I never though this would be read by anyone other than myself and perhaps a few friends, I didn't even tell anyone I had started it for some time after. But then I got a comment from someone I didn't know (yes, you Robin), and it was as if the whole world had changed. Suddenly I was writing for someone else. Having an audience was a powerful thing. I started to post more, add more content, start outfit posts, and become a fashion blogger.
I am hoping you will all help me celebrate this occasion by sharing your favorite fashionable steals; perhaps when you spotted that designer label dress in a thrift store for $3, or when you found one last pair of boots on clearance and they were in your size, or when you went to the register expecting to pay full price for something only to have it ring up at half off -- You get the idea!
And if you have a photo of yourself looking very chic on the cheap, please post a link to it or email me and I will include them with your story in a post next Friday.
Today's look is comprised of all my usual suspects, items grabbed off clearance racks, old clothes I've altered to get more use out of, second hand items, and things I've made as copies of expensive things I've seen in stores.
And yes, I did wear these shoes all day at work. They actually aren't that bad, but nine hours later I was anxious to take these photos and get them off!
The Rundown
Top Arabella (clearance rack) - Cammi Banana Republic (second hand) - Pants Express (old, but altered) - Shoes Jessica Simpson (half off at TJMaxx) - Belt Made by Me (as inspired by J. Crew) - Earrings Made by Me - Bracelet Gift
P.S. All of you who thought I was referring to today as the dog's birthday in my other post, thanks for all the kind wishes! She will actually be 11 in December.
Happy Birthday! Hurrah!
ReplyDeleteThank YOU for sharing with us!
I look forward to reading your posts and seeing what you put together. : )
Happy birthday little blog! Here's to another two years, and then some! :)
ReplyDeleteAs far as fashion steals go (if you're wanting pics)...
http://imgur.com/bTO8g.jpg
This was my formal dress last year. Not a typical formal dress (they're usually rather tacky over here, if I'm being honest) which is why I chose it. It was AUD$60 (or maybe it was 40?) which is about USD$55. Absolute steal as far as I'm concerned (especially considering the year before I'd spent almost 300 on my dress)! It was the first and only dress I tried on, and knew it was for me.
Anyhoo, enough of my blathering. Congratulations! And I love the shoes! Good on you for making it 9 hours. ;)
Romany
xx
happy birthday cheap on the chic!!! congratulations !! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your lovely blog! I dig your purple shoes and the great colorful outfit.
ReplyDeleteI will try to put together a chic on the cheap outfit soon!
First, congrats on the blog b-day!
ReplyDeleteSecond, my story:
Joe (husband's) cousin was getting married, and I had nothing appropriate to wear, so rather than buy something, I convinced my mom to help me sew a dress. I bought a reproduction vintage pattern on sale, and fabric that was also on sale, and made the dress for about $30-40. The sweater and shoes I already owned, and they matched perfectly.
This was also my very first official outfit post on my blog, with me in the photo!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joeandsusan/3958786009/in/set-72157622685723839/
It was one of the first times I was very proud of spending little on something, with an awesome end result.
Keep bloggin' girl- I love to read what you write. You're one of my fav blogs and I'm always interested in what you have to say!
Suze
I adore that belt you made and the combination of colors, your shoes are amazing, happy blog birthday Lyddie!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Blog!!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the outfit too :D
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/
AWUHHH congrats on two years, bloggy blog! <3 The heart shaped lights in the background of those first photos are so neat! I'm so glad that I decided to blog, too, I've met so many amazing people! (and you were like one of my first blog buddies <33333 I loves youuuu :DD)
ReplyDeleteWait.. so you take your pictures AFTER work? How do you manage to look so gorgemous? Skill. <3 I love those shoes!
Ohoh! Amazing find! I found these Jeffrey Campbell shoes last week. They were $102.00 on Modcloth (the "Fashion is Art Heel"). Then, I did super searching and found them for $60.00 at another place, and with a coupon, got free shipping. Happy? YES SO MUCH, especially since my parents said they would buy them for me for homecoming, and that's strange since clothing is the one thing I have to buy myself. They came in the mail today. I LOVE THEM and literally flopped a bit when I saw the box, opened the box, licked the box, did inappropriate poses with the box and shoes, etc. :DDDD we both got our first pair of Jeffreys this year, Lyddie! yayay!~
Wow, happy bloggy birthday! Great photos today and great look today too...love those shoes!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being so sweet and encouraging...you're a great girl :)
Happy 2nd Birthday!!!
