Favorite Splurge: Victoria's Secret

Once in a great while, I do like to see what the Vicky's online clearance has for me. Occasionally I'll score a terrific skirt for about $30 or sweaters and tops for less than $20, which is excellent. I seldom step outside the maximum $30 range, but I do make exceptions for things like really high-quality boots or gorgeous dresses. Witness (and feel free to imitate, should you love) my latest mini-spree:


They have 14-hole Docs for $100! In patent- pewter or black. I chose the black even though the pewter is fabulous... for nostalgia's sake, perhaps; my ex-husband and then-fiance ruined mine on purpose when I was 17 because he hated them. They had taken me up and down the country and through some of the most interesting years of my life, so I was rather more than irked. This did not bode well for the rest of the relationship, either. Anyway, I digress! Next up:



One of those crazy convertible dresses that you're supposed to be able to style in a zillion different ways... in my favorite shade of aubergine. Asymmetrical hem, jersey material, sashes you can make into a halter, cap sleeves, straps, etc.; it's sort of like buying a whole bunch of dresses, right? So I figured that sort of justified the exorbitant-for-me price of $50. Especially down from $108! It comes with styling tips-- I just hope I can master them.

I've been coveting a cobalt ruffly top for months (how is it that I managed to leave out one of my very favorite colors from my wardrobe until now?) and hope this little tank (also in lots of other colors) fits the bill until I can find a satin one or something dressier.

I also snagged a yoga bodysuit (? Yeah we'll see- it was cheap and purple so why not) and some clearance mini-bottles of my favorite new scent (which goes against all of my principles about natural cosmetics with no parabens but ack, I love it so... "nectarine, amber and cattelaya orchid..." oh my. I forced my man to buy me the large bottle for V-day but the minis are too adorable and great for the purse (they stay closed). Let's hope his sweetness doesn't read this because I'm supposed to be saving every penny toward the house remodel and a few for the eventual wedding. Sometimes a girl needs things though, you know? Especially when the tax refund has just come.

If you didn't know Vicky's was about far more than lingerie, you're missing out. A good half of my wardrobe comes from them. Great jeans, adorable tops and so much more... get thee to the clearance section! If you're already on board, what have been some of your favorite finds?

Happy shopping :)

What We Bought: AmiClubWear

We have been singularly obsessed with finding a pair of grey boots lately, with no luck whatsoever in the shops. Lots and lots of tan (ew) and plenty of black (which we would usually love-- we used to think that there was no point in grey when black existed!)... but no grey.

Remembering that AmiClubWear, featured a few times in Lucky mag, has a great selection of super-cheap boots (mostly incredibly slutty, which is somewhat disturbing given that the site's tag line is "The Positive Place for Girls!"), we headed over to check out their clearance selection. And indeed, we found just what we were looking for! Amid the towering platform clubbing options were these two pairs of high-shaft flat boots, $10 each (click pics for listings):


We went with the suede. We were digging the kind of pirate thing going on with the cuffs. At $10 we doubt that these will be frequently worn or last particularly long, but boot season will be over before we know it, anyway, and we're sure we'll get some good use out of them before then. Certainly ten bucks' worth!

We also stocked up on more tights-- they carry a terrific selection of colored, printed and fishnet stockings, most from Leg Avenue, and many at super-clearance prices. We picked up bright nylon tights in kelly green and fuchsia for $2.99! (Available in eleven colors!!)




We disagree with whoever said that the printed stocking trend makes people look like they have "some sort of skin rash." We love it. So we grabbed these unusual flower-printed ones for $4.99:


Who knows if they'll work or just look bizarre, but we kind of love them.

They have a terrific selection of fairly-inexpensive lingerie, just as cute and trashy as Frederick's for about a quarter of the price. We picked up a cute little punk bra-and-mini set for $12.99:

As you may well know if you've been reading (or if you know us!), we were bitten hard by the floral/feather hair-accessory bug. We've been making our own after picking some up on clearance at Claire's and some on Etsy, but the selection and prices at AmiClubWear are pretty incredible. We scored this lovely grey feather version for just $10.99:

They have so many colors & sizes; floral and fascinators and feathers... 120 gorgeous options all under $25!

