you can afford it

You Can Ring My Bell, Anytime Anywhere...

2010-05-29T14:40:00.003-04:00

If you like it then you shoulda put a ring on it, right? Well, who do you like more than you? Before you answer that with a lie, please check out this ring I found. It's huge and looks antique and is more than a bit ugly - how could I have stopped myself from falling in love?
I couldn't and hopefully you can't either. This ring is pure drama and I love it. It reminds me of something Alexis Carrington Colby would have worn with a robe while she drank champagne and spurned a lover/found a long-lost twin/cut a bitch.
I found this on jcrew.com under the sale section, of course. it comes in two colors but I like the hematite-plated version better. Under $30, easy to find and won't turn your finger green - what else do you want from me?

Antique Violet Majesty stone cocktail ring, $29.99, jcrew.com

Lots of garish love,
-kasey

you can't take it (all) with you

2010-05-26T11:44:00.002-04:00

An aside - Can there be anything more satisfying than listening to Daft Punk's "Something About Us" at 11pm when the lights are low? Get back to me on that one after you've tried it. Right now I feel like I'm typing in space (which is a good thing).

Reeling it back in, tonight we'll discuss that fine line between thrifty and cheap. We all know someone who's thrifty, i.e., makes conscious, informed decisions about where their money goes. We also all know someone who's just plain old cheap. Always complaining about money, never wants to go out/buy anything because God Forbid, they part with some cash.

Side Note - everyone thinks they're thrifty. It's a rare breed who can admit their cheapness. I have one friend (whose name I shall not mention as I've haven't asked her) who will happily tell you how cheap she is. I appreciate her candor. You know where you stand with Ms. X, and you also know what activities you can and cannot do with her. Dinner at home? Absolutely. Dinner and a movie? Depends, does she have a gift card? Well, as Grandma always said, ain't no future in frontin' so today I will outline the subtle and not-so-subtle differences between the two. Not sure where you stand? You're probably cheap, but keep reading just in case - you never know.

Thrifty:
You use coupons. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking advantage of an offer to save money on something you already planned on buying.
Cheap:
Your lifestyle and purchases are driven by coupons, special offers, etc. Doesn't matter if it's your anniversary or someone's birthday - if it doesn't cost you next to nothing, you're not going there or purchasing it.

Thrifty:
You go to the local beauty college to save money on haircuts.
Cheap: You cut not only your own hair, but you just may subject other family members to the same mistreatment. [Editor's note - shame on you if you subject anyone other than yourself to this. There's a special place in hair hell for those who butcher the hair of others in the name of saving a buck.]

Thrifty:
You split an entree with someone else at dinner, or have half wrapped up for your lunch the next day.
Cheap: You order an appetizer/bowl of soup with the claim of not being hungry, then pick off everyone's plates once the food comes. I can't tell you how much I despise this behavior.

Thrifty:
You buy in bulk or when certain items are on sale to give as gifts later in the year. Examples: greeting cards, stocking stuffers, or an item someone has mentioned in the past that just happens to be on sale now. This makes sense. You're leveraging today's opportunity to save money in the future.
Cheap:
You have a PhD in re-gifting. You look at Christmas and birthday gifts as an opportunity to not have to spend money on people's gifts in the future. Everyone regifts from time to time, but you pride yourself on rolling gifts so much you don't end up spending anything. Presents are one big shell game to you, and you really don't care if someone likes their gift, as you take no pleasure in it anyway. This is another behavior I cannot stand. Enjoy your damn presents, would you? I promise it won't hurt too much.

I could go on ad nauseam, but I have a really great piece to show you so I'm going to cut myself off. Hopefully you are a thrifty, kind and generous person. I know you are.

Lots of Optimistic Love,
Kase

I'm Up for It

2010-03-04T11:58:00.000-05:00

Sometimes a woman's got to challenge herself. One of my new favorite sites has some great clothing, but it tends to be a bit on the pricey side. It also has an awesome feature called "Be the Buyer" where you can VOTE ON WHAT THEY WILL SELL NEXT. I'm completely obsessed with it and also horrified by what the general public considers "cute". More on that some other time.

Anyway, the ones that DON'T get picked by the general public are generally great aside from the fact that they tend to be a bit expensive. (Have I told you I think they are too expensive?) Therefore, I went on a rampage to find something that would fit my criteria. After much rummaging, rejecting and swearing, I finally ran into the groovy little frock you see before you.

Color choice - great. Love the 70's look and the horizontal stripes are thin enough to flatter a multitude of figures. Cut - great, but I wouldn't recommend it for the long-legged or taller ladies, as modcloth tends to run short. Also, the puckered waist effect you are seeing is due to putting a larger dress on a smaller model and tying the strings tight. If you want that,purchase a size larger than you normally wear. This cut is also great for petite women who need to carve out a waist or hourglass-shaped women with a naturally smaller waist.

Wear it - with a long sleeved shirt and tights, over jeans if you roll like that (I don't), or on its own on a hot summer day with wedge sandals and nothing else. Of course, you can wear it like a beach coverup/romper as the poorly written (sorry) product copy suggests, but we're a little more creative than that, yes?

Seaside Park Dress, $24.99, modcloth.com - Available in M, L in the "under $50" section.

Hearts, Stars, Moons and Clovers,

kasey

Know when to fold 'em - On vs. Off-brand

2010-02-27T13:53:00.001-05:00

You may not love the song ("The Gambler" - Kenny Rogers) but there's a nugget of good advice in there. He's basically telling a newbie that he needs to discern what's important from what isn't, concentrate on that, and leverage it as much as he can. Well, I can easily say the same for money. Ya gotta know when to spend it and know when it's not worth it.

Which brings me to today's nugget - when/where do we spend the money and where do we skimp? Some people are slave to brands when they could be saving tons of cash while others are buying store-brand mac & cheese and hating life when coughing up the extra dollar would have been worth it.

After pondering, polling some coworkers and others, I've compiled a somewhat comprehensive list of On-Brand/Off-Brand items (with justifications). You may agree, you may not, but I'm just trying to help you hit that financial sweet spot. Onward...

ON-BRAND

1. Food - This is the fuel you're putting into your most prized possession - YOU. I am not by any means stating that you need to go out and buy Velveeta Shells & Cheese, but buying Organic and Local fruit, vegetables and meat products can make a HUGE difference in how you feel - which impacts your decisions, which impacts your money, which impacts your life. This is definitely more expensive, and you may need to take the less-is-more approach - shop more often in smaller increments, wasting nothing. This takes effort, but it's worth it. You can afford to treat your body well.

2. Hair Products - This is my personal thing. Everybody has one, so you can insert your ONE vanity/vice here if you'd like, as long as it's not scratch-offs, cocaine or other expensive things that leave you with nothing to show for them. Using good shampoo and conditioner actually shows. Believe me, I have tried to get around this so many ways and it just doesn't work. Hair is essentially dead cells - so if you put low-grade chemicals on them, it's going to reflect that. If you put high-quality proteins and extracts on them, it's going to reflect that. This is especially important for those of us with color-treated hair. Don't spend money to color your hair only to put shitty chemicals on it every day. [Editor's note - if you don't wash your hair every day and only condition your ends, good product will last you a long time.} If you have virgin hair (i.e., never been permed/straightened/colored), you MAY be able to get away with a mid-level product but make sure you trim frequently.

3. Shoes - READ THIS THROUGH BEFORE YOU GO BUY THOSE LABOUTINS. Okay - I learned the hard way that your feet are really, really important. After 12 hours of waiting tables one weekend, I realized how vital a well-constructed, comfortable shoe really is. I don't mean impractical, hurt your feet expensive shoes - I mean a nice pair of fairly expensive, durable, versatile shoes that you can wear for years and re-heel if needed. You may not have a ton of shoes, but the ones you have won't hurt, make your feet stink, or need to be replaced every two months because the fake leather ripped/plastic heel broke.

