Have you ever had to run to Target at the last second?  You are in such a rush, and you are running late already, but you just need to make a quick stop to get paper towels, tooth paste, diapers, or whatever necessity you can't go one more day without stocking up on.  So you run in and you have every intention of going straight to aisle 5, but then you see it out of the corner of your eye...is that a cute dress...at Target?!

Unfortunately you don't have time to contemplate trying the dress on because you are quickly taken back to reality by the screaming baby on your left, and the crunchy crinkling of candy wrappers in the clearance aisle of Easter candy to your right.  All of a sudden you feel overwhelmed and you can't tell if this dress is actually cute, or if it was just your eyes playing tricks on you again.  So instead of "wasting your time" to see if this dress is a keeper, you throw it back on the rack and run to aisle 5 to get your paper towels and get back on the road!

In my opinion Target usually has a number of items that are both surprisingly fashionable, and affordable.  But sometimes it is difficult to take a clothing item out of the discount store context, and figure out what you will wear it with once you actually take it home. 

Below I have created two sample outfits, one for a casual brunch or lunch, and the second for a night out on the town for cocktails with friends.  Every item listed below can be purchased at Target, and this just goes to show that you can wear Target from head to toe and still look good baby!

 

I hope these outfits have inspired you to consider Target the next time you need a fun new outfit.  And I found so many cute things at Target this week, if you like this post, I might just have to continue this series next week! 

On Monday I wrote about my inspiration for LL4L (aka Living Luxe for Less), and I included an outfit which was typical of something that I might wear on a summer weekend.  This post was intended for you to get to know me better, and learn more about my personal style.  I also offered tips on how I found some of these items at a reduced cost from their original price, because no matter the post, this space will always be focused on "spending less, and living better."  Two of the items  from this post, a watch and a purse, were over $100, and I promised to follow up later this week with some comparable, yet more affordable options to the gold watch and black clutch that I referenced on Monday.

First, the summer clutch...I was able to find 11 wicker or rattan clutches, all on Amazon, and all for under $88!  Who knew that you could buy such adorable handbags on Amazon?  I wish I had known that three days ago when I bought a few new books!
 

And now the gold menswear inspired watch...I must say it is hard to find a good looking watch for under $125, but I think that these are all adorable and affordable options!

Which handbag is your favorite?  I am torn between the gold and silver rattan clutch, and the navy wicker stone clutch!

I also know that I would be very happy if I were able to take home the Pedre black or orange croc watch.  What a great accent for any outfit, and the orange watch would add such a fun pop of color.  Are any of these watches calling your name?

One of the things I enjoy the most about entertaining is getting a chance to use our eclectic collection of serving ware.  We are lucky to have a mix of high end pieces which we received as wedding gifts, along with a variety of affordable pieces that I have collected at stores like Home Goods over the years. 

I love how serveware can completely enhance the mood of your party by adding character to whatever you have chosen to serve at your soiree.  For example, condiments like salsa and sour cream can go from casual to upscale when served in a piece like this Nambe Trio Condiment Set.  This set is so sleek and chic, but the problem is that if you didn't receive this as a gift, who can justify spending $185 on a fancy ketchup and mustard server for themselves?? 

This is why I was so excited when I stopped into Pier 1 Imports on 87th Street and Third Avenue last week, and I saw SO many affordable, great looking, animal inspired serveware and dining options.  Here are a few of my favorites...

Elephant Measuring Cups, $14.95
I am sucker for almost anything with an elephant.  I just love them!  And now even when you are baking you will know that you are doing it in style.  Ok I'll admit it, these just had to come home with me!

Mouse and Cheese Salt and Pepper Shakers, $7.95
I think I'm still a little too afraid of mice to bring this home with me, but even I can see how cute this set is.  Maybe you will be braver than I am!

Yellow Bird Plate, $5
This sweet plate comes in four colors: yellow, green, red, and navy.  And the navy plate is on sale for $3.68!  These would be a great colorful addition to your dinnerware collection, but I think they would be even better hanging on your wall.  I got this idea from MOS Charlotte from Matters of Style.  MOS Charlotte has a beautiful arrangement of decorative plates on the wall in her kitchen and it looks fabulous!  This is an easy way to decorate your walls on a budget.  If you want to learn more about taking your plates to the wall, check out this article at Southern Accents: Southern Accents, "Dished Up".

Zoology Elephant Teapot, $19.95
Perfect for a cup of Ceylon Tea!

Cow Creamer, $5
If you are thinking about getting the cow creamer from Williams Sonoma, why not consider this cute little creamer?  It is $23 cheaper at Pier 1!

Zoology Serveware, $12.95-$15.95
This hippo butter dish will definitely strike up conversation at your next dinner party.
And at $12.95, why not serve your children goldfish in this adorable goldfish server?  Who says all the glamour has to be for the grown-ups?!

Penguin Cocktail Shaker, $24.95
Can't you just see this at Sterling Cooper Draper Price?  And at $20 less than this penguin shaker, it is definitely a good deal!

Flower Bowls, $2 and $5
Who wouldn't want to eat their vegetables in a bowl like this?  The blooming flower looks perfect for a big salad! 

What's your favorite spot to find fun and frugal serving ware?

If diamonds are a girl's best friend, and shoes are a close second, than where does that leave men in their quest for a best friend in fashion? 

Whether they like it or not, men just don't seem to have as many options to accessorize as we ladies do.  Some men wear jewelry, some men wear cuff links, but my husband does not fall into either of these two categories.  So what am I left to spoil him with when he really deserves it?

Well, a necktie of course!  The tie, the ultimate male accessory.

