Style Profile: Chic on the Cheap

Photos: Courtesy of Lydia of Chic on the Cheap

For this edition of Shen Style Profiles, Lydia of the lovely blog, Chic on the Cheap was kind enough to answer some questions.  LyddieGal has a great eye for creating stylish, affordable looks.  She is also a great photographer and her self-taken photos always look fantastic.  So let's get down to the questions!

Shen Dove: What inspired you to start your blog and how did you come up with the title?

Lydia: I was just looking for a creative outlet to write and keep a bit of a journal. I never expected people to actually read it -- and now I wish I'd put a little more thought into the name, and come up with something more unique. But I'm the top google hit now, so there is no changing it!

Shen Dove: How would you describe your personal style? Is it influenced by your career/job?

Lydia: My style is a mix of classic and quirky, I like bold colors and I try to find classic and flattering cuts. My job is at a pretty causal office, so I can get away with a lot of things more conservative offices might not allow. I like that I can dress as creatively as I please at work!

Shen Dove: How has the city/town you live in influenced your style?

Lydia: I live in a pretty small town, it's not hard to be the best dressed person in a room at any given time.  It might be nice to live in a fashion mecca, and see everyone else walking the streets looking their best. Last time I visited NYC I saw a girl wearing the most amazing turquoise boots and this perfect camel trench, and I recall thinking her outfit made mine look like I was just slumming it.

Shen Dove: It seems like summer just started, but fall will be here before you know it! How do you plan to transition your favorite summer items into the fall?

Lydia: Do I have to think about fall already?! Summer is by far my favorite season and it always goes way too quick. I will definitely be wearing some of my shorts with boots and blazers for as many weekends as the fickle fall weather will allow, and I just got a pair of red jeans, that will transition perfectly with some cozy knits and knee high boots.

Shen Dove: Looking your best doesn't necessarily mean spending your entire paycheck; how do you manage to remain so stylish yet also be conscious of spending? Do you have any tips to share?

Lydia: Usually when I walk into a store, I got straight to the sale rack. Most times I won't even bother tormenting myself with the full priced merchandise. It will all go on sale eventually!  When it comes to shoes, shop around, and shop online. Many places carry the same shoes and you never know who is going to have the best price. Amazon is great and usually unbeatable, but Piperlime's sales are really awesome + they have free shipping and returns! Modcloth changes the names of their shoes to whatever cute thing they can think of, but if you can see the brand in the photo, you can google it, and chances are you can find it for much less elsewhere.

Shen Dove: You are so great at making and altering your own clothing! Do you have any tips for ladies that would like to do the same?

Lydia: You need a lot of patience, and a willingness to let yourself make mistakes. You need a full length mirror and a pile of straight pins. Also a seam ripper. When it comes to alterations, you've just got to put it on and start pining. It's got to be on you if it is going to fit you, so that is where the mirror comes in. If it is something you picked up at the thrift store, just remind yourself you only paid a couple dollars for it and if you ruin it, at least you've gained experience.  Alterations seem really intimidating at first, but take the time to study how the garment was constructed, and you can easily see where the changes need to be made.

Shen Dove: What do you enjoy most about blogging about style and fashion?

Lydia: I love that it has motivated me to take photos everyday, and to help me improve my camera skills so much! Photography is something I've loved for a while, and it was always a bit of a pipe dream to be a fashion photographer. So now, in my own way, I am.

Shen Dove: Do you have any personal style rules you live by? If so, what are they?

Lydia: I used to have a whole bunch of rules about how I couldn't wear horizontal stripes, or I couldn't wear yellow, or I couldn't wear heels over two inches. But I've abandoned them all.  My only rule now is to wear clothes that make me feel gorgeous.

Shen Dove: Thanks for the interview Lydia!  Be sure to bookmark Chic on the Cheap to see more of Lydia's great style!