A Little Spring Shopping - May 2015

I may or may not have used shopping for wedding clothes and my weight loss as an excuse to buy some new clothes (and shoes, and a bag, and nail wraps). After hibernating all winter, I want bright colors and fun.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

Jumpsuit - This beauty was my answer to a casual wedding. I wore it with some great silver jewelry from Stella & Dot and the silver sandals. I can also wear it with a white blazer and some pumps to work or with strappy sandals to another event.

Graphic Tees - My affection for fun, graphic tees is well known. These two are fun new additions and nods to two movies I love.

Tropical Print Moto Jacket - This jacket was an impulse buy, which I rarely do anymore. I'm sure it's going to get lots of use because I love it so much. The tropical print is a spring trend but it's a little different done in a moto jacket.

White Jeans - I had to replace the white jeans I donated, because they were too big. I scored a pair similar to these from the Talbots Outlet, for only $34.

Jamberry Nails - I hosted a little Jamberry party for my friends and had quite a few hostess credits. These are a few of the patterns I purchased with my credits. I have become a Jamberry devotee. They look great and last two weeks or more. You can't beat that!

Paris Market Tote - This bag is one of my favorites. I love that I can carry all of my items for work and it still looks chic. I also own it in black.  The black version is on sale for 50% off right now!

Silver Sandals - I needed a neutral pair of sandals that would work for an outdoor wedding but also stand up to wet grass and dirt. I've ruined several pairs of shoes because of poor yard conditions. These were perfect and a great find. I snagged these at Saks Off 5th for $30.

Labor Day Sale Purchases

Over the weekend I took advantage of some of the holiday sale shopping. I stopped by my favorite outlet store, Talbots and I snagged a few shirts from Old Navy.  I couldn't resist a couple of accessory purchases.

 

At the Talbots outlet, I bought this pair of dark red jeans and a pair of patterned ankle pants in shades of blue and pink.  The entire store was on sale for $19.99 or less. I purchased both pairs of pants for only $28!  A few light weight shirts that would transition to fall were on my list. I've been loving light weight sweaters in cool weather. This color block sweater will be great for work or weekends. I have quite a few striped shirts but this wide black and white striped shirt is a bit different and can be work with some of my skirts and printed pants. I had to throw in a fun shirt. Sequins and a fun saying. What's not to love? Old Navy had a 30% off sales this weekend.

This baseball cap is an inexpensive way to add a leather look to my fall outfits and the olive hue is so versatile. At only $12, I couldn't resist. I used my Stella and Dot credits to snag the Sutton necklace for less than $20.

Two pairs of pants, three shirts, a sweater, a cap and a necklace (that can be worn five ways) for a little more than $100. Successful sale shopping!

Fall 2012 Runway Trends - Graphic Prints

Well my friends, this is the last installment of the Fall 2012 Runway Trends series.  Today we are taking a look at graphic prints. There are so many ways to wear prints, there is something for everyone.  There are supposed fashion rules about not wearing prints on body parts you don't like.  Well, you know I'm a rule breaker.  I'm definitely not a fan of my thighs and rear but my current favorite pair of pants, are these paisley print pants from Talbots Outlet.  I got them for a steal and I love them! Thanks to my friend Jennifer of Comme Coco for the photo!

Me at a CapFABB event, picture by Jennifer Jean-Pierre of Comme Coco

Outfit details:  vest - thrifted via Goodwill, shirt - Target (no longer available), pants - Talbots Outlet (no longer available), shoes - Neiman Marcus Last Call (available here on ebay), bag - vintage Coach (90's), necklace - c/o Stella & Dot (Alexandria necklace available here) 

I'm loving this trend. It's fun to add that cool print to your outfit.  Even if you don't want to wear pants or a skirt, try a top, bag or shoes.  There are lots of cute and colorful options out there.  Try something new. Be bold!

Click on the photo above for details.

I'm especially in love with this amazing trench coat.  A fantastic way to wear print, via the collar and hem.  The clutch would be a fun addition to your weekend wardrobe and a great choice if you just want to add a pop. If  you aren't sure what to try, pick one piece that you love and keep the rest of your outfit neutral.  That way you can ease into the trend and try it out.  If you are ready to mix patterns, give it a try, like I did above.  Try a stripe and a pattern or a small print with a large print.  If you aren't sure about the combo, try it on and take a photo. It's easier to be objective that way. 

I hope you've enjoyed this series.  More fun things to come this fall. I've been in a crazy DIY mode lately and I have lots of projects coming up soon.

What do you think?  Will you try to out graphic prints?

Frugal Fashion Friday - Pattern Mixing

A couple weeks ago I scored a fantastic deal at the Talbots Outlet.  I found a pair of paisley ankle pants that fit me perfectly.  I LOVE them and have been finding tons of ways to wear them. Earlier this week I spied a cute gingham shirt at Old Navy.  I immediately thought of pairing with my blue and purple paisley pants. As luck would have it today's Friday's Fancies challenge was to create an outfit using gingham.  It's kismet!

