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.

How to wear a leather skirt in summer

Leather is not generally the material most women envision when thinking about summer appeal. After all, animal… Read More »How to wear a leather skirt in summer

Family dollar fashion: New line for women

Have you heard about Family Dollar’s new line of women’s fashion? Yep, Family Dollar —… Read More »Family dollar fashion: New line for women

Fashion boutiques on-the-go: How to shop a fashion truck

The fashion truck brings personalized service and unique garments to an event near you. Here are 5 ways to maximize your mobile boutique shopping experience.

Spa experience at home: Luxury shower head from aroma sense

Readers, Aroma Sense sent us a luxury shower head for free and asked us to… Read More »Spa experience at home: Luxury shower head from aroma sense

Women over 40: Best places to shop for clothes

There’s a story behind this post. It was originally written back in 2015 by a… Read More »Women over 40: Best places to shop for clothes

What happened to Petite Sophisticate?

Petite Sophisticate was the fashion retail destination for small-sized women in the 1980s and 1990s.… Read More »What happened to Petite Sophisticate?

How to find fall fashion trends

Fall is the time when shoppers tend to turn their thoughts from summer easy casual… Read More »How to find fall fashion trends

Jennifer aniston style deconstructed

With her American classic style, it’s no wonder that Jennifer Aniston is America’s sweetheart. No… Read More »Jennifer aniston style deconstructed

How to wear a plus size bikini

One of this season’s hottest trends is the plus size bikini. While there’s been much… Read More »How to wear a plus size bikini

What happened to Chic Jeans?

Chic Jeans had its moment in the 1980s. The brand was a favorite of teen… Read More »What happened to Chic Jeans?

Fresh vegetables inside reusable grocery bag.

Cute reusable grocery bags for shopping in style

Cute reusable grocery bags. They’re a must-have in cities that have outlawed free plastic bags,… Read More »Cute reusable grocery bags for shopping in style

Five fashion rules you should break

Do you know what we have to say about not wearing white pants after Labor… Read More »Five fashion rules you should break

Fashionable footwear: The best shoes for bunion sufferers

Bunions are the worst. See our favorite picks re: shoes for bunions — 6 pairs of stylish footwear that won’t have you cringing in pain.

Fashion advice: Sample sales vs. Warehouse sales

Dear Budget Fashionista, I am just starting to frequent sample sales, however the merchandise at… Read More »Fashion advice: Sample sales vs. Warehouse sales

6 ways to recycle a bridesmaid dress

You’re wondering how to recycle a bridesmaid dress because you have too many silk taffeta… Read More »6 ways to recycle a bridesmaid dress

Why I love sally’s boutique: My ode to salvation army

This repost originally appeared on the site in November, 2004 Smitten . . . Along… Read More »Why I love sally’s boutique: My ode to salvation army

When Liz clairborne ruled the world: History of budget fashion

Back in the day (like 1988) Liz Claiborne was “dabomb.com”. The brand, founded in 1976,… Read More »When Liz clairborne ruled the world: History of budget fashion

Updated! Six great swimsuits for older women

Of the many things forced upon women as we get older, is this belief that… Read More »Updated! Six great swimsuits for older women

The best swimsuit brands on a budget

What’s more terrifying than trying on swimsuits surrounded by mirrors in fluorescent lights? Paying a… Read More »The best swimsuit brands on a budget

The maxi dress for petite ladies: 5 simple rules

Maxi dress for petite ladies? Short ladies have certain fashion challenges, and one of those… Read More »The maxi dress for petite ladies: 5 simple rules

best color for your skin tone: dark skinned models wearing colorful dresses

The best color for your skin tone: Quick guide

While summer is all about color (from pastel pinks to neon green), it can be… Read More »The best color for your skin tone: Quick guide

Woman wearing distressed plus size jeans

Our picks for the best plus-size jeans

Many types of garments don’t provide enough plus-size options. But we can’t really say the… Read More »Our picks for the best plus-size jeans

Updated! Best bras: Post baby support

It’s a fact of life: after a baby, your body changes. Some parts will be… Read More »Updated! Best bras: Post baby support

Fashionable plus size woman wearing sunglasses and hat outside.

