f21xme

Ruff Ruff

Since my last post, I’ve been trying to cope with some insecurity issues that are weighing me down tremendously. I’ve always known becoming an adult was going to come with responsibilities. No matter how many hours you work, there’s never enough time to get things done and the bills are endless and somehow you have to have the time and energy to deal with the personal responsibilities and consequences of being an adult. I also never expected to dislike myself in the process…

I feel like I’ve lost myself AND let myself go. I know I reassured you I was going to shine through whatever comes my way, but some things just can’t be forced. Because of this I’ve decided to take a break from blogging and work on myself like I know I should. I love my blog so much, but it’s hard to put your all in something when your all feels like nothing. This isn’t the end. I want to be happy and reflect that happiness through my outfits instead of hiding underneath them every single day…

I know I’m not alone in these experiences that life throws at you and I wanted to share my feelings with you in hopes it would help anyone going through the same.

When the going gets tough, ruffle up! Here’s my last outfit for a while. The ruffle trend is one of my favorites of the season, I just can’t get enough of it. Streetwear and athleisure is literally everywhere and this feminine look is a nice change from the new norm.

Love Always,
BudgetSai

Photos by: @burritomilkshake (Instagram)

H&M Ruffle Blouse (sold out); similar here, here, here and here
Forever 21 Faux Fur Coat (old)
DVF Ruffle Leather Skirt (old); similar here and longer version here
Forever 21 Thigh High Faux Suede Boots (old); similar here and here
Vintage Gap clutch; similar here (if you want to party only)
Vintage Earrings; similar here and here

Bitter Sweet 16

It took so long for me to write the last post of the year, but I am here and ready to move forward.

2016 took me on a roller coaster ride: the lows sunk me at times where I felt stuck, the twists and turns shook me to my core, and the highs although there were a few, did not reach the heights I aspire to be.

So much so that it has reflected upon my outfits; I totally took advantage of the whole hoodie and sweatpants trend (thank you, Athleisure)

In life, there are the days you wake up and find devilish energy on your back. If you let it, it creeps its way up to the right side of your shoulder and cranks up the negative thoughts and feelings so loud that all you can do to make it through the day is grab a pair of sweatpants.
I’ve been MIA, but I have done some reflecting. I realized that if you don’t believe in yourself, no one ever will and your world and your dreams will begin to crumble right before your eyes.

From now on I’m going to turn the crumble into glitter and sprinkle my way through the fashion world one budget outfit at a time.

This outfit goes back to Christmas Eve. I took a basic velvet number -added a cape and choker. I was channeling my inner superhero. I love the new lightweight trenchcoats and cardigans, it adds effortless drama to even the most casual looks.

2017 is here, how is it going so far?

Always remember to set your own pace and not sweat the small stuff…

Love, BudgetSai

Photos By: @burritomilkshake

American Apparel Ponte Tank Dress in Black Velvet (no longer available); similar here
Forever 21 Sheer Mesh Cardigan, $38
Forever 21 Velvet Choker, $6
Steve Madden ‘Stecy’ in Gold (sold out); similar here

Boss Lady

Hell yeah. When you go for a cropped leather instead of a boring old blazer, that’s boss. Don’t get me wrong I love blazers, but not dated 80’s style blazers (sorry) .This is the time to play around with semi-light outerwear. Hoodies, leather jackets, longline cardigans, ponchos -anything but a heavy coat! (Insert crying face). Although in the Northeast it gets cold quicker than you know it, you can definitely pull off the light with the heavy (working on that post as we speak) if need be.

First I did go for the perfect secretary ensemble, then I was like well I’m not going to finish this off, I’m going to change it up. So I already told you about my bad ass bomb boss leather (throw some Bs on that ootd = outfit of the day), then there’s the shoes -should I or should not? I have to tell you, this is a love story baby. I love my lace up heels and that’s who I chose to be with for the look of the day. If the weather permitted I’d be in lace up heels all year round. I love the way they climb up your feet. It never fails to make me feel sexy.

The bodysuit needs no explanation other than the high neck kept it edgier and less cookie cutter with a basic pencil skirt (one you can do anything with -trust me). To top off the look, my shades in case a ray of sunshine throughout the day. I’m looking forward to the cooler weather as long as I can work with it!

