Trend Watch: Ruffles and How To Wear Them

One of the big trends right now are ruffles, you see them everywhere and on everything. While I do enjoy ruffles in moderation some of the looks are a bit over the top for me. Here are some ways you can get in on the ruffle trend with out going ruffle crazy.

1. Wear only one ruffled piece at a time do not have a ruffle top with a  ruffle skirt, ect.

2. Make sure the ruffle is not too big for your frame, ruffles can overwhelm some people so be careful.

3. When you do wear a ruffle make sure it is laying well, if the ruffle is going crazy it can look awful.

4. Think accessories, it’s a great way to incorporate a trend into the clothes you already have.

Here are some ruffle pieces that I think most people can pull off.

Check out this tiered ruffle skirt from Ann Taylor Loft, I actually own this and love it. While it is not a true ruffle it works and is flattering as well as practical. Ann Taylor Loft also has this great Voile Cap Sleeve Ruffle Tee just don’t pair it with the skirt.

Old Navy has some ruffle front tanks that would look great layered and with a skirt or bermuda shorts. They also have some great ruffle trim jersey henleys that are on sale for $10 right now.

Banana Republic has a fabulous racer back ruffle tank (pictured at top) that would be very flattering. Or check out this fabulous tiered tank from White House Black Market, this is very flattering, or this Ruffle tank dress.

DSW has this fabulous Ruffle tote if you prefer to keep the ruffles off your clothes. Or how about this stylish SM Masson Ruffled Gladiator sandal.

Hopefully now you can find a ruffled piece that fits your style, the key is not to go overboard with any trend, but especially not ruffles or else you will look like the bridesmaids in My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

Fall Fashions Are On My Mind!

This morning it smelled like Fall and I am so excited! I love the fashions and style of Fall the best of any season. I love layering and sweaters and boots and fabulous accessories like scarves! This Fall there are a few easy ways to look chic and keep on a budget. It starts with buying smart, remember trends come and go but classics always look great. When you dress to flatter your figure you will always look good even if it is not the newest trendiest look. So get to know your body type and what flatters you best.

Next you need a fabulous pair of jeans that will look great with everything you pair them with. If you splurge on one item jeans are a good one just remember to wash them inside out and not every time you wear them. Excessive washing will wear them out quickly and unless you got something on them they should not be washed with every wear. As for tops buy pieces you can layer and mix and match, use the rule of 3. If you cannot take an item home and make 3 different outfits with it you shouldn’t buy it. For example if you find a fabulous crew neck sweater you can wear it with jeans, wear it with a skirt and wear it with a collared shirt underneath it = 3 outfits so it’s a good buy. Buying tops in solids make them fabulous backdrops for accessories. It is much cheaper to have multiple accessory items then to have multiple tops.

Boots I firmly believe every woman should have a pair of leather (faux leather) knee high boots for the fall and winter season. Why? Well besides the fact that they look fabulous and are flattering on every one they are very universal so a great investment. A heel is great but even a wedge is perfect. You can wear knee high boots with pants and they create a nice clean line, you can wear them with every length skirt for a great look plus extra warmth on your legs. I suggest buying a very classic pair that you can wear year after year. Take care of them and you will have a fabulous staple to add to your wardrobe. My last pair cost me $80 and lasted 5 years with care and only 1 re-soleing. In college I wore them to cross campus multiple times each day on an almost daily basis that is what I call a good deal. When I replaced them last year I got a pair for $40 from DSW ( my favorite shoe store). When buying a knee high boot make sure you get a good fit in the calf so it isn’t falling down or sloppy or else get a stiff boot that stands up on it’ sown slightly away from the calf.

Those are my thoughts on Fall staples watch for some future posts on how to snag the latest trends on the cheap. Did I mention I love Fall!!!

Buying Used Clothes: Is it worth it?

