Posted by Fly on a Dime on Mar 3, 2010 in
Looking FLY on a Dime,
shopping
Uber stylist Rachel Zoe recently unveiled her (Not So) Basic Guide of 20 wardrobe essentials every woman needs in her closet. Though most of Ms. Zoe’s picks were a bit out of my (and most likely your) price range, here’s the final installment of her essential pieces, at a price we can all afford! Be sure to check out parts one, two and three.

1. Go-to Sunnies: Asos, $20.51. 2. Menswear Inspired Timepiece: Urban Outfitters, $42. 3. Timeless Hat: Forever 21, $11.80.

4. Oversized Sweater: Nordstrom, $44.90. 5. Dark Slim Fit Jean: Macy’s, $29.99.
Tags: Asos, Forever 21, Rachel Zoe, Urban Outfitters
Posted by Fly on a Dime on Mar 2, 2010 in
"Designer" on a Dime,
Looking FLY on a Dime
Right now I seriously swooning over Dalla Nonna’s calendar necklace. The piece has a unique vintage-y feel. Made of silver or gold, the necklace is a great customizable piece as a stone (blue, green, pink, red, white or yellow sapphire) is placed on a particular day of the month (you choose the month and day). Prices range from $150 to $400.

If the price tag is too steep, there’s a similar version on Etsy for $35. The silver charm is just as customizable, but instead of a sapphire, the chosen day is engraved with a star. Perfect gift to highlight an anniversary or birthday for a lady in your life.

Tags: accessories, Etsy
Posted by Fly on a Dime on Feb 25, 2010 in
Deals & Steals,
Looking FLY on a Dime
Uber stylist Rachel Zoe recently unveiled her (Not So) Basic Guide of 20 wardrobe essentials every woman needs in her closet. Though most of Ms. Zoe’s picks were a bit out of my (and most likely your) price range, here are 5 more of the essential pieces (click here for last week’s picks and here for the first five picks), at a price we can all afford! *Be sure to check back next week for final installment of the wardrobe basics {for less}.

1. Denim Jacket: Macy’s, $39.99. 2. Cocktail Ring: House of Harlow 1960, $50. 3. Sheer Detail Tee/Top: Forever 21, $24.80.
4. Standout Clutch: Aldo, $40. 5. Wide Leg Jersey Knit Pants: Spiegel, $34.
So what do you think of Zoe’s picks? I love a great cocktail ring but I couldn’t see myself wearing the wide leg knit pants!
Tags: Aldo, fashion, Forever 21, Macy's, Rachel Zoe
Posted by Fly on a Dime on Feb 22, 2010 in
Deals & Steals,
Looking FLY on a Dime
I’ve never been a fan a Kmart. Well, let me restate that. Whenever I think of Kmart, I don’t think of clothing. But I have to admit I was impressed when I saw their ads in this month’s Glamour. The pieces were feminine, bright, had bold prints and I’d be happy to add all of them to my wardrobe. So I decided to check out their Spring 2010 look book and I was even more impressed. Me likey!

Have you ever shopped at Kmart for clothing? How did you find the quality?
Tags: Kmart, wardrobe
Posted by Fly on a Dime on Feb 16, 2010 in
Looking FLY on a Dime
Last week I ventured to the tents of New York Fashion Week. I shopped my closet for a look that was cute (at least in my opinion) and functional. The NYC ground is still a bit slippery and slushy so knee high boots with a modest heel were necessary. I needed a sweater for warmth but I also tend to get a bit hot so I wanted a lightweight shirt or blazer for any after parties. Here’s a breakdown of how I rocked NYFW in a look that costs less than some fashionista’s weekly caffeine habit.
H&M sweater, courtesy of Goodwill ($1.50)
Free People shirt (or is it a dress?), courtesy of Goodwill (50¢)
Denim Leggings, courtesy of New York & Company’s 50% off sale ($13.47)
Boots, Payless ($30…and I’ve had them for about 2 years)
Stella McCartney for H&M blazer, courtesy of Goodwill ($1)
Accessories, earrings from a flea market ($5) and necklace was from the LOFT gift bag
Tags: Fashion Week, Goodwill, New York & Company, Patrice's life, Patrice's style, Payless
Posted by Fly on a Dime on Feb 15, 2010 in
"Designer" on a Dime,
Looking FLY on a Dime
eBay is a wonderland. You can find any and everything through this online site.
And starting today (2/15), they’re offering Narciso Rodriguez for eBay. It’s described as “the first ever capsule collection from one of the world’s leading fashion designers: available exclusively on eBay.” Mr. Rodriguez has dressed everyone from Jessica Alba to Julianna Margulies and even the First Lady. The line features almost a dozen pieces, included a python printed tee, trench coat and a jersey dress (below, $270).
This lower priced collection is great for the gal who wants the Narciso look without the typical Narciso price.
Tags: eBay, Narciso Rodriguez
Posted by Fly on a Dime on Feb 4, 2010 in
Looking FLY on a Dime,
shopping
I know you guys remember Korto Momolu from Project Runway. The season five finalist was known for her bold prints, vibrant colors and figure flattering designs.

