Skirting the issue

Having versatile pieces in your wardrobe will save you money and a lot of frustration. When I shop, I always ask myself "How many ways can I wear this if I buy it?" If I can think of multiple ways to wear it and if I can immediately think of things already in my wardrobe that will complement this new addition to the family then it's a keeper. Usually having this mindset saves me 1. another piece taking up precious closet and hangar space, 2. money wasted on a useless purchase (no matter how pretty it looks sitting in your closet, clothes are meant to be worn and even if it's a great bargain, if you don't wear it, you're throwing money away, eek!), 3. TIME since I don't have to sit there and wonder how to put together an outfit.

If it's an expensive designer piece, knowing you can wear it a million different ways with a million different things can justify the hefty price tag. However, even if it's a super cheap piece, I still think about what I'll wear it with, how many ways I'll wear it and can I dress it up and down?

I bought this skirt from Forever21 the other day, it's just a plain, tribal printed jersey skirt. Here are 4 ways I have styled this $12.50 skirt, each for a different occasion either dressed up or dressed down. Through layering and accessorizing, this skirt can transform and transcend any occasion. I have started with a basic Abercrombie & Fitch jersey tank and the Skirt:

THE BASICS:
Skirt: Forever21 ($12.50)
Tank: Abercrombie & Fitch white jersey strappy tank. ($34.50)
necklace: vintage pendant ($18)

Look #1: A Day at the Office
Sweater: Abercrombie & Fitch ($70)
Necklace: my own creation of gold chains and beaded tiger eyes ($5 for all materials)
belt: vintage MCM ostrich belt ($3 at sample sale)
bag: marc by marc jacobs dr. q groovee ($498)
scarf: vintage bayeux tapestries scarf ($3)
Shoes: Prada flats ($101 on sale)
Sunglasses: Chloe logo ($325)

Look# 2: Lunch date with girlfriends
Shirt: Abercrombie & Fitch mens oxford ($78)
Belt: Wide braided leather belt ($3 at a sample sale)
Clutch: Mom's vintage leather clutch (free!)
Shoes: Boutique 58 brown leather wingtip mary jane platforms ($15 on sale)

Look #3: Dinner date
Jacket: Mom's vintage tweed blazer (free!)
Belt: Vintage MCM ostrich
Clutch: brass knuckle clutch by Latiko Leathers ($70)
Bracelet: Forever21 brass filigree bangle ($4)
Shoes: Strappy leather and suede platform wedges by Dolce Vita ($30 on sale)

Look #4: Running Errands around town
Sunglasses: Ray Ban aviator ($129)
Necklace: red glass beads from NYC street vendor ($5)
Belt: rope belt pulled off another dress (free!)
Bag: vintage Gucci flap shoulerbag ($70)
Shoes: Toms ($40)

I got it from my mama...

Growing up, we didn't have a lot of money. My parents are immigrants and like a lot of immigrants, they experienced their fair share of challenges when coming to the country. We were never short of any necessities but my parents made it very clear early on that all our money was better spent on piano lessons, dance classes, tutoring sessions rather than nice clothes and nice cars. So what happens when you get a fashion crazed girl being restrained by her parents' tight pursestrings?

You get a girl who raids every family member's closet for things to wear. I have a little brother (little is loosely used, he's about 7 inches taller than me now) and I love wearing his old tee-shirts and his old blazers. My mom had a bunch of suits and jackets and dresses she used to wear in the Taiwan that she has since outgrown (having two kids, she reminds me, will do that to your body so enjoy it now!) that I have now adopted into my own wardrobe.

Even now that I am on my own, I still revert back to those staples from my mom and my brother and I will often shop in the little boys section. If you're looking for menswear inspired things that are all the rage right now with labels like Rag & Bone, The Row, and Current/Elliot, look into little boys brands. Some of my favorite pieces are from the boys section. I favor abercrombie kids guys jeans, polo ralph laurent boys rugby shirts, and boys prep-school inspired blazers. The other great thing is that they are often heavily discounted at TJMaxx, abercrombie Kids, and Target.

Here are some looks I owe my mom and Jon (my brother):
Look #1


















Dress: Mom's dress circa 1990 (free)
Necklaces: vintage pendant ($18), Forever21 Layered Chain ($9)
Belt: Vintage MCM Ostrich ($3 at a sample sale)
Clutch: Topshop ruched champagne suede ($24)
Shoes: Jessica Simpson Gladiator Platforms ($89 full price)

Look #2

Jacket: Mom's houndstooth wool blazer (free)
Shirt: J.Crew Tank ($18)
Jeans: brother's old abercrombie Guys Jeans ($15 on sale)
Shoes: BCBGMax Azria pumps ($70 on sale)
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs ($498)
Scarf: vintage Bayou tapestries scarf ($3)
Bracelets: Zipper bangle ($18), Forever21 studded bangles ($4)
Sunglasses: Ray ban Aviators ($129)