I made a spectacle of myself

A couple weeks ago I had a really bad day at work. So what do I do when this happens? Retail therapy of course! I admit this isn't the best way to shop - you can end up with some really interesting choices this way... But it worked for me this time.

I wandered into Lane Bryant thinking I would grab a pencil skirt but I didn't see anything new. I decided to check out the clearance rack before leaving and found the most adorable sweater. At first I thought I'd pair it with a red skirt but it just didn't work with the skirt. Thankfully, a friend suggested the pink and it was perfect! I really like this take on the graphic sweater trend.

 

Sweater: via Lane Bryant - similar here / Skirt: (old) via JC Penney - similar here (love this one!) and here / Heels: (old) via Target - similar here and here / Necklace: local boutique - similar here and here

 

The Breakdown:

 

Sweater: Lane Bryant, $24

Skirt: JC Penney, $15

Heels: Target, $8

Necklace: Local boutique, $1

GroopDealz Favorites

Still on the hunt for the perfect gifts for your friends and family? Have you checked out GroopDealz yet? GroopDealz is a Daily Boutique that offers jewelry, accessories, clothing, and home goods at majorly discounted prices. You can join their email list and get the deals sent to your inbox every day. The deals and supply are limited so you have to act quickly when you find that perfect piece. Each item has a countdown underneath it so you will know how long it is available but I'll tell you a secret... they will probably sell out before the deal ends. The deals are just too good!

 

I have been super-happy with the pieces I have bought so far. The only issue I have had is that shipping is a little slow. The pieces ship from the individual vendors so it is up to them to get it out in a timely manner. But the site was great about communicating with the vendor for me when I questioned the shipping date.

 

I would definitely recommend this site for finding unique, fun pieces as a gift or for yourself!

 

 

 

1. Personalized Cheese Board - $12.50

 

2. Golden Bow Bangle Set - $4.99

 

3. Crystal Stargazer Necklace - $7.99

 

4. Plain Birch Vases - $8.99

 

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A little crazy around here

Sorry I have not been posting this week. My mom is in the hospital with a lung infection so I have been out of touch with the blogging world. Things will be back on track next week. Until then, I leave you with this thought:

via

Shop your Closet challenge: Day 6 & Day 7

Day 6 of the challenge was to use all of the lessons we had learned so far and create work outfits. Thankfully, this one was a cinch for me! This was Monday which was a holiday. I didn't have to go to work so it was a no make-up Monday and I cropped my face out of these shots :-)

Top: via JC Penney // Skirt: via JC Penney // Tights: via Walmart // Shoes: via flash sale site // Necklace: via Beall's Outlet

 

 

Cardigan: via Target // Top: via JC Penney // Skirt: via JC Penney // Shoes: via Marshalls // Necklace: via Cato

 

 

Day 7 was putting together three holiday looks incorporating texture and shine. Since the leader of this challenge lives on the West Coast I wasn't getting the assignments until I was already at work. This meant rushing home to put together the outfits each night after it was dark. My camera decided to act up for the last challenge and every photo I took focused on my feet instead of my whole body. Of course I didn't realize this until I was in pjs and uploaded them to my computer.

 

 

Top: via JC Penney // Skirt: via Lane Bryant // Shoes: via Marshalls // Necklace: via Beall's Outlet

 

 

Top: via JC Penney // Skirt: via Target // Shoes: via Ross // Necklace: via Seventh Avenue

 

Dress: via Monroe and Main // Shoes: via Ross // Necklace: via Cato

 

I had a lot of fun participating in the challenge and met a some great people through our Facebook group. I even ended up winning one of the participation prizes - an awesome Rit Dye Starter Kit.

 

 

 

 

 

Shop your Closet challenge - Day 5: Color

Today's challenge was all about color. I have a lot of that in my wardrobe. But I usually just wear a color with a neutral. This challenge was about wearing color with color. We were asked to put together one or two outfits based on a color wheel using split complimentary, triadic, or analgous combinations. This probably would have been easier for me if I had an actual color wheel I could spin around.

 Let's start with the color wheel:



If you have this type of color wheel the combinations are pretty simple. Split Complementary and Triadic are denoted by the two triangles. Analgous is colors that are right next to each other. For example: violet, blue, and blue-green.

I'll be honest. I had a hard time making this work in my closet. I just didn't have the right combination of clothes for the most part. I guess it pointed out where I need to do some work.

Since I had such a hard time finding combinations, I CHEATED! I went on Pinterest and searched color palettes. Now this was fun! I just looked for combinations I really loved and tried to put together outfits based on those. I now have a new love!! The color combinations are endless! 

