I must admit that this post was a challenge because I drove all around town trying to find an outfit that could fit any woman’s budget. After receiving many requests from followers to take on this task, this is what I came up with. Minus the Louis Vuitton, of course, I spent less than $50 on the accessories, jeans and the sweater. I pulled out some shoes, a handbag and the camisole and decided I would center an outfit around those pieces that I already owned. This was not an easy endeavor, but I found an outfit that was simple, tasteful and can fit any woman’s budget.
Jeans (7 For All Mankind) = $17.50 from Buffalo Exchange, Sweather (Takeout) = $19.97 from Nordstrom Rack, cuff bracelet and lock and key necklace (H & M) = $5.95 each. Items I already owned were the hat (Banana Republic), shoes (Guess), handbag (Louis Vuitton), and camisole (BCBGMaxazria)
You know I had to find something at Nordstrom Rack during the grand opening. I could not leave without a fun piece. I love this sweater vest from Nordstrom Rack! The jeans were purchased from Buffalo Exchange. They were $35.00, plus an additional 50% off. That’s a steal, especially for those who know that these jeans cost over $150 retail. Buffalo Exchange is a consignment shop here in town and they have some really cool pieces. I had never heard of the store before, but when I found out about it, I had to check it out. If you want real designer jeans without the designer price tag, both Nordstrom Rack and Buffalo Exchange will be great stores for these items. Just remember that most of the items at Buffalo Exchange are not new. I just found these, which appeared to be new and had to have them. Hem alterations were done by Rina’s.
I love this cuff! 
As women, we are always saying, “I don’t have anything to wear!” I am guilty of that one, but if you take a closer look, there is always something you can start with in your closet. At the end of the photo shoot, I threw on an old hat that I have owned for many years. I had forgotten about the hat until I reached into my hat box to see what I could find yesterday. It’s amazing how many fun pieces you have right at your fingertips. So, before you go out and buy an entirely new ensemble, find some pieces you already have and just buy nice accessories or a sweater to compliment the pieces you already own. That’s what I did for this particular outfit.
October is breast cancer awareness month. This blog is for my mom who is a breast cancer survivor and in memory of Nancy Burton who lost her battle with cancer. Nancy worked at the courthouse where I used to work as a staff attorney. One day, all the women at the court wore hats (and so did Nancy). We all gathered near the lake behind the courthouse and took a beautiful picture with all of the women in their hats to honor Nancy. Nancy passed away shortly after we took the photo. This is the hat I wore in our group photo at the courthouse.
“Hats off” to all the women out there who are survivors and for those who lost their battle with cancer. We salute you!
Love the outfit and that you remembered Nancy and honored your mother!
Thanks! I was trying to find affordable pieces to mix with things I already owned, which is what I encourage women to do. Nancy was such a great person who loved the youth and worked closely with them. My mom is the same — she loves the youth and genuinely cares about everyone around her. They’re awesome women and only two of many women who have suffered with this horrible disease.
Shayla,
Thank you so much for honoring those of us who are suffering, have suffered through, and have died from this horrible disease. I am so thankful that you, other members of the family, and friends just loved me through it. I remember and felt all of the prayers that were prayed for me. There were days when all I could do was just say, “God I trust You.” I had to truly believe that God is my Healer and you all just loved and prayed me through it. Remember the Prayer Shawl that was handmade with love by the University United Methodist Church Crafting Ministry (Sharon). I would wrap it around me during the chemo treatments. Sometimes when I pray I still wrap the Prayer Shawl around my shoulders. It is so soft, warm, and comforting.
Remember the time you took leave from work to be with me during chemo. Remember when you used the scissors to cut the last few strands of hair from my head. Remember how we still managed to laugh when you said that you were going to cut me a mohawk. Remember how you held my hand and prayed when the nurses were sticking me trying to get blood. I thank God that you all were there to love me.
Martha McBride sings a beautiful song about loving someone through cancer. If you have not heard it, I hope you will hear it soon. The name of the song is: I’m going to love you through it.
Love you forever,
Mom
Okay Mom, now you’re making me cry. I would have given up everything to be there for you. I remember you told me to cut the rest of your hair that was left and I cut you a mohawk. We managed to laugh instead of cry. I love you and I thank God for you everyday. You have made me the woman I am.
I love that outfit. You really know how to pull things out and make them look good together. The hat and sweater rock!
Thanks DJ!
Good Afternoon,
You did it, again! Love the outfit.
Soror,
Kisha
Thank you, Kisha!!!