Girl On A Budget

CONFESSION: I have an entire upper right side of my closet that I never even bother looking 1/3rd of the way past because I know it’s all garbage. Well, not garbage, but nothing in there fits me right or suits my style anymore. They say if you haven’t touched an article of clothing in a year you should toss it, but I have such a hard time with that rule because that plum velvet blazer I bought 4 years ago got it’s second wind this fall when velvet made a major comeback. I finally picked up that book Santa left in my stocking, The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up and after skimming through a couple chapters, I came to terms with the fact that one additional season in 4 years isn’t worth the aggravation clutter brings. Once I started purging, I couldn’t stop. I ended up with 2 bags to toss, 3 to donate, and 5 to consign. Immediate gratification.

With my consign bags in hand and a better handle on what I actually needed (a term my husband would argue I use too loosely) I went to Style Encore Maple Grove to try out their free personal shopping services. It’s like killing two birds with one stone <side note: why am I just now realizing how morbid that phrase is?> You guys, this place is a little hidden gem in MG!  I was SUPER impressed with the quality and price tags of their inventory. If you haven’t been, you should go. And if you go, I highly recommend booking an appointment with a personal shopper so they can do all the digging for you. The customer profile took me less than 5 minutes to complete and I walked into this fully stocked dressing room that was pretty spot on.

#ToWitToWoo #StyleEncore #FashionBlog

Before we take a look at the goods, let’s talk about “The Power of 3”, shall we? If you haven’t noticed yet, I’m all about adding that 3rd piece to easily elevate a basic look which I will be talking more about on Monday, March 20th at 3:00 CST on Twin Cities Live! Did I mention it’s LIVE? Unless I totally bomb it, you will be seeing me monthly as one of their new fashion experts! WHAT IS HAPPENING???

#ToWitToWoo #FashionBlog #SpringFashion

Blouse: Alice and Olivia – NWT retailed for $298, paid $35! (similar here, and here)

Tee: Vince – NWT retailed for $148, paid $17! (similar here, and here for under $20, and pre-knotted here)

Necklace: unknown – paid $7 (similar here)

Jeans: AG ‘Farrah’ Skinny (mine)

Heels: Nine West (mine – old, similar here)

Lips: NARS ‘Dragon Girl’ Matte Pencil with MAC ‘Brave Red’ over it

#ToWitToWoo #SpringFashion #FashionBlog

Vest: JCrew (mine – limited colors, a few more from JCrew Factory here)

Blouse: same as above, similar knotted version here and here

Criss Cross Cami: Evereve (mine – also own it in black. perfect for layering under low cut blouses or tees. can also be worn backwards with open back sweaters)

Jeans: Vince – paid $44 (similar wash here under $100 from Articles of Society)

Pumps: Banana Republic (mine – old, similar style here and color here or in a sandal here)

#ToWitToWoo #FashionBlog #SpringFashion

Blouse: Peyton Jensen – priced at $16! (similar here and here)

Criss Cross Cami: Evereve (the black one)

Jeans: AG ‘Farrah’ Skinny (super slimming jeans. highly recommend)

Boots: Vince Camuto (mine – old, same style here in a darker brown)

Earrings: JCrew (mine – old, similar here)

#ToWitToWoo #FashionBlog #SpringFashion

Blouse: The Limited – paid $12! (similar here)

Skirt: Express – NWT retailed for $69.95, paid $15! (similar here)

T-Strap Pumps: Topshop – never worn, paid $25! (similar here)

Necklace: H&M (mine – old, similar here)

#ToWitToWoo #FashionBlog #SpringFashion

Sweater: JCrew – paid $14 (love this green one paired with a white skirt for spring)

Skirt: JCrew – paid $15 (similar here )

Necklace: same as above (linked another similar one here)

Cuff Bracelet: Mine (old – similar here)

#ToWitToWoo #FashionBlog #SpringFashion

Sweater and Necklace: same as above

Tutu Slip: Impressions Boutique – NWT retailed $38, paid $7! Deklan got SO excited when I put this on and insisted I wear it, because life is too short to wear serious clothes (similar here)

Faux Leather Leggings: Madewell – NWT retailed $115, paid $20! I think they look better above the ankle bone so I’ll take them to get hemmed. For the price tag it’s totally worth paying a little more for alterations to achieve the perfect fit so keep that in mind when shopping! (similar here and similar here – reviews recommend sizing up in the Free People)

Pumps: Vince Camuto (mine, limited sizing here and similar here)

#ToWitToWoo #FashionBlog #SpringFashion

Faux Leather Leggings and Tutu Slip: same as above

Turtleneck: Banana Republic (mine – old, similar here)

Vest: White House Black Market – mint condtion, paid $24! (similar here for under $50!)