I know a lot of my readers buy from clothes resale shops, I do not. I know some of you are thinking you are paying way too much why would you buy things new, the reason… it is worth it to me. Buying used clothes is one of those things that I find very personal and different for every person and something I do not do. Now don’t get me wrong if someone gives me some clothes for my family I gladly accept them but I will not pay for used clothes and here is my reasoning. They do not last as long, I would rather buy brand new quality clothes on sale than pay less  and buy used. I do not know how the clothes have been cared for and do not find the money saved worth it when they only last a short while. In the long run it saves you more money to buy quality items on sale then used because they last longer and can be either handed down or sold later.

It is easy to get quality clothing at realistic prices if you shop around. Using coupons and waiting for sales is a great way to save as is outlet shopping, warehouse shopping and checking discount retailers. A cheap piece of clothing even at a cheap price is still over priced so while I love to save money I also make sure I am spending wisely. I would rather pay $20 for a shirt that lasts years than buy 2 for $10 that last only one season. If I have to pitch a shirt after one season because it is fading, pilling or has holes then it was a waste and I hate wasting money. I would love to know your thoughts on used clothes, what do you think?

Update: I am really enjoying all of your comments, thanks! Just wanted to clarify one thing if you can find a new item at resale that is FABULOUS, I am referring to actually used clothes only. I am so glad to hear so many of you have had such great experiences with used clothes thanks for sharing.

Makeup:Spending Where It Counts

As you  know by now I love saving money! I am always on the hunt for a good deal and love bargains but more than that I love quality. A deal on junk is still junk and you have wasted your money and I hate wasting money. Over the years I have learned to pick and choose what items I have to have the more expensive brand of and what I can go cheaper on. Today I wanted to talk makeup and when to splurge and when to scrimp. Here are my thoughts on where your makeup money should go.

Let me start by saying not all makeup is created equal. Department store makeup IS better than drugstore makeup but that doesn’ t mean you can’t mix and match both. I suggest deciding what makeup items are most important to you and splurge in that area. For example I wear the makeup basics everyday: cover-up, blush eye shadow and eyeliner. For my cover-up and blush I buy the cheap or free stuff from the drugstore. I have found that the shades are always fine and the application looks good so I am set. My eye makeup is a different story. I buy Clinique eyeshadow, yes that’s right this week I dropped $17.50 on one eyeshadow duo at Clinique. Are you thoroughly shocked? Don’t be I think it is worth every penny. I have tried to use cheaper eyeshadow and liner and it is just not the same. Plus I have very sensitive eyes and Clinique looks the best while being the gentlest on my eyes.

Truth be told if my budget was unlimited I would buy all my makeup at Clinique, but it’s not so I save where I can to spend where I want. When I pay nothing to only a little for all my other makeup needs combined I do not have a problem splurging every few months on my eye makeup. Plus if you time it right you can always hit the gift with purchase ( I love gift with purchase). So what are your thoughts, do you mix and match or are you brand loyal? I would love to know.

HT Naturals: Another Seller of Bamboo

As I promised I have another great company that carries bamboo products to introduce to you: HT Naturals. HT Naturals carries only organic and eco-friendly fashion so of course they have some great bamboo options. The sent me the reversible halter with print and matching reversible knit capri to try out. Since they are bamboo and I got the black and khaki combo I am in love. The black is a great true black ( have you noticed I love a really deep black color!) and the reversible option is fantastic. Unlike most reversible options the underneath layer folds over at the waist band of the pants to give you a pop of color, it looks fantastic. I love that the two layers are not sewn together at the bottom which gives it a more fluid and comfy fit. The bamboo is very durable and drapes the body fabulously as well as having a bit of stretch. Once again I have found bamboo clothing that I highly recommend. HT Naturals is offering Thrifty & Chic Mom readers a FREE hemp tote with any purchase over $100!

My New Found Love: Bamboo

This week I am going to share with you some of the amazing products that are made from bamboo. Over the past couple of months I have reviewed some amazing bamboo products and I have 2 more companies to introduce you to this week. Bamboo is getting a lot of exposure due to its eco-friendly nature as well as versatility not only as a wood but as a fiber.

