In the Red

My favorite part of my corporate job was getting dressed up. It was a boring job in an even more boring office, and I only saw about 3 people on any given day. Because of my relative isolation, I took the opportunity to push the envelope style-wise. Some days I'd look in the mirror halfway through the day and be thankful that I didn't cross paths with many people. But most days I was able to mix and match by bargain finds into some pretty awesome outfits. One of my favorite pieces was a polka dot skirt, much like this one from Forever 21. I would have loved to wear it with these T strap pumps. (And yes, $50 for shoes is a bit steep for me...I'll have to use them in another post soon to get their money's worth!)
The moral of the story? Dressing for the 8 to 5 doesn't have to be boring...have some fun!

Stay in the black with these deals:
Faux Pearl Choker, Old Navy
Red Tote, Overstock.com
"Just Sweet" Watch, Overstock.com
Lace Cami, Old Navy
Belted Jacket, Charlotte Russe
Pleated Polka Dot Skirt, Forever 21
Unlisted T-Strap Pump, Endless.com

Backyard Bride

I just read an article in Redbook about how to get a deal on your wedding dress. It seems that, just by waiting and being patient, the author was able to get her dress on sale for only $1200.

My whole wedding cost $1200.

There were 100 people there. They all ate. And drank. And danced. They had a great time. We had a great time. We're still married. And, we're not in debt over one day.

Now, I realize that lots of girls have the means to afford a $1200 wedding dress. I just wasn't one of them. Faced with two upcoming grad school tuitions (we started school the Monday after our wedding), it was either on the cheap or at the courthouse.

So, in honor of my big day, I've put together an affordable wedding ensemble that will get you hitched without putting you in debt. I'm especially fond of the peridot and pearl necklace from Overstock...it's the one I was wearing when I got married in my parent's backyard, four years ago today.

Here comes the deals:

Lancelot Dress, French Connection

Peep Toe Heels, Ebay

Peridot & Pearl Necklace, Overstock.com
Maddy Emerson Couture Pearl & Peridot Earrings, Overstock.com
Net Flower Headband, Forever 21
Victoria's Secret Garter, Ebay

Golden Opportunity

The perfect outfit for a hot summer day, today's look proves you don't have to spend a lot to look put together. Not only do these pieces go well together, but each can hold its own as wardrobe staples...a must in this economy!

The details:
Antique Metal Trim Top, Forever 21
Metallic Brushed Bangle, Charlotte Russe
Sophia Thong Sandals, Walmart
Textured Hoop Earrings, Forever 21
Large Hobo Bag, Target
Cropped Linen Pants, Charlotte Russe

Touch of Turquoise

Real pearl studs for $20? What a steal! Paired with a turquoise cluster necklace, they are the perfect accent to this wear to work outfit. White pants, a canvas satchel, and peep toe pumps round out this look for under $150.

The scoop:
Cap Sleeve Shirt, Walmart
Buckle Canvas Satchel, Forever 21
Peep Toe Pumps, Target
Pearl Studs, Dillards
Pinstripe Jacket, Charlotte Russe
Rila Bead Cluster Necklace, Forever 21
Women's Perfect Khaki's, Old Navy

Jewel Heist

Finding the perfect outfit for a special occasion can get expensive, fast. Shoes alone can set you back over $100...add a dress, jewelry, and clutch and you've blown the equivalent of a car payment on just one night. Why spend that kind of cash for an outfit you'll wear only a few times a year? Consider today's jewel tone outfit, which comes in at a whopping $75.

The scoop:

Dahlia Wristlet, Payless

Shine Satin Dress, Forever 21

Jewel Cluster Necklace, Forever 21

Garnet Earrings, Kohls

Indulge T Strap Sandal, Payless

Convertible Wanted

If I wasn't such a cheapskate, perhaps I'd have a cute little convertible I could drive around in wearing this airy, affordable outfit. Inspired by a $27 orange satchel from Target, I infused a little color into a casual Friday look. After work, just jump in your convertible (or minivan) and hit the road for a weekend of fun!

Here's the scoop:

Sunglasses, Forever 21

Sheer Camp Shirt, Old Navy
Cropped Twill Trousers, Charlotte Russe
Pleated Wedge, Payless
Orange Satchel, Target
Dotted Swiss Scarf, Forever 21

Swooping Swallow Necklace, Modcloth

From day to night...

Building two outfits around one key piece is a great way to keep your clothing budget under control. This lace scalloped skirt from Forever 21 goes from day to night in a pinch for less than $30. Dress it either up or down with affordable accessories and you're good to go!

Wear to the office...
Lace Scalloped Skirt, Forever 21
Rebecca Ruffle Top, Forever 21
Kendal Dress Heels, Kohls
Shirley Temple Earrings, Modcloth

Wear to impress...

