Ladies' guide to daily outfits and accessories that you can afford with items even from your own closet
 
I know it's been a few days since the Oscar's, but I needed some time to process my picks for best dressed. Not only that, I've been quite busy.

So, to get ready for your next big event, check out these red carpet look-a-like dresses at reasonable prices. You'll be sure to leave people talking.

Olivia Wilde - I don't think she could make pregnancy look anymore glamorous! She's stunning and the back definitely makes it all the more perfect.
Look-a-Like - L'Agence Leather-Trimmed Open-Back Maxi Dress from Barney's for $498. You could always add a white sash/fabric on the back to make it look even more similar.


Jennifer Lawrence - I'm a sucker for red dresses. This dress is absolutely simple yet chic. Also, props to a new and inventive way of wearing a necklace. Why don't more people do this?
Look-a-Like - Bari Jay 730 (Available in Brick or Cranberry) from Wedding Shoppe, Inc. for $147.


Jessica Biel - Love the flattering shape of this dress. Not to mention, the slight shimmer affect.
Look-a-Like - Hailey by Adrianna Papell Strapless Glitter Gown from Amazon for $209


Julia Roberts - Classy and Elegant. She does this dress justice and I absolutely love the lace detailing. 
Look-a-Like - Jarlo Button Peplum Maxi Dress with Lace Collar from Asos.com for $75.28


Giuliana Rancic - She's one of my favorites and she can pull off this dress without a doubt. To put it simply it's just gosh darn pretty!
Look-a-Like - Speechless 'Princess Ballgown' Floral Bodice Tulle Gown from Nordstrom for $180


Lupita Nyong'o - This isn't one of my favorite colors on her, but I love the story behind how she picked it. Also, it's a darling dress. Not only that, but the headband just makes it. Absolutely stunning with the diamonds!
Look-a-Like - Pinko Black Long Dress (Sky Blue) from 
Yoox.com for $194


Angelina Jolie - There always needs to be one long-sleeved dress that rocks the red carpet and this was it!
Look-a-Like - This one is definitely pricier, but it's the only one I could find remotely close to Angelina Jolie's. Theia Lace Boatneck Gown from Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,195


 
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This necklace is one of my absolute favorite finds. I can't believe how inexpensive it is and the fact that you can personalize it. 
Show your love with this My Heart Belongs In... Necklace from Brickyard Buffalo for only $14.99.

This is a savings of 50% from the original price of $30.00, but DON'T WAIT! You only have 3 and a half days to order it before the deal is gone.

 
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Just picture it.... How perfect would this outfit be paired with a pair of aviators in the summer time? Instead, it's being buried under layers upon layers of sweaters, coats, scarves, and boots.

These two are a perfect summer combo, not to say you can't wear them in the winter, but like I said, they would just look so good out in the sunshine with your aviators on. I guess all I can do is dream for now.

The shirt definitely gives the outfit more of a dressed down feel, but at the same time, you're still dressed up. For some reason, it just works, or you might agree with my husband  who thinks these two clothing items don't work together at all, and that's ok! You are welcome to your opinion. I can't say I'd normally put these two items together when I'm getting ready in the morning, but you'd be amazed by the number of compliments I got, especially on my skirt.

Get the Look
- Chambray Button Down Top - Marshall's
- Blush Lauren Conrad Tulle Maxi Skirt - Kohl's
- Nine West Pink Flats - TJMaxx
- Lauren Conrad Bracelets (Gold & Pink) - Kohl's
- Lauren Conrad Floral Stud Earrings - Kohl's

Purchase These Items NOW

 
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Could these be any cuter and more unique?! Not only that, these Pearl Leggings are available in Gray and Black and super soft and stretchy, but only for 2 and a half more days at Brickyard Buffalo for $19.50. These are a savings of 33.9% from $29.50.

 
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All you guys out there, "LISTEN UP!" and ladies, this is for you too if your significant other doesn't know what to get you for Valentine's Day, you can drop them a little hint with this gift.

