$30 Project

DRESS IT UP, DRESS IT DOWN.

Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve done this feature. (Like… over a year? Yikes.) I recently became obsessed with the combo of short necklaces and high buttoned-up collars, but didn’t feel like investing a ton of money in statement jewelry. I popped into Forever 21 and picked up two necklaces for $10 a piece just to have a little fun and play around, which is exactly what I proceeded to do one weekend when I finally had some free time.

Here’s the thing about me though. I am inherently lazy when it comes to clothes. When I find a system that works, I recycle it to the death.

So these ensembles grew out of my drastic need for anything wardrobe related to be as easy as possible. They use the exact same formula (i.e. high button-up, stament collar necklace, and cover-up) with the same two basic pieces; chambray shirt and skinny jeans.

You can change the entire look and feel of your outfit without ever having to change your pants.

Dress It Up!

Chambray Shirt: Old Navy $30, Legging Pants: Uniqlo $40, Blazer: L.A.M.B. purchased at a thrift store in CA for $50, Booties: DSW previously owned for at least 4 years, Necklace: Forever 21 $10, Rings: Snake from Charlotte Russe for $4 and other two were gifts

Total: $134

Dress It Down!

Chambray Shirt: Old Navy $30, Legging Pants: Uniqlo $40, Sweater: Christmas present from JCrew, Mocs: LL Bean Signature Collection received as Christmas gift, Necklace: Forever 21 $10

Total: $80

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DRESS IT UP, DRESS IT DOWN: Little Purple Dress

Time for a feature!

First things first. I’m actually not going to be listing off the clothing items today because both of these ensembles are ZERO DOLLAR outfits. (For new followers, if I have owned an article of clothing for 12+ months, than the price is not counted. This is in an attempt to encourage myself to utilize and remix EVERY item of clothing in my closet.)

I bought this little cocktail dress when I had to attend a wedding about 2 years ago. My “fancy” look is pretty true to what I wore that evening. Since the color is so bold and the accessories are both shiny, I avoided any jewelry. You don’t want to blind someone when you’re walking toward them, you know?

The second look is one of my favorite tricks in the book. ADD A TEE-SHIRT UNDERNEATH. Really, that’s all you need to do! It provides an instant casual element and tones down the entire outfit. I also switched out the heels for some wedges and used cream-colored accessories for a bit more contrast, adding a little funkiness in there. 

Oh! And I changed my lip gloss! For the fancier outfit, I wore NARS gloss in Orgasm which has a matte finish and makes you look very polished. For the more casual look, I wore Clinique gloss in Juicy Apple for a pop of color. 

Dress it UP, Dress it DOWN: Green Shorts

New week, new installment of my new feature. (And today I am starting a new job! So please bear with me if posts are a bit slow in the upcoming days.)

Outfit #1: Casual

Flannel: Old Navy $16 on sale, Shorts: Urban Outfitters $20 on sale, Teal Woven Flats: BDG via Urban Outfitters $18 on sale

Outfit #2: Dressier

Ruffle Tank Top: Liberty of London for Target $20, Shorts: Urban Outfitters $20 on sale, Peep-Toe Pumps: JCrew previously owned for 5 years, Pink Pony Hair Bag: shop in San Francisco $30, Bracelets: vintage via my mom

The casual outfit is what I would wear on a day where I am lazing about the apartment or maybe to go do some thrifting. It’s comfortable, but none of the colors are the same; just complimentary to keep it a bit interesting.

With the dressier outfit, I tried to add juxtaposition to the masculine shorts by pairing them with very feminine items: flower print, ruffles, pink, and peep-toe pumps with bows. The shorts ground the outfit and keep it from being too costumey and over-the-top, while all the frilly details dress-up the shorts.

Total cost of Outfit #1: $54

Total cost of Outfit #2: $70

Remaining budget for the month of June = $60

Dress it Up, Dress it Down: Printed Blouse

Hey y’all, this is my new feature! I may have mentioned previously that whenever I buy an item of clothing, I try to imagine how it will fit into several different outfits. So I thought I might demonstrate a little of my thought process on The $30 Project by showing a casual vs. dressier set-up. 

I snagged this blouse at Beacon’s Closet just the other day on a quick shopping trip.

Outfit #1: Casual

Printed Blouse: via Beacon’s Closet $6, Jeans: Levis $23 on sale, Espadrilles: Macy’s purchased with gift card, Elephant Necklace: purchased 2 years ago at a boutique in LI, Bag: Target $12

Outfit #2: Dressy

Printed Blouse: via Beacon’s Closet $6, Black Skirt: GAP previously owned for 4 years, Wedges: Bandolino previously owned for a year, Bracelet: purchased 2 years ago at a boutique in LI, Clutch: Banana Republic previously owned for 4 years

The first, I would probably wear to a happy hour with friends. Maybe a date. The second, I actually wore on a job interview just the other day!

Cost of outfit #1 = $41

Cost of outfit #2 = $6 (!)

Remaining budget for the month of June = $60