**INSPIRATION WEEK**

In an attempt to avoid doing my readings, and hoping to make the most out of my closet challenge, I've been surfing the web looking for outfit inspirations.  This week, each outfit I wear is going to be my own take on an inspired ensemble that I found on the web!

Monday: Inspiration from Gap.com

This outfit is from Gap's new spring collection (hence the bright colors), but I loved it so much that I wanted to try it now.  But my challenge was: how to winterize this look?  I liked the idea of adding a double belt and oxfords to the dress, so I used what I had and created my take on Gap's ensemble.  I've had this jean dress from Gap for about 2 years, and I wear it every season!  It's very versatile and it a great neutral piece!  I winterized it by, of course, adding tights! 

                                       

Although I tried wearing the two belts separately, they kept moving around, which really annoyed me.  So, instead, I twisted the two in back and interlocked them together in the front  (black in gold/gold in black).  That way, the belts don't move, but you still get the contrasting colors!  I actually loved this, and plan to do it with many other outfits!

Belts: Banana Republic

I am also loving these yellow oxfords, and hope to purchase them once I am off my ban!  While I didn't have the bright colorful ones in the picture, I added what I did have:

Oxfords: Deena & Ozzy (from Urban Outfitters)

I've always been intrigued by oxfords, but they were also something I didn't quite know how to pull off.  Sometimes with unique fashion pieces (oxfords, fedoras, etc), I am a little leery about trying them, even though I love how they look on everyone else.  Well, I happened upon these snakeskin ones on sale ($10, down from $50) at Urban Outfitters, and saw this as my chance to try out this trend.  Even though they are textured, they're actually quite neutral, going with almost any color.  I think they complemented this outfit well, adding a little bit of 'sass' to it!

So, here you go: Monday's outfit based on inspiration.

Dress: Gap; Tights: Boston 

  Just goes to show you, you don't need to go out and buy all new stuff to look like what you see in magazines or anywhere else.  Take something you like, and recreate it using what you have already in your closet.  I sound like a bit of a hypocrite here, seeing as you all know how much I like to shop, but this challenge has already taught me this money-saving lession.  It's causing me to be more creative, and to have fun with what I already own!

Oh, and I also continued with my need for color by wearing my red trench coat again.  Since it was much warmer today (45°!!) and actually raining, I felt it was warranted!  And here's a preview of my leopard scarf--I've received many complements on it, which should all be directed to my mother, as she is the one who picked it out in Chinatown in NYC!  Good taste Mom--thanks! :)

Trench coat: Target; Scarf: Chinatown (NYC)