I just wanted to take a moment and thank all my readers for supporting this blog! It hasn't been six months since I started 20nsomechange and because of all of you, it is a success.
Please keep reading and commenting and I promise to keep providing good content. This Thanksgiving, I challenge each of you to take $20 that you would spend on yourself and buy something for someone else. It can be a child in need, a relative or just donate to a local charity. I promise it will be more rewarding than anything you could purchase for yourself.
Thanks again everyone and stay tuned... once I hit 2,000 views I am going to do a giveaway :)
Monday, November 12, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
OOTD-Denim at work?
I know, I know- its been weeks but I am back and in full effect :)
As the season's begin to change, my fashion persona adjusts and right now I am really into the idea of a denim trouser pant but I wonder if it is appropriate for work outside of "casual Friday?"
In my work environment, you can see people dressed in everything from a suit and tie to yoga pants and basketball shorts. But some still argue that denim should be reserved solely for outside of work... I disagree but with parameters.
Depending on how you pair the trousers, you can accomplish a polished work look that draws minimal attention to the fact that you are wearing denim.
Try pairing the pant with a tailored blouse or blazer with a pop of color and you are good to go. Today, I am wearing:
As the season's begin to change, my fashion persona adjusts and right now I am really into the idea of a denim trouser pant but I wonder if it is appropriate for work outside of "casual Friday?"
In my work environment, you can see people dressed in everything from a suit and tie to yoga pants and basketball shorts. But some still argue that denim should be reserved solely for outside of work... I disagree but with parameters.
Depending on how you pair the trousers, you can accomplish a polished work look that draws minimal attention to the fact that you are wearing denim.
- Dana Buchanan denim trousers (Kohl's, $27.00- had a coupon)
- Mint green studded tank (Old Navy, $5.00)
- Green and Navy cardigan(Old Navy, $2.00-thrift store find!)
- Cheetah print scarf (Old Navy, $10.00)
- BCBG tan wedges (Ross, $30.00)
Friday, September 21, 2012
Animal Attraction- Guest Writer Edition
Hey guys,
Here's a post from guest writer L. Mack, who is an expert at the $20 challenge... Enjoy!!!
I am a shoe fanatic with a profound love for round toe, stilettos that make a statement! While taking advantage of a Super Sale at Talbots Outlet store, I felt a need to peruse the shoe section, although I am typically not a, fan of there shoe style. As my eyes traced the silhouettes of all the shoes, it was drawn to a pair of loner, leopard print stilettos. Regular price of the shoes was $169.00, I paid $17.60.
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The shoes are comfortable, and when paired with a red A line dress and gold accessories, the shoes POP!
Monday, September 17, 2012
If I were a boy...
What would you wear if you were a guy? Would you go for the most comfortable outfit you could find or the most trendy???
Well ladies, we will never live a day as a man but that doesn't mean you can't raid your boyfriend, brother or dad's closet for great ideas and accessories.
I happen to love fitted hats and this simple look below marries uber-feminine with my love of hats. First off, you can not go wrong with an NYC hat (haters, sit down!) but to pair it with a flattering denim dress and boots creates a look I like to call, "Urban Feminist."
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Fashion Week Designer Pick- Jason Wu
Since I wasn't able to go to New York for fashion week, I watched every minute I could on TV and Jason Wu's collection has been in my mind every since I saw it.
The man truly understands me... OK, well my style at least. His collection is a combination of leather and lace but with taste- who wouldn't love that?
I read on a fellow blog his inspiration was 50 Shades of Gray- symbolizing the struggle with the prim and proper vs. the edgier and risky sides of every woman.
Here are my top 5 looks from his show including the finale gown.
- Mixing fabrics and prints- don't be afraid to not match your shirt and shoes.
- Sheer is not going anywhere- get over it and buy a sheer top, they come in so many styles you can find one that fits your body and taste.
- Try leather in another form other than a leather jacket. I've seen a few leather dresses which is a great alternative to a leather pant (PLEASE NOTE: leather pants ARE NOT for everyone!)
- Lace it up! Every woman has a lace skirt or top in their closet that they overlook but Spring will be time to bring it out. Not sure how... take your time and try it different ways. We have a while until Spring anyway.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Hot Chocolate
Ok guys, I am not a makeup expert and I intentionally never write posts about makeup. However, Polyvore challenged participants to come up with a mood board featuring makeup and earrings- cool, right?
I haven't done a mood board since my undergrad days in fashion design class but here is my attempt... I call this piece "Hot Chocolate."
How do you wear your Brahmin?
Hey guys! Check out this fall look I put together to support my favorite bag of the moment-Brahmin. Though these bags are WAY over the 20nsomechange budget, affordable versions can be found anywhere. Look out for my remake of this look coming soon. :)
Also, all you Polyvore fans, support me in the Brahmin contest for a trip to the Brahmin factory and to get a bag named after me... Doesn't the Michelle Nicole sound like the perfect bag???
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Fall Trend Picks- Coral Love
This fall, there are 5 trends that I have my eye on. Though the compilation below is made of up of high end merchandise, there are several more affordable ways to pull off this look. Don't trust me? Tune into the 20nsomechange YouTube channel next week for my replica.
This fall my top 5 merchandise picks are:
Feminine- You can never go wrong playing up your X chromosomes!
Color Choice:
Coral!!! This color looks great on everyone's skin tone and is flattering. Remember- this fall, coral is the new black.
- Colored denim
- Blazers
- Studded pumps- or studded anything for that matter
- Statement jewelry
- satchel handbags
Feminine- You can never go wrong playing up your X chromosomes!
Color Choice:
Coral!!! This color looks great on everyone's skin tone and is flattering. Remember- this fall, coral is the new black.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Shopping in a Familiar Land
Your closet can be the best store you've ever been in, if you work it right. Last Saturday, I decided- last minute- to go to an all-white yacht party with my best friend. With less than 3 hours to spare, I had to find an outfit, style my hair, take a nap, walk my dog and get to her house. Overwhelmed doesn't begin to describe how I felt. For me, the issue was the color. White is not a color that I gravitate towards, because like most people, I can be a little messy (don't judge me.)
My first instinct was to take to the stores: Kohls, TJ Maxx, Target, etc. but when I got out and started looking at my options, I started to consider a night at home with my dog and how nice that might be. My options were short and tight or long and tight- neither of which were the look I was going for. Then, it hit me... I don't own a white dress but I could "make one." Yes, I can sew but that's not what I meant. Out of the five white items I own, I could piece them together to make a seamless look.
I ran home and began to search through the mounds of clothes on the floor of my closet (don't judge me.) After a little digging, I found the look!
My first instinct was to take to the stores: Kohls, TJ Maxx, Target, etc. but when I got out and started looking at my options, I started to consider a night at home with my dog and how nice that might be. My options were short and tight or long and tight- neither of which were the look I was going for. Then, it hit me... I don't own a white dress but I could "make one." Yes, I can sew but that's not what I meant. Out of the five white items I own, I could piece them together to make a seamless look.
I ran home and began to search through the mounds of clothes on the floor of my closet (don't judge me.) After a little digging, I found the look!
The three elements in this look are:
- A white romper (purchased in 2010 at TJ Maxx, $19.99)
- A white and grey gathered skirt (purchased in 2007 at Gap, $10)
- A white hook belt (purchased in 2010 and I am not sure where or how much)
Paired with some white wedge sandals, I was ready to head out for a night of fun.
This look was so comfortable that I wore the skirt and belt with a pink 3/4 length shirt to work.
These looks fit into the uber-feminine trend I am doing for the summer season.
High-waisted gathered skirts minimize your hips and accentuate the waist line. I am a huge fan of a sweetheart neckline on a strapless top because it makes your chest look fuller and narrows broad shoulders.
So, the next time you are in a fashion crisis, take a step back and then two steps forward- into your closet!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Seasonista Confessions
con·fes·sion
Hello, my name is Michelle... and I am a Seasonista...
No one ever said being a fashionista would be easy, but hey someone has to do it. When you ask most people what their favorite season is, some will say summer because of the warm sun and sandy beaches or fall because of the beautiful trees and crisp air. But when you ask a true fashionista her or his favorite season, most will say "Sale Season." As each season draws to a close and another begins, the 'seasonista' in side of me begins to awaken. Something about seeing the first price marked through or covered by a yellow sticker, brings a smile to my face.
However, please note not every sale is worth it but with a little time and a keen eye, you can find treasures. Shopping off season is a great way to purchase items that you really want but normally could not afford. Take my pick of the week for example- blazers are very on trend and are a great transition from work to party item. The blazer below is from Marshalls, orginially $39.99 but marked down to $16.99. (that's right- under the $20 and some change budget!!!)
- admission of wrongdoing: an admission of having done something wrong or embarrassing
- admission of guilt: a voluntary written or verbal statement admitting the commission of a crime
- open acknowledgment of feelings: a profession of emotions or beliefs such as love, loyalty, or faith
Synonyms: admission, concession, revelation, acknowledgment
Hello, my name is Michelle... and I am a Seasonista...
