I’m always on the hunt for affordable clothing – and will pass up no store in search of something affordable and chic. You can find great deals practically everywhere, from the hardware store to thrift stores like Goodwill and the Salvation Army, to even the kids’ section at Target, maternity wear at a little boutique, or the sale rack at Barney’s.

So in my quest to find budget-friendly pieces I can’t believe I haven’t checked out dressbarn before – a contemporary clothing chain with more than 800 stores in the U.S., offering both misses’ and women’s clothing, jewelry, and accessories.If you’re looking for classic clothing – that which will defy the trends and look just as good today as it will years hence – look no further. (And at a great price point – a big plus in my book!)I love their selection of sweaters – pieces that may seem bland at first glance actually boasts tiny details that make them all the more special. Cable knitting that goes sideways instead of vertically, rectangular box closures, ombre-dyeing, foldover button-detail at the neck – all this elevates the typical into that signature piece around which you can build an entire outfit.
For this week’s challenge in America’s Most Stylish Blogger Competition, I paired a cocoa-colored wrap cable-knit sweater from dressbarn with a silk chiffon dress and Prada studded pumps. The sweater was a fabulous textural counterpoint to the crinkle-silk of the dress and the velvet of the boots, and kept the look romantic and feminine.Check out the dressbarn website, which has weekly specials (like a free evening clutch with $100 purchase!) and browse through their online lookbook to get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping list. And def if you have the chance, stop in, browse around – you might just be pleasantly surprised and find something fabulous you never knew was there.

-Carly J. Cais

Tags: