Blood of an Ox, Dead Animal Skin, and a Zombie

  

Is there something in my teeth?

 

Top: Burgundy Blouse via JC Penney //Skinny Jeans: (old) via Old Navy -  similar, similar // Leopard Flats: (old) via New York & Co - similar, similar // Elephant Necklace: (old) via a local boutique - similar, similar // Pave Gold Bracelet: (old) via Forever 21 - similar, similar 

 

I featured this burgundy (oxblood) blouse from JC Penney in my recent purchases post. It has turned out to be one of my favorite pieces. I love it with jeans but it's also gorgeous tucked in with a skirt. It looks especially good with charcoal gray.

 

I was really hesitant to buy a pair of skinny jeans. I just couldn't imagine them looking good on my body type. But I love them! A lot of plus-size jeans can end up looking baggy in the rear, like you're wearing a diaper. The Old Navy jeans fit without looking like a second skin.

 

And a huge thanks to http://www.swellandstylish.com!! I won the Starbucks Coffee Lover Giveaway!

 

The breakdown:

 

Burgundy Blouse: JC Penney, $20

Skinny Jeans: Old Navy, $20

Leopard Flats: New York & Company, $15

Elephant Necklace: local boutique, $1

 Stud Bracelet: Forever 21, $5

 

Linking up for:

 

 

 

Purple and Gold Homecoming

I'm heading to my hometown soon for Homecoming. My nieces will be marching in the parade and I'll be going to the football game for a mini-class reunion (I will NOT tell you how many years!!) Since I'll be seeing so many people I know,  I'm feeling the pressure to find a great outfit.

Thankfully, our colors are purple and gold (mustard) and those colors are definitely in season. I'm hoping it will be a little bit cool that night for the game so I'm opting for a long-sleeve shirt, jeans, a scarf, and booties.


Which look is your favorite?

 

1. Yellow Stripe Shirt via JC Penney // 2. Purple Infinity Scarf via Target // 3. Boyfriend Jeans via ASOS

 

 

1. Skinny Jeans via Target // 2. Plaid Shirt via JC Penney // 3. Mustard Scarf via ModCloth

 

 

 

Which booties would you pick?

 

 

 

(I wasn't able to alter the photo size past the first 2 photos. This happens often, so if any of you Blogger users know a trick for it, please let me know!)

  

 

1. Black Studded Booties via 6pm // 2. Casual Black Bootie via Target // 3. Tiny Stud Bootie via Aeropostale 

 

Cobalt Blue and a Song & Dance

 

"I feel pretty, oh so pretty! I feel pretty and witty and..."

 

OK, just kidding. But there is something about a light, flowy dress that makes you feel extra girly and feminine.

 

 

 

Cobalt Blue Dress: (old) via Ross - similar, similar // Nude Nine West Heels: (old) via Marshalls - similar, similar // Cobalt & Rhinestone Earrings: via Bealls Outlet - similar, similar // Iridescent Bead Bracelet: (old) via David's Bridal - similar, similar 

 

 

I bought this cobalt dress last year not knowing how popular this color would be this year. Lucky me!! Even if I wasn't currently obsessed with this color, this would still be one of my favorite dresses. The cut and material are perfect for my curves.

 

The style and material of the dress make it possible to wear this all year long. (at least in the South!) I love to wear this with leopard flats for a more casual look, dressy as you see here, and with tights and heels in the colder months.

 

And how perfect are these earrings? I bought them a few weeks ago and love them with this dress. The bracelet was a last minute addition because I like the way the iridescent beads play off of the cobalt blue. The nude bow heels are nice with this outfit since it's so colorful but still have great detail with the bows.

 

 

I provided some great alternatives for the pieces I am wearing from ModCloth, Dorothy Perkins, Lauren Conrad, and JC Penney, just to name a few.

 

 

The Breakdown:

 

Cobalt Dress: Ross, $15

Nude Bow Heels: Marshalls, $25

Cobalt Earrings: Bealls Outlet, $5

Bead Bracelet: David's Bridal, $5

 

 

Linking up with Mix & Match fasion for:

 

Gray Leopard Blouse, Skinny Jeans, and Magenta Accents

 

We had absolutely gorgeous weather over the weekend. Chilly at night and in the morning, then warming up a bit during the day. No clouds in the sky at all... Perfect for some photos outside.

