Urban Cowgirl

Mmmm sweaters, how I love thee. Now that the weather has gotten a bit cooler, it's time to break out the outerwear. All those sweaters I used from Old Navy last week are on sale for $20 right now. Score!
I tried to use these boots with a dress today, but my fashion skills are seriously limited. Someone, please send me a link to an affordable dress that I can pair with some boots. I keep trying and failing. Part of the failure is my fashionista husband, who absolutely HATES skirts with boots. He's thinks that I look ridiculous in any boot/dress combo. He's been known to tell complete strangers that they shouldn't wear Uggs with skirts (beer consumption may have been involved...)
So please help, send me a dress or some boots that work together!

The scoop:
Imagine Jewel Ring, Forever 21
Doily Earrings, Forever 21
Denim Trouser, Target
Scarf, Modcloth
Tank, Target
Belted Cardigan, Forever 21
Boots, Walmart
Hobo Bag, Payless

I Love Spectator Heels!

I seriously wish I had a reason to dress up, because I'm in love with spectator shoes. These are from a new store here at TOTC (I just gave myself an acronym)....KMart! KMart has clearance shoes for as low as $3.50. And I just learned how to copy their images to photoshop (my photoshop skillz are limited) so hopefully I'll find some other great deals to use in the future.
What do you guys think? Any requests? Need an outfit and have a budget in mind? Shoot me a comment and let me know!

The Goods:

Leather Clasp Purse, TopShop

Spectator Heels, KMart

Stud Earring Set (3), Kohls

Florence Necklace, Jigsaw

Red Flower Brooch, Etsy

Plaid Corset Top, Charlotte Russe

Pencil Skirt, Charlotte Russe

Ruched Blazer, Forever 21

Office Safari

So I have a major frugalista fail to admit to. I've been wondering where some of the things I love on Charlotte Russe disappear to. I'll find something I want to use in an outfit, and *poof* it's gone the next time I look. Hello! I've never clicked on the sale section of the website. There are all the clothes I've been looking for, and even better, they're on sale! Today it's the zebra shirt and white linen trousers...score!
And yes, I've used this purse before (for Judy's outfit). Yet like a true frugalista (seriously digging that word!) I used it again. Can't afford a new purse for every outfit!

The scoop:

Denim Jacket, Forever 21

Zebra Ruffle Blouse, Charlotte Russe

Belted Skinny Trousers, Charlotte Russe

Mirrored Bangle, Forever 21

Earrings, Forever 21

Satchel, Target

Platform Pumps, Target

Law School Chic

My good friend Jenni is in her third year of law school, and I think of her every time I run across these Law School Heels on Modcloth. So today's outfit is a casual Friday look to wear to class.

And thanks to my mom for pointing out that I was spending way too much fake internet blog money on pearl earrings. She's the queen of cheap Ebay jewelry and great deals in general. Just yesterday she got a pair of Lucky jeans at a thrift shop for $11...go mama go! Thanks for teaching me to be frugal, and more importantly, how to have fun!

The goods:

Belted Boucle Jacket, Charlotte Russe

Floral Satin Blouse, Charlotte Russe

The Diva Bootcut Jeans, Old Navy

Law School Heels, Modcloth

Pearl Earrings, Ebay

Satchel, Windsor

Pulsar Watch, Overstock

Travelin' Woman

Nikki, a dedicated blog reader (and awesome farm wife!) said, "how about a travel outfit. Looking good and able to stretch my legs on the plane....and shoes that are easy on, easy off for the Airport Security?"

Hopefully this fits the bill! Many, many plane trips between California and Texas to visit Mr. Cheap before he became my husband taught me a thing or two about air travel. Layering is essential. (The weather was always much different in humid Austin than in the Denver airport, and certainly warmer than my starting point on the California coast.) Jeans are the way to go...they don't wrinkle, so you can look polished when you get off the plane. (On my first trip to visit Mr. Cheap, a bonified super model got off the plane right before me. I had spent weeks picking out the perfect outfit, only to be upstaged by a 6 foot blond. Lucky for me, Mr. Cheap didn't make it to the terminal in time to greet me, missing his chance at super model love).

