Changing Seasons/Minding Budgets: Sundress Repurposing

Living in Central Texas, we get pretty lucky when it comes to changing seasons. It's hard to say that we have 4 distinct seasons, but for that, I am thankful. It's said that the flip-flop is the "national shoe of Texas" and that isn't far from the truth. BUT, for those of us who live for seasonal fashion, we love the changing of the seasons...no matter how small they may be!

It can be easy to get swept away in shopping for each new season. But what is a girl to do on a limited budget? Fashion repurposing and recycling! That summer sundress doesn't have to go to the back of the closet, repurpose it! The only items in my vast wardrobe that get packed away are winter coats. In Texas, you rarely need them, so those guys only come out to play in "winter."

Time for sundress repurposing step-by-step!

1. Grab your favorite dress;

Simple, staple, white sundress

2. Pick up a pair of opaque tights in a similar color palette (choose your favorite color in the dress to accentuate);

Gray opaque tights are a must. They work with almost anything.

Riding boots are cute, comfy, and super versatile

Black high-heel booties are great to dress up your outfit from day to night

3. Take that blazer or denim jacket you already have;

A great, structured denim jacket or shirt is always great to have on hand.

4. Snag a scarf in a coordinating color;

Gray toned scarf picks up the gray in the tights for a coordinated look.

5. Add a different belt or sash around your waist (defining your waist is a must!);

Black, patent leather waist belt defines your waist and makes the dress look more unique. Layer over dress, under the jacket.

6. Different jewelry than you'd normally wear with the dress (think less dainty and more chunky for fall/winter);

Colored, chunky bangles add a pop of color to a neutral outfit

...and voila!
You have a super cute new outfit!
I have been doing this for years with a couple of my favorite dresses and no one is the wiser! Really, people think it's a new dress every season. It pays to recycle and repurpose those wardrobe staples. Plus, shopping for new and affordable accessories is much nicer on your wallet than a whole new wardrobe. Plus, when you really study fashion trends, you see that it's the accessories that change much more drastically than the clothing staples.

Questions? Contact me!

It's Ashley

Today I will introduce myself to y'all. My name is Ashley and I am an artist, a stylist and manager of a men's clothing boutique, and above all, a lover of all things fashion. Now, let's define what it is I mean when I say "fashion." Fashion is not just clothes and accessories, to me, fashion is life. The definition of fashion (as seen at the top of my blog) has many meanings. Sure, it can mean clothing and accessories, but it can also mean how things are made (i.e.he "fashioned" a piece of furniture), and different types of people (i.e. all "fashions" of people make up the world). To me, in a nut shell, "fashion" is another word for life. We are surrounded by all types of fashion, personal expression, wearable art, fine art, architecture, etc, etc, etc. You get the point. I believe that life is like making a piece of art, it's always changing and, no matter what we had planned, life will always "fashion" a new path for us. So, follow me along on my journey through "fashion" and "life" and how these two become one. Though, this is not to say that I won't be posting pretty baubles...because believe me...I WILL. I am a girl after all!

HELLO, MY NAME IS: Ashley

Hello Beautiful World!

This is the blog of "fashion" through the eyes of a girl named Ashley.

Fashion has many meanings, and this is Ashley's attempt to define it.

Enjoy the ride!