Alexis' Affordable Winter Look

Winter typically has a stigma of being an "expensive" season. Aside from the mile-long list of presents to buy for all your loved ones, the cold weather is another reason to break the bank. In other words, it's so cold outside that layering up is essential, and we all know that more layers means more money... unless you know how to shop with an thrifty eye.

Take a look at the outfit details in Alexis' winter look with some accompanying links to where you can purchase similar items.

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Lace Peplum Top - $2 at Plato's Closet

Plato's Closet is a store that sells gently used second-hand clothing. Because they're always buying and selling, their inventory is ever-changing and each shopping trip is a wild-card experience. Alexis' top was only $2 during a sale, but it had the original tag of $40 from Kohls.

Purple Skinny Jeans - $2 at Plato's Closet

Again, these were purchased during a HUGE sale at Plato's Closet. Colored pants are super trendy, and this shade of deep pinkish-purple is popular this winter. The pants Alexis is wearing even has a metallic tint to the denim. A great benefit of Plato's Closet is that you can sell your own clothes to the store (as mentioned in our article on Tips for Buying Cheap Clothes), and use the pay as credit towards your purchases.

Boots - $30 at GoJane.com

Although the $30 range may not seem like an affordable look, keep in mind that there are just some items WORTH investing in, such as a good pair of boots. In retrospect, this price is actually great compared to other stores. However, a $30 purchase may take some time to save up for, so when spending this amount of money on something, ask yourself: how often will I wear this? Is it versatile and comfortable? And, how long will this last me?

Denim Jacket - Borrowed, but $12 at Forever21

The denim jack pictured was borrowed from a friend, which is a great option to have when you want to "try before you buy". About a week later, Alexis found a similar one on the sales rack at Forever 21 for just $12 (marked down from about $25). We linked a page of similar jackets available at Forever21, because we believe a denim jacket can be paired with most outfits.

Dooney & Bourke Purse - $10 at Salvation Army

Dooney and Bourke is a classic brand that sells "All-Weather Leather" handbags. Alexis happened upon this authentic vintage cross-body at Salvation Army during their 50% off Wednesday sale, it was $20 marked down to $10. The bag would have easily cost between $100-$200 at a store like Nordstrom or Dooney.com.

Stud & Pearl Bracelet Combo - $2 at Charlotte Russe

If you've ever gone to check-out at a store and got distracted by all the inexpensive items near the line, then you probably ended up spending a little bit more money than intended because you couldn't resist the alluring deals. That's what happened with this bracelet set at Charlotte Russe on a rack labeled 'All Items $1.99'.

TOTAL: $58

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Photography by:  Elisabeth Huijskens // elisabethhuijskens.com 

Makeup by: Yolanda Delacerda and Christi Northington

Trends You Should Try This Winter

We couldn't be more excited for this winter season! Get an early start to preparing your winter wardrobe and take a look at these top three trends inspired by Glamour and Marie Claire magazine.  

Statement Jacket

This is a great way to add flare to a simple outfit. Whether you prefer a studded leather jacket or a bold printed one, there are so many out there to choose from this season. It will easily give you an eye-catching outfit. Similar // Patterned Jacket

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Knee High Boots

These boots are an absolute necessity for the winter season. They are a great item to help add edge to your outfit. If you find a comfy, flat pair then you will never want to take them off. Similar

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Anything Grey

Sweaters, jackets, dresses, skirts, pants, tops, you name it, grey is in this season. It's versatile and easy to match with just about anything. Similar

A Winter Wardrobe with a Southern Belle

Top Buttons recently had the opportunity to do a photo shoot and interview with Kayleigh Butler -- a Florida-livin' college student originally from Kentucky. She shared all the secrets behind her favorite winter look and even gave some insight on how she incorporates her Southern Belle roots into a classy and collected wardrobe.

Because shades of maroon and burgundy are among the trendiest colors this season, Kayleigh centered her whole outfit around this maroon oversized sweater that she purchased from the men's department at Salvation Army during a 50% off sale. Similar sweaters can be found at Forever 21 | Target | American Eagle or other stores.

Kayleigh's creme colored cardi can be found at Charlotte Russe. She recommended this cardigan because it's comfortable, versatile, and oversized. Charlotte Russe sells cardigans in all kinds of styles, prints, and materials.

 "My favorite thing about this outfit was that it was comfortable and warm, which is perfect for the winter weather -- and the best part is that it didn't even take that much effort to put together."

These tan southern boots are the same tones as the leaves. Kayleigh received  these gorgeous boots as a Christmas gift last year, so she was unsure where they were purchased, however boots inspired by this look can be found at Sears  |  Forever 21  |  Target  and other stores that sell shoes.

White is a timeless and classy staple. Kayleigh incorporated the bubble necklace look to add some contrast to her bold sweater. Accomplish the same chunky jewelry look by shopping at Charlotte Russe just like she did.

Arm candy is always a MUST. The saying goes "Less is more," but here at Top Buttons we think that bracelets are the exception when done right and we applaud anyone who pulls off this look with class.

• Kayleigh's bow bracelet was purchased at Kohl's, but a variety of bow-inspired bracelets can be found on Etsy.
• The watch is a Betsy Johnson original, which can be expensive sometimes, but it's worth treating yourself for the quality and brand. Cheaper variations are featured on Etsy by searching "Bling watch". A cute one is found here.
• Cross bracelets are trending in today's fashion. It's a great way to represent God and incorporate class. These bracelets are sold at all kinds of stores like Claire's |  Etsy  | Kohl's | and even Charming Charlie -- which is where Kayleigh scored hers. (What's so great about Charming Charlie is that the WHOLE store is color coordinated and organized.)

"I just like to keep my outfits cute and comfortable. I love outfits that I can take from daytime to night-time with just a little switch."

A Western Winter Look on a Budget

Meet Alexis -- Top Button's Fashion Cents coordinator. She specializes in making fashion affordable for any budget and she's also known for bringing the most unconventional colors and patterns alive throughout any season.

Her floral denim jacket was purchased last winter at American Eagle with a gift card that she received for Christmas. Alexis only feels comfortable to splurge on one item when she gets to spend her gift cards, but even this jacket was on sale for $25.

Today she wears a cream lace Papaya dress that she purchased for only $6 at Goodwill. The inspiration of this whole outfit was centered around this dress.

The pink-ish tan tights were just $2 brand new from Goodwill, but were originally from Target.

Last, but certainly not least, are her genuine cowgirl boots purchased for just $3 at Salvation Army during their 50% off sale. Every season, Alexis  creates a "fashion must-have wish list" and a pair of cowgirl boots made the cut. When she spotted these shoes and they were the perfect fit, she felt like she was caught in the middle of a western Cinderella story.

The total cost of this outfit was just $36! 

(However, if you keep in mind that the jacket was purchased with a gift card, this outfit only cost Alexis $11 total!)

For more fashion features of great deals, celebrity looks for less, and thrift shop hauls, comment below with what you'd like to see Alexis post next.