Summer Markdown Sale - Penny Pincher Fashion

As frustrating as it’s been to be sick for the majority of July, there have also been some surprising benefits. I’ve pretty much been house-bound (save for a few doctors’ visits), which has afforded me time to focus on decluttering & organizing. So, I decided to take a hard look at my closet and evaluate the pieces I owned and wore the most often. I was brutal like never before and really took the time to try things on and decide what I wanted to keep. Not only did I end up purging a large amount of my clothes, but it was a good exercise in learning what I truly feel my best & most confident in.

Let me just say that I don’t believe your personal style has to fit into one box – I kept some menswear pieces, some feminine dresses and some sporty styles because I loved them all. I think it’s perfectly fine to gravitate towards different silhouettes and trends – above all, you should wear what YOU love! Today’s post is a perfect example of two contrasting looks that are both very much “me”.

I’m also highlighting some pieces that are marked down as part of Macy’s summer markdown event – you’ll get an extra 20% off select items with code BIG now through July 29th + free shipping on all orders! I’ve scoured their site to share with you the best clothing & shoe buys, so be sure to check out the scrolling bar below.

It’s no secret that I’m a sucker for stripes, but I’ve committed to not acquiring any more unless they are completely different than the styles I already own. What makes this tank special is the terracotta stripe & the cool twist-back detail (I’m wearing with this racerback bra underneath). This will carry me right into the fall when layered under a utility jacket & paired with skinny jeans and booties.

I’ve been on the hunt for a neutral linen skirt since the beginning of summer and this one is a clear winner. The button-front detail and ruffle hem give this a feminine feel + I like that I can wear it with more casual tees & tanks, as well as blouses. Note: this does run a bit big, so I recommend sizing down. More linen pieces to love: this lace-trim blouse, this embroidered romper, this bell-sleeve top & this tie-front dress.

What I’m wearing:
c/o Sanctuary Striped Tank, c/o Sanctuary Linen Skirt (recommend sizing down),
c/o Kenneth Cole Heels, c/o Lucky Brand Earrings (similar), c/o Patricia Nash Clutch

When I was cleaning out my closet & evaluating gaps in my wardrobe, I realized that I don’t have very many short sleeve tops. While I own plenty of basic tees & knits, I’m missing blouses that can be dressed up or down. I was instantly drawn to the pretty flutter sleeve & tasseled accents on this top – because it’s a neutral hue, it’s ideal for pairing with everything from jeans to shorts to skirts (like this one). Other short sleeve options that I love include this eyelet top, this embroidered top & this floral print top.

These might be the best fitting denim shorts I’ve ever put on – I bought my usual size and I like that they are a little more fitted through the leg (but if you prefer yours looser, simply size up). These are the perfect length & the hem is sewn into place so you don’t have to worry about them coming unrolled throughout the day. They also come in a darker wash, which I’m considering picking up once my shopping freeze is over!