The $10, 10 outfits, 10 weeks Challenge

November 12, 12:50 PMParenting ExaminerTerreece Clarke

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My $3 Lavender shell, $5 cream pants & $2 necklace.

You don't have to be like Sarah Palin and spend $150,000 on a new wardrobe for your and your family to stay in style. Over the next 10 weeks, bloggers, readers and fashionistas are going to take $10 and hit their thrift and discount stores. Using only $10 they will try to make as complete an outfit as possible. We're going to highlight the best outfits in key categories here. We're also going to profile outfits for both kids and parents, because let's face it, parents tend to get the short end of the stick when it comes to wardrobe overhauls.

 Wide leg pants flatter my shape.

The rules are simple. Make a complete outfit for you or a family member each week only using $10. Take a photo of the outfit and email it to us at nationalparentingexaminer@yahoo.com.

In addition to fabulous outfits, we are going to give great tips on getting the most out of your thrift/discount shop buck.

The goal of this experience is to fill holes in your family's wardrobe while saving money and helping the environment. Why by new when you can buy nearly new and vintage? I also want moms to stretch their fashion instincts. Are you still wearing mom jeans? Does your closet look like you run a funeral parlor with varying shade of black? It's time to banish what doesn't work and step into the best you can be.

So the first set of thrifting tips are:

• Make rules. If you have too much black - make a rule that you are not allowed to buy anything, no matter how wonderful in black.
• Know your body type. If straight skirts make you look boxy - don't stop to consider one while you're out. Go for what you know looks good on you. Here is a great site that talks about dressing for your body type.
• Look for quality. Check for stains, missing buttons, floppy collars, etc. Don't take home junk you can "fix" you don't have that kind of time.
• Dress for comfort and quickness. Sometimes thrift stores or warehouse sales don't have a place where you can try things on. Wear clothing you can easily slip things over.
• When shopping for kids, look for room to grow. Sure the top is only $2, but if they'll grow out of it by next week, it was a waste of money.

Check out Angele Sionna - our Early Childhood Examiner's $10 find at her site.