The tricky part about being a millennial is constantly being exposed to people’s lavish lifestyles via their instagram feeds and feeling some sort of FOMO around “why can’t I have that” or “why can’t I look like that” or “what’s his secret?”… I say NO more. Here are some ideas on how to rock fall fashion this year on a millennial budget!
Nothing gets me more excited than finding cute clothes that don’t equal a weeks or months worth of salary. Well, let me take that back. Yes! I like finding good deals and sharing them with everyone I can think of. But I get even MORE excited whenever I meet super cool motivated millennials who take their dreams and make them a reality. This fall fashion focused post was created in collaboration with a dear friend slash phenomenal photographer – Gernelle Nelson. Here’s a quick story about our collaboration:
It was a Sunday afternoon whenever I met Gernelle at her photography studio for the first time in downtown Plano. I brought about a dozen pieces of clothing with no clue which items I wanted to wear. Gernelle helped me pick the top 3 outfit choices and we went to work! She helped me feel at ease and did a really great job at getting me in the perfect poses. We took shots both inside her studio and outside on the historic streets of downtown Plano. I don’t think I’m a natural at getting my photos taken, but she is the first photographer that has truly made me feel like she could take my photos to the next level. The proof is below!
We actually worked together until earlier this summer when Gernelle quit her job and decided to chase her dreams of owning her own business. She has her own life+style blog and owns a photography business, Gernelle Nelson Women & Wedding Portraiture. Fascinated by her drive and envious of her willingness to make the jump, I decided to stay in touch. I keep up with her through reading up on her latest adventures through her blog and following her latest photography projects on her Facebook page. As a bonus, she’s offering my readers a really sweet deal on photography sessions in Plano. Find the offer at the bottom of this post if you’re interested in a complimentary photoshoot!
Back to the fashion: my go-to budget friendly stores include Express, Target, H&M and Nordstrom Rack. Planning a budget is e s s e n t i a l to adulting. I like to think that I am an expert at it and actually plan to write a post on how to stay on top of your money. I work hard for every penny I make and I plan where each dime goes on a monthly basis. This is why I’m so passionate about sharing with others how you can be fashionable without paying for a label. I’ll admit I’m no saint, and from time to time I do get my designer fix. But as far as my current state of life right now, it’s just not an option to wear an expensive designer all day every day. So I make my style work for my budget! Here’s how:
| Work |
Top: Target $29 (similar) | Skirt: Express $29 (similar) | Watch: Kate Spade (buy)
When I purchased this outfit, I paid full price for the top which was still a bargain, but I got 40% off the skirt at Express. I’ve noticed Express has two sales a year where the entire store is 40% off. This is when I go in and spend. The two dates I know that the sale happens for sure are Labor Day weekend and Black Friday. The watch was a gift, but like I said, most my outfits are budget friendly with one or two higher end pieces to try and make it work!
| Brunch |
Dress: $29 Target | Shoes: $49 Target | Choker: $19 Christy Jean
This season, I’ve been obsessing over florals. I ESPECIALLY love florals with a black background. This dress is super cute with the v-neck criss cross neckline and flowing tent shape. The booties go great with jeans and with dresses. They also will be on sale during black Friday this week – so don’t miss out! Last but not least, there are several chokers now on the Christy Jean website – all of which I adore. Chokers (to me anyways) go with just about anything!
| Casual Night Out |
Jacket: $74 on sale for a limited time Express | Top: $19 on sale Express (Similar)| Jeans(similar): $198 Bevello | Shoes: Nordstrom Rack | Choker: $19 Christy Jea
This jacket has been such a staple to my wardrope this season. What makes it even better is that it’s afforable! Express’s entire line of clothes will be 50% off this week -be sure to check them out. I also love all of the criss cross necklines we are seeing this season – I can’t get enough of them. This soft pink is super cute with a nice nude lip. The jeans I recently discovered at Bevello and they are the best investment I’ve ever made in the jean department! They look like jeans but feel like yoga pants. Definitely worth the splurge!
| Date Night |
Top: $8 Express (similar) | Skirt: $25 on sale Express | Earrings: $55 Kendra Scott | Necklace: $15 Express | Shoes: $39 H&M
This outfit is so fun and sexy, and great for a date night or late night out. As mentioned, I just die over the criss cross neck line. I love the dark maroon color for fall along with the black lace skirt. I also have paired a black crop top from Express to go with the skirt for a different occasion. The shoes are actually really easy to walk in and great for out on the town. The necklace has lasted me a couple of years but I have linked one that is similar. A nice bold necklace goes well with this simple top.
As most know, I’m not a fashion blogger but a lifestyle blogger – and this means I write about how I can piece together cute outfits on a budget. Being a millennial really can be fun with the right resources. Wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving week and go out and take advantage of the sales! The lines are not like they used to be since many people shop online. I still love going into my favorite stores and cashing in on amazing deals.
PHOTO CRED//BONUS: Gernelle is an amazing photographer to work with. As a bonus (which most photographers don’t provide these days) she offers prints of your best shots for you to cherish and keep forever, or give to a loved one. Also, for reading this post, she’s offering a gift card worth a $275 value which covers your photo shoot, consultation and $25 print credit. Just contact Gernelle and let her know I sent you! To get in contact with Gernelle, you can call or text her at (972) 364-7815
OR visit her site at https://gernellenelson.com/