Thrifty Thursday ~ Friday Edition: Kate (from The Small Things Blog) and her boots!

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Have you met Kate? I’m sure you have. She’s a hairstylist, crafter, blogger, makeup artist, stylist, cat enthusiast, sister, philosopher, and wife all rolled into one. Oh, and I’ll add friend to this list. I am proud to say that I was Kate’s first friend when she moved to NC. And I am singlehandedly responsible for introducing her to her husband, Justin. Okay, that’s not quite the story, but I like to pretend it is. 🙂 Anyway, Kate is the girl behind The Small Things Blog, and has blown up Pinterest with her adorable, easy DIY hair tutorials. She’s also a sweet friend who inspires me with her love for Christ…not to mention a pale blonde who rocks a bold lip. 😉 When I get together with Kate and her just-as-cute-and-blonde sister, Lauren (From My Grey Desk), and Lauren’s just-as-cute-and-brunette friend (and my new friend) Sam, expect nothing short of chaos. Exhibits A, B, C, D, and E:

Anyway, I was inspired by Kate’s #H54F post to include an addendum to yesterday’s Thrifty Thursday post, You want Fryes with that? So this is Thrifty Thursday ~ Friday Edition, just for Kate!

Kate mentioned that she fell hard for these Emmy Wedge Boots from Ann Taylor Loft. The only problem? They are $178, which is more than Kate wants to spend. Never fear. Dorothy and Thrifty Thursday are here. Since yesterday’s post was about alternatives to the Frye boot, I made it my mission to also find alternatives to the Emmy Wedge Boot from LOFT. The boot that Kate covets are leather knee-high with a wedge heel. They are detailed with a unique suede side stripe that provides interest and helps lengthen the leg. The wedge is a 3″ stacked wooden heel. The basic silhouette of the slim profile wedge boot is very popular and many online shoe retailers have the option of searching for the specific heel, height, color, and material.

Here are 15 thrifty alternatives I found:

Okay Kate, let me know what you think! 🙂

Thrifty Thursday: You want Fryes with that?

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Frye boots. They’ve been around since 1863, celebrities wear them, and they’re pricey. Did you know that Frye is the oldest continuously operating footwear brand in America? They are also one of the few shoe companies who still continue to make products here in America. Their boots were worn by pioneers and cowboys in the late 1800s, American soldiers at war, and recently “as part of the celebration of life and music” (The Frye Company, 2012). Even Teddy Roosevelt wore them. (Just an FYI, Frye does make a number of products in America, but also makes products overseas as well.) To find out more about the history of The Frye Company, visit their company website.

So who’s wearing Frye boots? Everyone.

Anne Hathaway and Miley Cyrus are wearing the Engineer 12R ($238) (pictured at bottom in Charcoal), Julianne Hough wore the Taylor Pull On ($378) in the Footloose remake (pictured at bottom in Burnt Red), Leighton Meester wore the Dorado Riding ($458) in Gossip Girl (pictured at bottom in Black), Ashley Tisdale and Vanessa Minnillo are wearing the Veronica Slouch ($468) (pictured at bottom in Black/Gold).

Julianne Hough gushed about wearing her boots during the filming of Footloose: “They were so comfortable…way better than ballroom shoes.” Wouldn’t be nice if we could all afford a pair of $400+ leather boots? For this week’s Thrifty Thursday, I have made it my mission to help you get the look…for less. This was actually inspired by a Facebook wall convo I saw between my friends Rebecca and Brooke, and a pair of boots I saw at Old Navy for way cheap!

 

 

Let’s start with the Engineer 12R ($238). They have a sloping, split collar and broad front strap, paying tribute to the “labors of generations past” (The Frye Company, 2012). Note the pair of forged buckles. These are basically very similar to a motorcycle boot or other working boot. Check out these four thrifty alternatives:

Large photo on left: Frye Engineer 12R ($238); small photos from top to bottom: ZiGiny Women’s Tricky Boot ($129.95), Chinese Laundry Women’s Riding Hood Ankle Boot ($69.95), Bandolino Women’s Tuvo Bootie ($89), AK Anne Klein Women’s Laski Bootie ($79.98).

 

 

The Taylor Pull On ($378) is a traditional western-inspired boot with a 12″ shaft height and a 3″ heel. It’s western-looking enough without going full-out cowboy. Look for western boots in your search.

Large photo on left: Taylor Pull On ($378); small photos from top to bottom: Stetson Women’s Aidan Knee-High Boot ($229.99), BC Footwear Women’s Bee In Your Bonnet Boot  ($99.95), Roper Women’s 1556 Western Boot ($43.29-$77.99), Kelsi Dagger Women’s Frisco Boot (139).

 

 

Now we move on to the Dorado Riding Boot ($458). This beautiful boot features equestrian styling, slim brass buckled straps, and a trim profile. Look for riding boots in your search.