 

This leopard blouse is one of my go-to pieces. It's nice tucked in with a skirt as I wore it here and great worn un-tucked with skinny jeans. I really love gray and magenta together so I added some color to the look with a cardigan and some flats. I wish I had a colorful necklace but I think the black worked well. And of course, there had to be a bit of sparkle with my earrings and bow ring.

 

 

 

 

Gray Leopard Blouse: (old) via Old Navy - similar, similar // Skinny Jeans: via Old Navy - exact, similar // Magenta Cardigan: (old) via Target - similar, similar // Magenta Flats:(old) via Target -  similar, similar // Beaded Necklace: (old) via Ross - similar, similar // Crystal Earrings: (old) via Banana Republic - similar, similar // Bow Ring: (old) via Forever 21 - similar, similar

 

 

 

 

The Breakdown:

 

Leopard Blouse: Old Navy, $28

Skinny Jeans: Old Navy, $30

Cardigan: Target, $8 (clearance)

Flats: Target, $8 (clearance)

Necklace: Ross, $12

Earrings: Banana Republic $10

Ring: Forever 21, $5

 

Thanks to Ashley C. for taking time out of her weekend to take my photos!!!

 

 

Linking up for:

  

Black & White Ponte Dress, Killer Shoes, and the Fashion Police

"I've got a code 9 here... curvy girl wearing horizontal stripes. Send back-up immediately!"

Ok, I think by now we all know there are no real laws of fashion anymore. But at one time, being curvy and wearing horizontal stripes was a big no-no. And in a body-hugging material? Forget it!

Thankfully, we are learning that the silhouette and cut of a piece are just as important as the print. We can wear body-hugging or body-skimming clothing instead of shapeless tents and (gasp!!!) look good in them!

This black and white stripe, a-line ponte dress is fitted on top then skims over the lower half of my body. I can wear it with flats for a more casual look or dress it up a little for Fall/Winter with tights and heels as I did in this post. It works well with booties and riding boots too.

I added a thick belt to define my waist a little more. I feel like I tried every colored necklace I had but either the shape or length was wrong so I went with good old basic black.  I think this look would be great with a pop of color somewhere. Any ideas?

Black and White Stripe Ponte Dress: (old) via Old Navy - similar, similar // Black Satin Calvin Klein Shooties: (old) via TJ Maxx - similar, similar // Black Beaded Necklace: via Bealls Outlet - similar, similar // Black Beaded Bracelets: (old) via a local boutique, similar, similar // Sequin Earrings: (old) via New York & Company -  similar, similar

Pssst!!: Old Navy has 25% off online through Oct 30

 

 

 

The breakdown:

 

Ponte Dress: Old Navy, $10

Heels: TJ Maxx, $40

Necklace: Bealls Outlet, $8

Earrings: New York & Co, $10

Bracelets: Local Boutique, $1

 

Linking up for:

Leopard, Camo, Steel Magnolias, and a Pin-up Girl

No, not the Army Green kind of camo, but just as effective. The A-line shape and leopard pattern of the dress help to camouflage some of my curvier spots. I'm not trying to hide them, just enhance them.

Although the leopard pattern makes it difficult to see, there are some fun details on this dress. The top is a faux-wrap style with a ruffle along the edges. There is a bit of a poof to the cap sleeves and a cute little hook and button closure. The skirt of the dress has a subtle flare and ruffle around it too.

I think the best compliment I had all day was that I looked like a pin-up girl! I have been growing my hair out and it is finally long enough to curl. I have super-thick hair and a lot of it. I was a little worried this morning after curling it because I was pretty sure I would have fit right in on the set of Steel Magnolias... Thankfully, it all settled a bit!!

 

 Leopard Faux-wrap Dress: (old) via Ross - similar, similar // Tan Metallic Snakeskin Heels: (old) via Shoe Carnival  - similar, similar //  Gold, Black, and Champagne Bracelet: (old) via New York & Company - similar, similar {LOVE these Etsy options!!!}

 

 

 

 

The breakdown:

 

Dress: Ross, $17

Bracelet: New York & Company, $15

Heels: Shoe Carnival, $30

 

Linking up with Mix & Match fashion for:

Oxblood Dress and Leopard Pumps - a classic pairing

 

 

Dress: (old) via Ross - similar, similar / Heels: (old) via Target - similar, similar / Bracelet: (old) via Bealls Outlet - similar, similar

 

Sometimes you just can't beat the classic pairing of a burgundy dress and  leopard pumps and accessories. It's perfect as a work look or a night out. This Fall oxblood or burgundy is still a big fashion trend; and leopard has become a neutral that can be worn with anything. You could trade out the tie-belt for a leopard or black patent leather one and add a cardigan and tights when the weather turns chilly. The combinations are endless.

