If you’re a budget fashionista, Target is the place for you.  With Target’s prices and moderately mainstream sensibility I’m able to afford some experimentation and whip up new looks.  I’m not sure if you’ve been following the Target collaborations of lore, but they have done some awesome team-ups with Issac Mizrahhi, Anna Sui and soon-to-be some adorable pieces by Jason Wu.  Being a Target fashionista has never been so good.

Of course, you have to recall the cray-cray collab of Missoni with Target that sparked an Ebay frenzy with pieces selling out within hours and the website collapsing in on itself like the death of a supernova.

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How do you dress cheap without looking cheap? Hosiery.

Add the right pair of stockings and Va-VOOM you look hot for less than the price of a sandwich (and yes, you’ll make mouths water better than a BLT!)

Feeling a little unsure about incorporating daring leggings into your wardrobe?  Not sure how to wear tights in winter or how to pull off colored tights?  You can always tone down a saucy lace pair with a matte pair underneath (and it’s warmer!)  Or always just go for some fab colors without having to look like you just rolled out of a boudoir photo shoot- or, you CAN look like you just rolled out of a boudoir photo shoot and dress it up with a casual or work outfit (use your sexy discretion!)

What I love about leggings, stockings or also-known-as hosiery is that enables even a simple outfit to take on an attitude of your choosing and it’s cheap!

If you find that you’ve been far too neutral- embolden your working blacks with a  pop of color.  Wine tights are fab for fall/winter and are just the right pop of color.

For $7 add a pop of color to bland outfit or dress up a work outfit for a night on the town!

Getting sweater leggings or doubling up on different types of tights will add texture and warmth to your winter wardrobe- adding some shelf life to your warm weather wardrobe into the colder months! (Tip: Try polar fleece leggings, amazingly cozy!)

Layer your tights to mix up outfits and make your warm weather gear wearable in winter months.  

You can also double up on regular matte tights for warmth or wear under fishnets or lacey leggings!

Can’t afford to be sexy?  You’re wrong!  Even when you’re broke and have to be practical with your purchases, there is something subtly sexy about drawing attention to your legs with a dramatic texture.

Fishnets are a bit too much for most people- but there are plenty of textures and patterns that range from “flirty” to well…you can take a guess!

Play with patterns & texture to transform your wardrobe &  add fashionable flair for even the most frugal fashionistas!  

The right tights can be playful, sexy or just add a touch of savvy style to what you already own!

My Winter Wardrobe Essentials:

-Waterproof Boots: I recommend Sorel Tivoli boots, perfectly warm and practical for city living/lots of walking!

-Boot Socks:  Calf High or Knee High Wool Blend boot socks.  Boot socks are both warm and will protect your legs from the cold and wear from boots.

-Thermals/Leggings:  Silk long underwear or thermals to wear under clothes can be found at any department/discount store.  I also recommend double layering regular tights for warmth/texture or polar fleece leggings (Google “Polar Fleece Leggings” to snag a deal).

-Scarves:  Knit your own or get something thick and wooly!  I recommend an infinity/loop/cowl scarf that won’t blow off if the wind picks up or get tangled if you’re in a hurry.

-A Parka:  A peacoat won’t do!  Get a down feather parka (Mine is 80% down) that goes past your tush if possible.  Also, if you can one with a down lined hoodie and drawstring (so it stays on in windy conditions).

-Headband, Hat w/ Ear Flaps or Earmuffs:  Cold ears and earaches are the worst!  Having your ears covered will make even horribly windy days bearable!

-Gloves:  Knit gloves are adorable but have a tendency to fray and get ruined prematurely.  Be sure to pick up some fabric/leather/synthetic fingerless gloves with a mitten top (as shown).  You can also get some gloves that have special fingertips that are good for touch screens but may still not be ideal for gripping.

Also, you may notice that poor little Ralphie is hacking about 7 minutes in.  He’s had a horrible ear/sinus infection and has required some (expensive) medical treatment. In my sidebar is an adorable little “Spare Some Noms” donate button, but I’m sure he’d appreciate some good karma as well!

A girl can dream can’t she?  The other day I was perusing the fabulous offerings at ModCloth.com to put together a little dream board…notice a common theme? I seem to be obsessed with BOWS.  Bows are just so feminine and make even a simple frock totally flirty and sweet.

I am completely broke since quitting my job {heck ya, it’s worth it though to do my own thing!} so  I put this together to be inspired on my reinvented, recalibrated, bow-dacious professional wardrobe going forward.  I would love to get some of these pieces to spiffy up my wardrobe as I build this blog in a business and begin to build my career!

I typically find I lack the *right* pieces to record vlog posts and these are just perfect (uh and like a dozen others)!  For me I’m looking for pieces with little bits of flair (bows are perfect) to be adaptable to see clients, record videos or go out on the town.  Vintage inspired pieces with a feminine touch are just perfect for this-  I want potential employers and clients to think I’m a gift! Ha!

Do you ever put together boards like this when times are lean but you’re dreaming of and working towards new ventures?  

I personally love ModCloth since they allow customer reviews on each item (even when customers aren’t happy) and have a solid return policy and guess what, they love pugs!     

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 Part of me isn’t ready to give up on summer just yet, but the other part of me is totally excited for fall.  That is exactly why I’m incorporating florals into my transitional pieces for fall this year.  Target has a lot of fabulous, layer-able pieces that great for fluctuating weather and fluctuating tastes….and dorky little accents (like my silly vintage styleglasses on a necklace?)

Fashion:  Incorporating florals (scarves, dresses, or jewelry) can capture the gorgeous richness of fall colors in rosey reds, sunset oranges and warm yellows, but still have the sweetness of spring/summer.   Florals can be subdued with a black blazer, or intensified by pairing with another print (animal+floral=ballsy but gorgeous!)

Functionality:  Layer, layer, layer!  What’s great about wearing a floral dress or shirt is that you can add fall pieces (jackets, scarves, even polar fleece leggings or floral lace tights)  to add depth and (literally) warmth to your look.  Flowy- and floral pieces from summer can still be used into fall if you add layers beneath or some cute boots for rainy weather!

Frugality:  Floral prints are versatile.  The fact that you florals are key transitional pieces will save you money!   Choosing florals that are bold in color but aren’t too pastel will allow you to wear florals anytime, not just spring.  Plus, floral accents are not only classic, but scarves, rings and earrings are pretty affordable and can dress up a little black dress or add a frugal but feminine touch to your work attire.

Everything I wore for this was purchase in-store at Target.  The ring is from Ice.com (yes, it was the priciest thing in this outfit, but I got it on sale!)  I saw it on Tiffany from Iamstyle-ish.com and totally fell in love with it!   

Everything in this look is feminine & playful, but mostly- FRUGAL!  The pieces featured here are versatile to be dressed up or down for occassion or layered for warmth in cooler temperatures.   If you’re looking for key pieces for fall, try getting some new leggings to wear under your summer dresses & dress it up with cute black pumps for the evening, or for a fun day out with brown knee high boots!