Cheap and Chic Closet Basics

dress and shoes: thrifted

Today was our Adult choir Easter musical. We had to wear black or black and white. I added the blue shoes because I really don't like being dressed just like everyone else! :) Anyone else feel that way? I opened the front door to add some natural light to the pics and wow, would you look at how crazy white my legs are! Yikes! This dress is one of my favorite Savers finds - it is Jones New York and I paid $7 for it. The shoes were $2 from one of my fave consignment stores. And I'd like to introduce you to my second favorite photo bomber - Moppet. He's my 11 year old maltese and my baby until the Munchkin came along.

Closet Basics

How to have a complete wardrobe in 20 pieces.

After a little review and working I think I have mastered the 20 piece closet. This doesn't mean that I only wear these 20 pieces, but there have been a few times in my life when most of my closet has been packed away and I've only had space for part of it. Here is what I've learned.

The pieces:

5 Bottoms: light blue skinny jeans, olive capris, white shorts, khaki bermuda shorts, red maxi skirt

1 Dress: Turquoise shift dress

8 Tops: black stripe 3/4 sleeve tee, grey drapey tee, black tee, white button-up, cream cashmere tee, purple silk tank, black tank, white tank

3 Jacket/Cardis: jean jacket, purple sweater hoodie, yellow embellished cardi

3 Shoes: nude peep-toe wedges, black oxfords, silver ballet flats

These pieces can be combined into over 160 outfits! The key is plenty of neutrals (denim, olive, khaki, black and white) with colors that compliment each other: red, purple, turquoise and yellow. Pretty much everything goes together.

Obviously this is a casual wardrobe - I'm a stay at home mom, the only time I really get dressed up these days is for church. For a professional wardrobe I would choose 2 pencil skirts, 2 trousers, 1 pair work appropriate jeans, 2 blazers and 1 cardi, 2 pairs neutral heels, 1 pair bright flats plus the 8 tops and 1 dress.

For the girl on the budget, this means that you can spend your money on pieces that you know will work in your closet. If you do a little homework on what colors and neutrals you want beforehand and only choose pieces you love and can't live without, you'll have a wardrobe that will always work for you. Also, if you travel a lot - this makes your life so much easier. It all fits in one suitcase and you could dress well for three months. Just add the accessories you love and you're off!

Happy Sunday, ya'll!