Frugal Friday: $30 challenge

June 4th, 2010 | 14 comments

Runway show and frantic last-minute shopping …just another Friday at the office!

Stemming from a conversation of frugal finds, the $30 challenge was born.  The rules were as follows:

  1. Budget of $30 before tax for a complete look.
  2. Must be separates.  Top, bottom AND shoes.  No dresses allowed.
  3. No gifts allowed.  Must be purchased from a store.
  4. And most importantly, must be wearable in public!

Though I’m always on the hunt for bargains, it wasn’t easy to find a complete look for $30. I was done by Wednesday and spent most of Thursday trash talking since everyone else was still completing their look.  Some had yet to even buy any items!  I told them heifers they might as well stay home since I was pretty confident… until Friday rolled around and I saw that I had some stiff competition.

Here’s a couple pics from the walk off that went down last Friday.  Strutting our stuff on our makeshift runway, we tried to convince the judges and woo the audience with our $30 point of view.

Hilary came out with a strong catwalk.  Someone’s been watching Top Model.  Meow!

I tried to win them over with enthusiasm as you can see by my crazy expression.

Rose was the only person to attempt pants but alas, she went over budget.  However, we let her walk the runway with her shoes.

Aileen wowed the judges with a demo.  The top went from halter to tube top.  No extra points if a boob popped out during the demo though.  It’s not that kind of competition.

Jeanette showed off her price tags since she was “strongly advised” to participate and planned to return her purchases after the competition.  We talked her into keeping the items (and I scored the flip flops off of her!)

Sandra, who was also forced into participating, surprised us with taking the time to add extra flair by adding a blue ribbon onto the hat herself to up the ante!

Final walk.

Here’s the breakdown.

HILARY: Double-sun-casual:  Two looks, one day.
Without the sweater to catch some rays or with the
sweater for a quick lunch on the patio with girlfriends.
Shoes $5.39, The Gap
Jean Skirt $4.31, The Gap
Tank $2.99, The Gap
Sweater $14.99, Winners
TOTAL $27.69

ME: Sassy in the city: Shoulder comes out after 5pm!
Shoes $7.97, The Bay
Jean Skirt $11.50, Forever 21
Top $9.99, Smart Set
TOTAL $29.46

ROSE: Joe Fresh casual day look
Jeans $19.00, Joe Fresh
Top $10.00, Joe Fresh
Shoes: none
TOTAL $29.00

AILEEN: Lunch at the Golf Club
Jersey Halter Top $9.99, Jacob
Cotton shorts $10.00, Jacob
Braided flip flops, $6.95, H&M
Total: $26.94

JEANETTE: “My flip flops don’t match my outfit, but they were only $2!”
Tank top $6.95, H&M
Skirt $12.95, H&M
Scarf $2.99, Black Market (not pictured)
Flip Flops: H&M $2
Total: $24.89

SANDRA: Sandy (at the) Beach
Straw hat $10, Ardene’s (added blue ribbon)
Striped top $4, CNE
Shorts $10, Garage
Sandals $5, H&M
Total: $29.00

After much deliberation… the judges came back with their descision. And the winner is….
….
….
Hilary!


Sandra wins honorable mention.

Total cost for 6 Fabulous & Frugal outfits: $166.98

Having a runway show in the middle of a workday: Priceless.

Thanks for the fun ladies!!!
14 comments

  • Miguel June 4, 2010 at 2:50 AM

    I think this was a brilliant idea. I’m gonna have to try something like this.

  • Eva Razon June 4, 2010 at 9:54 AM

    It was awesome! ..so much FUN! Thanks Christina :o)

  • Tweets that mention ChristinaTruong.com BLOG » Blog Archive » Frugal Friday: $30 challenge -- Topsy.com June 4, 2010 at 10:26 AM

    [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Cassandra Gonzales, Christina Truong. Christina Truong said: Check out my Frugal Friday: $30 challenge! http://www.christinatruong.com/blog/?p=55 [...]

  • Thai Dang June 4, 2010 at 1:01 PM

    you work it girl!

  • smooth June 4, 2010 at 6:16 PM

    love it, now i dont have to shop over here i got loads of inspiration for when i get back

  • Jem June 4, 2010 at 7:26 PM

    Thank God Stitches didn’t make it into the mix.

  • Christina June 4, 2010 at 7:28 PM

    I’d rather go to Dollarama than Stitches. A girl has to have her standards. Ha!

  • Asha June 4, 2010 at 7:49 PM

    I love it, when i have a job where I don’t wanna roundhouse kick my co-workers, I will sooo have to organise something like this. Everyone looks great!

  • Jessica Tinkler June 6, 2010 at 12:23 PM

    Ha! I love this!!! I can not believe you all look SO GOOD with pants AND shoes and everything for under 30 bucks!!!!!!

  • Christina June 6, 2010 at 7:09 PM

    Thanks guys! We all had so much fun.

  • Christy June 8, 2010 at 11:59 PM

    Wow look at all the fun i missed! You girls are very creative :)

    I like your blog Christina :D

  • Christina June 9, 2010 at 12:13 AM

    You know you miss us :)

  • Gina June 22, 2010 at 12:38 PM

    That was so cool! I just started watching Canada’s NTM and learned of Holt-Renfrew…You could not get the correct time in Sweden for 30 bucks… :(

  • Christina June 25, 2010 at 2:52 PM

    How about some socks? :)

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