Color Crush: Secret Squirrel Clothing

I came across Australian-based fashion label Secret Squirrel Clothing (via Forty-sixth at Grace) and was really taken in by the refined palette color palette they selected for their Summer 2009 collection.  Their Fall/Winter 2010 collection releases in March and looks just as incredible.  Be sure to take a look over on their site for more.  Also, not to be missed is their blog where you will find behind the scenes videos, wonderful visual inspiration and more.  xo Ez

Chic for Cheap: Accessorize Me

Tip: Click on the first image for a larger view.

Hello lovelies!  Today's Chic for Cheap challenge was a fun but tricky request sent in my reader Corrie.  She is a busy mom and grad student and needs some help with some ideas on how to accessorize a simple dress that she loves to wear.  I'm always feeling a bit muddled myself when it comes to picking the right accessories, so I hope that I've done alright with my looks.  Here's how Corrie describes her fashion dilemma:

"I am a mom to 2 boys and a graduate student. My days are normally spent getting food rubbed all over my clothes and sitting down to study for a big exam as soon as two little guys go to sleep. Here is my problem: I have no clue how to accessorize. I am super boring. I wear the same necklace and earrings every single day, and I am clueless about which tights and which shoes go with which clothes. I am sorry to say that I am 30 years old and wear flip flops far too often.  I love a dress like this.  It is knit, can be washed easily, but I feel like it looks a bit better on me than just shorts or jeans. (also it is super cheap) Would you consider giving ideas on how to accessorize a simple, everyday dress in different ways?"

I decided to focus on 3 looks with the accessories I picked out: Date night, Head of the Class + Going to the Park + Shopping.  Of course the best part is that all the pieces can be mixed and matched further for even more outfits.  xox Ez

• Silk-look Floral Brooches - Newport News
• Cluster Pin - Newport News
• Scarf - ModCloth
• Opaque Tights - Forever 21
• Belted Boyfriend Cardigan in First Kiss - Old Navy
• Twill Cargo-zip Jacket in Earl Grey
• Grey Belted Wrap Cardigan - Old Navy
• Wide-leg Trouser Jeans - Old Navy
• Leatherette Shoulder Bag - Forever 21
• Ruffle Flats in Cranberry - Target
• Odell Black Flats - Target
• Converse One-star Oxfords - Target

P.S. Don't forget to check out my friend Melissa's look on her blog Melissa Loves.

One Good Thing: LM.affair T-shirts

I love the simple graphic design of these organic LM.affair Hand-screened T-shirts.  The boyfriend cut on the women's version is exactly the sort of shape that I love to live in.  Perfect for layering now and wearing on its own during warmer months!  Find all the styles on their website, here.  xo Ez

Chic for Cheap: Wedding Guests Must Wear Green

Hello again everyone.  Today's Chic for Cheap challenge was a tricky one.  Reader Sara wrote in requesting an affordable look for a destination wedding in Maui she will be attending this March.  The tricky part is that the bride has requested that the ladies attending wear green!  I love green, but it is often difficult to find in clothing departments.  I don't know whether the event will be formal or casual, but I ended up shooting for a more elegant look that could be toned down with different accessories.  The dress is flowy and would work well on a lot of different body types.  I hope you have a wonderful time Sara!  xo Ez

• Prism Necklace - Banana Republic
• Fab Metallic Wallet - Forever 21
• Pierre Dumas Heels - Piperlime
• Priti Nail Polish in Hardy Water Lily - Spirit Beauty Lounge
• Grecian Green Dress - ModCloth

Wedding Gift:

• Outre Candlesticks Set of 3 - Happy

P.S. Don't forget to check out my friend Melissa's look on her blog Meliss Loves and come visit/join the new Chic for Cheap group on flickr.

Chic for Cheap + New Flickr Group

Hello lovelies!  Today's Chic for Cheap look comes at the request of reader Tracy who will soon be having a fun date night in New York City with her husband.  Here's more from Tracy about her challenge:

"Three weeks from now, my husband is taking me to New York City for a long weekend as a belated birthday gift. I need an outfit or two that would be appropriate for a nice dinner out, having a few drinks and/or a concert, and that is reasonably warm. I'm totally clueless so any help would be much appreciated!"

I wanted to approach this challenge by finding classic pieces that can be worn for more than just one great night (that's what makes the price tag worth it in the end, right).  The flats would look great with a pair of jeans for everyday wear and the little black dress (with an alluring cutout in the back) is a staple that would be an asset to any closet.  I thought some vixen red lipstick would really set the whole look off (it's not for everyone), but crimson red nail polish would look just as fabulous.  With a look like this you might find that you already own many of the staples and just need to add a few of your own personal style touches.

Happy belated birthday Tracy...have a blast in New York City with your husband!

• Fancy Patch Headband - Forever 21
• Adrian Dress Coat - Delias
• A Litte Black Dress - ModCloth
• Pointelle-stitch Tights - J.Crew
• NARS Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil - Nordstom
• Gold/Silver Bangle Set - Patina Stores
• Gabriella Rocha Lolla Flats - Zappos

Don't forget to check out Melissa's look over on her blog Melissa Loves.  And then we'd both like to invite you to start creating and adding your own Chic for Cheap looks into our brand new Chic for Cheap flickr group.  Share your favorite cheap + chic shopping sources, get to know other fashion savvy readers, and more!  We can't wait to see you there.  xo Ez