before I needed to be back to work. So I decided to run into this store called K Momo.  Never been inside before, but had passed it numerous times and my curiosity was peaked.

I scored this adorable necklace for $5.  It's a style I have been looking for, for a while!

I quickly perused the clothing and saw some things that I thought could be quite cute as well, for pretty good prices.  Also, if you are in the market for a wig, they carry those too :)

I think it is safe to say, I will be popping in to that store now and again to see what other deals they have going on.  Next time I hope to have more time, so I can try on a few clothing items as well.

Check it out if you are local!  The store I stopped by was located on Southern, in between Alma School and Longmore (on Stewart, I believe).