cents-ability

shopbop.com Version

Total Outfit Costs: over $1000

My Version

Total Outfit Costs: $135

I've found that inspiration literally strikes at any moment!  Last week, when I made this cents-ability post, I found the above picture on shopbop.com. After exactly two seconds of looking at it, I knew that I already had the pieces in my closet necessary to re-create the look.  And, you can too!  If you recall, earlier this week we dissected the Military Jacket.  Now that you have one just grab a floral dress, a black belt and throw on some black heels (bonus points for booties because they're transition great into Fall!).  Viola!  A great trend from now until Fall for a 1/10 of the retail price!

DIY: Wing Chair

1. Chelsea Wing Chair in Large Scale Ikat, Cobblestone, Williams Sonoma Home
2. Hibiscus Wing Chair, Pier 1
3. Emery Wingback Armchair in Gabrielle Jacquard, Clementine Orange, Pottery Barn
4. Paisley Loveseat, Pier 1
5. Chelsea Wing Chair in Zebra Herringbone, Graphite, Williams Sonoma Home
6. Josef Wingback Chair in Pink Shell, Anthropologie 

Okay, so I'm going to switch gears into domestic mode for a second! You know every now and then I get on a decorating kick... this one resulted in a beautiful green side table! Well, now I'm looking to add some additional seating to our living room and I am in love with the look of a wing chair in funky prints and/or bright colors. Number 4 shown above is particularly great because it could seat 2. In fact, I would be very content with any of the above in my living room, but since I'm not looking to spend $500-$1000 on a chair right now this is going to become a DIY project. Yes, ladies and gents, I'm going to try tackling an upholstery project. My inspiration came this weekend while at my fav local thrift store. I found the perfect wing chair (well, perfect except for the fabric) for $25. Stay tuned to see how it turns out...

Thrift Store Find: 1 Dress, 3 Ways

 The Elements:

All 3 Outfits:
Dress, Thrift Store $5

Outfit 1:
Blazer, Target $50

Gray Peep-Toe Pumps, Payless $25

Outfit 2:
Gray Cardigan, Old Navy $15

Black Belt & Striped Clutch, Payless samples

Cuffed Sandals, Dolce Vita $80

Outfit 3:
Teal Wedges, Payless $7

Shimmery Clutch, Payless sample

I think it's safe to say that we all live busy lives, so it's important to find clothes that can multi-task.  My BFF found this dress for me one day while perusing the aisles of our local thrift store.  It's safe to say that this has been one solid $5 investment! The flowy silhouette of the skirt pairs nicely with a cropped blazer for work as well as a cardigan for a lunch date with friends.  Of course, the dress always looks great by itself with fun accessories, perfect for a summer evening date with the hubby!  It thrills me to be able to say that all three of the outfits above are under $100.  In fact, the date night outfit on the far right is less than $20! Now, that's what I call multi-tasking!

Shop Your Closet: Military Jacket Outfits

Go Buy:

A Military Jacket - pictured: Old Navy, $12

What you already have in your closet:

A sun dress - pictured: Old Navy, $15

Pair of sandals - pictured: Payless sample

Cross body shoulder bag - Pictured: Payless sample

This blog is an ever growing and evolving extension of my own personal style.  That being said something dawned on me last week: for someone who doesn't spend too much money on her clothes and writes for readers who also do not spend much on their clothes, I've fallen into the trap of posting about really expensive clothes! I realized it had gone too far when my Mama commented that she loved the clothes I posted, but would love them more if she could afford them! 

With that being said, I'm happy to present you with the first installment of Shop Your Closet. I think I told you a while back that I love to play the game, "What is Gracie going to wear today?" in the mornings. I love shopping my own closet to mimic styles and trends I see on celebs and in magazines. The military-inspired jacket, for example, is a spring/summer item that has been very popular.  Celebs, models, and stylists have been pairing this go-to jacket with everything from jeans to dresses, heels and flats. Wearing the trend is not as difficult as it may seem and can be worn with items already available in your own closet. I managed to pull off the dress/military jacket combo for under $30. Just grab these pieces from your own wardrobe and you're set!

cents-ability

My Outfit (on left)       

1. Cardigan, Old Navy $15                  

2. Belted Floral Dress, Target $19

3. Wedge Peep-Toe Sandals, Piperlime $30

Total: $ 64

ShopBob.com (on right)

1. Belted Floral Dress, Shoshanna $395

I get a lot of questions regarding looking chic while shopping on a budget. There may be some out there who can spend as much as they want on the latest and greatest fashions, but that person is not me. While I do love buying shoes, I also understand the time value of money and know that saving and investing at my age will pay huge dividends when I get older. The concern I hear most women voice, however, is how to do both while still looking stylish and wearing clothes that fit. When I tell people how little I spend on most of my clothes, they are amazed. My tip: find a piece that you cannot live without and then buy it for less. I never buy the mannequin in a department store. Instead, I dissect the elements from the mannequin and then replicate the outfit for a fraction of the price.  Take for example, the above floral dress.  Earlier this spring I had to have one.  On the right you have a $400 Shoshanna Belted Strapless Dress. On the left, well... the dollars and cents speak for themselves ;) Are there some differences between the two dresses? Or course! But, I don't really care because I achieved the look I was going for and could still afford to stop by Starbucks a few times that week. I promise, it works every time!

Music Therapy

I have made no secret about the fact that I LOVE Lady Gaga (evidence here, here, here and here). While my love for Gaga isn't going anywhere anytime soon, there is a particular band with which I have a deep rooted emotional connection: Maroon 5. 


Besides the fact that I have a crazy, school girl crush on Adam Levine (insert blushing giggle here), I truly love this band's music.  I swear I could sing the entire Songs About Jane, Live Friday the 13th, and It Won't Be Soon Before Long albums in my sleep. It doesn't happen very often, but every once in a great while a band makes an album (or two or three) that isn't just music anymore, it becomes part of your life. The emotional connection to the lyrics conjure up feelings and memories you had forgotten you had or becomes your solace during rough times. So, imagine my happiness to see that my favorite band is back with a new album. I don't purchase many complete albums, but on September 21st I have a date with an old friend.  

Happy 4-Day Work Week!

Going back to work after a wonderful, three day weekend is never easy.  However, the wonderful memories I have from this weekend paired with the joy of knowing there are only four days this week instead of five, should help to ease the pain.  I hope everyone had a safe, and memorable, 4th of July 2010!

Summery Treat

image via Flickr

My apologies for the delayed post. I had some Blogger scheduling issues last week, which resulted in this post (which was scheduled prior to the 4th) getting posted after realizing it was still sitting in my queue as a draft.  

Anyway... 

A few weeks back, I shared some outfit photos that were taken in the kitchen right before preparing dinner. On the dinner menu that night: fresh guacamole. With grilling season among us, I thought it appropriate to share the recipe. Serve with your choice of chips and invite your closest friends and family to join you.  While the margaritas are optional, they are always a great compliment!  Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

The Essentials

2-3 Avocados

2 drops of lemon juice

3 drops of lime juice

1 diced tomato

salt and pepper to taste