Reader Perk! 15% Off!!

Hi readers! Sorry I've been relatively MIA-- the snowstorm we had in Dallas caused some drama around these parts and kicked my lazy-bone into HIGH gear. Ooops. But I'm back to the regular schedule now and back on the wagon.

I have some fun news, too! I was contacted by RicketyRack.com, a new online retailer of very fun, feminine frocks. They have a great offer for all FF readers: 15% off all merch with code FETCHINGFASHIONS. Here are some of my picks and things I'm shopping... (click the links below to be taken to the item!)

Spring Sailor Frock

Plush Loopy Knit Cardigan

Swishy Silk Dream Dress

Dangling Fan Top (ummm, Hi cute, cheaper Anthro-dupe!)

Folded Chiffon Party Tea Dress

Charming Frilled Waist Skirt

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Happy Shopping, lovies!!

Budget Buster vs. Stylish Sub

Happy weekend, y'all! Whats a better way to start a weekend than with shopping, hmmmm??

Budget Buster

Alice + Olivia Wrap Around Cardi

I adore this cardi and own it in the blush color, but the price is a tad steep for a modal/acrylic cardigan.

Stylish Substitute

Cozy Grey Wrap Cardigan

This version may only come in one color but it's the exact style of the A+O wrap. Plus, it's more than $100 savings. Which is quite the steal, in my book!

Well, Hello there.

Hi bloggie-land! I am still alive! This is good news, as there were moments in the past 3 weeks that I questioned whether that would be the case. Not sure I was prepared for the stress of graduate school, since my Master's program was pretty easy, while this Ph.D. thing sort of feels like my eyelashes are being ripped out one by one, veeeerrrrryyyy slowly. Hyperbolic? Yes... but sadly, it's how I've been feeling. I know it's just an adjustment period, and YES, I will make it out alive *this is my mantra*.

(p.s., to those thinking about going to get a graduate degree... umm... forget what I said! It's wonderful! La-dee-da, YAY. (believable? I'm trying.))

I'm thinking I'm beginning to regain that groove I was talking about but it's still lagging a tad, so bare with me. But there are some things I need/want to attend to with y'all, so I'm jumping back into the world of blogging. I have been bad and have essentially taken a total hiatus from social media, including reading others blogs, using twitter, etc... so I apologize if you've tried to contact me and haven't gotten adequate response. But I promise I'm regaining my footing in the real world. Promise!

And hey, look what I found! (You can take the fashion out of the girl, but you can't take the girl out of fashion, hmmm?)

The Budget Buster:

 

Milly La Sorbonne Cardi

The Stylish Substitute:

Target Merona Vivre cardigan sweater

Granted, the differences are there... Milly's sweater is much more intricate. But for a fraction of the price, you can get the chain detailed look from Target! I saw this in stores and it's actually adorbs, so I very much recommend.

I'll be back soon with some of my Tucker for Target opinions, a product review and some other nice, non-book/school-related things. :)

Budget Buster vs. Stylish Substitute

Thanks for all the entries so far to Week 1 of Fetching Fashions' giveaways! Enter if you haven't already. Next week will be equally as pretty, so make sure you stay tuned for that one, too. :)

While perusing the mall yesterday, I wandered into Dillards to look at shoes and found myself in the "Edge" department. I always forget about this little cranny of the mall but I'm always shocked to find cute and affordable items. So when I spotted this adorable blazer by Aryn K. ($99) (which looked equally cute on, p.s.)...

... I couldn't help but be reminded of this Gryphon jacket ($390) I love but can't afford.

The differences are there (no studs on the arm/more studs on the lapel) but they're still the same look for less. I have to say, the product pictures don't do the Aryn K. jacket justice, but in person it really is adorable. I was quite tempted, but I was just so upset about my Aldo debacle that I couldn't bring myself to shop (pity me, thanks). Also, it's abotu to get way too hot for a kaclet like this-- I'll be wearing linens and light cottons only come 1 or 2 more weeks. What do you think: a good substitute?

OMG!! BB vs. SS (again)

I know I just posted a Budget Busters vs. Stylish Substitutes about 10 minutes ago, but get a load of this!!!