10 ride or die plus size fashion tips

The nature of my plus size fashion tips have evolved over the years. There was… Read More »10 ride or die plus size fashion tips

What to wear to a winter wedding

Winter weddings come with a built-in style challenge. You want to look polished and event-ready,… Read More »What to wear to a winter wedding

Costco vs. Sam’s club: Which is better?

Costco or Sam’s Club? Often, the choice between the two warehouses comes down to location.… Read More »Costco vs. Sam’s club: Which is better?

The best women’s suit styles on a budget

While navigating office-appropriate attire can be confusing, there’s one sure-thing: a suit always looks professional… Read More »The best women’s suit styles on a budget

Looking for cheap jeans? Check out our picks

As soon as the word “premium” started to pop up in the denim category, prices… Read More »Looking for cheap jeans? Check out our picks

What to wear to a fall wedding

We know that choosing what to wear to a fall wedding can be a frustrating… Read More »What to wear to a fall wedding

Two women smell body mist fragrances with their eyes closed.

Perfect scents: 11 fall body mists to try this year

Much as I like summer, I looove fall. See, I like to wear body mists. The… Read More »Perfect scents: 11 fall body mists to try this year

Woman shopping online at wide shoes stores.

Wide shoe stores: 9 best places to shop wide shoes

A reader asks: I love shoes! But I need direction on wide shoe stores. I… Read More »Wide shoe stores: 9 best places to shop wide shoes

How to shop T.J.Maxx

For some shoppers, off-price stores like TJ Maxx are a mecca of bargains, with hidden… Read More »How to shop T.J.Maxx

Woman applies moisturizer following best quick beauty tips.

Top 5 cheap beauty products $10 or less

Busy budget babes: Want to save money and time on your self-care rituals? Over the… Read More »Top 5 cheap beauty products $10 or less

Stylish woman outside standing in front of airplane.

The 20 best budget fashion tips of all time

Everyone, it seems, has an opinion about the dos and don’ts of style. Depending on… Read More »The 20 best budget fashion tips of all time

Best swimsuits for those with large breasts

Yes, we love lying out at the beach and playing in the pool, but even… Read More »Best swimsuits for those with large breasts

3 places to find cheap plus size wedding dresses

Q: I am a plus-size bride in dire searching for beautiful cheap plus size wedding dresses.… Read More »3 places to find cheap plus size wedding dresses

Beauty icon: Lena horne

Lena Horne (1917-2010) was a stylish lady, accomplished singer, dancer, actress, civil rights activist and… Read More »Beauty icon: Lena horne

Beauty icon: Billie holiday

The name Billie Holiday is known by people of every age everywhere and even if… Read More »Beauty icon: Billie holiday

Woman measures natural waist with cloth tape.

How to find your natural waist

Most people think their natural waist is the mid-point of their torso, which isn’t true. If… Read More »How to find your natural waist

Style icon: Dorothy dandridge

When we think of Black Hollywood of old, Dorothy Dandridge stands out as one of… Read More »Style icon: Dorothy dandridge

White House Black Market Michelle Obama Inaugural Dress 2013

White house | black market reveals its inauguration-inspired fashion collection for non-first ladies of the land

“What will Michelle Obama wear?” Some folks complain it’s a sign of times when people… Read More »White house | black market reveals its inauguration-inspired fashion collection for non-first ladies of the land

Easy, quick, all-natural DIY facial recipes

Keeping your complexion moisturized and radiant when the weather is rainy, cold and windy is… Read More »Easy, quick, all-natural DIY facial recipes

How to put together an a+ teacher clothes on a budget

For every teacher, putting together a professional yet stylish teacher’s wardrobe is a big challenge–even more… Read More »How to put together an a+ teacher clothes on a budget

Color me polished: How to wear multi-colored manicures this fall

Rich burgundy, steel gray and hunter green are just some of the beautiful tones you… Read More »Color me polished: How to wear multi-colored manicures this fall

Midwestern charm: 10 great midwest style blogs

There’s great fashion on the East and West Coasts, but what about those of us… Read More »Midwestern charm: 10 great midwest style blogs

Tips for finding great cashmere sweaters

The key to finding a great cashmere piece is to understand what makes a good… Read More »Tips for finding great cashmere sweaters

Woman tries on wedding gown chosen by David's Bridal wedding consultant.