Lucky for us, she’s still up to big things. Korto will debut her exclusive handbag and accessory line for Dillard’s on February 15. The hand-crafted accessory line is just as bold as her clothing, most likely inspired by her Liberian background. The pieces are certainly for the chica who wants a funky, fly look. Prices start at just $18 and will be available at select stores and dillards.com.

Though the line doesn’t officially debut until the 15th, here’s a sneak peak and chance to buy the very first pieces for the March delivery.
For more on Korto, check out KortoMomolu.com.


Tags: accessories, Project Runway
Posted by Fly on a Dime on Dec 16, 2009 in
Looking FLY on a Dime,
Thrift Stores

I know it’s been a minute since I’ve shown you some of my thrift store wears. It’s o
ne thing to purchase the items but it’s another to actually show you how I incorporate them into my wardrobe. I knew I wanted to wear the 98¢ Ann Taylor blazer from Goodwill, but I didn’t want to wear it with boring dress pants or skinny jeans. I reached into the depths of my closet and pulled out a black lace dress I purchased freshman year in college. Aside from the fact I’m happy I can still fit it, it only costs $8 on clearance at Wet Seal! I think the blazer (slightly?) tones down the sexiness of the dress.
And my accessories were just as hot and cheap. My trusty $29 Nine West stilettos elongated my legs and the black opaque tights had a bit of a surprise in the back (see the picture below). I added hints of color with my bold earrings ($5 at a flea market) and bracelets (the gold one was a gift and the coral one was $5, from my trip in Belize). So what do you think?

these are my new FAVE earrings

rear view of the tights
Tags: Patrice's style
Posted by Fly on a Dime on Dec 8, 2009 in
Looking FLY on a Dime,
shopping
I’ve said it a million times before, but accessories are the quickest way to transform any outfit from blah to BAM! And what’s hot right now? Statement necklaces. So instead of buying an entirely need ensemble, spend 20 bucks or so to dress up what’s already in your closet.

Forever 21, Segment Rhinestone Necklace, $14.80
Arden B., Layered Bead Necklace, $32

Aldo, Jadoo necklace, $20
Forever 21, Floral Chiffon Collar, $8.80
*And if you love the look of a statement necklace, but don’t want to spend any cash, just layer your existing necklaces to create your own statement.
Tags: accessories
Posted by Fly on a Dime on Nov 30, 2009 in
Looking FLY on a Dime,
shopping
I’m obsessed with accessories. A bold necklace or pair of heels are the quickest (and at times, cheapest) way to transform even a simple tee and jeans into a FLY look.

So, I was excited when I learned about Frolick Jewelry, an affordable line that celebs like Fergie, Gabrielle Union and Mariah Carey have worn.
The pieces are unique, have a vintage feel and most importantly, affordable. The San Francisco based company has necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings starting at around $30.
The necklaces and bracelets are ultra feminine with materials like turquoise, Swarovski crysatals, peridot and amethyst. And I love the nature motif in the line, which includes charms like feathers, butterflies and birds. And the necklaces are great for layering with accessories you already have in your collection.
The rings have a vintage appeal with cameo and floral designs. And they’re all adjustable, so you can switch it up and wear the ring on your pinky or index.

The gems and vintage glass details in the earrings are beautiful enough to get noticed but subdued enough as to not overshadow a classy outfit.

Frolick can be purchased in boutiques across the U.S. or at ShopFrolick.com. They’re a great holiday present for the girly girl in your family!
Tags: accessories