Reader Advice
Fashion Limits, Summer Favorites, and Celeb Fashion Overload: The TBF Forum
Get the latest buzz from readers on the TBF forum:
~ Most of us suffer for fashion in one way or another, but some more than others apparently as readers share their fashion limits.
~ We’ve all had plenty of time to play with the latest beauty offerings this season, so readers are dishing on their can’t-live-without summer beauty products.
~ This discussion’s only just begun but forum readers want to hear your take: Does anyone care about celebrity fashion anymore?
Have a few more things to say? We’re all ears—visit the TBF forum.
And don’t forget—The Budget Fashionista Fan Club is on Facebook. Join us (it’s easy, we promise)!
Athletic Gear on the Cheap: Reader Advice
We’re still in fashion overload after watching the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics (because you know we’re watching for the uniforms—like the Ralph Lauren-designed US team ensembles), but all this Olympic frenzy got us thinking perhaps it’s time to update our own athletic gear (just in case we actually leave the computer long enough to exercise). Style and athletics has long been a tough balance to strike (um, just ask Venus and Serena Williams), and doing it on a budget is even more challenging. We do kinda like the EleVen line by Venus at Steve and Barry’s, which features some cute and functional—if somewhat unremarkable—pieces that are undeniably affordable. But we want to know—where do you get stylish and quality athletic gear for less?
Fall Fashion Trends, Mature Fashionistas, and Thrift Store Finds: TBF Forum
As you know, we’re an equal opportunity blog around here—meaning we looove to hear from you. If you’d like to see what your fellow readers are talking about, check out these hot threads at The Budget Fashionista’s very own reader forum:
~ Gearing up for some serious fall fashion? Tell fellow readers what fall trends you’re looking forward to, in our August Hot Topic thread.
~ How does the “mature” fashionista accessorize? Find out what other readers think, and put in your two cents . . .
~ TBF forum readers want to know: what fashion items do you seek out at your fave local thrift store?
Want to know more, or have a great tip to share? Visit the TBF forum.
Don’t forget—TBF is on Facebook too! Join us at The Budget Fashionista Fan Club.
Best Green Fashion on a Budget: Reader Advice
Green fashion and budget shopping—two phrases that don’t seem to go together easily. Finding green, or organic, or eco-friendly, clothing to begin with isn’t easy—but finding it without a gasp-inducing pricetag? Well, we’re just about stumped. Urban Outfitters has their Urban Renewal line, which is made from re-purposed fabrics and materials, but we’re not convinced it’s truly budget ($48 for a Knit Halter? Not exactly cheap). So tell us—have you found a great source for green fashion on a budget? We really do want to know!
Best Scarves on a Budget: Reader Advice
Wait a minute . . . scarves? Sounds a bit wintery, doesn’t it? But we’re not talking grandma-knitted wool mufflers here—we mean something more along the lines of oh, say, Grace Kelly and Jackie O. Scarves, in our humble opinion, are a great style note that can add a little personality to any outfit without adding a huge charge to your credit card bill. Last fall, the graphic print silk scarf started to take hold, and we expect it to be back this year. Meaning you’ll want to get one, for less. But where? We really love Banana Republic for a quality silk scarf (like the scarf pictured here for $39) and for something even less expensive? Try Forever21. But that’s enough from us—where do you find great scarves for less?
Best Organic Beauty Products on a Budget: Reader Advice
Organic, natural, green, eco-friendly—all catch phrases in both the fashion and beauty industries right now, which means navigating the products produced under those labels can be, well, confusing. We like the idea of greening up our beauty routine, but getting organic/natural beauty products on a budget can be a challenge indeed, and knowing which ones we should pick up can be even harder. Kiss My Face is one line we like, with products that are deemed “natural” but aren’t too outrageously priced (like this Kiss & Makeup 3Way Color, $8.99).
But tell us, TBF readers, what budget natural/organic beauty products do you swear by (and don’t forget to tell us where you get ‘em)?
Best Makeup for Women of Color (on a Budget): Reader Advice
Some of us here at TBF are women of color, and some of us are not. Regardless, anyone who’s spent a little time learning about the beauty industry knows that the make-up made for the masses is generally not geared towards the skin tones of women of color. The big brands have done better as of late—like Cover Girl’s Queen Collection —and Kathryn, of course, has referred readers to brands like Black Opal (specifically for their great foundation) in the past, But we want to know your thoughts—what’s your favorite make-up brand/product for women of color, on a budget?
