Affordable Classic Looks That Take you From Brunch to Bars: All Found at the Valley Mall

Hello Harrisonburg and goodbye fabulous shopping. Okay – this is where you would expect a joke about the shopping, but I’m serious… Although, online shopping compensates for most of our lacks in clothing, those shipping and tax fees can set you back enough money – almost enough to equal an additional item of clothing. So what do we do, suffer from a lack of stores, or pay ridiculous amounts in shipping fees?

Well, what if we tried to make the best of what we have to work with? On a shopping adventure, I perused through every store in the mall. And to my surprise, found more than I expected. Profiling items purchased from Spencer’s Gifts, JC Penny’s, Icing by Claire’s, Express, and Gap, there are plenty of classic looks that can take you from day to night, spring to summer, casual to dressy and beyond.

Starting my journey, I stepped into Spencer’s Gifts. Expecting to find a plethora of crude humor merchandise, I actually spotted a sleek yet funky black textured clutch. Perfect for dinner, tucked nicely under your arm, or thrown into a large hobo, this all black, zebra patterned clutch is a nice touch to any fashionista’s accessory wardrobe.

Also to my surprise, a moment of glitz, glam, and glimmer overcame me while in Spencer’s Gifts. Definitely a fan of studs accenting feminine clothing, I saw a studded belt. Immediately envisioning the fabulous Carrie Bradshaw, I pictured replicating her style by adding studs to floral prints, outer coats, and hot pink. Sold. (Black/silver studded belt, Spencer's Gifts, $19.99)

Transitioning your outfit from day to night comes with challenges of over dressing, then under dressing. But by scouring through the mall, and adventuring into unknown territory, I found the perfect pieces to help you achieve any look you want, especially while on a budget.
Although an advocate of bargain shopping, I must say, if you are going to splurge on something, then make it good.

I am a fan of classic menswear migrating into women’s wardrobes, and Express has designed a fabulous black boyfriend jacket. Casually chic, this pinstripe lined knit jacket, draped over any casual or dressy top, tee shirt dress, or paired with a denim skirt, instantly dresses any outfit up or down. And at $79.50, although a pricier item on the spectrum, you will forever wear this jacket, and definitely get your money’s worth.

My favorite newest trend actually found in Harrisonburg, is jeggings – denim-like leggings. This white front pocket tee shirt paired with ‘jeggings’ and these studded flats from Gap, originally $19.99 on sale for $11.99, are easy enough to take you from day to night. You have such versatility with this outfit that if you glam it up with this pearl and gold statement necklace and these super cute buckle wood wedges, you’re ready for a night out in the ‘Burg.

Purchased from JCPenny’s, this A.N.A. – A New Approach, white mini silk pocket top with an exposed back zipper, also sold in coral, purple, bright royal blue, black/silver stripe and graphic prints, was originally $24.00 but on sale for $14.99. Paired with these ‘jeggings’ from Express, originally $49.50 but on sale for buy one get one half off, one pair is actually about $37.00. This is a great deal and the perfect buy because you can substitute the more casual denim (pictured) with black for a chicer look. (Top: JCPenny, $14.99; Bottoms: Express, $49.50; Flats: Gap, $11.99; Wedges: Gap, $18.89; Necklace: Icing by Claire’s, $16.50)

However, as I said, the boyfriend jacket makes all the difference. Instantly chic, this jacket adds some androgyny, but accented by the statement necklace, studded flats, or buckled wedges, there is still plenty of femininity to this outfit.

The best part is that you can purchase the top, bottoms, necklace, jeggings, and flats for $92.98. Swap out the sandals for the wedges and your total comes to $99.88. An entire outfit for under $100.00, sounds good to me.

Again, this jacket serves us nicely, paired with a mini skirt and a dolman sleeve top, it adds a little maturity to an outfit suitable for dinner at Clemenine’s. But amp up your night and take it for all it is, remove the jacket and you’re ready to hit the dance floor and continue your party at The Artful Dodger .

Purchased at JCPenny, this pink dolman sleeve top, also available in black and graphic prints, A.N.A – A New Approach has designed for us yet another cute, versatile top. Paired with this white mini skirt from Express, the two colors create a refreshing look by replacing the black mini that rules all of our outfits. Leather and lace, my two favorite accents, these lace tights from Express and black clutch from Spencer’s Gifts add some eye-catching sexiness to the outfit.

Surprise, surprise it can be done again, the top, skirt, clutch, and tights all can be purchased for $93.98. Paired with flat black leather boots for dinner, then replaced by black platform pumps to party, this cute little outfit takes you from dinner to dancing. (Top: JCPenny, $24.99; Skirt: Express, $39.50; Tights: Express, $16.50; Clutch: Spencer’s Gifts, $12.99)

We all need something for block party and day events, and Gap’s black empire ruffle dress is the perfect match. Paired with a studded belt, Carrie Bradshaw’s style sense radiates through this atypical match.

This cotton dress forgivingly floats away from the body, and when cinched at the waist with a belt, the figure creates a beautiful hourglass shape. Dress it up with these black buckle wedges; this shoe is perfect for this dress and belt duo that again, is less than $100.00. (Dress: Gap, $39.99; Belt: Spencer’s Gifts, $19.99; Wedge: $18.89)

On chilly days, going out to lunch, or meeting your boyfriend’s parents, this jacket from Express serves you yet again in creating another outfit with an entirely different look.

Finally, everyone needs a cute outfit suitable for sunny days, teacher meetings, and comfort in class. The essential white tee shirt, accented with a tiny silk pocket and exposed back zipper, works as a casual pairing with this high-waist medium wash denim skirt from Gap, on sale for $24.49. Accessorized with a white shimmery hobo bag, Gap, $13.99, it goes with either the sandals or the wedges.

Again, for under $100.00, you can purchase the tee shirt, denim skirt, bag, and sandals for $65.46. Swap out the sandals for the wedges for a total of $71.36. Not bad.

Well ladies, there it is: cute, classic, fun, and sexy pieces all found at the Valley Mall. All of these items are currently available in stores. So go for it, express your inner fashionista. It’s possible, even at the Valley Mall.