Build a Wardrobe on a Budget

Hello beautiful people! Fashion can be overwhelming, especially for those of us on a tight budget! If you're paying off debt, saving for a large purchase, or going to college (like me), this post will guide you to having the perfect wardrobe. While trends may be fun, every girl should invest in some basics, that will carry you through all the short lived trends and be adaptable to any event or occasion.

Again, I am a college student which means... I'm poor haha. With that being said, my passion for fashion has to fit in a limited spending range. The best advice is to find the essentials as cheaply as possible and find the very best sales. You don't have to spend a lot to look FABULOUS!

WARDROBE ESSENTIALS:

SHOES:

• 1 Pair of Sandals to go with everything
• 1 Pair of Classic Boots ( riding boots)
• 1 Pair of Black Flats 
• 1 Pair of Loafers
• 1 Pair of Black or Nude Heels

DRESSES/SKIRTS:

• Little Black Dress
• Pretty Day Dress
• Long Sleeve Knit-Dress
• Black Pencil Skirt
• Maxi Skirt (optional)

JEANS/PANTS:

• Dressy Jeans (Dark Wash)
• Casual Jeans 
• Black Trousers
• Dress Pants (Gray or Khaki)
• Jean Shorts
• Colored or Patterned Shorts (optional)

SHIRTS/TOPS:

• Basic Tees or Tanks (Black, White, Gray)
• White Button-Down Shirt
• V-Neck Sweater (You pick the Color)
• 2-3 Cardigans (Black, Tan, Crazy Color)
• Tunic or Statement Top

OUTERWEAR:

• Jean Jacket
• Black or Neutral Trench or Peacoat
• Blazer (your choice)
• Rain coat (lightweight coat)

ACCESSORIES:

• Scarf
• Stylish Handbag (one that you can wear with anything)
• Sunglasses
• Tan and Black Belt
• Floppy Hat (optional)
• Leggings or Tights ( layer summer pieces for fall)

BLING

• Diamond studs
• Pearl studs
• Gold or Silver Bangles
• Watch
• Statement Necklace
• Basic Silver or Gold Necklace and Studs

BE THOUGHTFUL WHEN/WHERE YOU SNAG ESSENTIALS:

If you're shopping on a budget, you will have to think outside the box to get the best deals on pieces that are essential for your wardrobe. Whenever you can, look for daily deal sites, clearance racks or even thrift shops.

For me, when I want a high-end pair of shoes or piece of jewelry, I ask for it as a gift or request gift cards to save up for it. You can't always get essentials in your budget. So for things like a good pair of pearl earrings or a nice handbag that can last you years, it is best to save up for or request it as a gift. This way you don't get the cheaper version that will tarnish or break in a month.

TAKE MENTAL NOTES BEFORE YOU SHOP:

It is so easy to get caught up in the latest trends, but be mindful and keep it simple if you're on a budget. TIP: Whenever you buy an item or even think about buying an item ask yourself " How many outfits will this make?" or "What will this item complete?"

TRENDS COME AND GO, BUT BASICS STAY FOREVER

Trends are so costly! Just because Faux Fur Vests are trendy now, does not mean that they will be in the future, There is no need to rush to Forever 21 or other  discount shops to stock up on the latest trend. While you are getting your one trend another trend is being made.

The great thing about staples is that once you have them all, it is easy to adapt them to the trends with just small additions for $20 or less. Having a classy black dress can be dolled up or down in so many affordable and fashionable ways.

Focus on your budget and on your basics. Trends may be fun for a season, but usually end up being regretted later. Timeless pieces aren't going anywhere. As hard as it may be, don't buy what you don't need. ( it's a struggle I have)

DON'T BE DISCOURAGED IF YOU CAN'T FIND ALL THE ESSENTIALS AT ONCE!

