Plum: What's a wallet-conscious corporate gal to do?

A friend/co-worker recently came to me asking for some office-appropriate (business casual), wallet friendly, spring wardrobe help. "My clothes are so boring and I'm so tired of wearing the same thing!" exclaimed my exasperated compadre... "I need some fun, and some color. Help me!" My favorite answer to this question is usually"Rely on the always amazing power of the LBD" (Little Black Dress) which can literally be worn a different way every day of the year with a little help from accessories. Check out Sheena Matheiken's amazing proof http://theuniformproject.com/.

Black is a fabulous wardrobe staple, however, this young professional was looking for something new - an injection of fun and a fresh, new look. Since my friend tends to wear a lot of gray, black and muted blues and greens, my first recommendation was to start mixing in a flash of bright color, even if it's just one element of the outfit.

Next, to mix things up a bit and introduce a different look, I suggested she trade in her reliable pant-based outfits for some dresses and skirts. Dresses are fabulous staples because you can layer over and under them and it's easier than you think to completely change the look of one dress (see aforementioned Uniform Project). Since we live in Palm Beach and it's nearing summer, cool fabrics were a must. My favorite summer fabrics are jersey (aka: wrinkle me-not), linen (aka: my wrinkles are so in), cotton-lycra blends that fall and move nicely, and anything light and airy.

Since our lovely subject is budget-conscious, I turn to my favorite places to find chic but low-priced basics - H&M, Target, Old Navy, and Forever 21. Little known secret: even my haute-couture-clad, fabulously styled (at all times) mom buys her basics here.

So... here are a few outfits I put together that won't cause her to forgo groceries this week:

Old Navy:
Tie Front Flutter Sleeve Dress in Tie Front Flutter Sleeve Dress in Maritime Blue $15