I’ve been saving this photoshoot for over a month, I wasn’t sure if I was going to post the outfit as I don’t feel good about how I look in these photos. When I was planning winter outfits for a photoshoot, I really liked the idea of layering jackets, paired with boots and jeans. I thought it would be a great outfit. You might disagree, but I think this outfit looks sloppy. The individual pieces are great, but together as a whole it doesn’t really work. This outfit made me look at my wardrobe in a different way and start to evaluate my style. What worked in my wardrobe? Were there pieces I wore because I liked them but they weren’t flattering? Was I holding onto clothing I thought were quality but didn’t really work for my style? I had a lot of questions.

Those questions lead me to stand in front of my wardrobe one day and look at the pieces I had in there. Did I love all of my clothing or was I simply trying to make it work? The latter seemed to be the theme, so I knew I had to make a change. Obviously replacing an entire wardrobe can be expensive, but I could start by donating what no longer worked and starting over with the pieces I loved. I took a large bag full of clothes, shoes and accessories to the Salvation Army Thrift Store. Remember when you donate to ask for the coupon. It entitles you to $10 off a purchase of $25 or more. Totally worth it!

I am going to use my coupon to start building a functional wardrobe that seamlessly works together. Rather than having a lot of pieces that work alone, I need a cohesive wardrobe. Later this spring I have an article coming out talking about how you can build a great wardrobe with the Salvation Army Thrift Store. I can’t wait to share more. By purchasing secondhand clothing from the Salvation Army Thrift Store as well as new quality pieces, I am going to build a fabulous wardrobe.

FRUGAL FASHION FRIDAY

Layered Jean Jacket

Jean Jacket: $7.99 (Salvation Army Thrift Store), Wool Sweater: $6.99 (Salvation Army Thrift Store), Black Sweater: $20 (Winners), Grey Jeans: $20 (Winners), Booties: $7.99 (Salvation Army Thrift Store), Green Purse: $5.99 (Salvation Army Thrift Store)

TOTAL: $68.96

Again I LOVE all these pieces individually, the green purse, booties, jean jacket, and wool sweater. The black sweater is a great base I use for a lot of outfits. On the other hand those grey jeans are no longer in my wardrobe. After the first wash they lost their shape and stretched out so much, they are no longer flattering. Bye bye.

Anyone else have those pieces of clothing they purchased and then continually try to make work but they never do? Whether it’s the way they fit or the colour or the fact it doesn’t work with anything else in your wardrobe. I think it’s ok to admit defeat. You made a bad purchase. You bought something that didn’t exactly work with your style or body shape. We’ve all done it. Rather than holding on, I am going to let go of all those pieces in my wardrobe that don’t make me feel like a million bucks and slowly start over. Who’s with me?