It is best to wait to find the best fitting items than to buy something just because a store says you have to. Patience is key when finding the best timeless pieces, Your pocketbook will thank you in the long run!

xo,

Maria Elizabeth

DIY: Wire Bracelets

Hello beautiful people! I have seen wire bracelets everywhere recently from Etsy to Bourbon and Boweties. I never thought that I could make these lovely bracelets; although, back in the day, I used to love making jewelry. I don't know why I was wasting so much time not making them. These bracelets are gorgeous and can dress up any outfit.

Today I am going to take you through a step by step on how to master the perfect bracelet.

What you will need:

• One kitchen glass to mold the bracelet
• Basic bangles for measurements
• 1 pair of snipping tools
• 1 pair of needle nose pliers
•  5-6 feet of 20 Gage Artistic Wire
• 3- 4 moderately flat beads with holes through the center or on either side (I'd check Jo-Ann's or Michael's)

Step 1: Use the kitchen glass to wrap your wires. Each bracelet should have 2-3 wraps of wire around them. Place the wire on the glass then tighten the bracelet to your desired size. Be sure that one wire measures about 9 inches and the other end of the wire is much longer (about a foot).

Step 2: Take the shorter end of the wire and wrap around 1-2 times to hold the wires in place.

Step 3: Add stone #1 to the open wire and push it down to the coil. Wrap the wire 2-3 times on each side.

Step 4: Take the extra wire you have and wrap it around the stone or bead.

Step 5: Snip off any excess wire so that it does not cut you while wearing.

Step 6: Repeat steps 1-5 for the next two stones *REMEMBER* The long side of wire has to be used for 2 more stones so only go around the stone  2-3 times to ensure you have enough wire.

Step 7: MAKE A BUNCH!

I hope you enjoy making these bracelets as much as I did! 

Check out Art and Soul Beads or try searching on Etsy for some flat beads!

xo,

Maria Elizabeth

How to Distress Denim Yourself

 Hello beautiful people! Denim trends may come and go, but when it comes down to it, jeans are an unbeatable wardrobe staple, no matter how often colors, hems, and shapes change with the times. Jeans can go with almost anything!

The latest look to break through the denim market? Distressed jeans- to the point of gaping rips and tears- which have been seen EVERYWHERE, from celebrities to street style stars, to the most popular fashion stylists. Retailers and designers have been quick to jump on this bandwagon, and you'll find this majorly beat-up styles from Nordstrom to Forever 21. (Prices range from $$$ to $)

Unlike most trends though, this one is extremely easy to DIY if you have a little time on your hands. Read on to learn how to make these fashion forward jeans at home!

How to Distress Your Denim

What You'll Need: 

• A old or new pair of denim jeans or shorts
• Fabric scissors (or really sharp scissors)
• A pen or chalk
• Tweezers
• A razor (a disposable one does the trick)

Step 1: Put the jeans on and mark where you would like the holes to be with the chalk or pen. The best places to aim are around the knee. Avoid getting too close to the crotch area...(no one wants to see that)

Step 2: Take the jeans off and cut parallel, horizontal slits on the marks with the scissors. The wider you make the slits, the bigger the holes.

Step 3: Begin to pull on the white horizontal threads. This may take a few tries, but once you get the hang of pull out the threads every thing goes a lot quicker.

Step 4: To create even larger holes, remove some of the white horizontal threads altogether.

Step 5: Use the tweezers to pull out the blue vertical threads.

Step 6: Take the razor and rub back and forth on the denim to create a more worn out look.

Step 7: Throw your jeans into the wash, send them through the dryer, and when you take them out, the rips and tears will look like they were made naturally. They will continue to look even better with each wash and wear.

Keep in Mind

Distressing denim works on both shorts and long jeans, but if you are going the shorts route, I recommend going with a higher waist pair to avoid too much skin. For distressed jeans, I suggest a lighter color and a slimmer leg. Boyfriend jeans are not flattering on everyone. A slimmer leg is flattering for most body shapes and has a very modern feel.

For those of you who don't have the time to DIY a pair of jeans, you may want to check out some hot trends from Nordstrom ,Forever 21 , or GAP .

Thank you for reading, and I hope that these distressed jeans inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new!

xo,

Maria Elizabeth