It’s hard for me to believe that I am coming up on the one year anniversary of my very first Frugal Fashionista post. So much has happened with my blog in just a year, yet a core topic remains the same – I love encouraging the Frugal Fashionista spirit. It has been a joy to celebrate with you as you share your finds. (Now, I can’t wait for yard sale season to start up, so I can spruce up my home a bit. )
Now, I would love to hear what you desire out of this series.
Help me, Help you.
What fashion questions do you have? Are there areas that you would like for me to address or are you just happy knowing that their are deals out there?
Some of the topics that will be forthcoming are:
- Identify your body type and learn how to dress for that type.
- Determine what skin tone/season you are and learn how to pick colors to flatter that tone (both with make up and clothes).
- Understand the power of accessories and learn how to use them to dress up the most basic of outfits. (Don’t you just love how my chunky brown necklace makes such a basic brown shirt pop?)
- Additional vlogs – yes, the next scarf typing video :), and ??
Now, I know you’ve been waiting patiently for the outfit details…
Whenever I feel lazy, I’ve shared how I grab monochromatic pieces and put them together. Well, this is exactly what I did here. No fuss, no decision making, just browns. Initially, I was worried it was really boring, but matched with my chunky necklace and boots, I just love it, and it’s SO comfortable.
- Gap shirt – $1 (yard sale)
- Chunky necklace and bracelet – $1.50 total
- Brown (amazing brand, but I’m too lazy to go look in my closet) skirt – $2 discount day – thrift store ( I bought it because the fabric is that soft cotton that you just want to sleep in, but the unique, out of the box details, make it fun. I can’t believe it wasn’t snatched up, but I think it intimidated people on the hanger since it’s so different.)
- Banana Republic like new leather boots – do you remember? Sit down for this if you don’t….See the price here….
You can do the math…I know, I know, some girls have all the luck (are you humming that song now?) 🙂
But remember, this outfit took time, patience and three different yard sales before I could put it together as a complete ensemble.
I look forward to hearing your comments about the Frugal Fashionista series. It’s for you, so share what you want out of it.
I’m a *SUPER* big fan of the frugal fashionista series, so thank you! I have discovered lots of super great name brands (i.e., Nordstrom, Gap, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor) at Goodwill or otherwise. I’m excited to see the accessories topic as that is one area I am not as proficient in. I’m curious, how much do you score at Goodwill v. garage sales? Do you have different techniques at garage sales (e.g., trying stuff on)?
@Gen, The prices at yard sales are MUCH lower but you obviously don’t have the selection. The thing with yard sales it that when you hit the jackpot, you hit it big if it’s your size and style.
I just love seeing the outfits 🙂
I think it would be fun if you featured other people and their finds too – like Natalie.
And also, I think it would be really cool to list places where there are good second hand stores. I travel quite a bit and have spent a lot of time searching for good second hand stores. Other than yahoo or yelp reviews I haven’t been able to find much help.
This year alone I’ve found good ones in Augusta GA, Atlanta GA, Columbia SC and Mt. Pleasant (near Charleston.)
The first two cities I didn’t find anything extraordinary but at the one in Columbia they had a lot of name brand clothes and they were really cheap – jeans were $2!
The one in Mt. Pleasant had an enormous clothing selection for a good price but what really got me was their selection of household stuff – glass vases started at .35 CENTS!! The same thing at my local (albeit overpriced!) store would have gone for close to $5.
Furniture was also priced really low there. Books, however, were somewhat expensive.
I am really looking forward to learning about colors and how to find what colors look best on you. It would also be nice to know for my girls too. Their coloring is very different than mine. I dress them in completely different colors than myself. Love all your fun posts and your upbeat personality.
I absolutely love your Frugal Fashionista posts. They have opened my eyes to the wonderful world of thrifting. I absolutely love to see the outfits! I look forward to the upcoming topics that you’ve listed, and if anything would just like to see more of those types of posts. I have a hard time feeling like my outfits are as “put together” as yours. More help on how to pair tops with bottoms, shoes, and accessories would be awesome. You always look great and really perfectly styled!
