DIY - Blah to Bad Ass Blazer

I've had this idea in my head for some time to add elbow patches to a thrift store blazer. Specifically, skull elbow patches. I spotted a few sweaters last winter with skulls at the elbows. I went searching for a blazer with skull elbow patches and couldn't find one. This DIY has taken so long because I couldn't find skull patches that I thought were perfect. Then I found these beauties. I'm not a fan of the cutesy skull. I want a realistic looking, bad ass skull. The patch was perfect and of course I ordered two. Then I set out to find the blazer. It had to be either black or gray, in a heavy fabric. I wanted wool but I would have accepted other options. The thrift store gods smiled down on me. I found it, a classic gray wool blazer, by a brand I love! I scored it at the Goodwill Store close to me. Here is the blazer, before.

The gold buttons just wouldn't work with the gray, silver black color scheme. I pictured a blazer looked sedate school girl from the front and girl who skips school from the back. I looked online and briefly considered skull buttons but I didn't want it to look like a costume. Only a crest button in silver would work for what I had in mind. I found several at my local sewing store but ending up splurging on the most expensive option. They were perfect. Since I'd only spent $5 on my blazer and $12 on my patches,  I could afford a little button splurge. Plus I found two coupons and ended up cutting my button cost down by about 40%! Yay for coupons!

I started by removing all of the buttons and finding thread that would work. I chose dark gray thread that I already own. You just need thread that is close to the color of the blazer. The patches were iron on. I also made sure I had thread for stitching on the patches. Elbow patches get wear and tear and must bend a bit. I thought the adhesive might not stay tight. After attaching all of the buttons, I ironed on the elbow patches. I decided after my first wear to stitch around the edges. The patches had already started to lift a bit after only one day. A few stitches helped me feel confident that they would wear well, long term.

It turned out even better than I had hoped it would. It's exactly what I pictured. Business in the front and Bad Ass in the back!

Inspiration - White Transition

We are still in the heat of summer but all of the stores are having summer sales to make way for fall merchandise. This started me thinking about items I'm wearing often, now and how I can wear them into the fall.  My white jeans and white blazer have become staples this summer. I don't subscribe to "the fashion rule" of no white after labor day. You know me, I'm a rule breaker. These ladies are great inspiration for wearing my jeans and blazer into the fall.

You could use these same cues to transition a white skirt or dress.

photo credits (from top to bottom): eat sleep denim, Lady Lazlo, eat sleep denim, Grasie Mercedes, The Versastyle

Inspiration - Navy Blazer

A couple weeks ago I visited my Mom for the weekend. We went to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to see the Hollywood Costume exhibit. The exhibition was fantastic. I'm sorry that I can't share photos with you but cameras were not allowed. If you live near Richmond and love movies or fashion, make sure to get there before it closes on February 17.  During the weekend, my mom gave me a few of her old blazers, including a wool, navy, double breasted blazer. It looks a bit like this one.

I'm searching for inspiration on ways to wear my blazer. Here are some great outfits.

Click the photos for credits.

UPDATE: Today I'm wearing it with my printed paisley pants and a white button up shirt. Check out Instagram for a peek.

Frugal Fashion Friday - My Picks for Fall Coats and Jackets

Over the years I've built quite a collection of coats and jackets. One of the reasons I like fall and look forward to the change of seasons is great jackets and coats.  If it weren't for these fun toppers, I might consider moving to a warmer climate. When the weather starts to get cool, I begin to create my list of must have coats and jackets. Here are a few of my favorites, this year.

A leopard car coat has been on my list for several seasons.  I just haven't found quite the right coat, I wanted low fur pile, tan with black accents. This one from ASOS is perfect. I love motorcycle style jackets.  These two, one in tweed and one that's a mix of faux leather and knit are fresh takes on the traditional style.  A trench with faux leather accents is a fun twist on the classic.  Tweed added to a white denim jacket gives polish to an easy weekend jacket. A sequin bomber is glitzy and statement making, enough said.  The graduated profile of a traditional blazer will work well at work and with jeans. This Victorian style coat looks modern in a red floral print.