In the past I have reviewed bamboo clothing and I just LOVE it. Bamboo is my new favorite fabric! I love how soft and flowing it is and the colors are rich and vibrant. If you are familiar with modal fabrics bamboo is very similar in the way it lays on the body and holds color longer than other fibers like cotton. Bamboo also makes a fabulous terry cloth that can be used for towels or robes. Be sure to check out these great makers of Bamboo Clothing and other textiles:

• HT Naturals ( great place for stylish clothes for mom)
• Dream Sacks ( for some stylish, comfy clothes)
• Bamboosa ( for all your baby needs like blankets, ect.)
• BabyBam ( for all your baby needs including incredibly soft towels)
• Organically Hatched ( makes the cutest bamboo kids robe)
• Bambooya ( Bamboo products for thE whole house)

A few quick facts about why bamboo is amazing.Bamboo is…

• hypoallergenic
• anti-bacterial as well as odor preventing
• thermal regulating
• moisture wicking ( absorbs double that of cotton)

I will leave you with a quote I found describing one persons thoughts of bamboo and all I can say is I agree!

“Bamboo looks like expensive Pima or Egyptian cotton and drapes like silk. It has less shrinkage than cotton and does not pill. It has been described as feeling like pure cashmere.”

Jimmy Choo at H&M

Have the heard the fabulous news? Jimmy Choo has paired up with H&M to bring his amazingly stylish shoes to those of use who make regular type salaries! I have a HUGE shoe fetish and this is not helping me kick my habit. Oh well, I will be anxiously anticipating November 14th and the release of the new collection. This picture is a sneak peak, don’t those shoes just make you feel amazingly chic just looking at them! Imagine wearing them, I CAN’T WAIT!!!! Who says fashion isn’t affordable, not me and apparently now not Jimmy Choo either!

Save Your Skin By Faking It

Everyone wants to look healthy and glowing in the summer and most women want that sunkissed look for when they are showing more skin (thanks to the heat). But do we need to sacrifice our skin and potentially our health to get it? As much as I enjoy sunbathing ( I truly love the feeling of the sun on my skin) I know it is not a wise decision to overdo it. Sadly there is no such thing as safe tanning, you can load up the sunscreen to decrease damage but you are still doing damage. Damage that will age you and may possibly cause serious health issues in the future. So what is a stylish girl to do who craves a tan? Why fake it of course! The super models do it so why can’t little old SAHM me. The key is doing it right so it doesn’t look fake. I mean have you ever looked at Heidi Klum or Giselle and said”she is using fake tanner” no because they do it right. So as a long time user of fake tan ( yep I proudly admit it) here are some tips I have picked up over the years.

• Pick a brand you trust or is recommended by someone who uses it. I suggest using the lotions that build your tan gradually to decrease on streaks and the orange hands effect. ( I like Jergens and Olay)
• Make sure you are honest about your skin color and be realistic about your tan color. If you are fair skinned don’ t buy the super dark just because you want to be dark. It will just look silly.
• Once you have your lotion do some prep work: loofah your body getting rid of all the dead skin. Dead skin will turn orange and suck up the lotion in excess.
• Shave your legs before you add self tanner. once it is on shaving your legs can peel some of it off with the skin.
• Apply lotion evenly over your body so you do not have any dry spots that will absorb too much lotion.
• Once your lotion is completely dry and absorbed you can begin, try to work quickly and apply evenly.
• Go very light on tough spots like elbows, knees, and hands. DO NOT DO YOUR FACE!!!!!!
• Once you are done IMMEDIATELY wash your hands to avoid orange palms.
• Allow yourself to dry completely without touching anything ( yes this means standing) or you will rub it off in places and ruin whatever you rub against.
• Do not shower for 24 hours.
• As for your face use a bronzer I do not recommend putting fake tanner on your face.
• Too nervous to do it yourself? Try a pro like Mystic Tan just do the same prep steps before you go for best results. I did Mystic Tan for my wedding and it looked fabulous no one had a clue.