And, of course, the fact that this look is also Garnet and Gold makes it perfect for a FSU girl like me!

 

The breakdown:

 

Dress: Ross, $15

Heels: Target, $8 (have to love clearance!!)

Bracelet: Bealls Outlet, $5



Coral Sheath Dress and a Chunky Statement Necklace

 

Dress: Liz Claiborne via JC Penney - similar, similar / Necklace: via Cato - similar, similar /Earrings: via Bealls Outlet - similar, similar / Ring: via Bealls Outlet - almost exact, similar / Heels: Janine Pointy Toe Pump via Payless - exact, similar

  

 

Do you ever build an outfit around a certain piece? I have been building outfits around this amazing gold necklace at least once a week. A statement necklace can take an everyday sheath dress to the next level and make it something to be remembered, especially when it's as bold and colorful as this one.

 

The breakdown:

 

Dress - JC Penney, $20

Necklace - Cato, (gift)

Heels - Payless, $25

Earring and Ring Set - Bealls Outlet, $5 



Recent Purchases or How I shop sales, coupon codes, and promo codes

Lately I have been focusing on stocking up on basics - Mainly shirts, blouses, skirts, and heels. I want to have a good foundation of pieces that will mix and match to create a lot of looks. These are some of the pieces I have bought in the last couple months.

a.n.a Tabbed-Sleeve Top in Lemon Curry via JC Penney

                

a.n.a Tabbed-Sleeve Top in Exotic Blue via JC Penney

 

 

a.n.a. Draped Chiffon Top in Burgundy via JC Penney

 

 

Worthington Cutout-Neck Top in Zydeco Red via JC Penney

 

 

Lark Lane Sequin Knit Top in White via JC Penney

 

 

 

Ponte Knit Pencil Skirt in Black via Lane Bryant

 

 

Ponte Knit Pencil Skirt in Flame Scarlet via Lane Bryant

 

 

Ponte Knit Pencil Skirt in Violet via Lane Bryant

 

 

 

 Black Nine West Bow Pumps via Marshalls

 

 

Nude Nine West Bow Pumps via Marshalls

 

 

I love the challenge of finding a great price. Of course, JC Penney, Lane Bryant, and Marshalls already have great prices but I always hunt for coupon codes, follow the sales, sign up for the store's email list, etc. The most I paid for any piece above was $27. The first two shirts were only $6.99 each and I had a 15% off promo code on top of it.

 

When I find a piece I want I can be very patient. I almost never buy anything full-price. Eventually there will be a sale or promo code available to use. When I find something I love I may buy it in multiple colors. I'm just waiting for the Lane Bryant Pencil Skirt to be available in more colors. So far, I have bought every color they have! I'm hoping for cobalt, mustard, and a burgundy.

 

 

  

 Linking up with Penniless Socialite and The Tiny Heart for:

 

Saturday Wishing

I'm spending the day with my family at a State Park today enjoying the (somewhat) cooler weather and beautiful scenery. As much as I love living in the South, I do get a little envious of the change in season that occurs in the more northern areas. Here are a few things I would love to experience: 

 

 

Gorgeous Fall-colored scenes

 

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Apple Picking

 

via

 

 

Wearing Layers

 

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I hope you all have a great weekend wherever you land. I will be enjoying my day in the sunshine wearing capris and flip-flops!

 

 

via

 

 

1 Suit, 5 Ways - Day 5, Gray Cardi

 

Cardigan: Walmart / Tank: Old Navy / Skirt: Monroe and Main / Shoes: White House Black Market / Necklace: Target / Brooch: Local boutique

 

 

For the final look I wanted to pull out the charcoal gray in the tweed material of the skirt. This sweater is a favorite of mine because of the pearl buttons and pleating at the wrists.

 

 

The breakdown:

 

Top: Walmart, $8

Tank: Old Navy, $6

Skirt: (from a skirt suit), Monroe and Main, $69

Heels: White House Black Market, gift

Necklace: Target, $12

Brooch: (on necklace), Local boutique, $1

 

Linking up with Penniless Socialite today!