May Fashion on a Budget

I’m going to go ahead and call myself out: last month I totally slacked on posting anything Fashion related.

To those readers who believe I have a fashion sense, I apologize!  Now that June is here, I realize that I spent most of May focusing posts around my health and fitness photo challenge.

I’ll have to update you on how that went, but first I wanted to spotlight some of my favorite May outfits and pieces.

Using Fashion Resources

Let me preface this post by saying I am trying to use my resources wisely when it comes to shopping.  With Scott still looking for a full-time job, my shopping budget went from moderately small to almost non-existent. Right now, I bank on being creative and bargain shopping with the best of them.

Luckily, there’s a more than enough great finds at discounted prices in Orlando.  Let’s start with the outfit I wore to May’s Central Florida Lady Bloggers Meet Up.

The majority of what I’m wearing in the first look came straight from Marshall’s.  When it comes to discount stores like Marshall’s, TJMaxx and Ross, shopping trips are usually a hit or miss for me.  Sometimes I have a stack of things to try on and forced to narrow purchases down, while other times I search high and low to find absolutely nothing.

This particular trip was successful, and everything from head to toe cost $60.

Dress: Marshall’s

Belt: Marshall’s

Shoes: BCBG via Marshall’s

Hoop Earrings: Forever 21

Bracelets: Urban Outfitters (sale rack)

Going out to dinner is always a tough one.  When Scott and I got a last minute invite a few weeks ago, I pulled whatever I could in the few minutes I had to get ready.

I originally bought this shirt from H&M as a casual day tee for $12.  Trying to dress it up a little, I turned the scoop neck into an off the shoulder shirt with one quick lift-and-drop adjustment.  I wasn’t sure if heels were appropriate, so I went to my signature move: the ankle boot.

Shirt: H&M

Skinny Jeans: Forever 21

Boots: Forever 21

Clutch: Express (sale, 2 years ago)

Necklace: Express (3 years ago)

Whenever I need a unique and affordable dress or romper, I can always count on Urban Outfitters.  Although I would like to take home everything in that store, I have a rule to only look and buy off of the sale rack.  Over the past year, I have stuck to this rule and leave the store feeling good with quality pieces.

You might recognize my friend Meggan from the 80s Roller Skating Party.  When she visited me in Orlando, I wore one of my favorite UO purchases to go eat sushi.

I just love rompers.  They are so comfy and versatile.

Romper: Urban Outfitters

Nude Pumps: Steve Madden via Macys.  Also worn here.

Earrings: Betsey Johnson Outlet.  Close-up seen here.

Clutch: Express (sale <- shocker!). Close-up seen here.

This last outfit has gotten me many places, including a baby shower and a casual night out.  I took this picture right before Scott and I went out to an early dinner and it was probably my fifth time wearing it.

Easy? Comfortable? Sign me up!

Dress: Urban Outfitters (sale rack)

Shoes: Vans Outlet

Earrings: Aldo (sale rack)

When I wrote “on a budget” I really meant it.  The most I’ve spent on a piece of clothing lately is a dress from Modcloth back when it was on sale for $39.  Ideally, I would love to casually shop and purchase online, but there’s more important thing to spend money on right now – like groceries for new recipes! Ha.  For now, I’m working with what I’ve got and sharing the stories.

Like I mentioned above, my favorite and reasonably affordable clothing stores to go to are Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, H&M and Express (when they have sales).  The discount websites I’ve been browsing lately are HauteLook and Rue La La.  Both have a large variety of name brands for a portion of the price, which makes me very happy.

Crock Pot Giveaway Winner

Thank you to all who entered the Crock Pot Giveaway, courtesy of Slimkicker.

They have picked their favorite Health + Fitness Challenge idea, and I’m happy to announce the winner.  Congrats to Valerie!

Great idea! 🙂

I gave my contact your e-mail and she will be connecting with you shortly to get your address and information.

Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone!

Questions

Where do you go to shop on a budget?

Any online discount websites I’m missing out on?