Thursday, November 15, 2012

graphic tee gone classy....yes you read right

oh the graphic tee....its coming back in style at full swing! And we all go out and buy them because they are cute and comfortable, but then we realize we can't wear them to work because they aren't "business casual." Well I have found and given you a solution to that problem! plus...I bring in the infamous colored pant!

For this look, go look in your closet and find that graphic tee that you want to wear to work. Have it? Next, find the pair of dress slacks or skirt that goes great with it (and you love to wear as well). Alrighty once you have those picked out, pick out a neutral color from the shirt that you have the same color blazer or cardigan of....make sure it still goes with the pants you have picked out! Finally, go with the pair of shoes that matches the color of the blazer or cardigan you picked out to wear(if you don't have the same color shoe, pick out another neutral color and go with that for the shoe...brown, black, grey, or white has to be in there somewhere). Finally, the accessories. Since you have a printed shirt, you do not have to wear a necklace, unless you absolutely want to, and in that case you need to not wear the ring and wear bangles or a bracelet instead. So pick out either a bold ring and matching colored earrings, or a simple necklace and bangles to wear. The purse-try and stay along the same color scheme as the ring/earring combo or the necklace/bangle combo. There you have it!

Now that wasn't hard was it? And you didn't have to spend anything because it all came from your closet! Now if you don't have any of the above, no worries. You can go out and buy the pieces, just remember don't pay high end prices in order to achieve this look. I have almost the exact same outfit and it cost a total of $60(thats a lot better than the templates price tag).

Go feel comfortable and wear that graphic tee to work! Just don't overdo it by wearing a tee everyday...your boss may not like me for that!

Your Fashionista,
Justina

graphic tee gone business classy

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

thrift of the week inspiration and killing time

Here's the inspiration for the thrift outfit of the week! As I said, this weeks was put up backwards, but you can still see the difference in prices for each outfit. It is the same style and look, just using much wiser store choices and price ranges. The dress has a bold print, while the necklace and belt match the dress, the bracelet matches the shape of the necklace beads, the boots black and wedges, and finally the purse a color that compliments all parts of the dress and accessories, but is not already present in the color scheme! Compare this one and the thrifty one...not much difference except in prices!!

Here's a little help for finding inspiration: When I go out and shop, I don't always go looking to buy something. About half the time I go into stores just to look around and kill time. When I do this though, I make it a requirement, per se, that I find one piece that I can make a whole outfit around, and then go make it while in the store. For instance, while I was in CATO  I wasn't looking for anything, but  I  saw the necklace and told myself I wouldn't leave the store til I created an outfit. I went around just skimming and in less than 20 minutes, I had entire outfit made and ready to be put on a mannequin. I didn't buy anything from that outfit, but I took pictures of it and now have an idea for an outfit if later on down the road I need some inspiration. You will be surprised at how much faster and better you will get at putting together outfits for your own inspiration. And, when you get to that thrift store you love to go to(like Plato's Closet for me), you can create an outfit similar to the one you created while killing time in no time flat! You will look and feel like a million bucks for less that a hundred bucks!

Now that you have a template for the next party you are going to attend, you will be rocking this bold print and accessories designer look, for thrifty prices! And you have a mission to go on when you are killing time at the retail stores! Be bold, courageous, and go create some inspiring outfits!

Your Fashionista,
Justina

bold party fun

Monday, November 5, 2012

Party fun...with bold accessories

Hello everyone!!! It is time for the thrifty buy of the week!!! I am doing this a little backward and posting the thrifty outfit first instead of the not so thrifty one from polyvore. I had some fun with this one and got the employees involved! I was at CATO and created this outfit. This cost under $100, even with some items not being on sale.

So....this outfit I just love. I personally think it would be cute for a party, engagement shoot, or a teacher(if they are brave enough). The purpose of this outfit-show you how to properly pair bold accessories with a bold dress. I picked this dress because I loved that the stripes went in all different directions so it hides those trouble spots you may think you have. Plus...the material is stretchy and comfortable, like spandex, so you feel good when wearing it and last all night without getting uncomfortable. From there, I chose the necklace and bracelet. The necklace has the same color as the stripes on the dress, and it calms the boldness of the dress. The bracelet matches the shape of the necklace beads and provides a little shimmer for this look. The boots...classic knee high boots that are totally in right now. They have a small wedge, yay heels, and keep your legs and feet warm with it getting colder out. And as always, you can wear them over and over again. Finally, the purse. This is what I believe makesbthe whole outfit. This is the right way to use a pop of color that isn't already in the color scheme of the outfit. This turquoise green like color of the purse compliments the orange and pink of the dress. Notice I also kept the purse simple and not totally blinged out or full of print. I'm sure you're wondering what the outfit cost so here's the breakdown:
Dress: $15
Necklace:$8
Bracelet:$4
Boots:$30
Purse:$22
(The only things not on sale were the boots and purse)
So even though it is $79, I am still calling it a thrift. An outfit like this somewhere else would have cost closer to $165-$200.

I had to laugh a little when I was getting the employees involved. The girl put on the dress, we got the accessories on, and had just handed her the purse when one of the other employees said, "I would have never picked out that bag for that outfit but she looks super cute and it goes great!" I smiled and said, that's what I'm here for! Next thing I know, they are asking me if I would fill out an application to work for them putting together outfits! Things like that make me happy and motivate me to keep going and designing outfits for you guys!

Hope this does some inspiring!! Keep up the good work dressing yourself and have fun doing it!!

Your Fashionista,
Justina