I am quite a bit older than you, dear. It bothers me as to what I should be wearing. It seems like all the fashions are too bright and bold for me.
I love your blog–you are really a great person.
Hope you hubby finds the job that he wants soon.
@Erma Kelso`,
If you don’t feel comfortable wearing as much bright and boldness, I don’t think you should “disappear” either, no matter what age you are… I’d recommend wearing ONE exciting item in your outfit–maybe a scarf, item of jewelry, embellished blouse, or even awesome shoes. Something that expresses your personality in a fun way; then the rest of the outfit can be fairly neutral and you’ll still look pulled together. Also, regardless of your age or shape, clothes that are fitted (not tight, not baggy) are the most flattering
I would love to learn about dressing for your body type and the coloring. I really enjoy this segment of you blog, it has inspired me to check out yard sales and thrift stores. I really love the pictures and the learning how to add accesories to make the outfit pop, another thing I started doing since I saw your series. Thanks for doing this I know it takes time and effort!
Hi Miss Jen!!! I was so excited to see you in the comments. How are you? I cant believe it has been that long ….blog years fly by so fast when you are having fun. Here’s to many many more great post from you! ((hugs)) Susie
I love your blog it’s superb. It gives me so many ideas. I would like help on how to dress modestly yet look trendy. I would like help pairing up long tops with jeans and long skirts.
Would greatly appreciate your take on this.
Congratulations on this blogs anniversary.
YOUR posts have Opened my eyes to an entire ‘new’ work wardrobe! I’m a HUGE Goodwill junkie now. And I’ve turned a few others on to the ‘scores’. I would love more info on shopping for the accessories (necklaces, scarfs, belts, shoes, purses!). I have a harder time finding those or maybe I’m not just seeing them in the same light. I have scored several adorable purses! Which I plan to feature in an upcoming post. Prada, Nine West and Coldwater Creek brands. My co-w0rkers are amazed by my ‘new’ outfits and I’m thinking a bit more out of my box for clothes too. I’d LOVE a shopping trip with YOU! LOL
My dear hubby is taking me back to Italy for our anniversary next month. Two weeks living out of a suitcase! What to pack? I’d love if you’d do a travel wardrobe post. How to combine a few pieces to make several different outfits. I don’t want to drag around a huge suitcase. Hope you can work this in–ASAP (no pressure though). Thanks!
@Beverly @ The Buzz, Beverly – that is a great topic, although I don’t know if I can get to it in time, but I do have one of my earlier posts that talks about building a core wardrobe. My suggestion would be to grab a few of those items and you’ll be good to go by mixing and matching with accessories.
@Jens,
Thanks for the reply. I’ve searched your blog and can’t find the post you refer to. Can you point me in the right direction? Thanks.
@Beverly @ The Buzz, sorry, Beverly..should have done that in the first place
https://beautyandbedlam.com/building-a-core-wardrobe-frugally/
Then after that post I took a few of those pieces and showed outfits around the core pieces.
I would love some tips on how you determine what your personal style is? Sounds crazy, but since I became a full time sahm 8 years ago, I wear the same stuff day in and day out. More or less my Mommy uniform. I want to have a style where when someone sees a clothing item somewhere, they would feel compelled to say, “Doesn’t that look like Dawn?”
Thanks!
I just get a kick out of seeing your good deals and the outfits that come together eventually. That alone inspires me to try the same.
I would love to see some advice on how to shop when you have a nursing child. My son is 14 months old and still actively nursing, so being able to sift through items isn’t always possible, especially when a very curious little boy is always with me! Tips on what to do when you have small children would be very helpful. LOVE these blog posts!
Also, Jen, are you planning to go to the NCHE Homeschool Conference in May? If so, we should definitely plan to meet up! :o)
@Laura, Yes, Laura – I am one of the speakers…I will be there all weekend and would definitely love to meet up. 🙂
My question is, how do you find such great clothes at the thrift store? When I go to shop, I just get so overwhelmed by the quantity of clothes packed on racks and thrown in bins that I get discouraged quickly as I try to wrestle through and look at each item. What is your “plan of attack” when hitting the store?