Bellatrix (via Nordies) Embellished Silk Racerback Tank, $78!!!

Why, hello there, you oh-so-similar tank top. I purhcased this (almost) exact thing from Anthropologie (Corey Lynn Calter) just this winter. Hrmph. Can you believe it's only $78?! Granted, I only spent about that myself since I waited on a sale, but here I was thinking it was a unique piece. Goes to show ya everyone copies everyone. At least the good news is for those of you who hesitated and didn't get it-- well, here y'are! :)

Budget Buster vs. Stylish Substitute

These L.A.M.B. buckle sandals have been on my radar and wishlist for about a month now, and I just haven't pulled the trigger. They are so cute and would definitely satisfy my desire for a nude pair of sandals for the spring/summer.

L.A.M.B. Devin caged sandals, $325 (@Shopbop)

Buuut, these Charlotte Russe knock-offs are super adorable and could fill my desire (and not empty my wallet)--

Charlotte Russe side buckle sandal, $40

What a dupe, huh?! There are some diffs-- the CR version seems to be more of a caged bootie than a pump. I obviously still like the L.A.M.B. pair better, but for almost $300 less, I could settle, especially since they may be a little too trendy to spend that much. What do you think: the real thing, or the substitute??

Budget Buster vs. Stylish Substitute

And now it's time for an installment of the very few and far between post called "Budget Buster vs. Stylish Substitute." Found this, had to let ya'll know:

Nordstrom BP Lush Rosette Ruffle Tank, $28

Look familiar? Yep, a rip-off of J.Crew's Ruffles and Roses tank from this Fall.  I love mine to pieces (see here), but it's now sold out online. The BP knock-off isn't as frilly and nicely embellished as the J.Crew version, but for anyone who wished they got it or just like the looks of this one here, it's a steal at $28. And in 3 colors (teal, grey and black). The only thing I don't really dig is the slubby material, which in my honest opinion, may need to go away soon (sez the girl who just wore burnout in a recent outfit, oy).

One more time...

Here's go-around number 2 for those of you who didn't get the original Bold Boutonniere dress from Anthropologie, OR the knock off from Modcloth...

Lulu's now has a version!! And for $41!!

Knock off... who cares!

This will be gone fast, so get it if you love it. Hey Chlosters... are we tag-teaming this look for less again? hehe....

Hey Anthro Lovers?

(haaaa-- Chlo-sters, GMTA. Srsly. Check out her post on the same topic here!)

Here's another crazy installment of Budget Busters VS. Stylish Substitutes.

Did anyone out there miss out on Anthro's Burlapp Boutonniere Dress? (seen in that pic right at the top of this page...) If so, check out this ModCloth lookalike for a mere $54! Eeep! I love these colors, too, by the way...

How ridiculously similar is this dress to the Burlapp version?! Wow. Almost feel like calling a trademark lawyer. But I won't because this is too cute for the law to get involved. :)

Oh, and don't forget about the blog sale (yeah, yeah) and that $5,000 giveaway I mentioned a few days ago. There is still a lot of time left to win!

Pro-brogue

Came across these this morning while browsing and had to share...

Forever 21 gold metallic oxfords

I own some gold brogues from Anthropologie (going to have to do an OOTD with them soon because they are fabulous), and these pretties from F21 could be a good alternative (with a cheaper price tag!). Of course, the comfort levels may be different, as the Sam Edelman's I own are fantastically comfortable. But still a great lookalike!


I've found that lots of you are not a fan of the brogue thing, but I think they are so cute and a fun way to off-set a feminine outfit. And hey, at $24, it's worth a try, no? :)

Budget Buster vs. Stylish Substitute

Although I do these posts few and far between, I saw this one today and got a leeeeetle excited, because I kinda like the cheaper version better. Yay!


Budget Buster:

Free People Stripe Sweater, $138

Stylish Substitute:

Forever 21 Striped Stud Trim Cardigan, $32

I think I like F21's version better because of the studs and the length, but Free People's color is much better. Well, the price is really what would do it for me, since I would gladly pay $100 less for the F21 version!

