The Fuchsia Base

So, I'm working on trimming down the budget. This means reducing even my Goodwill and thrift store consumption. Not only is Christmas around the corner, but we're just getting over the wedding and honeymoon costs, plus I'm not working full time and I'm planning on going to grad school next year. Yep, so frugality is especially meaningful these days.

But, what about bedizening the wardrobe?

Well, I came up with a simple plan to mix a lot of the old with a little bit of the new. I went to Target and picked up a pair of bright tights (about $7) and a matching long sleeved shirt (about $6) and created what I call "The Fuchsia Base."

First, I put the base with a casual day time style. I found a flouncy brown skirt, low lace-up boots, and a wool blazer:



(The tights and shirt really do match, my camera is just limited.)

When I picked up the boots in the middle of the summer (Goodwill $5), I was unsure about how to wear them (and with what!) They are definitely funky, and when you pair low boots with a knee-length skirt, you run the risk of making yourself look short and stumpy. However, I think with the whimsical color of the tights, the look is pulled off.




A loose and flowing brown skirt is a must for any wardrobe because it is so versatile, flattering and comfortable. The jacket was another mid-summer Goodwill find for probably $5-6.

It would be easy to expand this look with other shoes, skirts, and coats for traipsing around during the day. Mixing a slightly conservative style with a daring color makes for a unique and eye-catching outfit. So, by spending about $15 or so, I've created several new day time chic outfits. Oo la la.

A few weeks ago I nabbed this vintage Armani pencil skirt at Goodwill for $6. I know we're talking about limiting spending here, but I really couldn't possibly pass this up...




I decided to pair this conservative skirt with a black velvet jacket and open toed heels for an interesting outfit to wear at night out on the town:



Both the blazer and the skirt are vintage, but the shoes are just cheapies from Ross that I've hung onto for a couple of years. Black basics are really good additions to a wardrobe, and they rarely go out of style. Depending on how you pair the black basics, you can create a myriad of looks. I took this outfit out on the town for dinner and a show with my friend. I think the unexpected bright look went along perfectly with our fun night!

Oh, and remember that blue sweater dress?


Although, as you can see I couldn't decide which shoes to pair it with...



The other day I wore this outfit with the blue shoes and got quite a bit of attention. I think wearing bright fuchsia tights with a bright blue sweater dress is bound to catch a few eyes on another dreary northwest day. All the more reason to continue mixing up my old wardrobe with this new fuchsia base!