Speaking of super models, how chic will you be wearing this outfit? Just add a cute carryon and you're off on your adventure!

The goods:

Belfast Passport Holder, Etsy

Bootcut Jeans, Walmart

Suede Flats, Target

Carryon Bag, Target

Belted Sweater Coat, Old Navy

Fab Solid Knit Cami, Forever 21

Earrings, Forever 21

Purple Overkill

Looking back through my old posts I realized that I use lots of pink, brown, and black & white, but I rarely feature anything purple. Probably has a lot to do with the fact that I hardly ever wear purple. My closet is full of, you guessed it, black, white, brown and pink. I really should branch out a bit.
So today....purple overkill for under $100! Too much purple? You tell me!

The goods:
Divine Satin Dress, Forever 21
Satin Shirred Clutch, Target
Koture Ruffle Peep Toes, Payless
Jeweled Flex Bracelet, Kohls
Chandelier Earrings, Kohls

Art Walk

There's an art walk the second Saturday of every month in downtown Sacramento, to which I'd love to wear a hip outfit like the one today. (Pushing the stroller, of course!) I love this orange cardigan from Old Navy. I'm a big fan or orange, especially paired with turquoise. I challenged myself to find some other colors to add to the mix.
And you may be suprised to find a new store in the mix today...those moccasins are from none other than Nordstrom. Who knew Tracy could afford Nordies?

The scoop:
Belted Shawl Cardigan, Old Navy
Perfect Khakis, Old Navy
Button Front Drop Waist Top, Old Navy
Sterling Silver Turquoise Earrings, Overstock
Moccasins, Nordstrom
Maple Wood Pendant, Etsy
Green Hobo Bag, Target
Jingle Bangle Set, Forever 21

Classy Chick

**Disclaimer** I've never actually seen an episode of Gossip Girl. It must be on at the same time as some other other show I watch. And since I'm cheap, I don't have a DVR or TIVO or anything fancy to record a show while I watch another. Heck, we don't even have cable! (Although if we won the lottery that's one of the first things that would change). Back to the topic at hand...even though I've never seen an episode of the show, I've got the feeling that those trampy girls (are they trampy? they look it...) would probably wear something like this. Not that this is a trampy outfit, but those cage heels give it a certain edge. Classy!

The goods:

Boucle Jacket, Charlotte Russe

Oversize Braided Hobo, Charlotte Russe

Houndstooth Headband, Forever 21

Sweetheart Jeans, Old Navy

Zipper Cage Platforms, Charlotte Russe

Sunglasses, Old Navy

Faux Pearl Mound Earrings, Forever 21

Summer Bow Tank, Forever 21

High School Reunion

I'm coming up on my 10 year high school reunion. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this, considering I was a huge nerd in high school. The good news is I can't possibly be any nerdier now than I was back then! (I'm just waiting for my husband to comment on that one.) Regardless of the nerd factor, it should be a lot of fun, and an opportunity to make new friends (I'm outrageously positive today!)
Or, it could suck and feel like angsty high school all over again. Blarg.
But I'm betting it won't suck, especially if I find a really great dress. If I had the guts, I'd wear something really outrageous, like this bright pink number. It's certainly not nerdy!

The scoop:
Pleated Satin Dress, Charlotte Russe
Disco Ball Earrings, Forever 21
Faux Gem Expandable Bracelet, Forever 21
Black Satin Pumps, Target
Twill Pashmina, Kohls
Black Satin Bag, Windsor

Swap meet anyone?

For some reason, this outfit makes me want to visit a flea market. A flea market with lots of vintage finds and deals on antiques. And corn dogs!
I love this vintage typewriter key necklace from Etsy. There's a huge assortment of them...you can pretty much find any letter, number or key that you'd like. I'm thinking of buying one.
On a totally different note, I'm awfully proud of myself, shopping wise...I've only bought one thing I've featured in a blog post. All that online shopping, and I've only given in once! Can you guess what it was?

