Shades of Grey

In this outfit, I paired multiple shade of gray that compliment each other with a splash of red on the earrings for an accent color. This is an outfit you could wear out for date night or girls night out.

Tip: Pair multiple shades together and use accessories to bring it all together.

Outfit Total: Less Than $50

Sheer Grey Ruffle Shirt [2nd Hand Store] $2, Faux Leather Snake Skin Pants [New York and Company] $25. Belt [New York and Company] $5 (on sale), Red Earrings [Forever21] $5, Bracelets [Walmart] $5, Shoes [old], Purse [old]

Photos Taken By: James McElrath

One Skirt | Three Outfit Ideas

I love when I can get multiple looks out of one piece. In this blog, I took one skirt and created three outfit options. In the first outfit, I pulled the elastic band pleated skirt above my chest to create a tube style dress. I paired the dress with a Kimono style belt I purchased almost ten years ago. Wow!!. I used the belt to cinch in my waist and give the skirt more shape. In the second look, I placed a cardigan over the dress for a more daytime look. On the last look, I pulled the skirt down around my waist, added a white camisole, and changed the cardigan.

Outfit Total: Less Than $60

Skirt [Thrift Store] $2, Necklace [2dollarjewelry.com]$2, Kimono Style Belt [Express] old, J Lo Platform Heels [Do Remember the Store] old, Black Clutch/Tote 2-in1[JustFab.com] $39.95

Photos Taken By: James McElrath

All About the Shoes

In today's outfit, I got inspiration from my amazing Christian Siriano (Payless) Platform Heels. Luckily, I didn't have to look too deep in my closet to find something that wouldn't take away from the star of the show, the shoes. Aqua and chocolate are two colors I love and they work well together in this outfit. To finish the look, I paired the outfit with gold accessories I have collected over time.

Tip: During your spring cleaning, reserve some of your darker pieces for future outfits. You can transition right into the season by pairing some of your dark colors with lighter and bright spring like colors. (i.e. pastels and bright bold colors).

Outfit Total: Approximately $62.00
Sheer Aqua Shirt [Can't Recall the Store] Less than $20, Chocolate (George) Capris [Wal-Mart] $12, Christian Siriano Platform Heels [Payless] $15, Earrings & Necklace [Forever21] Less Than $10, Bangle Bracelets [Wal-Mart] $5

Out the Door in a Flash!

How many times have you woke up late? The wrap dress is a lifesaver for days when you are running behind and you have no clue on what to wear. This type of dress compliments all figure types and the animal print was an added bonus to camouflage any problem areas we all try to hide. I simply paired the dress with basic black acessories, a pop of red on my clutch purse, and a pair of nude pumps. It is comfortable, chic, and affordable at the same time. It is always a bonus when you get ready in a flash and it looks like you had a style team in your closet.

Tip: Reserve a spot in your closet for wrap dresses. They serve as a staple for those days when you want to look fabulous and comfortable at the same time. Depending on the occassion, you can dress them up or down.

Outfit Total: 48.99

Wrap Dress [Ross] 16.99, Black Necklace [Everything's $10] $10 (Store in the airport), Bracelets and Earrings [Beauty Supply Store] $2 Red Clutch [Old], BCBG Nude Pumps [Ross] $20

Photos Take By: James McElrath

Five Ways to Wear One Dress

I love when I can transform one item into many differrent outfits. In my blog post today, I have taken one dress and remixed it fived different ways. You can wear it to the office, date night, or out for errands or an appointment. Stretching your wardrobe will allow you to stretch your budget.

Tip: Plain dresses always want attention. Next time, take out your favorite accessories, shoes, cardigans, blazers, skirts, and purses, and go to town on recreating your look. Don't be afraid. Remember...no one will see it until you leave the house. If nothing else, call a friend over and get their opinion on the matter.

Black & White Dress [Ross] $16.99

Time To Set Sail

Have you ever purchased an item you loved, but didn't show it love? I am guilty of this all the time. I always say...."I am going to wear it soon, or I need the perfect shoe to rock it". Well, I found this nautical inspired sweater from the thrift store and I have had it in my closet for a few months now. Today I found a place for it in my ensemble. At first, I really didn't know how I was going to wear it because it was a poor cut for my body type and it has HORIZONTAL Stripes!! So I thought....why not cinch in your waist with a thin belt, throw a blazer on top of the stripes to tone it down, and wear some great accessories. I love my stripes but sometimes I have to think outside the stripe to accomplish the desired look. In this look today, I accomplished what I was going for.

