RVAfashionista.com

My friends Melissa and Sid from Q94 asked me to do a segment on the hottest trends for spring on a budget! In times like these, we're all pinching our hard earned pennies and making financially friendly fashion choices aren't easy. My "Bargainista Babe" segment from the past has turned into a new Recessionista segment for Q94 that we hope to continue on a monthly basis. Don't forget to check out Melissa's Fashionista Files as well!

Bright colors are a big focus this season especially in shades of pink, orange, yellow, coral, and fuschia. The easiest way to add a little bit of bright in your wardrobe is with your accessories. Forever21 and their "sister" accessory store For Love 21 always have a fabulous selection of inexpensive accessories. I love that you can get a bundle of bracelets from Forever 21 for under $5. It's an inexpensive and easy to add color to the classic combo of a white tee and jeans.
Payless has a great pink patent t-strap wedge sandal that also comes in a wide width for under $20. The key to brights is to not overdo it - just add a pop of color and go simple with the rest of your look.

Going "green" is the big thing nowadays and it has taken over the beauty world as well. Physicians Formula was one of the first drugstore brands to go green with their Organic Wear line. Most of the Organic Wear products are certified by Ecocert which is an internationally recognized firm for organic certification. Almay has followed the green trend with their Pure Blends line (www.almaypureblends.com) which feature products with over 95% natural ingredients. Both the Organic Wear and Pure Blends lines have packaging containing post-consumer-recycled content and the packaging is usually recyclable as well. To go with your "green" and eco-concious makeup, you need the right tools and makeup brushes for application and Eco-Tools has affordable brushes with bamboo handles and synthetic bristles that are super soft yet durable. The Eco-Tools line can be found at Target and most drugstores. Even if you aren't buying "green" makeup, do your part to recycle what you can of the packaging that your makeup comes in!

Platform sandals with either a wedge or chunky heel are a summer trend that keeps coming back so dust off your pair from last summer or head over to Target and pick up a new pair. I love all of these styles at Target but the Mossimo Petrova Gladiator Sandals are my favorite. These shoes look great with a pair of the "boyfriend" jeans - use a pair of older jeans that are either too big or go to Goodwill to try to find a pair there. If you'd like to buy "new" - Target also has a great boyfriend jean on clearance. Roll up the bottoms into a loose cuff and voila - insta chic for instant cheap. The style is carefree and casual so your denim doesn't need to be super snug or fitted. Pair with a tank and you're good to go!

When it's 80-something degrees outside, I can't focus on fall fashion because my mind is on flip-flops and how much more time at the pool I can squeeze in. I did find a little inspiration at Target this weekend and kicked off my flip-flops to try these boots on! The calf on these is actually wide enough for me and they're a steal for being under $35.

Check out Target.com or your local store for these Mossimo Kat Tall Boots, you'll want to buy them before everyone else does!

I also can't wait to wear my Trotters riding-styled boots I bought back in December, they will definitely be a staple for my work wardrobe.

I'm not sure if my hopes and wishes will come true but I really wish Rafe would come out with another line for Target. The Hollywould line was OK but not practical for everyday and the Loeffler Randall line has some cute pieces but I really wish some of the pieces like this one would come in black.

In other news, I've found the essential 3/4-sleeve t-shirt that I will probably buy multiples of and wear until they fall apart or fade. It comes in both a scoop-neck and v-neck version. To make it even more enticing, they're on sale for $9 each this week at Target!

It's a sad day when you go into Target in hopes of some inspiration and you leave feeling sad at the selection... I haven't been inspired by fall yet.

*REAL* update later tonight or tomorrow because I do have some beauty products to write reviews about!

I have the tendency to re-invent my style on a somewhat consisent basis - as in, whenever the mood strikes! So if you're anything like me, ELLE has the perfect contest for you!

I present you with the ELLE Makeover Challenge sponsored by Target (and we know how I love me some Target). If you've recently re-invented your look or are in the mood to do it, now's the time because you could win a trip to New York and receive a complimentary makeup and hair makeover from Sonia Kashuk and Umberto. Who wouldn't want that?!?

Click here for the official rules to enter the contest.

Good luck!!!

Dear Rafe for Target,

Thank you for going on sale! By doing so, I even more justified purchasing you. I will love you and carry you even into fall because I do love carrying colorful purses. So thank you for making me a happy girl!

Love,
RVAfashionista

ps. My other "justification" is that I cleaned out my purse collection and gave some to my mother.

PHOTO CREDIT: Target.com

Merry christmas and happy holidays to all of my readers! I know it's been quite a few weeks since I've posted but with finishing up the end of the semester and surviving retail life during the holiday season, I haven't had much time. So here I am fulfilling family obligations of general chitter-chatter and blogging simulataneously on my iBook.

This past week I decided to treat myself to a couple new goodies as Christmas gifts to myself.

Steve Madden 'Seattle' Flat

Urban Outfitters Charm Necklace

Dad got me a Target giftcard for Christmas and I've got some cash that's already burning a hole in my pocket from various relatives! I've gotten some beauty goodies as well including a pomegranate body balm, Suave Whipped Cocoa Body Wash, as well as Victoria's Secret Garden Collection Vanilla Lace Spray Eau de Toilette and Ultra-Moisturizing Hand And Body Cream. I also got a ton of socks because Christmas in my house is all about socks! Mom did get me this totally cute shopping bag charm with "<3 To Shop" on it for my charm bracelet. Overall, I'm delighted with my gifts and recent purchases!

I'm looking forward to going back to work tomorrow to get out of the house. The usual family drama issues have ensued.

So yours truly had entered a giveaway through Beauty Addict Mag's Freebies section on their website and has won a DuWop giveway pack! I'm all for legit freebies and if I can win, anyone can win!

I ended up buying these boots from Target and rocked them with my skinny jeans today - so cute!

I hope everyone's doing well and have a fabulous weekend!