The goods:
Artisan Coat, Boden
Paris Hilton Women's Watch, Overstock
Ballet Flats, Target
Totebag, Etsy
Shift Key Necklace, Etsy
Pearl Rose Earring Set, Forever 21
Diva Skinny Jeans, Old Navy

Day to Night: The Sequel

I love this gray skirt from Charlotte Russe, so I decided to use it twice today. There's actually quite a few things I'd buy from Charlotte if I had any place to wear them. ("Day to night" duds for a stay at home mom are yoga capris that double as both pants and pajamas!)
Also, I think brooches are awesome. I'm going to start using them more often, and scoping out Ebay for some good deals. If anything, this blog has made me a more adventurous dresser (that is, when I'm not wearing yoga pants).

The scoop:

Floral Herringbone Skirt, Charlotte Russe

Pink Star Brooch, Pugstar

Belted Jacket, Charlotte Russe

Pinstripe Blouse, Charlotte Russe

Satin Corset, Charlotte Russe

Sequin Round Earrings, Forever 21

Platform Pumps, Target

Peep Toe Pumps, Target

Got an interview?

I've been a bad blogger lately. No post since Thursday? Geez!
Forever and a day ago I promised Jen an interview outfit. I've learned, through trial and error, that's it's best to keep it simple with interview wear. (I'm not saying the chunky bright blue necklace I wore to an unsuccessful job interview was the reason I didn't get the job, but I'm sure it didn't help).
Black skirt, blue shirt, and pearls are a sure fire success. I added a lap top bag to carry your portfolio and resume (and add a little personal flare!)

The scoop:
Dandelion Petals Laptop Case, Etsy
Pumps, Charlotte Russe
Tweed Vest, Charlotte Russe
Pencil Skirt, Charlotte Russe
Classic Button Shirt, Old Navy
Cultured Freshwater Pearl Necklace, Overstock
Pearl Earrings, Overstock

Bring on Winter!

It's 100 freakin' degrees today and I've got a cold. All I want to do is curl up with a hot cup of tea and a blanket. Instead, I'm blasting the AC and drinking ice water. And being cranky.
In my current state, I'm longing for the day when I'll bundle up in a wool coat and great the crisp fall air. Thus the inspiration for today's outfit. Coats, tall boots, jeans, and scarves all hold the promise of cooler weather and a new season. Yay for fall! Hurry up!

The scoop:
Belted Newsboy Cap, NY & Co.
Wonderland Plaid Scarf, Forever 21
Tall Boots, Target
Satchel, Kohls
Quilted Double Breated Jacket, Charlotte Russe
Leather Hoop Earrings, Charlotte Russe
Patch Pocket Jeans, Old Navy

Itty Bitty

One year ago today, my husband and I learned we were going to be parents. Now, our little baby is four months old. Time flies! She is the sweetest itty bitty little girl.
The thing they don't tell you about having a baby is how expensive it's going to be...especially the clothes! I could have easily spent a fortune on baby clothes...they're so cute and little and, in my case, PINK! Instead, I went to a half price sale at Goodwill. (Yes, they have half price sales!)
I spent just $50 on an entire cart full of clothes, many with the tags still attached. Baby Gap, Gymboree, Osh Kosh, that boutique-y place in the mall...you name it, I got it at Goodwill. A little Dreft and it's good as new. I'm glad I didn't pay full price because there are numerous things my little one has worn once, only to outgrow almost immediately.
But if Goodwill is just a little too sketchy, Old Navy has some deals that are almost as good. Try to hit up a half off of already marked down merchandise sale.

For the little one: (All from Old Navy except the mittens)
Cable Knit Sweater Dress
Striped Triple Roll Socks
Cable Knit Hat
Ruffle Trim Cord Jacket
Baby Girl Jeans
Contrast Trim Shoes
Mittens, Ebay