About

about3.jpg

heart_bullet.gif I’m a fortysomething single parent with limited funds (my son 19, is entering his second year of college in the Fall) . I try to spend $40 and under for individual items. I’m very frugal about my shopping and always shop clearance, seasonal or an add’l 50% off. I pay cash for all of my clothing, shoes, handbags and other accessories. I seriously do not subscribe to the philosophy of running up debt for things as frivolous as “fashion”. I like fashion and enjoy shopping just like the next person, but I’m not about to work my way into the poor house for shoes and handbags — I consider that kind of debt “bad debt”. Am an average Jane that works for a living folks (my current salary is under $44 a year) , so “budget” is definitely the buzz word up in here. :-)

heart_bullet.gif I have a very difficult body type so I stick with solid colors for the most part with clean, simple, classic cuts. I love belted blazers and tops. I love, love, love pencil skirts (they make up a great deal of my wardrobe) dresses are a wonderful passion for me, trench jackets, and sky high stilettos (I’m short), particularly platforms and ankle-straps. I love the clothes from the 1930s and 1940s. I’m totally into that look and that is the “style/look” I’m trying to build for myself.

heart_bullet.gif For the most part I don’t deviate too far from the above formula, I stick with what works for me. I do trends only if I like them & if it’s flattering on me, other than that I bypass them completely. I believe in buying leather shoes – sorry PETA but my feet can’t take poorly constructed man-made shoes. I might go out on a limp with a pair of PVC shoes if the fabrication looks good to me, but I don’t make it a habit! (I’m frugal on other items like accessories, but not really on shoes). My shoe staple is Nine West but I also like BCBGirls, Guess, Steve Madden, Jessica Simpson, Marc Fisher and a few others (might slurge on Stuart Weitzman or Via Spiga). I spend the least amount on handbags and jewelry. I believe no handbag is worth over $100 dollar period. Now if you are ballin’ out-of-control and you can afford a $14,000 handbag go for your! However, I refuse to be a bottom-feeder for designer’s extravagant lifestyles! Nowadays label handbags are sooo over inflated, I wonder how women can even justify the cost to themselves.

heart_bullet.gif I’m a total Target addict target.gif. Fifty percent of my wardrobe is Mossimo and Merona — for women on a serious budget Target is the best thing since sliced bread! I also suggest that women on a budget not overlook Kmart or Sears, they have really improved their apparel offering. Looking fabulous for less is the name of the game!

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48 Responses

  1. Matt, on December 1st, 2007 at 6:03 pm Said:

    Hello,

    Congratulations on the new site. It looks great! I use to check out your latest styles on stylediary and look forward to seeing more of them here.

    This may sound odd, but I think I have a place where I can get you the perfect pair of grey stiletto pumps. Would you be receptive to me sending you a pair?

    Matt

  2. Budget Chic, on December 1st, 2007 at 9:47 pm Said:

    Matt,

    Your a man after my own heart!!

  3. Anne, on January 22nd, 2008 at 6:48 pm Said:

    Sensible AND Stylish. I like this lady.

  4. mia, on February 6th, 2008 at 8:40 pm Said:

    just found your blog and absolutely adore it. i’m adding you to my rss reader. :)

  5. JJB reader, on February 9th, 2008 at 11:07 am Said:

    Someone posted your blog on a messageboard, and we all came running to see your great fashion.

    Keep posting. I adored what you said in your first paragraph about you and your dept.

    Beautiful. Congrats on making such a great life for you and your son! I bet he is one good looking boy!

  6. fdiary, on February 9th, 2008 at 11:15 am Said:

    Thanks JJB Reader for the positive comment, it is very much appreciated! My son actually will be going to college this September. All of my family is very excited and we are happy about his choice of school; which is still in-state so I can still creep-up on him every now and then and see how he is doing. :-) Always the mama!!

