Rent the Runway

To some the question regarding whether there is a recession is debatable. I don’t see how, because no matter where I look, somebody is struggling.

However, just because you are struggling financially DOES NOT mean you have to look like you are struggling.

Lets say you want to attend a networking event and the attire is cocktail attire. You have champagne taste but your budget is very very 6 pack. What do you do?

You....................... RENT THE RUNWAY

Rent the Runway is a really cool site based out of NYC that allows people to rent Couture, or designer dresses for 90% of what they would cost to purchase. So ladies, now we can look fly and fabulous for cheap, and we dont have to worry about someone rocking the same dress.

The coolest thing about the site is they usually send you more than one size.(so lets just say the size 10 doesn’t fit, you can also try the size 12 for free) You do have to pay for shipping, and its also a good idea to purchase the insurance they have so that just incase something happens you are not responsible for paying for an $800 dress.

The negatives to this site is the fact that there is a slight waiting list to join. (Personally, I think its for marketing purposes.. we all know that if people feel exclusive the are more likely to patronize) Also the largest sizes I have seen are size 12 and an XL. If you have a real woman body (like I do) some of the things on this site will not be for you.

I say if nothing else, check it out. The concept is cool and you just might find something on there that you can afford. I think there needs to be something like this for the plus size lady. What do yall think?

I just got back from NY for the second time in a month, and My oh My did I get some fashion ideas while I was there... Anyway, we will talk about that next time.......


Until then, Stay beautiful, Stay fierce, Stay wonderfully YOU....

XOXOXO- ShellZ

INTRODUCTION

HEY!!!

Let me introduce myself. I’m ShellZ, and I am very frugal by nature. I know the difference between being trendy and keeping up with trends. I shop just like everyone else. However, if its not within my price range it goes back on the rack. I have a personal motto that there is nothing wrong with keeping up with what is “in” but it has to be age appropriate, fit my body shape well, and last in my closet for at least 2 seasons.

People always ask me for my opinions regarding style but I don’t consider my self a fashion expert. I just like to look nice. I also like to see other people looking and feeling nice. I went to school for fashion so I am very much aware of the terminology people use today, I am also aware of how take what I have and make it work with what is in style.

I think every woman should have some “classic” pieces in her wardrobe that she can re-work in different ways. When you see my suggestions on things to wear, you will be excited to see that most of the things are already in your closet, or can be purchased very inexpensively.

I like to be fly and fabulous, but I also like to have money leftover at the end of the month. Ladies, we can be fierce on a budget. We just have to work with what we have. I hope you like this blog, I hope it empowers you to be proud of the skin you’re in, and I hope we learn from each other some tips on how to be A RECESSION PROOF DIVA.

Black and White and Denim all Over

Everyone woman has a white button down shirt right? People laugh at me because it is a staple in my wardrobe. White button downs shirts are classic to me. They can be dressed up or down, Can be worn with leggings or jeans, tucked into boots, or worn with flats.

Sometimes I think its cool to sleep in a men’s button down shirt when I want to feel sexy….

Ladies, have you purchased a pair of leggings yet? Leggings are really "in" and I haven’t seen a person yet who looks bad in them. They are a cheap buy and can be worn when working out or as a staple item as you will see displayed below.

*CLAUSE: Ladies please remember that they make leggings in all sizes. please DO NOT squeeze into a size medium legging if you know you wear a size 16 pant.

Do you have a simple denim jacket? You may want to invest in one. Denim Jackets NEVER go out of style. They can be worn with almost anything and turn a simple outfit into something fierce!

Again as I mentioned in my introduction, I believe in classic pieces, things that we can re-work into our wardrobe in different kinds of ways.

We all have a pair of sexy heels that are our favorites. Wear them with something other than a pair of jeans, try them with a pencil skirt, or a nice pair of cotton leggings. Below is an example of some "looks" with a few standard items. Go look in your closet. I bet you have at least 3 of them in your closet. Why buy a new outfit when you can use what you have.. I encourage you to play around with some of these ideas listed below.. You may discover everything you need to feel amazing.... was already in your closet.

THE STARLETT

This look isn't for everyone. Actually I didn't think it was for me. BUT I have these shoes, I have black leggings, and OF COURSE I have a white button down. I tried it all on before I posted this blog and diva's let me tell you... this outfit looks REALLY REALLY cute together!

Classic Men's button down can be found HERE

Black Leggings can be found HERE or HERE if you are size 14 or larger

Shoes can be found HERE

Belt and Similar purses can be found HERE or HERE

THE COLOR PLAY

Ladies YES!!! you can mix black and brown together! Who says we have to be so "matchy" Take fashion risk! If you feel comfortable and confident in your clothes other people will see you in that way.

Classic Men's button down can be found HERE

Black Leggings can be found HERE or HERE if you are size 14 or larger

Shoes can be found HERE

Belt and Similar purses can be found HERE or HERE


CASUALLY CHIC

This is the Saturday afternoon look. I usually wear something like this when I am running errands on the weekends. Its still a cute and classy look but the flat shoes also add an element of comfort.

Classic Men's button down can be found HERE

Black Leggings can be found HERE
or HERE if you are size 14 or larger

Shoes can be found HERE

Belt and Similar purses can be found HERE or HERE

THE EDITOR

The Editor is one of my favorite looks. I love wearing a classic black and white outfit and then adding an element of surprise with the denim jacket. Even if you don't have a denim jacket you can make a simple outfit like this "pop" by adding a splash of color in your jewelery or a colored scarf.

Classic Men's button down can be found HERE

Black pencil skirt can be found HERE

Shoes can be found HERE

Belt and Similar purses can be found HERE or HERE

THE DATE

The Date look is a great look for going out on the town. The shoe worn with this look will mostly likely be very uncomfortable so I would definitely purchase insoles or these because they work wonders. The Editor look is a GREAT look for sitting, but dancing in these shoes will kill you. I KNOW that beauty is pain and sometimes we have to make sacrifices in order to be fabulous. However, I HATE for my dogs (feet) to hurt. We have to take care of ourselves.

Classic Men's button down can be found HERE

Black Leggings can be found HERE or HERE if you are size 14 or larger

Shoes can be found HERE or HERE

Belt and Similar purses can be found HERE or HERE

I tried to keep my suggestions for places to find these items under $30. Some of the items in these looks may cost more or less. The idea isn't for you to mimic them exactly, but to serve as the foundation for creating a nice outfit.

Did you stumble upon a GREAT sale? Let us know. Have any ideas you would like to suggest? Send me an email. I am open for suggestions. We have to look out for each other.

Until next time.. Stay beautiful, Stay fierce, Stay wonderfully YOU....

XOXOXO- ShellZ