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 :)

I've Got The Blues

Out of any OOTD I’ve posted thus far on this blog, this one is probably the one that’s the most ‘me’. That’s not to say my other posts don’t reflect my tastes and personal style, because they certainly do. This outfit in particular though, I don’t know, it just makes me insta-happy :) I’m a frequent sporter of cobalt blue, but hardly ever teal to be honest and the rich color in this ensamble intrigues me. The curvy shapes in the skirt and the peekaboo back of the top take this look over the top, oozing of femme. Moving on to styling: the reason I chose the casual ballerina bun hairstyle (inspired by Katie Holmes) is because the back detailing of the top deserves to be shown off, therefore an updo of some kind (I think) is appropriate.

*As I’ve said before, I’m not a makeup expert; thus why I don’t toss beauty advice out there a whole lot. However, I think this look: subtle blue smokey eye by Tiffany D would pair very nicely with this outfit; should you be so bold as to test it out. [Note: You can follow Tiffany on Twitter at @TiffanyLD!]

The Breakdown:

Top: UO Sparkle & Fade Gigi Blouse in Black, $69.00

Necklace: Anthropologie Atributes Necklace in Blue, $48.00

Skirt: ModCloth Sashay Away Skirt, $64.99

Legwear: UO Opaque Tights in Teal, $12.00

Shoes: Bakers Nora Pump in Black Suede, $49.99 (sale)

Total Cost of this Outfit: $243.98

How to Save on this Look:

• An easy cash-save is to complete this look with your own pair of black shoes. A black flat, oxford shoe or pump are all acceptable. *I’d stray from a boot for this look, as the teal tights are a feature.
• While I think the black top shown here is unique and lovely, it could be swapped for a femme black jersey top like this one from H&M, $17.95 — key factor to keep in mind is a neckline that’s going to showcase the stone necklace.

By opting for shoes from your own closet and a less expensive top, you can cut the total cost of this outfit in half and still accomplish a totally fab look :)