  7. Meri, on February 13th, 2008 at 8:13 am Said:

    You’ve a very feminine, elegant & classy style. You show us that fashion mustn’t be expensive! love, Meri

  8. fdiary, on February 13th, 2008 at 3:45 pm Said:

    There are sooo many cheap chic options (plus ebay) that nobody has to be “left out” of the fashion game regard of what your income level is. You can make affordable fashion work, you make the clothes work for you and not the other way around.

  9. Kate, on February 27th, 2008 at 9:15 am Said:

    HI there from Toronto Canada! I love reading your posts and the clothes that you wear. I wish the stores that mentioned we have it here but unfortunately we don’t.
    And the sales you get there is unbelievable!!! In Toronto, for clothing everything is taxed 14% so go figure :)
    That is why you see a lot of Canadians crossing the border and shop in Buffalo or in Erie PA.

    Thanks!

  10. fdiary, on February 27th, 2008 at 12:37 pm Said:

    Wow, I didn’t know that. 14% tax is a lot of money!! I don’t blame you for crossing the border. 7.5% tax must be looking pretty good to you. You’re better off buying stuff on Ebay if the item + shipping is less than what you would pay to purchase something there.

  11. Meri, on March 8th, 2008 at 5:41 pm Said:

    Hi, please take a look at http://www.styletogo.blogspot.com. You’ve got my “Inspiration of the week” from Style to go Award. love, Meri

  12. fdiary, on March 8th, 2008 at 8:24 pm Said:

    OMG, thank you so Meri!! What a pleasant surprise. Girl, that was so sweet. It nice to know others appreciate your style…..makes me feel like I’m doing something right!! Thanks Again!! I’m going to display my award right now!

  13. Kasmira, on March 19th, 2008 at 8:17 am Said:

    Hi!

    I linked to you in my blog post today. I wrote about whether or not to show one’s head in self outfit photos.

    http://whatiwore2day.blogspot.com/

    Kasmira

  14. Tess, on March 19th, 2008 at 9:57 am Said:

    I found you through Kasmira and love your style. I think you do an amazing job of looking stylish and sexy, and on a budget!

    And I covet most of your shoe collection and the pencil skirts. How you find some of your clothes at those prices is truly a masterful feat.

  15. fdiary, on March 19th, 2008 at 11:35 am Said:

    Thanks Tess, I have no other choice, but to “work a budget” because my funds are limited. Girl, I search high and low and I try to leave no stone unturned when it comes to seeking out a bargain! ;-)

  16. fdiary, on March 19th, 2008 at 1:11 pm Said:

    Hey Kasmira,

    Thank you for the “luv” girl. I don’t show my face because I’m a mother, a parent and can not compromise myself or my family in that way. I can’t give up my privacy for strangers on the web, sorry.

    This blog is a way for me to catalog my clothes and get feedback from others on what works on my body type and what doesn’t work.

    It’s not about what I look like facially, its about the clothes, how I put my outfits together vs another person (especially if we bought the same thing) and how much I paid for an item (what bargains or sales I got and how much I saved vs. full retail), thats what “budget chic” is all about. Apparel on a budget.

  17. Tanyetta, on March 20th, 2008 at 5:12 pm Said:

    I’m here by way of monicamingo.com

    Love your site!

    Thank you for sharing your tips with the world :)

  18. fdiary, on March 22nd, 2008 at 5:48 am Said:

    Thanks Tanyetta, am trying to do a Tim Gunn and “Make it Work!”

  19. Ginger @ Girls Just Wanna Have Funds, on March 23rd, 2008 at 9:20 am Said:

    GREAT SITE! I LOVE your style and this site is definitely up my alley! I’ll be adding you to my feed.

  20. MissAmyDesign, on April 15th, 2008 at 12:33 pm Said:

    Ok, I thought of you when I saw this silhouette. (2nd one down) – http://dcgoodwillfashions.blogspot.com/ – check it out. I’m not crazy about the other outfit – love the jacket but not with that dress.

  21. fdiary, on April 15th, 2008 at 2:28 pm Said:

    Fabulous dress, I really love the design. You know my style!!! I wish I could find a dress like that brand “new” and not vintage.

