The Basics

So I have been gathering ideas for posts and here is my first post on topic. 

Being a thrifty prep can be confusing.  It is not about living cheaply, but making wise purchases to fit your lifestyle.  Here are my rules for shopping:

1.  It must be high quality.  If it is adorable, but is falling apart after 2 washes, your wasted your money.  Good clothes last a long time!
2. It must fit with at least 3 of your current belongings. If you see an adorable shirt on sale, but it doesn't go with your own personal style, you will never wear it as much as you should.  It is a good idea to pick a style and stick with it.  You don't want to give your friends and family style whiplash or look as though you don't know who you are!  (This should be true for anyone, not just preps!)
3. Make sure you have high quality items that can go with your less expensive or homemade items. 
4. Don't be afraid to be crafty.  Like that cute plaid wristlet at the store?  But it's $75...?!  Make one!!
5. Things EVERY girl should have (regardless of how much money you spent on them)

• There is no way to get around it, you need a little black dress. High quality, good fit and a classic cut.  If you want a trendy one, make sure you have a classic that will always be in style first.
• A nice summer dress.  (This is where you splurge and get your Lilly!)
• Good earrings: a pair of pearls, a set diamonds and something you can dress up an outfit with such as a good pair of dangly earrings.
• A good watch.
• A bathing suit you would feel comfortable in if you were going to have your picture on the cover of a magazine (with your front at back showing!) that your grandma would be able to show to her friends.  In other words, no thongs(!) and you must not be hanging out.  In addition to the bathing suit, have a classic coverup please!
• Button down oxfords in several colors, but of course, white!
• Cardigans. Lots in every color! (Do you have a signature color?  Get more) These are wonderful for any season when you need a little extra, or to change an outfit.  I always have one in my bag or car.  A sweatshirt is not an option every day!
• Shoes: A pair of classic black pumps, ballet flats and a nice pair of sandals (not flipflops).
• A good pair of each: dress pants, khakis, jeans, and shorts (Madras are nice) (not too short!). Add more of your fav to your wardrobe. Remember, no rips, tears or sequins here!
• 2 skirts: one fall/winter, one spring/summer
• Hair is a personal choice, but I use a lot of headbands, ribbons and bows to dress up my 'do!
• As far as bags go, if you have a nice tote (Think LL Bean or Vineyard Vines), a good, classic purse and a nice clutch to go with your lbd, you are good to go!
• Workout wear.  It is workout wear, not going to the mall wear.  Don't confuse the two.

This is where I stop on the necessaries!  If you have these, you could go to any event and never be underdressed, or look unprep.  You can add more to each category of course, but I am a big believer in having the basics first then adding.  I for instance, have more than 2 purses (in fact, they are kinda my weakness), but I don't have to dress up often in the winter and have only one, nice LBD.  Make your wardrobe work for you.  You can add other types of dress blouses, if you have to dress up for work a lot, add more pants if you live where it is cold and have more shorts if you live in the South.
Remember, the initial investment may seem like a lot if you don't have any of these, but you can start with basics and work your way up.  Wait to buy the dresses until you think you will need them, don't buy diamond earrings and not get button downs.  You can always wear cute critters until you have real diamonds or pearls.  Those can always make a great gift from someone who wants to get you something nice.  Clothes first! Replace items as they wear out and you won't ever have to drop a ton on clothes again! (Unless you want to, of course!)