Frugal and Fab: One Zara Skirt Worn 4 Ways

Do you ever go shopping, suddenly realize you absolutely NEED something you weren’t even looking for and immediately envision a hundred different ways to wear it?  I’m sure it’s simply a shopping rationalization.  “I must have this.  It’s such an investment piece.  I can wear it a hundred different ways making each wear only $.10 per wear!”  Well this past week, I popped my head into Zara purely out of a mixture of boredom and curiosity and found myself magnetized to a simple striped skirt.  It was light and flouncy, perfect for summer and classic in color so that it would withstand the test of time (er so I figured).

I see great pieces everywhere all the time.  After all, you can’t avoid window shopping in NY as the streets are filled with tempting creations at every street corner.  You inadvertently shop whether you meant to or not!  But this find was SPECIAL.  It had the power to transform and become many different looks.  So it was without much guilt, I hurried over and prepared my $30something odd dollars knowing I was immediately expanding my wardrobe tenfold with just one frugal and fab purchase.

Here are some of my initial outfit ideas.  This first one would be great for a work day.  I just got a new job working in-house for a major retailer (running their marketing, PR and events) so I can get away with being a little more fashion forward in the workplace. I actually interviewed in this Forever 21 jacket (clearly a Fall 2009 Chanel knockoff) which is now paired with suede frilly booties, pony hair Emanuel Ungaro leopard printed tote that I bought on consignment and new Zara skirt.

This second look is more summery with the white patent leather sandals (CK thrifted) and short sleeve ruffled blouse (also from Zara).  I’m proud to say this outfit costed only about $75 head to toe.

The outfit below is made up of a Forever 21 short sleeve bow blouse, Holland and Holland cashmere sweater shirt, Storets skull tote, and jeweled flats from Chinese Laundry.  I see this as a comfortable go anywhere (errands, work, brunch) outfit.

And lastly, this is a revised version of the outfit I just wore this weekend to dinner with a friend and meetup with friends on a Sat. night.  Here, I’m wearing the Zara skirt with a Eugenia Kim hat that I bought at a sample sale, Forever 21 tank, Express chain necklace, lace clutch, and sky high stilettos from Fergie (bought at TJ Maxx).  Don’t you love a deal?

What’s your favorite look?

Convertible dresses

I love making wardrobe pieces do double-duty.  One dress can for example be worn with a cardigan, tights and boots for winter, alone with strappy sandals for summer, and tucked under a skirt shown as a blouse.  I’m really into to the tuck conversion right now.  Here are a couple examples.

This calico printed ruffle dress (found at TJMaxx for only $19.99) is worn as 2 very different outfits below. First, the dress is tucked under a ruffled skirt and next it is worn outside the skirt with the skirt ruffles peeking out from underneath. Of course this only works with thin fabrics in order not to appear too bulky.

I love getting new ideas from others so how do you suggest I wear the skirt and/or dress next? How would you style these pieces?

Below, see how Joey Brooke and I took the same heart-printed dress from Forever 21 (about $20) and wore them completely differently.

Which version(s) is/are your favorite(s)?

Please see my other entries and use the category buttons at top or at the sidebar as my older entries link needs to be fixed!

Check this site to see how one girl forced herself to wear the same black dress every day of the year.