Monday, December 29, 2014

Brocade Minkpink for NYE

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Photo Credit: Jessica Cheij Photography on Instagram as @jcheijphotography.

Dress: Minkpink, exact style on sale at Nordstrom, or use this link if Nordstrom sells out. Shoes: Joe's, exact suede style here, and a matte leather style here. Clutch: Clare V., exact style here. Bracelets: Bourbon and Bowties, similar here and here. Cuff: Spartina, similar inexpensive style here. Pearl necklace: a gift, similar inexpensive styles here and here. Sunnies: Ray Ban, exact style here. Lip color: Bobbi Brown in Sandwash Pink at Nordstrom. 

This is most likely going to be my New Years Eve outfit. It comes with a set of optional straps if, like me, strapless dresses make you nervous. I'm always terrified they'll slip down, so I prefer having something holding a dress up. I'm wearing the medium even though I tend to be about a size 6, sometimes a 4 if a piece runs large. If you're wavering between sizes I would go a size up, which isn't typical of Minkpink.

We're still having a great time in the mountains. I found some amazing sales while shopping in Asheville today. I can't wait to share the $200 coat I got for $40.

Love,

The Pricey Pauper

Friday, December 26, 2014

DVF for NYE

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Photo Credit: Jessica Cheij Photography (on Instagram as @jcheijphotography).

Dress: Diane von Furstenberg, exact style available here in a size 8, or similar styles here, here, and on sale here. Heels: Vince Camuto, on sale at Dillard's for $98. If they sell out of your size there you can also try this link. Earrings: old, similar inexpensive styles here and here. Lip color: Josie Maran in Berry Bliss.

If you're looking for a new dress for NYE that can also be worn when the holidays are over, a colorful wrap dress is an awesome investment piece. I've had this one for about a year and a half and have worn it for everything from a nice date out for drinks to a rehearsal dinner. Truth be told, us normal girls could probably use some Spanx with this dress, but most of the time I can't be bothered with anything uncomfortable. These gold Vince Camuto shoes are probably the most comfortable heels I own.

Evidently I made Santa's nice list this year, and I'm going on a trip to the mountains tomorrow with Matt's family, including my lovely photographer, so I'll have plenty of new material for the blog soon!

Love,

The Pricey Pauper

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Holiday Fancy

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Photo credit: Jessica Cheij Photography. Follow her on instagram @jcheijphotography. Special thanks to MKW.

Dress: Kate Spade, exact style still available on Rent the Runway here, and similar styles here and here. Coat: vintage, shop a fun, faux fur version here. Shoes: Zara, old, shop similar styles here, here, and here. Necklace: J.Crew, similar here. Gloves: Ralph Lauren, exact style here. Clutch: Aldo, old, similar styles here and here. Bracelet: Spartina, similar here and here. Lip color: MAC Angel, here.

If you're still looking for some fancy Christmas or NYE inspo, I love a bright midi skirt or dress to offset all the LBD's in the crowd. I've been wearing my mom's white rabbit fur coat that she bought years ago for several winters now. It's one of my very most prized pieces. I wouldn't buy a new fur, but if some animal rights activist ever throws paint on this one I'll be forced to chase them down. The gloves are my second pair of this exact style from Ralph Lauren. They last forever, but I had to get new ones after Becky lost one in an airport (sorry B). If I ever lose just a right hand glove I'll still have a complete set.

I hope y'all have a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones. Maybe it will stop raining in time for Santa to get here safe and dry.

Love,

The Pricey Pauper

Monday, December 22, 2014

Buffalo Plaid, Faux Leather Leggings, & Sequin Crop Top

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Photo Credit: Jessica Cheij Photography. Follow her on instagram @jcheijphotography. Special thanks to MKW.

Buffalo plaid shirt: Old Navy, similar style here and exact style here, first link pricey, second link pauper. Sequin crop top: novelty, similar styles here, here, and here, second two links more accessible prices. Faux leather leggings: Express, similar style here for under $50. Heels: Jessica Simpson, exact style on sale here, wish I had these. Earrings: Jewelmint, a gift from my bestie, similar here, here, and here. Clutch: old, similar styles here and here. Sunnies: Jessica Simpson, similar style here. Bangles: Bourbon and Bowties, similar here; C.Wonder, similar here, and here. Lip color: MAC Angel, here. 

