09

Sep

Oh, you didn’t make it to NYFW either?

ICATLNY_etsy2

Oh, you didn’t make it to NYFW either?

No worries, darlings! You know we’ve got you covered!

Thanks to New York Magazine, I can watch the hautest Spring 2014 ready-to-wear ready-to-wear collections from the comfort of my home, in my pajamas! I might even put on my aviators to get in the mood! And you can, too: click HERE to view the hautest shows scheduled through the end of Fashion Week (and catch up on what you missed last week!). Be sure to check out “A-Z Shows” to see runway videos of the collections presented…with details, accessories and photos from backstage and the front row!

12 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

C'est Si Bon/Champagne Taste Beer Budget/Random Acts of Fashion/Scene and Heard

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29

Jul

Shop during the 2013 sales tax holiday this weekend!

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Darlings, who doesn’t love a good sale?

The 8th annual sales tax holiday is this weekend, so this would be a good time to stock up on “unmentionables”, outerwear and footwear.

rom the state revenue department’s website –

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. (CST) on Friday August 2, 2013, and ending at twelve midnight on Sunday August 4, 2013, Alabama will hold its eighth annual sales tax holiday giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain school supplies, computers, and clothing free of state sales or use tax. Local sales and use tax may apply.

For the list of 2013 participating cities and counties, click HERE.

For a quick reference guide to exempt items, clicke HERE.

The Alabama Retail Association notes “Alabama retailers are required to participate in the state’s sales tax holidays and cannot charge any waived sales taxes on the items that are legally tax-exempt during the two tax holidays.”

Happy shopping!

13 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

Birmingham Live!/C'est Si Bon/Champagne Taste Beer Budget

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01

Mar

Families spend more on prom

PromTips_ABC

Families spend, on average, more than $1,000 on the night.  Check Alexis out talking prom preparation on a budget with ABC 33/40’s Marissa Mitchell below! Special thanks to Chatham and Charm for hosting the interview!

via Families spend more on prom.

Ready to shop? Join Alexis for the Macy’s Prom Shopping Event on March 9 at the Riverchase Galleria!

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Screen grab via ABC 33/40

13 years ago Short URL Comments

Birmingham Live!/C'est Si Bon/Champagne Taste Beer Budget

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14

Feb

ICATLNY_etsy2

Oh, you didn’t make it to NYFW either?

No worries, darlings! You know we’ve got you covered!

Thanks to New York Magazine, I can watch Michael Kors, Marchesa, Alexander Wang and more show at their Fall 2013 ready-to-wear collections from the comfort of my home, in my pajamas!  I might even put on my aviators to get in the mood!  And you can, too: click HERE to view the hautest shows scheduled through today.  Be sure to check out “A-Z Shows” to see runway videos of the collections presented…with details, accessories and photos from backstage and the front row!

13 years ago Short URL Comments

C'est Si Bon/Champagne Taste Beer Budget/Random Acts of Fashion/Scene and Heard

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31

Jan

This is not a good look.

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Spend wisely, darlings!

13 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

Champagne Taste Beer Budget/Uncategorized

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26

Nov

The Look: Luxe for Less

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 “I know a little bluebird/I sure wish [h]e would sing for me/[He’s ]been flying around so long/I wish [he] would land in my tree…” 

-Little Bluebird/Johnnie Taylor

I had my eye all set on this vintage top from RummageVintage – alas, I spotted a similar look by Tracy Reese in the upcoming Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection. Both blouses make trend-setting Art Deco-esque statements, providing a pop of color and sparing no amount of bedazzle, which means they’re both right up my alley.  It’s proof that what goes around definitely comes back around in fashion, and sometimes you really can get a luxe look for less.

And if you see me making a mad dash for Tracy Reese’s section next month at Target, don’t judge me and get out of my way. Please and thank you.

13 years ago Short URL Comments

Champagne Taste Beer Budget/Love That!/Shopping is My Cardio

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02

Oct

You need it: The Shift Dress

This Merona longsleeve shift dress by Tarjhay is purrrrrfect for days when you have to to hit the bricks quickly and are at a loss as to what to wear.  I spotted this in Hoover’s SuperTarget at The Grove and it is lovely in person – a seasonless item at a budget-friendly price ($27.99).  It comes with a self belt, but would look just as cute unbelted. And – hello? – it’s in a fierce kitty leopard print! 

Throw on a bootie, pointy-toed flat or a pump (in a nude or even a bright hue), a statement necklace and you’re done.  Wear it right into winter with a pair of tights!

Image via Target

13 years ago Short URL Comments

Champagne Taste Beer Budget/Shopping is My Cardio/The Look

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20

Sep

I bought leather leggings this week. Don’t judge me.

As seen in InStyle, Sept. 2011

Okay, darlings, I have been known to take a calculated risk or two (ahem, sequined pants) but the mother of all fashion challenges presented itself this week when I was browsing eBay (dashing all thoughts of that no-buy month): one of my fashion “unicorns” appeared during a random search. And like the mythical creature who inspired Lisa Frank folders back in the day, these GAP faux leather leggings have been on my “take no prisoners; buy at any cost” list since they appeared last year.  So when I saw them – new, unworn, and advertised for under $20 (they originally retailed at $80) – I began feverishly stalking the eBay listing. 

