Thrifty Thursday

As in other states, the temperatures have really been climbing lately in southern California. For the last couple months the typical summer weather that we southern Californians are used to (read: HEAT and SUN) was nonexistent and looked like it might never make an appearance. Well, it finally has. Now that the temperatures are rising I find myself obsessively browsing for sun dresses, bikinis, and sandals online. Below are a few of my favorite sandal finds - all under $50!

How fun are these Steve Madden Erinn sandals?! I envision them with a simple black or white sundress and piles of gold jewelry. Priced at only $39.99 (on sale on Piperlime) they're a steal!

Not only are these Mia Hayat sandals ($29.99-$39) a great bargain for a summer shoe, but they can so easily transition into any fall weekend wardrobe. With a suede exterior and slightly more coverage than your average sandal, these will look fabulous as the temperatures drop paired with some skinny jeans and basic t's.

Along with a great pair of jeans and that little black dress, every closet should also be home to a simple pair of nude sandals (seriously, they'll go with everything during the summer months). These Michael Antonio Dava sandals are a great buy at only $29.99 and are interesting enough that you won't be bored buying such a necessary basic.

Which ones are your favorite?

Thrifty Thursday

Today, all my Thrifty Thursday finds are from Lulu's. If you've never before visited the Lulu's website, you're in for a treat. The website features a multitude of very fashionable and trendy dresses, tops, shorts, skirts, accessories, shoes and more (much more) for a fraction of what you think they might cost. I've never placed an order with Lulu's but I always enjoy browsing their vast selection. I plan to spend the impending summer season donned in dresses. Based on Lulu's selection of sundresses, maxi dresses and occasion dresses, Lulu's might just be my new go-to when stocking my growing summer wardrobe.

I absolutely adore the color and pattern of the this dress (only $42). The print and color palette remind me ever so slightly of this DVF dress which unfortunately is way out of my price range at the moment.

It's no secret to those of you who read my blog frequently that I'm an ardent lover of the maxi dress. This maxi dress ($48) exudes a subtle sophistication and ease that make it perfectly appropriate for a day spent in Malibu or a Los Angeles lunch with friends. (Note: I would absolutely under no circumstances pair this dress with those shoes featured...no offense to the Lulu's stylist who envisioned this pairing but this dress is practically begging to be worn with sandals, not boots).

I love stripes, I love black and white ("Team Mila" for life) and therefore, I love this dress ($35).

Seriously readers, check out the Lulu's website - there are approximately 232,343,455 adorable dresses (like this and this - they're so cute I can't help but squeeze them in) that I wasn't able to show you. Yes, some of them are over $50 but they're adorable and highly worth the extra $5 bucks.

Thrifty Thursday: Earth Day Edition

In honor of Earth Day, this week's Thrifty Thursday finds are not only affordable and effortlessly chic, but also eco-friendly. Purchasing any of the items featured below is a simple way to do your part to help protect our planet and it's limited and rapidly depleting resources.

Alternative Apparel is known for its lush fabrics and well-priced basics. However, the brand also features an eco-friendly line - Alternative Earth. Alternative Earth offers designs in three eco-friendly fabrics: organic cotton, eco-heather, and eco-fleece. At $50, this Rocky Eco-Fleece Zip Hoodie is one of the most expensive items in the line (talk about budget friendly?!). This hoodie comes in a wide array of colors and really, who can't use a good zip hoodie?

Dogeared has long been one of my favorite jewelry brands. I adore the whimsical little charms and the zen inspired messages associated with the different pieces greatly appeal to my inner hippie love child. Actually, I'm wearing this necklace (given to me as a Valentine's gift from my mom years ago) as I type. The bracelet featured above (for $36) is my absolute favorite of the earth-friendly pieces as it's made entirely of recycled saris from India!

By now, who hasn't heard of TOMS? For every pair of shoes sold, TOMS donates a pair to a child in need. This pair of TOMS is completely vegan friendly and made with recycled and sustainable materials. At $54, this particular pair of shoes is slightly more expensive than my usual Thrifty Thursday finds...but come on, it's Earth Day and what's an extra $4 anyhow?

Thrifty Thursday

As promised, every Thursday I'll be doing a "Thrifty Thursday" post featuring my three favorite items available online for $50 or under. Last Thursday, my Thrifty Thursday post featured a J Crew cardigan, a Target dress and a Forever 21 romper. Below are this weeks items:

This Striped Boatneck Sweater from Gap has just a hint of summer color and would look great paired with any bottoms. I'm envisioning it with a pair of billowy shorts and platform sandals.

The inspiration for this next thrifty find comes from Megan of Pretty in Pink Megan fame. In today's blog post, Megan posted a picture of herself wearing a fabulous pair of shorts by Nanette Lepore. These Cooperative Floral Elastic Shorts are available at Urban Outfitters and while they may not be identical to the Nanette shorts, they're a pretty close contender!

I love scarves and I love wearing them in all seasons and all types of weather. For summer, I love lightweight scarves paired with slub cotton t-shirts or simple tank tops. This Psychedelic Forest Print Scarf by Madewell (available on Shopbop) is the perfect pop of color for a simple summer ensemble.

Thrifty Thursday

I’ll be the first to admit that I love and desire designer clothes (Tibi, Milly and Tory Burch being three particular favorites). However, I do not love the price tags associated with these designer duds. In honor of my need for frugality but my desire for style, every Thursday I will be spotlighting my favorite finds under $50.

The first is brought to you by J Crew. While this retailer is normally associated with expense and luxury, this slouchy cardigan is only $45 (on sale now for a mere $36).

This next find is a spring must for any wardrobe. I purchased this Rachel Pally inspired dress in black from Target a few months back and fell in love with it immediately (this adorable heather gray will be my next purchase). It's comfortable, versatile, and exudes casual style. Bonus: It's only $24.99!

You may remember that in my first post I mentioned my love for rompers. The problem with rompers, however, is that because they're so trendy and "of the moment," dropping wads of cash on them seems a little wasteful. Why should I pay almost $300 for something I know I'll only be able to wear one season, right? Enter Forever 21, the ultimate low-price, trend carrying retailer. At $29.80, you'll feel no guilt if you only get a few wears out of this little number.