*Under Construction*

Hello, my lovely followers!

I feel like it's, yet again, time for another apology. This semester has kept me busier than I realized, and I apologize profusely for my neglect! You know I love you all and love providing you with fun, affordable fashion!

That being said, I would like to let everyone know that Meganista is officially "Under Construction" and will be undergoing some structural ch-ch-ch-changes this month! I want to make it the best site possible for all of you, and that requires changing things up a little bit (without overwhelming myself, let's be honest!). 

So, before 2012 rolls around, expect a lot more updates and new segments! And, as always, suggestions are always welcome for what kinds of things you all would like to read, see, etc. I'll try to find some good deals and coupon codes to share with you beautiful people as well!

I hope this post finds you all happy and embracing the holiday spirit! (The nice one, not the Scrooge one.)

Expect to hear from me again soon!

Love always,

Megan(ista)

Cheap and Last-Minute Halloween Ideas!

Happy Halloween!

So now it's Halloween and you don't have a costume. Suddenly, you realize that you'll kick yourself if you don't get your inner-ghoul on tonight. You need a cheap costume, and fast!

The best place to start is your own closet. Hopefully by now, you've all acquired an LBD (or at least a good black t-shirt and a pair of dark pants). I'm pretty sure that the costume possibilities are endless when it comes to using your Little Black Dress as a starting point. 

Purple Feather Witch Hat, Target, $4.20

Run to your closest Target, Walmart, etc. and grab a pair of cheap cat ears, a witch hat, or something of the like. I personally have a "costume grab-bag" or sorts, consisting of cat ears, bunny ears, Minnie Mouse ears, and a wig among other things. If a costume party randomly springs up (or if Halloween sneaks up on me), I immediately have options! In addition to whatever accessories you find, use eyeliner to draw some cute whiskers, a mole on your nose, or whatever is appropriate! And because you're using basics from your own closet, you can dress as conservatively, as warmly, or, let's just be honest, as slutty as you want.

You could also look in your closet for an old prom dress, a formal dress, or something similar. Buy a super cheap tiara from Party City (they start at 99 cents!), and go as a princess! I would estimate that about 90% of all girls have dreamed of being a princess, so you might as well live out your dream for a night!

Princess Tiara, Party City, $3.99

If you find a cute babydoll-style dress while searching for a princess-y one, you could always pull that out and dress as a doll! Use lots and lots of mascara (or even put on false lashes if you have some), and wear really girly pink lipstick and lots of rosy blush. Throw your hair in pigtails or braids and maybe grab an old teddy bear or something to complete the cutesy look. Of course, if you find a not-so "baby"doll dress, but more of a bombshell dress, you could always style it up and be a Barbie!

Pleated Maxi Skirt, Old Navy, $24.99

With the resurgence of 70s fashion (but has it really ever gone away??), I'm sure you have enough pieces in your closet to put together a cute hippie costume.  Grab a maxi dress or skirt or some wide-leg jeans and pair it with a flowy or cropped top. The big thing here is to OVER accessorize. Put on as many beads and bangles as you can find. Use make up to draw a little flower on your cheek. Wear your hair down and twirl around all night, and you're set!

Here are a few more quick ideas:

-Lady of Mystery: Masquerade mask with a cocktail dress

-Cowgirl: Plaid shirt, jeans, and boots with a cheap cowboy hat

-Teacher: Carry around an apple & a ruler, wear glasses & a nice dress or pencil skirt

-50s greaser: White t-shirt, jeans, black jacket (w/ slicked back hair and red lipstick)

There are plenty of costumes that can be slapped together quickly if you know where to start. I guarantee you, there are several costumes just waiting to be worn in your closet! Dig around, reach to the waaay back corners, and I'm sure you'll find some treasure!

I hope you feel better about your last-minute decision to dress up now! Just remember, Halloween is what you make of it, so go out, be safe, and have a good time!