The last item we have been fixated upon finding for ages-- powdered facial blotting papers. We have combination skin which is dry in the morning and shiny in the evening-- adding pressed powder to try to combat the shine just exacerbates the dryness and makes us look flaky. Uncool. We had previously tried the blue plastic Clean & Clear version-- which does work but not quite as well as the powdered rice paper-- but the Burt's Bees Wings of Love that we once found and loved have proven nearly impossible to find. We located a great version on Amazon the other day for only $2.99, but they wanted $5 shipping for EACH ONE! No way. AmiClubWear to the rescue! NYX 50-packs of genuine paper pulp blotters are $2.99:


The best part about this order was that they are offering free shipping right now if you spend $50. Shipping would have been $29.95 or something ridiculous (watch out for that) but with the code given on the front page (AMISHIPPED) entered at checkout, UPS ground was FREE!

We are well aware that we shouldn't be shopping at all, but $10 shoes and staples like tights are things we feel we can sneak in without too much damage. And surely no boyfriend would complain about the punk schoolgirl outfit?

Have you ever bought anything from AmiClubWear? If so, tell us about it... we suspect the quality isn't terrific, but the prices belie that...

Happy shopping and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Work Wear We Love: The Vest

We are semi-scarred from a childhood involving hand-me-down sweater vests, and recall with horror and revulsion the tux-inspired gold-threaded satin-backed vests of the early 90s (shudder). We have suddenly, however, begun to adore the waistcoat-style vest as an alternative to the blazer for workwear. We picked up a version by AB Studio on clearance a couple of weekends ago at Kohl's, which fits like a dream, with five buttons, a deep v neck and interesting collar detail.

Much like choosing a blazer, selecting a vest requires thought about your body type and what would be most flattering. Most of us will be looking for something more than one button, to create that "locked and loaded" hourglass. If you are concerned about your hip area, look for a vest that skims and covers them rather than a cropped version. If you are slim and straight-up-and-down, look for details like princess seaming, nipped-in waists, shiny, light-bouncing fabrics, and bustline emphasis in order to create additional curves:

Waistcoats for Three Body Types by ThriftyStylist featuring Forever21

We think vests are a particularly adorable addition to a circle-skirt and slim-fitting shell t-shirt combination, but they are equally adorable over wide-legged tweed trousers or dark-wash jeans. They really help to flatter any woman's figure as they all essentially work to create that curvy silhouette most of us are after!

Do you like waistcoats? (We love pronouncing that word-- WESKIT!!!) If you've been wearing them, what are your favorite outfit pairings?

Happy bargain-hunting and have a wonderful weekend!

What You Need: 6pm.com (Shoes Under $10)

Dear shoe god in footwear heaven, have we found the mother lode. We'd often heard 6pm.com mentioned in other blogs, but never visited, assuming it to be (like Zappos) out of our price range. So we were surprised to read on one of our new favorite blogs, SpoilsofWear, that their clearance includes shoes up to 95% off suggested price. Wow.

We went to the site, selected women's, under $50, and then sorted low to high. There are pages of shoes under $5 and many more under $10. Holy crap! That's better than Goodwill, way better than Payless; and they're mostly well-respected brand names, so we're not talking cheap crap (although a tremendous portion of the available styles we wouldn't personally be caught dead in; some digging must be done, or just leave that to us ;) ).

Staid and neutral and classic are all well and good, but sometimes a girl wants to really kick (pun intended) her style up a notch. Here are some gorgeous brights to make your wardrobe a little bit more spicy, all under $8!

6 pm Rainbow Shoes under $10 by ThriftyStylist featuring Fornarina shoes

Please pardon the fact, if you click on the set, that some of these are coming up Zappos. We swear we found them ALL on 6pm.

If you're not into the brights, or just need a new pair of ever-versatile black shoes or boots, you can get one of these beautiful pairs, also under $8:

6pm Black Heels Under $10 by ThriftyStylist on Polyvore.com

Something is really wonky with Polyvore. Super sorry. Prices are wrong and links broken & going to Zappos instead of 6 pm. Sigh. But get thee to 6pm and you, too, can be the owner of some fabulous new shoes for the price of lunch. Yes!

