Mystery shop: A Summer Wardrobe On A Budget
As I work at Chadstone – The Fashion Capital almost every day, in between client visits, it’s hard not to be beckoned by the many store windows showcasing beautiful summer fashion.
So I thought I’d put my “just looking” store visits to good use and deliver some fashion ideas to inspire and help my readers.
I get asked all the time about how to dress Smart Casual. This would include situations such as having a coffee, visiting the markets or an informal lunch.
With only five weeks away from Christmas, you may be going away or you may just be relaxing around the home, this can mean a fairly casual dress code to get you through the holiday season.
In between shopping for a dress for your annual Christmas party and expenses related to Christmas day itself, there can be little change left over to spend on yourself.
So in between this weeks shopping consultations, I’ve popped into a few stores with no buying expectation but to showcase some inexpensive outfits that could inspire you in achieving an affordable summer wardrobe. All sources will be revealed at the end of the post:
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This singlet top is cute and casual while white is a great colour choice for the warmer months. With a fairly plain design, the top works well with a patterned skirt while effortlessly showcasing the very seasonal monochromatic trend. The below knee length is also very flattering so in terms of body shapes, this outfit would be suitable for an hourglass, rectangle or inverted triangles.
Investment:
Top: $8 Skirt: $12
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In the next outfit, I’ve utilised the same top (basic foundation piece) but teamed it with an above knee red denim skirt. The block colours of these two pieces offer a clean look and this outfit would be suitable for most shapes excluding anyone with a strong pear shape (triangle).
Investment:
Skirt: $15
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The top has again worked with another wardrobe piece, an asymmetrical skirt. The material of the skirt is very comfortable and offers a simple structure. Once again – this will suit most body shapes apart from triangles. (To my Triangles, I was on the run so you’re on my next post list, it will be all about you!)
Investment:
Skirt: $12
Now I’ve opted to wear the same white top in all three outfits to demonstrate how you can use one versatile piece to easily mix and match pieces.
My shoes are a neutral nude and are my own. So depending on your height and vertical proportions, this will determine what height of shoes you might team with the outfit (flats are most welcome for casual looks) and this also attributes to dressing the outfit up or down.
Accessories can also work to change the dress code of the look. For example, a large handbag and soft coloured jewellery will exude a more casual look than a clutch teamed with metallic jewellery pieces.
Oh… and on my way back from my mystery store, I also found this gorgeous maxi dress in an unexpected shop for only $24.95! The camisole underneath was also a tiny $9.95 investment.
Now for the reveal… where did I shop?
My mystery shop today found me in Kmart for the white top and skirt combinations while I found the maxi dress in Tempt!
So I hope my outfit combinations demonstrate that there are chic bargains available in some of the most unexpected retailers. They are also on-trend, affordable and completely mixable. (Remember…..these photos are taken on the run!)
Now, the Style With Cindy ladies would love to hear from you. Where do you shop to pick up your wardrobe fillers?
Love Cindy xx
Nikki Casey says
Aside from the obvious Target, I’ve found some really handy pieces in Cotton On and Supre. Both in Chadstone very good value
Cindy says
Thanks Nikki, Its amazing what you can find, something inexpensive is a great way to give your wardrobe a boost and not hurt if it doesn’t last!
Nikki Casey says
Target is the other one on a par with K Mart, but I’ve picked up some really good pieces at Supre and Cotton On as well
Cindy says
Thanks Nikki! 🙂
Jacqueline Brighton says
I often find great fillers at Coco Latte … on trend accent pieces in the season’s colours and prints at amazingly inexpensive prices … which, when combined with my more tailored investment pieces make me feel and look up to the minute.
Cindy says
Well done Jacqueline!! It sounds like you’ve got a great strategy for wardrobe fillers.
Eve says
Cotton on always has bargains !
Cindy says
Thanks Eve, I agree, not a bad place to pick up the odd bargain!!
Cindy says
I agree Eve, great cardigans!!!
Lesley says
Target for me also, and for longer plain casual T shirts (I am tall) Giordano.
Cindy says
I agree Lesley!! Target has also improved their quality in the past year and still great prices!!
Kate Hastings says
Love it Cindy, Big W has some great shoes, accessories (thin belts) and filler pieces as well as Cotton On, Target and K Mart. K Mart have a great range of clutches too! Love it. x
Cindy says
Yes Kate, all of those shops have great bargains and wardrobe fillers. Perfect one time occasion pieces too!! x
Cindy says
I agree Kate, amazing what you can find when you look in these stores! x
Deanne says
Hello! Cindy,
You look amazing in these 3 skirts, I hope I can look half as good as how you look in them because a week before you posted this blog I too went out to Kmart and found and bought these exact 3 skirts as wardrobe fillers. Is this weird? I intend to wear my tops belted over and of course in summer and spring I never go out without wearing my black or white light-weight sleeved-to-just-above-elbow jacket over everything to hide my upper arms. xO Dee
Cindy says
Well done Deanne!!!! That’s freaky! I am going to do this regularly, mystery shopping is great as sometimes the expectation is higher and yet these were very cheap, affordable wardrobe fillers, great if anyone is having to watch their budget! xo
Lara says
Hi Cindy
Love the dress…total bargain. What a surprise to see where you found these pieces!
I occasionally pop into Dotti for cute, affordable summer shorts and tops.
Love your blog.
Lara x