cute stuff you might actually be able to afford: back to school

For me, one of the most exciting parts of fashion has always been back to school shopping. Hell, back to school shopping has always been one of my favorite parts of school. After staring at the September issues on the magazine racks at work, I was inspired to create a set full of items that both the current and high school versions of myself would love.

How do I not already own that Misfits shirt?

listen to your mother

My mom was right (she always is; it’s obnoxious). It is totally hard to find clothes that aren’t for teenagers or old ladies. Making these sets took time, and I had to cheat a little: I couldn’t stick to the fifty dollars or less rule, especially with shoes. However, I do feel I obeyed the spirit if not the letter of my “cute stuff you might actually be able to afford” rule, and there’s no thousand-dollar purses here or anything.

cute stuff you might actually be able to afford: lilac and red

Cheap Stuff: Current Color Obsession by sweetdisorder featuring Tarina Tarantino jewelry

This color combination is my new favorite thing: juicy bright orangey red with pale ladylike lilac.

Best of Drugstore Beauty

Here’s a special beauty edition of Cute Stuff You Might Actually Be Able To Afford (a weekly feature in serious need of a less ridiculous name):

best of drugstore beauty by sweetdisorder featuring Revlon clothing

I work in a pharmacy, and I have a serious makeup-buying problem, so I have tried pretty much every drugstore beauty product. Here are a few of my favorites:

cute stuff you might actually be able to afford: date outfits

I don’t know why I put that cheesy t-shirt in there, but I think it’s a good idea to dress with a sense of humor.

Cheap Stuff: Fun Date by sweetdisorder featuring Forever21

cute stuff you might actually be able to afford: the beach

Here’s some swimsuits, coverups, sunglasses, and sandals that won’t eat your whole bank account.

Cheap Stuff: Beach by sweetdisorder featuring French Connection dresses

cute stuff you might actually be able to afford: blue and yellow

I made this set on Polyvore with items that are fifty bucks or less. I’m thinking I might make this a regular feature, because even though fifty dollars is more than I usually spend on an article of clothing, some of the stores that are featured here have good sales, and I will use any excuse to make these silly collages.

Cheap Stuff: Blue and Yellow Summer by sweetdisorder featuring Forever21 dresses