Eeks! I’m excited about today’s post because I think it will be so much fun!
Way back in June, I received two emails within a 24 hour period that said similar things. One reader said she would like to see me do a monthly post on how I would spend $200 to freshen up my wardrobe each month, and then the other email was from a reader who asked if I would do one of those InStyle magazine like posts where I’m given $100, $500 and $1000 to build an outfit and she wanted to see what I would do.
Well, I took both emails to church (where I volunteer some Sundays with Andrea) and read them to her…and Andrea suggested I do a series called The Hundred Dollar Question…where each month, I’ll show you what I would get if I had $100 to spend on freshening up my wardrobe. (And this is why I take my ideas to Andrea…she always knows how to articulate them. And then she made this really cute graphic.) Thank you Andrea!!
So, we’re pretending today that I was given $100 to spend this month to freshen up my wardrobe. I already have many basics in my closet…so these are things that I might get to go with those basics for September.
All of the items below are less than $100 (many of them MUCH less) and can be bought alone or combined with other pieces to create a look (many can be combined together to create something for under $100). I’m not saying I would get all of these items…but I would mix and match them to update my closet for the month.
Thank you sweet readers for the fun blog series suggestion! I hope you like it!!
I’m totally digging my Olive Zip Jeans! These are going to be such a nice departure from my basic denim…and they’ll look great with all of my existing tops and sweaters. They’re comfy and easy to wear like jeans but a little more special.
Well, after seeing so many great plaid scarf images on Pinterest…I made it my mission to find a plaid scarf for fall. These two above are both $20 or less…such a great accessory to jazz up my boring old tees! Click here for the first one and here for the second one.
I wore my Gap Puffer Vest all the time last fall and winter. I had no idea when I bought it that I would love it so much. Gap has them back right now in four great colors! Such a good price for outerwear!
Speaking of outerwear…
I bought my Kut from the Kloth denim jacket last year and wore it all the time too!! My color is no longer available but the same style and cut is available online in a little darker wash. How cute will a denim jacket look with my Olive Zip Jeans?!?
The perfect fall outfit…
I found out last year that my neutral flats are the perfect fall transition shoe…they go with everything, they’re light and they’re super comfy. If you’ve never tried a flat before, this is the pair you should start with! See how cute…
And speaking of neutrals…
Right now, this leopard belt is 50% off (no code needed). When you add it to your cart, it will add as only $20. I ordered one last week and cannot wait for it to arrive! How cute will my tees and jeans be with this little addition???
Along with the leopard belt, I also bought this cute cardigan on sale for only $25 (again, no code needed, just add it to your cart). I bought this mustard yellow color but there are 8 other fall colors to chose from. I’m the queen of cardigans during September…especially at church. I can take my summery church clothes, throw on a cardigan and I’m done. Plus, how cute will this look with jeans and my leopard belt?!?!
I bought my big stud earrings in the spring to wear with my shorts and tanks but now I’ve realized that they’re going to go great with my scarves too! I hate it when my earrings get stuck or snagged on my scarves…so this year, I’m going to wear studs with my scarves to avoid that. I bought these studs in the navy too for a more fall look (they come in 16 different colors!). I really do wear mine all the time!
I took a selfie in Hobby Lobby last week (because I was having THE BEST time!), and several of you asked about my fall lip color and nail polish. Once September hits, I trade my pinks for richer tones…so this year, I’m in love with MAC’s Diva lipstick (I use my fingers to just blot it on) and Essie’s Dress to Kilt polish. They both say fall to me :).
I bought my crossbody bag years and years ago…and wear it all the time in the fall! I have seen this other bag in person (Erika has it) and it is so similar to mine! Such a good price for a bag!
There you have it…my Hundred Dollar Question for September :).
A pair of flats, a few pieces of outerwear, a sweater, studs, a belt, a crossbody bag, lipstick, nail polish, pants and a scarf…just a few things that each could spruce up your existing wardrobe and help you transition into September.
Thanks to my sweet readers who always give me great post ideas!!
And don’t forget…it’s Meal Planning Monday!!
Click here to see my meals for the week!
XOXO
Anonymous says
So excited about this blog series! I've had the mustard cardigan in my cart for a week & this was the nudge I needed to go ahead and order.
Doused In Pink says
This is such a great idea for a series! Love all of your picks and just put those olive zip jeans on my Nordstrom wish list!
Jill
dousedinpink.blogspot.com
Tab & Erika says
What a fun new series!!! I'm loving your new fave plaid scarves by the way. 🙂
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Such a fun series! YES to soooo many things on your post today! All great items that are basics and (in my opinion)totally needed in every closet!
Natalie Zambreski says
I LOVE this series idea! Totally do-able way to grab some essentials at a great deal without my husband going into shock! 😉 I'm obsessed with the scarf and the crossbody bag!
kimm atwood says
Love this post. Absolutely love it. Happy Monday
Morgan Dykes says
I love this series – how fun! Great picks… I plan on adding the studded earrings and the plaid scarf #2 to my wish list 🙂 Thanks for an awesome post as always! xo
Cindy McF says
Loved this post!! So helpful and definitely something I can afford 🙂
Tracy says
Great series! You should wear that lipstick color year round – beautiful!
Love the earrings and the crossbody bag. And the lipstick & nail polish!
tpatters5 says
Great idea for a new series! So many good ideas. Mac Diva should be your go to lipstick!!! It really makes your eyes pop! Gorgeous!!!
