Review: Sheinside Florals

I got a new batch of goodies from Sheinside this week, and they are my favorite things so far. It doesn't hurt that they are all floral, because floral print is basically my love language.

black v-neck long sleeve floral split dress 

breastfeeding necklace 

twisted gibson tuck hair tutorial

This maxi dress is pretty much the best addition to my closet this year. It's feminine, floaty, and freaking breastfeeding friendly. Do not be surprised to see me wearing this for the rest of the summer.

It does run really small (I ordered the XL), and is sheer.

beige lapel long sleeve floral crop blazer

oxford shirt

white jeans 

similar necklace

This floral blazer is similar to this one that Mary posted on a few weeks ago. It's just really bright and fun.

FIY, I ordered a medium.

White Short Sleeve Floral Dipped Hem Blouse

jones market necklace

similar skirt

To round out the floral trifecta I got this blouse. The cut is really similar to this blouse & I love the feminine print & zipper at the back.

Hello: Sheinside

Sheinside sent me this blouse & dress and I wanted to share.

The dress is fun but the slit is going to need to be tacked shut. I really like the blouse. It fills a huge color gap in my closet & I've already worn it twice this week.

Giveaway: $100 Sheinside Gift Card

Today I am stoked to offer a giveaway from Sheinside. They sent me this dress I have had my eye on for ages and I'm head over heels.

white floral butterfly print dress c/o sheinside

thrifted striped heels - $5 | similar here | here | and here

Sheinside has been generous enough to offer a chance to win a $100 gift card.

To enter:
1) Register on Sheinside.
2) Like the Sheinside Facebook Page
3) Leave a comment under this post using your email address (the same as used for signing up)

The giveaway ends on Sunday, April 6 at 10 pm.

Good luck!

Review: Scoop Back Blouse

Y'all know how much I love Jem Apparel. I was super excited when Jenny, the owner, was kind enough to send me this scoop back blouse (which I have had my eye on for months).

scoop back blouse c/o jem apparel 

plum skinnies / walmart - $12 | similar here | and here

gold belt / j.crew - $1.50 | similar here | and here 

DIY pearl cluster bracelet | similar here | here

gold leather peep toes / thrifted - $6 | similar here | and here

hair tutorial + clip-in bangs

I love the subtle print, the silhouette, and the pretty scoop back.

Make sure to check out all the tops at Jem.

Review: Jem Apparel Lace Collar Dress

Y'all know how much I love Jem Apparel. I was so stoked when Jenny, the owner, was kind enough to send me the lace collar sundress.

lace collar sundress c/o jem apparel 

old navy cardi - $8 | similar here (on sale)

j.crew belt - $1.50 | similar here (on sale) | here | and here

vintage gold rose earrings - $10 | great option here | similar here | and here
payless coral pumps - $7 | similar here | and here

I love the jersey fabric, collar, and lace detail at the hem.

Make sure to check out all the dresses at Jem.

Welcome Blowfish Shoes (Giveaway)

*Giveaway Closed*

I am so excited to introduce you all to my newest sponsor. Blowfish Shoes has a fabulous selection of stylish shoes at reasonable prices. They were kind enough to send me a pair of monica sandals.

old navy blouse - $12

charming charlie necklace - $20 (similar here | and here)

anthropologie shorts - gift (similar here)

monica sandals c/o blowfish

(The face on the left is the special goober look I save for Tate who was lurking behind the camera. 

He had to get in at least on shot, and he was not amused.)

Today I get to do one of my favorite things, offer all of you a giveaway! Blowfish is offering any pair of shoes to one lucky winner (open to US residents only).

Here are the rules:

Anyone can enter (including you, anonymous readers). Just comment below with your first name and a valid email address so we can contact you if you win.

Each entry must be notified in the form of a comment on the blog.

• Like Blowfish Shoes on Facebook.

Bonus entries:
• Visit Blowfish Shoes and leave a comment listing your favorite shoes.
• Follow Blowfish Shoes on Twitter.
• Follow Blowfish on Pinterest

The Giveaway ends on Sunday, June 17, at 10 PM (Central Time).

Good luck.

