Chic for Cheap: Wife of a Marine Boot Camp Grad

Day I: A Day with Family and Friends

{Tip: Click the images to see a larger view of either look in a new window}

Hello lovelies! For this week's Chic for Cheap I decided to take on a challenge presented by reader Victoria. Her husband is soon to be graduating from Marine boot camp and she wants to look great for his ceremony in December. Here's the assignment in her own words:

"Here's my trouble: My husband is graduating from Marines boot camp in early December in South Carolina (average high temp = 60; average low = 41). Obliviously, I'm going to be there ... but what do I wear!?
Key aspects:

1. I want to look somewhat dressed up (nice jeans OK) but not so much to steal all the attention from him in his fancy uniform.

2. It will have been 3 months since he has seen me, so I want to wow him a bit. :)

3. I get cold easily (a.k.a need a swank jacket & no skirts/dresses)

4. I'll be doing A LOT of walking around the base

5. I'll actually see him a day BEFORE graduation (Friends & Family Day), so TWO outfit options would be great"

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This was quite the challenge, and I'm not sure if the ceremony will be taking place outdoors or not (I created the second look as if it will be), but I think the pieces here are wearable for the big day(s) and more. To start with I wanted to stretch the dollar by finding one great pair of pants that can be dressed up differently as the occasion demands it (we all need a few of those in our closet, don't we). The first look is more on the soft and cozy side, with a lovely draped cardigan, soft pink top, brown accessories, and some pretty sheer lipstick to top it all off. I imagine this as an outfit you can do just about anything in (okay, maybe not mountain climbing), so it's perfect for whatever the day holds in store.

Day II: Wife at a Marine Boot Camp Graduation Ceremony

For the second outfit I wanted to stick with the same comfortable appeal, but make it pop a bit more with black accents such as a warm wool jacket, classic belt, and understated feminine bow flats. Add a little wow factor with a touch of red lipstick and some sparkly earrings. The shirt adds a hint of fluttery color from inside the unbuttoned jacket. Chic and pretty!

I hope you like the looks I've put together for you Victoria. Have a wonderful time with your family and friends (and congrats to your husband too). xo Ez

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Here's the piece-by-piece breakdown:

• Hip Slung Easy Flare Denim Pants - Gap | $54.50 (used in both looks)

Day I:

• One and a Two Blazer - Mod Cloth | $49.99
• Pale Bloom Pocket Shirt - Ruche | $32.99
• Vintage Floral Headband - Forever 21 | $6.80
• Boots No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in Velvet Kiss - Target | $9.99
• The Braided Bunch Belt - Ruche | $14.99
• Orea Flats - Target | $17.99

Day II:

• Ruffle-collar Wool Blend Jacket - Old Navy | $59.50
• Here's to the Tiers Top - Ruche | $26.99
• Tinted Filigree Teardrop Earrings - Ann Taylor Loft | $24.50
• Clinique Long Last Soft Shine Lipstick - Sephora | $14.00
• Classic Leather Belt - Gap | $29.50
• Magnum Flats - Famous Footwear | $24.99

Fancy This: Heidi Merrick - Fall 2010

The Fall 2010 Collection from Heidi Merrick pretty much exemplifies the sort of wardrobe I would love to have one day. Each piece has such a refined yet wearable appeal to it. If I was going to go on a spending splurge the first piece I'd have to take home would be the amazing Hoover Coat (the sweet number in the top right corner). Sigh! There are many more looks to be seen (and drooled over) on the Heidi Merrick site, so be sure to waltz on over for a visit. xo Ez

Inspiration Daily: Let the Light In

Beautiful photography by Eleanor Rask on flickr.

In Good Company: Et Al., Etc.

I've been spying on etsy shop Et Al., Etc. (hand-crafted fashion and useful things) for a while now and thought that today it was finally about time for me to point you all in their direction (if you haven't already been over for a visit). I absolutely adore their unique and playful product listings (choosing to showcase one defining detail from each item on their homepage, rather than the whole piece). The effect is modern and like an art in and of itself. Pop over to check it out for yourself. You just might find something amazing while you're there. They are updating with new Fall goods today, so it's definitely worth a look-see. xo Ez

One Good Thing: Letterpress Stamped Cookies

I spotted this delicious recipe for Chocolate Dipped Lemon Sugar Cookies last week on With Style and Substance blog and fell in love with Tara's clever idea of imprinting cookies with a number or letter from a vintage letterpress block. Such a chic graphic look. It would work perfectly for a birthday party or maybe even a New Years celebration — stamp cookies with one of each number 2-0-1-1 and line them up on a pretty serving tray for guests to nibble on (for an added festive bonus you might even dress them up with a bit of Luster Dust in gold and silver). UPDATE: Please read the comment by reader Pxp below stating the possible dangers of imprinting food items with print blocks.

The vintage number letterpress blocks shown above are from AM Radio - they might be a tad large for this project, but they are always getting interesting things in so be sure to take a look around their shop. Alternately you can browse around on etsy (tip: try searching under the vintage category using the search term "letterpress printing blocks") for some creative options. xo Ez