Situation: #LBDproblems

The Little Black Dress.  Ladies.  It's a no brainer.  This staple should be present in EVERY lady's closet, beginning at the awkward Bar and Bat Mitzvah days (also known as seventh grade), and should be updated on the reg.

"It must be so hard for you, Victoria. Having to decide
between the little Gucci dress, the little Gucci dress, OR,
the little Gucci dress."

Being a 90s baby, the Spice Girls were (obviously) my biggest role models, both in occupation - who doesn't want to be a pop star, really - and in style.  They were so influential that I received platform sneakers from my babysitter as a birthday present and proceeded to wear them for years to come.  Photographs at my mother's house to prove it.  Posh Spice was and will always be Queen of the LBD, and for that I applaud her.  Through her role in Spice World, she taught young girls like myself the importance of "less is more," "tighter is better," and that such things as "Gucci dresses" actually exist.

My mom bought me my first Little Black Dress back in middle school from Free People (you go, Mom!) to wear to a family friend's Bar Mitzvah, and I've recognized it as a versatile piece ever since.  Dress it up with statement jewelry and red lipstick or dress it down with a light jacket and scarf.  You know those times that NOTHING in your closet is working for you?  Keep your LBD on hand as your back-up.

I've done my recessionista research and found 10 perfect LBDs for any occasion, traditional and non-traditional, all under $90 (!!!).  Don't forget - New Year's Eve is just around the corner.  Take a break from the Christmas shopping you probably haven't started yet anyway and buy yourself a new LBD.  Really.  Do it.

1.  Femme Dress (Nasty Gal, $38)

2.  Open Back Flippy Tunic (TOPSHOP, $70)

3.  Dress with Lace Skirt (ZARA, $89.90)

4.  Babydoll Dress with Skater Skirt (ASOS, $28.14)

5.  Dress (h&m, $24.95)

6.  Bad Religion Dress (Nasty Gal, $48)

7.  Nylon Tricot Figure Skater Dress (American Apparel, $50)

8.  Bow Back Sheath Dress (Forever 21, $27.80)

9.  Pins and Needles Embroidered Deep V-Back Dress (Urban Outfitters, $69)

10.  Motel Carina Sleeveless Mesh Dress (Motel Rocks, $80)

Most of these are available online, but if they aren't, it might be worth to check out the fit in the store.  I'm in desperate need of updating my LBD so I'll be ordering one of these ASAP.

What's your favorite LBD style?  How do you like to dress your staple piece up or down?  Comment away!

Cheap S%$T Pick of the Week: C. Wonder

I literally can't believe that Thanksgiving is two days away.  Maybe it's the whole "being out of college" thing or maybe it was the whole "Frankenstorm" thing, but it feels like Halloween hasn't come around yet, and there's NO WAY that Christmas and Hanukkah are a month away.  I really need to stop shopping for myself.

For those of you out there who struggle buying Christmas or Hanukkah presents every year (and let's be real here, it's all of us) STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING IMMEDIATELY.  Just stop it.  Right now.

I came across this website yesterday and haven't X-ed out of it since.  I've bookmarked about a hundred pages and have planned to be very very broke for the holidays.  Oh yeah.  It's THAT good.

This company's website describes themselves as "a shopping destination that transports women into a world of luxury and surprises," and that's the damned truth.  C. Wonder has the most fabulous selection of clothing, home decor, accessories, jewelry, and gift guides that I've seen in a loooong time.  From tea cup sets to iPhone covers to sweaters to key fobs, each product gets a little bit cuter and a little bit more colorful.  And - you know I wouldn't be writing about it if I didn't agree at least a little bit with the prices - C. Wonder is very reasonable for the quality of its products.  The holidays gods have spoken, and we've all agreed - this is the place to do your holiday shopping this season.

Also, when you sign up for their emails, you receive free ground shipping on your first order.  I, for one, am a huge fan of free shipping.

My favorite part about the C. Wonder website is the gift guide section, where you can choose to look at gifts under the $25, $50, and $100 price ranges.  There's also gift categories like "Stocking Stuffers" for smaller items, "Personalized" for the monogram-obsessed, and "C. Wonder Classics" for, duh, classic items like cashmere gloves, driving mocs, wallets, and throw blankets.

Not only is this amazing store online, there's two New York City locations - one in SoHo at Spring Street and Crosby Street and one in the Time Warner building.  (For the other locations around the US, click here.)  As I haven't been to the stores yet, I'm not sure if the selection is the same as online, but I'll be checking the store out within the next few weeks as I begin my holiday shopping.

I hope you all have a safe and happy Thanksgiving, and as always, comment away!

Do It Yourself: Chain Tote

First things first, a video of a labrador puppy named Tugger playing with a doorstop.  Enjoy amongst yourselves.