Dollie says
Shay, you rock! Thank you so much for this post. Being a mother of 3 young kiddos, and in need of a new wardrobe on a budget, this post helps! My husband and I started Dave Ramsey 2 years ago, and have agreed on a clothing budget together. I had no idea where to start. But now seeing this post, I'll being buying the denim jacket and plaid scarf with the neutral flats. Thanks again shay, you are making a difference in people's lives and I appreciate all that you post on your blog and the time you put into it!
Barbara Williams says
I'm all about the leopard this season! Love!
AdrienneB says
The plaid scarf in the pintrest pics are on amazon. I just ordered mine for 24.99!
Brianna says
Hi Shay, I actually found the "sweet" colored denim jacket on Amazon. Free shipping with Amazon prime, I love it so much! Wearing it at work today 🙂 Maybe you could share this link with your readers who want the same wash as you, Andrea and Shaeffer. http://www.amazon.com/KUT-Kloth-Womens-Denim-Jacket/dp/B00CF3D81I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1410183160&sr=8-2&keywords=kut+from+the+kloth+jacket
Meagan says
Really love those Olive jeans!! And the vest 🙂 Would love to have those in my closet, haha.
Kelly Boyd says
I love reading your blog each day and this post gave me some good ideas of what I can look for as I try to update my wardrobe after just having a baby. I know I've seen your posts about your hair and how to get that "beachy" look, but I was wondering if you could do a post on the best hairstyles/best things you can do to your hair to jazz up the outfit you are wearing. Thanks Shay!!
kellyandstevenboydfamily.blogspot.com
Marty says
Love everything about this post!
audra wray says
I feel like it's a blog version of a game show. Love it!
Anonymous says
Love your fall lip color–so pretty!
Jordan L. says
Hi Shay! I am so excited for this new series, but when I first heard about it, I was under the impression that you would tell us about how you would build an outfit that, in total, costs $100 or less. Or tell us about new wardrobe staples that you would buy. I read your blog everyday and remember reading about these items already. Would you ever consider switching it up a little bit?
Thanks! 🙂
heather says
Hi Shay…love this post!!! I just checked on the leopard belt from the Loft & it's $39.50. Did the sale end?
Carrie says
What is the color of the fall lip color you are wearing? It takes me to the MAC page, but doesn't specify the color! I must know!!! 😉
Mix and Match Mama says
Diva 🙂
Darcy says
Love this series – it is so fun!
Elvira Gratereaux says
You inspired me with your post today so I crossed to Loft to do some shopping (mainly looking for the mustard cardi).
Decided to put an outfit together with 100US since they are having a good sale right now and this is what I got: dark wash denims, white button down shirt, mustard cardi and a scarf. All for under 100!!!
I think I scored!
🙂
Bianca Catalano says
As a side note, jcrew is having a 25% off fall sale. Snagged a super cute pair of distressed skinny jeans. I've been eyeing your pins with these;)!
Colleen Sullivan says
LOVE this series! I'm always looking for ways to restyle what I already have for the new season.
Brandie says
Trying to order the belt and cardigan but belt is not coming up 50% off in check out.??!! Super cute series!! Love it!
Margaret Hemmig says
I also agree that this challenge would be a lot more interesting if you were to create a complete outfit for $100 or less. These items-although great-really are the same items that are featured on your blog over and over again.
I also bought the Zara scarf on Amazon. It has great reviews.
http://www.amazon.com/BLOGGERS-LARGE-CAMEL-CHECKED-TARTAN/product-reviews/B00HVRAPV4/ref=dpx_acr_txt?showViewpoints=1
christi says
Like above, I'm trying to buy the belt and it's not coming up at 20, it's 39.99 when I put in cart and even when I go to check out.
Mix and Match Mama says
The belt was on sale this morning when I checked it but it's not any longer. Bummer!!
MZ says
Great series! I also was hoping it would be more of you putting an entire outfit together with $100.00 rather than 1 or 2 pieces that are already close to $100. Still happy to see your thoughts though.
Anonymous says
Just to let your readers know…I just ordered that jean jacket from Macy's in the sweet wash. It was on sale for 64.99 and I had a 20% off! Can't wait to get it!! (also it runs small so I'd suggest sizing up)
Michelle says
That lip color is soooo flattering on you! Should be a staple year round for you! Also, how on earth do you keep your nails looking so nice being a SAHM w dishes, dirt, kiddos, etc? I cannot keep mine chip free for more than a day. Do you repaint a lot?? Just curious 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I paint them twice a week…after about 5 days, they need to be fixed up! I'm a big believer in a base coat, two coats of polish and a top coat. 🙂
Sara says
Love the red Gap puffer vest. How is the sizing on this? TTS?
Mix and Match Mama says
I believe it's true to size. Mine are a size small. If you're between sizes, order down.
Susanne says
In the fall do you still put a neutral color on your toes? I'm assuming you don't do white.
Got that Essie polish for my nails & it is pretty! Got mochacino for my toes and I'm loving it!
Susanne says
In the fall do you still put a neutral color on your toes? I'm assuming you don't do white.
Got that Essie polish for my nails & it is pretty! Got mochacino for my toes and I'm loving it!
Anonymous says
I too was hoping for something slightly different in this series. For my family's budget it would be a stretch for me to spend $100 per month on myself. I was hoping this series would be more like 'if I could only spend $100 this month, then this is what I would buy' type of thing. Would you consider changing it for some of your more tight budgeted readers?
Melissa says
Hi Shay, what size did you get in the Treasure and bond zip jeans? I just received mine and they are big, but the next size down is sold out although I found one available in a size 24. Just curious how you like the fit and am wondering if they stretch out. Thanks.