Style on a Budget

Today Kelly posted about Recession Fashion-Dressing Cute for Less and wanted ideas for outfits that are under $30! Since I have been on such a tight budget since we've been married, I am somewhat of an expert on dressing inexpensively yet looking nice! Now I wouldn't say I am trendy or would be considered stylish but my style is classic and for what little money I spend on my clothes I do dress nice! My "shopping style" allows me to put together almost all of my outfits for under $30! Here are my sources of inexpensively priced clothing:

Sales

I purchased this dress at Kohl's last spring, it was 40% off right before Easter and was $12! (It is not really a dingy white like it appears...don't know why it looks like that!)

Clearance Racks

This shirt is from Target, it was $2.97 on clearance last summer!

This adorable sundress was on clearance at Ross last summer, I paid $7 for it!
More of my clearance finds!

Goodwill

This Old Navy shirt was $4 at Goodwill! I really love this shirt with a pair of black capris!
More Goodwill finds!

Yardsales

This Max Studio Skirt was $1!

A Maggy London dress for $2!
More of my yardsale finds!

Hand-me-downs

These American Eagle capris are from my sister-in-law and I just love them and you just can't beat FREE!

Shoes & Accessories

My adorable wedges from Wal-Mart, I bought these in 2007 for $9 and have already worn them 2 summers and they are still in great shape!

These flip flops are from Kohl's, they were $6.97 and are cute & comfortable!

My boots I found at Penney's for $9.97, I have these in black & brown!

Two of my favorite necklaces, a friend from college made both of these for me, I think I paid around $25 for both, she has since launched her own business Classy Cowgirl Creations. She has agreed to give a discount, when e-mailing your order use the code frugal&simple and receive 15% off!

Here is one of my cute summer outfits using these examples:

(Shirt $2.97, necklace $12.50, pants FREE,shoes $6.97) $22.44

Another tip is stick to the basics, if you have a good basic wardrobe made up of classic & quality pieces you can purchase a few "trendier" tops and accessories each season and really stretch your money! Check out this episode of Life:Frugal and Simple on Wardrobe Basics!

What $100 can buy!

I am a saver! I always have been, as a teenager I saved most of my babysitting money (some of which was used as a down payment on our home!) I have a cash stash from birthday money, Christmas money, & graduation! So, I decided that I was going to spend some to purchase decor for our home and boots! I took $100 cash to town and this is what I came home with!

Fabric (12 yards)....$25.12
Curtain rods....$13.98
Ring clips....$11.98

Once Upon a Wall Letters....$10.20

Solid pink fabric for new baby quilt....$2.81

Black boots....$9.97

Brown boots....$9.97

Purple shirt....$4.97

Grand total: $89 (not including tax) Not too bad for everything I got!!

Here is full price for everything:

Curtain fabric (12 yards) $35.88
Curtain rods $24.00
2 packs Ring Clips $11.98
Pink Fabric $2.81
Once Upon a Wall letters $29.99
Black Boots $100.00
Brown Boots $100.00
Purple Shirt $22.00

Total full price :$326.66

So I "saved" $237.66 which is an almost 72% savings! WOW!!

My total spending was $97.23 with taxes so I still have $2.77 left from my $100! I just love bargain shopping!!