$100 More Or Less: Happy Dress Sad Girl

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

Yellow Vest, Yellow Vest

What are you made of?

Corduroy…corduroy.

But it’s not your fauuuu-llllt.

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Actually, I love the corduroy of this vest. I love this vest. I first reviewed it here and noted that it would be an impractical full price purchase for someone living in Southern California. Unfortunately, that someone would be me.

And in my true fashion, I waited for this Corduroy Puffer Vest to be a price I could justify. For me this ended up being second cuts. So, $40 instead of $118. It is sold out, but I just got mine last week. There are probably still a few in store if you want one. I would just call customer service.

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And I love it.

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And my husband loves it.

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And smelly dog loves it.

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And I have gotten to wear it all of one time so far. Good thing winter is right around the corner. I mean after Spring, Summer and Fall. But then, I will get to wear this vest again!

I can’t wait.

Good thing I’m patient…

Yellow Vest, Yellow Vest

You’re obviously not my favorite vest.

Sorry, it’s only ’cause we live out west.

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Do you have a favorite vest? Please tell me you could guess which lyrics I massacred for this post.

Overalls?

I will admit it. This is my very first pair of overalls. Well, maybe I had a pair when I was four or five, but I have long since forgotten. When I was pregnant with both of my children, I longed to be the pregnant girl in overalls. Alas, I am not one of those girls that is cute whilst pregnant (and, no, I am not pregnant. That would be impossible, just so ya know). And so I skipped over them. Never bought them, but enviously stared at those who did.

I started seeing them pop up again. And I started stewing. Then I saw that picture on the Pottery Barn Teen catalog and my interest grew. The final straw was when Free People offered a distressed corduroy pair in the gold color.

I was sold…Or they were sold…To me. Somethin’ like that.

I have been trying to put together different tops with the overalls. I pretty much want to wear them all of the time. Here is what I created:

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This is my favorite look. It is a Free People lace shirt I purchased from Nordstrom Rack in the spring. I like it with H & M’s lace flats. The necklace is care of Simply Livly on Etsy.

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I paired it with a denim jacket. I definitely look rustic here.

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And a Free People cardigan.

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I tried the overalls with Anthropologie’s Daydrifter Tee.

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I also paired it with a striped long sleeve layering top from H & M. I believe this was $14.

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And went full on country farm girl with a Johnny Was flannel shirt and vintage boots. The turquoise necklace is from Simply Livly on Etsy.

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This sweater was purchased last winter at Forever 21. I think it was $15. I have a mad crush on it.

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I bought this top with my mother-in-law during my Nordstrom Rack birthday spree. It is made by Free People. I could never find it on their site. And I did look. The color is my favorite paired with mustard. The earrings are from Anthropologie many years ago.

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And because I could not help myself. And because he wanted a ride. And maybe because I am more than a tad bit crazy…I put a little gnome in my overalls. My husband refused to go out with me like this. The wee little fellow was sad. ; )

So, what do you think of the overall trend? And would you have gone shopping with me and my little gnome friend (he was made by the lovely Moongoat on Etsy

* I shared this on The Pleated Poppy!