One of my favorite stores to shop for cute clothes is Kohl’s. One reason I love it so much is because it’s always been there for me. So many times I’ve needed something last minute, like a pair of slacks for a job interview or the perfect pair of shoes for an outfit, and I can find the perfect solution almost instantly at Kohl’s, while other stores didn’t have anything. On top of all that, I love that mostly everything is pretty affordable — especially when there’s a great sale (and there’s almost always some kind of sale going on). Check out these great picks from Kohl’s for under $20!

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Following hot off the trail of the 70′s inspired flares from last week, I’m still feeling like Stevie Nicks. My outfits lately have been hippie-boho chic and my giant mass of curls has been set free. I was assessing my closet and noticed that I do own quite a few pieces inspired by this hip decade: the flared jeans, maxi skirts, braided headbands (worn straight across the forehead of course!). However, I’m missing one thing – a crochet vest! Since this is such a trendy piece, I didn’t want to break the bank with it and luckily Nasty Gal came to my rescue with their Fringed Crochet Vest.

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Fourth of July Weekend is HERE!

Bring on the hot dogs, the sparklers, singing Bye Bye Miss American Pie on repeat and…the tacky American flag apparel.
But this year my friends, there is no need to don that over-sized American flag shirt from 1998. You can lose the red bandanna and pig tails because that looks good on no one (unless you’re 5 and even then I’m wary). This season is all about color, so you can safely do up the colors of our grand ol’ flag while still looking as fashionable as ever.

No matter what you’re up to this weekend- here are three outfits that should have you covered! Read More »

My favorite holiday of the summer, the 4th of July, is just a few days away, which means a fun weekend full of spending time with friends and family and celebrating America’s Independence! And, since the 4th falls on a Monday, I’m also pretty excited about having an extra day off and the 3-day weekend!

Whether you’ll be spending your long weekend at the beach, a pool party, a family barbecue or partying with friends, I’ve got the perfect outfit for you! Show off your patriotic spirit in any of these cute outfits, all of which are less than $20!

[Welcome to Celebrity Chic on the Cheap, where our style guru takes a celebrity look and breaks it down for you, our poor college fashionista. What does that mean? It means that while the celebrities (like Lake Bell) are spending $5,000 and more on an ensemble, you an spend way less...and save the rest for Margarita Mondays.]

I think Liv Tyler has given up any and all aspirations of being an actress, and now focuses solely on showing up to red carpet events (in between being embarrassed by her father’s pervy remarks on American Idol).

She has an uncanny ability to arrive looking more fabulous than anyone else. She has this detached, almost frigid aura that is alluring, and since she doesn’t give you any personality, you’re basically forced to be awed by her beautiful sense of style.

Liv is trendy, so her style is constantly changing, but she’s still unpredictable. She’s embracing the minimalist trend this summer, where the ensembles are low-key, and there’s only one eye-catching piece. I am totally on board with this, because I find it way too hot to weigh myself down with accessories and chunky layers. Read More »

In this part of the country (Chicago) It’s been hot in herre. Cue Nelly.

And the last thing I have the energy to do when it’s this hot is think about an outfit that makes me look hot, but feel cool. The Maxi Dress is always the best option for a summer wardrobe — it has versatility, style, and a breeze drifting up the skirt! Bonus Points! This season, there are countless styles of the maxi — from one shouldered to strapless, florals to bold prints, light weight materials (think gauze) to dressier materials you could rock at a family wedding…there is a maxi for every occasion!

So your trusty Budget Stylista- (cough cough, moi) rounded up 10 of the best, most affordable maxi dresses out there. So no matter what your occasion, I’ve taken the thinking out of it. Wake up, throw on, add an accessory and off you go.

I’m like your maxi dress fairy godmother.

Bibbity. Bobbity. Boop!

[Welcome to Celebrity Chic on the Cheap, where our style guru takes a celebrity look and breaks it down for you, our poor college fashionista. What does that mean? It means that while the celebrities (like too-cute-for-words Sarah Michelle Gellar) are spending $5,000 and more on an ensemble, you an spend way less...and save the rest for Margarita Mondays.]

Maxi dresses have been popular for several seasons now and this year is no exception! Maxi dresses fit in with this season’s emphasis on ’70s fashion, and their easy, effortless style makes them perfect for the spring and summer. Plus, they’re the perfect lazy girl’s outfit choice: they cover up your legs when you forget to shave, they transition seamlessly from day to night, and you only need to pull on one piece to look instantly put together.

And there’s more great news about maxi dresses: they’re affordable at any budget! Check out this great selection of maxi dresses for only $20 or less each! Read More »

I’ve always been a big fan of St. Patrick’s Day, and not just because I’m Irish. There’s so much about it to love: beer, Irish whiskey, corned beef and cabbage, parades, and just the general merry feel to the whole day. Plus, green has always been one of my favorite colors, so seeing it everywhere for a day just puts me in a good mood.

Dressing for St. Patrick’s Day can be fun, but can often times border on tacky. Luckily, there are lots of great green clothing items out there that are festive enough to keep you from getting pinched but you can wear long after St. Patrick’s Day is over! What’s even better, all of these pieces are less than $20 — and there’s not a shamrock in sight! Read More »

While Fall brought us sequined minis, handbags and blazers, Spring appears to bringing the ‘quin in for our tootsies. From pumps to oxfords to flats and beyond, it seems that just about every style of shoe can get a dance recital makeover.

Which is precisely why I believe sequins in everyday life makes things that much better. Every day SHOULD be as much fun as a dance recital… and what better reminder is there then looking down at your sparkly ballet flats?!

Sequined shoes are a great way to add a fun punch for those intimidated by a sparkly main ensemble. The key to remember is keep the rest of the accessories/outfit a bit more simple. A lighter colored dress and nude bag would look killer with the gold glittery pumps. Skinny jeans and one of the 1,000 black low-cut tops in your closet is a perfect combo with a sequined pump in just about any color. And with flat oxfords or sandals, go for cute rolled boyfriend jeans or tapered pants that will show off your feet!

So for those of us wishing warm weather would come a bit sooner I say, who needs a Spring in your step, when you can have sparkle?! Read More »