Catherine Brock

Catherine Brock is a financial analyst-turned-writer who loves fashion, food, and horses. And her husband and two kids. And money, which pays for all the above. She began wearing clothes at a young age, so those fashion credentials run deep. She's skilled at layering, avoiding navy-and-blue outfit combos, and shopping for bargains. Mostly, Brock is very opinionated about being stylish without overspending. Those opinions have earned her placements on the BBC News, USA Today, MSN Money, Fox2 St. Louis, ABC7 Chicago, CBS2 Los Angeles, WGN Chicago, WCPO Cincinnati…read more.

Woman on summer vacation sitting in hammock and sipping cocktail.

What to pack for vacation: 6 essentials for summer trips

Summer is here folks! You may have skipped your summer trip last year — but… Read More »What to pack for vacation: 6 essentials for summer trips

Adult woman with healthy curly hair thanks to natural hair care ingredients.

Natural hair care ingredients for shiny, bouncy locks

There are a lot — and I mean a LOT — of hair care products… Read More »Natural hair care ingredients for shiny, bouncy locks

DIY pedicure: 9 steps of luxurious, at-home pampering

I just shared my picks for summer pedicure colors — and then realized that my… Read More »DIY pedicure: 9 steps of luxurious, at-home pampering

Woman shopping Amazon Prime Day at home.

Here’s how to shop Amazon prime day and other big sales

There’s Amazon Prime Day, the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, and all the follow-on fashion sales that… Read More »Here’s how to shop Amazon prime day and other big sales

Woman wearing cute summer dress and sunglasses looks back at camera.

10 cute dresses for summer priced $50 or less

Last summer must have gotten lost in the ether because I don’t remember buying a… Read More »10 cute dresses for summer priced $50 or less

Orange pedicure with orange and blue background.

10 awesome summer pedicure colors to fire up your summer style

What’s a budget fashionista’s hack for updating her style for season for less than $10?… Read More »10 awesome summer pedicure colors to fire up your summer style

Best Amazon tops under $23 that 1000s of women are wearing

Take off that mask and you might remember the way life used to be. You… Read More »Best Amazon tops under $23 that 1000s of women are wearing

Stylish woman standing in front of grey background.

Help! I have no style — 4 easy steps to get out of a style rut

Stuck in a style rut? Think you have no style? Well, it’s time to snap… Read More »Help! I have no style — 4 easy steps to get out of a style rut

A multiethnic group of five women wearing different types of panties.

5 types of panties and how to wear them

Ladies, your panties may be ruining your style. They’re called foundation garments for a reason,… Read More »5 types of panties and how to wear them

Woman wearing not so skinny jeans walking up stairs.

Not-so-skinny jeans: 5 best alternatives to the skinny + where to shop

I have to admit, I do like skinny jeans — even if the fashion gods… Read More »Not-so-skinny jeans: 5 best alternatives to the skinny + where to shop

Woman wearing robe at home, on bed with laptop.

Comfortable clothes: 6 essential threads for relaxing at home

Comfortable clothes are having their moment in the spotlight. While I am sad about the… Read More »Comfortable clothes: 6 essential threads for relaxing at home

Close-up of woman holding brown leather briefcase with gold details.

Bag spotlight: The splurge-worthy leather briefcase

Like it or not, the bag you carry says a lot about you. Especially at… Read More »Bag spotlight: The splurge-worthy leather briefcase

Stylish modcloth dresses we’re drooling over

ModCloth may not be our top source for cute dresses anymore, but the once-cool retro… Read More »Stylish modcloth dresses we’re drooling over

Side by side images of damaged hair and healthy hair to represent problem hair solutions.

6 simple problem hair solutions

I’d venture to say most of us have felt a pang of hair envy here… Read More »6 simple problem hair solutions

Close-up of clothing label with name written on it to represent labeling clothing.

How to: Labeling clothing for daycare, school, and more

Labeling clothing is a back-to-school topic — and here we are, talking about it in… Read More »How to: Labeling clothing for daycare, school, and more

Social media influencer producing shopstreaming event.

Shopstreaming: The trend that May change the way you shop

Unboxing videos are fun, right? You get to watch your favorite social media influencer unwrap… Read More »Shopstreaming: The trend that May change the way you shop

Three smiling women wearing bras in front of gray background.