I've created a fun outfit for less than $300. The shoes are the priciest item, almost half the cost of the entire outfit. They can be found at Neiman Marcus Last Call (lastcall.com). If you sign up for their email alerts, you'll get notifications about sales. Last month there was a flash sale and I scored them for $55!

The pattern mixing gives the outfit a bold feel.  The clutch is an extra pop of color and it has a chain handle to make it more versatile.  This ensemble is my ideal weekend outfit.  Stylish, comfortable and easy to wear. The jewelry is simple but stands out and the oxfords and wayfarers are classic.  A gingham shirt is on my list now.  That means some weekend shopping is in order.

Frugal Fashion Friday - Outfit Crush for Friday's Fancies

My recent obsession with floral pants is well documented. I found and ordered floral pants from ASOS.  I got them for the bargain price of $35!  I was thrilled but my difficult to fit lower body doesn't always mean that my orders will work. I tried them on and YAAAY! they fit.  They were a little large in the waist, which always happens for me. If pants fits my hips and booty, then they are almost always too big in the waist. I just take them in a bit and they work well.  I know I'm not the only pants challenged girl out there.  We all have issues, shorter legs, longer torso, long legs, and on and on. We all know that pain. 

Today's challenge for Friday's Fancies was "Outfit Crush".  I decided to duplicate an outfit that I pinned to my "Style I Should Try" board on Pinterest, Blair Eadie of Atlantic-Pacific's chic floral pants outfit.  I couldn't wait to try it using my two new bargain purchases, floral pants from ASOS and striped top from Talbots Outlet.

photo credit: Atlantic-Pacific

I have to confess that I have a huge style crush on Blair Eadie.  Plus, she's a Virginia girl (like me) who now lives in Cali (I wish).  What's not to love?  She's taken the polished style of lady like Virginia society and mixed it with the laid back cool of California.This outfit incorporates those elements, statement bag, crisp white jacket, chic updo and designer sunnies combined with the print mixing of stripes and floral with those amazing blue booties. I had to try my hand at recreating this amazing outfit.

Jacket - Target (similar), Top - Talbots Outlet (similar), Pants - ASOS (no longer available more here), Bag - DSW, Shoes - Nine West via DSW, Sunglasses - Chanel, Bracelets - c/o Stella & Dot, ASOS and Vintage, Watch - Timex (gift), Earrings - Target, Rings - DIY and Engagement

I'm sure you are wondering how this could possibly be a bargain outfit.  This is the breakdown. I purchased the pants for $35 on sale.  The top at the Talbots Outlet for $16 and the shoes at DSW with coupons and rewards for $20.  I have owned the jacket and the bag for many years, so I'm recycling.  The gorgeous Stella & Dot bracelets were a gift from my amazing stylist, Kristin Biggs. I made the ring myself when I took a metal casting class several years ago.  The watch, bangles and my engagement ring were gifts.  The only item I paid full price for was the sunglasses.  I've owned them for eight years and I wear them often so they've paid for themselves many times over (great cost per wear).  They are timeless.

Check out the Renegade Cluster Bracelet, Revival Bracelet, and Toujours Bracelet c/o Stella & Dot

Who is your style crush or outfit crush?  I'd love to hear about your inspiration.

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Virtual Shopping - Talbots

There are two qualities I love in a store, quality merchandise at a reasonable price and items that come in all sizes (petite to plus).  There is nothing worse than finding a great item and then discovering that it doesn't come in your size.  I hate that!  Those two qualities are the main reasons I LOVE Talbots.  They have beautiful clothing at reasonable prices.  Sometimes, like this past weekend, you can find amazing bargains.  Like the skirt and top I got for 75% off.  I only paid $25 for both items!!

Long Weekend Rewind via Instagram - Memorial Day

I took a few days off last week to extend the Holiday Weekend.  We had lots to do around the house since we are hosting a grad party for some close family friends.  There was a little fun time squeezed into the days, in the form of shopping, eating and laughing.  A bit of sickness hit on Friday and it wasn't pretty but we rallied on Saturday for some power washing and deck painting.

The Sidewinder ring is one of my favorite Stella & Dot pieces and I tried out a new confetti mani.  My neon cap toe shoes turned out better than I'd hoped.  Check out the easy DIY here. I managed to do a little thrift store shopping for wedding DIY glass and I hit the Talbots Outlet on Monday and grabbed some fun summer pieces for 75% off! I had fun wearing some summer colors via a Stella & Dot arm party.  I've been testing out some new hair do's, including this side swept, bobby pinned bang with waves.  Summer heat always makes me want a short and easy hair cut.  I'm fighting that urge. So I'm trying some ways to keep my hair out of my face and off my neck.  We spent Sunday and Monday afternoon painting our deck.  It wasn't fun but it does look good and I'm glad it's done.

What did you do over the weekend?