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!

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!

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!