ReplyDeleteOne day at Marshall's, I spotted a lone Giuseppe Zanotti shoe sitting on the shelf. Even with a price tag of $200, I tried it on to admire the beauty before reluctantly putting it back. I came back to Marshall's a few times after that and kept seeing the neglected heel without its mate - and getting one sale sticker after another added to it. The next time I stopped in, the clouds parted and angels sang - there it was, the missing shoe perched next to the original one. Now with a sale sticker for $40! Those babies were mine. And while I never did find the original retail price online, GZ shoes normally run around $700!
oh my two years, congrats! and happy blog birthday :)
ReplyDeleteI've actually been finding some great finds on F21... although those aren't a hidden gem really are they? x
http://pagesixxx.blogspot.com
Happy birthday Chic on the Cheap!
ReplyDeletehappy 2nd birthday to your blog! that's amazing! :D
ReplyDeletep.s. i love your purple shoes! :)
<3, Mimi
http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/
Happy birthday to your blog! You look great :) Love the belt
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your blog. It's funny 'coz when I started mine I felt I was writing for myself till I got my my first comment. Here's hoping your blog has many, many more birthdays!
ReplyDeleteHappy blog birthday! I hope there will be manymanymany more :)
ReplyDeletexx
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteVery Chic on the Cheap, I love the belt you made.
ReplyDeleteI do love finding rare treasures on the sales racks, even if the size is too big, you can always customize.
HAPPY BLOG BIRTHDAY
ReplyDeleteLove the pics of you blowing out the candles.
Happy Bday to your blog girl! And what better way to celebrate than with a present . . . you won my giveaway! Thanks for being such a great follower!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
http://achameleonscloset.blogspot.com/
Happy blog birthday! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat outfit! xo
In Fashion and Style
Happy Birthday! I look forward to reading everyone's stories...maybe I'll submit one of my own.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to the Chic on the Cheap blog! :) Those heart lights are adorable. I am in love with the Jessica Simpson shoes, they are stunning!
ReplyDeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY, BLOG! I love how you've got this party-esque thing going on. Dannng, now I REALLY have to throw a party for my blog, too! (Don't feel left out, blog! Next year!)
ReplyDeleteBest steal? ER. I guess getting a shirt for free wasn't bad. Hahah. I actually like it; it's not one of those crappy tourist t-shirts, or anything!
QUIRKYEXPLOSION.blogspot.com
Happy happy blogiversary lady! Gorgeous belt!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday chic on cheap!!!
ReplyDeleteSarah
theantiquepearl.blogspot.com
Happy blog birthday!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on turning two!!
ReplyDeleteThose candle photos are awesome :)
Happy Birthday to you!
ReplyDeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUR BLOG!!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday and congrats! It truly is amazing all the beautiful people we meet through blogging, isn't it?! :)
ReplyDeleteThis outfit is fabulous! I love the shoes especially!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment!
www.a--style.blogspot.com
Congrats :) Or I mean...Happy Birthday! (you get the idea)
ReplyDeleteI think my favroite thrift store steal was a J. Crew animal print cardigan I got last for about $5, and it's in excellent shape. It;s one of my favorite items in my closet, and it's J. Crew - woot!
thank you for sharing it with us. :)
ReplyDeleteA very happy birthday.
Pretty give-away on Monday at
Loadingdarling.blogspot.com
Happy 2nd year Anniversary!! Where does the time go?? Keep up the great work and as a first time visitor, I'm LOVIN your blog!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 2 years! And to think I just discovered your blog 1 month ago :(
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! Hope it was sweet. Love your lace up shoes!!
ReplyDeleteHow cute! Happy birthday Chic on the Cheap!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are soooo cute! Happy birthday to your blog and congratulations on your successes. I enjoy reading all of your posts =)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations love! I found a genuine leather vintage cowboy boots at Value Village for 9 dollars!
ReplyDeleteIt was pretty special!
xoxo,
ML
Happy blog birthday!!
ReplyDelete-Jess
http://darknightholdtight.blogspot.com
Happy Birthday to Chic on the Cheap. :)
ReplyDeleteLove from Toronto, Canada
CONGRATS!! that is such a milestone! I feel like, in blog years 2 years= like 10 years. I hope you're proud of yourself.
ReplyDeleteMy fave cheap on the chic purchase as of recently has got to be the trench coat I just bought a few weeks ago - baby blue French Connection for $35, originally priced over $200.
Love the shoes!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment on my blog!
xoxo
Happy Birthday/Blogiversary! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday in style!!!
ReplyDeletexxx
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
ReplyDeleteI love that top :)
Happy blog birthday, and congratulations on your two years of blogging! I'm raising my cup of tea in your honour.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations !
ReplyDeleteI loved your pictures!!
Have to say I wanna see that J Crew inspired belt...close up, it's perfect !