September 16, 2011

dressed on a dime: know thyself.

Red Trench coat: Old Navy ($20). Skinny Tuxedo pants:Old Navy ($4). Sweater Vest: Ross ($12). Ruffled Blouse : The Loft ($12). Scarf: Ross ($3). Shoes: Target($4). Skinny belt you can’t see: Forever 21(2.50)

Total outfit cost: $57.50

When I first realized that my wardrobe was in dire straits, Mr. suggested that perhaps we go on a little shopping spree. I was delighted. I mean, I really needed clothes, but even better, it was his idea that we go shopping.
Every woman’s dream.
Except when Mr took me to the mall and we started looking it quickly became apparent that I didn’t really know what I wanted. I had no idea what I even liked. By the time we left the mall I was all but in tears, and had only purchased one top that I don’t think I ever wore after my one brief date with it in the fitting room.

Tip #3: Know Thyself.

Before you really get into building up your wardrobe, you’ve got to understand your own style. If you try to shop a lot before you understand what you really like, your going to be blundering around a lot wasting both time and money. How many times have you bought something at the store that you’re just sort of vanilla about, took the tags off, hung it up in your closet and never looked at it again?
Personal style has nothing to do with fashion. It’s something that resonates from inside of us. Your style is just an extension of who you really are. Our clothing is an expression of our style (the one the world notices most), but it doesn’t stop there. It’s in the way we frost a cupcake, decorate our home, speak to others, it’s in the music we like, the way we fix our hair, and how we throw a party, the way we write, what we like to read. Whether you know it or not, you have your own style and it is there in everything you touch. The trick is, figuring out what your own unique style is and loving it.

In the beginning, I spent a lot of time trying to copy others. I didn’t really know what I liked. No matter what they say imitation isn’t the best form of flattery. At least its not flattering on the imitator. The best look for you will always be the one that’s most uniquely yours. Don’t waste your time mimicking someone else’s look, find your own. You will never feel at home in your clothes until you know yourself and are true to your own style. If you, like me have no idea how to start finding your personal style, not to fear.
We all have things that we are unconsciously drawn to. Rather than trying to find a style that you “fit” into, just look for inspiration in the world around you. Build a pin board, or sign up for Pinterest. Look for images that you are naturally drawn to without thinking about it. Go to a store and just drift. Let your mind relax and take note of which items pop out to you. Pay attention to the other things you touch in life. Soon you’ll see a trend in yourself and you’ll begin to understand your own style.
My last bit of advice: don’t put yourself in a box. Don’t tell yourself, I’m a preppy dresser, I’m a bohemian dresser, etc. It will only limit you. What person fits one persona completely? We are all multi-faceted. Our style, if it is truly our own, will be too.

Personal style is timeless. It has nothing to do with trends, and it doesn’t go out of fashion.

“Fashion fades, only style remains the same.”
Coco Chanel.

Now show me your style girls, and link up below.

Link-up Rules:

I hate when people get nitpicky. We’re all busy right?

You can link as many outfits as you want.
Link to a specific post (a thrifty ensemble please).
And let us know the total cost of your outfit in the title.
Grab a button, if you love me.
Now link up your fabulous thrifty outfits below!

32 comments

32 Comments

Samantha @ Moody Mama wrote:

I love this outfit! The red trench is gorgeous!

Can I ask where the bag is from? (I might have missed it somewhere)

Posted 9.16.11 Reply
J.-Kim wrote:

Love your blog and your pictures… I`ll follow you now.. =)
greets

http://voguewired.blogspot.com

Posted 9.16.11 Reply
Nina @ Momma Go Round wrote:

You look beyond stunning my friend! Simply gorgeous.

Posted 9.16.11 Reply
That's Sassy wrote:

Love this outfit you have! Red is my favorite color and the way your paired everything works perfect! Thank you for the styling help, I can feel lost sometimes and pigeon holed into a certain style!

Posted 9.16.11 Reply
M@coffeeandkitsch wrote:

you sure know how to wear color!

Posted 9.16.11 Reply
lori wrote:

i love this post! i totally agree.. i have been cleaning out my closet today, trying to declutter and get rid of things that are not “me”. in the past i have bought something just because something is cheap, or it seems in style. blogging (and pinterest!)has seriously helped me so much with discovering my own style. im going shopping tomorrow, and i am super excited now. hopefully ill snag an outfit to post and link up!

Posted 9.16.11 Reply
Susan wrote:

I love that outfit and for such a great price! I especially love that red coat!! I totally agree with what you said about finding your own style. Not every trend is for everyone either. I don’t really feel like I like the way leggings look on me, so I think its better for me to skip that trend than to wear something I don’t feel good in.

Posted 9.16.11 Reply
Elaine wrote:

Pretty. Love the scarf.

Posted 9.16.11 Reply
Leah wrote:

I love these posts! Great inspiration, Cori.

Posted 9.16.11 Reply
Skittles wrote:

Love This Post!

