Affordable style.

Forever 21 cardigan and top; H&M pants; Zellers shoes

Here's a work outfit from last week. Both the top and pants were new purchases that I really shouldn't have bought but couldn't walk away from. Seriously - they were steals. 10$ for a cute heart-printed tank? $15 for a pair of high-waisted stretchy denim? Um, yes please. That kind of stuff sucks me in. I'm a sucker for super affordable style.

The same day I bought these "bank-breakers", my friend took me into Holt Refrew and asked for my opinion on some designer sunglasses. Well folks, she looked fabulous in those glasses but the price was ca-ray-zay.  I know many people who like to invest in long-lasting quality pieces, and I can definitely appreciate their reasons, but I haven't hit that point yet. I'm still loving my $15 pants and $5 sunnies from the clearance bin at Aldo. I'll show you those babies another time. :)

What drives your shopping? Quality, price or both?

This was a hard post to create.

I'm back at my parent's place and I forgot my laptop. The computer we have here at home is terrible; it doesn't let me comment on blogs properly, and it doesn't even have a working SD drive. So I can't use it to upload photos. I asked to borrow my brother's laptop, which DOES have a working SD drive, but no photo editing software. I'm lucky Paint can re-size and crop...

 

Shirt from Costa Blanca; Jeans from F21; Shoes from Globo

Another one of those simple days, but I think this is one of my favourite outfits for summer. The top is so light and breezy, while the cuffed jeans let some air at my ankles. It seriously makes a big difference! I haven't worn these shoes enough either. Last post I wore them, some thought they were wedges. I think I would prefer if they were; however, they're just heels. Still fun anyways, I love the detail in the straps!

This is another totally affordable outfit. I scored this short during a closing sale for $10. The jeans? Another $12.50. Forever 21 denim is so cheap, and sometimes you score big. Like I did with these. I went minimal on the jewellery because I love the detailing on the neck of the shirt too much to take away from it.  I've got a couple of bracelets on, but you'll have to take my word for it because they're on the arm that I managed to hide in every single photo. How did I do that?! Anyways...

Today I'm heading out to pick up the bridesmaids and wedding dresses for my friend's wedding! It's crazy how close it's getting, and I can't believe she's getting married! I still feel like it's only something grown-ups do, but then I remember that we are kind of grown ups. When did that happen?

I went to the beach on the weekend

And this is what I wore! Because I know you all care. At least, I like to tell myself that...

Shirt from Joe Fresh (partial DIY), Shorts, sandals, sunnies and hat from F21

This outfit is:
a) Simple
b) Breezy
c) Colourful.
...Perfect for a day at the beach, I tell ya!

It was a great time with just me and my mom. The sand was so hot you couldn't stand on it for more than 10 seconds.  It was blazingly sunny, so much that you couldn't manage without shades. But I STILL didn't get any colour. Yes, I put on sunscreen in the morning, but I expected something by the end of the day. Alas, my skin does reflect the UV rays. Just as I suspected.

But something really cool happened to us! We went snorkelling in the lake to see some fish. After being out there for about 15 minutes, I turned around and behind us was this massive school of fish...following us! They went everywhere we went. There were like 40 of them, all different sizes. If we swam through seaweed, they swam through right after us.  It was so cool....moments like these, I wish I had an underwater camera.

Back to the outfit, I bought this shirt from Joe Fresh for like $2.00 I cut the edges to make them rough, and then cut the bottom on an angle upwards to make it asymmetrical. I like how it turned out, especially for an outing like this. Paired with everything from F21, I can safely say this was a very affordable outfit :)

Sunday's Affordable Outfit

So if you know me at all, I rarely buy anything full price. And if I do, there has to be a good reason.  Usually the reason ends up being that it was already a great price.

Check out this trench.  Forever21 clearance last year - $15. It's got an asymmetrical button closure, and such cute polka-dotted lining (that you can't see here, sorry)!

My shirt and jeans both came from Forever21 as well. They were regular price at $14.50 and $12.50.

The boots were another clearance from Spring for only $20 over a year ago.  The scarf? I can't remember, but I've never spent more than $10 on a scarf before.

My total outfit cost? Approx. $65 (including boots & jacket).

I need to start visiting more thrift stores. Everyone seems to find such great pieces for such great prices. I don't know of any around me, other than Value Village. And last time I went there, I couldn't find anything :(  Maybe I need thrifting lessons?

Do you have any "steals" in your closet that you're in love with?