Fashion on a Budget, via Target

Oh, Target.  How I have come to love thee!

It is no secret that the spending strings at our household have been a little bit on the tight side lately.  The last few months of my Fashion posts have been allll about fitting into a strict budget, and today’s post is no exception.

When picking up a few groceries at Super Target a few weeks ago, I just so happened to wander off to the 30% OFF clothing racks in the middle of the store.  At this point in time, I really can’t justify spending a considerable amount of money on clothing, so I knew this spot is where it was at.

Good news! Target still doesn’t disappoint.  The few times I have actually walked over to the clothes sections, I have been pleasantly surprised with what I find.  This time, it was two complete outfits for under $75!

  Let’s start with the teal dress.

When searching around on the strictest of budgets, my goal is to find an entire outfit under $50.  Not only did I have a price limit, but I needed something that could be worn to a baby shower, then again later on to an evening bridal shower.  Challenge anyone?

Since the baby shower was outside, I didn’t want to wear any kind of heel or wedge to the party and seem like I was overdressed.  When I found this dress, followed by the teal wedges – both at 30% OFF – I hit the jackpot!

I found this pink beaded necklace (which happened to be the most expensive item) at $15, and decided to dress the outfit down with a pair of gold embellished sandals I already had at home.

This first version was “baby shower at an outside park” approved!

I didn’t have that much time to get ready between the two events, so I wanted to make the change easy.  One way to quickly and easily change up an outfit is to simply replace the shoes with a fun heel or wedge.

When I found these teal wedges for $13, the decision was clear.

Not only did i rock this outfit to the shower, but I continued the night out to meet a few friends at a pub wearing the exact same thing.  I love when just a few pieces are so versatile.

On the same trip to Target, I found two more pieces I couldn’t pass up.  When I find any piece of clothing I would wear for under $15, it is hard for me to restrain from buying it.

After telling Scott I got this outfit for under $25, he gave a quick nod of approval and we had a great night out.

When shopping around on an extremely tight budget, it can get tricky to find exactly what you’re looking for.  I have found the most success in trips where I go into a store without any expectations.  Instead of looking for “a solid purple dress and nude wedges,” I see what is available at my price point and make it work.

If you have seen any of my Fashion posts from May on, that is exactly what I have been doing and it seems to work.  Whether you’re on a tight budget or not, I urge you to give it a try! You might be surprised with all you are able to find.

Questions of the Day

• Are you a bargain shopper?

• What are some of your favorite stores to find the best deals?

Obviously, Target it a big one for me.  I also think Marshalls, TJ Maxx and even Ross can be good at times.  My favorite stores to find deals at the mall are the sale rack at Urban Outfitters, Express and Forever 21.