Budgetista: How to find Summer 2012 Trends at Reasonable Prices

Hey Dolls,

So let's get down to it. Being on a budget is not a five star trip to Cabo San Lucas.  I know that all too well going into my 4th year of college at the University of Maryland-- Go Terps!

And it scares me to think that this time this year I am going to be real person, a real adult, or as my friend A says a "big girl". In between looking into big girl jobs and networking, plus figuring out how to pay for student loans, saving seems to trump indulging and buying the latest fashions. I find it hard for me not to want to buy up the whole entire mall on an outing, but there are ways to budget your money and be fashionable.

So here's my quirky side, and me coining the term budgetista. My first tip to becoming a budgetista is to put half of your paycheck in savings for emergency-- this may include fashion emergencies, but this is relatively for urgent dealings. Or if half is too much, put $50.
Next, shop at Tj Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls-- you can find awesome designer apparel here!
Outlets are good too, especially if there is no tax, one of the perks of living on the east coast in Maryland, is the closeness of a no tax state:  Delaware  and  no tax on clothing state: Pennsylvania.


I just recently went on an outing with my sister Baby J, to the Gettysburg Outlets, and the local Marshalls here locally in Maryland. I found many reasonable prices for the seasons hottest looks. Here's what I found:

Blouse by Double Zero

I have my sister to thank for finding this gem at Marshalls. She had remembered me mentioning how peter pan collars were making a major comeback into the fashion scene, and when she saw this on the racks she presented to me, and I instantly fell in love. Not only does this blouse have a peter pan collar but incorporates to other hot trends: sheer and hi-low. Triple threat? I think so. What makes the blouse the total package is the price. This emerald eye-catcher was only $12.99.

Shorts by 1st Kiss

Another awesome find were these ethnic patterned shorts. I loved the Native American/ Aztec type print, and thought it was a perfect design for the summer. I was so dismayed when I couldn't find them in my size, but what can you do? These shorts were marked as $14.99.

G by Guess Sandals

These sandals are the ultimate summer sandals if you want a little pop of neon or color, and want to be subtle. The extreme of a bright color paired with a muted neutral is a classic example of opposites attracting and living in perfect harmony. Buy yourself some fun for your feet for only $24.99.

Anne Klein Bag

So I have been obsessing over Anne Klein accessories for a while now, from riding boots to bags-- so when I found this bag just hanging out in the purse aisle, I thought it was so cute. Playing off the whole color blocking trend, or  as I like to call it "Piet Mondrian, walking art", this bag is super chic with its use of neutral colors and cute lion cut out. Get a twenty dollar cut in price by purchasing this bag at $39.99.

Bracelet by With Love From California

If you want to be rocker chic and incorporate studs into your outfit without breaking the bank look into these cute bracelets from With Love From California. I thought they were perfect-- one, because I love friendship bracelets, and two, who doesn't love chunky chain jewelry. I found these bracelets at a Pac Sun Outlet Store in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania for $8.99.

Bracelet by With Love From California

So get out there ladies and shop, save and most importantly look fabulous being a budgetista.

Love, J'Adore, Amore,

Gabriela Mercedes

Rain, Mist, Drizzle .::. No Rain Check Needed

Nice to see you, to see you nice,

So Autumn is officially here, and the seasons seemed like they have changed just like that!

SO... can I just say an official goodbye to long warm days and nights? With an open welcome to sweater weather--meaning that we need to break out our scarves, peacoats and other fall essentials!

Oh and it is the season of warm Starbucks again! I have gone everyday almost, I am turning into Marc Minsker :) I can't get enough of those pumpkin spice lattes!

The one thing I can't stand on the other hand is this dreary rain that has been hitting the DMV for the past 2 weeks. It has turned from gross humid rain, to cold misty drizzle. I personally prefer the latter.

But in any case, it always feels impossible to dress cute in the rain. This in fact is not impossible.

If Debbie Reynolds can pull off looking

beautiful while being down poured on, on a soundstage in Hollywood, back in 1952 in Singing in the Rain, it should be easy enough for us 58 years later. So don't put off fashion on a rain check, look cute in precipitation.

This should be your perfect rainy day outfit, which incorporates most of this fall's essentials!

Trench Coat

Oh so classy and mysterious. No need to go all out and get a long trench coat, but get one that falls to your thighs, or to your hips! Buy one in one of fall's favorite colors, you can refer to my post on Paris Fashion Week if you don't know what those colors are! You can be daring and go for a deep red or classic with neutrals, either way you will look super sophisticated. Try this one on for size, the Coffee Shop Belted Twill Long Rain Coat, it comes in a variety of colors at Target and it goes for $34.98. It has perfect in between length, so it will get the job done when you are dealing with the elements.