Under $200: White After Labor Day

I'm not sure who it was that originally said that people shouldn't wear white after Labor Day... Well, today is the day after Labor Day, and I'm telling you to wear ALL white! 

Ladies, it's time to break some rules and be rebels of society (am I right??). If you wear white head to toe with your hair pulled up/back and a raspberry- or cranberry-colored lip to your next outing or party, I guarantee you will turn heads (and cause jaws to drop). Be bold and daring this season! Forget the rules and wear white after Labor Day!

Timex Tonal E-Z Read Watch (Urban Outfitters, $60)

Lace Details Slub Top (Forever 21, $8.90)

1969 Lightweight Always Skinny Jean (Gap, $44.99)

Stripe Trim Blazer (Forever 21, $32.80)

Anne Michelle Ignite 68 Peep Toe Pumps (Vegan friendly!) (Lulu's, $33)
Grand Total = $179.69

Just a pointer--the watch is the most expensive part of this outfit. It was just too pretty to not include! However, you could easily accessorize this outfit differently, so go ahead and pinch those pennies! Be creative and make it your own :)

Style Inspiration: Minnie Mouse

Ever since 1928, Mickey Mouse has been one of the most recognizable and iconic cartoon characters worldwide. But let's be real. If we're acknowledging fashionable cartoon characters, we're looking at Mickey's long-term lady friend, Minnie Mouse. Born "Minerva Mouse," she was originally styled as a flapper girl (appropriately so in the late 20s). Her look has transformed over the years, and she is now most commonly seen in a red polka dot dress, yellow shoes, and a big bow between her ears! Minnie Mouse is a fun-loving, sometimes-ditsy gal with a big heart. Now, isn't that something we can all relate to? I hope you can release your inner Minnie with some of these adorable and affordable additions to your wardrobe!

1 - Red Polka Dot Headscarf -- ASOS, $5.49

2 - Spot Fit and Flare Dress -- Oasis, $75

3 - Minnie Mouse Kisslock Wallet -- FredFlare.com, $36 

4 - Retro Minnie Pullover -- Forever 21, $19.80

5 - Roberta Bow Peep Toe Flats -- Ruche, $34.99

6 - So Animated Skirt -- ModCloth, $47.99

7 - Moscova Polka Dot Bow-Accent Flats -- YesStyle.com, $55

8 - Way to Bow Hair Clip -- ModCloth, $9.99

9 - August Rush Polka Dot Dress -- Ruche, $44.99

And if you're like me, you can always satisfy your desire for more Minnie and Disney things by visiting the Disney Store! :)

Under $110: Those Summer Nights

A warning: Tonight's "Under $100" post had to be altered to "Under $110." I couldn't help but use all of these pieces and wasn't willing to budge! I hope your wallet doesn't mind the extra 9 dollars...

It's late August. Every day is sunny and hot. Then it usually rains. The rain cools everything down, giving us beautiful nighttime weather. (At least, that's how it goes here in North Carolina!)  During these wonderful hours between dusk and midnight, we must dress accordingly. It's still August, so it's still warm, but leaves us feeling a little chilled in comparison to our daytime sun and--let's be honest--sweat.  What I've tried to create tonight is an outfit that will keep you cute and comfortable during a gorgeous summer night! And because our Autumn days are fast approaching, I tried to use pieces and colors that you could easily work into your Fall wardrobe... Enjoy!

Annabel Lee Tank in Grey Motif (Anthropologie, $39.95)

Long Sleeve Lace Cardigan in Burgandy (Forever 21, $14.50)

Classic Stonewash Denim Shorts in Light Denim (Forever 21, $16.90)

The Elephant's Elegance Necklace (ModCloth, $14.99)

CityClassified Graben Cutout Oxford Flats in Tan (Vegan leather!) (Lulu's, $23.00)

Grand Total = $109.34

Carry this outfit from summer nights to autumn days! 

