Frugal Fashion Dress: Wrap Dress Work Look

 

For this weeks Frugal Fashion Friday feature, I chose to feature one of my favorite dress silhouettes:  the wrap dress.  The wrap dress has a reputation for flattering every figure!  So, take a look at the designer label look at the top, and the name brand frugal look at the bottom.  Both looks feature a Rebecca Minkoff bag.  How did I do that at a frugal price point?  I shopped the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale which runs through August 3, 2014 and saved just over $90.00!  Her bags are usually sold out at regular prices and never make the markdowns at the end of the season.  So be sure to shop this pre-season  sale. 

I like both dresses, despite the $33.00 saving.  You will love the savings on the blazer and the bootie too!  Vince Camuto's jacket is under $100.00 and the frugal bootie will save you over $825.00.  I actually like the lower priced bootie's zipper detail better!  Remember, shipping and returns are free at Keaton Row.  I hope this gives you ideas on how to get a look for less and if you don't see what you want, be sure to request a custom free lookbook from me at Keaton Row.

Think About It Thursday: Shop Les Nouvelles at Keaton Row

 

I don't often list items from Les Nouvelles in my Keaton Row lookbooks because they our KR's highest price point retailer and KR's only retailer that charges a return fee for shipping.  But there are some items I love so much that I think my clients will want to have these looks!  Today I am sharing my must have looks from Les Nouvelles,and you can find them here.
Some of the things I love about Les Nouvelles:

1. Their love of color and prints!  I love this Tee-shirt (pictured above), that takes the Zebra stripe and makes it even happier!
2. Their attention to detail!  If you take a look at the detail page on this skinny jean, there is a zipper at the ankle.  It's this kind of detail that you will see at Les Nouvelles.
3. The unusual designs!  This lookbook has two unusual items, the sling back peep toe bootie and the metallic round purse.
4. The Fit of their clothes.  Take a look at the tank in my final favorite look from LN and you can see how well their tank top fits.  It is my must have investment tank top  in classic white with the classic bow!

 

If you love the print, check out the one piece suit above.  One of Mara Hoffman's Suits was just pictured on one Top Body Moments of 2014.  So, pair this great one piece with a sarong, instead of the complete cover up and show of the beautiful print!

So now that I have shown your reason's to love Les Nouvelles, don't be afraid to give them a try!  Shipping to you is still free and you are only charged the restocking fee, if you return an item. 

Where to? Great Lakes Get Away

Looking for a Great Lakes getaway?  Check out South Haven Michigan!  It's just a two hour drive from Chicago and three hours from Detroit.  South Haven is a great beach town with plenty of Midwest charm.
Where to Shop:
For a day of shopping, head up to Saugatuck, Michigan.  Saugatuck is known as the "Art Coast of Michigan" and is filled with wonderful galleries and shops!  And just south of Saugatuck along the Blue Star highway, there are antique shops.  USA Today reader's have vote Saugatuck, the best weekend getaway location in the US.  
While there be sure to visit the  Farmers market in South Haven on Wednesday or Saturday.  There are so many fruits and vegetables grown in this region of Michigan and we love the fresh produce and home made baked goods at the farmers market!  Blueberry fans might want to stop at De Grandchamp's Farm, top pick up some fresh blueberries, home made jellies, jams, and sauces, or just pick your own.
Where to Eat:
Restaurant dinning is always a pleasure, since produce is often provided from local growers and picked at it's best!  In South Haven we like Clementines for casual dining and great food, and if we are in the mood for jazz during dinner, we head up to The What Not Inn, in Fennville. If you are an ice cream lover, we can recommend Sherman's on Phoenix Road in South Haven.
Where to Stay: 
This area of Michigan is the Bed and Breakfast lover's dream.  Visit http://www.michigan.org/bed-breakfasts/ for information on B & B's.  Or check the South Haven Chamber of Commerce site for locations to stay.  

WHAT TO WEAR

FOR THE BEACH
So, what am I wearing from Keaton Row to my Great Lakes get away?  I'll need a swimsuit and cover up!  I love this classic glamorous Badgley Miscke suit in black with an airy white cover up by LIV that has the feeling of the classic cotton linen's of yesterday!  This beach hat is just what I wanted and I love the cutout with the floppy brim to keep the sun off and keep me cool.  Shades are a must and these ombre lenses will flatter the face at a great price!  And finally, I never visit the beach with out the tote for holding the sunscreen,  lip gloss, paper back, and more!

