Thank goodness for friends. I’m a terrible clothing shopper and I depend on the kindness of my fashionable friends to help me find flattering clothes.
So when my blogger friend Stacey of San Diego Bargain Mama challenged me to a fashion contest – who could get the best outfit for $50 – I hid my self-doubt by accepting her offer immediately. I think I even chimed in a “sounds fun” so she would not detect my fear.
I suspect SD Bargain Mama went for a glamorous outfit. To outsmart her I used my bargain hunting skills to buy not one, not two, but THREE outfits. So there!
Outfit one, above – beach bound. (Blue and red polka dot dress, $12, from Crossroads Trading Co in Studio City.)
Outfit two, right – versatile and very cute around the town outfit for going to the farmer’s market, a casual party, shopping, lunch, or BBQ. (Dress from above with Citizens of Humanity jeans, $24, from Buffalo Exchange in Sherman Oaks.)
Outfit three, below – going out to the bars or a party. I never would have tried on this silk top if my fashionable friend had not pulled it from the rack for me. And it fits great! (Jeans from above with silk top, $11, from Crossroads.)
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Now that you’ve seen the outfits I bought for $50, check out what SD Bargain Mama and her three blogger friends found. Then come back to this post and vote for your favorite.
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September 17th, 2009 at 10:40 am
I actually liked San Diego Bargain Mama’s friends outfits the very best. SDBM didn’t do it for me. I did like BB’s #2 outfit a lot.
September 17th, 2009 at 10:52 am
A pair of Citizens jeans, a tunic top/dress and a lacy silk camisole, all for $50? Great job, Bargainista! xo Melissa
September 17th, 2009 at 11:11 am
I liked the maternity outfit!
September 17th, 2009 at 11:39 am
Hubba hubba! Great job babe! And three outfits for $50? wow.
I know I’m biased, but you totally blew away the competition.
September 17th, 2009 at 11:42 am
I actually liked Mel, A Dramatic Mommy’s find the best–but, if you got Citizen jeans AND 2 other tops/dresses, for under $50, you are the clear winner for this contest!
September 17th, 2009 at 11:45 am
I too liked the maternity outfit. Very classy. Gets my vote.
September 17th, 2009 at 11:59 am
Both of the “competitors” did a great job of putting together outfits that suited them. I did think SDBM “cheated” just a bit by using cast-offs and other “freebies” (although there was no rule against it). Also, SDBM did outfits more than one person. For my money, it’s a toss-up. Maybe a rematch specifying no freebies and number of outfits for only one person could be arranged… sorta level the playing field.
September 17th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Bargain Babe, you look great! No contest.
September 17th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Looks great! I’m surprised you didn’t hit up the Friday sample sales though–that’s where I find all the best deals.
September 17th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
My favorite outfit was dress Mel, A Dramatic Mommy had on in her first pic, but loved #1 and esp. #3 of your finds! (Lucky BargainHubby!) So, think you showed more versatility for your buck! Way to go!
September 17th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
I THINK ALL 4 OF YOU DID GREAT. FRUGALICIOUS MOMMY DID GREAT – ESPECIALLY SEEING AS HOW EXPENSIVE MATERNITY CLOTHING CAN BE, DRAMATIC MOMMY DID GREAT, SHE GOT 2 OUTFITS FOR THE $50 LIMIT, BUT BOTH OF HER OUTFITS LOOK LIKE SLIPS, SAN DIEGO BARGAIN MAMA ALSO DID GREAT – ALTHOUGH, IF SHE HAD GONE THE BARGAIN BABE ROUTE SHOULD COULD ALSO HAVE GOTTEN MORE THAN ONE OUTFIT AND THAT COULD HAVE MADE HER PERHAPS A CLEAR WINNER.
I THINK NEXT TIME YOU NEED TO SPECIFY 1, 2 OR 3 OUTFITS FOR $50 AND WHETHER HAND-ME-DOWNS COUNT.
September 17th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
I think you should change the contest to $40.00 and see what happens. Then do $30.00. It would be fun to see. For some, $50 is a lot of money.
September 17th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Dramatic Mommy’s 1st outfit (black dress with black heels) is super sexy and very flattering. As far as fashion is concerned, it its the most chic. She wins. I really loved Frugaliscious’ wedge shoes.
September 18th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I think that $50.00 is hardly a challenge. With all of the consignment shops, payless shoes, and free options it would really be a challenge to see what you could do for $20.00.