The Lady in Leather and a Crop Top in Reality

This outfit is a little edgier than yesterday’s version. I love pairing navy and black together. A lot of people would never dare mix the two, but I think it creates a chicness only attainable by these two colors. The oxblood bag is on trend and works well with the navy and black, and if you don’t like the grey coat it can easily be swapped out for black to create a sleeker look.

BARDOT top $73 / MARC BY MARC JACOBS skirt $248 / WALLIS coat $83 / MANGO bag $100 / ALDO boots $98 / COLE HAAN gloves $49

I know, I know…the skirt is expensive, but it was on sale from $500. Sometimes it’s worth it to invest, especially if you see a staple piece by a designer that you love on sale. Take this skirt for example. Yes, it’s a little pricey, but it’s a quality piece that will last forever and can add some luxury to your closet. (Here’s a little secret of mine: if you wear cheap things next to expensive things, everything looks expensive…as long as the cheap things aren’t tacky.)

If you do decide to splurge, here are 5 things to remember when sale shopping for designer pieces:

1. Buy neutrals (It’s a guarantee that they will match with most things in your closet.)

2. Buy classic shapes (So that your investments don’t go out of style.)

3. Buy for many settings (To make the investment worthwhile.)

4. Make sure you really love it (So that you will wear it a lot.)

5. Enjoy your splurge! (Don’t go home and worry about the money you spent…revel in your new purchase!)

Lapis in Reality

Your wallet doesn’t have to feel blue to buy blue. It’s hard to avoid the bold shade if you go shopping giving you plenty of options, many of which are affordable. These are a few of my favorites:

1. H&M sweater $18 / 2. ROMWE blazer $68 / 3. TOPSHOP shirt $80 / 4. HEELS.COM booties $95 / 5. ALDO clutch $50 / 6. JCREW flats $128 / 7. MODCLOTH bag $30 / 8. JCREW skirt $60 / 9. H&M jeans $24 / 10. MANGO dress $70 / 11. H&M skirt $48

When shopping for solid colors I like to buy pieces in classic shapes made from classic materials. All of these items can be recycled (though 4 and 7 are a little more of the moment). Even if the color goes out of style for a few years, it will always come back. It’s the cycle of fashion.

Little Blue Dress in Reality

1. ASOS Ponti Shift Dress $73

2. Hype Hibiscus Studded Suede ‘Cindy’ Chain Clutch $68 at Bluefly.com

3. Forever 21 Snake Chain Feather Earrings $4

4. Aldo Cates Ring $8

5. Forever 21 Pyramid Stud Bracelet $4

6. Aldo Kovac $110

I love how the lines of the dress play off of the lines on the shoes (which by the way are pretty awesome.) The Hype bag gives an unexpected pop of color which adds another dimension to the outfit. It’s also reduced by more than 50% at Bluefly saving you $82 (more than the bag will even cost you!)

Photos: Asos.com, Bluefly.com, Aldo.com, Forever21.com