how i spent my $100 clothing budget in may

Each month I give myself $100 to spend on all things apparel-related, including clothing, shoes, and accessories. This month I had fantastic luck at my local Goodwill, and scored nine new items for under $70!! Scroll forth for some neat-o mirror selfies to see what I bought and how I styled it all.

  1. satin floral-printed blouse – $4

This little number came home with some of my favorite things to immediately rip out and throw away: shoulder pads! I love this top because it has a bold, primary color-filled print that reminds me a little bit of my Grandma, and it can be styled 1,001 ways with its easy shape and amenable color palette.

2. white high-waisted button-fly shorts – $5

I was a little hesitant with these, just because I haven’t had the best of luck with thrifted shorts and pants (not for lack of trying!) but these work so. well. I opted to press a single fold on each of the leg openings to polish off the appearance, but these look good worn full-length too in case the next 2″ of my thighs catch a chill.

styled with super cool indoor sunglasses from BP Nordstrom – $12, black belt bag from forever 21 (similar here) – $13, and white birkenstock arizona sandals (available here) – $40 at a supermarket in DK! OUTFIT: $74

 

3. 90’s-era lafayette 148 blouse – $8

This beautiful vintage number I scooped up is a perfect addition to my closet – I feel like I can never have enough pieces like this in basic colors but serve up some hot style too. Checking multiple boxes? Check.

styled with carhartt W.I.P. pants (old) – $54, MIA Greta clogs – $0 (a gift!), and gold teardrop necklace – $6. OUTFIT: $68

 

4. red plaid seersucker shorts – $5

Okay, these I totally fell in love with and forgot my Goodwill shorts/pants issues of the past. I also gave these a little pressed hem situation – I guess these legs can’t be subdued by a 7″ inseam.

got really bendy in this one. also, i styled these shorts with this red peplum tank from forever 21 -$6, and white slingback sandals a la zulily – $10. OUTFIT: $21

 

5. cotton maxi dress – $8

Normally I shy away from maxi dresses. They feel like a level of formality that I’m not usually dressing for, or a higher level of drama than I would typically don. BUT! This one really stood out to me for a few reasons: it’s fully lined, 100% cotton, lovely intricate stitching details cover the whole dress, and it has POCKETS! Alright, I might be a maxi dress convert. We’ll see.

styled with this forever 21 gold disc collar necklace – $6. also… still working on my mirror selfie faces. OUTFIT: $14

 

6. vintage straw handbag with clasp – $7

OBSESSED. Nothing further.

7. black button-up top – $6

TBH, I feel like this one might have been a mistake. I already own a similarly cut top (from Forever 21) that I really like, and the vintagey vibes of this top are really just a tiptoe outside my comfort zone for daily wear. It’s cool though, because pushing the limits of your own comfort zone is what life is all about.

styled with carhartt W.I.P. pants (old) – $54, this forever 21 gold disc collar necklace – $6, and these Qupid sandals care of zulily – $20. OUTFIT: $91

 

8. whowhatwear for target top – $6

Nothing is as easy to dress with than a chambray top. It rides the line between denim and not, which allows it to function as a neutral despite its perky blue hue. Somehow this basic top is not so basic at all!

i’ve gone full ruffle! styled with striped ruffle mini skirt from wish – $6, peach bandana – $2, and trouve flats (old) – $69. OUTFIT: $83

 

9. mng by mango chiffon dress – $8

Trend-right summer color + mega-flowy shape = a dress I will be living in for the next few months. I can wear this and eat one (or two) of everything at the next barbecue party, and it won’t betray my food-baby secrets that lie beneath the surface. Also looks really effin’ cute with a belt.

styled with rocketdog mules ($5 at a sample sale!). OUTFIT: $13

 

As for the rest of my $100 budget, I spent $30 on a new pair of shoes that I ordered online. Alas, there was a mistake and I was sent the wrong item. I think maybe it wasn’t meant to be. Once I get the refund I’ll have $30 to put towards clothes in June (or whatever I please). This month was a really fun test to see how far I could stretch my $100. I have a feeling June will bring the fun along with a few necessary basics I need to stock up on 🙂

 

What kind of good deals have you scored recently?

 

Becca McHaffie

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