There is nothing like a chic neck or bow-tie to pull together a suit, and make your man look his best.  Ties are also a great way for men to show a little bit of their personality in an understated way.  So the next time the man in your life says, "Honey, I think I'm gonna wear my Gators t shirt to the party...I gotta support my team!"  You can surprise him with a beautiful alligator tie that he can wear to the party instead.  Problem solved.  Perfect.

Now wouldn't we all love to be able to surprise the men in our life with one of these every now and then?

The Hermes Tie.  The ultimate in neckties.  Priced at approximately $170 this is a real splurge when it comes to treating that special man in your life.  These ties are classic and in my opinion worth every penny, so if you have enough in your checking account to indulge in one of these ties without your lights going out, go for it!  But if you want the lights and air conditioning, and a little spare change at the end of the month, than what are some comparable, yet affordable options?

Vineyard Vines Whale Tie, $75
I love the clever and classic designs on Vineyard Vines print ties.  They have many ties with college and sports teams logos for the avid sports fan, but they are best known for their great variety of animal, nautical, and patterned neckties.  The men at our wedding wore green Vineyard Vines ties with navy suits and they looked so handsome!

J. McLaughlin Silk Print Tie, $65
This is a great looking tie that will last you for years to come.  If you like this tie check out your local J. McLaughlin.  They have a great selection of print and patterned neck and bow-ties at the store! 

Perlis Crawfish Woven Tie, $65
Located in New Orleans since 1939, Perlis is a staple for all things preppy and chic, with a touch of Cajun flair.  Buying a tie from Perlis, or their "Save the Gulf" t shirt, is a great way to look good and support the city of New Orleans all at the same time!

J. Press Regimental Red/ Navy/ Blue/ Silver Necktie, $59.50
When it comes to striped ties, there is no other place to go but J. Press!  I learned this from a very smart man...AKA, my Dad!  Founded in 1902, they say at J. Press, "Classic American style isn't created in an instant.  It takes time." 

Land's End Sailboat Print Necktie
$29.50 for Navy, Red, or Pink
$39. 50 for Kelly Green

Land's End Dolphin Print Necktie
$29.50 for Light Blue, Navy, Yellow, Pink
$39.50 for Red

And the best deals I found were on the Absolute Ties website.  I have never ordered anything from this website, and while there are an overwhelming amount of  styles to choose from here, I tried to pick out a few ties from this website that seem to rival the higher priced items that I have listed above...

Absolute Ties Mini-Gators, $35.99

Absolute Ties Lobster and Buoy, $14.99

Absolute Ties Whales and Tales, $35.99

Absolute Ties Tango's Red and Yellow Elephant, $15.99

So whether your budget is $200 or $20, you can always find a nice looking tie.  Where is your favorite place to buy neckties?

Thank you for visiting Living Luxe for Less!  This space will be dedicated to helping people bring a little bit of luxury into their lives, no matter their budget. 

With the high cost of many designer and luxury goods, and the increasing demand for us all to look good and stay up to date with the latest trends, it can start to feel like living well and enjoying nice things can be forever out of reach.  To satisfy my own desire to live well and enjoy a “luxurious” lifestyle on a budget, I have found it is necessary to seek out the best deals, and be creative in my attempts to affordably add a little bit of luxury to my life.  To give you an idea of my aesthetic, and what you can expect in posts to come, here are a few of my purchases from the past year that are fun and fashionable, but also affordable!  See below for tips on how I made a few of these purchases even more affordable than the items' listed prices.

Banana Republic Silk Braided Top and Espadrille Wedge: This top was originally $69.99 and the shoe was originally $59.99 (though I believe it has now been marked down to $39.99!)  When I made this purchase I had a 30% off coupon, which Banana Republic seems to be sending out more and more lately!  This made the total purchase for the top and shoe $90.75.  If you are not signed up to receive emails from your favorite stores, you should add your name to their email list so that you can receive all of their coupons and promotions.

J.Crew White Denim Matchstick Jean: I bought these jeans at the outlet instead of  at the regular store.  The J.Crew Outlet has many similar items to the regular store, and in my opinion, these jeans were the same quality as the full price version.  These jeans were $59.99 at the outlet, and all denim was 30% off the day that I bought the jeans, so they were reduced to $41.99.  BUT, J.Crew also has an educator discount of 15% off which they will honor at the outlet, so the final cost of the jeans was $35.69.  If you are a teacher or work in a school, you can get this discount by using your school ID at any J.Crew store.

Michael Kors Gold Tone Watch: This was admittedly a splurge for me.  I had been wanting a nice watch for a long time, and while Cartier and Hermes are still on my wish list, this seemed like a nice affordable compromise.  I also waited until I had a 20% off coupon for Bloomingdales, so the final cost of the watch was $144.  This watch fits great and it has such a classic look.  I have gotten so many compliments on this piece!

J. McLaughlin Rattan Clutch: Lucky for me, this was actually a gift from someone with great taste!  I believe this clutch is priced at around $150, which also makes it a great deal compared to many other rattan clutches that were produced this spring and summer.  I love J. McLaughlin, and I find that they have a great selection of chic and classic, yet reasonably priced clutch handbags.  I have received many compliments on all of my J. McLaughlin handbags over the years because they have such a classic design, and they are all bags that I will carry for years to come. 

I believe that the ring and necklace are both great deals, and they add a fun pop of color to the outfit.  The ring is a great price for a piece of Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry, and you would never guess that the necklace was from Target. 

BUT, if the price of this watch and bag are just too much for your budget, stayed tuned for later in the week when I will show you a few similar styles for less!

In the coming months I hope to share with you many ideas to spend less and live better.  And if you have any comments, questions, suggestions, or a “living luxe for less” item that you would like me to write about, please contact me.  Enjoy!