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)