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"

-----

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

----

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

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: 3/4 Sleeve Bow Cardigan

This 3/4 Sleeve Bow Cardigan from Ann Taylor Loft is so girly and fun, and looks like something you'd find at a chic boutique, not on sale for $45. (I'm not sure how long the sale is running for, so be sure to check it out soon). Doesn't it bring to mind fashionable film starlets like Audrey Hepburn! A perfect piece to wear with a pencil skirt and pumps, or mix with a pair of skinny jeans, chunky jewelry and boots.

Chic for Cheap: Cute + Cozy Maternity Wear

Tip: Click on the image for a larger view (opens in a new window)

Hello lovelies! Today's Chic for Cheap challenge is an extra special one, as it has come at the request of my little sister Morielle (how adorable of her to ask). As a young mom with an almost 1 year old and a very pregnant belly to contend with, she is looking for items that are budget-friendly, cute, comfortable and also warm enough for the coming months (her final months of this pregnancy). She is also hoping for a few ideas on what to wear with these sweet boots that she recently picked up from Target. I must admit that I'm not an expert when it comes to maternity wear (it's been almost 12 years since I had my daughter and styles have changed a lot in that time - for the better thankfully), but I do know my sister pretty well (she's laid-back, classy and always beautiful), so I'm hoping these picks will work for her.

I decided to focus on finding pieces from shops that I know she already frequents (who needs the stress of figuring out sizing for a heap of new stores when you're pregnant)...hence the very large assortment of items from Gap + Old Navy (eep). Plus they are making some really cute things that look perfect for this challenge, so it is a win, win!

This time of year, layering is the key to feeling comfortable and it gives you a lot of options to work with. For instance this sweet dress would look just as good now with sandals and a cute ponytail (when the days are still a tiny bit warm) as it would with leggings, boots or flats and a cardigan (for cooler nights). Add color to the neutral palette with a pretty scarf (my sister has a beautiful one that she got in Europe that will be perfect) or a simple pair of earrings (nothing too long and dangly that will cause unwanted attention from a little one-year-old). A lot of people steer clear of mixing brown and black together, but I think it can look really nice when done well...and the truth is that if you feel great in what you are wearing you will look fabulous, no matter what color you are wearing. I hope you like my picks Morielle! I love you! xo Ez

• Tiered Cowl-Neck Shirt (more colors available) - Old Navy | $16.50
• Full Panel Skinny Jeans - Old Navy | $36.50
• Shawl-Collar Cardigan - Old Navy | $35.00
• Low-Rise Denim Pencil Skirt - Old Navy | $26.50
• Drop-waist Ponte Dress - Gap | $49.99
• Antique Jeweled Drop Earrings - Charlotte Russe | $7.50
• Solid Leggings - Gap | $19.50
• Karima Leather Boots - Target | $49.99 (already owned)
• Grosgrain Ribbon Mocs - American Eagle | $39.50
• Chunky Knit Beret - Forever 21 | $6.80
• Chunky Woven Beret - Forever 21 | $5.50