New Me...New Wardrobe

I recent lost weight...a lot of weight. As in, I went from being a 12 to a 4. This brought up one big, giant, problem--none of my clothes fit!

I literally had to start completely from scratch and build a new wardrobe. It hasn't been an easy task by any means. For starters, I have no idea what my "style" is. Another problem has been trying to build a completely new wardrobe on a budget ( I am a broke college student, after all).

So far I have:

J. Crew Factory Cotton Mini

I adore this skirt. It's so comfy and flattering. I also love that it's really versatile. I can wear it with a sweater this Fall and with a tank or t-shirt in the spring. I bought it on sale for I think about $30.
Fall Outfit:
      
Coat: Old Navy, $54.94
Shirt: Forever21, $6.80
Skirt: J.Crew Factory, $30 (SOLD OUT)
Shoes: JC Penney, $30
Necklace: J.Crew (Already Owned)

First off, I LOVE this coat. It's absolutely perfect for Fall/Winter in Florida, and such a beautiful color. It also comes in petite sizes, which is a huge plus. I always have problems with coats being cut too long/big. I also love the ruffle detail on the neck. Second, the shoes! They're a little basic, but I think that the neutral color will give me a great "bang for my buck," and they come in a size 5!

J.Crew Factory Corduroy Mini, $24.50

I managed to get this skirt while it was $24.50. I think right now it's selling for $29.50. I always feel a little like I'm playing the stock market when I buy from J.Crew Factory online, because the prices are always changing. Has anyone else noticed that? The quality of it is pretty good for it being a Factory piece. BUT, i have noticed the color fading slightly around the zipper after just a few washes. Maybe this is typical with corduroy or maybe I just need to be more careful with washing, I'm not sure. It's still a great staple for my Fall/Winter wardrobe. I still don't have an "outfit" planned around it. Maybe a beige sweater, scarf, burgundy bangle, flats, and the Old Navy coat (shown above)?
J.Crew Textured Cotton Mini
I had been eyeing this skirt when it was first on the J.Crew Factory site, but didn't pull the trigger...which I definitely regretted. When I saw it pop up in the Clearance section in a 6 a few weeks ago, I just couldn't resist. I LOVE this skirt. The color is a beautiful grey/beige color, and the length is great on me. The quality is also pretty good. It's fully lined, which I didn't expect. I wish I had bought it sooner in both the cobble stone and a beautiful peachy color I recently saw on Polyvore.

Outfit Idea

 
 
Sweater: Forever21, $15.80
Skirt: J.Crew Factory
Necklace: J.Crew Bubble Necklace (Already Owned)
Bag: Here
This skirt doesn't "go" with the Old Navy coat, so I'd probably pair it with a sweater. Thankfully, I live in Florida where I can get away with just wearing a sweater during Winter. I also love the idea of adding a burgundy bag to the outfit. I already own a Michael Kors that I'd probably wear. I'm not sure if I'd wear my black patent flats or black pumps with this. The total amount I'll have spent on this outfit is right around $38. 

More outfits to come later!

All Dressed Up

I love how budget friendly dresses can be. Instead of having to buy a top and a bottom for an outfit, you only need one piece..plus a few accessories, of course. For this outfit, I'm reusing a few things from my previous post to show how versatile these outfits can be. The thing I love about this outfit is that I can switch the scarf for one of a different color (for maybe $15), and change the color scheme of the outfit. I also like that this outfit would be cute for both going out with my boyfriend and going to class.

This particular outfit is based off one I'm going to go buy today (hopefully...if I can find the F21 dress in my  local store!). I'm a very tiny 4'11". The reviews of the dress online said it was a bit long, so I'm pairing it with heels. I think this outfit would also be cute with flat sandals similar to those in my last post. I'm also showing it with earrings and a cocktail ring, but I think that a bracelet and earrings would be cute too. I debated doing earrings, a bracelet, and ring, but that was a little too flashy for me.

Scarf: $14.99, Target

Dress: $24.80, Forever21
Earrings: $3.80, Forever21
Ring: $16.50, LOFT
Shoes: $19.99, Payless

TOTAL: $80.08

Two Outfits for Less Than $200

Both of the below outfits are perfect for Summer. To help keep the outfit affordable, a lot of the pieces are used in both outfits.

OUTFIT 1
Work-This is a great outfit if you have a casual work environment. I'm kind of obsessed with this outfit and cannot wait to go buy it. I love that I can add boots and a sweater to make it appropriate for Fall.

Belt: $15, JC Penney

Necklace: $28, Nianacollection on Etsy
Shoes: $39.99, Target
Bag: $26.99, Target
Pencil Skirt: $22.99, Target
Shirt: $19.99, Target

Styling: Cuff the sleeves of the shirt so the top of the cuffs hit below your elbows. Unbutton the shirt to wherever you're comfortable. Tuck the shirt into the skirt and add the belt so it covers where the shirt and skirt meet.

OUTFIT 2
Weekend-This outfit is great for running around on the weekend. I love the pop of color in the shoes.

Necklace: $28, Nianacollection on Etsy
Shoes:$15, Target
Bag: $26.99, Target
Shirt: $19.99, Target
Shorts: $19.50, Old Navy

Styling: Roll the sleeves of the shirt so the top of the cuff hits below your elbow. Push the sleeves up a little (so they look scrunched) for a more casual look. Wear the shirt untucked and button to wherever you're comfortable.

Grand Total: $187.46
Price includes: 2 pairs of shoes, shorts, skirt, shirt, statement necklace, bag, and belt.

AdditionsPieces you can easily add to the outfits for a little more oomph

I love the idea of tying this scarf in a
bow on the handle of the bag in outfit
two for another pop of color and pattern.



This bracelet would be cute with
outfit number two.


Scarf: $14.99, Target
Bracelet: $4.80, Forever21