I love these:

via

 

via

 

 

 

And here are the outfits I created:

 

 

Skirt: Via JC Penney // Top: via JC Penney // Cardigan: via Target // Shoes: via Marshalls // Necklace: via local boutique

 

Ths skirt is actually pink although it looks really red. I based this one on the flower color palette above.

 

 

 

Skirt: via Lane Bryant // Top: via JC Penney // Shoes: via Marshalls // Earrings: via Bealls Outlet // Necklace: via local boutique

 

This outfit was based on this color palette:



via

 

 

 

 Linking up with Mix & Match fasions for:

Shop your Closet - Day 3: How to balance your frame

** I accidentally published Day 4 yesterday so here's Day 3 **

This day's challenge was a little easier for me because I have really been focusing lately on finding clothes that work well with my body type. Nicole recommended ignoring the generic classifications of apple, pear, hourglass, etc. and to focus more on balancing our shoulders and hips while accentuating our waist. This was helpful to me because I could never figure out which of those classifications I fit under.

I chose this gray and black leopard sheath dress because I felt like it made my shoulders and hips seem equal in width and, with the belt, accentuated the waist. Nicole suggested adding a larger, more colorful necklace to keep it from being too monochromatic. I also think a colorful scarf would look great with it.

Shop your Closet challenge - Day 4: Free Day/ You win some, you lose some

Today's challenge was sort of a free day. Our assignment was to look through our closet, find a piece that we love but seldom wear, and create an outfit around it using the Outfit Formula. As a reminder the Outfit Formula is as follows:

A Basic

An Item of Interest

A Finishing Piece

Accessories

I chose this cream sweater I bought a couple years ago. It's such a cute sweater with fun texture and shine with a silver threading running through it. But I just haven't been able to make it work with anything. And guess what... I still wasn't able to. I hate the way the outfit looks on me. The jeans look funny rolled as I have them, the sweater is not falling right, and I see a fat roll.

I REALLY didn't want to share this photo but I try to share the real me which means the failures with the successes. You win some, you lose some!!

What would you change about what I chose? Is it time to give up on the sweater or do you have a suggestion for it?

 

Sweater: (old) via New Yoek & Co // Jeans: via Old Navy // Booties: via Catos // Necklace: via a local boutique

Happy Veterans' Day

I'm enjoying a gorgeous day honoring those who fought and continue to fight for my right to do so.

 

I'll be back to regularly scheduled programming tomorrow  ;-)

Day 2: Shop your Closet challenge - The Outfit Formula

Today's assignment from The Wardrobe Code was to create 2 outfits using the Outfit Formula:

• A Basic
• An Item of Interest
• A Finishing Piece
• Accessories

We were encouraged to push ourselves out of our comfort zone. Since I'm comfortable dressing up and have trouble finding casual outfits, I chose to go with that. I did a day and nighttime outfit.

Outfit 1: Basic - jeans, Item of Interest - button tab-sleeved blouse, Finishing Piece - loose weave cardigan, Accessories: two-tone riding boots and statement necklace

 

Cardigan: (old) via Belks // Blouse: via JC Penney // Jeans: via Old Navy // Boots: via a flash sale site // Necklace: via Beall's Outlet

 

Outfit 2: Basic - skinny jeans, Item of Interest - sequin sweater, Finishing Piece - Houndstooth scarf, Accessories: stud clutch, shooties, statement necklace, pave stud bracelet, muted gold post earrings.

 

 

Sweater: via JC Penney // Skinny Jeans: via Old Navy // Shooties: via TJ Maxx // Scarf: came on my peacoat // Clutch: via Lane Bryant // Necklace and Earrings: via Beall's Outlet // Bracelet: Forever 21

 

 

 

 

What are your thoughts? Did I follow the formula? I feel like I over-accessorized the second outfit... The scarf was a last-minute addition because I realized I didn't have a Finishing Piece. I think I should have nixed the necklace when I added it.

