WIWW: Parisian Chic on A Budget

This Wednesday, I am wearing the same old thing.  You see, we’re in the third month of summer and every week is like a rerun.  The other day my son said, “You always wear that LOVE shirt!”

“That’s because I L-O-V-E it.”  I said.

He rolled his eyes and walked away.

It’s not that I’m tired of wearing it, but I absolutely figure you’re tired of seeing it.  I could almost be Parisian Chic with my ten items of summer clothing (it’s really more, but it doesn’t feel like it).

This chambray shirt has also been seeing a lot of wears and washes.

My daughter bought me that colorful necklace as a gift this weekend.  So sweet!

Parisian Chic

I’ve been thinking a lot about how Parisian women believe in simplicity, even when it comes to hair, makeup, and dress.  I like that.  I’m drawn to it, because I’m pretty simple when it comes right down to it.

I like to look nice, but I don’t like to spend a lot of time doing it.

Jennifer L. Scott, author of Lessons from Madame Chic (if you haven’t read my book review, you should, but you really must read the book), has got this simplicity thing down to a science.  She incorporates about ten, give or take a few, pieces of clothing into her seasonal wardrobe.  She lives by a four season calendar and changes up her wardrobe for each season.

I like the idea of changing out clothes for each season, because I don’t do that.  I tend to carry a lot of items over season to season and then I get sick of wearing them.

I also like the idea of a paired down wardrobe.  I don’t think I want to live with only ten items of clothing, especially in the winter, but I keep things pretty minimal anyway, so this concept isn’t too much of a stretch for me.

I said I was going to trash these shorts a month ago.

I’m still wearing them at least twice a week.

About a month or so ago, my husband suggested we go shopping.  Pigs flew, the angels (in my head) sang hallelujah, and I grabbed my purse and the car keys before he could change his mind.

My husband shops for clothes only after every pair of pants and shorts has a hole in them.  Lucky for me, he had no shorts left, so we headed to the mall.  He found his shorts, the kids did whatever kids do in the mall, and I went to the GAP.  They were having a sale that was 40% off all clearance.

Friends, that percentage on already discounted merchandise makes this girl very happy.

Here is what I’ll be adding to my fall wardrobe.

GAP Shirtdress – Here

(Same dress, but different prints. This print was $19.99 on clearance and then 40% off. You may find it in your local store.)

The pattern reminds me of honeycomb cereal.

It would look cute over skinny jeans, but this woman refuses to pour herself into a pair.  You can read all about why here, but it’s basically because I enjoy breathing, thankyouverymuch.

I plan to wear this dress over a pair of nice comfortable leggings, maybe with boots.

And yes, for the record, I tried the Old Navy Rockstar (fits every woman with big hips and a butt) skinny jeans; however, they don’t fit me.  One size is so tight, my thighs let out a small scream.  The next size is so big, everything sags.  I don’t get it.  I’m sure it’s just me.  You all look lovely in your skinnies, but I’ll stick to a roomier cut.

Next up is a button down shirt, also GAP.  Check out the print…

Fitted Boyfriend Print Shirt – Similar HERE.

Don’t you love this bicycle print shirt?

It’s kind of vintage inspired.  Or maybe that’s me trying to make it sound prettier than it is.  Who knows.  Who cares.  I like it.

Sonoma Life + Style Modern Fit Embelished Denim Skirt – HERE.

This skirt came from Kohl’s.  It’s longer than it looks, or maybe I’m just shorter than I think.

I have horrible memories of the jean skirts from my past, but this one is actually cute and I thought it would be great for fall.

It’s got pretty detailing on one side, just enough to make people wonder if  I’m a rhinestone cowgirl or if I just found my bedazzler from twenty years ago.

Mix-Stripe Slub Pocket Pullover Gap - HERE.

Last, but not least is a ragamuffin style sweater from the GAP.  It’s comfy, what can I say.

Some people would wear this type of sweater with leggings, but not me, because I cannot wear leggings as pants…bad, bad idea.  End of story.

That’s my fall preview.  After these four items are in rotation for a month, we’ll all be sick of seeing them too, but for now, I love them.

About you

What kind of a shopper are you?

Do you love clothes shopping and shop year-round or do you plan your wardrobes according to seasons?

I’m linking up to The Pleated Poppy’s What I Wore Wednesday.  Hop on over for loads of fashion inspiration.