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.

 

 

 

 

 

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:

 

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:

 

1 Suit, 5 Ways

 

(Can you tell my camera refused to shoot in Manual mode? Sorry for the grainy photo!)

 

Suit: Monroe and Main / Shoes: Nine West via Marshalls / Necklace: Target / Brooch: Local Boutique

 

 

 

This week I'm doing a series that shows how versatile a skirt suit can be. Today's look is the basic suit - a blazer and skirt. Each day I will show a different look using the pieces.

 

At first I paired it with the black beaded necklace by itself but it didn't feel quite special enough so I added the brooch and it was perfect.

 

The colors in the suit will allow it to be paired so many different ways.

 

 

The breakdown:

 

Suit: Monroe and Main. $69

Shoes: Marshalls, $30

Necklace: Target $12

Brooch: Local, $1