CoverGirl Queen Collection Oil-Free Moisturizing Make up, $6.99 at drugstore.com.
Best Beauty Tools on a Budget: Reader Advice
While we’re all about focusing on natural beauty, sometimes a girl just needs a little help to look her best, in the form of some kind of tool that heats, dries, straightens, cleanses, trims, shaves, exfoliates . . . well, the list goes on. If you’ve ever set foot into a beauty supply store you know you could spend a small fortune on an arsenal of beauty tools, but you didn’t really want to pay off those college loans anyway, did you? Of course you did, and we want you to as well, so we’re putting out a call for advice on great beauty tools on a budget. We’re looking for quality (meaning it actually does what it says it’ll do, without shorting out after the first week) and low cost. One that we like? This Remington S8000i Wet to Dry Straightener, which works great and is a time saver, all for somewhere around $25 at your local Target (or here on Amazon.com, for $25.98 plus shipping).
So what bargain beauty tool do you love? And what’s your secret source for great beauty tools on a budget?
Best Dresses on a Budget: Reader Advice
Since spring, dresses have been back with a white hot vengeance, which we’re still totally happy about. But here’s the hitch—dresses are the kind of item that, since you can’t mix and match to change it up too much, are somewhat limited in terms of cost-effectiveness. This doesn’t mean don’t buy ‘em—it just means shop with care (always good advice anyway). We have our favorite sources—eDressme.com, for example, always has a nice selection of $99 and under dresses for party situations, and believe it or not, Chadwick’s seems to be stepping up its dress game, with more-stylish-than-expected dresses for prices we can live with (like this divine shawl-collar wrap dress, on sale for $49.99). But, TBF readers, where do you pick up fab dresses for less? Do you have favorite sources for specialty size dresses (petite, plus size)? Give us the scoop . . .
Reader Advice: Best Belts on a Budget
For some, the belt is a minor wardrobe element—something that performs a function more than makes a style statement. But, as budget fashionistas, we should remember that a cute/trendy belt is one of the best ways to update those old pieces without shelling out big bucks. The problem is, sometimes finding a great belt that’s cheap, but doesn’t look cheap, is a challenge. Of course, Target is our go-to belt spot, but the selection is kind of hit-or-miss (though Angela has gotten some serious mileage out of this Xhilaration blue skinny belt, $9.99). So, style-savvy readers, any thoughts you’d care to share on where to get a great belt, for less?
Best Sunglasses on a Budget: Reader Advice
“THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
Sure we could spend a bajillion dollars on a pair of designer sunglasses (or toss our money away on renting a pair), but we’re pretty confident that chic sunglasses can be had for less. As a matter of fact, we know that Target keeps us pretty stylish under the sun, and Angela’s even found a pair that she swears by at Walgreen’s (they’re cute—really!). We may be missing something however, so we’re asking you—what’s your favorite source for super stylish sunglasses on a budget?
Cheap enough you can buy a pair in each color: Sunglasses from Forever 21, $8.90
Best Sunscreen on a Budget: Reader Advice
Sure, sunscreen can be had on the cheap—but we want one that A) works, B) stays on as long as humanly possible, and C) smells more like a Hawaiian vacation, less like Aspercreme. But we don’t intend to pay a small fortune to satisfy those reasonable demands, and that’s where you come in. You tell us—what’s your favorite effective, long-lasting, awesome-smelling sunscreen for less?
An updated standby: Coppertone Oil Free Sunscreen Lotion @ Drugstore.com
Best Moisturizer for Under $15: Reader Advice
As winter marches on, we find it more crucial than ever to have a great moisturizer in our budget beauty arsenal. It’s easy to be tempted to spend too much, but the truth is, you don’t need to. Angela, for example, is swearing this year by Pond’s Mend and Defend Intensive Protection moisturizer (with SPF 15 of course)—it’s rich but not greasy, keeps skin hydrated all day, and smells pretty good, too. For under $10. What’s your favorite budget moisturizer?
Best Body Shapers on a Budget: Reader Advice
Last week, we got the lowdown on your picks for best bra on a budget. Seeing as you had so much to say on that topic, we’re thinking you’ll have plenty to share on another hot topic for fashionistas everywhere: body shapers. Spanx are the gold standard, it seems, but aren’t what we’d call super budget (though their Assets line at Target is a budget do). So, do tell: What’s your best find for keeping things smooth and shapely, without spending a small fortune?
