Work style

Girlboss Closet on a Budget | Girlboss Tips | Budget Tips | It's All Chic To Me

Being a #girlboss can take a lot of work so your outfit shouldn’t have to! If there is one thing that my mama taught me well, it was how to dress for success on a budget. Thanks mama! Dressing for success does not have to be costly and who doesn’t like to save a few dollars where they can? I don’t claim to always get everything for cheap, but I do make a conscious effort to make my dollars go as far as possible. That being said, here are my tips for all of my ladies out there that, like me, have a champagne taste on a beer budget.

Shop the sales

If you aren’t someone who normally gets excited about sales, it’s time to make a change! At some point the gorgeous blouse that you are coveting is going to go on major sale and you will kick yourself for paying full price. Stores are always looking for an excuse to push a sale so look out for the really good ones (40%+ off) and sit back for the duds (10-15%). Sign up for your favorite stores email lists and check them regularly. Sometimes email subscribers get inside information and it pays off to get all of those annoying emails! Outlets can also be your best friend. While they usually are a season behind, they offer greatly discounted clothes and you know they are still the name brand you love. J Crew Factory is my favorite for discounted work clothes- specifically their cropped pants. The majority of my work attire comes from Loft, Banana Republic, and J Crew Factory when they are having their major end of the year sales. I have scored work pants for $8/piece so I am telling you that the wait is worth it people!

Know when to save and when its ok to splurge

Have you ever heard the term, “Fashion comes and goes but style is timeless”? It is ok to splurge on the pieces that you know you will be able to wear for years to come. Think suits, blazers, an age-appropriate LBD, or well-made heels. This unfortunately does not include trendy pieces. So while you might be really tempted to run out and buy the season’s hottest new trend, unless you can find it for a reasonable price, I highly suggest saving your money. I tend to splurge on pieces that I can see myself wearing in 5 years and in order to do that the quality has to be there. Keep in mind that sometimes it is necessary to spend a bit more for quality if it is going to save you money in the long run.

Don’t allow yourself to shop for fun (on a regular basis)

This one gets me the most. Anyone else an emotional shopper? I get it, I have first hand experience that retail therapy can cure just about anything! I have spent hundreds of dollars trying to make myself feel better or simply because I was bored at the time. While this is ok on rare occasions, it can NOT be your norm. If you absolutely must- stick to places like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, or Target. I call these my safe zones because at least they are budget friendly. Be careful because these places can also sneak up on you if you go overboard, so my best piece of advice is to only allow yourself to purchase one item.

Stock up on staples

These are your classics that are never going out of style. They are the separates that you can wear to make several different outfits. For the most part, your staples are going to be your solid colors. Prints tend to come and go. Every #girlboss should own a white and black blouse, navy and black pants, and a black pencil skirt at the very least. These colors go with almost everything. I own several different white blouses because they go with any bottom that you can think of- pants, pencil skirts, shorts, you name it. You can’t go wrong investing in separates in white, navy, black, khaki, grey, and red.

It’s all in the details

Details can make or break an outfit but they can also help you recreate old looks and make them new again. Accessories can completely change an outfit by switching up your jewelry, belt, and purse so don’t forget about these. You do not need a ton of different details. Again, stick to pieces that you can wear with several different outfits and through multiple seasons. My go to place for details is Charming Charlie because they have great deals and everything is color coded so it’s super easy to choose from!

SHOP THE POST:

Chic Color Block Office Dress

If you have been following along with me on Instagram or Snapchat (username: shelbiadams), then you know that I got back today from Costa Rica. I will do a full recap of my trip on Wednesday, but until then I just wanted to let you all know that I had an amazing time, the weather was absolutely perfect, the food was exceptional, and the sunburn is in full effect. OUCH is an understatement. As sad as I am for my little vacation to come to an end, I am excited to get back to work and back into my normal routine!

Today’s post is all about this color block dress from Charming Charlie that is perfect for all of my working gals. When it comes to work clothes, I am a major fan of a comfortable, professional dress. Dresses require the least amount of thought in the morning since they are quick to throw on. Anyone else not a morning person? Dresses have been my saving grace on more mornings than not when I am not in the mood to spend a lot of time getting ready. The best part about a dress with as much character as this one is that it needs minimal accessories. When picking out a functional work dress, my best advice is to choose one that is the perfect mix of simple and charismatic. I have found my favorites to be a simple pattern, a mix of colors, intricate detailing (like scalloped trim), or an unconventional fit (like an A-line, fit and flare, or pencil skirt).

Now when it comes to accessories, this is where you get to play. If my outfit does not have much color to it, you can bet the accessories will bring the outfit to life. Mint and leopard were the perfect touch to take this work dress from cute to totally chic. If you do not already own a leopard heel, they seriously are my go-to heel to take a simple outfit to the next level and here are a few of my other favorites- here and here.

For all of my Houston friends, I hope you were able to stay dry and if not that you did not suffer terrible damages. As always, you all are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope that you have a great week!

*Thank you Charming Charlie for sponsoring this post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.*