So apparently it was a "thing" to go through many different stages growing up.  I, however cool I may seem to all my fans out there, was no exception.  (I also feel like I've written about this before, and may have mentioned my radically cool-at-the-time NIKKI name plate belt - what I look back at now as a very poor purchase decision.)  I went through this punk rock stage circa 2003 (ish) and I LOVED IT.  Hot Topic was the coolest store ever, Linkin Park was the coolest band ever, and boys in skinny jeans and studded belts were the cutest boys ever.

I'm pretty SUPER happy that the "punk rock" trend (i.e. studs and chains and ish) has made its comeback.  I'm absolutely loving the "everything studs" look on leather jackets, flats, and intense shoulder pads on sweaters.  This Zara sweater with leather sleeves is EVERYTHING.  I've also been noticing more and more purses and scarves with chains incorporated into them, and I realized just how easy it would be to make myself.

I present: my chain tote.

Things you need:

1. Tote bag with outside pockets
2. Different shape/length/color chains
3. Hot glue gun
4. Needle and thread (for reinforcement)

I pretty much only used my hot glue gun, but some of the larger and heavier chains didn't hold as well, so I reinforced with some thread.  All in all, 15 minutes later and my bag was finito.

Because I'm oh so helpful (and because this particular army green bag was purchased around 2004 from H&M before the store was cool), I've found some cheap Target bags that would be perfect for this DIY project here.

Besides these Target pieces, I didn't find many other totes with outside pockets, so it may be useful to check out thrift stores and second-hand stores as well.  As far as chains go, Michaels has inexpensive smaller chains, and for my NYC recessionistas, check out the trimming stores in the Garment District for heavy-duty unique chains.  (My favorite store is Pacific Trimmings on 38th between 7th and 8th Aves, where I bought feathers for my Halloween costume this year and sew-on gems for this R29 sweatshirt DIY project.)

What do you think?  Are you a fan of the studs and chains trend?  Thinking about taking on this DIY project?  Comment away!

Situation: #winterjacketproblems

What a week, eh?  Firstly, major major major props to all Hurricane Sandy volunteers - firefighters, policemen, ConEd workers, etc. - helping to clean, rebuild, and bring power back to those towns and cities in New Jersey and New York affected by the storm.  If you're a fellow New Jersian and looking for a cool way to donate (and get something in return!), check out these sweet Restore the Shore tees and sweatshirts here, where all profits go directly to the American Red Cross' Hurricane Sandy Relief Foundation.  I ordered my tee last night!  And for those concerned, my poor little Point Pleasant beach shack made it through, safe and sound.  A little damage to the outside, sand on the porch, no power, but still standing, and for that I'm incredibly fortunate.  Other houses along the boardwalk weren't so lucky.

Really?  November 1st?

Secondly, it's that time of the year, people.  Says who?  Says Starbucks.  Holiday cups are out, temps are dropping to the low 40s, and I'm touching every fur vest I see.  Totally normal.  It's also that time of the year to start stocking up on brand new peacoats, winter jackets, and whatever kind of trendy wintery accessory you're particularly interested in (i.e. head wraps, fur scarves, leather gloves, riding boots, etc.).  However, these are usually pricey items.  Luckily, you have this cheap recessionista over here to show you the ropes on staying warm AND staying affordable all at the same time.

Is that grande nonfat no-whip Peppermint Mocha really keeping you warm?  Maybe.  BUT, these seven jackets under $100 definitely will:

For the Ivory color lover:  Jack BB Dakota Connell Coat in Ivory (Karmaloop, $54)

For the anti-scarf wearer:  Vero Moda Padded Shawl Collar Belted Coat in Fig (or Formula 1, Black, Mocca) (ASOS, $61.57)

For the trendsetter:  Emily Mod Coat by Rhyme & Echo (Piperlime, $89)

For the sweater layer-er:  Olive Star Studded Cargo Jacket (Pixie Market, $69)

For the indie shearling wearer:  Shearling Drape Jacket in Camel (Nasty Gal, $68)

For the attention to detail-er:  River Island Quilted Jacket with Pu Trim (ASOS, $87.95)

For the non-leather bomber lover:  Bomber Jacket by THML Clothing (Piperlime, $89)

All from the convenience of your living room couch.  Who doesn't love being wrapped in a blanket and drinking hot cocoa while online shopping simultaneously?

Thoughts on winter jacket shopping?  Comment away!

Situation: #coloredpantsproblems

Fine.  I admit it.  I wasn't a fan of the colored pants when they made their debut this past spring in soft pastels and bright hues and whatnot.  Being slightly curvy, I looked super-duper heavy in Easter yellow and robin's egg blue pants (two colors that accentuate hips and thighs remarkably), and I came to the sad realization that I'll be a jegging- and legging-wearing girl fo' lyfe.  Which is fine.  I'm obviously over it.  LOLZ to colored pants.

And then.  A miracle happened.  I call it: my Joe Fresh shopping spree.

