All Saints vest, tucked via Bib + Tuck. Asymmetrical hem dress, Forever 21. The Essex Messenger in bittersweet, Madewell. Light as a Feather necklace, c/o Katie Dean Jewelry. Lace up heeled booties, Modcloth (sold out, similar here). Red square frame glasses, c/o Firmoo. Black wrap watch, La Mer Wanderlust Collection. Lipstick, Aveda Nourish-Mint lip color in Cana.
While shopping on a budget is as fulfilling as it is challenging, there are some things that are worth the extra cost. Most of the pieces in this outfit were either sponsored, free (Bib + Tuck is a wonderful, magical place), or budget friendly. I bought the dress at Forever 21 because I wanted to experiment with a high-low hem. Fast fashion chains just happen to be the place to go if you want to try a trend, but don't want to commit a lot of cash to it. The shoes, although a staple in my wardrobe, were bought at Modcloth's big post Christmas sale for a fraction of the original cost. However, there are the obvious exceptions to this cost friendly theme: my Madewell bag and my lipstick.
Being in college and taking those first steps on our own usually requires a close watch over what we are spending and exactly what we buy. Instead of going on a traditional spring break trip, I chose to use those funds for a little bit of wardrobe reconstruction. My beloved satchel was included in part of that budget, but I don't even consider it too much to pay for a purse. A lesson I've learned time and time again is that the more you have to think about buying something (maybe because it is more expensive than you'd normally like or maybe just because you're obsessed), the longer you'll be happy with it. I'd rather have this one handbag or my one tube of perfect lipstick than several less than perfect attempts at what I want.
All rambles aside, what I'm trying to say is that I truly love every item in this outfit. The beautiful, dainty necklace given to me by Katie Dean is seriously the perfect addition to my jewelry collection. I wear a necklace almost every day. This one is the perfect charm to wear with scoop or v necklines as it is simple yet unique.
I think a great goal if you are spring cleaning your wardrobe is to focus on pieces that literally make your heart flutter. To an outsider of the fashion community or someone who hasn't had your experiences with clothing, it may seem silly to attach so much significance to a single item of apparel. But believe me, you won't regret buying or wearing the things that make you giddy.
