Look for Less: Free People Overalls

There is something so comfortable about overalls.  They’re no fuss and super comfortable.  But as cute as this model looks thanks to the folks at Free People, the outfit above would cost you about $700! But just because you are not willing to spend that much on a casual outfit does not mean you can’t easily copy the look.

 

Let’s start with the overalls.  The Washed Denim Overalls in Dresden Wash from Free People are $148, but these overall shorts from Macy’s are on sale for $24.99.  The second pair are the Urban Renewal Acid-Wash Overall Short which are available at Urban Outfitters.

The major thing to look for in a dupe for this top is detailing.  Whether it you choose ruffles or lace, the top shouldn’t be a plain t-shirt.  The first top is from Forever 21 and is called the Lace Peplum Top.  It has a peplum much like the original.

The wool fedora is one of the pieces that makes the outfit.  I would recommend spending your money here if you want to buy one of the original pieces.  But if it’s not in the budget, you can try this one.

For the shoes, you can really wear an black sandals with a heel.  You should try these, these, and these.

Now for the jewelry! Pile on your bangles, rings, and necklaces to go for an everything-in-your-jewelry-box kind of look.  You can really work with what you own, but if you’re looking for a few new pieces try this spiked macramé bracelet, this etched feather charm necklace, this dimpled bib necklace, this pyramid stud bracelet set, or this pressed filigree bracelet.

lace in combat

Dress- Cotton On, Cardigan- Forever 21 (verrryy old), Boots- Steve Madden, Tights-Aldo, Necklace- Aldo

This dress was one of those magical deals.  It fit perfectly and it was on sale for $10.  It was the last one in the store back in October when I bought it.  How often does the last dress in the store fit you perfectly?  It is a purple-ish color and it has the perfect length.  I have worn this outfit and many variations of it for so many different things.  It is interesting how different it looks from how I see this outfit in the mirror and what it looks like in pictures.

This outfit is a perfect example of mixing the old and the new.  The sweater is one of the older pieces in my wardrobe.  Most of the things I put on this blog are no longer for sale, but this sweater is almost four years old.  I have gone through so many phases with it.  I have gone from religiously belting it to only wearing it freely and flowingly.

What are some of your old favorites in your closet?

Cate

peplum+shorts

Top-Necessary Clothing (Similar), Shorts- H&M, Flats-Ellen Tracy (Similar), Necklace- vintage

Before this, I had never tried wearing tights with shorts.  I decided to try with black shorts because they aren’t as casual as denim shorts.  I think it turned out fairly well; if you don’t agree, try it because it is harder than you think.

I don’t know if I have said it before, but I love peplums.  When they fit right, they are beyond flattering.  If they aren’t flattering, they don’t hit the right part of your waist.  They celebrate curves if you have them; yet if you don't, they’re still cute.  They don’t discriminate.  I felt a little more comfortable experimenting by wearing a go-to piece like a peplum.

Cate

what’s in my bag?

 

Above are the things that I usually have in my bag.  The I used is a black Kimchi Blue bag from Urban Outfitters.  This the my most used bag.

1. Vera Bradley Small Cosmetic Bag- I always have this in my bag.  The contents of this bag change on a daily basis, but I love it.  It’s lined.  I believe Vera Bradley discontinued this pattern.
2. My iPhone 4s- I love my iPhone.  It is either in my purse or it is in my pocket.  I switch my cases all the time, but I got this one at TJMaxx. You can find other phone cases by this brand here.
3. My Wallet- Although this is a fake, it is pretty good quality.  It has a removable strap that makes it a wristlet which I leave on.  I usually put my keys in it and sometimes I put my phone in there.  Having the essentials in one spot allows me to switch bags with ease.
4. Pencil Case- I never let pens or pencils loose in my purse.  This H&M pencil case keeps everything neatly together so when I’m in class I know where it is.
5. Ear buds- I love my Beats ear buds.  They never tangle and they have a speaker so that I can make and receive phone calls.
6. Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment- I actually got this as a free sample from Sephora while buying foundation once. It is very sheer which is good for me because it gives a little color without clashing with dramatic eye makeup.  It also has SPF 15.
7. Lipstick-  Pictured is the Sephora Rouge Cream lipstick in Seduce a “cool pinkish beige”.  I’ve alluded to the fact that I don’t like bold lip colors.  This was my baby step for lip color.  I tend to move towards neutrals, but I end up looking washed out.  I really like this lipstick though and I recommend it for anyone.
8. Lip Gloss- This was a part of a gift set one Christmas.  It is a Lancome Juicy Tube in Spring Fling. It is ultra shiny but not sparkly.  When I was younger, I had a lip gloss that was supposed to taste like pink lemonade and this tastes just like it.  This is my go-to lip gloss.
9. Eos Lip Balm- I am very particular about scented and flavored lip glosses, lip balms, chap sticks, body sprays, etc.  For example, any of my friends can attest that I absolutely despise the artificial watermelon taste that cosmetic companies make.  It tastes nothing like watermelon and it just smells and tastes awful.  I can smell it from a mile away.  That being said, the first Eos lip balm I bought had the worst flavor.  I was determined to try others.  This is the Eos Strawberry Sorbet.  I like how moisturizing it is, but I neither love nor hate this flavor.
10. Band-Aids- You’d be surprised how much I use these.  People never have them when you need them. 
11. Burt’s Bees Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Açaí Berry- I absolutely recommend this.  My lips are always chapped in the Winter.  Unfortunately, I have to replace this lip balm because I left it in my pocket the other day; it made a trip through the washing machine and dryer.
12. Mascara- Mascara is my most used beauty product.  When I first started using makeup, I would wear nothing but mascara.  Pictured is the mini They’re Real mascara by Benefit. I got this as a sample from Sephora.  Nothing to say about it.  It’s tiny so I use it in my bag.  I prefer water proof mascara.
13. Pressed Powder- For me, pressed powder is a life saver.  It just makes foundation look more complete.  This is the Covergirl sensitive pressed power in classic beige.  I use this everyday.
14. Powder Brush- I don’t like the pads that pressed powders come with.  This is a travel size brush from CVS.