No one ever said being a fashionista would be easy, but hey someone has to do it. When you ask most people what their favorite season is, some will say summer because of the warm sun and sandy beaches or fall because of the beautiful trees and crisp air. But when you ask a true fashionista her or his favorite season, most will say "Sale Season." As each season draws to a close and another begins, the 'seasonista' in side of me begins to awaken. Something about seeing the first price marked through or covered by a yellow sticker, brings a smile to my face.
However, please note not every sale is worth it but with a little time and a keen eye, you can find treasures. Shopping off season is a great way to purchase items that you really want but normally could not afford. Take my pick of the week for example- blazers are very on trend and are a great transition from work to party item. The blazer below is from Marshalls, orginially $39.99 but marked down to $16.99. (that's right- under the $20 and some change budget!!!)
Another great thing about shopping off season is that you can try looks that you have been thinking about without the pressure of time. What do I mean? Think about this: you run out to the store for a cute blazer to wear on your first date with- well that doesn't matter- but you are unsure if blazers are for you. Now that it is crunch time, you rarely end up pulling off the great look idea that you envision. But if you shop off season, you can try the blazer look now and be ready for drinks with "Mr. Wonderful" when the moment arrives.
P.S. I know most of you are waiting for pix of the color block dress... I will put those up next week, when I discuss accessories :)
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Fashion > Food
To be or not to be, that is the question... or maybe not. To be fashionable is a subjective lifestyle. Honestly, that is the best part about shopping- I may feel like a classic beauty look in an A-line dress or boho-chic in a drapey sundress.
The real question is how far will you go to be fashionable? Are groceries more important than a pair of Tory Burch flats? I'm sure we have all had that moment when we are in the aisle of our favorite store with an arm filled with clothes and in the other hand; the cell phone to calculate if and how to afford it. At that moment, we all become instantaneous mathematician, ready to solve the most complex algorithms. At that moment, begins what I like to call, "lets make a deal." I tell myself how now would be the perfect time to start that diet that I've been putting off or how packing a sandwich and a salad for three weeks is actually very tasty.
Now I know this sounds ridiculous to some, but this is the reality of $20 and some change. I challenge everyone the next time you find yourself playing "lets make a deal" to lay each item out and think through these three questions:
This cute mustard and hunter green color block dress is very on trend for the season and at a whopping $29.99, I stayed true to the mission! Stay tuned for pictures of how I wore it- it's extremely flattering on...
The real question is how far will you go to be fashionable? Are groceries more important than a pair of Tory Burch flats? I'm sure we have all had that moment when we are in the aisle of our favorite store with an arm filled with clothes and in the other hand; the cell phone to calculate if and how to afford it. At that moment, we all become instantaneous mathematician, ready to solve the most complex algorithms. At that moment, begins what I like to call, "lets make a deal." I tell myself how now would be the perfect time to start that diet that I've been putting off or how packing a sandwich and a salad for three weeks is actually very tasty.
Now I know this sounds ridiculous to some, but this is the reality of $20 and some change. I challenge everyone the next time you find yourself playing "lets make a deal" to lay each item out and think through these three questions:
- Where you are going to wear it and is it relative (Is this going to sit in the bag for a month?)
- Who are you trying to be? (Is this a new look that you are on the fence about?)
- Do you have what you need to pull it off? (every purchase needs help, can you provide that?)
This cute mustard and hunter green color block dress is very on trend for the season and at a whopping $29.99, I stayed true to the mission! Stay tuned for pictures of how I wore it- it's extremely flattering on...
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
A jerk once said...
A jerk I was dating once said to me, "remember its quality over quantity, Michelle." Long after I stopped dating him, that statement still echoes in my mind. Love and fashion are the two things that stop my heart. A guy saying I love you and a brand new Louis Vuitton bag give my same heart papiltations. But my lack of love and honestly, lack of funds have led me to date and shop "on a budget." For that reason alone, I've decided to blog. This blog is not about trips to Neimans or Nordstrom, no, but blogs about the everyday woman with less than $50 to spend on herself but wants to always look flawless.
No more shopping sprees, now I spend $20 a week on myself and hope for the best. Ironically, I've enjoyed spending $20 and some change way more than hundreds. Through the course of this blog, I will post my purchase(s), the cost and a picture of how I wear it and who knows... some outfits might actually be for a date. Lets cross our fingers and see how this goes!
No more shopping sprees, now I spend $20 a week on myself and hope for the best. Ironically, I've enjoyed spending $20 and some change way more than hundreds. Through the course of this blog, I will post my purchase(s), the cost and a picture of how I wear it and who knows... some outfits might actually be for a date. Lets cross our fingers and see how this goes!
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