Petite Fashion Challenge #13: Stylish for under $100

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Hosted by Annie @ Really Petite, Petite Fashion Challenge #13: Stylish for under $100 has us putting together a professional outfit (excluding shoes and accessories) for under $100. Bonus points if you can put together a completed outfit including shoes and accessories for under $100.

Yikes! Most of my "professional" clothes are on the higher-end of my spending spectrum. So for this challenge, I had to keep those to a minimum (or non-existent) while mixing in cheaper clothing that still maintain the professional vibe.

I already knew I spend an ungodly amount on bags, so I really did try hard to keep the rest of the outfit under $100. But the deal-breaker that I hadn't counted on? SHOES. I better hope my feet stay the same size for a longgg time.

The cost breakdown for this outfit that works in my fairly casual work environment:

$0 pearl ribbon necklace - gift from SewPetiteGal (shop her Etsy store)
$9 H&M basic jersey tee (similar)
$38 H&M draped blazer (similar)
$21 J.Crew skinny leather belt (similar)
$28 Gap knit tulip skirt (similar)
$4 Forever 21 pearlescent cluster ring (sold here)
$9 American Eagle classic tights (similar)
$108 Longchamp medium LM metal tote (sold here)
$93 Ann Taylor perfect patent pumps (sold here)

= $75 total (excluding shoes and accessories)

Are there items you spend a lot of money on without realizing it?

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27 comments

  1. Great job Cee! I really like the drape blazer belted- adds a totally diff look :) You always look amazing!

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  2. I love the way you paired the monochromatic blazer and belt--the look is very pulled-together and polished. Great outfit!

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  3. i adore that skirt! and blazer :) i must find one!! im glad to see im not the only one that had a problem, hehe. bags and shoes...

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    1. Just off the top of my head... you, me, SPG, Elle... I'd say we're in the majority, wouldn't you say? ;)

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  4. That drape blazer is adorable!!! I would wear that all the time!

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  5. This outfit is soo terrific, I love the different elements at play.

    uh, my problem is bags and shoes too...sigh.

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  6. Love that blazer and that skirt :)

    katattack2000.wordpress.com

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  7. So cute! I love how effortless it looks!

    www.littlelaurascloset.com

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  8. That drape blazer looks nicer every time you wear it! Good job on the challenge!

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  9. Love the drapiness (is that a word?) of your outfit. So effortless and chic at the same time!

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    1. I'll take drapiness (even though spell check doesn't seem to think it's a real word) ;) I'm also someone who spelled cuckoo as "kookoo" yesterday and bf laughed in my face, hahaha. Sigh. I'm not helping my case here, but I also googled "kookoo" and saw that it's in Urban Dictionary - so therefore it's gotta be a real word, right?! WRONG.

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  10. beautiful! i really like this blazer and saw one at h&m similar but it was $59.95 and came with a skinny belt ...

    xo
    julesinflats.blogspot.com

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  11. love this outfit! i really like the colors you chose to wear. and i love the blazer and the skirt! i need those!

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  12. I love the draped blazer plus the draped skirt - gives your look a Grecian / professional flow :) Handbags and shoes are definitely where the bulk of my money goes but they also get more use than typical clothing and I can't theoretically get too fat for them LOL.

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    1. Hey! That's the line I use to justify bag purchases too! "Accessories will always fit as you gain and lose weight" Definitely one of my phrases to live by ;)

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  13. Nice outfit! It seems your drape jacket is a really useful item.

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  14. I love how you belted the draped blazer. The outfit is so effortless and chic.

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  15. Love this outfit!So cute!

    http://beautyrollercoaster.blogspot.com

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  16. Nice outfit! I especially love the blazer.

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  17. I love opaque stockings but I bet this outfit would look even more killer without them so that the skirt could be showcased better. Lovely look!!!


    A Preponderance of Fashion

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    1. The same thought crossed my mind after I looked at these pictures... but was too lazy to retake them :( Blogging fail. But now this outfit sans tights will be at the top of my to-wear list once it's spring :)

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  18. really like how this outfit looks from the drapey blazer to the tulip skirt, so chic and stylish!

    My 2nd time joining PFC and I still love seeing everyone's outfit. Please check out my outfit too if you have the time, thanks!

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  19. Thank you for stopping by my page Cee! I really like how you style your outfit here and loving that draped blazer!

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  20. Love, love, love!! It's so interesting how much we can actually SAVE (but also sometimes how much we spend when it's not neccessary)and still dress fabulously! Amazing job Cee, as always!

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    1. You know, even though I (sorta) track my purchases, it still amazes me how I can be so nonchalant about dropping beaucoup $ because they add up FAST. I certainly should be more diligent about being a bargain shopper.

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  21. Love this outfit - color and drape. The white Longchamp gets a lot of love. Nice.

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I'd love to hear from you. Constructive criticisms welcome!

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