4. Sporting Equipment - This only applies if you are fairly avid. If you're not going to take your bike out/go running/play a sport/etc. more than once a year or you tend to go from fad to fad, skip this one and keep reading. If you're still here - if you're dedicated to a certain sport, having quality equipment is pretty essential. Please don't ever skimp when it comes to safety or quality, especially in protective gear. Well-made equipment and clothing is going to be the most comfortable, durable and reliable. You don't want to be in yoga class when your cheapo shorts split at the seams or on the slopes with your fingers going numb because you decided to knit your own gloves. You'll end up spending more money on going through a bunch of cheap shit and paying doctor bills than you ever would on that good-quality helmet.

5. Facial products - Your face shows. Investing in some good facial cream is going to pay off in the long run. Not using good facial products is penny wise and pound foolish. I'm not saying you need La Mer, but getting a decent facial lotion is worth the extra expense. Men, this can apply to you as well, especially with shaving products (razors in particular).

Now for the cheapskate's fun part.....

OFF-BRAND

1. OTC medicines, band-aids, etc. - Tyle-what?? Hell no. When it comes to ibuprofen, acetaminophen (Tylenol), cough syrups, sinus medications, band-aids, baby oil, contact solution, tampons, or any other OTC thing available at the drugstore, off-brand is where it's at. Medicines are medicines - compare doses and ingredients and you'll see that there is essentially no difference. You may not be able to have "rapid release", but the off-brand ibuprofen is going to do the exact same job as Advil. Same goes for tampons and contact solutions - it's all the same stuff. Unless you go way organic with your tampons (which I respect), just get the pharmacy brand. These are essentially items with the exact same makeup, just a brand name/packaging separating them, and you paying an extra $1-2. Save that for your organic food or nice shoes.

2. Cereal - This has come a LONG way. Back in the day, I would have never advocated this, but now every store brand seems to have a duplicate of your favorite cereal, even the healthy ones! Stunning. Anyway, give the store brand a shot. You may be very surprised. Even the bag cereal has stepped up its game. I'd advocate getting the healthier cereals, but that's your decision.

3. Nail Polish - Ladies and Trannies, Wet & Wild works. All polish chips. You may as well spend $1 on your polish instead of $3 if we all know what's going to happen. This is especially true if you are purchasing clear polish. Anything but W&W in that situation is just dumb.

4. Hair Color - This is only for the adventurous and those who are willing to experiment a bit. There are a few box color brands (cough, Feria, cough) that can get the job done without spending a ton of cash. That being said, you need to be willing to color your hair all one shade, and not be looking for something really drastic. Follow all of the instructions to the T - this is NOT a time for freelancing. Do not attempt this if you're looking for highlights. Do not attempt this if your hair is in bad shape. Do attempt this if your hair is in fairly good condition and you want a bit of a change. It's never going to come out as light as the box shows, but it can make an impact. DO NOT DO THIS IF YOU'RE GOING RED. Unless you are purposely going for a Magenta look, leave Red to a pro. It's a really tricky color to achieve, let alone have it look semi-natural.

5. TP/PT - This one seems to divide people, but more often than not I hear people say they skimp on toilet paper and paper towels. Makes sense as you're only going to be using them once. Personally, I don't use paper towels and it saves me a lot of money. You'd be surprised how accustomed you can get to wiping up spills with a cloth. As far as TP, as long as it's not one-ply, I will roll with whatever comes down the pike. I know some people can be very particular about this subject, so I shall leave you to your own decisions on this delicate matter.

6. Soap/Body Wash - This is another case of it all being pretty much the same thing. Unless you have very sensitive/delicate skin, go for the Suave body wash and the fake dove beauty bars. PS - soap is 10x cheaper than body wash and it's really convenient.

So, no one can have it all, right? Well, there is a place I like to call the BRAND LOOPHOLE, or TJ MAXX (and the like)! Go there on the right day and you can find on-brand items for off-brand prices. This is especially true for housewares, bedding, towels, and beauty products. Just make sure to look everything over to make sure it hasn't been handled too much, and wash prior to using. This takes a little time and patience, but you can find some serious deals.

Before I go - things that are a tiny bit off-topic but deserve mention - doing your own eyebrow waxes (be careful), bartering for services, clothing swaps with friends, going to the library and packing your lunch can all help you save some cash.

Well, there you have it. My list of off/on brands to maximize your money. I hope you've found this helpful and if you have any more, please don't hesitate to comment. Next post will be clothing and covetable, per usual.

Lots of bank-breaking love,

Kasey

You're the picture on my wall, you're a vision in the hall

2009-09-04T14:22:00.004-04:00

If I were a set director, this would have been in Belle & Sebastian's "Funny Little Frog" video. Try listening to this song and not thinking about this shower curtain or vice-versa. I dare you.

As I've said before, shower curtains mean a lot to me. I'm going to be honest - I judge your style on your choice of shower curtain. It's not logical or fair, but it's what I do. Color me human.

I see it as such an opportunity to showcase your personal style - a huge blank canvas that you can do anything you want with. You don't even have to know how to draw! {Editor's note: that's important for people like me who can only draw two things, one being an eye and the other being a snoopy out of the number 25.}

Let's say you have a stark-white, standard apartment bathroom. I'm with you on that. You may or may not be able to paint it, and you have to be careful there, considering the size of the bathroom as it's really easy to overwhelm a typically small space with color, giving it that pleasant feel of claustrophobia or panic. Let's say you can't paint it but you really want some color in there, or something that makes you smile, your personal stamp on what is otherwise a very fixed environment.

May I present - the Singing in the Rain shower curtain from Target. Graphically, it's right on the mark, very striking while avoiding an overwhelming pattern. And who can resist the pull of the romantic, optimistic theme? I will admit that this may skew a bit female, but I think a man could pull this off, especially with a darker/duller color curtain liner. Grey would be quite cheeky.

Well, it's actually not raining and I do feel like singing a bit, so I'm out of here. You can find this on target.com, but you must go to the Red Hot Shop on the homepage, and scroll about halfway down. I trust you to be able to navigate a website.

Singing in the Rain Shower Curtain, $19.99, target.com

Lots and lots of Gene Kelly-esque love, K

Sealed with a Kiss

2009-09-02T19:20:00.004-04:00

This post isn't for the faint of heart or those who are running low on discipline. This post is for those who have straight-up fucked themselves. Financially, of course. What you do on your own time isn't my business. Unless you want to tell me.

Anyway - let's say you've been less than careful with your finances as of late. Since we believe our own lies the most, I'll lay out some signs that indicate you need to get not just a grip, but a choke-hold on your money situation:

1. You run out of money for essentials before your next pay period. By this, I mean you can't fill your gas tank, are getting anything you can for free, and are avoiding things like parking meters, as you need that change for the candy bar you're going to buy for dinner.

2. You're using credit cards to fill in the gaps (usually as a result of #1).
This means you don't have any cash for the essentials, but you're putting them on plastic. You might even be going beyond that and adding in some dinners out or clothes here and there.
HUGE.FUCKING.MISTAKE.
If you're doing this - stop. stop now, and I mean this minute, young lady/man. Cut the card up or get someone else to cut it up for you if you have to. This is not a solution, this is the financial equivalent of putting a band-aid on a hemorrhaging head wound. It might work for this instant, but the long-term damage is severe.

3. You're borrowing money from family/friends/others with no real intentions or plans to pay it back. Come on now! Your irresponsibility is now spilling into other people's lives. It's messy, embarrassing, selfish and shows poor character. If you are truly in trouble, i.e., you need to make bail or have emergency surgery - that is an exception. Most things are not, that's why those instances are called EXCEPTIONS. Anything from #1 or #2 does not fall into this. Handle your business.

4. Any of the above is happening without a loss of a job, serious illness or some other severe life circumstance. Things happen in life that are way beyond our control, and sometimes we need some extra help. If you are in this boat, speak with a financial professional who may be able to assist you. If you are NOT in this boat, keep reading before your credit score plunges any further.

Now that I've laid out the criteria, I'll also tell you that I've never had to make bail, but I've been BROKE in my lifetime, and I've done all 3 of these things listed above. I'm not proud of my financial past, but I took a long, hard look and did something about it. I have three rules - a.) I pay cash for it, or I can't afford it, unless it's a car or a house.
b.) If the choice is to pay the bill now or wait until the next paycheck, I pay it NOW before I can decide otherwise.
c.) If I slip into any of the behaviors listed above, I go to the envelope method.