No OOTD today. It's so cold they closed schools, which means I'm wrapped up in a sweater and jeans. Not very exciting. Let's hope the weather getss a teense warmer.

Also, GO HORNS!!! (Texas vs. Alabama tonight 7 pm CST. I'll be watching it with bells on. Eating Buffalo Wild Wings. Yum.)

One romper, three ways

This past summer, I was on a quest to find "the perfect romper." Although there were many contenders, the budget never seemed to work with my desires. Ain't it always the case? So I spent the entire summer romper-less. But... this October, I found "the one." It was Anthropologie's SINE romper, can't remember the actual name they gave it. It satisfies my criteria: 1) it's not jersey. I wanted something dressier, or else I'm afraid I might start looking like I'm wearing some sort of sleeping outfit. 2) It has a defined waist. 3) It's generally neutral. 4) I don't look like Amelia Earhart. It's just so darn perfect (and has pockets! Eeeepp!) I had to finally post some pics with it. Believe it or not, there are endless possibilities styling this pretty. I'm having a hard time deciding how I want to wear it today! I'd love your opinions... which way do you like it best?

Way 1: Boyfriend Blazer

Romper: SINE black silk romper (similar here)
Blazer: F21 Stripe Trim Blazer
Tights: Anthro's geometric patterned tights in Plum (similar here)
Shoes: GoJane booties
Necklace: F21's Anthro lookalike (here's Anthro's take)

Way 2: Color Splash

Romper: see above
Sweater: NY&Co Antique Button Ruffle Cardigan
Tights: see above
Shoes: see above
Necklace: see above
Belt: random cheapie

(This one isn't much different, huh? Just a bit more color, maybe a little less edgy...)

Way 3: Shimmer and Sparkle

Romper: see above
Sweater: F21 Sequin Bow Cardigan
Necklace: ModCloth
Tights: Sock Dreams leg warmers (similar here)
Shoes: Madden Girl zebra pumps

(Note: I apologize about the color differences in the photos... I'm still trying to find the right combo for Photoshop... I am so not tech savvy enough.)

I'm personally leaning towards one over the others, but I'm curious to hear what you think.... Hmmm??

Budget Buster vs. Stylish Subtitute

I haven't done one of these in a while (mostly because Jen does a damn good job of it daily), but I had to post this because I just love love love these pumps:

The Budget Buster ($94.99):

The Stylish Substitute ($23.80):

You know, I actually like the cheaper one better! The heel is architectural and interesting, and the bow seems more manageable. Someone get these! And then post pictures of how cute they are. And convince me to buy 'em so I have someone to blame. Heh. :)

Blushing Faille, is that you?

I promise this will be my last post until tomorrow (I feel like such a posting-whoooor lately), but had to blog this. The best replica of the Anthro dress I've seen:

ModCloth's Shine of the Times Dress

Who can beat it at more than half the price!!?? The reviews aren't the most favorable I've seen, but the negative comments appear to be about itchiness near a zipper. Shaaaaa. Like I've never jerry-rigged a dress with some tape/bandaids to relieve itching? What is this, my first rodeo? Needless to say, I don't think an itchy zipper is reason enough to not break down and buy, but then again, I make some senseless purchases sometimes. I'll leave it to your discretion... to fall for the faux faille or not? (wheeee alliteration!)

For all my J.Crew lovahs out there...

I just had to post this. Look familiar, anyone? Hmmm??

No, no. Not J.Crew, but Charlotte Russe! Will that store ever stop ruthelessly copying designs??

Man, I hope not. :)

A fabulous Friday find...

I love it when I not only find looks for less, but looks for a hell of a lot less. Don't these Baker's shoes look just like the L.A.M.B. pumps? They're on sale, PLUS an additional 25% off, putting them at a cool $22.50. Sweet.

And for the real thing....

Though the color is a tad off, I would say that if you love this style, the less expensive alternative has to be the way to go!!

Wednesday's random rambles

Wednesdays, for me, suck. It's the end of my week at one job but the beginning of it for another. But yet, its the middle of the week. Confused? Yeah, I know.

