I am not a fashion blogger. Actually, quite the opposite. I have often been roasted for my style, or lack thereof. I literally wore pajamas to school my senior year of high school out of laziness. But things are different now. I am trying to get a grown up job, which means I now need grown up clothes. However, I just moved here and only got a serving job two days ago, so I’m balling on a budget.
We didn’t have a lot of money growing up, five kids and one income and all. So I am no stranger to a good thrift store. Now a days it’s kind of cool being all vintage and retro, but it would have been way cooler if the kids in fourth grade thought that. Anyways, I looked up what “business casual” was on google and where the best thrift stores in Manhattan were and decided on East Village. I went to five shops but one must not of known what “thrift” meant because the cheapest thing was $100 and my jaw almost hit the floor. The other, I simply didn’t find anything. So the three I chose were AuthenticH2O, Buffalo Exchange, and East Village Thrift Shop. I set a few rules and made it a game.
- If you wonder if it’s too small or too short, it is.
- Nothing over $20.
- Straps must be 4″ wide
- Stay to neutral colors- nothing too flashy (This was the hardest for me).
Basically, I had to dress like my older pregnant sister Mel. (Shout out to her for answering my millions of snaps during the day). So I set a budget of $150 to get five days worth of clothes and a new uniform for my serving job.
Monday:
I paired a pink J crew skirt with gold stitching with a white bubble top. The skirt was $15 from AuthenticH20 and the top $6.99 from east Village Thrift.
Tuesday:
It’s hot as sin in NYC so I figured this dress would make for something cooler. I loved the bright contrast in the orange and blue and the geometric shapes made it fun. $12.99 from East Village.
Wednesday:
This has grown to be my personal favorite. I love the ruffled arms on the beige top and it pairs well with a simple black skirt. Top was $14 at Buffalo and the skirt was $7.99 at East Village.
Thursday:
This seems to be everyone else’s favorite. The lilac top has very feminine ruffles on the sleeves and the navy skirt has diagonal pleads that are hard to see in the pic. Top was $5.99 and the skirt $12.99, both from East Village.
Friday:
I went for something a bit more casual. I finally got my blazer (cough cough), but I opted for a thin one to fight off the heat. It paired well with a white blouse and a pair of plum red jeggings I already owned. The jacket was $11.99, and the blouse $5.99. I bought another simple purple blouse for the same price. All three from East Village.
Sat/Sun:
It’s expensive here so I’m hoping to work two jobs. This is the uniform for the serving job I got at an Irish Pub. A blue button down shirt with black jeans. Top was $16 and jeans $26 (the only rule breaker). Both came from Buffalo.
Added all up the total came to (drum roll please) … $123.00!!!! I was $27 under budget. Not too shabby for six outfits. So I rewarded myself with my first slice of NYC pizza and took my tired butt home on the subway. I have already started the waitressing gig. They make $10 an hour here plus tips so it pays pretty well. I’m still on the lookout for an office job, but to have not even been here a week I think I am doin’ all right. Wish me luck! And feel free to comment your favorite look in the comment box. I’m curious to see which one wins.
Dixie In The City 
I love the first outfit!! So cute for summer and it brings out your tan so well!!
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Thursday is the winner for me 👍🏼
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