Scarf

Throw a fun scarf around your neck, not only does it keep your neck warm in the cold rain and wind, but it just plays up your outfit even more-- like an extra effort on such a dreary day.

Jeggings

Resist the urge to grab those sweatpants, I know you want to be comfy, but if you want to look like a million in the rain, without actually putting any effort get yourself in some jeggings. Jeggings are uber soft and comfy, and are effortless just like sweats-- but they give the illusion of effort, and look so much better!

Sperry's, Rain Boots, Boots

All three are acceptable. I love Sperry's--It comes from the inevitable Catholic School upbringing for 13 years--, I lived in them in High School, and white water raft in them, they are just so comfortable and they keep your feet dry! Rain Boots are the epitomy of rainy days, and just give off the fun vibe of "I don't care, I'll walk through this puddle...I'll even jump in it". And wearing your standard leather boots always adds a touch of class.

These elements together will make you really stand out on campus, while everyone else looks like they just rolled out of bed.

I will surely post soon about how to deal with the cold now at night when you find yourself going out.

Anyways Cheers guys and gals!

Stay fashionable slash dry!

Love, J'Adore, Amor,

Gabriela Mercedes

Turn Heads, Back to College 2010

Hola my fashionistas, miss me?

I just got back from Baja, and was afraid that they wouldn’t let me back in the US after practically working at the main pool in the community where our house is in Cabo. I now look like a Mexican girl, which is fine with me. Shout outs to Miguel and Israel my water aerobics instructors and to the Cabo 2010 Crew :)

Now, as the summer is winding down, it is that time again. Back to School, well now really BACK TO COLLEGE! Being a second year student at the University of Maryland, I kind of have an idea of how things work-- well sort of. But the one thing I know is fashion, and what to bring so you can turn heads once you get back on campus.What are the campus basics this fall /what are some major staples that should be in your closet? Here they are as follows!

STAPLES AND BASICS~ so worth the splurge and the investment.

 

Jeggings

 Are they jeans or are they leggings? Let's just says if jeans and leggings had a love child this would be it. They are the most comfortable things to wear if you still want to look cute and classy! It is like putting zero effort into your day but you look like you went above and beyond-- this is only true if you buy good quality jeggings. I would not recommend these if they look like actual leggings, they must look like jeans up close and from a far, but must feel soft and stretchy to the touch, and when on. I actually traveled in jeggings for my flight to Baja two weeks ago, and they were perfect-- sweatpant feel, but have the jean look. Plus kept me warm becuase they keep jets like the arctic. Why? I don't know. But in all realities jeggings are perfect for everyday use like going to class, or if you don't feel like wearing legit jeans after a night out but still want to look good. If you are looking for a good quality pair try Hollister Co.'s Jeggings in the Rinse color, I personally own these and they are amazing! They go for 29.89 now, original price was 39.50! Get them before they are gone!

Leather Tote

This tote doesn't have to be legitimately real leather, but can just look like it! So ditch your other woven totes and your boring backpacks, and add some class to your going to class look. Do your books a favor and give them a glamorous home. It really brings up your whole look up a notch. For this item, you may have to invest a bit of money because decent bags like these go for about48 dollars and up, or if you find some on sale about 29.90. But this investment is totally worth it because once you get one for one season you can always swap it out for another that you have before and use that one to match your outfit. My recommendation would to be to look at Marshall's, TJ MAx or Ross if you want to go the more Recessionista route. If not try Aldo, or Urban Outfitters. I just bought this tote for this fall, the BDG Tassel Bag. This bag goes for 58.00, but it is totally worth it! I love the tassels and all the pockets-- absolutely perf for all those gadgets and writing utensils.

Blazers

 Okay CC this is for you. Blazers are fun and are reminiscent

of prep school days. I went to a prep high school, so

blazers and I know each other quite well, even though I never wore

mine, sorry Mr. Rand...Anyways the blazers we were forced to wear were nothing compared to the ones on the market now. These are cute and wearable, and actually fit the human female body. The way you should wear a blazer is to make a casual outfit look tailored, or make a flashy dress more casual and more relaxed. American Eagle's AE Classic Blazer goes for 59.50. another investment but it is timeless,and can be used year after year.

High Waisted Shorts
Wear high waisted shorts going to class, or dress them up while going out--while it is still warm out! High waisted shorts are versatile, and look super cute on. They have a leg up on regular rise shorts because they give a casual look a dash of flair. Silence and Noise's Tailored Pleated Short, which can be found at Urban Outfitters, goes for 54.00. Urban Outfitters is primo searching space if you are looking for high waisted shorts, they also have awesome sales on these shorts.

