In case you missed it, over the course of the next month or so I’m on a mission to trade, alter and thrift my way to a fresh summer wardrobe.  I’ve already started, but I wanted to put my goal in writing.  So here is what I’m aiming to add to my closet:

• 4-5 Tops
• 2 Pairs of Shoes (1 pair of sandals, 1 pair of flats)
• 1 Cardigan
• 2 Skirts
• 1-2 Casual Dresses
• 1 Pair of Jeans
• 3-4 Accessories

There are a couple of bonus items that would be challenging and not totally necessary, but if I have money leftover or get really lucky with a good deal I’d like to add something from this list:

• 1 Handbag
• 1 Bathing Suit
• 1 Formal Dress
• 1 Risky/Impractical Item

Shoes are probably going to suck up a chunk of my budget out of pocket budget since I would prefer new to used when it comes to shoes.  Jeans are also going to be a challenge.  I’d like a nicer pair of jeans, but ordering them online is a risk.  I’ve never ordered a pair that fit right when they arrived.

As far as my bonus items go, I don’t think we’re going anywhere that would require a bathing suit but I haven’t purchased one since the beginning of college.  And I finally had to throw that one out because it was so old the elastic got stiff and crumbled.  We also don’t have any weddings to attend this summer, but I can never say no to a cute formal dress.  What I mean by a risky/impractical item is something out of my comfort zone or a really specific show-item.  Something that I can’t wear every week, but something that really makes an impact when I do wear it.

I spent yesterday on a thrifting date and I’m actually feeling pretty confident I can do this.  I was a little nervous at first, but with the progress I’ve already made this week, I’m pretty excited about sharing the end result in a few weeks.

Your mission should you choose to accept it… blah blah blah.  Neverrmind.

Let me start over… I’ve set a goal this spring.  We have been trying to cut back to save up for some bigger projects.  At the same time, I have been dealing with a quarter life wardrobe identity crisis.  I really want a new summer wardrobe to give me some confidence, but I really don’t want to spend a lot.  So here is the game plan…

• Deadline: June
• Budget: $100
• Rules:  Trade, thrift, alter, resell, negotiate, barter, etc.
• Goal:  Enough new pieces to mix and match outfits for one week

To clarify the budget, I only want to spend $100 out of pocket.  I can supplement that budget if I sell some of my outgrown clothes.  I’ll get into how I’m doing that as I go along.  I’ve already started and I can’t wait to share a new tool with you.

I can’t wait to show you what I have already purchased and how this all turns out.  I’m already on my way and feeling really confident  I can do it (or come pretty close).  Let the countdown to summer begin!

One of my long-time favorites, “Funny Face” is now on Netflix.  I spent Saturday night on the sofa watching Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire dance through Paris in the late 1950′s.  If you haven’t seen the movie (you really should!), Hepburn’s character Jo lives in Greenwich Village in New York City where she works at a book store and studies philosophy.

I don’t want to give away too much (mild spoilers!) but if Jo had been a real person, this is how I would imagine she would dress post-Paris living back in NYC.  She would still stick to her practical basics, but with some chic, luxe touches (those flats) and a little added color (the accessories).  And don’t forget a great tote to carry all her books on “empathicalism”.

T-Shirt: Mossimo Women’s Crew Neck from Target – $12.99  //  Pants: Cropped Trousers from H&M – $24.99  //  Purse: Bow Chain Handle Bag from ASOS – $49.23  //  Shoes: Shannon Flats from Piperlime – $150  //  Necklace: Tinley Road Tassel Necklace from Piperlime – $12.99  //  Tote: Paris Shopper from ASOS – $22.87