8 things a David’s bridal wedding consultant wants you to know

We’ve all seen an episode or two of Bridezillas. And if you haven’t, grab yourself… Read More »8 things a David’s bridal wedding consultant wants you to know

Two shoppers wearing masks inspect clothes in thrift store.

How to clean thrift store clothing

There’s nothing I like more than a shopping spree at my local Goodwill or Salvation… Read More »How to clean thrift store clothing

Hat trends every girl should try

Hats are like earrings. They’re made to compliment your look. This season we’ve seen more… Read More »Hat trends every girl should try

A complete summer makeover: 3-in-1 makeup sticks that are perfect for warm weather wear

It’s summertime, which means you want your makeup routine to be as easygoing as possible.… Read More »A complete summer makeover: 3-in-1 makeup sticks that are perfect for warm weather wear

Way back when: ‘90s talk show hosts

For those of us who can remember when Oprah first gained massive popularity in the… Read More »Way back when: ‘90s talk show hosts

Essential style tips for the Apple-shaped fashionista

Dear Budget Fashionista, I just love this site! I have checked it daily for years… Read More »Essential style tips for the Apple-shaped fashionista

Close up of pedicure treament to represent pedicure safety tips.

The 7 essential pedicure safety tips

It’s that time of year to talk about pedicure safety. Our feet are emerging from… Read More »The 7 essential pedicure safety tips

How-to: Shopping at target

Ah, you say — you already know about shopping at Target. In fact, you’ve spent so… Read More »How-to: Shopping at target

The outnet: Site review

is the high-fashion-focused Net-a-Porter’s outlet site—which pleases us because, while we love perusing Net-a-Porter’s designer… Read More »The outnet: Site review

Teens: Want to start wearing makeup? Read this first

Dear Budget Fashionista, I’m 14 and I don’t normally wear makeup, but I want to… Read More »Teens: Want to start wearing makeup? Read this first

Vera Wang jewelry still killin’ it at Kohl’s

You’ve been dropping carefully orchestrated, subtle hints to your man for months (5 months, 22… Read More »Vera Wang jewelry still killin’ it at Kohl’s

How to style a fascinator hat & where to get one

Deep down, every one of us kind of wants to be Kate Middleton. But not… Read More »How to style a fascinator hat & where to get one

Mother and daughter laugh while taking a selfie.

Mom makeover in 4 steps

Being a mom is one of the hardest jobs in the world. Even Oprah agrees,… Read More »Mom makeover in 4 steps

Dreaming of an elegant st. John knits dress in your closet? Here’s where to find it on the cheap

When it comes to luxury knits, St. John is the reigning global king. The classic… Read More »Dreaming of an elegant st. John knits dress in your closet? Here’s where to find it on the cheap

13 must-know strategies for shopping at dillard’s

Next to Macy’s, Dillard’s is the go-to department store for mid-priced brands. The budget-friendly store… Read More »13 must-know strategies for shopping at dillard’s

Recycle, reuse, renew: 11 ways to repurpose old clothing

So, there’s been a pile of clothes in the back of your closet for months… Read More »Recycle, reuse, renew: 11 ways to repurpose old clothing

The webster at target: Little shops make it to the big league

As much as we like huge shopping malls, we can’t help but miss the excitement… Read More »The webster at target: Little shops make it to the big league

Should I buy a fake handbag? Hmm. No

Raise your hand if you dream of owning a designer handbag? Chanel, Fendi, Gucci, Prada… Read More »Should I buy a fake handbag? Hmm. No

9 inflation-busting & gorgeous wedding dresses under $150

Yes, you read that headline right. Whether you’re hosting a platinum wedding with everyone you’ve ever met in attendance or you’re swapping vows on a remote island, we have found a gorgeous dress for your special day at a price you won’t believe.
We think you’ll like what you see below, but if you don’t, you can find other great dresses for the same fantastic price. Each of our chosen retailers has multiple gowns for less than $100, so you’re sure to find a dress you love that also fits your wedding budget.

Close-up view of professional manicure with red nail polish.

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