Everyone’s Getting Ready for Fall (Fashion)
Some recent shopping scoops from fellow TBF readers:
Many of you are in love with the new George ME line at Wal-Mart. I’ll be writing a review of the line and my many trips to Wal-Mart this past weekend, later this month.
A rash of new store openings has prompted several readers to write in. Kelsey reports on a new Lane Bryant opening in the Yorktown Center in Edina, MN (right across from Target Greatland) on September 14th. As a part of their grand opening on the 14th, the store is offering 40% off on just about everything in the store and after that, offering 20% off through the 18th.
Michelle reports on her great finds this past holiday weekend. At Marshalls, she found a short gray (hot fall color) Micheal Kors wrap sweater for $7.00 (original price $70.00) and a pair of Roxy winter pants for $5.00! At Nine West, she cleaned up at the summer clearance sale with shoes originally $59.00, now $14.99! She reports that all belts are marked down, with an additional 50% off the lowest price. She picked up a wide brown leather belt for $9.99!
And, on an international note, Marilyn reports that the “Top Shop in Madrid looks like Forever21”. Let’s hope the New York version is better.
To Bag or Not to Bag . . . That is My Question
For some reason I’m drawn to this bag by new bag designers Emily and Margaret at MynaBags. It could be that at 11"H x 12"W x11"D , it’s the perfect size for a fall tote bag. It could also be that bag, named ‘Baxter’, makes me tingle inside (who wouldn’t love a multi-colored crocodile embossed lambskin handbag with grey distressed glazed leather), and, as if a special little fairy told the designers how much I LOVE free extras, the bag comes with a free make-up bag.
So what’s stopping me from buying the bag?????
The price.
It’s $330.
So here’s when I turn to you dear readers for advice. Handbags are my signature piece, I used them everyday, and will wear it enough so the cost per wear will be down to about $3.00 per wear. I can only buy one nice handbag (under $500, waaaayyyy under $500) per season. Do you think this should be the one??
Reader Tips: Preserve that Manicure
TBF reader Ronica sent me tips products she uses to preserve her manicures:
Sticky (that’s what it’s called) base coat ($5.99 at your local drugstore). A coat or two of this and my polish lasts WAY longer.
Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat ($9.99. Gives a glass-like shine, makes polish last much longer, and dries it with in a minute or two. This stuff is gold!)
Have a cool tip? Please feel free to send it along.
Shoe Care Tip: Cleaning Espadrilles
A reader just emailed regarding tips on cleaning the rope of old espadrilles and since espadrilles are very “in” this spring/summer, I thought some of you might be able to use this tip.
Q: Does anyone know how to clean the rope of “old” espadrilles?
A: Mix a little laundry detergent in a small cup or bowl and use an old toothbrush to clean the rope. The toothbrush will be able to get into the cracks of sole and without unraveling the rope.
How to Shop a Disorganized Store
As a bargain shopper, I spend a lot of time in messy, disorganized stores. Even though great deals can be found in these stores, I must admit some stores get on my last nerve (hello, Daffy’s could you at least ATTEMPT to pick the clothes up off the floor) So, here’s some tips I’ve gathered over the years to help me shop a disorganized store. I’m always looking for new tips, some please feel free to add your own in the comments section below:
- 1. Go on a weekday before 11 am. It is usually quieter and cleaner because the store has just opened.
- 2. Have a clear goal in mind. Looking for shoes? Looking for a coat? Knowing what you want will save you some time.
- 3. Eat before entering the store and carry a bottle of water. Disorganized stores are almost always very hot.
- 4. Look for alternative locations. For example downtown locations tend to be less crowded on a weekend and suburban location tend to be less crowded on week day mornings.
- 5. If possible, don’t carry a purse, hat or any other accessory. It will just get in the way, and you might lose it.
TBF Readers Speak: Favorite Budget Beauty Products
Last fall, I asked TBF readers to send us an email about their favorite budget beauty products. We got so many great emails detailing your love for old school brands like Olay and Ivory Soap and relative newcomers like Black Opal and Rimmel London,
that we put together a little tip sheet for the site. If you have a favorite budget beauty product that must be on the list, then contact us. Who knows, it may become our favorite, too.
Read TBF Readers Speak: Favorite Budget Beauty Products
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