As far as I’m concerned, New Year’s Resolutions are bogus—for me at least. I never stick to them because I put so much pressure on myself to adhere to whatever impossible goal I have set for myself. For this reason, I haven’t made a resolution in years. However, as 2019 crept up on me, I realized there was one thing I needed to change and that was the frequency in which I travel internationally. So many of my friends get to travel abroad and have these culturally-rich experiences, while I have to stay home, and allocate every extra penny I have to my student loans. But it’s not all that black and white. When I recently looked over my monthly expenses, I realized that I spend a huge amount of money on clothes—is anyone surprised? There is no reason why I can’t allocate more of the money I spend on clothes into a travel fund so that I can see more of the world this year. As a fashion blogger and clothing lover, there is no way I couldn’t go without spending money on clothing for a whole year.
So, I turned to my favorite off-price retailer, Gordmans, so that I can still enjoy all of the brands I love, while on a major budget. If you aren’t familiar with off-price retailers, they essentially buy excess inventory from department and specialty stores, then sell it at greatly reduced prices. For shoppers like me, that means exceptional deals on designer and name brand fashion and home décor. I love Gordmans because Gordman’s plus size section is just as big as their other sections and I can always find what I am looking for. I recently took a trip to Gordmans and stocked up on necessities for all aspects of my wardrobe from work to athletic gear. Thanks to Gordmans, I can still reach my travel goals by being able to save more money and still add incredible pieces to my wardrobe.
Due to the amazing discounts and sales Gordmans offers, I was able to get an outfit for every occasion—and then some—while stocking up my wardrobe for the rest of the Winter season and even into late Spring! Let’s see how many styles and outfits I was able to score for less than $200!
9-to-5 Ready
Because I spend most of time at work, I pack my closet with office-appropriate clothing that packs a style punch. Sure, I may enjoy the classic black blazer and pant, but I also want pieces that have flare and fit me perfectly. These Zac & Rachel Tuxedo Stripe Ankle Pants make the perfect addition to my work wardrobe, and they only cost me $4.18. Can you believe it? I also paired the look with a black Peplum Top and a Zac & Rachel Fitted Black Blazer. I topped off the look with a Betsy Johnson Laptop Case and a pair of beige heels.
• Zac & Rachel Tuxedo Stripe Pants: Size 18 | $4
• Zac & Rachel Black Blazer: Size 18 | $16
• Beige Heels: Size: 9 | $10
• Heart Stitched Laptop Case: $14
Work from Home
If I’m not in the office during the week, I’m usually at home working remotely. My job is super cool and allows me to work from virtually anywhere. And while you may be thinking that means that I stay in my pajamas all day and don’t brush my teeth until 5—you might be a little right—but there are also times that I like to get dressed as if I am going into work. Studies show that employees who work remotely are more productive if they dress for their job even if they don’t report into an office. So, whenever I have a big assignment due and I have to focus, I will get dressed for the day. With that being said, I still want to be comfortable. So, this Luxology Striped Sleeve Sweatshirt Dress is the hybrid between office and home. I can still look great while also enjoying my day in a sweatshirt. WIN WIN!
• Luxology Striped Sleeve Sweatshirt Dress: Size 2X | $19.99
• Union Bay Slide on Flats: Size 9 | $9
Double Time Dress
While shopping on a budget can really help me save money, buying a garment that can work for many occasions is an even better idea. This dress, originally from Express, only cost me $10.98, and it can be worn to so many different places. I can easily see myself wearing this to work, out to dinner or to the club, and even to blogging events I may attend. The possibilities are endless with this dress, and the corset detail gives this garment just the right amount of sexy, and therefore doesn’t put limits on where or when this can be worn.
• Express Long Sleeve Corset Dress: Size XL | $10
• Olivia Miller Booties: Size 8.5 | $16.99
A Night Out on the Town
While I may go out once or twice a month, having a little black dress that makes me feel sexy and confident is more important to me than any other aspect of my wardrobe. The clothing I wear directly translates to my confidence level, and let me tell you this: If I go out on a Saturday night and I feel like the hottest chick in the room, I am unstoppable! This LBD, originally from Express, has the cutest ruffle details that make me feel special and spicy! Let’ dance the night away!
•Express Ruffle Mini Dress: Size XL | $10
•Express Wrap Ballet Heels: Size 9 | $19.99
Let’s Hit the Gym
When I hit the gym or a dance class, I like to look good! But I always have a hard time finding pants that aren’t see through or sweaters that aren’t too tight. At Gordmans, there was a huge section committed to inclusively-sized athletic wear. Not only could I find my size, but I found all of the high-quality brands that I loved like Nike, Reebok, and BeBe Sport. These cute BeBe Sport yoga pants are perfect for any activity, but during a walk in the park on a cold day, I paired it with this quilted RXN Funnel-Neck Sweatshirt. I was warm, comfortable, and confident, at a fraction of the price I would have paid for these items anywhere else.
• RXN Funnel-Neck Sweatshirt: Size 2X| $19
• BeBe Sport Yoga Pants: Size 2X | $18
• Nike Shoes: Size 8.5 | $34
Casual Look
When I’m not dressed down for the gym or dressed up for work or a night out, you can find me in something casual and comfortable, but also sophisticated…like this look. I love this outfit because while I could wear it anywhere, I could still wear it to work if I felt like being a little more on the casual side. What’s not to love about a tunic, leggings, and Over-The-Knee Boots. In my last post with Gordmans, you all wanted to know if Gordmans carries wide calf, wide width boots. And the answer is yes! I know it can be so hard to find boots that fit us plus size ladies, but Gordmans (LINK: http://www.gordmans.com) has you covered. During my last shopping trip, I saw wide calf boots in several colors, heel heights, and materials. I paired these boots with this I.N.C. Tunic and a pair of Zac & Rachel Leggings, and topped off the outfit with a black knitted scarf.
• I.N.C. Tunic: Size 18 | $12
• Zac & Rachel Leggings: Size 2X | $16
• Over-The-Knee Boots: Size 8 | $21
• Black Knitted Scarf: $8