Jen,
I love the Frugal Fashionista posts. I’m always looking for the next one. I’d like some advice in finding good footwear; the shoes at our local stores are pretty pathetic (or weird sizes). I’d also love to hear more about current trends and brand names to look for. I don’t keep up with the fashion scene very well, and I’m not a shopper. (I go to the mall once every 2-3 years.) Thanks for helping. God bless, CW
Honestly I love the Frugal Fashion Shows with link-ups to other blogs. ( I even participated once.) I love seeing what everyone else finds as well. I vote for a WEEKLY fashion show!
@debbielynne, I tried doing it weekly last year and it just didn’t have enough participation. I’m trying to do it about every six weeks, so that we have something fun to look forward to. 🙂
I would love to see your ideas on building your wardrobe some scratch – I problem I have right now because of a huge life change – two major surgeries, weight loss and a divorce. I see so many posts on other sites but they are so unrealistic. Not everyone has a ton of money to spend on clothes. Could you help me out in that area?
I would love to see other peoples frugal eater outfits. We got a suit for DH in a $1 fill a bag special at my fav thrift shop so it was maybe 5 cents!! Also love to know what to wear to hide those mommy problems zones and how to look good with slobber on everything:)
@Julie, Julie – look for our link up. I do it about every six weeks and then every one can show off their great finds. I’ve gotten some amazing suits for my hubby at GW as well. So fun!
I would love to see you take friends of different sizes a nd shapes and help them find an outfit.
@Andrea aka PrairieLady, I have been wanting to do that for awhile, and even have clothes for all different sizes but you’d be so surprised because I can’t get people who will let me dress them and then put the photos on the blog…LOL…still trying to persuade some of my friends.
@Jens, I would let you dress me AND put stuff on the web! 🙂
Do you have any experience using clothing dye (Rite) to refresh tired items in your wardrobe? I wonder if black dye could be used on any clothing item that had good lines, but an undesirable color?
@PJ, I’m sorry, Pj, I don’t. I know I have read about it, but honestly, I find so many “non” tired things that it wouldn’t be worth the hassle for me. Now, if it was just thee perfect piece and one of your favorites, I’d say go for it.
Love your web site, love thrift store shopping! Learning to dress for one’s body type is an excellent subject and I would also be interested in age appropriateness without looking dowdy and dull…will be 63 this year. Keep up the good work! Thanks!
@Donna, I have my mom on board to be my model…she’s much older than you but has quite the Frugal Fashionista style. 🙂 I’ll do that in the next few months.
I enjoy your blog (never commented to tell you so…sorry!) I would love to hear about how many things you buy that you end not using or keeping for a while before realizing you you won’t use it. Also do you have a rule about getting rid of something when you bring something else in? Also maybe your system for “things to alter or paint”. Where do you store these items until you make them beautiful? Can’t wait to read more! Thanks!
Jen, how about some ideas for planning a seasonal wardrobe and deciding what to donate–to make room for new frugal finds? I’d also love to know how you build a wardrobe that “makes sense” and mixes and matches. I find wonderful things thrift shopping, but I sometimes feel that I have too much, yet still lack basics or the things that will really make it all work together.
I love the Frugal Fashionista posts–thank you!!
i love your website!!! i’m a young Mom with 4 preschool aged kids. this is my first post, but i’ve been lurking for a while.