Bra fitters: How to find one near you (Guaranteed)

We originally wrote this post back in 2011. But times have changed and bra fitters… Read More »Bra fitters: How to find one near you (Guaranteed)

Brittle, dry hair? These 4 healthy hair tips are your fix

Dry hair is the worst. I mean, your hair is your crowning achievement — it… Read More »Brittle, dry hair? These 4 healthy hair tips are your fix

10 zero waste beauty products you need in your life

Zero waste beauty is on the rise, and I’m pretty jazzed about it. When I… Read More »10 zero waste beauty products you need in your life

The best H&M new arrivals for women over 40

H&M is known for its trendy and affordable styles. But the fast-fashion chain isn’t solely… Read More »The best H&M new arrivals for women over 40

Nordstrom rack clearance: 10 fabulous women’s garments to buy now

I’m not ashamed to say that I have a love/hate relationship with clearance racks and… Read More »Nordstrom rack clearance: 10 fabulous women’s garments to buy now

8 trendy clothes from forever 21 that’ll cost you $30 or less

Dressing well on a budget mostly requires a lot of patience. You know this if… Read More »8 trendy clothes from forever 21 that’ll cost you $30 or less

Woman shopping with gift card on National Gift Card Day

Unwanted gift cards? Use them to help yourself or someone Else 4 ways

Did you know that about $1 billion worth of gift cards goes unspent each year?… Read More »Unwanted gift cards? Use them to help yourself or someone Else 4 ways

Holiday shipping deadlines 2023 for UPS, FedEx, USPS & more

Holiday shopping season 2023 is about to ramp up. Are you ready to get your… Read More »Holiday shipping deadlines 2023 for UPS, FedEx, USPS & more

Fashionable woman wearing jeans and scarves holds fashionista gifts in shopping bags outside.

Fashionista gifts: 9 rules to shop (Successfully) For fashion girls

Shopping fashionista gifts this year? Buying for style mavens can be among the biggest of… Read More »Fashionista gifts: 9 rules to shop (Successfully) For fashion girls

10 delightful holiday dresses under $75 on thredup

It’s always a wonderful idea to shop used for holiday dresses — considering they’re not… Read More »10 delightful holiday dresses under $75 on thredup

Close up of women's fashion boots in the road

10 chic women’s fashion boots for under $75

Fashion boots are one of the great joys of winter. Like pizza, they come in… Read More »10 chic women’s fashion boots for under $75

Old navy sale shopping + super cash: 10 cheap winter basics

I can admit this freely: My wardrobe lately is almost exclusively leggings and sweatshirts. Granted,… Read More »Old navy sale shopping + super cash: 10 cheap winter basics

How to prevent and treat acne scars

Acne loves to leave its mark. And those marks are universally unpleasant, whether it’s the… Read More »How to prevent and treat acne scars

Italic review: How to buy designer-worthy clothes at cost

Shopping for clothes just got more interesting. Truly. Because there’s a new player in town… Read More »Italic review: How to buy designer-worthy clothes at cost

The eloquii Walmart collection: 10 plus-size picks under $60

Eloquii is the destination for fashion-forward, plus-size clothes suitable for work and play. The brand… Read More »The eloquii Walmart collection: 10 plus-size picks under $60

Wardrobe update: 5 new ways to refresh your fall look on the cheap

When you’re short on cash, you could manage the style transition to fall by teaming… Read More »Wardrobe update: 5 new ways to refresh your fall look on the cheap

Woman wearing long-sleeve top, throwing fall leaves

The very best loungy, Long-sleeved tops for fall for women over 40

Did you embrace the loungewear craze of 2020? I certainly did, to the point that… Read More »The very best loungy, Long-sleeved tops for fall for women over 40

Fashion for fall: The best transition pieces for women over 40

Are you ready for cooler, shorter days? Yeah, me either. The transition seasons of fall… Read More »Fashion for fall: The best transition pieces for women over 40

Close up of women's legs with bright pink platform sneakers

The 5 best women’s sneaker trends this fall

I have a thing for sneakers. They’re comfortable and stylish, the right pair can transform… Read More »The 5 best women’s sneaker trends this fall

Woman sitting in front of boxes and suitcases

The ultimate guide for storing clothes at the end of the Season

I’m not emotionally ready to put my shorts, tanks, and sandals away just yet —… Read More »The ultimate guide for storing clothes at the end of the Season

My 9 favorite apps for a more stylish, beautiful, and fulfilling life

What’s the first thing you reach for when you’re bored? There’s no shame in being… Read More »My 9 favorite apps for a more stylish, beautiful, and fulfilling life

Woman wearing budget outfit of colored blouse and white pants

The top 10 easiest, cheapest outfit ideas on the planet. Oh, and they’re stylish too!

Instagram and Pinterest are great for mindless scrolling, but sometimes you need an edit. That’s… Read More »The top 10 easiest, cheapest outfit ideas on the planet. Oh, and they’re stylish too!

