Shopping on a budget part 2: Wardrobe integration

One of the first things I do when I'm trying on a new article of clothing is to start mentally styling it with clothing I already have in my wardrobe. Even stand alone pieces such as dresses or jumpsuits need to be put back with the right accessories. If you are unable to mix and match and item of clothing you are likely to wear it less and therefore fail to get value for money. So last week I set myself a budget of around $100 to buy some clothing form Target or BigW. I ended up with four key pieces and spent $125. I know, slightly over but still not bad. This week I have styled them with my existing clothing and accessories. So I hope you like my outfits and make it your goal next time you go shopping to only buy things that will mix and match with your existing wardrobe (unless you are going for a complete revamp and then thats a whole other story!) My first purchase was the target Playsuit $40. I have other, more casual playsuits that I wear over bathers but this was more a power playsuit that I immediately envisaged with my leopard pumps by Kurt Geiger. My next purchase was the white swing top with lace detail from Target $40. I just loved how fresh and feminine this top felt. I especially love white with denim. So I've teamed it with my just jeans distressed skinnies, Asos clutch, Lovisa long chain, Nicole Fendel bar pendant and Nine west nude pumps. Purchase three was the $15 grey sleeveless t-shirt from Target. as soon as I put it on it felt very congruent with my personality. I thought it had a rock chick vibe about it so I styled it with my black Asos torn skinnies and Nine west caged booties. My final purchase was the black and white fit and flare dress $30 on sale, also from Target. Although it looks great as a stand alone item (red Target pumps and Lovisa necklace), I instantly knew it would look fantastic under a jacket and knew it had great versatility. So I have styled it with my Cue jacket and black Nine west pumps for an office look. Then a slightly more casual white Jag jacket and white strappy wedge by Lavish. Next My Alannah Hill leather jacket and Nine west caged booties for a bit of a rock look and finally my denim jacket from Gasp (old) and converse sneakers for a casual look. Enjoy xx

Kim Kennedy Personal Styling