The One That I Want
If you caught my Snapchats from this past Saturday, you may already get the reference in my post title. For some reason this look had me feeling a little Olivia Newton-John post-makeover in the final act of 'Grease.' I'm guessing it has something to do with my snug black off-the-shoulder top and red lips..though we seriously part ways once we get to the mom jeans. Sandy, you do you in your spray-on cat suit. I'm going to mom out in some slouchy high-waisted denim.
But first, let's talk about this top.
I spent a whopping $8 on this shirt.
If you read last Friday's 'Weekend Things' post, you're ahead of the game. Maybe you shopped the LOFT sale yourself and made out like a bandit. I mean, how can a top possibly cost less than a bottle of wine? A box of K-cups? A pack of bacon? At this point, almost anything at the grocery store. Given the skyrocketing price of groceries, it's a good thing cute clothes are going for under $10 these days. Geez.
Aside from the price, I love this top's soft jersey fabric and the elastic neckline that keeps it snugly in place. You can wear it on your shoulders, too, if you prefer. Moms, don't forget that tops like this one make fanTAStic options for fashionable breastfeeding attire. It also comes in white if you want to wear a color that also conveniently hides spit up. Just being real here, ladies.
Let's play a game: can you guess what else I'm wearing that cost less than my top?
Answer: my purse. Right now I imagine you're either A) incredulous and dying to know more, or B) incredulous, kind of annoyed, but still curious how that could possibly be true.
The simple fact is, I went to Goodwill on a really good day. I just had a feeling I was going to find something Chanel, so I went and the rest is history. So far, the bag's passed all of the real or fake tests, but even if it didn't turn out to be the real deal, it's fly as a mofo and it cost all of $3.50. No, I didn't forget an extra zero or mistype a decimal where a comma belongs. It was the find of a lifetime.
As a matter of fact, my entire look is built around very affordable pieces. These jeans? A cheap pair of Cheap Mondays. The shoes? A Zara budget buy. Even my designer sunnies came in under a hundy from Saks Off Fifth. The only piece ringing up the dollar signs is my collar necklace.
High style can be low cost, it's just a matter of knowing where to look and how to buy. A savvy shopper strikes a balance between selecting the right garments, buying with patient intention, and building a wardrobe around a mix of essential basics, trendy one-offs, and classic investment pieces.
This outfit boils down to the most basic staples: a black t-shirt, jeans, heels, and a fun bag. It feels fresh because each piece's style is very of-the-moment. An off-the-shoulder neckline. Slouchy street-style denim. Minimal heeled sandals to balance and break up the look. All very easy, accessible, affordable pieces you can style a multitude of ways.
I rarely buy belts beyond the classic black or tan leather variety; spending a wad o' cash on a belt just isn't my cup of tea. However, they really can make a huge impact on an outfit. I found this western-inspired belt for around $30, a real steal considering it's a dupe of a much more expensive lookalike. I like it with jeans (duh) but it really wows worn with a boho dress. Possibilities, people.
(Not to dangle the proverbial carrot, but look out for a new designer duplicate shopping post this week!)
xxBrooke