Yep, that’s me. The picture quality is not pristine because of my attempt at taking photos of myself with an iPhone and a mirror, but you get the general idea of what I’m wearing.

Sometimes I find it hard to locate a middle ground between my personal style at work and my personal style in my free time. Can there be a way to get across your personal style no matter what venue you are in?

I think that there is.

I’d describe my personal style as elegant, stylish and a little off-beat. That, however, is in a perfect world. All too often, I stand in my room, staring at my closet and thinking, “I have no idea what to wear!”

Sometimes I get it right, but I get it wrong just as often. But, developing your own personal style requires some trial and error every now and then.

Here’s what I’m wearing in the photo:

Work

• Proenza Schouler for Target skirt
• H&M belted buttondown (without the belt)
• Isaac Mizrahi for Target mary jane heels

Play

• Forever 21 silk strapless dress (bought for $5.99)
• Forever 21 belt
• Target flip flops
• Leather cuff bought in Mexico
• Earrings from Honduras (present from my father)

I’d estimate the total cost of the Work outfit to be about $35-40. The total cost of my Play outfit was probably around $25.

Want to score some similar items on the cheap? Read on!

Your Work

• Unfortunately, Target no longer sells the shoes I’m wearing in the photo in black. They do have them in brown, but I prefer these other Isaac Mizrahi mary janes. They’re on sale now for $14.99, so buy them quick, before your size runs out!
• I like the pleats in this skirt, and it looks pretty similar to mine, which I got from the Target Go International line.
• Weather dictates short sleeves whenever possible in the summer, and I like the ruffled pockets on this Forever 21 blouse.

Your Play

• If you don’t already own a pair of brown flip flops or sandals, try these faux suede ones from Target for $8.
• Replace the belt on the dress with this one from Forever 21.
• Unfortunately you can’t buy the dress I’m wearing in the photo anymore–I bought it on sale for less than $6–but Forever 21 still makes this version of it. Replace the belt that comes with the dress with the other one pictured above.

How would you describe your personal style?