Hey there fashion lovers!
I decided to participate in AV's Friday's Fancies a bit early this week! I figured it's been a while since I shared some fashion inspiration... :)
Let me just say... that girl looks fabulous- I cannot wait until I get to join in on the top knot sensation!
And how are you liking the Chambray trend?
I discovered it two years ago when I intentionally stole one of my stylish co-worker's looks! I picked up an XL jean-looking shirt at Walmart for $8, paired it with leggings, and cinched it with a belt. I just wore it the other day actually, and felt "on-trend" for a change :)
Yesterday I mentioned on Twitter that I haven't been shopping since September- and it kinda floored some of you!
I'll let you in on a secret... spending extra money expanding my closet has simply not been an option.
I don't like to talk about money (I don't know why it is such an uncomfortable topic to talk about- too personal? Maybe...) but Josh and I have gone through some financial downs during our recent job switches last fall/winter.
This does not mean I'm poor, naked, or begging for change on the streets! We've just been transitioning and really watching where the money goes. If the money is not there- we don't spend it. We work with what we have.
When things were steady I was so used to frivolously spending every couple months... NEEDING to give in to the urge of buying something pretty and new!
Now looking back on these eight months of no-shopping, I really think I'm getting used to it!
I'm actually going through my closet trying to find new combinations and still managing to feel confident when I walk out the door. I'm still expressing myself- just being a little more creative.
I've realized I have so many clothes from years of shopping sprees, and I have enough... I'll survive without a pair of colored jeans... I'll be OK!!
I'll be honest, I tend to stay away from malls, magazines, and fashion blogs. They just end up bringing me down- I don't need to see what and who everyone else is wearing- I'm cool just chillin' in my two year old skinnies and my go-to earrings I've rocked since '07.
Besides, there's always Polyvore- it's just like shopping and showing off my style, but without spending the hard earned dollars.
Works for me! :D
Have you ever gone through shopping rehab?
How do you deal when you need to cut back?
I love that outfit!
ReplyDeleteI just did a huge purge of my closet & scaling down my amount of clothes has actually helped increase my clothing combinations. Isn't that weird? Yes, your no shopping tweet surprised me but I totally get it. ;) Your "stolen" outfit sounds adorable!
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate! I've been shopping twice I think since January... and besides the occasionally hankering for something that I see online, I'm usually okay with it. It's just that as much as I like clothes, working from home means that I really don't need anything more than what I've already got. Thanks for sharing with us, lady!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I might have to steal that chambray shirt from Wal-Mart idea!
Here's my deal. I am not a big shopper, because wheneverI spend money on clothes, I feel like I'll be tight the rest of the month. I don't make the big bucks.. yet! I am used to not shopping often. However when a big occasion like weddings come up it's really hard to not go out and buy a new outfit!
ReplyDeleteLove the colors together! The touch of coral is perfect. And yes, I feel you. We went from two, full-time salaries+ to living off student loans. It killed me at first, and I suppose it's fortunate that there is literally zero shopping here on the island. It makes it easier not to walk into Target when there IS NO Target!
ReplyDeleteHey!
ReplyDeleteI know mentioned you try to stay away from fashion blogs, but do you ever read Kendi Everyday? I just did her "Working Closet Series" [http://www.kendieveryday.com/p/working-closet.html] and that helped me so much! I realized I already have so many outfits in my closet. It really has helped me save money in the long run!
Anne Katherine @
www.raspberrycappuccino.com
Love this outfit!
ReplyDeleteVery cute! I love the basic tank with the contrast of the lace skirt. I have a bad habit of feeling like I NEED new clothes. Obviously ti's not the case, but I get these cravings every now and then. I don't go crazy, but it's nice to get a few new things every now and then. I shop at cheap stores so I feel like my purchases are always justified. I go through times where I hate everything In my closest and it totally brings me down. You're so right though that it takes creativity in coming up with new outfits to rock! Something I'd also suggest is clothes swapping with a friend (who's around the same size obvi). A while back I got ride of some clothes I didn't want and gave them to a friend who loved them. It's a nice way to get new clothes without spending money. Or you could swap a few tops for a period of time then swap back. I totally admire your ability to be OK with not spending. I'm not that strong. Ha. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable look! I am also trying to not buy anything I don't need. I WANt a chambray top but I don't NEED it so I never jumped on this style :/
ReplyDeletethat girl DOES look fabulous, & i love her top knot!
ReplyDeletei can relate with not going shopping for clothes all the time - i try to reign it in on most months, & pick a few things up here & there from time to time. with a wedding around the corner, i haven't really gone clothing shopping in what feels like forever. but you're right, you do get used to it, & it makes you value what's in your closet more :)
- l
I wish I could not feel like I *need* to get colored skinnies... But honestly I do. I have a problem :(
ReplyDeleteThat blazer is fantastic! And I'm obsessed with that lace skirt! Love the outfit you put together this week!
ReplyDeletei love my chambray top and wear it all the top! way to go for not shopping for so long. I know that I could definitely rework and style more clothes in my closet rather than buying new things and need to do that!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so loving the chambray blazer! I actually just purchased my first chambray top the other day! Have a lovely weekend!
ReplyDeleteadorable outfit!! this makes chambray look work appropriate. The chambray and lace looks great together!
ReplyDeleteI normally only pick up one or two pieces at a time when I am shopping. If I get any more, I will feel like I have not really thought the pieces through. I also happen to be really picky about clothes which is helpful. I am constantly getting rid of clothes (I get rid of at least one thing a month) so that my closet is not stuffed with things I am not wearing. My philosophy is that for everything I get rid of, I can buy one new thing. This keeps my wardrobe fresh without keeping my closet packed. =)
ReplyDeleteEverything about this outfit is so chic and put-together. I love that you went with a chambray blazer instead of just the classic shirt. Just goes to show how versatile chambray really is!! xo
ReplyDeletehttp://dreamingenfrancais.blogspot.com/
i love the models shoes. and thanks for pointing out polyvore. im loving it atm xx
ReplyDeleteLove the shoes. And yes I do feel so ugh sometimes because I see everything that everyone else has and I don't. So I try to cut back on the fashion blogs.
ReplyDeleteI am always hesitant to buy chambray because I don't know what to pair it with but you have given me such gorgeous inspiration! What a great summer look! :)
ReplyDeleteAre you turning into your big sister? I had the urge to go shopping for my interview the other day, but resisted...again. I came up with one of the best outfits and I looked great! I love you and look forward to shopping with you when we both have money!
ReplyDeleteI love that you were honest about your situation in this post. My husband and I are in the middle of a big financial change too...we're working to pay off all of our debt and any extra pennies go to that. I haven't been shopping since Novemeber. It feels good to learn to be not dependent on the thrill of shopping. :) Great post girl!
ReplyDeleteEver since my now-husband was laid off, we've been tight too. But we still managed to get married and move to another state and SURVIVE! :-) Shopping is definitely a luxury, and for me, it wasn't hard to kick to the curb for a (looong) while.
ReplyDelete