Shop Local: Lou Lou

19 Feb

The hunt for the perfect cocktail dress or new outfit for work is never complete until you’ve tied it all together with a killer accessory. (Trust me, truer words have never been spoken). But sometimes it can be hard to dig up the right piece of jewelry from your cluttered collection. Instead of a last minute, frantic trip to the mall, my DC-area readers should check out Lou Lou, a cute accessories boutique with numerous locations across the DMV.

Lou Lou Boutique, Alexandria, VA

I recently shopped at Lou Lou in Old Town Alexandria and was blown away with their massive selection of reasonably priced jewelry. Seriously, hydrate and have lunch before stopping by — you’ll need the energy to sort through the tables of jewelry!

Exhibit A:

Lou Lou jewelry

And Exhibit B — so many brightly-colored watches, bauble necklaces and lovely scarves and purses.

Lou Lou accessories

I couldn’t resist picking up two new pairs of earrings both priced under $25. One practical, one fun!

Lou Lou purchases

Locations:
Numerous! The original Lou Lou boutique is located in Middleburg, VA, but they have 9 DC-area shops including Alexandria, DC, Reston, Bethesda and more opening soon. Click for details.

Old Town Lou Lou:
132 King Street, Alexandria, VA [Map]
Mon-Sat 10-8, Sun 11-7

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You might also like: Shop Virginia: Covet

Bloggers Do it Better: Red

14 Feb

Quick: how many pieces of RED clothing do you own? If you’re like me, the answer is not many. I counted 4 red items in my wardrobe: a cardi, blouse, tank top, and pair of Christmas socks.

I’d say it’s about time to add this bold color to my life! One of my favorite fashion blogs, Pretty Shiny Sparkly, is hosting a challenge to help with just that. She’s asked bloggers to show how real girls wear real trends in her column called “Bloggers Do It Better.” Today’s assignment is simple: show us how you wear red!

Since I shared a few red-hot Valentine’s Day outfit ideas with you all a few weeks ago (here, here, and here), I figured it was only fair to reveal my own red Vday outfit. Here’s what I wore to dinner with my sweetie on Sunday night. Happy Valentine’s Day!

How to wear red

Bloggers Do It Better: Red

Shirt & Necklace – LOFT (similar blouse) // Skirt – Express (similar) // Belt – The Limited // Wedges – Bakers // Bracelet – Forever 21 (similar) // Purse – Ruche (see all their cute purses here)

And because bloggers really DO do it better, here are a few other red-inspired outfits from six fellow bloggers. This is also my sneaky way of sharing my fav fashion blogs with you all (seriously, check them out). Looking good, ladies!

Bloggers Do It Better: RedPretty Shiny Sparkly // Gal Meets Glam

Bloggers Do It Better: Red

Granola2Glam // Tick Tock Vintage

Bloggers Do It Better: Red

Mix and Match Fashion // M Loves M

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You might also like:
LOFT Georgetown Grand Opening
To Infinity… and Beyond!

Currently Coveting: Pops of Neon

7 Feb

Maybe it was Madonna’s halftime performance at the Super Bowl, but I gotta confess: I am currently coveting a serious 80’s trend.

Neon!

A pop of neon mixed into an everyday outfit is a fun and flirty fashion do. Yes, even in 2012! I’m not asking for a head-to-toe neon getup that you (and Madonna) used to wear in 1988. Just throw on one brightly colored accessory. Here are a few ideas on how to have fun with neon.

Pop of Neon
 

Zip top clutch
$45 – asos.com

Portfolio clutch
$36 – asos.com

Plastic watch
$36 – asos.com

Cuff bangle
$4.80 – forever21.com

Is it spring yet? ring
$9.99 – modcloth.com

Heart charm wristband
$8.95 – asos.com

Faux patent leather belt
$15 – thelimited.com

Stila lip enamel in giggle hot pink
$22 – stilacosmetics.com

Refinery29 Style Blogger Competition

1 Feb

Refinery 29: The Next Big Style Blogger

Hey thrifty readers! Just a random post to share why I’m in a particularly excited mood :)

1) It’s going to be 67 degrees in Washington, DC today (seriously!?).

2) My lip glossin’ mug is up on Refinery29’s web site! What is Refinery29 you ask? Well, it’s an addicting style web site that offers its readers a boat load of awesome fashion and beauty tips. Refinery29 is currently hosting a competition for their The Next Big Style Blogger and I entered because… well, why not?! The grand prize is an internship and hey, that sounds pretty great! But I need to ask for your support. Will you vote for me?

It’s really simple to vote: just click this link, find Style Me Thrifty by scrolling down or doing a find, and click the heart icon to “like” me. That’s it! Thanks for your support — today and always!

Style Me Thrifty - Refinery29

What to Wear to a Superbowl Party

31 Jan

SuperbowlI’m told the Superbowl is happening this Sunday. Alright! As a former cheerleader, I’ve always maintained that I truly enjoy a good sporting event. That said, as you might imagine, the true highlight of the Superbowl for me is the commercials. And the beer. And the baked potato dip. And the parties. And the causal dress code!

Okay, so I clearly can’t talk strategy about the upcoming game — but I can help you strategize on the what to wear to a Superbowl party. Here are three casual and cute outfit ideas. The key is be comfy for your all-day snackathon. If you’re feeling festive, go ahead and rock your team’s colors. Note: if you are a die-hard Giants or Patriots fan, I suppose a fitted tee with your team’s name on it is okay. Just do me a favor and accessorize!

Superbowl Party: Cheerful Plaid

Forever 21 Grey Jeans
$28 – forever21.com

Tom’s Sequin Shoes
$59 – nordstrom.com

The Limited Earrings
$20 – thelimited.com

The Limited Skinny Belt
$27 – thelimited.com
Superbowl Party: Sporty Spice
  

American Eagle Tee
$10 – ae.com

American Eagle Jeggings
$50 – ae.com

Chinese Laundry Boots
$99 – zappos.com

Wet Seal Rubber Watch
$5 – wetseal.com

H&M printed scarf
$6.27 – hm.com
Superbowl Party: Boho Chic

Forever 21 Jeans
$25 – forever21.com

Nine West Flats
$69 – zappos.com

Wet Seal Purse
$23 – wetseal.com

Forever 21 Earrings
$3.80 – forever21.com

Nordstrom Henley
$28 – nordstrom.com