The envelope method has saved me. A lot of my bad financial decisions actually came from worrying and making impulse purchases. Basically, I felt like I wasn't going to have enough so I spent too much, therefore creating that situation for myself. The envelope method will make sure you have enough. You may not have a lot, but you will have enough. Sometimes these two things are farther apart than we'd like them to be. Suck it up. If you do this long enough, it will change.

This is very simple - you get paid. You pay all of your current bills. If you cannot pay all of the bills without having NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING, hold at least $50 - $75 back, take the bill that is due the furthest out, and call your creditor to explain that you will be late. Pay that bill first with your next check,

Let's assume you're starting clean, and get paid every 2 weeks. You can pay the impending bills, and have a little left over. Not a lot, but some. Probably just enough to feel like you're simply working to pay your bills and that it sucks. Here we go....

1. Stop your line of thinking and go get 4-5 envelopes.

2. Pin down the exact amount of money you have left, and err on the side of caution, meaning you underestimate by about $10 or so.

3. Go to the ATM and pull all of this money out. CHANGE IT INTO SMALLER BILLS ($10's and $5's are ideal).

4. Label the envelopes according to your NEEDS - gas, food, medical/personal products, and FUN/OTHER. Personally, I keep an envelope for cigarettes as well. Break it up by what you consider your essentials. Make sure you keep an envelope for FUN. I don't care if you only have $5 to put in it, you need one or this will not work.

5.Start dividing the money in a realistic manner into the envelopes, based on how much you have and what you plan to use on each. Example: I have $200 for the next 2 weeks. This is what my envelopes would look like:
-gas: $40
-food(which means groceries): $80
-medical/personal:$20
-cigarettes: $20
-fun: $60
**side note: going out to eat comes from the fun envelope**

6. Pull the money from the correct envelope for what you will buy THAT DAY and no more. If you know you are going grocery shopping that day and getting gas, pull out $60 (40 for the groceries & 20 for the gas) - you have now spent that week's money, but you have some gas and you have something to eat. If you don't spend it all, put it back in the envelope it came from. If it's the day before you get paid again and you still have some money in that envelope, spend 1/2 of it on FUN, and put 1/2 of it in a savings account.

7. Empty and replenish your wallet every day - from the correct envelope, with the correct budgeted amount. Put any remainders back at the end of the day.

8. If you have a surplus in one area, move it around. If after a few weeks of doing this, I find that $80 is too much groceries for me for 2 weeks, I might put a little more into cigarettes or medical/personal, if I wanted some nice conditioner or something like that. This propels you to really think about your purchases and start making some sacrifices like driving less, buying cheaper products, using coupons, etc. You will learn what you value and where you can comfortably skimp. I will buy the store-brand contact solution and bar soap every day of the week if it means I can go see a movie on Friday and not have to put it on plastic.

9. When you are at the point where you can pay all bills on time and at least one of them ahead of time, try going without the envelopes. By this point, you've learned a lot about your spending habits, budgeting and some self-discipline. You've built a little cushion, so try to see if you can fly on your own. You can always go back to the envelopes if and when you need them.

Well, there you have it, mes amis. A way to dig yourself out of the hole while not feeling completely deprived. I wish I could take credit for all of this, but someone showed this to me long ago, and while I have put my own twists on it, it was passed on to me as I am passing it onto you. It's simple and it works. If you try this, I would love to hear how you do with it.

After all, I love you enough to tell you the truth, right?

Next post will be clothing-related. For now, save those pennies so you can be a responsible consumer.

Lots of thick, tough love, K

Take 2

2009-02-18T12:18:00.002-05:00

I promised I'd go back to writing this blog. I asked you to hold me accountable. You did. I pondered, considered recanting, decided against that, and here we are. I am officially back, but different. When I began this blog, I was in a very different head space. If you know me, you know 2008 was both unkind and kind to me, and I learned a lot of lessons. Part of me saw this blog as me right before the hard knock hit, and I really wanted to just leave it behind for good, out of fear, out of regret, out of bitterness. But I can't do that. I love to write, and you know I love you, so what good would it do any of us?

So I have run back to you, wiser and a bit more cautious. I've also decided to add a new twist. As this is about both clothing and affording, I'm going to write on both. One post about a good find, another post about money - budgeting, credit, making it work, etc. Both will be an honest take and as always, straight from my heart. I hope you enjoy it.

Thank you for sticking by me, encouraging me, supporting me. It sends sunshine into my heart, and hopefully back to yours.

Next post - The envelope method (aka, what to do when you need to make it work in a tough financial spot).

Lots and lots of reunited love, K

the opposite effect

2008-06-24T21:37:00.010-04:00

A long time ago in a land far, far away called Michigan, a certain gentleman looked at me while I was in minimal clothing and uttered the words, "good god, woman." If you've never had that happen, make sure you put yourself in that position, sooner rather than later. It sounds horrible when it's not you, but I can assure you when you provoke a reaction like that, you feel like a natural woman, indeed.

Not only do I want that for you, I'm going to actively facilitate it by showing you this incredible swimsuit that is not only mind-blowingly sexy, but also very affordable. It's a tiny but over my cap, but once again, I am making an exception for an item that's totally worth the extra 5 bucks.

Today's item comes to us from Target's Mossimo collection. I'm not usually a fan of the knits, especially when it comes to swimwear, but the 70's feel of the design suits the knit and the color pattern really well. The waist cutouts are sexy but not over the top--an important part of the overall allure. Also, the top features a good amount of structure and coverage, which is also very important both when choosing swimwear and considering balance. Rule of thumb in clothing and most everything else: if you're going to show a lot of one thing, dial the rest back or you risk laying all of your cards on the table way too soon. One of the first rules of playing a good game of Euchre or Spades is to keep a trump card until the end where you can lay it down and really shake some trees. This is no different, friends. [Editor's note: I know this contradicts the story I began this post with a bit, but in my defense, I was technically clothed and 22 at the time of said occurrence. Hell, I'd do it all over again, who am I kidding?]

Life Lessons aside, this suit does a great job of choosing one thing to highlight and keeping the rest of it fairly modest. There is one thing I would like to stress at this point: this suit is not for everyone. This suit is a gift to my ladies who have what I like to call the "opposite build". This means that, much like me, you have some up top but not a whole bunch, a flat stomach, and ass for days. A suit like this is meant for women like us. There are plenty of suits to show off a nice chest, but it's rare when we get to shine the way we should. Waist, hips and ass is what this suit is all about. Flaunt it, my opposite sisters, for this is your day. Make me proud.

Mossimo® Black: Missoni Monokini - Multicolor, $34.99 at Target stores or Target.com

Buckets of eager, but not overly earnest love, Kase

my birthday is rapidly approaching...

2008-05-04T23:08:00.003-04:00

So if you're looking for gift ideas, I'm going to make it easy for you. Go to Kohl's or kohls.com and pick this dress up for me in a Medium.

Now that that's out of the way, I can share with the rest of you this lovely dress that I actually found on Kohl's a bit ago, but have been waiting for the price to drop. Well, the day has come, y'all. I checked today and it now fits under my price cap. I couldn't be more thrilled.

This lovely piece is from the ELLE collection at Kohl's, which is in my opinion, right up there with Isaac Mizrahi for Target. Fashionable, affordable, and even fairly well constructed garments for the price. Get them while you can and especially before everyone else finds out about it. You probably can't make an entire wardrobe from it, but you can find some really great stand-out pieces to work into your existing closet.

This dress is made from a polyester blend, which means it's fairly thin and has a LOT of movement. Perfect for spring/summer days when we don't need anything sticking to us. The waist is high and a little empire without being over the top and making it look like maternity wear. Also, what you cannot see in this photo is that there is a DARLING bow in the back of the dress at the waist. Movement, striking color, universally flattering...what else do you need? You need it to be under 30 bucks, you say? Well, it's done that too. So stop your demands and buy it already.

