Under the Radar Online Retailers

Amazon, Zappos, Nasty Gal….

Umm… one of these things is not like the other.

Amazon and Zappos are clearly powerhouses in the online retailer space. Everyone knows those names, everyone has shopped there.

But what about the Nasty Gals of the world? Finding these under the radar online retailers is like discovering buried treasures. These smaller sites offer cheap prices, on-trend merchandise, unique items, and personalized customer service.

And since I adore my readers so much, I thought I’d let you in on my top 10 secret online retailers. Click and shop!

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Nasty Gal – This San Francisco-based site specializes in vintage and unique designer items.

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Ruche – A vintage inspired boutique with a modern touch (my current fav).

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Shop Kempt – Feminine and fashion-forward clothing and accessories.

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In Pink – Your destination to shop the latest trends in fashion jewelry.

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Shabby Apple – Specializing in girly, flirty, and retro dresses.

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eShakti – This site offers a wide range of sizes and even offers custom sizing.

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Urban 1972 – Seelings pieces that range from basics to cutting-edge trends.

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ThreadSence – This girly site scours the planet for indie designers, artists, and aficionados.

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Asos – The UK’s largest online-only fashion. And they offer free shipping.

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Lulu’s – Phew, last but not least, Lulu’s may not be “under the radar” anymore, but it’s such a fab spot for fashionable clothing, shoes and accessories, I had to include it!

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Dancing with the Stars: Glittermania!

Calling all reality TV viewers. Are you a fan of Dancing with the Stars?

I’ve been a participant in an intense DWTS bracket with my friends for the past several years. While the men in our lives follow fantasy football leagues, me and 40 other grown women compete for our own mirror ball trophy (well, cold hard cash actually — which is even better!). Our bracket competition is almost as fierce as all that glitter on the DWTS stage!

And really, who doesn’t love glitter?! I am swooning over all the sparkly dresses I’ve seen this season — like Kristin Cavallari and Kym Johnson below. Those DWTS costume designers know what America wants: more sequins, please!

How gorgeous are these champagne colored sparkly dresses? Yes, I realize they’re totally impractical for real life (um, and for gals who EAT), but let’s use them as inspiration to find some sequined items for us non-dancers.

I give you Dancing with the Stars-inspired glittermania!…

Constellation Overload Taupe Sequin Top – $55 from Lulus

Striking Gold Dress – $104.99 from Mod Cloth

Sequin Strip Racerback Tank – $34.90 from Express

WallapapHer Sequin Vest – $32 from Nordstrom

Way-in Sequin Cold Shoulder Shift Dress – $72 from Nordstrom

Pyramid Stud Stretch Ring – $6.00 from Charlotte Russe

Glittery Cutout Platform Heel – $28 from Charlotte Russe

Michael Antonio Palmero Flat – $23 from Endless (I own these, they’re super fun!)

Lulu Townsend Chainmail Clutch (3 colors) – $24.95 from DSW

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Hot Pockets

Last weekend I was at my brother-in-law’s birthday party and found myself in enthusiastic conversation about — what else — pockets! Yes, pockets. Those cozy little storage devices that are turning up more & more in women’s fashion. I tell ya, not only are pockets super convenient, they also make great dinner party talk!

The consensus of all the women around the dinner table was simple: say yes to pockets! I love having a spot to store my keys, cell phone, Burt’s Bee Lip Balm, or extra ponytail holder. And if I’m standing around a party, it’s always nice to know my hands have a home when they’re feeling fidgety.

So the next time you’re trying on a fabulous dress in the fitting room and you realize it also has pockets — my recommendation is to BUY IT! Here are a few cute pocket dress options:

Love this bold ruffled dress from Lulus for $58.

And this fun colorblock cocktail dress for $59 also from Lulus.

Work dresses with pockets? I’ll take two! (below: Shirtdress $79.50 from Loft)

Or this cute patterned dress from the cleverly named Hand in Pocket for $86.

Pockets are also turning up in swoon-worthy bridal gowns…

And in adorable bridesmaid dresses, like this – perfect for my tissues!

