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

Fierce of July

Hello my Fierce Fashionistas,

Its almost the Fourth of July! Its a season of barbecues, late night parties, lazy days at the pool, and dancing the night away. Once the holiday hits, summer will officially be in full swing.

But how does one go about dressing for the fourth and make it the Fierce of July? Easy. Just look at the star spangled banner.

Fourth fashions circulate around:

GUESS Earrings, Glass Star Stud Earrings

Stars
Stars are pretty generic in a sense, but are ever important in celebrating Independence Day. On our flag they represent every state in our nation, and California and Maryland, my two personal favorite states both have their very own, along with the other 48. Incorporate stars into your outfit by finding fun jewelry in the star shape. These Guess? earrings at the right go for $25 at Macy's.



Stripes 

Sequin Stripe Tank by Loft

There are thirteen of them on our flag representing our original colonies, which California was not apart of, but alas we were a part of Spain, then Mexico then finally incorporated into the Union. North or South? Nope pure Californio. Anyway, stripes will forever be one of my favorite trends, and this just gives me another excuse to wear them. Stripes although known for being nautical, play perfectly into any fashionista's plans whether it is spent on the cape on a yacht, or at a family barbecue out west. A fun sparkling tank from the Ann Taylor Loft will definitely satisfy this trend at $44.50.

Red, White & Blue

Boyfriend roll-up shorts by the Gap

This color combo is the absolute epitomy of the Fourth of July. Use this color trio to your advantage. Color blocking, as it has been for several of the past seasons, has been very in and on trend. By color blocking reds, whites and blues you shall look like a walking Piet Modrian painting which shall be so chic. Try solid colorful shirts, skirts or shorts. These shorts run for $39.95 at the Gap and come in an array of colors and blue if red shorts aren't your cup of tea.

Also don't forget....
sparkles, lots of sparkles-- which emulates our firework filled skies!

So break out your Americana gear: cowboy hats and boots, old jean jackets, and your stars and stripes to make your fourth fierce. I know have my fedora ready.

Love, J'Adore, Amor,
Gabriela Mercedes