Frugal Fashion Fav

Save on summer workout gear

I can’t believe Labor Day weekend kicks off on Friday. Summer really has come to an end. As we say goodbye to our bikinis, we all have the best of intentions to commit to maintaining our bikini bodies.

But every girl needs a little help staying motivated. Let’s face it, those pictures of Victoria’s Secret models you taped to the fridge only makes you open the door a bit faster so you can avoid the image of their perfectly toned abs and thighs glaring back at you in disapproval.

Time for a new approach. To keep up a gym routine (or encourage you to start one) why not supplement it with some stylish new additions? The end of summer is the perfect time to stock up on workout wardrobe staples. Warm weather items are put on major discount due to the change of seasons, but when working up a sweat, summer’s tanks and shorts are ideal.

It is no secret that my favorite workout gear outfitter is Lululemon, which is great news for me since their sale section is currently stocked up with great finds. I scored this polka dot racer back tank last week for $29.

There are plenty more items in the sale section on Lulu’s website, aptly titled “we made too much.” Amongst the tanks, sports bras and spandex shorts, you can also find some great deals on long sleeve shirts and jackets. Check the stores for even more great options, as the store typically has a different selection of sale merchandise than the website.

Check out stores like Athleta, Target and even Old Navy. To score the best deals, look for summer’s bright, bold and neon colors which will be banished to the sale racks. Stock up on staples in these colors, such as sports bras and basic tanks. If you’ve been on the fence about that running skirt, now is the time to try one out without spending a fortune. Basic running and spandex shorts will also be on sale.
If you’re a resident of a warm weather state, do some online shopping since summer staples might not make your local sale racks.

The first step to looking good is feeling good, so go ahead, treat yourself to a new workout outfit and debut at the gym – again, and again, and again!

Collar Necklaces

Collar Necklaces by kerrychannon featuring a collar necklace

Statement necklaces are taking a whole new shape this fall. Enter the collar necklace. They started popping up on the runways last Fall and made a full fledged debut this Spring. While the word “collar” tends to conjure up images of leather, spikes and other punk-influenced fashion (let’s resist those 50 Shades of Grey references), these babies are about as sweet and feminine as they come.

The collar necklace is pretty self explanatory; it’s a necklace designed in the shape of a shirt collar. Simple enough, yes, but these bejeweled, sequined and metallic beauties are anything but!

I’ve included some of my favorites above but the options are endless. Some look exactly like a Peter Pan collar while others offer a more decorative aesthetic. The biggest advantage of the collar necklace? You can wear one with almost anything. A sequined version would take center stage with a black cocktail dress (or a little pink dress!), adding a fun, quirky twist to any black-tie outfit. You can also pair it with a simple t shirt for a funky look. Imagine how darling one of the beaded versions would look with a simple sweater in the fall.

Like all accessories, they range in price. DANNIJO is one of the most expensive brands, which I’ve included above. However, you can snag some budget versions at ASOS, Forever21, H&M and even Etsy!

Start your collar necklace collection with a budget-friendly version to see how you like the trend and then spring for a pricier version if you’re into it. This style screams “trend” to me – I’d be surprised if these are around by next Fall. So, I’d shy away from spending the big bucks, but that is no reason to not have some fun with this super cool trend, particularly since there are so many low cost options available! So, go forth and get your collar on!

Pants of All Colors…

Colored denim and pants are on everyone’s must-have list this season. And, with only a few months left of summer, nobody wants to spend an arm and a leg on this trend. Options from J Brand and other designer denim labels will run you around $200.

But aren’t you lucky? Gap is offering 30% off on all purchases through July 26th. Which means you can score a pair of their bright khakis for $35 and colored denim, with our without an ankle zipper detail for $49. Now that is a price you can feel good about and pants you will look good in!

The khakis have a slightly loose fit, so some purchasers report going down a size. They tend to fit curvier girls perfectly. The legging jeans fit tight, as one might expect given the name. You shouldn’t need to size up, as Gap jeans typically stretch out after 1-2 wears. Mint and coral are my favorites!

Colored Pants from Gap by kerrychannon featuring leggings

As part of the Gap family, Old Navy is also offering 30% off all purchases. Conveniently, they just released a whole new selection of their Rockstar Super Skinny jeans which come in 14 colors! Taking into account the 30% off, you’ll pay only $25 a pair, so you can afford to get two!

The sale is happening in-stores and online (use the code JULY2012) through tomorrow. So what are you waiting for? Get to shopping!