Review: Old Navy Crossover Dolman-Sleeve Dress

Last weekend I got sucked into a shopping trip at Old Navy. They gave me a $30 off coupon, with the requirement of buying $60 worth of merchandise. So, I went hunting.

At first glance, this dress didn't do much for me, but it was knee-length and nursing accessible, oh and it was $7.50 (you can't beat that!), so I tried it on. And loved it.

Crossover Dolman-Sleeve Dress - $15.99 (Orig. $29.94) *look in store for a better price

The only down side is the front is a bit floppy. It shows everything when you move so I have mine pinned shut, with the long term plan of sewing in an invisible snap (like this).

I ended up buying both the red and blue with the intention of shortening the sleeves of the blue one.

I also splurged on these shoes and I am loving them.

Do any of you have the dress? What do you think?

Review: Thirty-One Polka Dot Tote

I was given this fabulous thirty-one bag to review. I adore the print (reminds me of these two things). The size and pockets make it the perfect thing to haul baby stuff in when my regular purse isn't up to the challenge. Did I mention how much I love the print?

Here's the deal: 

I am hosting a online Thirty-One party April 1st through April 13th. The proceeds will go to benefit the summer camp for the teenage girls at my church. Thirty-One has tons of totes, purses, and accessories, and most of them can be personalized (Mother's Day, anyone?)

The customer special this month is this: for every $31 you spend you can get any Purse at 1/2 off. 

Click here to view the spring catalog online. To order go here. Please email Laura if you have any questions about your order.

Thanks in advance for you generosity.

DownEast Basics Review + Giveaway

Today I am stoked to offer a giveaway from DownEast Basics. They also asked me to review a piece from their new arrivals.

They sent me the reporter dress:

(Dress - c/o DownEast | Belt - Inherited from Grandma | Shoes - Kohl's - $17 | Bracelet - San Fran Street Vendor - $5)

The dress is a made of a minty jersey knit and is super easy to wear. It also has the wonderful bonus of fantastic nursing access without having to wear a tank to cover cleavage that most cross front dresses put on display. Though I am planning to sew a snap in at the bust just to make sure I don't accidentally flash anyone. It fits true to size and will definitely be part of my regular Sunday lineup. It's a wee bit clingy, so you might want to wear it with a slip.

(Reporter Dress - $36.99)

DownEast Basics is being generous enough to let the winner pick their favorite thing from their new arrivals to take home.

Here are the rules:

You can enter in either way listed below. Your entry must be notified in the form of a comment on the blog. One entry only, please.

• Pin your favorite new arrival at DownEast Basics on Pinterest + leave a comment telling me about it.

or

• Leave a comment telling us which new arrival at DownEast Basics is your favorite.

Make sure your first name and a valid email address so I can contact you if you win. The winner will be determined by giving each entry a number and using random.org to select the winning number.

The Giveaway ends on Sunday, February 5, at 10 PM (Central Time).

Good luck.

Blanqi Bodystyler Review

The ladies at Blanqi were kind enough to send me one of their maternity under bust support tanks. I am head over heels for it. And this is my very first video review:

Can you tell my husband did the filming? The extended zoom into my bust should be your first clue. ;)

Here are a few highlights:

This really is my favorite maternity product - ever.

Make sure to check out their product:
blanqi.com
nordstrom.com/maternity

PS - I have to give a shout out to my brother in law, Mike, who let me borrow his video camera, imported the video, and sent me the embeddable link. I honestly couldn't have done this post without him.

Meet Jem Apparel + Review

I am so excited to introduce you all to my newest sponsor. Jem Apparel is new online boutique that focuses on good quality, classic styles and low price points. The founder and owner, Jenny, has this to say about her company:

"If you're a woman who considers yourself young but not immature, fashionable but not a slave to the trends, and you're always on the hunt for the best deal that doesn't look like a bargain, then you've found not only your go-to shopping destination but a friend in me! I'm here to help you find exactly what you're looking for, recommend which jacket would look best with that skirt, and answer any other questions you may have."

Working with Jenny, has been a dream. She gave me wonderful advice on the pieces that would work best with my pregnant body, and even checked with me on the size I chose because she wanted to make sure it would fit correctly. Jenny’s friendly, approachable personality welcomes customers to ask her opinion about anything from style to sizing. She loves discussing fashion and the items she carries, so she’s happy to do it!