Happy Shoe Shoppin'!

Friday Steals and Deals: StylesforLess.com

We get so excited when we find a new website with ridiculously cheap, adorable clothes. Huzzah!

Happy Friday, dear readers-- today we're exploring the amazingly-priced sale section (and beyond) of Styles for Less, which we discovered on Polyvore while searching out leather jackets (post coming soon!).

First up, our jaw is still hanging out on the floor after we discovered this impossibly cute cardigan for only $5 (S/M/L, also available in yellow and some sort of "pink" that looks orange):

We adore the slightly poufy sleeves and the cropped shape. We have been looking everywhere for another baby cardigan since our hot pink one is a favorite. Score! (Shopping embargos can't count for items that are only FIVE DOLLARS, right?! That's practically free! It's cheaper than Goodwill!)

Also cute, and also only $5, is this 3-belt skinny belt set (can be worn together or separately):


Got a bachelorette party or a date coming up? How delicious is this little sequined ruffly bustier number, only $9, available in coral, green and black:

Big, bold necklaces are clearly the item of the season; kick up your style with this asymmetric long beaded-and-silver one, $3!


Or perhaps the most recent Lucky has you seeking out jewels with tassels... This cute diamond pendant with chain tassel is also only $3!


If you know us at all, you're aware that little excites us like ruffles and jewel tones. Feminine detailing and bright colors come together with natural fabric in this heavenly little sleeveless rayon v-neck tunic, $7:


We've been looking for a leopard-print cardigan for months, to no avail. Styles for Less to our rescue with this precious version, $14.99, which comes in zebra, leopard, and this (not-found-in-nature) pink/grey leopard, which is making us strongly consider including grey in our wardrobe pallette. (They also have another cheetah version in turquoise or grey, non-V-neck, $16.99)

Perhaps you've been craving a whisper-thin sweater wrap but haven't been willing to pay the outrageous prices out there... perhaps you need this one, in acrylic, black or white, $16.99:


Other than some more cheap jewels and basic tees for very little, this is the cutest stuff right now... but sign up for their newsletter to get sales directly in your inbox. We sure did. All orders over $50 receive free shipping- bonus!

Happy Sale-Shopping!

Newport News Steals: Sweet and Girly and Rock-n-Roll-y

We don't often shop through any catalog except for Vicky's, but back in the 90s we definitely forked over a good bit of cash to Newport News. We think they're a great source for cheap jeans (especially if you like color!) and work basics at a good price; and sometimes their design sensibility intersects with our own when they produce lovely, frilly, romantic or Victorian gothic pieces...

Our first group of finds-- girly-girly cardigans:

Newport News - Thrifty Romance by ThriftyStylist on Polyvore.com

Sage green crochet with flower detail and bell sleeves (also available in Raisin): $25
White long wrap-end cardigan (also available in 3 more colors): $17.99
Purple crochet (several more colors!) Misses $14.99, Plus $21.99

The wrap cardigan is pretty much identical to the ones that are everywhere this season, with a little bit of extra ruffle at the ends. Cute! Cheap! We need one. Shopping embargo= evil!

We were originally inspired to re-check out Newport News when Lucky featured this really adorable houndstooth pencil skirt, $29.00:



They recommended pairing it with a soft baby pink wrap-waist sweater, for a super-sexy retro bombshell look. We like, we like! We also think this silk shirt ($27.99) would be tremendous (available in sizes 4-18, only in the dusky plum):



If you're not in the mood for ruffles and lace, perhaps some of these harder-edged pieces will be more your style:

Newport News - Rock 'n' Roll by ThriftyStylist on Polyvore.com

Leather flare jeans, 3 colors, 3 lengths, $27.99
2-pack jersey Tees, leopard print (and black, we think?), $11.99
Black velvet bias-cut skirt, $27.99
Velvet bootcut jeans, 3 colors, 2 lengths, $24.99
Leopard (cheetah?) ballet flats with cap toe and bow, $14.99

Have you shopped at Newport News lately? We will definitely be keeping our eyes out for awesome clearance items like these... Move quick, because some of the items we selected (and did not include) for this feature were gone within hours of finding them!