Photo courtesy of Racked NY

For those who aren't familiar with the Joe Fresh name, you should be.  It's Canadian, eh!  The one I visited near 43rd Street and 5th Avenue opened this past March and is HUGE, like two levels huge, apparently much larger than one way down 5th near West 16th.  There's also a store near Penn Station on 34th and 7th and on the Upper East Side on East 80th and Madison.  Other than that, there's a store in Long Island and one at the Bridgewater Commons in New Jersey (about a half hour from where I used to live, go figure), and that's IT for stores in the states.  Damn you, Canada!  Give us more Joe Fresh!

You know when you're watching a movie and the female protagonist sees the man of her dreams and it's like the stars are aligned?  And then "At Last" seems to begin right on cue and then she's sobbing and then YOU'RE sobbing?  Well that's exactly how I felt yesterday morning as I entered the store and noticed the first price tag on a pair of skinny corduroy pants.  $19.  It.  Was.  SO.  Beautiful.

Sadly, the online store totally sucks, so YAY to New Yorkers and BOO to everyone else.

I took about 245 things into the dressing room, including a few pairs of the dreaded colored pants, and went wild.

What I loved:

Never Have I Ever worn Size 6 pants.

1. Pants RUN LARGE.  One pair of incredibly dapper maroon velvet(ish) pants only came in a Size 4, and I asked someone working if they had anything larger.  They didn't.  I tried them on.  They fit.  When has this ever happened to me?!?!  Never.
2. The quality of fabric and stitching is ACTUALLY GOOD.  LOLZ to shopping at Forever21 anymore.  Joe Fresh was looking better than even Zara, my old favorite store.  Zara, out, Joe Fresh, in.
3. Cheap prices.  Duh.
4. The store was organized, clean, and spread out.  What a concept!!!!!  I'm looking at YOU, H&M.

My final purchase consisted of a soft brown fur vest, navy/grey/white colorblock sweater, navy short-sleeve tweed shirt, forest green pants, brown skinny corduroys, and maroon velvet(ish) pants.  Total cost: $204.  As excited as I was about my much-needed seasonal spree, I overcame my fear of colored pants.  The darker colors are much more flattering, as well as the stretch of the pant and quality of the material.

What do you think?  Is the colored pants trend here to stay, or are you over it?  Comment away!

Cheap S%$T Pick of the Week: eBay

This is a fun little story about the worlds of two recessionistas colliding.

While working at the Union Club of Boston, I managed to do a lot of people-watching (standing behind a bar for three-hour-long private parties will do that to a girl).  I didn't just observe awkward people in social situations, I observed shoes.  Bags.  Dresses.  Jewelry.  A lot of jewelry.  One necklace, in particular, caught my attention back in April or May this past year.  I'd seen it recently on a mannequin display at J. Crew in a different color, and I knew it was quickly becoming a trend.  Here it is on the J.Crew website for a whopping $150:

Upon handing her her fifth or sixth glass of champagne of the evening, I complimented her for her necklace and asked where it was from.  Her response?  "eBay."  I couldn't tell if the booze was catching up to her or if I had heard wrong, but I couldn't wrap my head around it.  eBay?  Really?  For a necklace?

(For the record, this chick is totally normal and offered to help me get a job in PR.  Love ya, Shannon.)

Thus, my eBay jewelry research began.  To my disbelief, I found A TON of really really cute and trendy necklaces on the website, and immediately began shopping.  My final purchase consisted of four necklaces, two of which were this bubble bib necklace in yellow and teal, for under $40 including shipping.  Unheard of, right?

I got my jewelry in the mail (which took quite a while due to the fact that the bubble bib necklaces were being made in China) and had two realizations.  One, they're IDENTICAL to the J.Crew necklaces.  I beat the bubble bib necklace system.  And two, I realized I hated the yellow.  HATED.  I became a huge fan of yellow this summer but this necklace was just too much.  After reading a blog post about painting costume jewelry with nail polish, I realized the task ahead of me.  I would paint the yellow necklace a fall color.  The necklace cost me $8 at most, and I knew I would wear it if it was a different color, especially if it was a nice purple-ish grey for the fall.  I AM THE MOST BRILLIANT.

Before:

During:

 

So, I chose a nail color I had that I didn't wear often but really liked the color, Smokin' Hot by Essie, and painted the entire necklace.

It took a few days to paint one half of a bead, wait a few hours, and then paint the other side, but it looks fantastic.  You really wouldn't know unless you looked WAY up close and saw that I couldn't paint underneath the metal part of each bead.

After:

This HUGE website with endless options may get a bit overwhelming, so eBay shoppers, be weary: make sure you know what you're looking for before you start searching, and start by Google-ing some search terms so you know exactly what your piece is called.  I had to Google "bib necklaces" for quite a while before I actually found what I was looking for.

I like to think that I've done an eco-friendly deed by following the Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle mantra.  Instead of throwing out my yellow necklace and buying a new one, I'm making an effort to "reuse" as well as save myself some money.

Do you have old jewelry in need of a fresh coat of paint?  Is it worth painting over old pieces, or would you rather buy a new piece of jewelry with a whole new feel and look?  Comment away!