How to wear one dress, 4 ways

As a fashion blogger, it's always neat to look back at your photos collectively and see the different ways you have styled the same piece of clothing. I definitely consider it to be one of my greatest achievements when I can figure out a way to wear something at least three different ways and across all seasons. Such a fun challenge!

While I do usually try to purchase items that I know I can remix several times, I honestly had no idea just how versatile this little floral dress would be when I bought it online in an Anthropologie sale about five years ago. I know I've styled more than just these four ways seen here, but these are the only ones caught on film.

Hopefully this will help you figure out a way to remix a similar dress in your own closet.

Well enough alone

Sometimes with a certain dress it's best to leave "well enough alone" so it can be simple and speak for itself. That's how I feel about this dress. There's nothing too fancy about it and I've definitely worn it all kinds of different ways (a little foreshadowing on a blog post to come!). 

But as I look at these photos, I'm struck by how fab it is all by itself. I think it's because you can see what a beautiful floral pattern it has and also the fun little details like the flowy cap sleeves. 

So while I am thrilled I can make it appropriate for all seasons and wear it all year long, I just happen to think that this go around it looks best with minimal accessories and plain jane black wedges. 

Here's the cheapskate outfit breakdown:

1. Dress, Anthropologie ($39.99)

2. Belt, Brooklyn Flea ($20.00)

3. Clutch, ?? (??)

4. Wedges, Charlotte Russe ($32.50)

5. Sunnies, gifted (thanks Joy!)

6. Earrings, gifted (thanks Joy!)

7. Vintage cocktail ring, gifted

8. Square ring, Brooklyn Flea ($5.00)

Total: Under $100.00

 

Photos: Leslie Evans

 

Mix it up Chris

As I mentioned yesterday, I am loving all kinds of printed fabric at the moment. Occasionally I even get really wild and decide to mix those prints.

Exhibit A: Today's ensemble. I mean, stripes and florals together—say what?! Yeah, I know. Real exciting right? I'm sure I just blew your mind.

Oh but wait for it...this outfit is actually a dress tucked into a skirt (you can see the full dress here in another post). I know, right?! You're acting like you can't see the bottom part of my dress and you're totally feeling like you just watched "Inception" for the first time aren't you?!

Ok, enough sarcasm. For real though, if you ever want to shake things up a bit with your wardrobe, just consider mixing a couple of different prints that you already own. Or think about how you could wear a dress tucked into a skirt. Both of these tricks will make your closet seem bigger than it really is.

Here's the cheapskate breakdown:

1. Floral print dress, Anthropologie ($39.99)
2. Striped skirt, ATL market ($35.00)
3. Heels, Nine West outlet ($29.99)
4. Clutch, c/o Oopsy Daisy (thanks mom!)
5. Sunglasses, Dollar Tree ($1.00)
6. Bar earrings, gifted (thanks Joy!)
7. Vintage cocktail ring, gifted
8. Square ring, Brooklyn Flea ($5.00)

Total: Under $125.00

 

 

**Also congrats to Sarah, Karen, Leslie, Andie & Logan of CarpeGlamour! They were the winners of my Firmoo Voucher Giveaway. Ladies, you should all have an e-mail from me with your voucher code inside. If not, check your spam :) Enjoy!**

Back of the Closet: Army green tunic

I bought this amazing army green tunic at least four years ago for a steal ($9.99) at Rugged Warehouse, back
when there used to be one here in Bham (wah wah). I think this was about the time when military inspiration
was first hitting the runways and as if that wasn't enough, I had a feeling this top would be super versatile.
But mostly I am pretty sure that I took one look at this shirt and convinced myself that if I bought it, it would instantaneously turn me into Alexa Chung.

So I might've been wrong about that last part (but I am working hard on that one every day :) but what I wasn't
wrong about was the longevity of the military trend and also just how versatile this shirt has been. I have worn
this shirt just about any way possible—with leggings and a belt, halfway tucked into jean shorts, tucked into a
skirt for work, untucked with skinny jeans (hint: future blog post, get excited). You name it and I've tried it. Only
recently did I realize that I hadn't worn it over a dress as a jacket in quite some time. So I pulled out what I consider
to be a pretty girly dress and put this shirt over it and viola, instant masculine cool factor was achieved.

Here's the cheapskate outfit breakdown:

1. Army green tunic, Rugged Wearhouse ($9.99)
2. Floral print dress, Anthropologie ($39.99)
3. Tights (??)
4. Suede booties, Target ($24.99)
5. Cross body bag, thrifted ($5.99)
6. Pink sunglasses, Dollar Tree ($1.00)
7. Hair bow barrettes (??)
8. Cocktail ring, ATL market ($2.00)
9. Earrings, ATL market ($2.00)

Photos: Laura Menconi