If you've been following PP for long, you've probably noticed that I usually like to link an expensive version of a piece first, followed by more moderately priced items. Tell me what y'all think about doing the links that way. Do you prefer all "pauper" links, or do you enjoy seeing the expensive versions as well? I'd love to hear from some of you.

I've been wrapping, cooking, shopping, cleaning, and pretty much all the other action verbs related to Christmas that you can think of. I think I'm starting to understand why women are so stressed at Christmas! I'm really excited about this post because it's a little different from my usual. I mixed pieces that I wear constantly, but went for an unexpected twist.

Love,

The Pricey Pauper

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Nautical Navy Does Winter Weather

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Dress: J.Crew, similar here, here, here, and here, in descending order by price. Hat: novelty, similar here, here, and here. Vest: custom, similar faux versions here and here. Boots: Frye Melissa Button in Cognac here. OTK boot socks: almost identical here. Bag: Kate Spade, similar here, here, here, and here in descending order by price. Watch: Michael Kors here. Lip color: MAC in Viva Glam V here.

I'm finally home for Christmas! I enlisted my mom's help with taking photos today, including borrowing her mink vest and red clutch. I refused to accept getting rained out, and added the hat to try to avoid South Georgia humidity hair. Right after the photos were taken, we spent two hours in Publix trying to get the whole holiday week's shopping done in one trip. Who wants to bet I have to go back tomorrow?

I love nautical stripes for spring and summer, but they also work just as well when it's cold with winter accessories, especially when the striped piece is in a heavier fabric. A good t-shirt dress for running errands is pretty essential no matter what time of year it is. Do any of y'all have a traditionally summer pattern or piece that you like to wear in the winter?

Love,

The Pricey Pauper

Thursday, December 18, 2014

The Green Light

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Dress: Kate Spade, similar here, here, and here in descending order by price. Faux leather jacket, Zara, similar here and here. Heels: Steve Madden, exact style here. Clutch, Betsey Johnson, wish I owned this one. Earrings, Kate Spade, exact style here.


Guess who's done with exams?! Seriously I felt like it would never end, and I would just be trapped forever in a stack of outlines. Sometimes I swear I feel like I'm running toward something that gets farther away all the time, but with one semester of law school left I think maybe I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Now to avoid checking my grades...


Love,

The Pricey Pauper

Photo credit: Jessica Cheij Photography. Special thanks to MKW.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Really Red-y for Christmas

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Photo credit: Jessica Cheij Photography

Dress & blazer: both H&M. Similar dress here, here, and here. The first dress linked is from Dorothy Perkins, or "Dotty P's," a U.K. brand that I highly recommend.

Similar blazer here and here. Shoes: Enzo Angiolini, exact style on sale here for $37, limited sizes left. I bought these when I was feeling particularly committed to looking like Kate Middleton. I'm listing some very similar platform pumps in descending order by price here, here, and here.

Hard case clutch: Aldo. Aldo has made a similar one this year, but sparklier, which I've linked here. It's basically a dupe for the famous Alexander McQueen clutch, linked here just so you can see (definitely not suggesting anyone actually purchase it). Lip color: Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Mightiest Maraschino here.

One. More. Exam. I've become a sort of weird, nocturnal creature of the night. Last night I took an exam from 9:30-1:30 and then just stared at my computer screen for another two hours. Yesterday I had to go into the grocery store, and as I was grabbing a box of Cheerios I swear I literally had this thought: "Hmm what else do humans eat?" As if I don't know because I'm a vampire or something. I actually don't remember the last time I ate what you could call real dinner. Probably something Matt made.

Sorry if that's way depressing. I'll be in a much better mood in two days. If there's any huge world news that I need to know immediately someone should probably email me.

Love,

The Pricey Pauper

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Matching Lace Crop Top & Midi Skirt

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Lace Crop Top: RYU, exact style here. Similar inexpensive style here. Similar splurge here.

Lace skirt: RYU, exact style here.

Heels: Mia, exact style here.

Clutch: old, wish I had this one.

Earrings, Old Navy, similar here, and a steal here.

Lip color, Josie Maran in Spirited Red here.

Photo credit: Jessica Cheij Photography

So close to Christmas I can feel it! I love the holidays so much, but I've been really stuck in my apartment with take home exams. I can't wait to go home to be with my family.

What are y'all wearing to your holiday parties?

Love,

The Pricey Pauper

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Thursday, December 11, 2014

J.Crew Factory

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Dress: J.Crew Factory, on sale here.

Necklace: J.Crew Factory, similar here for around $20, and another here.

Bag: Kate Spade, similar here.

Shoes: Shoemint, similar here, here and here. Similar Manolo's here for $100 if you happen to be a size 8.

Lip color: MAC in Speak Louder, here.

Aviators: Jessica Simpson, here.

Photo credit: R.E.L.

Love,

The Pricey Pauper

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Prison Break

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Sweater: old from an Atlanta boutique called Dakota J's. Love this one for $20 here, and obsessed with this BB Dakota similar style.

Booties: Madden Girl, exact style here.

Bag: Kate Spade, similar styles here and here. Mini for under $200 here.

Lip color: Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Mightiest Maraschino here. I have three of these and would get every single shade if I could.

Watch: Toy, similar here for around $70.

Bracelet: C.Wonder, love this similar style even more.

I also found black booties almost identical to the really expensive Vince ones that all the major bloggers have. At $70, they would still be a bit of an investment for me, but if you've been coveting the Vince style you can find the Steve Madden copy of them here. They're definitely going on my Christmas list.

I ran away from my study spot on the floor last night to get late night sushi with Matt and his friends. I had been sitting in the same cross-legged position for 12 hours and realized my legs were hurting. Seemed like a good time to get out of the house. Last night Park Tavern had half priced sushi like they always do after 10 pm and $1 draft beers because it rained. It's like you can't even get the bill up to $20 if you try. Plus I love watching other southerners trying to ice skate on the rink they set up at Christmastime. If you don't laugh when someone eats it (and isn't actually injured) then something is wrong with you.

Love,

The Pricey Pauper

Friday, December 5, 2014

Kate, Kate, Kate, Kate

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Unless you've been living under a rock, then you know that Prince William, the former Kate Middleton, and her stylish bump are visiting NYC in just two short days. In honor of Her Duchess's imminent arrivalI I thought I'd wear all Kate for my office Christmas party. It's not bespoke McQueen, but Kate Spade will do in a pinch. Happy royal watching!

Dress: Kate Spade, similar here, and one here from Asos for $41.

Clutch: Kate Spade, similar styles here, and here.

Earrings: Kate Spade, here in many different colors. Nordstrom is now price matching, so they're about 25% off the original price.

Pumps: Coach, similar here, or patent style here for just $40.

Lip color: MAC Red.

Watch: Michael Kors, on sale here.

Love,

The Pricey Pauper

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Marsala

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Pantone has just released its 2015 color of the year, called "Marsala." Like the name implies, it's a rich wine color, kind of like oxblood's sweet little sister. My roommate just so happened to walk out of her room wearing the color this morning, claiming she had no idea that Marsala is the new black (kidding, black is the new black).

Her tweed skirt is from Loft. You can shop the look here or an unbelievable deal here.

If you're making your Christmas list, you can check out something similar to her big, slouchy Michael Kors tote here. Also, the Piperlime leggings I linked yesterday are now on sale. Finally, my Frye boots seen in earlier posts are on sale here at more than $100 off, which NEVER happens.

Love,

The Pricey Pauper

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Woman Crush Wednesday

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A special thanks to my beautiful friend Rachel for helping me to keep my fledgling blog going while I write a 20-page paper on gender disparities in alternative dispute resolution (sounds fun right?).

Top and (faux) leather leggings: both Express. You can shop similar legging styles here, here, and here. I like this one for a similar top.