Outfit Total Cost $122.95 (Most items were collected over time)

Navy Blue Blazer [Love Culture] $20, Nautical Inspired Sweater [Thrift Store] $3, Skinny Leg Pants [Old Navy] $10 (sale), Madden Girl Platform Heels [Zappos.com] 49.95, Gold Accessories [Payless, Rainbow, Forever21] $20 (combined three gold necklaces to get a chunkier look), Gold Bangles [Wal-Mart] $5.


Tip: If you have a busy print shirt that has too much going on, that you love to wear, throw a cardigan or blazer over the pattern to tone down the look.  It works every time!!

Passion for the Peg

The peg leg, skinny leg, tapered leg and harem style pants are all loved by me. The cut and design is absolutely fabulous. These styles of pants are the perfect showcase for a fierce pair of heels in addition to showing off just a little bit of ankle. Just to my surprise, I was able to find two pair at my local thrift store. Since the pants are such a slim cut, I chose to wear a larger top to keep it chic. With the exception of the shoes, this outfit was very affordable. With just a little bit of patience and time, I am always able to add pieces that will compliment my wardrobe.

Thrift Store Shopping Tip: To avoid being overwhelmed, have a list of items you would like to find when you go shopping. (e.g. tapered leg pant, colorful tops, belts, or maybe even scarves)

Turquoise Top [Rainbow] $3.50 (sale), Peg Leg Pants [Thrift Store] $2, Shoes [JustFab.com] $39.95, Necklace/Ear Ring Set [Rainbow] $3.50 (sale)

Outfit Total: $48.95

Photos taken by: James McElrath

Thrift Store Chic

The thrift store is my little affordable treasure box. I love finding pieces I can mix in with other items I already have in my wardrobe. In this outfit, I was able to find this beautiful salmon color pleated skirt for $2. For the ladies that are on a budget, the thrift store is an awesome place to find great things at an extremely affordable price. If I have sparked your interest, set aside an hour to go on an exciting scavenger hunt and you may actually find something you love. Take it home and introduce it to your wardrobe. In the end, you will look chic for cheap. Thank you and Stay Beautiful!!

Inspiration: Spring Time

Outfit Total: $61.95
Chelsea Cardigan [New York and Company] $20 (sale price), Leather Belt [New York and Company] $5 (sale price), Pleated Skirt [Thrift Store] $2, BCBGeneration Platform Heels [Ross] $20, Purse [Old Navy] $10, Earrings [Gofavor.com] $4.95.

Embracing My Stripes

For many years I have shied away from stripes because of personal insecurities. Well those days are over!! Now that I have a better understanding of my body type, I am able to select pieces that compliments me best. Buying a pair of horizontal striped leggings would not be a good choice for me. However, a loose fitting silk shirt would be a timeless, chic investment. In this outfit I paired my striped blouse with a cobalt blue pencil skirt, and a black leather belt to highlight the appearance of a smaller waist. Knowing what you can and can't pull off is key to having an effortless and endless chic style. Thank your for giving me a moment of your day. Stay Beautiful.

Inspiration: Celebrity Photo

Outfit Total: 80.95
Black and White Stripe Shirt [Ross] $9.95, Cobalt Blue Pencil Stretch Skirt [New York and Company] $25 (sale price), Black Leather Belt [New York and Company] $5 (sale price), BCBGeneration Platform Pumps [Ross] $20, Earrings [Beauty Supply Store] $1, Purse [old purchase] $20

It's All in Black and White!

Black and White is always a chic look to wear on any occasion. My inspiration today came from White House Black Market. This store has tons of fabulous pieces but the prices may not always be in compliance with the monthly budget. In my affordable remix of the outfit, I placed a black camisole under a sheer kimono style cardigan, paired a black tuxedo style pant, and  I added a pop color with my belt earrings and purse.  The cardigan was a treasure I found at the thrift store, the camisole was purchased at Wal-Mart for pennies, the black tuxedo style pants were purchased at New York and Company during a sale, and the shoes were purchased on JustFab.com. The entire outfit was less than $100. All of these items are interchangeable pieces in my wardrobe. Remember, it is okay to look
chic for cheap.

Listed below are a few places to find some great deals on accessories.
Happy Shopping!!!!

http://www.gofavor.com

http://www.dsw.com/

http://www.justfab.com/

New York & Company's Sale!

New York and Company is having a work essentials sale!! This is your chance to rack up on items that will become a staple in your wardrobe. NYC is on my top 10 list because they consistently send out coupons and provide great deals. I can always find interchangeable pieces for work and play. Enter Promotion Code 2729 and receive 30% off your purchase!! If you register online, they will also email you great coupons in the future. Enjoy shopping!