I recently received an email from a young mom asking for wardrobe advice. Take a peek at what she wrote:
Dear Shari,
I want to look pretty but money is so tight in our family. My husband said he will give me $100 to spend on clothes.
This is my clothes inventory:
2 pair of jeans that are too tight
5 shirts that look terrible
1 pair of shoes that I wear all the time
1 pair of shorts
5 exercise shirts with no sleeves and a pair of capris for exercising in
0 sandals
0 dresses
0 skirts
0 blouses
0 dressy shoes
What would you suggest I buy first?
-Rebecca
As I read this email, my first thought was that I wished she lived closer so I could take her shopping myself!
But then the thought occurred to me that there are many women, just like Rebecca, who live on tight budgets and literally DON’T have much to wear, unlike those of us who complain that we don’t have anything to wear yet have a closet full of clothes.
If you have $100 to spend on clothes, the first thing to determine is your lifestyle and climate. Assuming it is summer where you are and the weather a bit hot and humid, then warm-weather attire is a must. If your lifestyle is one of stay-at-home mama or career mama, then take that into consideration. Since Rebecca is a stay-at-home mom, her wardrobe needs are clothes that are comfortable yet attractive.
Though it is difficult to fill in a wardrobe for $100, it’s not impossible. I opted to do all this shopping at Walmart to see what I could come up with. Take a look:
2 dresses Faded Glory (short)$12.88 and Faded Glory (long) $18
2 pair of shorts Faded Glory Cargo Shorts $12.88 and Faded Glory Denim $12.88
3 tops Hanes Print Tank $4.88 and Ruffle Tank $9.98 and Faded Glory Tank $6.88
1 pair of wedge OR Flat sandals City Classified $12 OR 1 pair of flats Cheri Patent Flat $12
The total of the above wardrobe pieces comes to $90.38 plus tax bringing this complete summer wardrobe to just under $100!
Each of the items come in a variety of colors so you can always be sure to choose hues that flatter you. The most important thing to remember is that each of us is beautiful and worthwhile in God’s eyes. Even when you don’t feel like it, He sees you as such. Take time each day to dab on a little lip gloss, fix your hair in a cute style and put on something nice. Add a cute pair of earrings to compliment your outfit and feel good in what you’re wearing. Remember, you may be the only representative of Jesus that someone meets today. How do you look?