Large photo on left: Dorado Riding Boot ($458); small photos from top to bottom: Very Volatile Women’s Wicker Riding Boot ($79.99), Annie Shoes Women’s Tracker Boot ($79.95), Aerosoles Ride Line Boots ($120), Ivanka Trump Women’s Apia Riding Boot ($195.75).

 

 

Last but not least, we take a look at the Veronica Slouch ($468). To me, it’s essentially a combination motorcycle/riding boot with a slightly slouchy silhouette and adjustable buckles. Look for a relaxed fit boot with buckles.

 

 

So there you have it. Frye boots. They’ve been around for a century and a half, were worn by cowboys and celebrities alike, and now you can get the look too for less.

Thrifty Thursday: Jamie Chung at Fashion Week.

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Reality TV star and actress, Jamie Chung, was spotted at the Kate Spade collection viewing at New York Fashion Week wearing none other than Kate Spade. She paired the Evan Skirt ($278), a wool mini in lacquer red, black, and marseille beige, with a simple white tank, and carried the Post Street Little Nadine ($448), a leather satchel with an envelope silhouette, in dune and black. She finished off the look with a pair of leopard print pumps. The Post Street Little Nadine is crafted of smooth leather with shiny gold hardware, reminiscent of “San Francisco’s iconic Post Street,” and the Evan Skirt gives a “nod to mod” with its fun colorblock.

Evan Skirt ($278), Post Street Little Nadine ($448) in dune and black, both by Kate Spade New York

For this week’s Thrifty Thursday, I have found some great pieces to copy this look…without spending upwards of $700! Keep it simple by wearing this Bqueen Color Block Sleeveless Dress BY218E ($49) with some Jessica Simpson Jaide 2 Pumps in leopard print. Carry your lipgloss and car keys in this camel-colored Envelope Trim Handbag (£26.00) with tote handle, available at La beau Boutique. If you prefer to go with separates, pair a simple white tank with either of the following: this Mossimo® Elastic Waist Colorblock Skirt ($19.99) in brown, shell, and red, available at Target, or this this Shari Colorblock Skirt (on sale for $70.40) in night, by Saint Grace, a favorite of Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Simpson, and Lindsay Lohan!

Clockwise starting from left: Bqueen Color Block Sleeveless Dress BY218E ($49), Envelope Trim Handbag (£26.00), Mossimo® Elastic Waist Colorblock Skirt ($19.99), Saint Grace Shari Colorblock Skirt (on sale for $70.40)

Continue the colorblock trend on another day with this warm Gap Colorblock Boatneck Sweater (on sale for $42.99) in orange and cream or this Old Navy Striped Color-Block Jersey Dress ($24.94) in brisquette.

Here is my version of Jamie’s look. I kept it simple with two colorblock dresses similar to the one by Bqueen, a large neutral canvas tote, and some leopard print peeptoes.

Here is my version of Jamie’s outfit: Velvet Torch tank dress in red, gray, and black from Nordstrom, necklace by Elisabeth Ashlie, red and black colorblock sheath from Express, Häagen-Dazs® “Coffee” tote by Kate Spade, Mossimo leopard print peeptoe wedges from Target

What do you think of Jamie’s look? Do you like the “not to mod” colorblock look?

Getgetget in line and settle down.

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I am so stoked for September 25! No Doubt will be releasing Push And Shove, their first new LP in 11 years. I keep thinking to myself, has it really been that long? What’s even scarier is thinking about how long it’s been since Tragic Kingdom, one of my favorite albums of all time. If you haven’t heard their new single, “Settle Down,” or better yet, seen the video, you are in for a treat. I think they did an excellent job of holding onto themselves. I can definitely hear a bit of  Gwen’s solo act in there, but I love that they held onto who they were.

The video put a big smile on my face. Gwen looks exactly the same as she did in 1996. I was laughing to myself thinking about how I admired her amazing physique back then, and still do to this day. I also love the little “reunion” between Gwen, Tony Kanal, Adrian Young, and Tom Dumont, as well as Stephen Bradley and Gabrial McNair. (Almost) everyone is bleach-blonde, and Adrian is wearing clothes! And while Tony is in the cab of his truck, he pulls down an orange or fruit of some kind, paying homage to “Don’t Speak.”

Gwen Stefani is probably the only person who can make a tank top and skintight pants look so good in 2012. And she does it at the age of 42 and after the birth of two kids. It literally seems like she went from the set of “Just A Girl” to “Settle Down,” no lapse in time–I’m not kidding. The Cali mall-ska wardrobe with zipper-pants, bleach-blond Mohawks, bright red lips (yes, Gwen rocked those in ’96!), Adrian’s Rastafarian kit, the big band, the reggae…just makes me wanna hop in my bug and drive to the beach…I would still break out Tragic Kingdom in college when I drove to Atlantic Beach, 9 years after the fact…it’s just that good.

Oh yeah, and Gwen did sneak in a few Harajuku Girls in case you were wondering.

Here, see for yourself…and sound off.

Thrifty Thursday: Kate Middleton’s Olympic games look.

