One Dress, So Many Ways..

 

I’m wearing my Feeling Khaki H&M dress again! (Shoes: Charlotte Russe)

This weekend I had the pleasure of working with Kasmira from What I Wore Today and Amy from Cinci Chic in a Cincinnati Locals On Living Savings Summit event!  It was a ton of fun and I got to meet a lot of great people who are interested in the same things – fashion for less, health, and good food!

I helped out by remixing this basic shirt dress 3 different ways – what better way to find savings than to mix up what you already have (instead of buying something else!)?  Yes, I do have a lot of clothes, but people probably think I have more than I do because I actually do use this remixing trick so often!

 

 

Below are the 3 ways I remixed this dress for the event.  Please be gentle – these shots were taken for demo only at about 7am on a Saturday morning; no, I had not showered yet, and no, I had no make up.

Remix #1: Color Change Up

 

Remix #2: Layering

Remix #3: Dressy

 

I tried on some other outfits before deciding on the above 3 looks.  I chose the above because they worked with Kasmira’s themes and were easy enough to change into and get back on stage in under 2 minutes, but I liked some of the other remix practice-outfits as well!  Here’s a quick look at some of the other versions I tried:

Ruffle Love

 

Pink polka dot cardigan: Target.  Ruffle top: Macy’s.  Jeans: NY & Co.  Shoes: Newport News. 

 

I love that ruffles are still “in” this season, but really – I’d wear them whether they were or not. 

 

The good on ruffles:

1. If your smaller on top, ruffles can balance out your frame and bring symmetry to your figure.

2. Ruffles are an easy way to bring visual interest to an otherwise basic outfit.

3. Ruffles can fit almost any personality – they can be big and bold, or delicate and dainty.  Choose the ruffle style that works best for you!

4. Ruffled items are everywhere now, so they’re easy to find if you want to purchase.  If you’re trying ruffles for the first time, try Forever 21, H&M, Alloy.com, or Delias for affordable ruffle experiments.

The bad on ruffles:

1. Be wary of where you wear them on your body, because ruffles add bulk.  If you are looking to slim your hips, or camouflage broad shoulders – those are not the places to add ruffles.

2. Just like any bold pattern or color, ruffles can overwhelm. Remember when you look in the mirror – your should first see YOU, not your clothes.  If all you see is ruffles, you probably need to scale down.

3. They are a trend, so they won’t be around forever.  I suggest spending less on trendy items and more on staple items, so look for affordable ruffle options vs. spending high dollar for something that may not be in style next season. 

Back to Business

 

Top: Express.  Skirt: Forever XXI.  Boots: Madden Girl.  Necklace: thrift.

I’m feeling much better today thankfully!  It’s warm out but threatening thunderstorms, so I’m wearing my comfy buckle boots just to ensure my tootsies stay nice and dry.