FOR GALLERY SHOPPING
For the gallery shopping day, I like to wear something elegant and classic as well.  So many bright colors in the shops have me thinking of wearing black and white!  I am a huge fan of the cold shoulder trend this season and love this Bailey 44 black top.  I'm pairing it with this seasons trendy white skinny jeans because I know how versatile these jeans are!  I like flats for a day of shopping and some stunning jewelry in classic silver.

FOR DINER & DANCING
After the beach and shopping, we'll head out for dinner and hopefully dancing!  Or maybe we'll take trip to some of the many area wineries! I love a maxi dress, with a graphic print at the top of the post.  Add to that the Free People Crochet top, a laser cut clutch, thong sandals and a string of pearls and I'm feeling stylish for the anywhere in the Bay Region of Michigan.  You can find all of my Great Lakes Getaway looks here.

Trendy Tuesday: On the Fringe

One of my favorite current trends, is fringe.  Today I am sharing some looks with fringe your going to love.  This black and gold combination is fabulous.  I often think many fringe looks are made with the junior market in mind, but I think this dress has no age limit!  It is a fabulous little black dress, any woman can wear!  And the dress in ON SALE for $129.99.

Maybe you want a more casual look with fringe?  Try this top for $42.00.  I think this can be worn by any age too! 

Perhaps fringed separates is just too daring for you?  Try a fringed accessory!  The keys to styling the fringe look are:
1)  Use fringe in only one piece of your outfit.
2)  Keep the rest of the look simple.  For example, in the second photo, the fringe top is paired with a print, but the print has black, white & one other color.
3)  Plan your accessories to not catch on your fringed clothes!  Note the arm band bracelet in the first look.  This keeps the fringe out of the bracelet. 
Wondering where you can get these looks?  Find them at my Keaton Row link here. https://www.keatonrow.com/lookbook/53c90da416c9eb5b63041913/1  Shipping and returns are free to US customers.  Don't see what you are looking for with fringe?  Send me a lookbook request and mention your budget!  Just visit my Keaton Row site and click on Get Styled by Clare.

Money Saving Monday: Shop the Nordstrom Anniversay Sale!

Did you know that Nordstrom is holding an anniversary sale and that new items for Fall are ON SALE?  These items are ON SALE through August 3, 2014 when prices go up!  I've made a lookbook that features Dresses, tops and bottoms on sale and you can find it here:

SALE MUST HAVES:

• Top on my list is this Rebecca Minkoff bag ON SALE for $196.90 (pictured above).  That's $90.00 off!  I have been looking at her bags and love them for an investment piece.  How fabulous is the pre-season sale on this?!
• The leather separates.  These pants, shirts and skirts just sell well and never make it on to the sale racks.  So, if you want leather purchase at Nordstroms Annivesary sale!  I love this pencil skirt pictured below, that has a leather front and knit back.  This is a great way to get the look and save on the price!
• The sleeveless bow blouse.  You may have seen my post about bows several days ago and noticed it is very trendy right now.  I love this classic look with the shirred neck and it's a great price too!
• The cashmere cardigan!  I love this longer length to make you look taller and the collar is fabulous.  It is such a timeless casual elegant piece!  We listed another cardigan with a similar silhouette and it was out of stock in less than a day! 
  

 

 

 

Style the SALE Saturday: Get a Complete Look ON SALE

Everyone love a sale right?  I have been so focused on listing the Keaton Row items on sale that I have forgotten my clients like Keaton Row's styling services!  So, today I am starting a new feature which I hope to make a regular feature:  Style the Sale!  Find all these styled looks ON SALE here.  
Here's how it works:  I take ON SALE items ONLY and make a complete look from head to toe.  Today, I am sharing three looks with all items on sale.  Let's start with the casual dress look, pictured above.  I love blue and white for a clean fresh look!  This dress has one of my favorite trends the cold shoulder and it looks so comfy!  I love that it can double as a swim suit cover up too!  I've paired it with  boat shoes in blue and pastel green  and a gold and white bracelet that has me dreaming of the Summer Sun!  Speaking of the sun, I never leave the house without shades.

The next look is a great option for the Petite to wear to work!  Every woman needs a blazer as a wardrobe basic and this one is such a great price!  Pair it with the pencil skirt, and the embellished T-shirt.  I went blue shirt and blue skirt to lengthen the Petite look and added a bit of color with the blazer.  Want the classic red, white and blue color scheme?  Just add the cream tote!  And need a classic necklace?  I love this chunky chain in gold or silver, for a statement necklace you can wear to work!

My final look, includes on of my favorite blazers in the current Keaton Row catalog!  This jacket is so flattering and has great zipper embellishments!  Add more zipper embellishments on the trendy jogging pant some, pumps and great accessories.  I love this look for work or the night out!

