Farewell to Broke Girl!

While I have truly enjoyed the Broke Girl concept; after some constructive feedback over the last few weeks, I have decided to retire the blog and re-brand on another site.

I am pleased to announce my newest venture: Born in Heels: A Fashion Blog. The new blog will allow me to broaden my "fashion horizons", as opposed to being pigeon-holed as a discount diva! Don't worry, the new blog will still have many of your old favorites, including the monthly $100 outfit challenge, plus so much more!

Please follow me on the new site: www.borninheelsblog.wordpress.com

Thank you so much for your continued support :)

All my love,

LB

KC Fashion Week Recap- Part 2: The Runway

Did you really think I'd leave you hanging on the best part of Fashion Week?! 

Here are my favorite pieces from the two runway shows I attended.

Saturday's afternoon show:

Top left: WM Couture; top right and bottom left: Lauren Bander; bottom right: Afielda

Lauren Bander, a young designer from St. Louis, was my favorite of the day. Her collection was slightly gothic, yet soft. I loved that she used many different textiles, but everything was still cohesive.

Sunday's afternoon show:

Top left and right: Quite-A-Riot by Adrienne Anderson; bottom left: Magnetic Threads; bottom right: Meredith Lockhart

I had a really hard time choosing my favorites from Sunday. All the designers did a fabulous job, there was something I loved from every collection! I did; however, have a clear favorite: Quite-A-Riot by Adrienne Anderson from Lincoln, NE. Her collection was everything I love: structure, clean lines, feminine, with just a touch of drama and sparkle!

I had an amazing time at KC Fashion Week! I can not wait for the Fall shows!

KC Fashion Week Recap- Part 1: What I Wore!

The last few days have been extremely busy! Kansas City Fashion Week was in full swing, and I took full advantage of as many events as I could. I wracked my brain for hours on what to wear to each outing. I went through my closet about 1,000 times, and there may have been a failed last-minute trip to the mall! Well, I made it to each event fully clothed and on time... That is 100% success in my book!

Event 1: Bubbly and Bow Ties cocktail party was the official kick off of the week. We enjoyed champagne and desserts at Paolini Garment Company where we met lots of fabulous new people!

Can you tell I was excited??

How cute is my husband? He schmoozed with the best of them all night!

I was so happy my sister-in-law, Jenny (left), was able to join us! It was also really nice to meet Whitney (right), a very talented illustrator. 

Wednesday's outfit:
Tank: Express
Skirt: Express
Necklace: LeJane c/o Wish
Shoes: Mixx No. 6 c/o DSW

                             
Event 2: Meet and Greet with Project Runway designers. I was so excited for this, you would have thought I was a 6 year old getting to go to Disney World!! I have been a die-hard PR fan for the last 13 seasons, so the chance to actually meet designers was a true dream. I can say with complete confidence that I was the oldest fan there!! Did I care? Not in the slightest.

This picture is capturing one of my favorite moments of all time. Laura Kathleen was a designer from Season 9. She is a St. Louis native and my all-time favorite designer from the show. I was a total creep and waited around for the event to end, so I could get my picture with just her. She was an absolute doll; extremely funny and down-to-Earth. 

From the left: Joshua McKinley, Michael Drummond, Casanova, Laura Kathleen, Team Broke Girl (Lori and Dennis), and Anthony Ryan Auld. 

I dragged poor Den along to this event too! He was such a good sport about the whole thing. He even admitted to the designers that he's a shoe addict :) 

Friday's outfit:
Top: Rue 21
Jeans: Express- old, see similar without the distress
Wedges: Old, see similar


Events 3 and 4: Project Runway trunk show, followed by the afternoon runway show.

Saturday morning, the designers allowed the fashionistas of KC to preview some of their Spring 2015 items, as well as purchase some ready-to-wear items. I, of course, made several purchases! But you'll have to wait for future posts to see those items in actions.

Abby, me, Nicoale, and Liz enjoying the Saturday afternoon show, VIP style!

Saturday's outfit:
Chambray button up: Old Navy
Skirt: Express
Shoes: Wild Diva Lounge c/o Amazon

Event 5: Sunday afternoon show.

Fabulous. Absolutely fabulous! Sunday's show was by far and away my favorite of the two I was able to attend. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to sit front row for both shows, so I was able to see lots of details. Big thanks to my friend, Heather, for the hook-up!

My friend and fellow fashionista, Danica!

Sunday's outfit:
Lace top: TJ Maxx (similar from Express)
Jeans: Express
Shoes: Fergie c/o DSW
Velvet Clutch: old, see similar

I can't wait to share my favorite designs in Part 2 of my Fashion Week Recap! Keep your eyes peeled :)

Thanks for reading! Stay fab!

$100 Challenge- September

I am still reaping the benefits of my Tax-Free Weekend shopping spree! This month's outfit is courtesy of Rue 21. 

After our trip in August, we were given several $20 off $40 coupons to use in the month of September. My original total was $245... I ended up paying $98 for everything! Super score #1.