Hope you liked this post! If you have done a similar post, link it in the comments below!

Cate

suede fringe booties

   Shirt-Old Navy (similar), Vest-Forever 21, Booties-Steve Madden, Jeans-American Eagle, Necklace-Charming Charlie’s

So these booties were an early birthday present.  I like the “V” style front to them; I’ve been wanting a style like this for a while now.  PLUS, they have fringe on them.  And fringe makes everything more amazing, awesome, and better.  Because who doesn’t love the way fringe moves with every step.  Duh, no one!  I do think it would be a bit over kill to wear my fringe mini skirt with the booties.  As much fun it would be to have it all sway with the slightest of movements, I think it might be considered a little over the top.

These are my absolute favorite jeans.  They’re “Super Stretch” from American Eagle.  All of their skinny jeans are stretch, but the super stretch may just be the comfiest jeans in the whole wide world.  Although, the super stretch only come in a limited range of washes, they’re definitely worth the lack of originality. 

boots+black

  Dress-H&M, Boots-Steve Madden, Tights-Anthropologie   

It’s been extremely cold lately.  I’ve been wearing jeans and leggings nonstop.  So today, I braved the cold with tights and a dress because I was so bored with pants.   Let’s just say, I don’t think I’ll be wearing tights again until after this cold passes.  In retrospect, I probably should have worn more layer on top also. 

I got these tights a year or two ago on clearance at Anthropologie.  Usually, I don’t like colored tights.  I like to stick to my lace (and other patterns) and my black tights.  These tights are grey with a black diamond pattern.  I recently got this solid black dress at H&M.  The flattering silhouette makes it a piece I love to use in layering or simply alone like here. The necklace is my mom’s and the bracelet was a birthday gift a few years ago.  I like the edgy vibe that goes along with it.

Resolutions 2013

With 2013 kicking off, it gives opportunity to try trends we've yet to try. From restyling clothes I already own, to revamping my makeup look, I am working on my fashion and beauty hit list. Here is my list of styles to try.

1) (Faux) Fur Vest
I love vests. They can totally rework an outfit. I have gushed over tons of photos with fur vests. They are so cute. I have been meaning to try one; one will visiting my closet soon.

2) Waxed or Coated Jeans
This fall, I had total intentions of buying coated jeans. They look so chic and would be a break from the basic jeans I love.

3) Leather Jacket
They're classic! Leather jackets NEVER go out of style. I crushed on a Zara one for months, but wasn't ready to invest $200. I've yet to take the plunge. Maybe this one will go onto my birthday wish list...

4) Winged Eyeliner
I love this look. They're are girls who rock winged eyeliner on a daily basis. My plan is to try it for a night out, and then transform it into a day-time look. It's an edgy twist on your basic black eyeliner. Winged eyeliner would be an easy way go update my everyday look.

5) Bows
I have two plans involving bows. Bows ties and hair bows are in my future for 2013. American Apparel has tons of hair bows that look absolutely adorable. The fabrics add sophistication and make the look more practical. Leather and velvety textures in rich burgundy or deep blues would add a pop to any outfit. The second part of my bow plan is to rock a bow tie. I'm not sure how to go about this considering my "thing" with button downs. I never like the way the fit me; I always find them unflattering with too much space in the wrong places. But with new year, I'm going to give them another try. Possibly with the chambray shirt in #6?

6) Chambray Shirt
I know, I know. I should already have one. But I don't. Every time I see them, I'm pressed for time and don't have time to properly try them on. And as you read about in #5, this isn't something I'd buy without a trip to the dressing room. They dress down outfits and I've seen them on almost every fashion blog.

7) Fair Isle Leggings
I've slowly started to love leggings. I had a policy for the longest time about only wearing leggings as sweats. I never wore them in public until this past year. I still don't approve of them under skirts and dresses, but I'll continue to experiment with them by trying this print. I'm a little apprehensive about this trend; I've never worn printed leggings. But, I've tried printed jeans and liked them, so I'm going to make the effort.

8) Beanies
Knit beanies look so cute with big sweaters boots. I've even seen people match the knit of their boot socks to a beanie. How cute!

9) Pleated Leather Skirt
I've been in love with this one from Alice+Olivia since the summer. I love a-line skirts. They're my summer uniform. The leather texture would be great for winter. I need to find a cheaper alternative, but when I do.......