I started a new feature a few weeks ago in which I pull together an entire outfit for around $100 ($125 being the max). This is one of those outfits. I realize that, of course, you can create an outfit for around $100 using cheaper brands or thrift store pieces. However, my theory is that you can shop anywhere on a budget (including the mentions above, but also higher priced retailers) and still create a great outfit.
If you read my post, “You Can’t Cry In Costco”, then you know I had a sad day a bit ago. It happens. I found a swivel chair that made all of the difference. This is what I was wearing that day.
I love how the curves of the crescent moon necklace fit perfectly with the swirly pattern of my tears this dress.
I had not realized that I was not really smiling for the camera in this outfit photo session. I just did not have it in me on this day. I am really bad at needless dramatics faking it.
However, the price I paid for this outfit should have lifted my spirits. Just a little. This outfit post is more a post to convey my love of waiting for an item to hit sale instead of indulging in the immediate satisfaction of full price. I do the latter, too. Sometimes I just cannot help it (as was the case with this dress). But the outfit shown here was my ultimate showcase of self restraint. I waited until the items hit rock bottom prices until I pounced.
Or I lucked into them…
Either way is probably a little right.
I feel like this dress is very reminiscent of a circus. I think it is the stripes, sequins, and over-the-top sleeves. All of which I love. Although on this day I guess I was playing the very sad clown.
Outfit Breakdown:
Anthropologie Sunpass Dress (now sold out): I paid $30 Original Price $198
Anthropologie Nazare Sandals (now sold out): I paid $24 Original Price $118
Anthropologie Crescent Necklace (now sold out): I paid $10 Original Price $42
Forever 21 Gold Cuff: $6
Total Spent: $70
Retail Price: $364
What do you wear on sad days? Do you have an item in your closet that showcases your ultimate shopping self restraint? Do you own this dress? How else do you style it? And don’t worry, the sad day passed, today is fresh and new. I am hoping it is a happy one for both me and you. : ).
*this post was edited using the app VSO filters at C2 at level 3, temperature at level 3, and contrast at level 2.
Hi Jenni, I’ve been waiting for this dress to show up on you. You look just lovely, despite the lack of your usual happy glow. I love wearing this dress with turquoise jewelry and gladiator sandals. I’m excited to try it out in the autumn with tights and boots. Have a lovely, (happy) day!
Thank you Kindra! Turquoise jewelry and gladiators are a wonderful idea! I am definitely going to try that this week! I will definitely try it with boots and tights in the fall. I absolutely love the sleeves and stripes. It is such a unique piece. I love that designer. I am sad to not see anything by her for the new season. I have three of her pieces.
You have a lovely, happy day, too! : )
Jenni
What a great outfit and prices! I too, love that cresent necklace with the dress. I am glad you only had that one bad day. Thank you for your lovely comments on my posts. I truly should do a “keeping it real” post to show my varicose veins, swollen feet, and bloated days of pregnancy. It’s people’s nice comments – either on the blog or in person – that keep me going on the days that are hard.
Thank you Heather. I agree, happy comments are the best. You really do look so beautiful pregnant. Even if all of those bad things are happening. Ugh, swollen feet. I had forgotten about that. That was not fun. Pretty soon all of that will be over and you will have such a precious bundle of joy to love! I cannot wait!
Have a terrific Wednesday!
Jenni
You scored some seriously great deals! I love the circus quality of this dress and wishlisted it as soon as it posted online. But I worried it wouldn’t have the roominess I need in the hips. And I was right. So I’m happy it found a happy wearer in you! I love that you played up the gypsy vibe with the ethereal moon necklace. It falls at just the right spot on the dress.
Sometimes I wonder if I shouldn’t shop more at cheaper retailers since those options are out there, but I can’t help my love for Anthropologie. I’d rather get one piece I really love than a handful of pieces I feel “just okay” about.
I just wish I wasn’t such an impulsive buyer. I rarely score things at such great sale prices, though I did get two pairs of flats from Anthro for $30 each earlier this summer. I was pretty pleased with those purchases!
<3 Liz
http://www.withwonderandwhimsy.com
Thank you Liz! I am sometimes an impulse shopper, too (like the dress I show tomorrow). It is hard when something comes out that feels exactly, perfectly “you.” I just saw another dress come out on the site today and it is so perfect. But I am on a shopping ban all month. I cannot wait to see other people’s scores and reviews as I live vicariously through them.
What a great score on the flats! I cannot wait to see them!
Sweet dreams!
Jenni
I love that necklace. It makes me think about Sailor Moon and I was a huge Sailor Moon fan in high school.
I hope you are having fewer sad days lately.
My daughter LOVES Sailor Moon. She almost has the hair for it. That girl and her hair. I am so envious of it.
I hope to have fewer sad days, but I am sure there will be more. It is just the nature of life. Sometimes just seeing someone else’s situation will make me sad all day. Hopefully it is a great rest of the year for everyone.
Sweet dreams! And thank you about the necklace. : )
Jenni
A beautiful dress on a beautiful woman. Ah well… life isn’t always smiles and sunshine. Thank you for sharing you – smiles and not smiles. xo
Thank you Cynthia. So true. Life is not always that way. Definitely not mine. It is just remembering the smiles through the rain that is important.
Thank you for the kind words.
Have an awesome week!
Jenni
I’m glad that you are happier in your most recent post. Sad or challenging days are a drag and it sometimes takes work to push through the discomfort.
The post about Costco could have been in a movie, it was so charming.
This dress is pretty and the colors remind me of sunsets. So I find it to be a happy dress.
Thanks for sharing,
Stacey
Thank you Stacey. It is hard to post on days like that. Sometimes I just want to lay in bed all day. But then I am happy to get out. Like finding the swivel chair. Or today when I discovered a new dog breed (a shih tzu and french bulldog mix). It was so adorable.
Have a terrific week!
Jenni
Oh, sorry about the sad day, we all have them. Love your outfit under $100, esp since everything is of such great quality!! I love anthropologie, but feel like most of their things run too small on me. Maybe I just don’t go there enough to actually try their clothes on?! I think it’s so great that you get so much from there for truly low, low prices! I need a tutorial from you on how to do that! Do you constantly check their website? Do they notify you if something from your wish list goes on sale or as a pop back? Love this dress on you, pretty colors & I do think it looks happy! 🙂
Thank you Rebecca. I usually check the website four to five times a day. I am actually not shopping for clothes or shoes in September because I bought too much in August. So, I have not looked all week, but usually I check for sale items to come back in stock. I love to get things at a discount!
Have a happy Monday!
Jenni