Satin Chevron Corset, Charlotte Russe

Violetta D'Orsay Pumps, Target

Multi Chain Necklace with Ribbon, Forever 21

Wayfarer Wednesday

At the mall, $75 might get you a pair of jeans and a Cinnabon. How about a whole outfit for around the same price instead? Now that's a deal! Budget savvy shoppers think outside the mall. Walmart? Overstock? Target? Your new shopping BFF's.

Here's the scoop for today's casual look:
The Classic Wayfarers, Modcloth
Airwalk Canvas Kicks, Payless
Privacy Wear Bootcut Jeans, Overstock.com
Canvas Tote, Walmart
Hooded Henley, Old Navy
Tina Plaid Shirt, Forever 21

Corporate Chic

Working in an office can require enough "career wear" to constitute a whole separate wardrobe. Outfitting yourself in corporate friendly attire can get expensive...but it doesn't have to.

I once had a boss who earned six figures and dressed impeccably. One day she came to work wearing a blazer I had considered buying that weekend while out shopping...at Walmart. She could definitely afford to spend some serious money on clothes, but she shared that she never bought anything unless it was on sale. The lesson? Just because you dress affordably doesn't mean you have to look cheap.

Here's how to look Corporate Chic for under $100:

Spectator Maryjane's, Charlotte Russe
Pink Clutch, Target
Textured Pencil Skirt, Charlotte Russe
Argyle V Neck Cardigan, Old Navy
The Secretary Necklace, Modcloth
Pink Pearl Earrings, Forever 21

Lazy Monday

I've just finished looking through the glossy fashion spread in a Glamopolitan magazine. And, as a girl, I instantly found a pair of red flats I'd love to have. In the small print at the bottom of the page I discovered these shoes can be mine for a mere $180. Glamopolitan seems to think this is a steal.

Seriously? We're in a recession, people! $180 buys groceries for a month. $180 cools the house and puts diapers on the baby. $180 does not buy me a pair of shoes I may wear twice before Christmas.

How about shoes for $12.99? That I can handle. Today's outfit: an easy going ensemble to wear (bargain) shopping on a lazy Monday. And yes, the whole outfit is just $50....about $130 less than that pair of shoes.


What can 50 bucks get you?

Over sized Sunglasses, Old Navy
Lacquered Circular Earrings, Forever 21
Odell Ballet Flats, Target
Striped V-Neck Tee, Forever 21
Cuffed Capri Jeans, Walmart
Stand Your Ground Shopper, Target
Enamel Bangle Set, Charlotte Russe

Boho Beach

One of the great things about bargain shopping are unique finds, like this hot pink Thai bag from Worldstock on Overstock.com. At only $24.99, it's a trendy yet thrifty complement to this $15 (!) bikini from Old Navy. Add some big sunglasses and gladiator sandals and you've got a complete boho beach look for around eighty bucks!

Details for today's look:

Pastel Straw Hat, Forever 21
Square Sunglasses, Forever 21
Terry Sundress, Walmart
Cotton Thai Shoulder Bag, Overstock.com
Bikini Top, Old Navy
Bikini Hipster, Old Navy
Gladiator Sandals, Kohls

Lady Grey

I just discovered ModCloth.com today, and I'm hooked. Good thing my online shopping is mostly of the "window" variety, otherwise I would be the proud owner of some new vintage inspired duds. This Morning Dove dress would be the first item in my shopping cart. Pair it with pink strappy shoes and some over the top rhinestones, and you've got a sophisticated look on a shoestring budget.

The anatomy of Lady Grey:
Crescent Rhinestone Earrings, Forever 21
Vintage Pink Rose Ring, Etsy.com from Stella Jade
BCBGirls Shoes, Ebay
Morning Dove Dress, ModCloth
Constructed Clutch, Target

Very Vintage

I absolutely love this vintage inspired skirt from Overstock.com. Wouldn't it look cute paired with a slouchy bag and those retro shades? Just add a $3 tank and wedges for under $10...what a steal! And at only three bucks, you can't beat these green wooden earrings from LittleCharm on Etsy. Affordable and handmade!

Here's the scoop for today's vintage look:
Tailor Vintage Women's Voile Print Skirt, Overstock.com
Denim Jacket, Old Navy
Handmade Wooden Earrings, Etsy.com (from LittleCharm)
Risque Sunglasses, Forever 21
Espadrille Wedges, Payless
Skinny Tank, Wal Mart
Valiah Studded Fringe Tote, Forever 21

First Post!

My first post! So here's the deal...I'm a bargain lover. Getting something on sale, or better yet, on clearance, just makes my day. Yet just because I shop the clearance rack doesn't mean I don't have style. My goal...create an outfit each day that is not only stylish, but affordable.

Details for today's look:

Aviators, Old Navy

Scarf, Forever 21

Shirt, Wal Mart

Jeans, Overstock.com

Earrings, Forever 21

Skimmers, Wal Mart

Trapeze Blazer, Old Navy