Chic for Cheap: Three Looks - One Dress

Reader Katie wrote in with a super-challenge for this week's Chic for Cheap look.  Here's her dilema:

"I was wondering if you could help me out. I am traveling to the Midwest next month to visit family and friends. While there I will be attending my sister's baby shower, my other sister's high school graduation party and my ten year reunion, all back to back in the same day. I have no idea what to wear. It needs to be something that can transition to each party with as little alteration as possible. I love vintage styles and just about anything from Anthropologie (just not their price tags). Oh, and I can't wear heals all day. I love heals but I can only wear then for a few hours."

Phew...sounds like a busy day!  I decided to use a fabulous dress with a fun vintage-feel for the key piece.  By simply changing the shoes and outerwear you can create three different looks that will carry you through each event with minimal hassle.  Of course any of these piece can be supplemented with items that are already hanging in your own closet.  Add or subtract pieces as you need or want.  The main idea is to start with a strong base and build around it with accessory options.  I hope this gives you a few ideas Katie!  Have a great trip!  xo Ez

The Plan:

• Ribbon Dancer Dress - ModCloth
• Black Bag - Target
• Possible hair styles: relaxed ponytail or side pony.

Baby Shower - Dress with pointelle cardigan and black sandals.

• Cropped Pointelle Cardigan - Old Navy
• Cage Sandals - Target

Sister's Graduation Party - Dress with denim jacket and classic ballet flats.

• Classic Denim Jacket - American Eagle
• Margot Flats - Delias

High School Reunion - Dress with vintage-inspired embroidered cardigan, cocktail ring and some smokin' hot heels.

• Embroidered Cardigan - American Eagle
• Foiled Again Heels - ModCloth
• Mademoiselle Jewel Ring - Forever 21

Want to see more Chic for Cheap looks?  Check out previous posts right here.

One Good Thing: Lollipop Tote Bags

I'm love love loving these Lollipop Totes by Virginia Johnson (can you guess which color is my fave).  Yes, the price is a little out of my reach, but that doesn't stop me from being inspired by their simple yet lovely design.

In fact the pretty blocked patterns remind me a lot of some of the projects seen in Lotta Jansdotter's book Lotta Prints.  Have you picked up a copy (they might have it at your local library)?  It is so inspiring (even if you've never hand-printed anything in your life)!  Enjoy!  xo Ez

P.S. A new Chic for Cheap look is coming up in just a bit.  See you then.

Inspiration Daily: 04. 27. 10

Image credits: 1. DSC_0015, 2. Untitled, 3. Untitled, 4. Untitled

Today I Love: I Collect Shopping Lists

How many times have you made a shopping list and then absentmindedly left it in your shopping basket at the end of your trip?  If you're like me...then the answer is lots.  Luckily there are delightful people in the world making good use of our discards, such as illustrator Debbie Hill who collects abandoned shopping lists and uses them as inspiration for her project: I Collect Shopping Lists.  Visit her site to see her illustrative translation of some of her favorite lists.  So sweet!  Projects like these remind me that you really can find inspiration in anything, if you just look for it.  Enjoy!  xo Ez

+ PORTFOLIO  |  BLOG  |  SHOP  |  FLICKR

One Good Thing: Boqueria Rug

I came across the Boqueria Rug from Designer's Guild the other day and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since.  I love the idea of it being used in a child's bedroom or playroom...but I think I might like it even better if it was in my studio (wink)!  The Bouqeria Rug is available in Black & White or Peony.  You can see more from Designer's Guild right here.  Enjoy!  xo Ez