Happy shopping!

Fall Footwear Trends We Love: Jeweled Flats

We're excited that jeweled flats are one of the hot shoes for fall, chiefly because we already own some-- purple satin, Rampage brand, with purple faceted crystals (sadly, shopping for new items is not an option for us right at the moment!)

We found some cute cheap versions on the interwebs, so here's a Polyvore set for your clicking pleasure:

Jeweled Flats by ThriftyStylist featuring Presence flats

Studs are definitely the embellishment of the moment, so if you prefer metal to glittery sequin-y sparkles, you're in luck!

To be honest, we're not really sure what we're going to pair these with. We tend to shy away from flats, being hella short, and we also concede that ballet flats and skinny jeans are the best combination, yet refuse to try to squeeze our Spanish hips into tapered pants... so... we seek suggestions from our readership! They will probably look cute with knee-length skirts and opaque or modestly patterned tights, we think (perhaps a loud print or lace pattern would compete too much with the embellishment), but we're not sure how to branch out of matching with a purple top... Of course, opposites are always perfect, so a yellow top like this gorgeous Anne Klein chiffon version (on sale for $29.70!) would be divine, except that we don't wear yellow. Maybe we should start.


Here's to your thoughts and new experiments!

Happy comfortable walking ;)

Covetable for Fall: Blue Shoes

We are absolutely obsessed with blue shoes right now, but all of the options we'd been seeing had been far over our self-imposed $30 price point... So we decided to do some serious digging. As usual, a set via Polyvore (click the pic for links to purchase- sadly some of these are UK-only stores. Boooo!):

Cobalt Blue Shoes under $30 by ThriftyStylist on Polyvore.com

Did you realize that Amazon.com has super-clearance items from other stores? We totally didn't until recently!

We also found (we wouldn't let you down!) several vintage options on Etsy... these lovelies encompass three of our ideal characteristics: cheap, unique and earth-friendly. Why choose what everyone else is buying when you could have some of these? Click here for our public favorites for individual listings.

If you own a pair of bright blue shoes, leave a comment and let us know what your favorite outfits to pair them with are!

Happy Shopping!

Overstock.com Clearance Loveliness

We've never actually shopped at Overstock, but we hear amazing things from our co-worker, who swears by them for pearls and mattresses, among other things. Today we decided to check out what they have on clearance for us thrifty fashionistas. To be sure, there was plenty of hideous stuff, but we found a bunch of adorable dresses and skirts for under $30, of course.

Check out the set- click the pic for prices and links to the listings on Polyvore.

Overstock.com Clearance: Skirts & Dresses by ThriftyStylist on Polyvore.com

We're gushing most over that lace-hem v-neck dress on the left, by Tahari ASL (even if it is polyester chiffon) for $27.00. Gorgeous. But really, they're all adorable, and most in cotton or other natural fabrics, and the others all $22.00 or less!

Have you ever shopped at Overstock? For clothes, household items, gifts? What was your experience?

Happy Friday and happy shopping!

Affordable Fair Trade/Organic

We firmly believe in (almost exclusively) natural/renewable fabric, and especially organic, since even our beloved "conventionally" (read: with modern chemicals)-grown cotton turns out to be a pretty evil crop in terms of pesticide use and petroleum consumption... but it's not often that you find any organic offerings in our price range. As we've said before, this creates a struggle between conscience and wallet, which wallet usually wins.

Imagine our excitement, then, to discover Fair Indigo, a shop dedicated to fair wages and unusually excellent working conditions for its factory employees all over the world, and also natural fabrics, with extensive organic offerings. Thanks to like-minded blogger and new follower FinalClothesOut for the tip! Check out her awesome thriftiness, too!