Scarf
A basic light-weight scarf is perfect for those warm days that turn into chillier nights and mornings as autumn comes into full swing. It is like a little face lift for your outfit :) Try this scarf from American Eagle

called the AE Checkered Square Scarf, it is 19.50. Again for Reccesionista fashions, this can be found at Marshall's or Ross, for even cheaper! And for the fashionistas at UMD, the Smith School sells silk scarves at their store for 5 dollars! I

bought mine at relay for life!

Oxfords
Not the shirts, the shoes! These little guys will make your look distinguished. It is a great alternate to a ballet flats or moccasins-- they have laces! Which means they are perfect for walking to class or for random hang out sessions with friends on campus!

Best part is that there are so many to choose from, some are updated versions such as the Chelsea Crew Cut Out Oxford that goes for 58.00 at UO. (right) Or go for a more classic looking oxford like the Kimichi Blue Tear Drop Oxford, for 48.00. (left) These can be found online at urbanoutfitters.com .

Wear these with jeggings, a lightweight scarf, and shades and you will look grade A. Perfect for Noe Valley in San Francisco, where I spent much of my youth :)

Little Black Dress
Give your LBD an update with cutouts and embellishments! LBDs are perfect for going out and of course theme parties such as a little black dress party! Try BCBGeneration's Cutout- Strap Dress for 138.00.

White Dress
If you are rushing you will need a white dress if you decide to be initiated into a sorority! Or if you aren't into going GREEK, white dresses are perfect for anytime of the year if you are looking to dress up. FCUK's Cilla Dress is 83.99 and is adorable and chic!

SEE YOU GUYS BACK ON CAMPUS :)

and go out buy these staples, you'll surely have heads turning your way!

enjoy what's left of the summer <3

Love, J'Adore, Amor,

Gabriela Mercedes

POST SCRIPT: vote on the poll!

The Sea, The Sun, The Sky: Beach Getaway

Hola my sunny fashionistas!

Summer is in full gear, and I apologize for not updating soon

enough; it has been like at least 20 days! Summer has just been in all systems go pretty much, I basically just got back from two river trips--I love white water rafting-- combined into one! And now I am about to be away again in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico!

Which brings me to the perfect idea of writing about how to wow people, whether it be at the beach, pool or touring around on your great escape to the beach! On that note, it will help you and myself included to know what to bring on such a trip for day to day events! I haven't even began packing--actually currently doing laundry as I type...oh boy... story of my life. Whatever happens, it will still be amazing.

Anyways! Since this is a beach trip, you will definitely be either pool side, boogie boarding it up at the beach, or for the less faint of heart, tanning-- remember SPF is your BFF at the beach or at the pool. SPF=BFF : )

When your at the beach you should definitely not wear a "fru fru suit", you want to be able to move around as much as possible just in case you get an invite to throw football around by some cuties or play frisbee, or go body surf, I know I will definitely be hitting the waves! This is just for your comfort, and so everything stays in place. Try a look at me athletic bathing suit in one of summer's biggest trends, neon! It will make you easier to spot! If you are not into sport like activities bring you favorite book, your Ipod, glamorous shades, and if you are daring enough, go out like J.Lo. with a wide brimmed hat. Also buy a super cute dress cover up for going to and from the beach. Good places to look for beach cover ups are at Victoria's Secret, but if those are too expensive and jersey dress from Hollister Co.'s clearance room will suffice.

When you are poolside is quite similar except you can wear whatever type bathing suit your heart desires. I love girly swimwear with embellishments, my favorite suit has appliqué flowers along the collar line. A little shimmer or sequins never hurt anyone, but don't get carried away. If you aren't flashy go for a chic, sleek all white swim suit, which incorporates another one of summer twenty ten's top trends. Bring the same things to the pool, as you would to the beach. However nix the wide brimmed hat here, you want to look approachable at the pool, plus there should be plenty of palm trees, cabanas and umbrellas to sit under, which the beach is lacking.