Love,

The Pricey Pauper

Ponte Faux-Leather Leggings • GUESS • $69.50
MICHAEL Michael Kors Faux Leather Leggings (Regular & Petite) • MICHAEL Michael Kors • $99.50
Piperlime Collection Faux Leather Legging • Piperlime • $69.50
Two Layer Split Back Tank • Express • $29.90

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Baubles

photo 2-24Pictured are some of my favorite costume jewelry pieces that I wear almost daily. I have a pretty large collection of costume pieces, so I'll have to do another post on some of my necklaces and even hair pieces later. My two open cuffs are from a C.Wonder outlet that I had to tear myself away from. It would be dangerous if I lived too close to an outlet mall. The sparkly cluster earrings were literally $5 at a Bealls Outlet, and the (faux) gold love knots were in the same price range. My sister got my grandmother's real gold love knots so I guess I bought them out of envy. Speaking of whom, Erin is the one who bought the Bourbon and Bowties gold and black bangle pictured on my bottle of Chanel No. 5. I keep having to steal it back from my roommate.

The green button earrings are Kate Spade, which I got when they were very much on sale, although they're under $40 to begin with, which is relatively reasonable for something classic. They come in a rainbow of colors. I have the hot pink as well, and the black are on my wish list. I rarely leave the house without my big Spartina cuff, but sometimes switch it out for the silver John Wind initial links when I wear my silver watch. The hoops with pearls and the black enamel drops are kind of everyday pieces that can also double as statement makers because they show up even if you have long, thick hair like I do.

I've found an array of different options similar to my favorites in varying prices. I put them all together in the link below. I love a bargain but hey, Christmas is coming. What are y'all asking Santa for?

Love,

The Pricey Pauper

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Coffee Date

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I came over to Matt's early this morning to wait to let someone into his condo. It's been hard to find time to see each other lately so I wanted to be here before he left for work. Morning is always our favorite time together. Matt makes coffee for me in his french press and we sit out on the deck. Behind me through the jungle that's grown up is one of the most beautiful skylines you'll ever see, especially at night. I actually have two paintings of it in my room that my mom did in watercolors when I first moved to Atlanta.

My eggplant dress is from Express. It's a few months old, but there are still some very similar, shorter styles available for less than $30. The cape, originally from Boston Proper, is very old. It's a perfect weight for most Fall and Winter days here. I did find some fairly inexpensive capes, but none that are the exact loose style that I like so much about this one. My exact Steve Madden d'orsay flats are still available. These have been the "new ballet flat" this season. I've overworn them, so they're now very comfortable. I guess I'll have to get a new pair whenever these wear out. See the one link below for all of these styles. Don't be afraid of the long link, it just has everything listed in one place.

I saw last night that Forever 21 is extending their Cyber Monday deals for one more day due to technical issues yesterday. I still love a good Forever find. Their clothes have always been surprisingly long-lasting for me.

My office Christmas party is coming up on Friday night at my favorite restaurant. I haven't been to work in almost two weeks because of exams. Maybe they'll be extra excited to see me. I have a couple of ideas for what to wear, but I'm really open to suggestions. Do y'all have any holiday office party looks to share?'

Love,

The Pricey Pauper

Steven by Steve Madden Elka Crisscross d'Orsay Flat, Black/Leopard Print • Steve Madden • $45.00
Steve Madden Heaven Leopard Ballet Flat • Steve Madden • $39.95
Steven by Steve Madden Garnur-L Flats • Steve Madden • $77.99
Steve Madden 'Elusion' Half d'Orsay Flat • Steve Madden • $29.96
Steve Madden Elusion d'Orsay Flats • Steve Madden • $79.00
424 Fifth Wool Cape • $119.04
Jessica Simpson Women's Faux Wool Cape Coat Hooded Jacket • Jessica Simpson • $49.99
Helene Berman Wool Blend Cape • Helene Berman • $119.97
Wool Cape Coat • ChicNova • $72.10
Blue Long Sleeve Zip Back Trapeze Dress • Express • $29.94
Red Long Sleeve Zip Back Trapeze Dress • Express • $29.94

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Monday, December 1, 2014

Plaid Plaid City

I forgot to post a picture of this little guy from Saturday! Buster the Maltese used to be my 3rd roommate. Now he lives out in the suburbs, so I never get to see him. He and his little brother Scamper were pretty big fans of my giant scarf. I decided to put together a list of some similar styles of scarves for those of you who might be nervous about ordering from eBay. I only listed scarves that are in the price range that I would actually make a purchase from, and some are surprisingly cheap (one is $11). They're all in the link below, as is my sweater and another similar one that I almost bought instead.

