OOTD | Leather cropped blazer

I am back!...well at least when I have the time. I found this wonderful 100% leather blazer and a matching skirt at Edgewater's thrift store for $18.00! Then I got the new kicks for $15 at C. Russe with a discount my sister got while buying her pair. The darling necklace is from World Market for $10. All under $50. This tomgirl is patting herself on the back!

50 DOLLAR CHALLENGE | GAP

Good things come to those who wait.

Yesterday was pay day. I wanted to update my wardrobe with more basic and classic items that could be worn with anything. Thursday, I went to GAP and found they were having a 50% off sale...but I was only browsing. I just wanted to see what was available so that I would know whether it was worth it or not to come back on Friday. Well, with Friday came the additional 40% off. That's right. I was elated. $160 worth of pants for less than $50!! Oh it is so, Joe!

Mint Skinny
{source}

Mini Skimmer Khakis
{source}

Railroad-stripe Skinny
{source}

OOTD | Downton Love

Did anyone catch last nights episode of Downton? I decided to be good and wait for the PBS premiere instead of impatiently watching it online. I waited almost two years for them to make season two after being left wanting more, so I was seasoned to waiting. Anyway, sporting some antiques and new things to go along with this season's theme of clinging to the old while embracing the new.

JCP British Flag Sweater--$8
Salavation Army Shorts
Antique Pocket Watch
Target Merona Gold Watch (Christmas gift)-- $16.99
New Yorker High Top Wedges- 18.00 Euro

50 Dollar Challenge | Home on the Range

Photo by Frankie Alduino

This is my bummed out casual day. I tend to be more tomboyish than tomgirlish on these kind of days, but I try to make them look somewhat interesting with some kind of accessory. I was kind of vibing off of Tom Sawyer meets True Grit. And the setting was perfect for the outfit. Normally the hay bales are not there, but today when Frankie and I were driving around for locations, I noticed that this spot had added the hay since the last time I saw it and I saw Frankie's eyes salivating. Anyway, a  momentary pause of my ramblings to give the price check:

Army Green Wool Blazer:: Goodwill 5.99

Mossimo Denim Shirt:: Salvation Army 4.99

Forever21 Jeans:: (old purchase 10.98 so not included in challenge)

Wide Brim Hat:: Target (old purchase 19.99)

Bass suede moccasin boots:: (old purchase 24.99)

So, aside from the old purchases that weren't made within the last 3 months, I ended up only spending about $11 on my whole outfit for the month of November for an outfit! Hey, I am getting better at this!

50 Dollar Challenge | Greys and Denim

So I couldn't find the pieces I originally wanted for this look, but I happened to be wearing the shirt and pants along with a sweater and thought, this might work with my kicks! I am a very casual person and walking around in heels all day isn't the best option for me, I have to jazz it up with some jewelry I have laying around the house and add a little makeup just so I at least look like I meant to dress like this. I consider this my "bum" look because I am super dressed down, but if I accessorize just right, I look a little more put together.

Denim Button Up Shirt--3.99 Salvation Army (Originally from Target)

Grey Denim Pants--10.98 Forever21

Baby Phat Tennis Shoes--12.99

Grand Total:: $27.96

INSPIRATION | Monochrome

Ok, So I have worn these shoes a lot already, but mostly with things I already own. The shoes were meant to be for my $50 challenge for the month of October, but I haven't quite found what I was looking for. I know I want to do a monochromatic style, but with all shades of grey. I was planning on being completely casual like the picture on the left, but I think I want try the whole dress downed elegance look instead.

I am thinking some nice grey cropped slacks, with a button up sheer top and a simple graphic sweatshirt. Or maybe European casual (which would technically still be dressed up here). Like maybe a flowing dress.

50 Dollar Challenge | Creams and Whites

Here's my outfit I will be wearing to GENT. Creme de la Creme! For the challenge I spent 37.29! I will pat myself on the back. The whole outfit (including accessories that I have had in my closet for a bit now) cost about 57.79. Cannot wait to show you pics from the GENT. event on Saturday. I will keep you posted!

Anne Klein Blazer- Swap Shop $0
White tuxedo button up- Salvation Army $2.49
Cream Shorts- Goodwill (alterations $12)
Gold Chain Necklace- Bajalia (doesn't factor into my challenge
but I got it on sale for $12.50
after its mark down from $90!)
Nude shoes-  Forever 21 at $22.80

Swap Shop

I have been putting off buying anything for this GENT. event until the swap shop. What is a swap shop you ask? Well, it is where you bring your old clothes to a specified location, and then you get to shop for other people's clothes. It used to be free, but now there is a small entrance fee. Still, I get to grab however many clothes I want. I have never walked away from a swap shop empty handed. This time I actually walked away with newer items (no vintage pieces). I helped Dana of OPP sort through all the men and women clothing for most of the morning, and I get to pull a few items before the actual swap and shop.

I walked away with two dresses, a white blazer (my heart's craving for months) from Anne Klein, a clutch wallet, and four tops. The white blazer I want to go with my cream shorts for the event, so now I just need to find shoes and a top. Trying to figure out the best combo. But so far of my $50 budget for a month, I have spent 12 and that has been for hemming the shorts because the shorts I got almost a year ago. Can I do it? My dilemma is whether or not to wear a top that matches the white blazer or matches the cream shorts. And what color should my shoes be? Decisions. Decisions.

Inspiration? Time for some pinteresting.

{source}

TENNIS SHOE | Baby Phat

Baby Phat tennis shoes on sale $12.99. My first purchase for September in my $50 Challenge

I do not normally even give a side eye to Baby Phat merch. So many sparkles of bejeweled and bedazzled, my eyes should flock to it like a moth to a porch light. Instead, I try to keep myself from gagging. But I stumbled across the most tame of all the Cats of Phat. So simple, that feline logo did not even phase me. Neither did the price. Mostly because it was on sale for less than $15. The insides are plaid. The soles are a purple felt-like material. I love the caramel brown leather accents on the outside with the grey canvas. I need something casual and street wearable. A tomgirl does not have to sacrifice style for comfort or vice versa. This is both in harmony.

50 DOLLAR CHALLENGE

I am trying to budget my funds better. My department is taking extensive budget cuts, but instead of letting anyone go, we are all having to split hours. This means less money in my pocket. With me saving money to go to Germany in December, I had to look at where all my money was going with a fine tooth comb.

I am competitive. Even if it is just against myself. So I am giving myself a challenge. I am allotting myself $50 a month for clothes, to buy one full outfit : shoes, top, bottom, accessories. This would also include any tailoring I need to get down should I get an item for cheap or free. I need to upgrade my wardrobe, so full outfits that can be interchanged with other pieces is a MUST.

My overall goal is to be able to function off of less than $300 a month. I KNOW. That is most fashionistas' starter budget for just clothes. Some day. But not really. I want to be practical. I want to eat. And I do not need to sacrifice my style for it. I will do a trial run from now until December to see if this is doable. Then I will take a break till its time for the new season. I want to get my wardrobe to a place where I will not have to update my clothes as frequently as I used to in order to stay in style.

September 30. We will see how it goes. Stay tuned.