I have 2 realted topics that i’ve been thinking of. First of all, let me say that I’ve spent my whole life thrifting. My grandma still tells the story of me going crazy for a little pink dress at the thrift store, while I sat in my stroller–before i could talk. Yes. She bought it for me 🙂 But through all the years, I’ve discovered that all my thrifting has led to a problem: loads and loads of clothes that *almost* fit me. You see, I’m an UBERshort petite–less than five feet tall, and even petites tend to be too long for me. So, at thrift stores, I’m SO tempted to get that size 6 dress, even thought I’m really a 6P, and it ALMOST fits, but does not flatter. even with my willingness to search through racks, i rarely find items that truly fit me (skirts and shorts are OK, but long-sleeved shirts, pants and dresses are nearly impossible.) thoughts?
also, this season (in particular) the styles do NOT flatter me. I am very shrot in general, short waisted, and have a large bust–yeah, “little miss 5×5.” i have a thick waistline too. so, belted styles are out. and so are babydoll or neck-gathered items–i look like a cow with an udder on top. (think potato sack.) i also wear a hefty bra with thick straps, so spaghetti and strapless styles are out for me. almost everything this season seems terrible for my figure. help!
I love what you do! But I need help in knowing what “fits correctly” looks like! I’m a pear, and ALL pants look TIGHT across my backside. My friend comments about one pair of jeans (that I wear around the house) and says that they fit me perfectly, but I wouldn’t wear them out! How do I know what is a current, up-to-date fit, and what is plain old too tight?
Tell me what to get rid of out of my closet. I mean, I’d really like to take pictures of everything and you could really tell me what to get rid of but I’d settle for a general post on the topic. 😀 My closet looks like 12 different women (of varying ages!) have all stashed their clothes in there! Thanks – love your blog!
I would love to know how to layer……. I don’t do much of that! Also what colors would you put together? You always seem to do so great! Love your blog!
I am super excited about these new topics.. I am a plus size girl and u gave me the courage to go looking for great finds at the goodwill.. I have found tons of tops and my favorite jeans from the goodwill and I now DO NOT pay full price for clothes anymore and I have 3 kids and so I hit the consignments and goodwill for their clothes also.. I have scored so many great finds for them that I can save the money I would have spend on new stuff and have money for fun activites this summer for them… Thanks for all the great advice… YOU ROCK….
I know I’ve emailed you before on this, but I really want to see a post or comments on the topic of shoes. I can’t get past the ick factor when looking at shoes at thrift stores. How do you decide what’s worth trying and how do you clean them after you get home? I shop at the Junior League Wearhouse a lot and they often have some really nice brands I’d love to wear, but again it’s the ick factor.
Leigh, I wear very lightweight socks (not sheer hosiery) when thrift shopping so that I can try on shoes without worry. If you are really squeamish about “shoe cooties,” though, you could carry antiseptic wipes and wipe down the inside of shoes before trying them on. Once at home, I spray the inside of the shoe with an antifungal spray (like Micatin), let it stand for a minute, and then wipe it clean and allow the shoes to air-dry before wearing. I have never had any trouble with thrifted shoes following this routine. To keep my picky feet happy, I do take care to choose only secondhand shoes that show minimal to no wear–I suppose that may help, too. Good luck!!
@Sheri,
Thank you! I’ll try to be braver next time and will buy some Micatin or it’s like. Maybe I’ll get lucky and find some Jimmy Choos. Ha, ha, in my dreams, I’m sure. I’d settle for like new 9 West.
-shoes: how do I select something fashionable/current/wearable, cleaning, repairing.
-brand: which designer items are worth a ‘splurge’ of an extra dollar or two?
-craft material: how can I take a fabric I love from something that doesn’t fit me and turn it into something I can wear/use? think bridesmaid dress into flowers for your hair, floral granny dress into a scarf, too-small sweater into a pillow.
-guys: how do I encourage my jeans-and-t-shirt guy to try some man-fashion? get your boys to wear a button down instead of a soccer tee! get your guy to wear a vest over his usual collared shirt for some JT style!
-thinking outside the box: wear a dress as a tunic or top, wear a skirt as a dress (or the other way around), wear a scarf as a skirt with leggings, or as a cami under your top, wear a boys’ or men’s blazer/vest/button down.
-teen scene: dress girls and guys in modest fashions without looking dorky or dumpy. lots of potential here for layering and mixing kid and adult sizes. also a good lesson in finding quality brands since teens grow so fast!