Do you have business attire days? Do you pull it off rough around the edges? Or are you a cookie cutter guy or gal with basic on your mind? Whatever floats your boat -go with that. 😉

Halloween is getting closer and I’m still indecisive about a costume. (Insert a double crying face!)

xoxo, BudgetSai

Photos By: @newyorkcitynative (Instagram)

One Clothing Bodysuit via T.J.Maxx, $10; similar here
Forever 21 Skirt, $7
Diane von Furstenberg ‘Alfie’ Cropped Leather Jacket (old); similar here, splurge here
Vintage Gucci Monogram Handbag (old); find it here
Forever 21 Lace Up Heels (old); similar here

Come Alive in the Fall Time

We all wish it was still Summer, but in the end there’s something about the crisp weather that excites us to want to wear some really cool jackets. It’s challenging when it’s cold enough to bundle up 3 layers up and then have to take off 2 when it’s warmer in the afternoon, but that’s just part of the fun. Don’t complain too much about the heat fading away, you’ll miss out on the leather and sweater weather -real quick.

I paired my new found love with boyfriend jeans, a bodysuit I’ve been dying to wear… like every other new thing in my closet yet to make its debut. Not even the cooler temperatures will make me forget about my bodysuits, only now layering it will keep me warm, but still keeping it sexy. 😉

The shoes were also supposed to be a Summer staple because of its color, but remember there are no rules when you really Fall in love with fashion. This season I’m willing to give up the darks for the bright side. Oh yeah!

These jeans? Love! You will definitely see more of the boyfriend, torn, distressed, like you got into a huge fight and you won cause you kept them look. 😉 They are comfortable no matter what size you are. Throw on a bodysuit or a baggy sweatshirt and pose, but please have on some killer heels. Pretty please?

How do you transition your summer pieces in the Fall? Who’s stacking up their bomber jacket collection?

xoxo, BudgetSai

PS- I have to start thinking about my Halloween costume. Any suggestions?

Photos By: @newyorkcitynative (Instagram)

H&M Jeans (sold in stores), $40
H&M Bodysuit (sold out); similar here
Forever 21 Bomber Jacket, $20; similar here
Sam Edelman ‘Dea’ Blue Suede Shoes via T.J.Maxx stores (sold out); find them here

Angelic

When I wear white I feel like I’m glowing. I like to think of it as body conscious without the figure hugging or at times…squeezing. It’s bright, it’s happy- oh who am I kidding, all black makes me as happy. I just felt like walking on air in this outfit. I bought this dress because I thought I was actually going to go places this Summer. I was wrong, but even if this late in the game I can give some Summer advice. If you love it, you don’t have to wear it the moment you buy it, or in the season you buy it. If you’re one of those people who trend your way into fashion, then you might end up saying shit will I ever wear crochet again, or white or a maxi dress? But there’s always next season or next year. Truth be told, I never loved crochet, even thought about eliminating from this dress. My tailor didn’t have the balls to ruin my dress so he advice me to try it myself (the damage/ responsibility would be all on me), good call. What I felt had no end were my sky high heels. The dress was super long for my 5 feet 3 inch frame so I really didn’t mind going the extra half a foot! 6 inches closer to cloud nine, all dressed in white.

How was everyone’s Summer?

Are you transitioning your favorite pieces into the cool weather? Tell me all about it.

If you ever need a advice just shoot me an email. 🙂 Happy Weekend!

Love, BudgetSai

Photos by: @burritomilkshake (Instagram)

Forever 21 Maxi Dress, $33; similar here and too similar here
Schutz Platform Single Strap Sandal, $69.99 via T.J.Maxx (sold out); similar here, here and here

Super Size Me

I had to try the oversized shirt trend. I played around with this men’s dress shirt using different pieces, but the same idea. My favorite ideas right now are none other than chokers and boots this Fall season. You can definitely borrow one from your father, brother or significant other at zero cost! If you can’t find a loved one, Macy’s has similar Calvin Klein styles on sale now! Who doesn’t love to walk out the house pant-less (if you feel like that’s too much exposure some short shorts underneath will do the trick), with some mean (extra mean) thigh high boots or fierce booties and a dramatic neck piece? All on a budget!

How do you feel about the oversized look? How many chokers have you collected thus far?