Elle Bold Floral Dress, $29.99 at Kohl's or kohls.com

Lots of Summer-breeze infused love, kasey

ridiculously cute, indeed.

2008-04-29T14:46:00.006-04:00

In keeping with the posts of late and featuring wild print patterns and color palettes, today I stumbled across these gems on one of my favorite sites.

Etsy (etsy.com) is a really, really great place to buy stuff. All items are handmade, so not only are you supporting an artist, you don't have to feel bad that the trendy item you just got has been made with the sweat off some small child's brow. Transactions are really simple, and I have always had success with the items I have purchased. Plus, it's a really great way to work some truly unique pieces into your repertoire.

I found this shop today - Kaylah 7, from Cleveland, OH. You know I heart the Cleve, so of course I looked a little deeper to see what she had cooking. And wow! Love the pattern choices, the craftsmanship is good, and the prices are right.

I've chosen 2 bags to feature. They are both small and would work really well as a coin purse/clutch or a makeup bag, depending how much makeup you have. The mushroom print is completely adorable and the camera print is just a solid color way with a great choice of print. If you bought BOTH of these bags, you would still come in under 20 bucks. So I shall give you the link and set you loose.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5022897

Blue Camera Zipper Pouch, $8.00 Mole and Mushroom Zipper Pouch, $7.25, at site listed above.

Lots of bright, repeating love, kase

sour apples

2008-04-20T20:33:00.004-04:00

Have you missed me? I have missed you terribly. The fog has lifted, the storm has abated and I am once again free to find you pretty clothes. YAY!

I write this as I anxiously await the "Rock of Love" reunion show where a preview clip shows Heather finally beating Daisy's ass for putting her melted-candle finger in people's faces one too many times. Long Overdue, Heather, long overdue. We midwestern girls are very nice, but can only be pushed so far, and are NOT afraid of a good old fashioned throw-down. If you remember nothing else from this blog, keep that piece of advice in your pocket.

Forging ahead - I found this bikini a few weeks ago and have been waiting for the price to drop so it can fit under my $30 cap. I'm pretty sure it's hit rock bottom, and the two pieces total $40, but screw it - I love the print, you're not obligated to buy it, and I run this blog. A suit this cute deserves to break a rule or two and I hope you'll agree.

I found this at Jcrew.com and after scouring the local store, I'm fairly sure it's only available online. Have I already said that I'm in love with the print? The color palette is right up my alley AND it gets extra points for reminding me of a couch we had when I was little crossed with my laptop case. If I hadn't already bought a Jcrew swimsuit a few weeks ago, I would snap this up. Hopefully one of y'all will.

The top will fit small, medium and large chests, and is fairly universally flattering. It has a bit of padding, which should keep everything in its right place. The bottom is so cute I can't stand it as well, and is also cleverly cut high on the leg. One piece of advice - order a size up in the bottom as the elastic can cut into your hip and create bulges where there doesn't need to be any.

I really, really hope someone gets this bikini. It's the bees knees, the cat's pajamas and the cream of the crop all rolled into one.

I also really, really hope that himself knows what's good for him and will turn off Battlestar Galactica before 9pm. I don't want to give him a midwestern wake-up call. I'm kidding. Kinda.

JCrew Cherry-Print Padded String Top and Lowrider Bikini, $19.99 each at jcrew.com (under sale section).

Lots of sun, sea and salt-drenched love, kasey

late for an important date

2008-04-10T08:55:00.002-04:00

I know, I know. Just give me 6 more days and my schoolwork will be over, and I will be back to loving you the way I should. Promise.

matching the drape

2008-04-06T11:11:00.005-04:00

Today I bring you a beautiful little dress from Newport News. This company has some serious staying power. I remember getting the catalog at our house when I was like 12 and flipping through it, admiring the sometimes-sexy, sometimes-ugly clothing and the ultra-low prices. Well it's 16 years later and NN is still going strong. I can't believe the sheer VOLUME of what they sell, and I don't even want to think where or how they get it manufactured to be able to sell it so cheaply.

NN never fails to amaze me with their approach. They really seem to run the gamut. From faux-victoria's secret sexy to faux-fredericks of hollywood stripper to faux-50 year old mom chico's, they have it all.

Today I found this banging dress for less than 30 bucks! I sorted through a LOT of sand to get this piece of gold, let me tell you. I love the styling of this dress - the halter looks like it has a lot of room but great drape, meaning it flatters small and large chests. The tailored waist carves out an hourglass shape, which is unusual in a halter dress, as they tend to just hang from the chest down. Kudos to whoever designed this, they really thought it through.

Another thing that makes this dress truly great is the length. I truly appreciate the restraint shown. The top is so sexy, this could have easily slipped into trashy territory, but they kept the length modest, and the end result is a sexy but not over the top dress that I might get a newport news card just to buy.

So feast your eyes, channel your last studio 54 party, and enjoy.

Drapeneck Satin Dress in Gold, $27.99 at NewportNews.com

Givin you that gold, kase

I can't believe it's not an April Fool

2008-04-01T23:16:00.004-04:00

Have you ever seen something this ugly? Seriously now. Who made this? More importantly, who got paid cash money to design this?? This has GOT to be an April fool. This is the Essential Home Fairies Collection at Kmart, and these accessories are 8.99 each. You read that correctly. The cup? 8.99. The soap dish? 8.99. Overall, it costs you more than 30 bucks for your bathroom to look this ugly. I know ugly of this caliber is not easy to come by, therefore it may be worth it for you to snatch it up. In the event that you are short on some ends, the kmart website has informed me that a payment plan is possible.

I can't stop laughing.

Essential Home Fairies Collection, $8.99 per piece, Kmart.

Yours in merriment, kase

face lift minus the botox

2008-03-30T00:55:00.002-04:00

You have not clicked on the wrong link. The blog has been given a little makeover. Do you like it? I feel like this look is much closer to what the feel of this blog is supposed to be. What say you? Like it, hate it, want the old one back?

Personally, I'm digging it, but I'll probably do another one in a few months. I gave the music blog a bit of freshening as well, if you're so inclined to travel over there and listen to some bad music.

Lots of photoshop-induced love, kasey

I'm fixing a hole where the rain gets in

2008-03-28T08:54:00.006-04:00

If you can name the song and artist of the title of this post, email me and I will send you a special prize.

As we're teetering on April, I thought I'd look for a nice umbrella for you, because it's going to start raining soon, if it ever gets done snowing. Having a good umbrella can be key, and you don't want to get in the space where you will reach for any old umbrella -- or someone else's. Or, worse yet, something you got for free with some company logo on it. People pay more attention to umbrellas than you think. You may or may not care about that, but if you do, you can add a lot to your look with a slick umbrella. (pun intended)

You're probably not going to be shocked by this, but I found this umbrella at Target. I like this umbrella a lot. It can stay around for a while, preferably at my house. The stripes are very attractive, and I love that they chose yellow to highlight the handle instead of pink or light blue (though I wouldn't mind it in navy). It's also opaque, but heavily striped enough to not look like see-through plastic and cheap.

So, no more raindrops falling on that pretty little head when I'm around.

Stripe Bubble Umbrella in Yellow, $16.99 at Target or target.com

Big fat drops of love, Kase

right now it's in ma pocket

2008-03-25T16:01:00.004-04:00

The title of today's post comes from one of the best matter-of-fact statements I've ever heard. I used to work for an insurance company, and we handled the repairs on automobiles post-accident. Many times, we had to make arrangements to have the vehicles towed, either from the scene of the accident, or their home. One day, my coworker was speaking with this older, salt-of-the earth type gentleman, and asked him where his keys were going to be (meaning, will he leave them in the car for the tow company and the repair shop to access them?). My older gentleman friend replied with a succinct, "well, right now they're in ma pocket." True dat, my man.

Moving on, today my lovely friend Lindsay has directed my attention toward this great wallet/pocketbook. Simple is a great, eco-friendly company that puts a lot of effort into creating sustainable products at a good price. Plus, it's CUTE as all get-out. i love the envelope shape! I also love the polka dots. If you're not 100% on this color way, there is another one to choose from. It could also easily double for a clutch if you wanted to go that route. The roads are endless, really.

