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 (50ยข)
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 8, 2010 in
Uncategorized While attending a bloggers event during Social Media Week (more on that tomorrow), I bumped into Ms. Joy Adaeze, image consultant and stylist. Before I even asked her name I said, “I wish I had my camera so I could take a picture of you!” I just loved her style. And when she told me her fashionable finds were all cheap chic options, I was in love. Luckily, Joy sent me a picture of her outfit and a breakdown of where she scored her look for less.
Here’s what Joy had to say about her look and her overall sense of style.
To me, living fly on a dime means looking fabulous without having to spend a lot of money. I’m an image consultant and I always tell my clients that it isn’t how much you spend, it’s how you put your outfit together. There are so many quality pieces you can find for affordable prices! I know this well because I live it! I look like a million bucks, but spend way less : ) My clients appreciate that I am able to have them looking amazing for great prices. I love vintage stores and scoring hot deals at sales.
4-1-1 on my Outfit:
Blazer: Vintage, $10
Blouse: Forever 21, $20
Lace Pants: H&M, on sale for $20
Belt: Salvation Army, $2
Necklace: Vintage, $10
Scarf: H&M, $7
Boots: Payless, $35
These are definitely a fab find, since they are from Payless and are made of surprisingly good quality…I’ve had them for almost 3 years.
Lace Gloves: Party City, $4
They were part of my Halloween outfit in 2005. I was a black cat!
Gold Bracelets: Pink Apple, $2/each
Pink Apple is a small costume jewelry store in Paterson, NJ.
Clutch: Forever 21, $15
Love it!
Be sure to check out Joy’s blog, Fashion Divalicious as well as her YouTube channel. She has a great video on 15 fabulous ways to wear your winter scarf.
Tags: accessories, Forever 21, H&M, Payless, real style, Salvation Army, shopping, vintage
Posted by Fly on a Dime on Nov 4, 2009 in
Looking FLY on a Dime,
shopping 
The Project Runway winner just debuted his Holiday 2009 collection for the discount shoe retailer. I previously posted about his fall collection for Payless and how I was less than impressed and I kinda feel the same way about the holiday line. Maybe I was expecting more from the fierce divo, but I do love the black and gold Carolina pump for $34.99. The back zipper is oh so sexy and fly. I might just have to cop them this weekend. The line also includes flats and handbags.
What do you fly gals and guys think?
Tags: Christian Siriano, Payless
Posted by Fly on a Dime on Sep 10, 2009 in
shopping 
Do you guys like the flats above? I do. I could see myself wearing them to brunch with the chicas or running errands around the city. They’re from Christian Siriano’s Payless line, which debuted today. But…I’m really not impressed with the other shoes. They’re just…blah. Not good, not bad, just blah! Maybe I was just expecting more from Mr. Ferocia Coutura.
View the rest of the collection here.
Tags: Christian Siriano, flats, Payless
Posted by Fly on a Dime on Sep 4, 2009 in
Uncategorized,
shopping As I stated in an earlier post, when I was growing up, Payless was a constant companion of mine. Nowadays, I rarely visit the budget shoe haven, but I have a few pairs of their shoes in my closet and I always manage to get compliments when I wear them; no one suspects they’re less than $25. And honestly, you can’t beat their BOGO sale, especially if you’re looking for cute flats or sandals.
Last year I bought my first pair of Manolo Blahniks at a sample sale. Beautiful. Calf hair. Gold heel. Pure perfection. I can’t tell you how many parties I sauntered into with these bad girls on my feet. But now I’m in mourning. A few months after I purchased them, the heel on the right shoe broke. Are you frickin’ kidding me? I was ready to curse the heavens for such cruelty.
I started to notice the heel didn’t feel too sturdy and then WHAM! It broke. Of course I can get them repaired, and I will, but I was just shocked they gave out so quickly.
On the other hand, I have a pair of rather spiffy looking croc-like peep toe heels from Payless that I’ve worn for at least 2 years now and they’re in tip top shape. Take that Mr. Blahnik!
my poor, damaged Manolos
my tried and true Payless beauties
Bottom line: I know Payless isn’t equal to Manolo, Chanel, Balenciaga or Marc Jacobs when it comes to style and craftsmanship, but don’t sleep on the little guys. And I’m really looking forward to Christian Siriano’s line for Payless this fall!
Tags: Manolo Blahnik, Payless
H&M sweater, courtesy of Goodwill ($1.50)