 

 

The Breakdown:

 

Outfit 1:

 

Cardigan: Belks, $10

Blouse: JC Penney, $7

Jeans: Old Navy, $25

Boots: flash sale site, $90

Necklace: Beall's Outlet, $7

 

 

Outfit 2:

 

Sweater: JC Penney, $30

Jeans: Old Navy, $25

Shooties: TJ Maxx, $40

Scarf: came on my peacoat, $0

Necklace: Beall's Outlet, $7

Earrings: Beall's Outlet, $2

Bracelet: Forever 21, $5

Clutch: Lane Bryant, $25

 

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Day 1: Shop your Closet Challenge

The first assignment of the Shop your Closet challenge was to choose 5 of our favorite pieces of clothing and 5 accessories (shoes, jewelry, scarves, etc.) Here are my pieces:

Blouse: (old) via Walmart // Skirt: via Lane Bryant // Dress: via Target

 

Skirt: via JC Penney // Sweater: via New York & Co

 

Bow Heels: via Marshalls // Leopard Flats: via New York & Co //Black Shooties: via TJ Maxx // Necklace: via Catos // Earrings: via Beall's Outlet

 

The purpose of this assignment is to have pieces ready to go for tomorrow. Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!!

 

What do you think of my choices?

Shop your Closet 7 day challenge, Polka Dots, & Pearls

For the next week I am participating in The Wardrobe Code's Shop your Closet 7 day challenge. This means no shopping for 7 days and only wearing what I already have in my closet. Sounds easy, right?? I hope so because I will extending the challenge to myself for the entire month!

Here is some of what I will be learning through this challenge:

• "How to identify my best pieces,
• How to get out of a wardrobe rut,
• How to craft the perfect outfit - balanced with essential pieces, and
• How to use color and texture the right way."

I'm really excited to see what I can do with what I already have. I will be a day behind in posting each day's challenge since I won't find out what it is until that morning.

 

Navy Polka Dot Button-up: Thrifted - similar, similar // Red Pencil Skirt: (sold out in red) via Lane Bryant - similar, similar // Nude Patent Flats: exact via Payless - similar, similar // Pearl Necklace: (old) via Beall's Outlet - similar, similar

 

 

 

The Breakdown:

 

Shirt: Thrifted, $8

Skirt: Lane Bryant, $27

Heels: Payless, $25

Necklace: Beall's Outlet, $8

Goldenrod and Bumble Bees

This is one of my favorite spots where I live. Although Goldenrod is killer for people with allergies, I think it's gorgeous. Kind of the epitome of Fall for me since our leaves change so late. And I like the rustic feel of the red gate. I thought it was the perfect backdrop for my mustard and black outfit.

 

My friend, Ashley, took my photos. The sun was shining right in my face so she let me borrow her sunglasses for the pictures. Now that I look at them, I'm kind of reminded of a bumble bee with my black and yellow outfit and the black, large-frame glasses.

 

 

Black Cardigan: (old) via Ross - similar, similar // Mustard Blouse: exact via JC Penney // Jeans: (old) via Sears - similar, similar // Sequin Flats: (old) via Shoe Department - similar, similar 

 

 

 

 

The Breakdown:

 

Cardigan: Ross, $10

Shirt: JC Penney, $7

Jeans: Sears, $20

Flats: Shoe Dept., $20

 

Whirlwind Weekend

I had a fun, wild, whirlwind weekend. Friday I went to Homecoming to see my nieces in the parade and half-time. Saturday my sister and I took my nieces for a Girls' Night Out. I took my nieces (10 & 8) to get their hair styled at a salon, through Sephora for some sparkle and shine, out to eat, and then we did some shopping. They had a blast! And my sister and I did too. Sunday we celebrated my Dad's birthday with lunch out and a little bowling.

Sound fun? Definitely! Sound exhausting? Totally!! And because of this, I didn't prepare an outfit post. So I decided to share some of my Pinterest favorites as I enjoy some apple cider and watch a Christmas movie on Hallmark.

Leaf Animals via

 

 

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate via

 

 

Ten Truths for the Teenage Girl – Because It Matters Who You’re Becoming via

 

 

Salty Carmelitas via

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Sparkle and Shine

 I think I have mentioned before that I love glittery, sparkly clothing. I was able to work it into my shirt, necklace and shoes in this outfit. You can't tell in the photos, unfortunately, but this is a white sequin t-shirt. You can see it clearer in this post.  This Brighton silver heart necklace has rhinestones in it and these flats from Old Navy scream sparkle and shine.

 

Cardigan: (old) via Target - similar, similar // Sequin Tee: exact via JC Penney // Skinny Jeans: (old) via Old Navy - similar, similar // Silver Flats: (old) via Old Navy - similar, similar // Heart Rhinestone Necklace: (a gift) via Brighton - similar, similar

 

 

 

 

The Breakdown:

 

Cardigan: Target, $10

Sequin Tee: JC Penney, $10

Skinny Jeans: Old Navy, $30

Flats: Old Navy, $8

Necklace: Gift