Super Score #2: Was the amazing shoes I found at DSW! I have been lusting after the Valentino "Rock Stud" heels for weeks. Unfortunately, they retail for around $995 at Nordstrom. Definitely not in the "broke girl" budget. BUT last week, DSW featured this pair of BGBG heels on their Instagram. I almost passed out! I called the store immediately and had them hold a pair in my size. I also had a Rewards Member coupon for $10 off. 

I love when dreams come true :)

Now for some math:

Chevron Crop: Rue 21- $6.15

Black Jogger Pants: Rue 21- $10.45

Studded Black Heels: DSW- $65.05 

Charm Necklace: Wet Seal $7.09

Pave Toggle Bracelet: Express-  $10.90

Grand Total: $99.64!

Another win for the broke girls :)

Thanks for reading! Stay fab!

P.S.- You like the bangs???

Thirty Three? Looks good to me!

The 10th of September marks one of the best days of the year: the birth of my better half, Dennis! 

I took my tall, blonde drink-of-water to dinner at our favorite restaurant, PotPie! We had a fabulous dinner with his mom and step dad, then gifts and cake at our house...

Lover got a beautiful new Michael Kors watch from his mom! The one he'd been eyeing for weeks, that I told him was sold out :) Sneaky Sneaky!

Now for the bread and butter: The Outfit!

I took full advantage of the Express 40% off everything and $39.90 Jeans sales. Dennis picked out this shirt. He said he thought I should get it because I don't own anything like it. I rarely buy button ups, or anything white. I picked this one up for just $26.98!

I loved the lace-up detail on these high-waist jeans. I'm so glad the high-waist is back! It's a great rise for gals with fuller hips and a small waist. I'm sure I don't have to tell you, jean shopping can be a real pain! The higher rise cinches at your natural waist, as opposed to the ever-so-popular "plumbers crack" ultra super low-rise jeans. 

Here is a fellow-diner/photo bomber! I think he wanted his 15 minutes of fame :) 

Shirt: Express

Lace-up Jeans: Express

Shoes: Madden Girl

Necklace: Wish

Watch: Guess

Thanks for reading! Stay fab!

Jumping for Jumpsuits!

We had a fabulous Labor Day weekend! A definite weekend of firsts; first time trying Indian food, first time visiting a fun jazz club, and the first time I found a jumpsuit that Dennis likes on me! Bonus- It was 40% off!  Thanks, Express for being my style mecca!

Playing around after a fancy French dinner!

Good looks and a sense of style run in the family :) Had the privilege 

of spending some time with my beautiful cousin this weekend too!

Jumpsuit: Express

"L" Necklace: Express (currently 30% off)

Long Necklace: Express (currently 30% off)

Shoes: DSW (old- click link to shop similar)

Lipstick- MAC Red: MAC

Good things come to those who wait... Usually!

Anyone who knows me, knows I'm not the most patient person! I want what I want, when I want it... That mentality doesn't usually work in married life. Compromise is key.
So, about a month ago, I was shopping at Express and called Dennis to tell him I wanted to buy an outfit. He didn't sound super enthused when I told him how much it would cost, so I decided to pass on it. I was pretty salty about it for several days...
Fast forward to this past Friday: I decided to head back to Express to purchase the black skirt I had tried on the month prior; after seeing a post on Courtney Kerr's Facebook page (gotta give credit where credit's due!). Here's the comparison pic (I'm on the left). I love her... She's my style soul mate!

This outfit was so adorable, I had to have it!! The skirt retails for $69.90. I had some coupons, so I was ready to use them. It wasn't going to be a huge discount, but I was still excited. I walked in, found the skirt (it was the only one left AND in my size. Talk about FATE). But this story gets better...
When I got to the register, the salesman uttered my favorite phrase: "Oh, looks like this is on clearance"!! After taxes, I paid just over $19 for the skirt! No idea how or why, but I was not about to question it! For once, my husband's patience and frugal-ness paid off in spades.

Skirt: Express

Top: Nordstrom Topshop- currently 50% off!

Shoes: DSW

Necklace: Express

Bracelet: Express

Clutch: (old) from Aldo, but here's a similar super cute one!

Thanks for reading! Stay fab :)

Work and Play

 The last couple of weekends, I have put my new Tax-Free wardrobe to good use! It's been fun to mix and match all my new items. I'm one of those lame people who buys clothing, then spends far too much time making outfits in my head...Or in front of my closet... Or writing out actual lists! Don't judge.

I keep a pretty full social calendar. I've been this way for as long as I can remember... I love having things to do, places to see, and outfits to wear while seeing and doing :) 

This past weekend, was no different. I had a blast catching up with 3 of my sorority sisters! I kept it simple with some cropped white jeans, and a black racerback tank. 

Jeans: Rue 21, no longer available in white.
Top: Mine is from TJ Maxx, but click the link for a similar top from Express.
Lipstick: Too Faced- Melted Fuchsia

Birthday party in downtown KC at Pizza Bar. 

What's better than bar games and NY style pies with family and friends? Getting to wear a new outfit, of course!