Frugal Fashion Friday: The Trendy Bow

It's time for one of my favorite weekly blog features:  Frugal Fashion Friday!  I love to show you a designer high price look that I LOVE, and then a version of the same look for those of us on a budget.  This week I am featuring the Bow trend.  Maybe it is the paper crafter in me, or the fact that I have only son's...but I love bows and they are so trendy right now!  This green dress by Kate Spade has a fabulous bow at the waist and I can't get over the color!  And if you are a shoe lover, you'll want to check out the sling back pumps with a bow at the toe!  Buy Kate's Look for $970.00 or the bargain look for $249.28.  Buy the bargain look and save:  $720.72!  Get either look here.  And if you want a black belt on the less expensive dress, visit a fabric store and purchase a wide satin ribbon.  Finish the edges with Fray Check and tie your own belt!

Here are some more ways to add bows to your look on a budget.

1. Add the bow accessory!  For example, you can Purchase this skinny belt; pictured above, here, and wear it with a dress, over a blazer or with a jumpsuit.  
2. Make your own bow embellished item, I think I could make a version of the sneakers below, or the ribbon belt mentioned above!
3. Ask me for a Lookbook and give me a budget for the item you want!  Just visit any of the links and click on the Request a Lookbook.
4. Recycle a bow tie as a headband!

Want a bow for the casual look but you're not a crafter?  Try the sneakers above here.  And if your a crafter like me, you may be getting out the ribbon and glue gun right after you view this post to make your own sneakers with a bow! I love to save money and make something when I can, so I can splurge on something I can't make and have to have.  Need help tying the perfect bow?  Try this tutorial using a fork!

One of a Kind Cover Ups ON SALE: Start Vacation Early

Are you  looking for a swim suit cover up? Well, I'll help you get vacation started early with some cover up ideas ON SALE at KR here.  Here are some tips to make your cover up one of a kind:

1. Consider a casual dress!  Go knit, tie die, or Tee shirt.  
   
2. Consider something sheer.  You may not be brave enough to wear the sheer dress with a camisole slip, but how about one over our suit!  
   
3. Consider something shorter than the norm or that shows a bit more skin.  Here is you chance to wear a shorter dress ladies.  You will be showing the suit anyway, so why not go shorter with the dress!
   
   
   
4. Try a whimsical dress, like this this watermelon inspired piece or one of the animal lover prints at this July SALE Lookbook here.  
   

Frugal Fashion Friday: The Striped Suit

It's time for Frugal Fashion Friday!  I take a high end look and show you a girl on a budget price point too!  You can find this look and other great High Low looks here.  Just click on the other pages in the lookbook or the View All Option to see all the looks!

This week I also made my first video for my Keaton Row clients on navigating the Keaton Row screen.  It includes how to view all the items in a large multi page lookbook in a single screen.

What's On Sale Wednesday

The Summer sales at all of the Keaton Row retailers are in full swing.  In fact ASOS has posted that they have made their final mark downs on some items and inventory is running out of stock quickly!  So, today I am sharing some of my favorite items ON SALE.  The dress above has the trendy cold shoulder look and casual elegant style!  I love the comfort of the Summer dress and this one is on my must have list.  You can find it here.  

They also have some great blazer and jacket deals!  I love this blue jacket with black trim for under $31.00!  You can find it here with more jackets.
And here is one of my favorite ON SALE dresses from Nordstrom.  An eyelet shirt dress for under $100.00.  You can find it here.   See all the July sale items at that link and just click on view all.

As always, shipping and returns are FREE. 

Money Saving Monday

You may have noticed that I did not post a frugal fashion Friday post last week.  It was the Fourth of July, so I thought I might post this Monday and make it a Money Saving Monday!  Today I am sharing some of my favorite Summer wardrobe must have pieces that you will want to have to wear with everything for the season!  And several of the pieces are so versatile you can wear them across several seasons!  So, let's get started!
Your first Summer wardrobe must have is a blazer!  This week the sales are great, but move quick to get your size in stock!  I love the the blazer above in several colors and would chose white for a Summer piece or black to wear it across all seasons.  Find it here ON SALE for under $40.00.

And if you want a blazer with a bit more style try this beautiful reverse collar blazer, ON SALE for just under $47.00!  Find it here.  This blazer comes in white and grey.

Here is another Summer wardrobe basic:  the Tee shirt.  Get this beautiful sheer sleeve raglan tee shirt for casual elegance for under $26.00.  Find it here.  You may notice that the Keaton Row listing has a price higher than the sale price.  There is some delay in listing our retailer's sale price, but you will be charged the SALE price on ALL ON SALE items and the the sale price will show up on your Keaton Row invoice after purchase.