To make it easier, I'm going to drop the link in its entirety, so you don't have to hunt for it on Simple's site. Yet another demo of how much I love you.

http://www.simpleshoes.com/ProductDetails.aspx?g=
Women&categoryID=206&productID=231&model=Roundtrip

The Roundtrip in Rabbit, $25.00 on simpleshoes.com (or click link above)

Lots of Diana Ross-style endless love, kase

chapter 12 in which kasey rants about designer jeans and culture as a whole.

2008-03-20T14:49:00.007-04:00

[editor's note: I've been away for a few days - sorry about that, I don't make it a habit, but it was a hard week. I've missed you.]

Yes! It's time for my weekly rant - the one day every week or so that I set aside to pontificate on something related to snobbery, fashion, home goods, or all of the above. Last week I went off about the snobby stores. Hopefully you have been able to shake off any snobbery that had been stubbornly clinging to you.

This started as a small seed in my head as I was trying on a pair of Sevens/True Religion/Ernest Sewn/insert brand of high-end, overpriced jeans here. WHY are these jeans so impossible to get on, no matter what "cut" you try on? Every size seems to have the same principle to it - slim hipped and a 34'' inseam. Now, knowing that a majority of the population is NOT slim-hipped and 5'10, and assuming a clothier is in business to make money, why are these being mass produced in a cut that most people will not fit into?

Exclusivity. Ruling out most people. Thin is worthy, thick is not. The main message in building the brand is to have exclusivity and desire. Dangling that carrot in front of the masses saying, "if you worked really, really hard, maybe, just maybe, you could have this too. You could be one of us." And I love that people fall for this. Hard. Our culture responds so well to negative reinforcement, it's (almost) astonishing. Raise your hand if you've ever bought a pair of designer jeans you've had to diet/squat/not breathe/get 6 inches cut off the bottom before you could get into them. WHY? [editor's note: my hand is up in the air right now.]

Why are we doing this? Why are we willingly purchasing product that we can't even wear out of the store? Why do I see women squeezed into frighteningly unflattering jeans because they have "status"? Why am I seeing women paying over $150 on jeans, then adding another $25-30 to the tag for alterations? Why do we accept it when salespeople say matter-of-factly, "well, nearly everyone has to alter them, you have to be really lucky to be able to wear them off the rack." Do we really need to fit in that badly?

I used to. I used to need that acceptance, that perceived power, the idea that a pair of jeans could really do a bret michaels and "rock my world". And it never really worked. The jeans got old, they faded, shrank, became last season's, and there I was feeling the same way. It was never enough. And it was coming from me - my response to the world I saw, my swallowing and digesting of principles and ideas I hadn't thought about enough to decide if I even believed in them in the first place.

Well, darlings, I don't believe in it anymore. I really don't. Manufacturers can cut jeans any old way they want, and if they fit and flatter, I will purchase them. If they don't, back they go. I don't have to be a certain shape to be acceptable. I don't have to spend an exorbitant amount of money to prove that I belong somewhere or so I can feel superior to someone else, rather than just present who I am to them - warts and all. I don't need a suit of armor to hide behind anymore. I dig who I am, and I dig who you are too - and none of us have to prove ourselves to anyone. We really don't.

And to those manufacturers and those pimps of a certain exclusive aesthetic that most of us work like a dog to come close to but will never quite get it right because they set it up that way, I have only one thing to say and to do so, I will quote a strong man that has never been anything but himself - Jay Z: "I got 99 problems, being your bitch ain't one."

Lots of strong, opinionated viking love, kasey

beat the pants off him

2008-03-19T14:47:00.004-04:00

Today is a new day, and with that comes a little clarity and focus, so it's safe to say your girl has bounced back. Thank you to everyone who shared concern, it was very sweet of you and even sweeter to know people actually read this thing. From the bottom of my lime-green, 70's themed heart, I thank you.

It dawned on me earlier today that I've never featured a pair of pants/trousers/what have you on here. I've done a dress and some skirts, but nothing that has 2 leg holes. Well, that changes today!!

I'm a huge fan of the JCrew pant in general. Well-constructed, good cut, and usually a good choice of color. The city fit (which is what these are) is particularly flattering as it's low on the waist without being ridiculously so, with a slight flare in the leg that's also not over the top. You won't look like you stole them from your 12 year old sister, but you won't look like grandma who just got off the golf cart either.

If I had to pick one word about these pants, I'd say slick. They're a great staple to a modern wardrobe.

And today, they happen to be on super-sale. If you don't like the color I've selected, there are plenty more where this came from. Plus, if you order online, you get an extra 20% off, bringing the grand total to $23.50. That, my loves, is a certified good deal. I'm getting some today.

Side note: If you are really small-boned, get a size down from what you usually take, as the cut is semi-generous.

City-fit wide-leg cord pant, $29.99 at Jcrew.com (and most J Crew stores)

Back in love again, kase

life is one big dot dot dot sometimes

2008-03-18T11:12:00.004-04:00

Your girl is a bit, shall we say, discouraged today, and while I can't go into it in a public forum such as this one, just know I'm hurting, and that means I won't be sharing my usual cheer and excitement with you. I just can't muster it, I'm sorry. You know I love you, I tell you all the time, so just use that to carry you through until tomorrow.

This shirt is really cute and available at the buckle for under 30 USD. Perfect for all 4 seasons, especially paired with a black cardigan (winter) or white capris (summer).

Daytrip Polka Dot Shirt, $26.50 at The Buckle or buckle.com

Lots of melancholy love, kase

I love lamp

2008-03-17T15:41:00.003-04:00

If I had it my way, my entire house would look like someone's den circa 1974. Unfortunately, I live with someone who does not share my aesthetic, so I have to grab the 70's accessories when I can. Lime green, orange, a little shag rug here, some dark wood there, you get the picture.

So when I came across this lamp today, I knew I had to have it in my home. The shape, the shade, the dark wood .... I am in love. I think I may put a yellowish orange bulb in there just to get the full effect.

You can make your own 70's rec room by purchasing this lovely from Bed Bath and Beyond for $29.99. I thought that was pricey, but after scouring through a ton of table lamps, I have come to find out that this is quite reasonable.

Now if I could only trade in the station wagon for a Van with a circular back window and a mural painted on the side....

Quatro Bronze Table Lamp, $29.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond

Sweet and mellow 70's love, Kasey

I'd like to belt him one

2008-03-14T17:16:00.005-04:00

So I did. And then I vested him! hahahahah
Okay, terrible pun but I decided to do another Friday for the Fellas, and I managed to find 2 items that TOTAL less than 30 bucks! I am so happy/pleased with myself.
I wonder if any guys read this? If you're out there, let me know! I hate to think I'm spending time finding clothes for men that don't exist, and Himself never reads my blog, so I can't even tell myself I'm doing it for him.

Anyway, these 2 items are from Kohl's and I'll start with the belt that has both a sweet looking gunmetal buckle, and is reversible, so it works no matter what. I love it-it has a modern look without being over the top, and it's really versatile. You could pair it with almost anything and pull it off (tuxes excluded).

The second is this ADORABLE vest that is SEVEN DOLLARS right now. I am a huge fan of the sweater vest in general, and this one has a great color scheme. I would love it even more if they had thrown in some navy, orange and electric green, but you can't have everything for under 10 bucks, at least not in my neck of the woods!

Well, there you have it. Fellas, fork out less than 30 bucks, pair these items with some cords, a grey or white tee and sneakers, and stir vigorously for some instant hotness.

Apt 9 Reversible Plaque-Buckle Belt, $17.50 Dockers Argyle Sweater-Vest, $7.20 Both at Kohl's or kohls.com

Cheap, department-store love, kasey

Girl's got some baggage

2008-03-13T11:49:00.010-04:00

When I was challenged to find some luggage, I honestly wasn't sure if I'd be able to do it. How are you going to find something reasonably attractive for under 30 bucks? I was not looking forward to this.