Brooch: Banana Republic (mine – old, similar here or if you want to splurge, on my wish list is the classic Channel CC Brooch. Honey, if you are reading this it could be an heirloom piece to pass down to the daughter we don’t have, just like the necklace I bought in Mexico after too many tequila shots. Think about it. XO)

Pumps: Vince Camuto (mine – old, similar here)

#ToWitToWoo #FashionBlog #SpringFashion

Plaid: Free People – paid $16! (similar here and here)

Thermal: Free People – paid $16! (similar here and here)

Jeans: 7 For All Mankind ‘B(air)’

Booties: Dolce Vita ‘Lana’

#ToWitToWoo #FashionBlog #SpringFashion

This is how you do casual layering in the spring. Also, this is turning out to be a super long styled post and Mama is getting thirsty – Cheers!

#ToWitToWoo #FashionBlog #Joggers

Vest: JCrew – limited stock, similar style here for under $25!

Dri-Fit: Athleta – paid $17

Joggers: Gap (mine – old, similar here)

Sneakers: Nike (mine, old – similar here)

#ToWitToWoo #FashionBlog #SpringFashion

Jacket: Banana Republic – paid $45! (similar here and also loving this one longer version here)

Brooch: Banana Republic (mine – old, but I’m loving this pin up girl one  and this blue foxy lady. Brooches add an unexpected element of fun to an outfit so don’t be afraid to take risks!)

Turtleneck: JCrew ‘Tissue’ – mine, I layer these suckers under everything. They are my fave.

When all was said and done, they bought a good chunk of the items I brought in and I walked out of there with 18 really great pieces for a fraction of the cost – 12 of which they had pre-selected for me! 

Thank you to Style Encore Maple Grove  for partnering with me on this post! To book an appointment email info@style-encoremaplegrove.com and don’t forget to follow them on Instagram and Facebook so you don’t miss their newest arrivals – bonus, they ship!

Wish me luck on Monday – EEEK!

A

 

 

You may also like

7 comments

  1. Great post! I stumbled upon a terrific little consignment shop near Tampa where I live. Wish they offered the personal shopper service. Love your finds and appreciate how you put looks together!

    1. Thank you! I love a good bargain and finding pieces that aren’t currently in store for that “one of a kind” look. Maybe next time you’re in that consignment shop you should recommend they start offering personal shopping services with you as their guinea pig!

  2. Love all the different outfits you created. I have been trying to consign or donate items that haven’t been worn in a year or more too. It’s really hard, since I spent good money on them. I am stay at home mom and having a hard time letting go of my work clothes, but I think it is time to let go of them.

    1. Ugh. The struggle with letting go is real, mama! I was hanging onto clothes that were two sizes too big just in case I decided to have a 3rd and needed something to wear post-partum. 1)I don’t even know for certain we’ll have another and 2) even if we did, there are no guarantees these clothes would still be in style. I finally had the realization that I’d rather try to sell what I’m not wearing now (even if I only get a fraction of the price for it) to make room and budget for pieces I can wear today 🙂

  3. I love, love, LOVE Style Encore, they’re easily one of my favorite consignment shops in the Twin Cities! I haven’t done one of their personal shopping appointments yet but have been meaning to! The looks they put together for you are so fun! I hope the TC Live gig goes well, I’ll have to see if I can stream it later since I’m stuck at work!

  4. I’d love to outfit you at F&F in
    HY-VEE. A European brand that’s very fashion forward flurty and affordable. Fun For the intire family. Call me sometime at the Lakeville location.
    Kim Demo

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *