I was recently contacted by one of the most popular and fashionable brands of clothing in the UK, Next, to see if I was up for a fun challenge. They wanted me to take one article of clothing from their fall girl’s line and put together a complete outfit using that piece. It was up to me whether or not I wanted to buy new pieces to go with it or shop my daughter’s closet.

I definitely took the thrifty approach, and I have to say, I don’t think the end result could have possibly been better, even if I went to the mall with no budget!

In the video below, you will see the adorable outfit I built using the Stitchy Cat Button Through Hoody as the inspiration.

I found this challenge to be SO inspiring. I typically try to be frugalwhen putting together outfits for Darah, but I do splurge on the occasional brand new item of clothing, perhaps without as much strategic thought behind those purchases as I should have.  I realized when I put this outfit together just how much use I could get out of the jacket. By choosing something with a lot of fun colors in it, I opened up the possibilities for different pieces in her wardrobe that will coordinate well and give a “put together” look, even if the reality is that she is wearing 4 different brands from 4 different seasons at one time! By thinking strategically about which new pieces to invest in, I can really make those pieces work hard and be well worth the money spent on them!

The hoody we reviewed retails for $45 and considering the fact that it will be worn at least every other day throughout the fall and winter, I’d say the price is a steal!

If you are a bargain shopper like me, what criteria do you use for the items you are willing to pay a little bit more for? Quality? Design? Fills a gap in the wardrobe? I’d love to hear! 

Disclosure: I received a complimentary product for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.