Posted 9.16.11 Reply
Julia wrote:

I love the outfit! The red trench and the Vest are my favorites :) Indeed if you know what looks good on you and from where and when to buy your clothes then you can look fabulous with little money :D A lot of people at my work watches your posts and can’t wait to see the next one. Keep up the good work!

http://replicarating.com

Posted 9.16.11 Reply
Anna wrote:

i absolutely love this outfit and the colour combo. i can’t believe how cheap all those pieces were!! way to go thrifty shopper!!

http://www.simplystylishmom.com

Posted 9.16.11 Reply
Bailey Baldwin wrote:

Your blog is wonderful. Seriously, wonderful.

Posted 9.16.11 Reply
Laura wrote:

Love the sweater vest! And that was a really touching post. I like the differentiation between fashion and personal style. It was a good reminder, too, that we should be wearing what is best for us, and not trying to copy the style of someone else, just because we saw it on so and so’s blog.

Posted 9.17.11 Reply
newpetite wrote:

You are so right! after the baby I went through the same ups and down about shopping and getting to know what I like. Awesome post and you look amazing!

Posted 9.17.11 Reply
Ana Paula wrote:

So true! It took me forever to finally figure out those pieces of clothing I’m drawn to. The shape and size of my pants has changed (10 years ago skinny pants weren’t in fashion, for example), the colors of my tops have changed as well (color blocking wasn’t a thing I would have tried 10 years ago). But I know I love scarves and necklaces and purses, feminine shoes, cardigans and jackets. And colors. I’m not afraid of color. It’s good to know what we like… I do not recall a piece I bought and never wore.

Posted 9.17.11 Reply
Rin wrote:

Great post. Like you, I’ve been trying to figure out my own personal style as my wardrobe makes a transition. I’m changing from an undergrad college student to a professional and grad student. I need a wardrobe that will suit me in my new pursuits. I am working on it still.

Posted 9.17.11 Reply
Ashley wrote:

OH MY HECK!!! I LOVE this ensemble! It is perfection!

Posted 9.17.11 Reply
projectdowhatyoulove wrote:

LOVe the trench! Gorgeous! Nice post, thanx!

Natalie
http://www.projectdowhatyoulove.wordpress.com

Posted 9.17.11 Reply
Frannie Pantz wrote:

Great post and I love the outfit. That red trench is fabulous and the bag, black skinnies and scarf are a great touch. I find my style constantly evolving, but always me. It’s so much more comfortable and fun to dress for yourself!

Posted 9.17.11 Reply
Along Abbey Road wrote:

Love this post! So essential to dress for yourself! Fun link-up too!

♥Abbey
Along Abbey Road

Posted 9.17.11 Reply
Katrina wrote:

I love this nautical inspired outfit – the red trench is too cute!

Posted 9.18.11 Reply
EverydayMomStyle wrote:

This article really resonates with me because I had a similar experience at the mall on Friday. I also almost left in tears. I finally realized I was trying too hard- and not staying true to myself. The way you write about finding your own style and not trying to copy others really hits home as well.
Thank you for saying what I was thinking…

Posted 9.18.11 Reply
Gail and Rhoda wrote:

Thank you for this post. You are my blog post today as this is what I try to live and teach my clients. I just recently found your blog and love it. Keep up the greatness!

Posted 9.18.11 Reply
Nicole Luther wrote:

Oopsies! Didn’t mean to post twice!

-Nicole
http://www.bigpraiselotsofyays.com

Posted 9.18.11 Reply
Modern Wivelyhood wrote:

You are beautiful! Thanks for the tips, I feel like I’m still trying to find my style and try new things, so I love the help!

Posted 9.19.11 Reply
melissa wrote:

I LOVE this post! Dressed on a DIME such a great idea..so awesome that you are letting everyone share their outfits too.. Can I mention you on my blog? I’d LOVE all of my friends to see some amazing outfits..
teachingfashionista.blogspot.com

Posted 9.19.11 Reply
Rachel wrote:

What a great post!! (:

Posted 9.19.11 Reply
Katie wrote:

SO gorgeous!

I’m sure you’ve mentioned this before- but how do you find such cheap stuff at places such as the Loft?

Posted 9.22.11 Reply
Rachel wrote:

Yes! Knowing yourself is huge. Also, if you like a trend and you’re not sure if it’s you, buy it at WalMart, KMart or Target. They’re up on current trends nowadays and their prices are so insignificant it won’t break your heart or your bank if you end up hating it! I wasn’t sure about long shirts or skinny jeans since I’m a short(5′), hour-glass figured girl so I got the outfit I linked at Walmart and I’m pleasantly surprised at the outcome. I also got them on mad clearance so it made it even cheaper. Keep the good advice coming!

Posted 9.22.11 Reply
JoEllen wrote:

Love this post! So true and very well said.

Posted 9.27.11 Reply
Behrouz Girl wrote:

I love the red trench.

Posted 1.23.13 Reply

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32 Comments