Reader Question - Mix & Match Momma

I've been lurking about your site and sending people links to it for awhile now :) So, here's my question: The first weekend of October my cousin and I (bff's since birth) are going shopping. She's a newish mom and due to an accident as a child has some nerve damage that puts some restrictions on footwear (must be flat and cannot be backless). Because she is mom she needs washable, comfortable clothes....of course all on a budget! haha So, oh wise one, queen of budgets, fashionista of finds, can you recommend some mix and match separates to help us start a Plan of Action?

Thank you!
Angela

Angela, you had me crackin' up at Queen of Budgets and Fashionista of Finds! Thanks so much! I would love to help you and your cousin, so here we go:

I have pulled together 20 items including accessories and shoes that can be mixed and matched starting now through winter into 25 different outfits ranging from casual to business casual to date-night hot all for $450! Now I admit it, not a lot of us have $450 laying around to go shopping with, however, I think you will find most of us have a lot of these items already in our closet.

The items:

Tops (Left to Right):
Chest-pocket tee - Old Navy, $6
Stripe turtleneck - Old Navy, $10
City style plaid tunic shirt - NY & Co, $39.95
City style striped roll-sleeve tunic shirt with tie - NY & Co, $39.95
Peacock tee - NY & Co, $22.95

Bottom Row (Left to Right):
Giraffe print cardigan - Forever 21, $29
Deep-v long-sleeve cardigan - Walmart, $10
Jewel neck jacket - Target, $29.99
Racerback vest - Target, $19.99

Clockwise from top left corner:
Denim pencil skirt - Old Navy, $25
Mid-rise cord trousers - Old Navy, $29.50
Denim boot-cut jeans - Target, $27.99
Paisley empire peasant dress - NY & Co, $49.95
Button leggings - Walmart, $5

Clockwise from top left corner:
Alluring rhinestone necklace - Forever 21, $9.80
Fancy filigree necklace - Forever 21, $4.80
Solid tights - Old Navy, $6.50
Sueded belt - Old Navy, $19.50
Suede Flower Flats - Go Jane, $13.20
Kallista riding boots - Target, $39.99

The Outfits:

Styling and Shopping Notes:
Thrift Stores are great places to find oversized shirts like the plaid and striped shirts shown above, buy them in the men's department and save around 90% off of the prices listed here.

NY & Company is notorious for sending out coupons via mail and email. Make sure you sign up on their website to receive sale notifications and give them your phone number everytime you shop - this is how they track you and tempt you with those coupons.

Don't be scared to pair a printed cardigan with a graphic tee.

Buy a pair of flats in a vibrant jewel-tone with embellishment and treat them like a neutral - basically pair them with everything! The extra pop of color will take your style to the next level.

Pair a striped shirt under a graphic tee to add extra interest.

Wear the vest open for a casual look and buttoned up or even buttoned and belted for extra polish.

In the chilly fall mornings, toss on the cardi and when it warms up later in the day tie the cardi over your shoulders for a preppy twist.

Play around with belts (another great item that is readily available at thrift stores for under $2 each) and layer it under and over a cardigan.

Tuck your jeans into the Riding Boots or wear them out over the boots for two different looks.

Don't be afraid to add some bling to your casual duds with a great statement necklace.

Give your jeans a cuff and wear with flats while the temps are still warm outside.

A dress can be the perfect casual wear when paired with leggings and flats.

A denim skirt or a pair of cords are great alternatives to jeans.

Lastly, have a great time shopping and hanging out with your cousin/BFF and happy mixin' and matchin'!