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.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Linked up for:

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

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:

 

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:

 

A Better Basic

 

Worthington Tie-neck Blouse (old) via JC Penney, options here and here / Liz Claiborne Snakeskin Pencil skirt (old) via JC Penney, options here and here / Bandolino heels (old) via Ross, options here and here / Beaded bracelets (old)

 

 

The breakdown:

 

Blouse - JC Penney, $20

Skirt - JC Penney, $20

Heels - $20

Bracelets - $1

 

This blouse is one of my favorites. The tie-neck and beading on the shoulder add fun detail to a very versatile top. And the pencil skirt is a bright pop of color and print.

 

My goal when shopping lately has been to find interesting, colorful skirts to go with my basic solid blazers. My outfits needs to be professional for work but that doesn't mean they have to be dull or boring.

 

Game Day

Every girl needs a jazzed up version of a game day outfit

 

 

Garnet Sequin Top (old) via New York & Co, other options here and here / The Diva Dark Rinse Jeans via Old Navy / Gold Exchange by Charles David Heels (old) via Shoe Carnival, other options here and here / Gold Briolette Necklace via Seventh Avenue / Garnet and Gold beaded bracelet (old) via New York & Co, other options here and here

 

 

 

 

 

The breakdown:

 

Sequin Blouse - New York and Company, 420

Dark Rinse Diva Jeans - Old Navy, $25

Tan Exchange by Charles David heels - Shoe Carnival, $19

Gold Ribbon/Briolette necklace - Seventh Avenue, $10

Garnet and Gold beaded bracelet - New York and Company, $15

 

 

 

My fashion philosophy includes buying pieces that can be used multiple ways. When shopping, I try to keep in mind what I already have so I don't repeat a same style or color too many times. This is why you see (old) so often in my outfit descriptions. I hope you'll take a look at the other options I include in the description. A lot of the time I actually like what I list there better than what I am wearing! I really love the Garnet and Gold sequin blouse from JC Penney. I was so sad they didn't have that color in my size anymore. I also love the Madden-Girl strappy gold heels I listed via ShopStyle. I need to find an excuse to buy those. But let's get real... I never need an excuse to buy shoes!!

 

 

 

via