Why didn’t I purchase the leggings at full price last year? Because they sold out. Fast. I couldn’t find them anywhere, despite my stealthy shopping tactics.  And they reappeared on the racks at other retailers this season, but somehow I couldn’t find the nerve (or the spare kidney) to purchase Zara’s $399 version. 

Why would I buy these? Well, why not? There’s something so fierce about leather clothing.  And the goal is to push the envelope a little bit, instead of reaching for my trusty dark denim.   Where and when will I wear them? I have no immediate idea. But Kim K. styled a pair of leather leggings pretty convincingly recently, and I’m sure I’ll wait until the weather cools to break them out, so that I don’t end up on my own epic fall fashion fail list.  I imagine my black bouclé jacket, this appliqué tee shirt, pumps and an envelope clutch will be in order on my end (okay, once this one  that has now taken up residence on the “I’m stalking you” list is found).

Kim Kardashian’s version. Chic, no?

So what are the keys to succesful eBay shopping? Patience, and the willingness to perform random searches using specific terms (which means you might keep a file or a note with the retailer, specific style name and color). Set search criteria such that eBay notifies you when what you’re looking for pops up for sale.  If you’re really determined, download the app so you can shop from the privacy of your iPhone.   Be sure to ask the seller any questions you have about the item that are not covered in the description, so that there are no unpleasant surprises (like broken zippers, or rips) when your “unicorn” arrives!

Happy shopping!

Images via InStyle and Brett Kaffee/Thibault Monnier, PacificCoastNews.com

13 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

Champagne Taste Beer Budget/Shopping is My Cardio/The Look

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10

Sep

Are you F.A.B.?

“I’ve spent $40,000 on shoes and I have no place to live? I will literally be the old woman who lived in her shoes!” – Carrie Bradshaw

The general consensus seems to be that looking good costs money.  And while I don’t necessarily agree that one must be clad in couture from head to toe in order to knock ’em dead, I hope this blog isn’t encouraging anyone to live outside his or her means.  That new Louis tote may be hot but it’s not worth sitting in the dark (or having to borrow money to cover essentials). And here’s another gem: you can go broke trying to save a dollar.  I can’t tell you what to do with your coins, but I can advise you that smart money management is key (unless you want to be the most fabulously dressed hobo ever).

Rethinking of my own shopping habits (which recently led me to purchase a caftan and yet another sequined cocktail dress although I have no immediate plans to vacation in Capri or hit up a party) has me stopping dead in my stilettos.  I believe one should shop for events ahead of time, but this is getting ridiculous (and pricey).  Several months ago I recommended The Frugalista Files by Natalie McNeal, and I just reread this eye-opening post by my friend (in the head) Demetria L. Lucas.  And the points made in both pieces have me considering trying a “no buy month” in which I only purchase absolute necessities. No auction-hunting on Ebay, no Etsy browsing, no random visits to my favorite haute spots for “It’s Monday/I had a bad day/Oooh! It’s on Sale!” takeout, cupcakes or clothes/shoes. No emergency blow outs at the salon, and no latte drive-bys. Whew.

Can I do it?  Would you do it? Hmmm.

Image via Google

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13 years ago Short URL 4 Comments

Champagne Taste Beer Budget/Haute or Not?

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24

Aug

‘Overdressed’ takes readers behind the seams of fast fashion

What savvy shopper with some mileage on her stilettos hasn’t remarked (or heard their mother or grandmother sigh) “They just don’t make [coats, shoes, dresses, etc.] they way they used to anymore!” while shopping?

Elizabeth L. Cline’s eye-opening read, Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion, takes readers behind the seams of the fast fashion industry and the financial and environmental implications of accumulating “disposable” clothing.  Readers follow Cline as she examines the Chinese garment industry (by pretending to be a buyer), learns to sew with low-wage seamstresses in the Dominican Republic, and chats with “haulers” (i.e. shoppers who purchase huge quantities of fast fashion and blog about their finds).  Cline reveals just what happens to all the clothes that go unpurchased at charity stores, and contrasts her findings with the “slow fashion” movement, which emphasizes ethical construction, ecofriendly materials and sustainability (meaning pieces are well-made and will last for seasons). 

This was an interesting read (I recommend reading it because it highlights a lesser-publicized side of the fashion industry), but to be honest: I love my fast fashion.  I love being able to sample trends selectively without investing a lot of money in them, but it’s also important to understand that you often get just what you pay for.   It’s key to know how to recognize a high quality garment or accessory and when to purchase one (for example: my go-to handbag has lasted about six years).   Shopping vintage and consignment stores are also excellent ways to participate to support “slow fashion,” as is sewing your own garments (more to come on that later).

Have a fabulous weekend!

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Image via Amazon

14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

Champagne Taste Beer Budget/Love That!/Reading is FUNdamental (and sexy!)

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