Wardrobe Essentials: Polka Dots

Okay, okay, so maybe polka dots aren't necessarily essential, but I think they're pretty darn close!

I have loved polka dots since I was really little and I think I always will. Polka dots are such a versatile pattern: you can find them in any size, in any color, and on any article of clothing! Polka dots can be retro (1950s dresses), totally radical (80s and 90s inspired), or perfectly modern! Wearing them is an easy way to make any outfit more fun and girly without having to wear hot pink, lace, or pearls. And, honestly, wearing them is pretty effortless! Replace a basic with something covered in polka dots! Instead of a black shirt and jeans, wear a black shirt and polka dot shorts. Wearing an LBD out tonight? How about trying a LBPDD?

Here's a variety of affordable polka dot pieces that I found! I hope you find a place for polka dots in your closet soon! (Guys, that includes you too! Try a polka dot tie for an evening out or be daring and find a slouchy polka dot cardigan!)

1- 2 in 1 Spot Tunic -- Topshop, $24.00
2- Cream Spot Shirt Dress -- Topshop, $60.00
3- Natalie Wood Black Romper -- Lulu's, $26.00
4- Rounds and Rounds Top -- Modcloth, $37.99
5- High-Waisted Short -- Delia's, $34.50
6- Vero Moda Polka Dot Frill Sleeve Dress -- ASOS, $25.86
7- Polka Dot Skort -- Free People, $19.95 (also available in b&w!)
8- Jean Claire Polka Dot Cutout Dress -- Ruche, $34.99 (cute cutout detail on back!)
9- Polka Dot Top -- Forever 21, $15.80
10- Self-Tie Polka Dot Button Up -- Forever 21, $17.80

Stay stylish, my friends!

An (Overdue) Explanation...

Hello, readers!

Thank you all for being so patient while I've been away. I feel bad that I've gone so long without an update, but I'm here to right that wrong! Please read for an explanation of what has been going on and what you can expect to read from me in the upcoming weeks...

What's Been Happening...

Over the past few weeks, I have been all kinds of busy! I thought that I would be able to regularly update my blog more easily when I was home for summer (as opposed to being at school), but I was entirely wrong. On top of having a summer job, I have been all over NC for vacations, etc. 

I also spent a lot of time working as an extra on the set of the movie adaptation of The Hunger Games! This was an amazing experience for me that I will never forget. Look for me on the big screen in March 2012! It was a delight to meet and work with the likes of Gary Ross, Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, and Elizabeth Banks. I worked extremely long hours for several days in a row and knew I would be unable to keep this old thing updated! Maybe one day I'll post an entry all about my experience! (Stay tuned!)

What Will Be Happening...

I have decided that I'm going to stop doing my regular posts (Girl Crush, Studmuffin, Flick Pick, etc.) on specific days every week. Don't get me wrong, I will still make posts that follow those guidelines! But I found that I was trying to produce adequate blog entries instead of just letting myself write when I was really feeling it. I don't want to give you all entries that feel forced. I missed my own deadlines so frequently anyway (which  is something that I'm going to work on!), so I figured that this won't be too much of an issue for you all!

I would also like to get this blog more focused on its fashion roots again! I love finding good deals and outfits for others, and that's what I'd love to do here! However, I do love writing about other topics, so the blog still won't be strictly fashion.

I plan on getting this updated at least once or twice a week, but, like I mentioned, I don't want anything to feel forced. I don't want to stress myself out either! :-p I am flying out to California in a few days, and I'll also be taking a trip to Florida in mid-July, so those might hinder my ability to update. I just feel that it is fair to give you all fair warning! I don't want to disappear on you again!

Every time I update the blog, I will post something on my personal Twitter account @MeganFarrell_, so if you're not subscribed to my page on Blogger, you can stay in the know via my tweets!

Thank you to everyone for sticking with me! I hope to bring you some more affordable fashion later this week! I think there is a bright outlook for this blog on the horizon...

xox, 

Megan(ista)