-packing for vacations: core pieces + accent pieces in coordinating colors = everything matches everything else! or how to change up convertible pieces (beach cover-up into a dress, daytime jeans into a going-out look)
okay I’m sure you’re tired of me! I’m looking forward to your posts as always!
I did my first “thrift store shopping” with a friend of mine last Saturday! I found 9 name-brand items for under $30! It was due to your inspiration and now I’m a believer! My hubby and wallet thank you 🙂
http://www.momreviewtb.com/index.php/category/thrift-store-finds/
I just love the frugal fashionista posts. I was so excited when I ran across your blog many months ago that someone else was extolling the virtues of thrift store shopping and how one can actually find stylish clothing second hand. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been wearing a thrift store treasure and someone has asked where I got the item. I happily reply, “Goodwill!”. I’ve finally turned a few of my friends on to the idea and now we have designated Goodwill shopping trips. My most recent score… a beautiful dark red wool Calvin Klein peacoat for $15. How could I pass that up? Oh wait, didn’t!! I think all of the ideas you mentioned for upcoming posts are good ones, especially the accessories. I’m not much of an accessory person so I’d love some help in that department. Keep up the good work and happy frugal fashionista anniversary!
I LOVE the frugal fashionista posts as I love to garage sale and thrift shop! Lots of comments with great ideas – I’d especially be interested in dressing daughters modestly and cheaply. 🙂 Mine are still young, but my day is coming.
I’ve been shopping this way for at least 7 years and love this posting! I would love to share some of my finds, but don’t have a blog – can readers send photos? Keep it coming, I love seeing your finds, and especially the accessorizing – I needed help with that. I went to GW this week and am doing the happy thrift dance over the great new Talbot sweater I found!
Thanks so much for your wonderful posts. Your ideas have really encouraged me to get out there and look. Prior to this, I only shopped thrift for costumes. Now I have a whole new outlook and have scored a few great deals. My problem is, since prices are so low as compared to retail, I feel as though I’m buying for the deal and not putting together a cohesive wardrobe. I’d love to know how you have shopped your closet and then found what you needed to add. When you say that you had to have patience to put together an outfit at three separate stores, how do you remember what you still need, the exact color that your looking for, and find accessories that will work with more than one outfit? I’d also love to know how you find a “great” thrift store. Is there a key to finding stores with better quality clothes and household items?
I wish we could link up every week.
I’m with Dawn – the “personal style” issue is the big one that throws me for a loop. All of the articles, etc. about building a core wardrobe are built around a core that is well-suited to a certain “corporate” or similar style. That stuff is just not me. A basic black A-line skirt, for instance, is just so totally not me. So I would love to know how to adapt the concept of a core wardrobe to a variety of styles.
I’m also with Natalie on the shoes. I never know what to look for to go with what, and then I can’t figure out where to find them. (Our thrift stores almost never have decent shoes. It’s like people get rid of their clothes, but keep all of their shoes. Weird.)
And…I wanted to thank you specifically for your post about looking for interesting details on clothes. A new thrift store just opened near us (with a way better price/selection combo than the others; yay!) and the first time we went I picked up two tops based specifically on this tip. One I haven’t worn yet, but the other I got a bazillion compliments on the day I wore it. 🙂
Personality style and body type are my curiosities. I also echo about shoes! Take us on a vlog hunt for shoes!
Oh, I had one other thing: how to handle “statement pieces” if you’re small-framed. The “statement pieces” of jewelry exemplified on fashion sites are always big and chunky, and other statement pieces (like scarves) tend to be quite “loud.” All of those things overwhelm someone like me with a small frame. How does one balance “statement” with proportion?
Really any posts you do on this subject are great! I love seeing pieces you put together, mix and match kind of outfits.
~ Michelle
I would love to read your thoughts on not being frumpy while pregnant. It’s very tricky! Tips on how to not be frumpy when you have a tiny baby who pulls on earrings and necklaces and any other pull-able accessory would be great!