  22. Lala, on May 2nd, 2008 at 10:37 am Said:

    I love your site and you have given me so much insight into how to dress for the professional world while still maintaining some excitement in one’s wardrobe. I’m graduating college and I’m using replicas of your oufits to start off my look. Thanks again and keep up your wonderful style!!!!

  23. Mindy, on July 16th, 2008 at 10:29 pm Said:

    I just found your site today when Google Reader suggested it. I wish I had found you sooner. You have fabulous taste in clothes and I’m getting a lot of great ideas from you. Thank you.

  24. fdiary, on July 20th, 2008 at 8:48 am Said:

    Thanks ladies I appreciate the positive feedback.

  25. La Tunya, on July 29th, 2008 at 12:57 pm Said:

    Girl I just found your site, I loves It!!!!! I am 40 and truly believe that 40 is the new 20 , I too love fashion and i am on a limited budget myself, 1 son just graduated college SMU and I have 1 who graduates this coming year, and 1 5 year old. I love shoes and handbags and yours are very flattering. All i can say is Rock it !!!

  26. imafishey, on August 12th, 2008 at 9:35 am Said:

    I love your site, it’s very inspirational! And, thanks so much for the kind words. I feel like the weight of the world is on me right now. I do know that with God, all things are possible.

  27. frugalgangstar, on August 25th, 2008 at 5:34 pm Said:

    I’m glad to find fellow frugal. Keep up the savings!

  28. Hanna, on October 16th, 2008 at 6:31 pm Said:

    I looooove your website! I only just discovered it a few days ago and I am hooked! Don’t tell my boss…
    You have a wonderful sense of style. Unfortunately my body type is the opposite of yours (I am tall with wide shoulders and no waist), but your outfits are still a great inspiration to me.
    Keep up the good work!

  29. Amanda, on October 26th, 2008 at 8:47 pm Said:

    I am so happy I found your blog. I have the exact same body type as you and I had gotten lost wearing mostly pants and not nearly enough belts. I shop at most of the same stores (except Ross which they don’t have in NY–I miss it soooooooo much from when I lived in ATL) and your outfits are great inspiration for dressing like a classy adult. I am a recent grad and it’s about time I started looking more pulled together. I can’t wait to start shopping!!

    P.S. can you post more links to the items if they are available online?
    P.P.S. if you find any fabulous shoes in Ross in size 8 let me know–paypal works wonders! LOL

    Thanks again for the great site and you look fabulous.

  30. fdiary, on October 27th, 2008 at 6:33 am Said:

    Thank you Amanda!

    It’s a really hard trying to dress a body with a short waist area. The “Dress for your Body Type” documentation thats out here on the web is not always right. You have to take into consideration your height, weight and bone structure. So don’t follow those things by the letter.

    My suggestion to you is to be honest with yourself, about the fit, the color and the shape of the items you are buying. Try everything on and only select the things that flatter your body.

    Semi-wide belts are a big plus for me and one of the things they tell you to stay away from if you have a short waistline, but actually they works wonders for me because they define the fact that I actually have a waist and hips.

    One great thing about us short-waisted girls is that our legs are longer!! Thats definitely a plus! ;-)

  31. Sean, on December 9th, 2008 at 9:42 pm Said:

    Nice blog! I am also a big fan of Target. They have some amazing deals on designer stuff. We even get some of our food there! :)

  32. Lindsey, on December 21st, 2008 at 5:03 am Said:

    Love your site!!! just added it..check back at my site in a few days..i’m just getting started ;)

  33. A fan of Budget Chic, on January 5th, 2009 at 12:54 am Said:

    Hello, I am so glad I found your website! I am sure one day I will be as glamorous as you. It’s hard for me to pull a look together but you make it look effortless. Keep up the good work. You look wonderful!

  34. fdiary, on January 5th, 2009 at 1:51 pm Said:

    Thank you so much for the feedback, I appreciate it. Sorry I had to edit your comment but I like to keep it positive around here and not feed into drama, that way no one can manipulate me, ya know. Budget Chic is all about affordable fashion related topics. Thanks for stopping by and your welcome back anytime!

