Keeping It Real (Part 1): Plain Black Tee

To me, "keeping it real" means new, interesting ways to make outfits in your closet without breaking your budget.  Over the next few months, I am going to pick a few items out of my closet that you might also have, and give you a few ideas for wearing them.  Some of the ideas might not be new to you, some might be outside your comfort zone, or you may not have all the pieces, but my hope is to inspire you to look in your closet for a fantastic outfit before you run out and buy something.  I love buying new clothes, but I think finding new ways of wearing things from my closet is even more exhilarating!  This post is partially inspired by Merrick's amazing  posts on closet essentials, and Elizabeth's really cool posts about basics, but most of it came from my desire not to buy busloads of new clothes this summer, and to more fully enjoy the things that I already have! 

1.  Rocker Chic:  Okay, rocker is definitely a stretch, but these shoes are 1960's vintage and I automatically feel like a rocker when I wear them! Pairing a utility vest and pair of booties with a tee and jeans creates an interesting and fun look. 

shirt: Target(similar or similar)// jeans: Kohl's(similar)// shoes: Ebay//vest: made by me// earrings: Aeropostale

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2.  Classic Casual:  Pair a tee with a jeans, leopard print heels, belt and an oversized chain for an easy day to night outfit.

Tee: Target// jeans: Kohl's(similar)// shoes: gift from mom// belt: DSW

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 3. Classic Dressy:  Pair your favorite tee with a colorful skirt and pearls.  Avoid looking stuffy by  skipping the heels and adding some cute sandals or wedges instead.

shirt: Target// skirt: made by me// sandals: target// pearls: amazon// earrings: claire's

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4. Gamine: Sport all black clothing with a simple scarf and unexpected shoes. Chic and classic with a tiny french vibe.  

 shirt: Target via clothing swap// pants: Old Navy via Plato's Closet// Shoes: Urban Outfitters(similar)// Scarf: gap// Sunglasses: Ross