Mama Chic for Less Than $100.00

Posted on June 5, 2012 By Bonnie N. real fashion

As modern mothers, we are expected to go out not looking like we’ve only had 3 hours of sleep. We are expected to fix our hair, put on some mascara and show up to a PTA meeting in something other than pajamas.

Sometimes, this seems like an impossible task. It can be so hard to find a decent outfit in your closet when you haven’t been shopping since before you gained 20 lbs (or more) during your last pregnancy.

Like most mothers, I find shopping for myself difficult. I live in the middle of nowhere and the mall is a long drive from my home. The mall is nearing closing time by the time my husband gets home from work, so I am forced to drag my 1-year-old and 4-year-old with me in the morning to ensure I get a decent parking spot.

It’s hard budgeting and picking out clothes while hearing, “Can we go to the carousel now?” or “Are you finished yet?” and my personal favorite, “I hate this store! This is NOT my favorite store.” Because apparently my 4-year-old Anna has a favorite store, and it is not The Gap!

If you’re also like me, you have to save your pennies for decent clothes for yourself. Here at Mama Say What?!, we’re going to make shopping a little easier for you. Every couple weeks we’re going to go shopping for an outfit that would look good on almost anyone, and we’re going to do it for under $100.

This week, I decided to get a great casual outfit from New York and Company. This store has a lot of moderately priced separates in sizes 00-18.

I saw their grey skinny ankle jeans first and fell in love. I love grey denim. It’s different and isn’t white – so chances are, if my kid barfs something up on me, it won’t be too noticeable. They are a budget buster at $54.95.

New York & Company grey skinny jeans

I strolled around the store and this amazing purple lace top caught my eye. Dolmans are great because they look good on most shapes. It also hides the mean muffin top I’ve been sporting as of late. It’s currently on sale for $32.97.

New York and Company Purple Lace Dolman Sleeve Top

I love wedges so I picked up a pair of metallic black ones for $23.97.

New York and Company metallic wedges (black not shown)

I rounded out my outfit with some awesome coordinating jewelry with a “Buy one get 50% off another” deal. The jewelry was $48.38.

Flower Butterflies Charm Necklace

New York and Company

Enamel Three Flowers Bracelet

New York and Company

Bead Circle Triple Drop Earrings

New York and Company

This is probably where you say, “Wait, that’s WAY over $100.” Well, it’s $160.97 to be exact. Do you want to know the best thing about New York and Company? They give out coupons like crazy. Almost weekly, they send me a “$70 off $150 or more” printable coupon almost weekly. All you have to do is sign up on their website to be notified. The coupons can also be combined with most sales, too. After the coupon my total with tax was $98.93. Not too bad for an entire outfit!

–No promotional consideration was made by New York and Company or anyone else.

Happy Shopping!

By Bonnie N.

Bonnie is a born and raised Southern Californian. She currently lives in Santa Clarita, California with her software engineer husband and two daughters aged 5 and 1. She is a free spirit and crafty. She loves to cook, but hates to clean. Bonnie is an aspiring "Work at Home Mom." She makes cloth diapers, pageant dresses and headpieces in her spare time. She's current working on items for her Etsy shop called BonafideBeauties. But we'll see if she gets that off the ground, she's kind of flighty.