To my surprise, it was really easy and I actually had to narrow my choices down. Once again, Target comes through. I can't say enough good things about the place. I remember shopping there in high school and thinking, "this place actually has some good clothing," and that was 10 years ago. Since then, it's gotten exponentially better and now I'm angry that there isn't a single Target in the state of Vermont.

Anyway, this luggage set is pretty attractive for being 20 bucks. It's also available in a purple set, but for me the purple was a tiny bit too vibrant, so I'm featuring the pink. Just know that if you don't love this color way, there's another option. I probably wouldn't end up using the backpack, but it's still pretty cute on its own if you did carry it.

Part deux of this series on baggage is this great laptop case I found. CUTE! I know I overuse that word, but I love the color of this case, and it has a handle, which my current case does not and desperately NEEDS. You could rock it with the luggage for a splash of unexpected color, or you can also buy it in pink to match the luggage perfectly, if you're into the matchy-matchy thing. I know many people are. I myself am more into clashy-clashy but that doesn't work for everyone. To each their own, I say!

The case costs more than the luggage - no idea why - but you can buy both of them for under 30 USD each, and that's a pretty damn good deal in my humble-ish opinion!

Embark 3-pc Luggage Value Set - Multicolor, $19.99 Sumdex ImpactGuard Computer Sleeve - Blue Jeans, $24.99. Both available at Target or target.com
Big, overstuffed bags of love, kasey

a quick one

2008-03-12T23:29:00.002-04:00

I'm going to start a music blog, I've kind of half-ass begun it but there's only one post for now. I will be posting regularly at the end of April once school is done having its way with me. I will continue posting to this one 5 times a week.

http://touchingthatdial.blogspot.com/

late night love, kase

circles being unbroken

2008-03-12T15:12:00.006-04:00

Man, it felt good to get that off my chest yesterday! Speaking of chests, today I present something that goes on your chest and speaks to your heart.
I will admit this is not super "easy to find" but it's such a great cause and a really attractive shirt that it's worth going the extra mile.

Basically, a band called "The National" has teamed up with a company in Montreal (je t'adore!) and designed a shirt with proceeds going to benefit Safe Space in NYC. From the site:

Safe Space is a New York based charity, which works with disadvantaged families and children to prevent foster care placement, and allow children the opportunity to grow up and live a safe and healthy life. They do this by working closely with over 20,000 families across NYC, and offering programs and services which serve to strengthen them, and promote self-sufficiency.
I love the shirt and I love the idea behind it. Circles of life, circles of love and circles of giving. We are all connected whether we admit it or not. I am going to purchase this lovely shirt. You can too.
Special thanks to where I found this -- http://kitsunenoir.com/blog/

http://www.yellowbirdproject.com/thenational.html

The National Charity Tee, $25.00

Love to love you baby, kasey

You may be in a snobby store if ...

2008-03-11T09:07:00.008-04:00

Thought I would chart a different course today and simply write a mini-article. As you may or may not know, this blog was born out of frustration. Time after time, I would enter stores or read blogs in search of fun and attractive clothing or products, and nearly every time I would leave angry. The pretension, exclusivity and downright bad manners that were being conveyed were overwhelming! Whether it was face to face or electronically, feeling the effects of snobbery drained me, and ultimately kept me from making many purchases. I finally decided that if I want to find fun products without the pretension, I would need to do it myself. And that brings us to now.

So today, for your reading pleasure, I bring you Five signs you may be in a snobby store.

1. You have no idea who is working there.
Red Flag #1 is walking into a store and having no clue who is there to help you. I'm certainly not saying that they have to be wearing a blue smock and greet you at the door, but if you have been there for 2-3 minutes and have NO CLUE who the employees are, it's probably because they are too busy talking to each other to help customers, and they blend in too much with the clientèle. They probably feel they are above this position, and are only working there for the clothes. Which means the clothes are great, but the store carries a massive attitude. Not worth it. Find what you need online and spare yourself the frustration of having to beg these people to let you try on something.

2. You have no idea how much anything costs.
Red Flag #2 is being in a store that can't bother with something like labeling its merchandise with prices. Again, you don't have to announce it with a big sign, but a tiny tag that you have to search all over god's green earth for is irritating. Especially when you (finally) find said tag only to read in the tiniest writing imaginable something ludicrous like, "94-" or "129-" on a tank top. Because, of course, the last thing you would be concerned with is the price of the item. How gauche! I am aware that some people don't have to worry about price. Good for them. Most of us do, however, and fighting a garment to find a highly disappointing price is not worth it.

3. The sale prices are more than disappointing.
Red Flag #3 is going through the "sale" rack and finding even the lowest markdown egregious. Merchandise needs to move, and snobby stores don't seem to completely get that, especially in areas where there isn't all that much money or practicality seems to rule (i.e., Vermont). Yes, I get it, your product is so fabulous and your store is so unique and snowflake-like that you have every right to mark it up far beyond the realm of fair margins. You are gifting us plebeians with a "sale" of 10% off overpriced, and we should shut up and like it. This may work in many areas and with many people, but it doesn't hold any water with this Midwestern girl. Your shabby 10% off can rot on the rack for all I care. Not worth it.

4. The inventory is slow to change.
Red(dish) flag #4 is an inventory that is really, really slow to change. I am a little hesitant on this one, because this sometimes depends on location and circumstances, and could happen at the Goodwill as well as the snobby stores. Let's say this rule has to be paired with another behavior listed above before we go labeling the store snobby, just to be fair. That being said, at snobby stores, inventory is slow to move due to some of the reasons listed above, and as they are slower to mark things down to reasonable prices, inventory tends to rot. After all, this is the best of the best, and they're not going to just give it to you. Not for a fair price, anyway. If you see the same stuff and you haven't set foot in the store for a few months, you may be in a snobby store. If you wait another month and it's finally on markdown for 10% off the regular price, you're definitely in a snobby store. Even if you somehow get it at an okay price, keep in mind it's been sitting there for a long time - and been tried on many, many times. Overpriced, old and practically used? Not worth it.

5a. You leave feeling bad about yourself.
If you leave a store feeling fat, poor, unstylish, intimidated, or a mix of all of them, you've probably just left a snobby store. Unhelpful staff, disappointing prices, and the snobby clothing cut (which I'll post about next week) can all come together in a perfect storm to really mess with your head. NOTE - if you have problems unrelated to the store that you carried with you into the store, then it's not the store's fault. I'm not talking about blaming the store for your hangups/ baggage, I'm talking about you feeling right with the world until you walked into that store, and leaving feeling disturbed as a direct result of store contact.

5b. You don't feel like you belong at the store/are afraid to ask for help.
This kind of ties in with #1 but deserves its own rant. It usually begins with being ignored by sales staff, but it doesn't end there. This can come from a lot of things: store music choice, store set up, finding price tags that are astonishing, no direction from staff (i.e., approaching a fitting room and having no idea if it's okay to go in and no one to tell you it's okay), and limited interaction at the point of sale, to name a few. None of these things are okay and pretty much go against the principles of customer service. But don't snobby stores just feel above that anyway? We're not asking for over the top. You don't need to wear a bunch of flair and get in our faces. We're simply asking to be treated like a member of the human race when we walk through the door. Patronizing those who don't seem to employ the milk of human kindness in their business practices? Not worth it by a mile.

Well, there you have it. I could go on a lot longer, but time doesn't permit and I'm sure you're about done with it for now. Tomorrow I'll be back with a wonderful find that not only helps your closet but helps others as well - the perfect marriage, in my opinion. In the meantime, remember the golden rule, mind your manners, and always wash your hands before dinner.

Lots of matronly Love, kasey

Cold kickin' it

2008-03-10T10:51:00.006-04:00

The first part of today's title is certainly spot-on. I feel like we've all entered a time machine and gotten blasted back to January weather. Ugh! I'm so tired of the cold as I am sure everyone else is. There is something about March that makes me feel entitled to warmer weather. I've been doing it since I was little - I completely expect higher temps as soon as 3/1 rolls around and get mad at the outside when it doesn't cooperate.

Well, since Mama Nature is doing what she wants, you may as well please yourself by checking out these great sneakers I found on Eastbay. Have I mentioned how much I like Eastbay? I've been getting their catalog for the better part of 15 years now, and along with having a LOT of inventory, they have some pretty great sales on a frequent basis.

Today's pick are some great sneakers, something I have only recently learned the value of. I used to be a straight heel girl, you see. I needed to tower at all times, and didn't realize the infinite value of having comfortable feet paired (ha ha) with stylish combinations of color and fabric. I do now, and my back thanks me regularly.

I love the retro feel of these Etnies, especially the rubber bottom. I also like the fact that they are not pure white, which is something I personally can't handle in my sneaker. For 30 bucks, these are a great deal. Rock them with jeans, shorts and no socks (my personal fave), a short skirt, or a bikini (another fave).

Etnies Women's Lo Slip V - $29.99 on Eastbay.com

Heart, Kasey

oh my star(s)

2008-03-07T15:47:00.004-05:00

It may be an outdated term, but I thought I was going to see stars when I fell last night and most likely broke/chipped my finger. Unbelievable! Ah well, I was having fun when it happened, so that's the price one pays.

Luckily, you won't have to pay a very high price at all to buy this fun rug! Simply go to your local Kmart and shell out 5 bucks. It's supposed to have a patriotic feel, but it reminds me more of a comic book or fun stickers. What a great accent. While I wouldn't put this outside on my porch, I would use it for a fun feel somewhere unexpected, like a bathroom or even a bedroom. Now if only I could have one wall of my bedroom painted like a comic book with the word "POW!" and have this rug to go with it, everything would finally be in place.

Dare to dream, Kasey, dare to dream.

Americana Rubber Backed Rug, $4.99 at Kmart stores.

Heart Shape, kasey

sorry

2008-03-06T15:00:00.001-05:00

no post today. Your girl is sick. I'll make it up to you by posting on saturday.

It's all for you, Jada, it's all for you

2008-03-05T11:19:00.004-05:00

Do you remember that line from the Omen when the woman jumps from the roof and tells Damien she did it all for him? So chilling, and so inappropriate to put in a post about Maternity clothes. Ah well, I rest assured that my dear friend Jada is not currently incubating the devil's spawn, so I think it will be okay.

Jada is one of my oldest and dearest friends. We met when I was just a pup attending Michigan State. She took me under her wing, and soon we were meeting at the statue and drinking vodka before classes. Oh, the memories....
Luckily we survived college, are both grownups, and the friendship has endured. I was at Jada's wedding, which was lovely, and now she is with child.

When she asked me to find her a dress for her newfound state of glory, I jumped at the chance. I have never really looked at Maternity clothes, so it was a fun little expedition. I rooted around and came out holding this.

Voila - a really cute dress for Spring from Motherhood Maternity that's versatile, fashion-forward, and 20 bucks. There's a lot of "room to grow" in it, and the print is placed perfectly to lengthen the silhouette. Very, very clever. It's a cotton blend, so it should be quite breathable, meaning you can roll up your sleeves in late spring and still feel comfortable. Pair it with red wedges, red flat sandals, boots, black sandals, or bare feet cause you're already pregnant, right? (I jest, I swear.)

So, get thee to a Motherhood Maternity store or go to motherhood.com and get there soon, cause this dress is on SALE.

Border Print Dress, $19.99 at Motherhood Maternity Stores or motherhood.com

Love abounds, Kasey

I need a drink of cool, cool rain

2008-03-04T11:42:00.011-05:00

The title of this is a line to one of my favorite songs of all time by my favorite band, The Who. I love when I have an excuse to slip in a Who reference. It doesn't happen very often.

So this ties in because it's about rain, and specifically, rain boots. With April on the horizon (yes, yes, YES!), most of us are facing an increase in rain and MUD. Here in the Great Green state of VT, anything that's not concrete becomes a huge sloppy mess that you can literally lose a shoe in. NOT ON MY WATCH. I've found some really great rain boots to get you through the muck in style. One of them even has a wedge heel.

Note to the designer of said boots: I love you. I love that you thought about us in that way. I love that you knew we were sick and tired of wearing flat boots day in and day out for 3-4 months. You, sir or madam, are one thoughtful person and should be running your department based on this action alone.

So - I'm posting 2 options for the boot - one flat, one wedge. Target.com has 5 pages of rain boot options, all of them appealing. It was really hard to choose the best photograph. They are all the same price - 20 bucks! Love it. You do have to order these quickly, though - they're on pre-order right now.

Channel your inner Kate Moss and wear them with a short skirt, channel your inner Paddington and wear them with a bright yellow slicker, channel your inner freak and wear them to bed. The options are endless.

Shiny Hearts Wedge Rain Boots
Allison Floral Rain Boots - Multicolor both $19.99 at target.com

love always, Kasey

skirt the issue

2008-03-03T13:17:00.004-05:00

Yay..my first post with partial nudity.

I just found this site by clicking on a google ad (ps-click on my ad) and I'm really glad I did. This site has a J.Crew-ish feel with what seems to be massive sales. YES!

Anyway, today I'm featuring this really cute skirt. It's a wool herringbone with a box pleat - stylist, chic and very sexy on someone with a curvy bottom half. Pair it with boots and glasses and you've got one hell of a hot librarian vibe going on.

You can find this one on www.tulle4us.com under the "sale" page. It's currently on the 9th page under the sale section. There are actually more where this skirt came from. You have been warned, so don't blame me if you end up buying more than just one item.

Wool Herringbone Box Pleat Skirt, $29.00 at tulle4us.com

I remain, your love, Kasey

ps: stay tuned for some blog changes. Himself has decided he wants to get involved with this. It will have something to do with sneakers, I'm sure.

make your own kind of music

2008-02-29T12:39:00.006-05:00

I'm back to being completely hooked on Lost. Are you? The Desmond-centric episode last night was incredible. I love the story of Des and Penelope, and it's nice to see a "love never dies" example in such an otherwise pretty grim sci-fi drama.

But this isn't about LOST - it's about you being able to afford it, and today, you can afford these shoes from Payless Shoe Source. I love these shoes! The color is great, the shape is very flattering, and as always, the price is just right.

You should be able to pick these up at your local Payless Shoe Source, but if you would like to order them online, you can do so as well. These shoes have so many options - full 50's style dresses, jeans, pencil skirts, long shorts, capris, the list goes on and on, but I will stop there.

One last thing - http://www.lostpedia.com/wiki/Desmond.

Kailey Patent Pump in yellow -- $17.99 at Payless Shoe Source or paylessshoesource.com.

Our love will never be lost, Kasey

track marks

2008-02-28T13:23:00.004-05:00

Look - they match! One girl and one boy! Okay, okay, they're not exactly the same, but I LOVE this men's track jacket, and it compliments yesterday's piece pretty well. Right now, I'm jealous of every man who can fit into this jacket. This is a jacket that a really hot guy wears, and I want one for myself but I'm too small.

Fellas, you can find this on eastbay.com for 20 bucks! If you're a male who is reading this post - if you don't buy this jacket, you are a straight-up fool. A fool that lets a good deal just walk right out the door. A fool who probably thinks Ben Wallace being a Cavalier wasn't a good use of a trade. A fool that I would send to fooltown to spend foolmoney on foolhookers.

Anyway, this is a hot jacket and you should get it while you can.

Five Four Men's Silvercord Jacket in green, $19.99 on eastbay.com

Lots of salty, acidic love, Kasey

jumpin' jack flash

2008-02-27T13:24:00.004-05:00

The title of this one is dedicated to my friend Liam across the pond, as this is his theme song. Cheers, LB!

A lot of times when you're looking for clothing from lower echelon stores, you have the problem of the products looking a little "off". It should be okay, all the pieces are there, but they don't align right and they just end up looking cheap or imitation. The upshot of this is that it doesn't happen ALL of the time, and if you look hard/long enough, you will find something that's the perfect union of cute and cheap.

Behold, the this track jacket I found at Wal-Mart! Personal feelings about the chain aside, this jacket is really slick and the price is definitely right. I am favoring the white/green combo (pictured) but there is also a blue/white one that's pretty cute as well. This is a pretty versatile jacket that will hold you through spring and early summer nights. Get one today and channel your inner soccer hooligan.