Some of our favorite pieces on super sale and within our price range are the basic organic crew-neck T, in 5 colors and 5 sizes, $10.50 (also a great deal for any of the crafty types who screen their own designs- you can definitely charge more than you would for a Hanes or something because these are so much better quality and more responsible!):


Or perhaps you prefer a long-sleeve crewneck, to stock up for fall and winter; this one is also in 5 colors and 5 sizes, though they warn you that you need to order a size up (hence it being on clearance we imagine), $12.50:



And how cute is this perfect little T-shirt dress, available in this "stem green" and navy, $29.50:



A perfect work or interview shirt in 5 colors and 8 (dress) sizes, this princess-seam button-down in 100% cotton-- not organic, but at least still fair trade-- is only $22.50, with rave reviews and a customer rating of 4.7 out of 5:




If you wear neutrals other than black, unlike us, or you're into dyeing stuff, this linen/cotton tie cardigan has to be the perfect layering piece, for only $22.75 (75% off!) in S-XL:



We also adore this surplice-wrap-look sleeveless tee, in 4 lovely girly colors and 5 sizes, only $10.50:


...And we personally don't wear yellow but how freakin' adorable is this faux-cami-peekaboo blouse?? $22.50 (62% off):



The (not-so-latent) goth chick in us is screaming for this 100% silk ruffly blouse, which we envision more as a cardigan, over a bright camisole... $22.25



Speaking of silk, we adore this "flip skirt" in a dainty floral print. It's fully lined in acetate and they recommend sizing up if you don't like a slim fit at the hips. $24.50, sizes 2-16:



This perfect fall work skirt in a charcoal tweedy wool with ruffle hem is just adorable and a pretty universally flattering cut, only $17.25!



We wouldn't usually schill for somebody else's jewelry, (except maybe LoveErin or LonesomeRoadStudio) but these earrings are also handmade by artisans: a cooperative in Peru. (Each piece has at least one background story given, either from the factory or the designers.)


"Angeles Anonimos trains disabled folks in the fine art of jewelry making. They are thrilled that their jewelry is being sold outside of Peru for the first time at Fair Indigo; we are equally thrilled at the chance to bring their exquisitely hand-crafted work to you. When we asked Maria Elena, one of the founders of the group, how they came up with their name, she looked surprised it wasn't obvious. 'Anyone who buys jewelry from us is an anonymous angel.' " Wow. $23.40-- they are sterling silver and what looks to be glass and Swarovski crystal. Worth it.

No doubt you'll find a thousand things you love, but these are our favorites. We hope you enjoy the price break on what's normally a splurge... we sure will come payday ;)

Fall Footwear For Less (of course)

We're really not interested in thinking about fall yet, being as we've barely made it to the beach yet this summer (to be remedied further tomorrow) ... But we suppose it's time to start at least considering it before it sneaks up on us too much.

There are a bunch of boot trends happening for fall, including victorian/granny boots, western-inspired, knee-highs, foldovers, over-the-knees, and booties. Bold color is big, as are retro and innovative shapes.

We found a few cool affordable pairs on Etsy, which you might want to snap up if they're your size, as they're all singular vintage! (Most of the fall recommendations we've seen have topped $200 new, so be green and thrifty and find something unique).

Paisley Pointy-Toe Tie-Back Foldover Booties, $14, at AshasVintage, size 9



Knee-high Leather Boots, $14, at Trends4Today, size 7



Hot mama 80s boots, $14.99 at AufDeMaur, size 8



Crochet-vamp victorian granny boots. $18 at Reruns, size 8



Western-inspired bootie, $18, at VintageOrphans, size 7 1/2



Cherry Red Foldover Flat Boots, $20, at HellCatVintage, size 6


Totally Awesome 80s white strappy boots with RHINESTONE HEEL DETAIL, $20, at SimplyMaggieMay, size 9



Purple velvet slouch boots (more rhinestones!), $23, at LillysCloset, size 6



Kitten heel knee-high boots (great to dye, perhaps?), $22, from TreasuresInAnAttic, size 8 1/2



Perfect 70s vegan leather knee-high boots with buckles, $24.00, from PaintedSoulDesign, size 6



Black suede tall boots with RIBBON-BOW OPTION! (We would so do that), $24.99 at PlumberryVintage, size 7



80s scrunchy-vamp red kitten heel ankle boots, $25.00 at DayliteandDark, size 7



European granny boots, $27.95, from bOmode, size 8 1/2




Cheetah-lined red foloder ankle boot, $28.00, from Saminator, size 5
(if you have bigger feet check out these similar ones in a 7 1/2!

Hope you enjoy these rad options and are inspired to buy vintage!