long sweater collage

Are you new to my Frugal Fashionista series? Find out how I dress for less with designer outfits for mere pennies on the dollar. Yes, all outfits  from head to toe are less than $15, and did I mention…second hand?)

Those of you who have followed my blog for awhile know that my Frugal Fashionista series contains designer outfits on a thrift store budget.  How does that fit into 31 Days of More to Less? Considering  my fashionista wardrobe consists of only 10% new items and 90% “new to me,” I think that is self explanatory.
Finding core wardrobe pieces second hand is much easier than you imagine. I encourage other to save money by buying some of those items second hand, but then buy accessories and statement pieces new so that your wardrobe is continually kept up to date.
Two of my “wish” list items for my fall wardrobe were statement pieces that would be hard to find second hand. I kept my eyes out all summer long at yard sales and thrift stores with my eagle eyes, but have never hit the jackpot. I have a lot of patience when I thrift, and am willing to wait, but I finally knew that I was going to have to splurge and actually buy them new.
Since my $1 yard sale, long black Gap sweater from a few years ago is finally showing its age,  I knew I wanted to replace it. It is definitely my “go to” item all winter long. In my opinions, long cardigans are a fashion “must have” for all wardrobes.  They are perfect for accessorizing and layering, which is very hot in the fashion world right now, but more importantly,  they cover up that muffin top that tends to be exposed. (I’m still trying to work that off with my 30 Day Shred, but whew, it’s taking longer than thirty days. ;)) Honestly, long cardigan are incredibly flattering on nearly all body types.

On sweaters and longer shirts,the asymmetrical hem is all the rage right now.  I’ve been looking at all the vast choices for the last few months, and the styles are endless with tons of colors, hemlines, and styles. I attended TJ Maxx’s Behind the Seams event where they talked about all the new fall fashion trends. When I shop retail for my husband and kids, I hit up TJ Maxx because the feel is similar to when I am thrifting…it’s all about the thrill of the hunt. They also offer designer outfits at slashed prices. I’ve been holding onto my gift card way back from my Back to School Giveaway in August (I know, I’m crazy like that), and knew I wanted one of my purchases to be a long asymmetrical sweater. I only had about fifteen minutes to shop, so I snapped a few pictures (above and below) to show you my choices.

(Do you see my silver necklaces? I’ve been doing a lot of layering with the jewelry I already own for an extra punch of pizazz. Try it. It’s  using what you already own for not only extra dimension, but that boosts the wallet power at the same time).

assymetrical sweater TJ Maxx

There were so many choices, and I didn’t even get around to trying on about five more styles they offered because I stopped immediately when I got to their clearance rack and saw the bright orange sticker that said $15. I’m not going to lie and tell you that I haven’t fallen in love with a few styles on-line (but not pictured) that ranged from $78-$128, but $15 falls in the “It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful” department.

This light cotton is perfect nearly year round in NC, but I will be looking for another heavier one to wear as a “coat.” For those of you who are intrigued with my Frugal Fashionista series, but haven’t jumped on the bandwagon, this should be a more manageable way for you to ease into the best of both worlds scenario. In the stores, I paired all the new TJ Maxx sweaters with my $1 Gap jeans, and $1 Anne Taylor Loft black sleeveless sweater for a fabulous look.

asymetrical sweater

Here is my $15 clearanced TJ Maxx asymmetrical sweater paired with a $1 tank set (those two are attached), $5 Junior League Thrift Store jeans and $1 Ann Taylor (like new) heels from a really nice yard sale. (I pulled up my jeans so you could see them.)

I’ve already worn this shirt/sweater with so many things. It’s great for a casual look like over this tank, or it’s so easy to dress it up over a skirt or little black dress with great accessories. I’m debating getting a few more because I definitely think I could live in this look all winter long.

This look is the best of all fashion worlds – cozy, comfy, classy and economical. 🙂

ann taylor shoes_picnik

I love this time of the year and can’t wait to pull out all of my sweaters. Remember, when you don’t know what to wear, first shop your closet, then look to add some core wardrobe pieces (that you really can find second hand), and lastly, add some statement pieces to  jazz up your fall wardrobe.

Do you have a Fashionista item on your “wish list?”

31daysmore125 31 Days to More with Less: How Much Do You Want It?
Click here for my previous 31 Days to More with Less posts.