Fashion you can buy, but style you possess. The key to style is learning who you are, which takes years. There’s no how-to road map to style. It’s about self-expression and, above all, attitude. – Iris Apfel

In our pursuit for creativity and remaining fiscally astute we are presenting our ideas on how to maintain your personal style on a shoestring budget. If you follow us on Facebook you will see how my personal style vacillates from my childhood favorites to my current bold and classy look.

I am the self-proclaimed bargain stalker. My ultimate price point is $5.00 or less and every clearance rack provides unique opportunities to meet my target price. Most people think it’s impossible to go anywhere but the thrift store to find clothes that reasonably price. Possibilities all around us and combining bargains with the right accessories you can upgrade any outfit and affirm that what I snag inexpensively has a higher worth then cost.  So let’s see what fashion finds we conjured up last week.

I knew I was taking a calculated risk wearing a denim dress to work on a Tuesday (Tuesday is my Monday in the summer). Yet when I wake-up with an outfit in mind that’s all the confirmation I need for an outfit of the day (OOTD).

I acquired this upcycled Bleach Tie-dye Gap Dark Wash Platform Shirt Dress from the 2nd Street Festival in NoLibs (Northern Liberty). The vendor was two young ladies that worked at a last destination thrift store. They find pieces they loved and upcycled them with a new patterns and/or reconstructed them. I regret that at the time they didn’t have a business cards. Yet if they see this post, hopefully, they’ll contact me so I can add a link to their business.

This dress was originally around $24.99; sales price $5.00. I paired it with Secret Treasures Control Top Seamless Twill Leggings from Wal-Mart for $7.81; sales price $3.00.

Bringing the Bright Colors on a Wednesday. I noticed this Lilly White Sleeveless Blouse at Ross. It was so impressive I got it in two colors. However, it took me until this year to find the right undergarment for it; the Victoria Secret Long Line Seamless Sports Bra.  My Sharagano Petite Trousers were purchased from the Goodwill in Cherry Hill, NJ for $1.00.

If you want to know about my recent acquisition of this amazing Vera Bradley Northbrook Tote click here.

Thursday was filled with Budget Friendly Name Brand Fashion and a Gazebo! The top was from Mr. Isaac Mizrahi Live collection. It’s a Tapestry Print ¾ sleeve Tunic from Jomar ($2.00; QVC Price $54.00). The Talbot Crop Pants were from the Village Thrift ($5.00).

Friday was a double outfit type of day. It was requested that we create a video for the Interactive Art Wall. So, I got to it first thing in the morning. I chose this outfit for the video and loved it.

This gently-loved LBD is from my bestie, Kimmie_41 and the rest of the ensemble came from Ross. Soho Apparel Ltd Blazer ($1.49), Big Buddha Aviator Sunglasses ($5.99), Fossil Necklace ($5.99) and Fossil Heart Charm ($3.99).

I prepped for my evening salsa dancing date with a little Ross retail therapy.  I desperately needed a new dancing shoes. I was able to find a pair of Clarks and moderately priced People’s Project LA (PPLA) shirt.

My date attire consisted of a PPLA Aaliyah Top ($.49; retail price $66.00), Old Navy Black Flutter Skirt (closet retro), and Clarks Peep Toe Nude Pumps ($24.99).

I must say, telling you lovely people the fine details of my style will probably save innocent passers-by/commuters from having to hear my retail shenanigans. Yes, I am the joyful lady on the bus/train/airplane that can recite the pricing details of every item she’s wearing. I think we all have it in us yet some of us wake-up bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and ready to share!

Understand that you, as a consumer, determine the value/worth of an item.  You can buy a Ralph Lauren dress for $114.00 retail or on clearance for $.49.  The intrinsic value of the item stays the same no matter the price point. Yet the reasonable purchase will allow you to leave $113.51 in your savings account.

What was your favorite outfit from last week that encapsulated your personal style? Let us know in the comments.