Abigail J. Fallon | Lindenlink Reporter

Name: Chelsea Funk

Age: 19

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

School: Lindenwood University

Major: Psychology with a minor in Gender Studies

When I first paid a visit to Chelsea’s closet, I found t-shirts. Lots of t-shirts. Images of comic books, Star Trek, and high school memories permeate her wardrobe, which she describes as a medley of punk, grudge, hippie, and hipster style. Her problem, she says, is not in identifying what she likes, but in finding what to wear with what. So I conducted my first official Closet Audit to help Chelsea put together outfits that she can wear from class to work to her native city of St. Louis and back again. We spent Wednesday afternoon shopping and Thursday afternoon organizing, hoping to revamp her college wardrobe and have a good time doing it.

Layering is of utmost importance, especially in the wintertime, so I focused on helping Chelsea incorporate outerwear and accessories to complete her look. I also wanted to see her make better use of color, for many women hide behind dark colors instead of taking care to wear clothing that reflects their skin tone and eye color. When shopping, Chelsea seemed naturally inclined toward blues, greens, and purples, and was also brave enough to throw a little orange into the mix. We shopped at Goodwill and TJ Maxx, both of which are suited to the budget of a college student and are right in Lindenwood’s backyard.

To see the results, review Chelsea’s final looks below and visit my Facebook page, The Closet Audit, to learn more!

Outfit #1: Dressed-Up Tee

While I fully support Chelsea’s awesome screen tee collection, I do feel that a t-shirt and jeans alone simply doesn’t cut it. So I introduced her to a bargain of a hound’s-tooth vest that she can wear over any one of her many black tees to add shape and style to an otherwise basic ensemble.

T-Shirt: Ript Apparel, previously owned

Vest: Ann Taylor Loft, $3.99 Goodwill

Jeans: Jessica Simpson, $20 TJ Maxx

Boots: Famous Footwear, previously owned

Outfit #2: Easygoing Eclectic

For good luck, I like to piece together outfits that coincide with the age-old wedding tradition of something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. In this case, Chelsea had an old necklace she never wore, a new vest I picked out for her at Goodwill, a pair of boots she borrowed from her mother, and a lonely blue summer dress I found in the back of her closet. We layered them all on top of a pair of leggings for a weather-worthy look that is sure to have good luck coming her way.

Dress: Xhilaration, previously owned

Vest: Express sweater, $3.99 Goodwill

Necklace: Hot Topic, previously owned

Boots: mother’s closet, borrowed

Outfit #3: Bohemian Beauty

This is one of my personal favorites because it puts a fun twist on Chelsea’s natural bohemian style. Throwing a long cardigan over a short dress is the best way to take it down a notch for daytime wear while still showcasing her tattoos!

Dress: Monteau, $19.99 TJ Maxx

Sweater: Merona, previously owned

Moccasins: Fashion Bug, previously owned

Outfit #4: Rockabilly Babe

For a sassy springtime style, consider pairing a lightweight dress with a pair of fun boots. This outfit will take Chelsea from a picnic in Forest Park to a concert at The Pageant without ever sacrificing comfort.

Dress: Monteau, $19.99 TJ Maxx

Boots (Ostrich skin!): Justin, previously owned

Outfit #5: Agent Orange

For a daring change of pace, Chelsea selected this lovely blouse from TJ Maxx for a fraction of what it’s worth. A versatile piece, it pairs well with leggings and a sweater (pictured here) or jeans or even a pencil skirt. While I couldn’t wrangle this one into the latter, she carries the pop of orange like a pro.

Blouse: $12 TJ Maxx

Sweater: Sigallo, previously owned

Boots: Famous Footwear, previously owned

The Final Product

Pictured here is Chelsea wearing one of her favorite Goodwill finds and showing off her newly organized closet!

Cardigan: Merona, $3 Goodwill