I haven’t purchased many new clothes in the past few months. In preparation for my upcoming move, I’ve been actively trying to see how much of what’s in my closet I actually wear.
In this exercise, I have discovered two truths: 1.) I don’t wear most of what I own. It either doesn’t fit, is out of style, or is just plain old. (I have a problem throwing clothes out). 2.) The pieces I do wear are usually fairly simple with a little bit of flare and I pair them in a million ways with simple, classic pieces I already own.
Now knowing that, any clothing purchases I’ve made in the past several months have had to be multi-purpose: good for day and night. Or can be dressy and casual. And I will not buy something unless I can think of at least two ways to wear it.
Last night I purchased the Kimchi Ruffle Bib Tank from Urban Outfitters. (Note: Online it says it’s on sale for $34 down from $48 … I bought it in store for $19.99. For locals/Bostonians, I found it in the Urban Bargain Basement in Harvard Square.)
I bought it in “potato” (I am totally into nudes lately). Here it is, with closeup of the detail:
(Another note: in real life, it’s not nearly as flowy at the bottom – it falls fitted on me. That model needs to eat a sandwich.)
And here it is two ways with classic pieces I already own (excuse the sad photoshop job):
Two completely different outfits – and that’s even BEFORE I’ve added accessories.
What I like A LOT about this tank is I can add more outfits to these two just by layering it under other classic pieces like a cardigan or, my favorite piece lately: a thin blazer that hits at the hip with the sleeves rolled 3/4 length (I actually think the blazer outfit would work best with the sleeves left down and paired with skinny jeans rolled up a few inches and a blood red pointy toed heel.)
What I like MOST about this tank is that it was UNDER $20.
Ok enough about me and my tank. Your turn: I want to see some of your latest bargain scores. Bonus points if they’re versatile pieces :)
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
this is exactly what i’ve been trying to do lately! i’m actually a purger when it comes to clothes, but i’m also a bad shopper, so i only tend to get a few things here and there. this past wknd i gathered up all my fortitude and hit target AND tj maxx – whoa. i got this dress at target, which in my non-profit workplace can easily make the day to night transition:
http://tinyurl.com/rck4ve
also, word to the wise (and i’m sure you all know this, but just a good reminder), if it’s got a little imperfection, ask for a discount! this dress has a dime sized tear in the seam under the arm, but it was the only one in my size and i knew i could stitch it up really easily. so i asked for a discount at the cashier, and he gave me the $25 dress for $15! score.
I scored a nice baseball jersey. Paid for it by check and can now write it off on my taxes! $20 goes with everything too
<3 “That model needs to eat a sandwich”