One of my favorite things about Jem Apparel is the fantastic packaging:

All orders come wrapped like a gift and have a flat rate $7 shipping fee. They also offer free returns and exchanges and a loyalty program to returning customers.

On to my review. Jenny suggested this M.Rena long cardi coat as a perfect fit for my pregnant body, and she was totally right.

{long cardi coat - c/o jem apparel
tee - down east basics - $3
belt - charlotte russe - free with pants
maternity jeggings - old navy - $20 | similar
floral peeptoes - kohls - $18}

{long cardi coat - $35.00}

This sweater is fantastic. It's a great off white color and the perfect weight for a crisp spring day. And I am especially excited that I will be able to wear it through the entire pregnancy.

Jem Apparel also has many styles for the most reasonable price including these options:

ruffled tunic  - $52.00 at jem apparel ($59.99 at Modcloth)
ruffle waist coat - $52.99 at jem apparel ($79.99 at Modcloth)
military coat - $52.99 at jem apparel ($79.99 at Modcloth)

Make sure to check out all the goodies at Jem Apparel!

Happy Shopping.

Reader Review: AVON Cushion Walk® Riding Boot

I got this reader review from an anonymous reader:

Absolutely DO NOT buy those boots! I ordered them after seeing them on your blog (which I love, BTW), and they don't resemble anything like the picture. They are not a stiff leather upper, but are instead the flimsy fold-over plastic-y material that cheap knock-offs are made of.

They have a very slippery sole (not good for the NE) and their cushion is the prickly sandal bottom Adidas sported in their sandals a few years back.

Also, the only part of the boot that holds its shape is the area around the foot which is so stiff it rubs your feet immediately into blisters. I sent them back as soon as I tried them on.

Here are the boots she is talking about:

Cushion Walk® Riding Boot - AVON - $44.99

Did anyone else spring for these boots? If so, leave your thoughts below.

Reader Review: Wet Seal Basic Flat Boot

I got this reader review from Meghann of Happy Yonder:

I wanted to let you know that I bought the Steve Madden look-a-like boots that you featured awhile back.  They were only about $15 from Wet Seal.  I got the brown color.  They are…eh….okay.  The brown looks pretty cheap.  Overall, the fit is perfect (they fit over my calves), they were true to size, and they are really comfy.  That being said, I would advise people to get them in BLACK, which I’m sure would look a little less cheap.

Here are the boots Meghann is talking about:

They are sold out, but this very similar option is still available:
Basic Buckle Flat Boot - Wet Seal - $29.50
Did anyone else spring for these boots? Leave your thoughts below.

Calling for Submissions: Reader Reviews

I am starting a new section for reader reviews on Über Chic for Cheap. You are all a wealth are information about products that I feature and I would love to share it with all the readers.

Here's the deal: 

Do own or have you tried on a featured item? I want to hear about it! I would love if you would submit* a short review telling me what you think. Make sure to include noteworthy details like fit, size, fabric or any other element that we might like to hear about. Also, make sure to include a link to your blog (if you have one) so that I can send a bit of traffic your way. 

You can submit entries to madelinepetersen@gmail.com or by using the "Make a Request" link to the right. 

Thanks in advance!

*Submissions may be edited for spelling, clarity, or length.

Look for Less: Anthropologie Climbing Cowlneck

So, this look for less isn't really all that much less expensive. I should have called this post, "another option for almost the same price". But, It's such a dead ringer I wanted to tell you all about it.

Climbing Cowlneck - Anthropologie - $29.99 (Orig. $48.00)
Pleated Pintuck Tank - Go Jane - $27.90

If you don't want to spend the $30, you can use this spot on climbing cowlneck DIY that Emily sent me. If I ever get a day with my sewing machine, I am all over this.

As if all that babbling weren't enough, I did want to tell you that I did try on the climbing cowlneck while I was shopping with Jackie. To my dismay, here's my review. The neck was really open, like flash the world when you move open. Also, the arms were really closer to a sleeveless shirt than the pictures appeared to me. With a sigh I put it back on the rack (and walked home with a few other things I scored on super clearance to mend my broken heart).

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping.