Reasons why Francesca from the blog Restyle.Restore.Rejoice is right up my alley: a) she features affordable fashion on her blog & she can thrift store shop like a Boss! b) she lives in SF, which means this cyber friend will soon be my real life friend, c) and of course, she got CRAZY good style… which is why she is today’s

Style Crush!

Read below to learn from this beauty how to dress like a supa star.

1. How would you describe your style?

My style is fun, feminine but edgy, budget-friendly, and colorful. I try to have each outfit I wear be the essence of everyday glamour. I’ve always loved to dress up and like to show that you can look great and not break the bank.

2. Who are your fashion icons?

I was semi-stumped for this question. As much as I want to ramble off designers or celebrities, that’s not me! My fashion icons are everyday women who see the world as their runway and express themselves through fashion. Go girls!

3. Where do you go for fashion inspiration?

I get fashion inspiration from pinterest, other blogs, and from people I see on the streets. I don’t like to look to celebrities because it’s not realistic.

4. What are the top three places you shop?

My top three favorite stores are Plato’s Closet, Marshalls, and Forever 21. Each of these places have great items at affordable prices. I would say these three stores make up about 90% of my closet.

5. What’s your ‘Go-To’ outfit for when you need to get ready in a flash?

When I’m not repeating an outfit post from my blog (Gasp! I know, I’m an outfit repeater), my “go-to” outfit is a chiffon blouse, dark skinny jeans, gold flats, and any piece of beautiful jewelry.

6. What do you seek to achieve when you dress?

I like to feel glam in whatever I’m wearing. There is something amazing about wearing an outfit you feel beautiful in- it instantly lifts your mood.

7. Would you say you have a ‘signature’ style? If so, what are the main elements?

I wouldn’t say I have a signature style. I love bright colors and getting dressed up, even if I’m just going to school.

8. How do you think others can achieve a truly individual/unique style?

Wear what you love and feel confident in your unique style. Don’t feel like you need to conform to the styles in magazines or other fashion blogs; everyone has such a unique style and it would be so boring if we all dressed the same.

9. How would you say your style has changed over the last 5 years?

My style has changed quite a bit over 5 years. I was seventeen 5 years ago so you can just assume how I dressed. Another big change is I don’t spend as much on clothes as I have done in past years. My reasons: 1. I love getting super great deals and 2. My husband would kill me if I dropped $500 on a pair of shoes. Apparently paying your mortgage is more important than fashion these days! Kidding, only kidding.

10. Do you follow trends? If so, what trends excite you at the moment?

I don’t necessarily follow trends but I do wear trendy items. I try not to buy anything overly trendy unless I absolutely love it, mainly because I will probably only wear it once. One trend I adore for this season is anything metallic- from nails, to jeans, to blouses, I LOVE IT!

11. Why is the way you look/ dress important to you?

It’s important to me because I like to express myself through clothes and feel great in what I’m wearing.

12. What are some challenges you feel like you face in dressing the way you *want* to dress?

The only challenge I have is having 4 sisters who are a similar size to me. Sometimes I want to wear something but it may be mysteriously missing and then I’ll see them wearing it. The upside is that I have 4 extra closets to go through J

13. What fashion or styling tips would you give to women who want to improve their sense of style?

“Dress for yourself and the man you love (if there is one). Women dressing to impress other women––forget about that. Forget about that. It’s a very bad way of thinking”

How great is that quote?! One huge piece of advice I would give to women is to always dress for yourself, you’ll be so much happier this way! Also, don’t be afraid to try new things and remember that you can look great and not spend a fortune. The money you save on clothes can go to lattes!

14. Anything further you’d like to add…

I’m super excited to be featured as a Style Crush. Thank you, Shannon! Also, mega thanks to my amazing husband who takes all my blog pictures for me, you rock!