While you are being a tourist your comfort and safety level should be at optimal levels. Make sure yo invest in some really cute, yet comfortable sandals. Protect yourself from the sun's rays with not only your bff, aka spf, but with a wide brimmed hat, just like at the beach, and it is an upgrade from the baseball cap, unless you are a dude. But if wide brimmed hats are too much try a funky fedora, and yes guys can wear them to. AS for clothing make sure to just not wear jeans, leggings, or long sleeves--clingy clothing in the heat is a no go. You will just make it unbearably hot yourself, and others who have to look at you. So do yourself a favor and throw on a breezy dress or skirt that is belted to add a boho look to it. Besides the belt accesorize with either earrings or a necklace. Bracelets are welcome with either of these. Don't go to showy with the jewelery, it puts a target on you. Other than that carry other goods with you in a small satchel. Don't forget your shades :)

A night on the town means salsa-ing the night away, at least for me! But whatever a night out means for you, you want to do it in style. It is just like going out back home except you have an ocean paradise as your back drop. So pack your heels, a high waisted skirt, a flirty top, or a jaw dropping dress. It all depends on what you can fit in your suitcase, or in my case, a carry on--yikes, I don't know how I am going to manage puling that off!

Well that is all for me right now considering I need to finish the laundry. Update when I get back from Cabo! I am going to have to do a back to college special for all my college loves at UMD and everywhere else. Oh and the poll is still up and running, go vote por favor!

Love, J'Adore, Amor,

Gabriela Mercedes

Oh say can YOU see what's in?

Hello my darling fashionistas!

Sorry I have been MIA for a while but hopefully this next blog won't disappoint! I have been working hard at work and just taking the first half the summer easy, but now it is all systems go! But how have your fashion endeavors been treating you? I know for me I have been expanding my mutual closet with my two besties from college. And along the way of course I have been thinking of topics to discuss for the upcoming semester!

What I have been noticing so far for our summer staples: 

Bandeau Tops
 They are everywhere--But I am okay with it because I love love love them! Whether it is for swim wear or to put under one of your low cut tanks, you will surely find these at all the hottest stores. This particular one you can get on sale at Hollister Co. for 3.45, it was 15.50! great buy! Recessionista style wahoo! 





Neon Colors 
Add some pop! to your life. great for swim wear, undergarments to make yourself irresistible, and tops! Just make sure you are keeping the neons to a minimum it is it okay to have a few neons together on one garment, but your whole outfit will be a 80s slash 90s horror show if you go over the top! So when wearing neons make sure to wear a neutral bottom with a neon top or vice versa! I just found this suit from Vivi Secret! I am so buying it NOW! 10.00 for both pieces! STEAL!

Tribal Prints 

 How fitting! With the World Cup in Africa, what a way to represent! Plus Catherine Malandrino is also favoring this look too, just look at her campaigns! Wearing this you will look exotic and diverse, which will give you the "where has this girl been?" vibe--oh the mystery! This another one those styles that you must balance out-- if you don't it could quite a bit chaotic! Forever 21 does this shirt perfectly at just 12.90 too! 

 Florals 

As seen on the catwalks of Marc Jacobs for his Resort 10 collection for Marc by Marc Jacobs. Florals have seem to invaded the fashion scene for the past couple seasons for springtime wear and summer. It is sexy and feminine and at least for me calls me back to simpler times of the 20s and 30s, especially if the florals are printed on light wispy fabrics! But Marc Jacobs goes for a more bold approach which is perfect update for an old favorite!

 

 

 

 

 

 

White, Ivory, Off-White,Light Grey, Cream 

These colors--or are they colors at all?-- Are perfect for the summer! Go crazy polishing up your look by incorporating these colors into your wardrobe! Yves Saint Laurent's runway for Spring-Summer 2010 was filled with crisp whites. Emulate this by going for sheer, wispy, lacy, flouncy, or woven fabrics. Or stick to linens and silk, you can't possibly go wrong! This top by one of my fave brands Silence and Noise, and is fun because it has zipper in the front ( once of my current obsessions--exposed zippers!), you can find it for 38 dollars at Urban Outfitters! I'd say its worth it! Best thing is you can experiment with this shirt--wear untucked for a more relaxed feel or tuck it in with a high waisted skirt that hugs your curves, the results can be impressive!
 

Exposed Backs, Cutouts 

Get a breath a fresh air! This cami is flouncy and airy--and it shows some skin which is what the summer is all about! This top is so versatile you can dress it down with shorts, or up by tucking it into some cute tap shorts and heels! This tops goes for 54 dollars at UO, and it is by Silence and Noise, (I am telling you by the end of the summer my whole closet is going to be Silence and Noise! I can't get enough!).
 

 

 

 

Ruffles 

From Marc Jacobs to Forever 21 and UO this look has also been seen everywhere! Which is perfect for us fashionistas! It is so girly and fun! Find ruffles made out of lace, sheer fabrics or in prints! My personal favorite ruffle shirt is from Urban Outfitters, and... you guessed it is by by Silence and Noise!

These are my personal picks for summer 2010 and for all possible adventures that lie ahead!

