Shop Your Man's Closet: Menswear Inspired Outfits

The Inspiration:

Marc Jacobs Runway Fall 2010

My Version:

vest, vintage $1; tee, American Eage $3; pants, Old Navy $15; pumps, Steve Madden $90

Menswear inspired outfits have been heavy on the trend radar for several seasons now, and it looks like that is going to carry over into Fall 2010. While most designers have incorporated menswear into their female clothing lines, I tend to gravitate toward the real thing. First of all, because it can probably already be found inside a closet in your own home and second, you can't really beat the quality of your guy's vest or blazer. However, if you are like me and are with a guy whose idea of dressing up means putting on fresh jeans and a clean tee, don't fear. Finding a few great items for this trend is easier and less expensive than you may think. I picked up this vest out of the men's section of my favorite vintage store. It set me back an entire dollar. 

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!