Shorts: Mine are from TJ Maxx, but click the link to see a similar style from Von Maur (On sale for cheaper than what I paid for mine!).
Top: TJ Maxx/Express
Shoes: Madden Girl
Lipstick: MAC- Ruby Woo
Mascara: L'Oreal Voluminous Miss Manga AKA my new obsession!

While "play" is great, don't discount the fact that most of you spend the majority of the day at work. This is where you should always try to look your best! In my line of work, I see different kinds of people face-to-face everyday. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so I like mine to be a good one! What's normally the first thing someone notices about you upon meeting? Your clothes.  

My work wardrobe is filled with classic items such as tailored jackets, pants, and skirts, and lots of trendy tops to add interest. Something I always say: "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have".

Pants: Express

Top: Rue 21

Shoes: DSW

Lipstick: MAC- Plumful

Nail Polish: OPI- Makes Men Blush

Thanks for reading! Stay fab :)

$100 Challenge- August

 The first weekend in August is always Missouri's Tax Free Weekend. This is the weekend in which Dennis allows me to do some major "no-holds-barred" shopping! We visited three different stores, and scored some killer deals.

This weekend's shop-a-thon gave me a great idea... Each month, I will post an outfit that is (head to toe) less than $100! Now's as good of a time as any I guess :)

August's outfit theme is Date Night. After spending all day shopping, I was not about to spend all night cooking! Dennis and I headed to our favorite spot in adorable Brookside; Avenue's Bistro.

 This outfit was perfect for the neighborhood's classic, yet homey feel. The orange peplum top gives you just the right amount of trendy-ness, while the the black jeggings keep the outfit's vibe casual. 

Keeping the accessories simple was also key. A few bangles, a gold clutch, and some fabulous shoes completed the look!

Now, let's do some math!!

Top: Rue 21- $18.99

Jeggings: Rue 21- $10 (in store sale, buy one pair of jeans, get the second for $10)

Bangles: Rue 21- $4.49 (accessories were buy one, get one half off)

Gold clutch: Old, but follow the link to a similar style. I'll use that price- $24.50

Shoes: Madden Girl- $41.59

Grand total: $99.57! How's that for close?!

Empty wallets and full tummies :)

Thanks for reading! Stay fab!

Snakeskin Super Score!

I scored these Mix No. 6 sandals (pictured left) from DSW for just $37.53 (including taxes and shipping). They retail for $44.95, but I had a $10 rewards coupon :) I highly recommend joining the DSW rewards program! It's free, and you earn points every time you make a purchase. 

Compare my purchase to a similar style (pictured right) by Pour La Victoire... They retail on Shopbop.com for $375!! What I paid for mine barely covers the sales tax on these babies! I love a good doppelganger :)

Regardless of the price, I am loving the lace up sandal trend for the summer! They're perfect for work and play, and look great with just about everything. Here are just a few of the outfits I've worn them with in the last few weeks:



Dress up a sexy pair of black tailored shorts and tank for a night on the town

White tank-Victoria's Secret, Shorts-Express, Necklace(old)- similar from Forever 21, Nails- Pompeii Purple by OPI, Lips- Melted Fuchsia by Too Faced

Give spice to your favorite "little black dress" for date night!

Check out this LBD from H&M. It's listed on the website for $29.95, but I actually bought it for $5! The store was running a sale on it the day I bought it. No brainer, right there... Here are some links to similar styles: Forever 21, Akira, House of Fraser 

 Add edge to a slim cigarette pant and blazer for the office...

What's your favorite trend this summer?

Dirty Thirty

Well... As of yesterday, I said "good-bye" to my 20's and "hello" to a new decade! I spent the day working; but not before getting my Tuesday workout in at 5:00am. 

We celebrated my existence on Saturday night with dinner at Bella Napoli in Brookside. Kansas Citians, I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant if you in the area. Some of the best Italian food I've had. It's very authentic, and the service is top notch. 

Babes and Beards at dinner

After dinner, we traveled to Funky Town. It lives up to it's name every time I go! Don't hate, congratulate. I love to bust a move...

Dress: Express (no longer available) similar Forever 21

First post of the New Year

Well... Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Yeversary, friends!

Apologies for the long absence. All of the above has kept Mr. B and I very busy!

Speaking of Mr. B... I'd like to dedicate the first post of the year to him. 2013 was both amazing and challenging, and it solidified that I wouldn't want to go through life with any other person. Dennis is my rock, my sanity, my comic relief, my voice of reason, my BETTER half.
Many people think you have to have everything in common to make a relationship work. I don't think that is the case for us... We are opposites in every way, but as Dennis always says; what one lacks, the other makes up for. Together, we make a complete person.

We celebrated the cotton anniversary (two years) by me starting a new endeavor (which I will reveal later) bright and early! Followed by lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant and seeing the movie, American Hustle, at the best movie theater in town: AMC Ward Parkway 14! After a two hour nap, we had dinner at Avenues Bistro in Brookside. Yes, this is the same restaurant where Dennis proposed! We rang in the new year at the party of our friends, Ben and Laura. We were home by 12:30... Ahhh, the life of an old married couple :)