Royal Flush

Today's weather in Chicago: 53º, windy, rainy, grey. Code red! We need a color injection stat! How 'bout a little royal blue to spruce up your look? Combined with vintage pattern, a modern/messy twist on a wavy updo and a punchy red lip (inspired by Ashley Olsen)– you're knock out guaranteed!! What a lovely way to kickoff the week :)

The Breakdown:
Top: JCrew Tissue Turtleneck Tee in Royal, $29.50
Necklace: Brevity Raindrops Necklace (of the Line Collection), $60
Skirt: Anthropologie Tile-Quilted Mini in Blue Motif, $98
Legware: UO Opaque Tights in Dark Grey, $12
Shoes: ALDO Lewi High Heel in Blue Misc., $90

Total Cost of this Outfit: $289.50

Creepin' on $300 is somewhat steep, though one does have to consider the ~$100 quilted skirt taking up 1/3 of the budget.

How to Save on this Look:

• Omit the $60 necklace. While it's whimsical and fun and could be paired with many many things, you could just as easily finish off this ensamble with a simple gold or silver piece of your own.
• Skip the blue shoe. I know, it's both pretty and fun but maybe not the most practical of purchases ($90). Swap-in a cognac or brown leather pump or oxford-inspired shoe from your own closet instead.
• And while I'm a fan of the grey opaque tights, you could just as easily sport a pair of sheer black ones and create the same soft color effect.

And there ya have it, we just took this look down to $127.50! That's more digestible :)