Athletic Works Women's Track Jacket - $12.94 at Wal-Mart or walmart.com

You know I love you, Kasey

So fresh and so clean clean

2008-02-26T10:20:00.003-05:00

I kept a shower curtain for 4 years without having used it once. It was packed countless times, dragged from house to house, all in the anticipation of getting to finally put it up and enjoy it in all its striped glory. Alas, I kept meeting resistance. Roommates and boyfriends alike always seemed to have a shower curtain they were attached to as well, and it was already up/really important to them/their house, so I had to go along with it. I even once tried to use it for a wall hanging, but the holes kept showing. I finally parted with it a year or so ago with the realization that it was never going to happen for me and the sooner I realized that and let it go, the better. (NOTE: this is the best advice you'll ever get that you won't heed.)

Which brings me to today. I don't think I'm the only one who is attached to their shower curtain. It's a great way to display your fashionable side, your wild side, hell, even your ugly side if you're so inclined. This gem is found at Kmart, and even though it's black and white, the print is pretty bold. I love how they have it paired with a butter-yellow background. I would also be okay with pairing this with red accents.

So, if you're looking for a little action in your bathroom and you're willing to part with 15 USD, get thee to your local Kmart and snatch this up as you can't get this one online.

Martha Stewart Everyday Floral Geometric Fabric Shower Curtain, $14.99 at Kmart stores. Not available online.

Lots of Love, Kase

PS - Happy Birthday to Nis and Michael. You're both great Pisces peeps.

gypsies, tramps and thieves

2008-02-25T16:46:00.002-05:00

Well I didn't think I was going to be able to swing it, but hey, look at that! Anyway, as I am a proud gypsy and never get tired of telling people about my heritage, imagine how delighted I was to find this bohemian gem.

This is a cute little shirt. The print's a little wild, but I can see this with a pair of white capris, or a denim skirt, or even just your favorite jeans. You may not be able to tell the future, but my crystal ball is saying you will look really hot in this shirt.

Grab it at your local Buckle or on buckle.com.

Daytrip Shirt, $28.50 at The Buckle or buckle.com

Much Love, Kasey

dang.

2008-02-25T08:56:00.001-05:00

no postings today, I will be on a little road trip.

love, kasey

Your Inner Jack White wants to play

2008-02-22T13:27:00.008-05:00

Here is the second piece in my man-centric post sequence. I'll admit, I was on the fence on this one - it's at the top of my price range, and it's only available in a L and XL on jcrew.com.

But like many things, this sweater grew on me. The more I thought about it, the more it appealed. It would look great with a blue or striped oxford or a graphic tee underneath (and I have just the tee - let me know if you want to see it). Or, if you're really daring, wear it alone and let that chest hair shine! I promise to post ALL of those photos prominently.

Anyway, the sweater is available in a men's large or extra large on jcrew.com for $29.99. Pick one up and floss Jack White and/or Freddy Krueger-style for a day.

Bancroft-stripe merino V-neck sweater, $29.99 at jcrew.com

Still loving you, Kasey

Man oh Man ...

2008-02-22T09:08:00.005-05:00

So today is all about the fellas. I've found a few things for the men, and since all I have been doing thus far is posting about really cute but girlie stuff, today shall be the day of He. Men, we love you, especially when you are dressed nicely. I am convinced that a man with style can get away with most anything.

Behold, the tie. Every man needs a good tie, and so many of them out there are boring, expensive, or both. I personally like funky ties (shocking, I know) but I know there are those out there who don't want to put it all out there with their tie or work somewhere that can skew a bit conservative.

Imagine my happiness when I came across a tie that's a perfect marriage of style, thrift, and restraint. I love the pattern which adds a little funk to an otherwise very staid color palette. I can see it being worn with a solid color shirt or a pinstriped shirt of the same color family.

This little dear will set you back 19.99 at your local Target, or at target.com.

A little side note, and I can do this because a) it's a mens posting, and b) it's my blog: OMG THE CAVS GOT BIG BEN WALLACE. YEEEEEEEEEEEEAH!

Merona School Plaid Necktie in Blue - $19.99 at Target or target. com

As always, lots of love, Kase

rar!

2008-02-21T11:12:00.005-05:00

WOW. I just found this LeTigre polo at a DEEP discount. I love, love, love shirts like this - functional, durable, and pretty funky. I'm considering buying this one for myself, but want my readers to have first crack, so I promise not to purchase until at least Monday, therefore giving everyone else plenty of time to snatch it up and ensure that when I come back to the site, it will be gone.

With a price like this, there are a few caveats, which are the following:

DISCONTINUED - NO RETURNS/EXCHANGES
Heavily discounted item, may have slight imperfections, flaws, fading or discoloration

This gem can be found at your local The Buckle (which every mall seems to have) or www.buckle.com. IT IS PRICED AT $7.01 AS OF THIS MORNING. That's crazy.

If you end up getting one, send me your photo and we'll make a little gallery.
If I end up getting one, I will be sure to post my photo as well. The same goes with any of the items on here - send me your pic with you modeling said item and I will throw it up here for all to see you in your thrifty, anti-snob glory.

As you can see, I really, really love you guys. -kasey

Le Tigre Polo, $7.01 at The Buckle or buckle.com

Cold and Challenged

2008-02-20T22:08:00.001-05:00

If you live around where I live, it's really cold outside and it seems to permeate every nook and cranny of your life. At this time of year, we are plain sick of it! We need warmth, we need sunshine, we need a winter coat for under 30 bucks.

When my friend Lisa challenged me to find one, I'll admit I had my work cut out for me. Imagine my delight when I came across these lovelies on overstock tonight.

These warm, fashionable coats are just what we need to get through those shockingly cold nights. Did I also mention they're down-filled? All this for 30 USD.

An aside - Lisa, I have done the dirty work. No more showing up in your quilted vest when it's below zero.

Steve Madden Shiny Down Jacket - 26.99 on overstock.com

Love, Kasey

The Golden Mean

2008-02-20T14:59:00.002-05:00

This is a really, really great find. There is nothing I enjoy more than when a designer makes a deal with a national chain of stores to carry some of their product. Granted, it's never going to be the avant-garde collection, but it's usually quite a notch above in its overall design, while being just right on the wallet.
One small aside - I also really like it when a designer goes box store because it takes some of the exclusive snobbery out of the branding process of "designer" and it always makes me feel better to pollute that well.

Moving on -- this little gem comes to us from Kohl's, a store which I used to think only existed to carry bad jewelry so my mom could buy it for me for my birthday. I have been proven wrong. This is in the nightgown/camisole section, so I am guessing it's a bit thin, but I can see this really working in the summer, or over a pair of dark leggings. I can also see it working in the bedroom quite well (wink,nudge.)

Let them have La Perla, we shall take Vera Wang and be able to pay the rent on time, thankyouverymuch.

Love, Kasey

Simply Vera Vera Wang Satin Grecian Chemise - 21.99 at Kohl's or Kohls.com

dress you up in my love

2008-02-20T10:11:00.001-05:00

I figured I'd set this off right by starting with a cute product that fits nicely underneath my $30 cap. Yes, I will only feature products on this that are under 30 USD. I know I am tired of going to blogs that feature products I will never be able to afford, let alone find. The entire focus of this blog is to be the anti-exclusive, the anti-snob and mostly, to show you stuff that you could go out and get if you felt so compelled. I promise you won't feel out of place and/or too intimidated to ask for help in any of the places I point you. However, I can't make any predictions on the traffic, weather, or general mood of other people in the store. If only....

Anyway, this little gem is Isac Mizrahi for Target, and I am over the moon for this color palette. It's a great length, perfect for spring, very modern, and best of all - really, really effing cute. It's $29.99 on target.com as of today. I see this dress selling out before it goes on sale, so don't wait for the price to drop, unless you're one of those sizes that are always on the clearance rack (you know who you are).

The comments seem to indicate that the dress is made of thin fabric, and may be cut a bit narrow across the hips, so order a size up and plan to debut it mid-april.

Have a happy, snobbery-free day!

Yours, Kasey