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Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, is one of my favorite style icons. At the 2012 Summer Olympics, she was spotted pairing her SMYTHE One Button Blazer ($598) with a Stella McCartney Short-Sleeve Dress  ($885) in blue royal charmeuse and again with her J Brand skinnies ($169) and Stuart Weitzman Corkswoon wedges ($375). Who doesn’t love a Duchess who isn’t afraid to wear the same things twice? In fact, she was actually seen wearing it at least three times during the Olympic games in London, and even wore it before that during her Canada tour last year.

A  structured blazer is a classic style that has been repeated for years, and this fall is no exception. You will see schoolboy styles with gold or brass button embellishments. Look for a shrunken fit in satin, wool, or velvet with cropped sleeves or elbow patches, lapel collars, and chest welt pockets.

Dress it up like Kate did by wearing it over a simple sheath dress, or keep it preppy and casual by wearing it with skinny jeans and matching espadrilles. Kate did the latter look twice: nautical with a navy striped shell, and preppy chic with a white ruffled oxford. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars either. For this week’s Thrifty Thursday, I have helped emulate this look with some budget pieces! Pair this Stoosh Ivy League Blazer in Navy ($54) with some ‘New Jane’ Slim Leg Jeans in Rinse ($79) by Jag Jeans, both available at Nordstrom!

Underneath, try wearing this Merona® Women’s Sleeveless Ruffle Top ($19.99) available at Target, or this Emma Striped Tee in True Navy ($39.50) from Banana Republic. Finish the look with these  ALDO Drewel Espadrille Platform Wedges in Navy (on sale for $51.09) at ASOS.

Merona® Women’s Sleeveless Ruffle Top ($19.99), Stoosh Ivy League Blazer in Navy ($54), Jag Jeans ‘New Jane’ Slim Leg Jeans in Rinse ($79), Banana Republic Emma Striped Tee in True Navy ($39.50), ALDO Drewel Espadrille Platform Wedges in Navy (on sale for $51.09)

What do you think of the schoolboy blazer? Are you going to wear it this fall?

Do you like Kate Middleton’s style? How do you think I did?

Here is my version of Kate’s outfit. Long Scoop-Neck Tank in Navy Stripe ($9) and Pop-Color Rockstar Cords in Carbon ($34.50) both from Old Navy, Open Shawl Collar Military Blazer ($39.99) from Charlotte Russe, Merona espadrilles from Target, bangles and necklace by Elisabeth Ashlie

Owl say.

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Gap.com: Fitted boyfriend popover shirt, owl print

You are looking at Gap’s fitted boyfriend popover shirt in owl print, sold out almost everywhere. Paired with dark denim or tucked into a pair of tailored shorts, this 100% cotton, long-sleeved popover has the look of a boy shirt with a slimmer fit and whimsical print. I found this tomato-colored shirt while perusing Gap.com last night. While I wasn’t crazy about the color, I did like the print, since I heart owls. When I say that I heart owls, I mean that I’ve loved owls since I was a little girl. One would think I’d be thrilled with all the cute owl things that are everywhere now that they’re so “in.” Not so. The problem with this is that since owls are all the rage right now, all the cute owl things are readily snatched up before I can always get to them.

This adorable popover shirt was no different. Back to my story. Last night, I found this shirt online and decided I liked the style enough to purchase it, despite its $49.95 price tag. I found it in my size and promptly added it to my shopping cart. Gap brands is currently offering a 30% off promotion ending 9/3, so I began browsing Piperlime’s shoe picks, trying to find a new pair of ankle booties, a fall staple. After little success, I returned to my shopping cart, prepared to enter the promotion code and check out. Didn’t happen. Did you know that they can take things away from you?! Oh yes…they can! Apparently while I was shoe shopping, the shirt was removed from my cart due to “high volume” and “demand.” Fine. I went back to the item and tried to add it to my cart. Out of stock. Okay, WHAT?!

The shirt was not to be found anywhere online: not Amazon nor eBay (my last resorts). So I am currently pet-sitting at a friend’s house in a Greensboro suburb. I don’t know the area, so I used the store locator to find the nearest Gap store. I headed over this afternoon and saw that it was sold out in all sizes. I tried it on in a different print, hoping I’d hate the fit and not feel so bad about losing out. Didn’t happen. It was adorable. Finally, I resigned to asking the sales associates if they would mind checking for it at another location. Unfortunately, without having a single shirt in stock at the store, they needed to call Gap.com for the style number. Didn’t happen. The style was completely sold out online. Luckily, the nice lady, Sharon, tried calling a lower volume store which did have the shirt in a different size. She was able to obtain the style number and look at the nationwide inventory. She located it in a size small in 3 stores: Baltimore, MD; somewhere in Georgia; and Beaver Creek, OH. She tried Beaver Creek first, and to my surprise, Gretchen, the sales associate, was able to find it!

Thanks to Sharon and Gretchen, I now have the adorable fitted boyfriend popover shirt in owl print on its way to my apartment, and I cannot wait to wear it tucked in with these adorable Perfect Khaki Shorts in Ink Blue. 🙂