I would love ot hear your thought and tips on fake tan or horror stories

Spendervention Alert

This summer as you look to update your wardrobe with the hottest new trends like maxi dresses ( I LOVE these), over sized hand bags and super chic sandals don’t go to department stores or little boutiques instead shop TJ Maxx and Marshalls. I am sure you have seen the clever “Spendervention” commercials that TJ Maxx and Marshalls have been running. Well let’s just say I am holding my own intervention with you all. One of my major frugal downfalls is clothing, I am a lover of all things fashionable and resale shops and I just don’t work for many reasons (I will get into another day). The thrill of new clothing is addicting and I must say in my single days my closet was embarrassingly overfilled. Oh yeah and did I mention I am a bit of a snob about brands and quality? Some brands just don’t cut it. So where does a girl on a tight budget find new, trendy, quality clothes? TJ Maxx and Marshalls of course. Not only do they have fantastic prices but they even have high end designers ( I still can’t afford them but it’s fun to look!)

TJ Maxx and Marshall’s generously intervened to save my summer wardrobe and sent me shopping for a few new summer items. Even begin pregnant I found some great items that were fabulous prices like tank tops for $9.99 and shirts for $12.99. How about a super stylish maxi dress for $19.99!!!!! I went shopping for maxi dresses with my sister in law at the mall this week and the cheapest we found were $40 and they were not good quality. So if you need anything for the summer or your kids do or your husband or heck if your house needs anything stop by one of my favorite stores TJ Maxx and Marshalls. ( PS be prepared to find more to buy than you anticipated I always do!)

Is your face covered?

I am constantly shocked at how many women do not wear sunscreen every day. The sun is out year round and doing damage constantly. So I am begging you please please please wear sunscreen everyday. Every major company makes a daily lotion or foundation that includes an SPF. Need a recommendation? How about Oil of Olay it is $9.99 at CVS and their is always a coupon out plus watch for ECB deals and stock up. It comes in various versions ( like normal, sensitive, oily) and has an SPF of 15 so you don’t have to worry about adding an extra step to your daily skincare routine. A word of caution though when summer comes and you are out in the sun longer you need something stronger. You can either switch your moisturizer to one with a stronger SPF or just buy some sunscreen specifically for your face.

Don’t stop at your face be sure to apply under your eyes and use a chap stick with SPF in it. That’s right your lips can burn easily. Once you have done major sun damage their is no undoing it. Plus who wants to age any faster than they are supposed to? So protect your skin and wear your sunscreen all day year round. Craving that summer tanned look? Here are a few tricks

• lighten up your makeup, make your eyes lighter and your lips too it will give your face the appearance of being sun kissed
• use a bronzer to fake the sun kissed look
• use a good fake tanner ( all the models do it)
• don’t worry you will still get some color wearing sun screen you will just get less damaging effects.
• wear colors that flatter your skin and make it appear more sun kissed

Knowing your body type!

Knowing your body type is one of the best things you can do as a woman. This knowledge will help you to dress to flatter your figure best and will save you tons of money in the long run. When you know what styles flatter your body type it is much easier to shop and can help you to avoid making unflattering purchases. I remember sitting in class in college the day we covered body types and the do’s and dont’s for each type. It made so much sense and was eye opening. I love helping my friends discover the secrets to flattering their body and not trying to look like a model or a mannequin.

Knowing your body type is also a great way to help you appreciate the beauty of your body, every woman wants to look like someone else, sadly it is our curse. My thought is to be the best you can be and play up your assets because you can be sure someone else wishes they had what you have. So as I went to type out all my tips and thoughts on this I found a great and very thorough article so instead I will point you here and say enjoy and then go to the mall and try things on, even if you aren’t buying, and enjoy your new found knowledge.

FREE Caress Evenly Gorgeous Body Wash

Request your FREE sample of Caress Evenly Gorgeous Body Wash here. I will be reviewing this product in the next week or so but it looks great! Plus go here to build a virtual you and find the most flattering new trends with the help of Carson Kressley!

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