Even the celebs are jumping on this trend, like the smokin’ Jennifer Aniston at the premiere of “Horrible Bosses.” Eat your heart out, Brad.

Dare to Re-wear

Reader Question: In today’s social media age, where photos spring up online almost as soon as they are taken, what is your advice on re-wearing a dress to a wedding that your friends have probably already seen on your Facebook page?

Answer: This blog is not called Style Me Thrifty for nothing! Here is what I recommend you do:

Step 1: Wear the dress to the first wedding.

Step 2: Pose for a million photographs because, heck, you look good.

Step 3: Post the photos on Facebook for the world to see, which includes those ex-boyfriends that you haven’t spoken to in approximately 7 years.

Step 4: Re-wear that same exact dress to the second wedding, snap some more photos, and share them on Facebook. Now sit back and smile in triumph. You have just proven that you are a confident, THRIFTY fashionista. Style Me Thrifty is so proud!

All joking aside, I think this reader’s question is really interesting. We have hit a point with social media that it’s beginning to influence the way we dress. Crazy — but it’s a reality!

With 500 million active users, Facebook has become a part of everyone’s daily life. For example, how many times have you posed for a photograph with friends and immediately demanded, “Make sure you post that to Facebook!” It’s almost as though a photo doesn’t exist until it’s on Facebook. But that doesn’t mean Facebook gets the upper hand!

I believe in living — and dressing — for the moment. The second we start worrying what our virtual friends will think of our clothing, or the fact that we’re re-wearing a $15 dress from Old Navy (true story, see photos), then we lose sight of what’s important. Be in the moment, at your friend’s wedding, and feel pretty in that dress.

Now, let’s say the guests at the wedding saw you in the same dress last weekend. Why not change up your hair and accessories? It’s amazing how a loose chignon and a chunky necklace can change the overall tone of an outfit.

Final verdict: Re-wear the dress and spend the next day counting the dollar bills that are still in your wallet from not having to purchase a new dress.

PS – Shameless plug but appropriately timed: have you “liked” Style Me Thrifty on Facebook yet?!

It’s My Birthday and I’ll Shop If I Want To!

Anyone else celebrating a birthday this month? If so, I have a suggestion for all you summer birthday babes. Why not splurge a little and buy yourself a thrifty present this year? Cmon, you deserve it!

While in pursuit for my own birthday treasure, I stumbled across a few items that screamed “Wear me to a birthday party!” so I thought I’d share my finds with you all. Here are a few outfit ideas for your next birthday celebration. Go on, treat yourself to something nice!

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The Romantic Birthday Dinner
Is your significant other taking you to dinner? Wow him in this outfit.

Where to shop: Daytrip Scribble Print Tube Dress ($32 from Buckle.com); Silver Metal Bangles ($8.50 from Old Navy); Rocket Dog Omari Metallic Sandal ($44.95 from DSW). Total cost = $85.45.

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The Girls Night Out Birthday
Great for a night of cocktails and dancing with your girlfriends.

Where to shop: Halogen Twist Neck Sleeveless Top ($39.90 on sale at Nordstrom); Fab Skinny Black Jean ($10.50 from Forever 21); Qupid Please 03 Berry Velvet Pointy Toe Pumps ($31 from Lulu’s); Boho Chic Earrings ($3.80 from Forever 21). Total cost = $85.20.

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The Bohemian Birthday
Perfect for a backyard garden party or outdoor brunch. 

Where to shop: Mimi Chica Asymmetric Hem Dress ($46 at Nordstrom; Vibrant Beads & Chain Necklace ($7.80 from Forever 21); Jessica Simpson ‘Jacqui’ Flip Flop ($58.95 from Nordstrom). Total cost = $112.75.

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PS – If you’re curious, I ended up buying a work dress from Rue La La as my birthday splurge. Oh and new nail stickers! This time I went for Sally Hansen’s Real Nail Polish Strips in Glitz Blitz. Glittery perfection. The glitter in the strips made them a little trickier to get a nice clean edge, but it just takes a little patience.