Your top 5 budget fashion questions answered

Sex in the City character Carrie Bradshaw famously said, “I like my money right where… Read More »Your top 5 budget fashion questions answered

Backside view of woman at pool wearing cheeky swimwear

How to shop cheeky swimwear this summer & the cheeky brand to watch

The calendar says it’s August, but I don’t quite believe it. This year has gone… Read More »How to shop cheeky swimwear this summer & the cheeky brand to watch

Best luggage on a budget! 6 stylish brands to love

Maybe you’d rather spend every last dollar on a vacation you can’t afford and carry… Read More »Best luggage on a budget! 6 stylish brands to love

Woman holds crystal jewelry in the palm of her hand.

Feeling stress? Try budget-friendly Crystal jewelry for well being and style

You could easily argue for or against the healing powers of crystals. But you would… Read More »Feeling stress? Try budget-friendly Crystal jewelry for well being and style

Close up of woman who does not have large pores

Large pores, ick! 5 causes and how to fix your skin

I love summer, but a heatwave brings a new set of problems to manage. My… Read More »Large pores, ick! 5 causes and how to fix your skin

Laptop surrounded by makeup on table top

4 bigtime pitfalls of buying makeup online & how to avoid them

This cosmetics marketing trends report says that 42% of women in the U.S. prefer buying… Read More »4 bigtime pitfalls of buying makeup online & how to avoid them

Woman holding sheet masks a must-have summer beauty hack

Over your regular beauty routine? Me too! Summer beauty hacks you’ll love

Given the state of the economy and the high likelihood that your job outlook might… Read More »Over your regular beauty routine? Me too! Summer beauty hacks you’ll love

Collage of Hayley Hughes modeling mini handbags

4 mini handbag picks for under $35

Who says you need to bare it all to turn up the sex appeal? Sure,… Read More »4 mini handbag picks for under $35

Eyelash extensions falling out? Yikes! You need this guide to cleaning eyelash extensions now

Beauty salons are reopening — hooray! But there’s still a pandemic going on — boo.… Read More »Eyelash extensions falling out? Yikes! You need this guide to cleaning eyelash extensions now

Ditching the city trip for a camping excursion this year? Survive an outdoor trip in style with these 11 creative camping accessories

Your vacation plans might be getting an overhaul this year. Sadly, the cosmopolitan trip involving… Read More »Ditching the city trip for a camping excursion this year? Survive an outdoor trip in style with these 11 creative camping accessories

Fashion splurges – 7 ridiculously indulgent fashion buys

Splurge buys? At a time when unemployment is off the charts, and our nation is… Read More »Fashion splurges – 7 ridiculously indulgent fashion buys

Woman standing at lakefront wearing summer dress turns back to camera.

Up your summer style game with these 12 target dresses

It’s when summer’s in full swing that you might realize you don’t have fashionable dresses… Read More »Up your summer style game with these 12 target dresses

Party on! How to have a socially distanced party

I’m going to step outside the budget fashion space for a minute and talk about… Read More »Party on! How to have a socially distanced party

Healthy skin for summer! 6 smart sunscreens you need now

By now, we’ve all wised up enough to know everyday sunscreen is a beauty essential.… Read More »Healthy skin for summer! 6 smart sunscreens you need now

Woman wearing hat with long sleeve midi dress.

6 affordable Long sleeve midi dresses for stylish spring days

That seasonal transition is here once again. And that means it’s time to add a couple long sleeve midi dresses to the mix. Manage through cool days in style!

Close-up of woman holding folder with cash sticking out of it.

How do clothes fit in the 50/30/20 budget?

Ready to figure out the 50/30/20 budget when you love clothes? The best time to… Read More »How do clothes fit in the 50/30/20 budget?

Haverdash unboxing video: 3 styles I love and 1 I Don’t!

Want to see my latest Haverdash unboxing? You’re in the right place. I opened my… Read More »Haverdash unboxing video: 3 styles I love and 1 I Don’t!

Target pajamas — 5 gorgeous picks from new sleepwear line

What’s more comfortable than slipping into a pair of affordable and stylish Target pajamas? Toss those old concert tees ladies! It’s time to invest in real pjs.

Flushed! The ultimate guide to cheek stains including top 6 picks

About cheek stains Stain is an unfortunate word for a beauty product, dontcha think? I… Read More »Flushed! The ultimate guide to cheek stains including top 6 picks

Realher makeup review: The scoop on this new makeup brand

Realher makeup is a beauty brand that — wait for it — tells you how fabulous you are with affirmations. Is it gimmick or the real deal? Here’s my take.

Engagement rings for women — 8 stunning styles that inspire

Thank you to Diamonds USA for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own. Searching… Read More »Engagement rings for women — 8 stunning styles that inspire

Show yourself some love: Luxurious silk pajamas you’ll want to wear 24/7

Now that we’ve closed the books on another holiday season, we’re all ready for some quality sleep. And sure, we can get by sleeping in old gym shorts and a t-shirt, but it’s decidedly more luxurious to have a real sleep set. And did you know that silk pajamas help keep your skin moisturized?

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