Love,

The Pricey Pauper

Factory side-button elbow-patch sweater in colorblock • J.Crew Factory • $44.00
Factory warmspun zip sweater • J.Crew Factory • $44.00
Christmas Preppy Style Plaid Grain Scarf • ChicNova • $13.30
Color-block Scarf-Black & Red • $17.99
Look by M Green Plaid Scarf • $24.95
Factory buffalo plaid scarf • J.Crew Factory • $24.00
Red Plaid Scarf • $24.95
Oversized Plaid Wrap Scarf • Charlotte Russe • $13.99
ASOS Plaid Check Scarf - Red • Asos • $30.32
British Style Plaid Scarf • ChicNova • $11.20
Oversized Plaid Wrap Scarf • Charlotte Russe • $13.99
Lord & Taylor Tartan Plaid Scarf • Lord & Taylor • $43.40
AQUA Oversized Windowpane Scarf - Bloomingdale's Exclusive • Aqua • $44.88
Plaid Blanket Scarf • Express • $34.93
Monki Flo Blanket Scarf - Red • $34.11
River Island Womens Dark red plaid blanket scarf • River Island • $30.00

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Back to Reality

photo-80This may be one of the worst case of the Mondays I've ever had even though it is Cyber Monday, which might as well be named an additional national holiday. Every boss must know that no one will get any work done today. Even as I type this from the law library I know I should be doing any one of the numerous tasks on my (literal) list instead of browsing online. But who can help themselves? My ensembles put together for going to class are much more muted than my holiday looks, or really anything I wear someplace outside of school. Since beginning law school I've had to learn to tone it down for everyday, and streamlining my look for rushed mornings has been part of the process of becoming an adult for me. It shouldn't come as a surprise that most of my pieces are not brand new. A lot of them are even left over from my days of being more firmly planted on my parents' payroll. Today I'm wearing what are my second pair of black Sam Edelman booties. I got this pair last year for Christmas after a similar pair with a much higher heel had held up through three seasons of frequent wear. Sam Edelman evidently has reissued this bootie, still available in all sizes. At $130 they're not cheap, but if it's something you can swing I can confidently say they will last. You can view them in the third and final link below. I noticed at the beginning of the fall that ripped jeans have made a serious comeback, especially with large ripped knees in an otherwise sleek and intact pair. I rarely purchase new denim. The less frequently I wash them the longer they tend to last. I try to only wash jeans after wearing them a few times, which means I'm still wearing some I purchased years ago. I have three identical Jessica Simpson skinny jeans, so instead of purchasing the updated ripped version I just cut a hole in the right knee of  one pair. To DIY all you need is a pencil and a sharp pair of scissors. Kitchen shears work well. While wearing the jeans draw a line in pencil where you want the rip. I drew mine just above my kneecap, which will create a gap over the knee once cut because of the placement. A rip near the bend in the knee will always end up a little further down than where you cut. Work your way in with one end of the scissors, then cut along the line. Wash in the machine after you're done. You should end up with a look just like the newest style in skinny jeans. My shirt from Zara has long sold out, but they have a nearly identical version this year that comes in black and white. Mine is more of a dark charcoal, but I also like the new one, especially for a monochromatic look with black or white jeans. Use the first link below. My jacket from H&M is a more recent purchase. I paid about $35 for it, though it's difficult to tell the difference between mine and my friend Rachel's Barbour jacket, which of course could run you well over the $200 range. H&M has limited sizes still in stock in the khaki green one, and additional sizes in a different color. I suggest ordering two sizes up from H&M, especially in outerwear.  Of course there is a promo code you can use for Cyber Monday. Type in 2896 when you check out.

http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/tops/shirts/v-neck-blouse-c498002p2106004.html http://www.hm.com/us/product/25303?article=25303-C#article=25303-C

http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=453992311&pid=uid864-26233692-86

http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=378375479&pid=uid864-26233692-86

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