  35. Tren, on January 12th, 2009 at 1:02 pm Said:

    Hello.. I recently found your site after making a commitment to upgrade my look for 2009. I got married last year after dating my now husband for 3 years. Within that time I totally lost my sense of style. I’m on a mission to be a well put together 30 something and your site has helped me gain a bit of “courrage” to do so. So thank you!

    Also, if you could could you provide some guidance about how to “begin” the make over process, focusing on budget, stores, etc. I’m fairly petite and usually can’t fit women’s clothings…

  36. fdiary, on January 12th, 2009 at 2:31 pm Said:

    @ Tren,

    If you are anything like my sister (Under 5′4 and 98 pounds) it is hard for her to find clothes that fits her in the women’s misses section if they don’t carry at least a size 00. She has to shop in Juniors or other retailers where the clothing is designed to fit young teenage bodies that are not “fully developed”. She is a very tiny, tiny person.

    Stay tuned because I plan to do a full post on your question and hopefully I can be of some assistance to you or at least give you some options to think about! ;-)

  37. Natasha, on February 16th, 2009 at 1:28 pm Said:

    Really love your style, I follow your blog daily. Thanks for all the great fashion tips, you are very inspiring!

  38. designer jewelry, on February 16th, 2009 at 2:15 pm Said:

    We got several fashion websites, so we want to know how we can link our sites via your nice website

    We looking for text links, and banners as well

    We also have an affiliate program

    Please let us know how does we can do it

    best regards

  39. Kelly, on March 3rd, 2009 at 4:04 pm Said:

    I just want to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. I think your fashion sense is fantastic and I can’t believe how frugal you are with you purchases, yet you still look so put together! I am in awe!
    You are my inspiration, keep up the good work!

  40. fdiary, on March 3rd, 2009 at 10:15 pm Said:

    @ Kelly – thank you so much!

  41. Melanie, on March 28th, 2009 at 5:01 pm Said:

    I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know what an inspiration your website is for me! I love that you find and put together such high-fashion looks shopping at such budget friendly stores. I too, spend very little, stick to my mall discount stores and tend to visit the juniors section for more trendy items. I look forward to reading your site for years to come!

  42. Gail, on April 14th, 2009 at 12:20 am Said:

    I stumbled on to your website from thebudgetbabe, and I absolutely love your style. I must have gone through all your archives tonight checking out outfits (it is seriously addictive)and I am completely inspired. this will definitely be one of my fave sites to visit each day. keep up the good work!

  43. Bradon Gokey, on May 15th, 2009 at 1:09 pm Said:

    Hi,

    If you want to add Facebook or email sharing buttons to your blog posts, there’s a plugin that does it for you: http://tinyurl.com/sharebuttons

    Hope you find it helpful!

    Cheers,

  44. di, on June 15th, 2009 at 7:41 pm Said:

    love your site, and how you put together things. Gives me ideas. I would suggest you find some outlet stores; which have even better prices (read: cheaper) but you are doing very well.

  45. menotu, on June 25th, 2009 at 12:57 pm Said:

    I am SO feeling this. From reading the “about” page, I think we are almost long lost twins. It sounds like we have very similar philosophies. You have just acquired a new loyal follower.

    Thanks for doing what you do and keep it up!

  46. Keesha, on September 12th, 2009 at 6:04 am Said:

    Your blog is soooo fly. I’m very glad I found it – like a lot of Americans, I’m on a tight budget and your blog provides so many inexpensive fashion finds and tips! Keep doing what you do. Your fashion sense is fabulous!

  47. fdiary, on September 12th, 2009 at 8:45 am Said:

    @ keesha – thank you I appreciate that!!

  48. infoseeker, on September 24th, 2009 at 9:07 pm Said:

    Dear Budgetchic,

    Love your blog.

    I sent you an email to the email address posted above seeking a conference regarding a blog you posted. I would be forever grateful if you would read and respond to the email. I will not take too much of your time.

    Sincerely
    infoseeker

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