Fashion Friday - J's Everday Fashion for the Everyday Fashionista

Happy Friday, lovies! It’s the beginning of the month, spring is nearly here (if you’re in Florida, like I am, it’s been here for a while, but that’s neither here nor there), and it’s time to put the sweaters and coats and scarves away for the year! Aren’t you excited? Bright colors. Breezy sun dresses. Linen pants. Wait. You don’t have any of that in your closet? It doesn’t fit anymore because you’ve been sticking to your workout plan? Buying a whole new wardrobe isn’t financially feasible? Are you kidding? As a Budgetista, I can’t even think of those words without shuddering. Where there’s a fashionable will, there’s a fabulous way. And I have found just the remedy for that problem.

A few weeks ago, I came across a blog and instantly fell in love. J’s Everyday Fashion helps women just like you and I, who know that the world is our runway, make financially savvy decisions on what to stock our closets with and how to put ensembles together that look effortless yet fashion forward. I love how she takes looks straight out of the fashion magazines, recreates them, then tells you where AND when she got the pieces (because I always wonder if it’s still in stores), how much they cost, and how to edit them to suit you. She outlines how to take a look from day to night with a few simple swaps. And best of all, J thinks outside the box. Some of the things that are hot on the runway have probably been sitting in your closet for a few seasons because you have no idea how to work it into your wardrobe. It’s as simple as taking what you already have, adding a few inexpensive pieces, and viola! Your closet has been transformed. It’s all around fabulous! I could learn a lot from her… And so could you! Check her out!

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista

Fashion Friday - The First Lady Rockin' A Frugal Frock, And Still Looking Fab

As I was checking my email I came across an article that made me stop in my tracks. “Michelle Obama wows in a $35 dress.” I instantly had to give my BFF the heads up about it. Her response: “You a damn liar!” Seriously. She was on the Today Show in a dress from H&M and it looked like a million bucks! A few styling edits and BAM! A phenomenal dress to fit her wonderful sense of style.

Regardless of your political affiliation, you have to admit, the First Lady has an impeccable sense of style that we haven’t seen since Jackie O. She appeals to the everyday woman and has become quite the fashion muse. If you’ve noticed, she’s not a brand snob. We’ve seen her in Target, J. Crew, White House Black Market, and now H&M. One thing is clear about Mrs. Obama’s personal style - It’s not about following trends or wearing big name designers. It’s about knowing who you are, what looks good on your body and what makes you feel good. PERSONAL style. It doesn’t matter who you wear, it’s HOW you wear it.

My best friend said it best, “Whether it's a $2000 dress or a $20 dress it doesn't matter it's all about how you wear it and how it fits your personal style.”

So find what works for you. Try different looks and trends and styles until you find what best fits YOU.

♥ - The Bougie Budgetista



Closet organization for the "Clueless"

Getting ready in the morning is a mission and a half. For one, I like to sleep in (don't judge me).Two, I have loads of clothes, but never enough to sort through all of it to find the perfect look. And three, I've got an image to maintain! I'm a firm believer that you must dress for the job you want, not for the job you have. But when you only give yourself an hour to get up, get ready and run out the door, how on earth can expect a flawless look each and every time? Now, we all can't have Cher's closet or her super awesome wardrobe software, but we can take a Saturday afternoon, treat a BFF to a home cooked lunch and grab a camera (preferably digital, but Polaroid will suffice) and get to playing dress up!

I'm a huge fan of playing dress up, in fact, I encouraged my favorite 2-year-old to do so this past Christmas. I gave her a trunk of Disney Princess dresses. Well, they weren't really dresses, they were pretty little tops and skirts, but when put together, they were quite the ensembles. It even had the accessories! Awesome, isn't it? That gift gave me the best idea ever. One skirt, four tops, four different looks. All with five pieces. Such an economical way to perk up your wardrobe, don't you think?

So on this Saturday afternoon, pair tops and bottoms, accessorize, put looks together that you never thought you'd ever wear in public and snap a picture of it. Once you're done, upload the pictures to your PC (or Mac, if you're a cool kid) and take note all the looks you've created. Is it work appropriate? Is it more suited for brunch with the besties? Did you find a killer date outfit? Create folders for each classification (work, weekend, date, party, etc). I would take it a step further by printing the pictures, writing a brief description of each item in the look and the accessories I jazzed up the look with, then tape them to the back of my closet door - well, at least the work looks, since that's what I'm normally rushing to find in the mornings.

The next day, separate your closet into sections (pants, skirts, long sleeved tops, short sleeved tops, cardigans, etc) and, if you're so inclined, color coordinate the sections as well. It makes finding the coral ruffle shirt you wanted to pair with your beige pencil skirt a lot easier. Once you've accomplished this task, you're ready to take on Monday!

Soon, I'll post some of my favorite looks from my closet and I'd encourage you to do the same! Send me some of your best creations! Good luck, lovies and make it fab!

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista