CHEAP CHIC: SHOPPING WITH THE GIRLS!

Ez and Melissa at the beautiful blog Creature Comforts have a running challenge called Cheap Chic. The challenge is to put together a budget minded outfit that reflects your personal style. The theme for the current challenge is Shopping with the Girls! This challenge was just too fun to resist, so I just had to put my mile-long to do list aside for just a moment to put this together. 

I decided to take the challenge a couple of steps further so that it would realistically fit into my life. I would never, ever go from store to store putting together an outfit, so I decided to make one stop shopping part of my challenge. And because I absolutely LOVE a bargain, I decided to shop at a store that is not necessarily known for it's "cheap chic."  Consider it my little way of sticking it to the man ; ) So my cheap chic outfit to wear shopping with the girls is entirely from J. Crew and it is absolutely (for better or worse) something that I would definitely wear. As a matter of fact, I do own many of the pieces shown.

Here is the breakdown! (note: some things sold out while I was posting, so I was unable to create a link)

Ruffle Collar Pique Henley: $19.99

Petite City Fit Chino (petite on sale - woot!): $19.99

Mendocino Jacket: $19.99 (no, that's not a typo!)

Broken-in Madras Sneakers: $19.99

Soiree Laminated-canvas Bag (so practical!): $49.99

Glass Beaded Lobster Necklace: $69.99

GRAND TOTAL: $199.94!

Ok, now I admit that I would consider the bag moderately priced - not necessarily cheap. And the necklace? Even though it's on sale, it would be a total splurge for me. But I did so well on the other pieces, I just had to finish off the outfit with something great and that necklace just had to be included.  So I could have done better with the accessories had I gone to Old Navy or Target, but I would never shop that way. I just do not have the time or the inclination to go running around town. And you have to admit, a complete outfit from J.Crew for under $200 is pretty fantastic!