Love, BudgetSai

Photos By: @burritomilkshake (Instagram)

Look #1

Nine West Leather Haircalf Dress Bootie via T.J.Maxx.com, $59.99
Steve Madden N-Victoria Choker, $18
Chanel Classic Mini Flap Mint Green Crossbody Bag available at Tradesy.com (Coming soon to my ebay.com)

Look #2

Forever 21 Faux Suede Over-the-knee boots (sold out); similar here, here and splurge here
Rosas de Cristal Lace Studded Choker, Price Upon Request

San Fran

A couple of weeks ago I went to visit my sister who moved to San Francisco. You guys might remember her as ZamnSam, aside from being my baby sister she was also my baby photographer. I’m used to tropical vacations where a bathing suit is your outfit of the day, everyday. San Fran was definitely not having that! My sister lives in Alameda, California, one of the warmer parts outside of San Francisco so I did bring one just in case and thank goodness I got to use it! Before that dip in the pool, my nephew and I enjoyed all the tourist spots, the Mechanics’ Institute Library and Chess Room with the spiral stairs , the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard street, Steiner street and commuting via Bay Area public transportation. The difference from our NYC MTA was their Bart system -you have to swipe to get out too! You don’t know how many times I held up the line. Oops!

The library was a non-tourist attraction, but recommended by a fellow blogger and San Franciscan herself. A quiet environment which is a library with such a loud structure. Reminds me of me! 😉

The Golden Gate Bridge -the lady in red in the flesh. The fog was amazing -how close it was to our faces as we walked on it, how long the bridge really isn’t, the seals down below and those views when the fog clears. Make sure you do wear long sleeves or long pants for the whole experience. The good part about the chill is as it hits your face, you can feel you’re wrinkles smooth out! The Bay area’s best kept secret to looking younger.

The colorful houses on Steiner street was the best backdrop for a photo. Too bad there was so many people viewing so no one wanted to get in each other’s photo, or at least I didn’t want anyone in mine. I did sit in front of a few. I totally thought the homes were empty, until a senior lady came out and asked if we can help her get her mail! That made the experience even better!

Lombard street was the scariest street ever. We hoped in an Uber from Steiner street and remained sideways in traffic. I quickly said no I can’t do this anymore. We got out of the Uber literally crawling out and up to the street instead. The reason people go to Lombard street is to be able to walk the crocked street. We went up then down and then up again. My favorite of this street or the area around it had to be the views from the Russian Hill, I admired these views more than the Golden Gate Bridge. Don’t get me wrong, first timers shouldn’t speak like this, but I don’t do well walking on (okay over) water. Lol.

Mid vacation week we had some good Chinese cuisine. The chef’s daughter, Kathy Fang was on none other than Chopped (and won!) -so you know somethings got to give and it did. Delicious! You have to check out House of Nanking on a visit to San Fran.

At the mission district I was in taco and thrift shop heaven. The highlight of my trip was of course seeing my sister, but also scoring a $300 piece of clothing for $50! Winning!

Finally I get to tell you what I wore on this trip and why. Airport style always has to be comfortable so I opted for flats on my way there and sneakers on my flight back.

I stole the romper from a friend and I’m not giving it back. It was the perfect length without my ass hanging out throughout the whole walk on the bridge!

My pretty painted ladies houses I did in the nude, you know a nude bomber jacket and a nude bodysuit, but I covered up all that skintone with my favorite denim cut offs. I like to keep my cut offs or this particular pair longer than the rest of them so I can fold it up and make them shorter. Sometimes you have a pair that are short and it’s just not the look you’re going for. Yes I have to say that I didn’t wear heels throughout my whole trip, but I just couldn’t with all that walking. I wore them strictly for night time purposes -from one Uber to the next.

The swimsuit was a total throwback, I was surprised it still fit! H&M this season had the same style in purple tones. I threw on those same shorts as cover up and the oversized denim jacket added that cool factor to the vibe I was going for: bad ass pool girl. Lol.

Leather jacket, army green dress, nude sandals were the beginning of what Fall in my closet is going to look like -and of course black, black, purple? I love this purple skirt and I had to try it out for this trip. Don’t get me wrong I never ignored the chilly weather, so the long sleeve bodysuit helped out a lot all while looking fab together with the rest of the ensemble.

Happy New York Fashion Week!

xoxo, BudgetSai