Ultimately, there's no woman that's going to argue getting jewelry for Valentine's Day or any day for that matter, but this takes it to a whole other level with how personalized, special, and unique this gift is.



It is on the pricier side, but it's so worth it. It's a Signature/Handwriting Bracelet that you can get personalized to say a name or whatever you'd like it to (to an extent), and in the handwriting of your choice. You just send them a picture or email of the handwriting you'd like to use, written in whatever you'd like it to say. You can find this awesome gift on Etsy and you can get the bracelet in 14K or 18K gold or white gold.

Order now before they get backed up for Valentine's Day, and it generally takes 7 to 10 business days before it's ready to ship since it is a handmade/personalized item.


Make this a Valentine's Day to remember!

 
Ladies, wedding season is quickly approaching and for all of you brides and future brides out there, it's never too early to figure out what to get your bridesmaids. 

I did this for all of my bridesmaid and was so pleased with the look in the end. It turned out great in pictures. Not to mention, we got lots of compliments at the salon. 

I ended up getting each of the girls a men's button down shirt with their initials monogrammed onto the pocket. I stuck to my colors and got all of the girls a pink shirt, and then a white shirt for myself. A great place to find a color you'd like, for cheap, is Kohl's (Other great reasons for going to Kohl's is they were also doing $10 in Kohl's cash for every $50 when I bought these and you might be able to get 30% off if you have a Kohl's card). As for sizing, I just asked all the girls what their shirt size was, and then I went down a size since it's in mens, and if they were already a small, just go with small since they typically don't make extra small in mens. (Also, you could do robes instead of shirts, but that would be a bit more expensive.) Once I got the shirts, I took them to a local embroidery place. I recommend putting post-its on each shirt with the initials so the shop knows which shirt/size goes with which initials. For the thread, I did my own shirt with pink thread and the girls with white.


Overall, I was very pleased with how these turned out and you can see for yourself below. We all had them on getting our hair and makeup done. I had all the girls pair the shirts with black leggings/pants because I figured they'd all have this, and it was perfect! I wouldn't have changed a thing about this gift and the girls seemed to love them too!
 
Here are some other great buys that give back part of or 100% of the proceeds to these worthy causes.
 
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I was recently searching on Etsy and for some reason, I have always wanted a little capsule necklace with a red and white mushroom in it, and low and behold on Etsy, I found it!

This necklace is the cutest little thing and it's exactly what I wanted. It's not too bulky and the chain is a perfect length to hang farther down around my neck. In addition, you can get the chain in silver or antique brass. I didn't want to get the silver because I wasn't sure how shiny it would be and I'm happy with my decision to go with the antique brass. Also, I'm sure you can always get the mushroom in a different color if you have a different one in mind. Just leave a message for her in the "Notes to Shop" section (comments section) when you checkout.

I can't wait to finally wear this necklace since it is such a unique piece.

*If you're interested in buying one for yourself or somebody you know, go to Etsy and search the shop name is zzzengirl.

 
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Does you friend or family member have a favorite quote, poem, saying, song lyrics, etc.? Then, I'm sure they would love receiving a gift like this. You can make it personalized to say whatever you want. This is simple with limited materials. Unless the person doesn't like receiving compliments, then maybe this isn't the gift for them because I'm sure everybody is going to want you to make one for them.

http://www.stamp48.com/2011/07/11/diy-how-to-make-a-we-are-owls-inspired-poem-script-scarf/

*If you happen to make this or any of the 25 days of Christmas Wearable, Handmade gifts, please feel free to post pictures and share how it went. I'd love to see all the amazing gifts that people have made.

 
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This is a great gift for the antique/vintage lover. The only thing that might prove to be challenging is finding buttons you like, and for cheap. I would try any antique shops/malls.

The link has the same pictures as shown here.


http://kreativnostivana.wordpress.com/2012/12/10/vintage-ogrlica/diy-vintage-buttons-necklace-2-vert/

*If you happen to make this or any of the 25 days of Christmas Wearable, Handmade gifts, please feel free to post pictures and share how it went. I'd love to see all the amazing gifts that people have made.


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