My ole' pal fashion will get me through the day! Here is a polyvore put-together that I would wear; an inspiration of how to transition your summer wardrobe to the Fall.

Summer/Fall transition outfit by justinelise featuring Lanvin necklaces

On another note, this doesn't qualify as a look for less (as it isn't really much less), but I thought I'd post it. This necklace from Free People has been a big seller this summer, and it's obvious why: the pretty neon colors and "statement" size make it a lust-able piece! It currently retails for $38 online.

(sorry for the small size, couldn't find a bigger pic)

That one comes in hot pink as well, while the neon yellow/blue is currently sold out.

If you like the idea but not a fan of neon, Aldo Accessories has the same necklace (in gold, just a wee bit less expensive!) with a gorgeous fall color palette...

I actually think I might like this one better. However, I have the yellow/blue one already and I'm not sure I want a second of the same thing. I don't typically buy two of the same thing in different colors, although I'm sure that many of you do!

Aaaaaand, another random note: Check out this beautiful necklace my FSIL scored recently (off of, you guessed it, the amazing ETSY!):

Insane-pretty. Courtesy BejewelledBespoke

I love necklaces. :)

Budget-Buster vs. Stylish-Substitute

I had to post this one, lovies, because of my love-affair with Fiona Paxton.

I'm obsessed. Her items are drop-dead GORG but so incredibly expensive. Wahhh. For about 4 months or more, I've been on the lookout for good replicas. I found one several months back at Charlotte Russe and bought it-- it wasn't quite exact, but I can't seem to find a perfect replica for a reasonable price.

Well, this one seems to be decent. And at $38, it is very cute (www.freepeople.com). My only problem is the width-- way too skinny to be passed off as a Fiona, but nonetheless, a good find if I do say so myself.

Real on top, fakie on bottom.

I even implored Etsy to help me find a look like this for much less. Anyone who would have handmade it was charging even more than the $400 price tags Fiona features. Boo. If any of you know anyone out there that could make this for much less, lemme know! (WILL WORK FOR FASHION)

Budget Buster vs. Stylish Substitute

Here's another find of mine, although it's admittedly not the exact same...

I've been drooling over the Pelle Moda Kammi bootie for some time now but missed out when it was on a pretty good sale. Now it's full price again/on sale for like $15 less. Now I have to wait for another decent sale. Jeez.

Sexay-bootays!

Buuuut.....

Go Jane has these similar booties that may do the trick for me! Maybe.

GoJane cheapos... worthy? yay or nay?

Help me, lovies! Are these worth waiting for (Pelle Moda makes a good shoe), or should I just get the GoJane knock-offs instead? I mean, the details of the Pelle Moda version are seriously superior, but honestly, the overall look is the only thing that people notice when they're on your feet (I mean, unless you're me and you creep people out at the mall by staring at their feet and making grimaces to tell if they are reaaaaaally those new Pour la Victoires or not. What?!).

p.s.: Sorry for the gagillion posts about shoes lately. I'm just a little obsessed with the new Fall shoe trends!

p.p.s. Don't spend your Saturday night watching Bring It On: All or Nothing. It's not good. I promise.

Sunday discovery!

Hey lovies! Quick Sunday night post tonight. I get what FH and I call the "Sundays," which is a gross depression that sets in after watching "True Blood." (omigod isn't Eric so hot? I think Sookie should seriously just get rid of wet-blanket Bill... anyone else agree? Just me??) So to combat said-Sundays, here are some great finds from a website I found whilst reading the 15th ann'y InStyle (www.fumblinfoe.net)

Ruffle Skirt, $98

Ohhh so cute! I know, I know... ruffles are everywhere, but still. Im a sucka.

Two-tone Bandage Dress, $136

Suuuuper cute Herve Leger style bandage dress. I've seen many replicas, but this one looks very nice. The length isn't too short, and I like the colors together. I approve. :)

Scallop Silk Top, $86

Ahem. Madison Marcus scallop blouse, anyone?! Yeah, total rip off, but at the price, I'd take it! A few different colors, also... me likey.

Maybe Sundays aren't so bad after all?