My forthcoming voyage to France this summer en famille is definitely breaking the bank. Plane tickets, Paris hotel, house rental in Provence.

But, don’t cry for me, America. The massive price tag (and mega memories that it will, of course, inspire) is entirely worth it. The tradeoff?  Staving off fashion purchases to offset the cost of consuming pain au chocolat on Rue Bonaparte. This retail cease and desist, though, has been a good thing. It has forced me to shop my closet and rethink old friends that have been neglected for –gulp- years. Though I clean and organize my closet routinely, there are quality pieces that have been ignored.

So, to craft of-the-moment-looks without spending a dime, I challenged myself to take a fresh look at the silky blouses, kooky belts, wide legged jeans, cropped blazers and accessories gathering dust and recast them in an innovative manner. Anything that did not excite me would be consigned to ebay or given away. My motivation? Clothes are like lovers. Having too many exes in one place is disconcerting. When they have fulfilled their moment in time, certain items need to be discarded in order to focus on the here and now.

Here’s what I came up with:

MACRAME BAGS
This  romantic 70s flower-child style is huge this summer. Channel it on the cheap with a flea-market find like this bamboo handle bag

PRINT BUTTON DOWN BLOUSE
This 70’s style top–boxy on its own–is sportified (Inspiration: Nicole Richie) with skinny jeans, a chain belt and a wedge heel.

LAYERED NECKLACES

Combing chain necklaces with contrasting beads and pendants a la SJP creates a groovy point of view and mega style

MULTI-TASKING MAXI SKIRT

To transform a maxi skirt into a glam trapeze dress, yank it over your boobs and add a few necklaces

COLORFUL CARDIGAN

Add to a neutrals for a pop of color

BOYFRIEND JEANS

Androgyny goes au courant with the addition of a scarf, some platform wedges and a slouchy, long tank

LACE

Lace is hip & sexy. I love it de-romantified with with with a chunky platform sandal or menswear inspired blazer!

BLAH, BASIC T-SHIRT DRESS

Bump up a simple dress with oversized beads, an armful of enamel bangles and a groovy scarf

SEQUIN BELT

Vintage stretchy, sequin belts are amazing tools to empire waist a blah black dress

COLOR BLOCKING

Mix and match crazy “hot” colors a la GUCCI for a statement look