What not to do: wear a bikini top under your top, if you are no where near a swimming pool or an ocean or some type of body of water! I understand if you just got done swimming or whatever, but don't sport this around the mall or going out to eat! I recently started working in retail at the mall and I constantly see this-- it is horribly tacky! DON'T DO IT! resist por favor!

All in all, enjoy your 4th of JULY! I can't believe its that time again already! And remember on the fourth to show off your new fashion finds, there are a lot of photo opts ;) Oh and please try incorporate some of the summer trends stated above, you will be the envy of your barbeque!

Love, J'Adore, Amor,

Gabriela Mercedes

Go Back. Go Out. Your Weekend Getaway Bag

FELIZ ALMOST SUMMER ( you know the summer solstice has not happened yet ;D ) my lovely fashion dolls!

This past weekend I went back to my old stomping grounds in College Park. Of course I had TONS of goals for the weekend, and semi accomplished them all. But of course in serious fashionista style. But I came to the dilemma what do I bring overnight--when there are so many different possibilities of things that can go down? Well I am going to break down the perfect weekend overnight bag, which covers different possibilities and events that could go down. With certain pieces that can be mixed and matched. Of course you need the general basics, such as toiletries, but I am not going into this.... This is going to help you create different outfits for different situations, that help you save space in your overnight bag and your time!

I had so many options this weekend on things that I could possibly do: Go out to dance, Go to a house party, Stay in and have a good time, or Go over to a friends place. Each of these events are fun, but still have different dress standards. And my weekend bag is not--unfortunately-- a bottomless pit. So I went through my closet, drawers and bags that I still have yet to unpack from coming home from college to find the perfect articles of clothing that could be mixed and matched, and that will save your weekender bag some space!

My Check List Was a Definite:

1. Small Bandolino Wedges
2. Nine West Black High Heel Platform Sandals
3. BDG High Waisted Grey Skirt from Urban Outfitters
4. A Green Camisole from Hollister Co.
5. Silence and Noise Embellished Delicate Sheer Black Tank from Urban Outfitters
6. Two Pairs of undergarments- thong and a boyshort
7. Cute pair of Shorts from American Eagle
8. Boxers to sleep in
9. Flip Flops!

I ended going out dancing so I ended wearing my black Nine West heels, BDG grey skirt, a green camisole, and my sheer black embellished shirt tucked into the skirt.

Your Check List:

1. Wedges
2. Heels that are of a Neutral Color
3. High Waisted Skirt
4. Tank or Camisole
5. A Cute Embellished Top made for going out
6. Two Pairs of undergarments- thong and a boyshort
7. Cute Shorts
8. Boxers to sleep in
9. Sandals or a pair of Flip Flops

Going Out to Dance Outfit: (2,3,4,5) You definitely need heels to go out to dance, a great skirt, a camisole or tank to go under your going out top, and of course a cute get me attention top!

House Party Outfit: (1, 3 or 7, 5) Wedges are perfect for house parties, they aren't as dressed up as heels, but just casual enough to get the job done. But if anything that elevates your feet is not you piece of pie, go for sandals or flip flops. Also depending on the house party you can wear short or the skirt! But still please still wear your going out top, it shows that you want to look good!

Stay in Outfit: (4, 7, for later 8, 9) Be comfy wear your cami and your shorts then later change into a cute pair of boxers, depending on your taste wear your flip flops or sandals, or even just go bare foot!

Friends Place Outfit:( 7, 1 or 9, 4) Depending on the amount the people going to be there you could go slightly dressy with wedges or go casual with fun sandals. Shorts with either or camisole or a tank are perfect for this situations.

Try these pointers next time you go back and plan to go out! You will seriously be glad you did! I know they worked for me!

Love, J'Adore, Amor,

Gabriela Mercedes

MI VIDA- who I am

Hey there my fellow fashionistas!

My name is is Gabriela Mercedes-- Gabby for short.

I am from San Mateo, California and just wrapped up my freshman year at the University of Maryland, College Park.

I am a Communications major and a Spanish minor.

This blog is mainly aimed at college aged people who are in love with fashion like me, or need help with it. Either way I am here for you.Here for when you need fashion advice for that hot date, that steamy trip to Cabo you have been dying to go on, or just plain going out doing day to day things! I know when I feel I look good, it really boosts my confidence which really ups my social life. I love going out and showing off a new outfit : ) My social life is what really started my love for fashion and vice versa. Without a good fashion sense, your social life is...well...could be better.

Posts will mainly range from tips, to scenarios that go on in daily life, and will spotlight people who have done marvelous things in fashion world!

Stay Classy!

Love, J'adore, Amor,

Gabriela Mercedes