Do you love coats and jackets as much as I do? Make sure to check back next week.  I'll be announcing a fantastic giveaway of one of my favorite Stella & Dot jewelry pieces!

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Fall 2012 Runway Trends - Menswear

Sorry for the lack of posting. I've been and am still a bit under the weather.

There are only two trends left in our Fall 2012 Runway Trends series.  Today it's one of my all time faves, Menswear.  I love borrowing from the boys.  It's fun to wear oxfords and an occasional tie.  As much as I love dresses and skirts, pants are always comfortable.  The trick is wearing the menswear trend in a feminine way.  You can embrace the trend without looking like you are trying to be a man.

When I am embracing menswear, I think it's best to start with the basics. You can never go wrong with a great fitting pair of pinstripe pants. A basic white button up shirt is a staple for menswear style as well. A tailored blazer can be worn with dress pants as well as with jeans or shorts. It's a polished piece that will pull your entire outfit together.

If you just want to add a touch of menswear, go for accessories. I own several pairs of oxfords and love them as an alternative to sneakers.  The new crop comes in tons of colors and styles, like this metallic pair with blue soles from Target.  If you love heels, you can grab a pair of heeled loafers or oxfords.  They work with skirts or pants.  A little over a year ago I was introduced to Ginger Root Designs.  They have a great little boutique in DC or you can check out their online shop.  These ladies create the most fantastic upcycled clothing and menswear style accessories for women.  I'm in love with their Lady Ties.  These fantastic accessories are created from old and damaged men's ties and sometimes vintage buttons.  Not into ties?  Throw on a newsboy cap or grab a cross body satchel.  This one, in oxblood, by The Leather Satchel Company has a top handle which gives it a briefcase feel.  Top it off with a large men's style wrist watch.  It lends that menswear feel without being overpowering.

With just a few additions, it's easy to sport the menswear trend.

Frugal Fashion Friday - Fall Lust List

Today I'm taking a break from the fall trends to tell you what is on my list of wants.  Some of the items are trends and some are just things I love.  Not all of the items are frugal buys but I will tell you how I plan to get them for a bargain. Today I'm also linking up to Friday's Fancies on Long Distance Loving.

Click on the pictures above to see the details.

Navy Blazer - This classic item will take me everywhere.  I can dress it up or down and it will never go out of style.  I'll be hitting all of my favorite thrift stores and discount stores to hunt for a classic navy blazer.

Leather (Faux Leather) Skirt - A pleated leather skirt has been on my list for a couple of seasons.  Leather is a huge trend this fall.  Faux leather is affordable and if you choose a classic style like pleated or a pencil skirt you can keep it for years. I will be using a discount code to get a great deal on this skirt.

Colored Skinny Jeans - These Bordeaux colored skinny jeans are right on trend.  I scored these NYDJ at Nordstrom Rack for $60 earlier this week! The rich color is great for fall and a fun alternative to blue jeans.

Statement Necklace - I'm in love with the Pegasus Necklace from Stella & Dot.  The layered feathers are beautiful and an unexpected way to do a statement necklace.  I will be using some of my trunk show credits for this fantastic necklace.

Leopard Accented Bag -  Black and leopard combined with the school bag tote style of this bag is perfect for me.  I'll be able to stash all of my essentials and it will still look great.  Even better, this bag from Urban Outfitters is on sale right now!

Statement Cocktail Ring -  If you aren't in the mood to wear a ton of jewelry, a fantastic cocktail ring is the ticket.  There are so many things to love about the Stella & Dot Starstruck ring.  This one is definitely on my list of wants.  I'll be spending some of my trunk show credits on this ring.

Studded Ladylike Pumps - The studs on these ladylike pumps are unexpected. The shoes are very similar to the Valentino studded pumps but at only $100, I can actually afford them! 


Hope you have time to hit up some early fall sales this weekend.  I'm attending fashion even number three of the week, on Saturday.  I'll have recaps next week.  What is on your fall wish list? 

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Work Day to Date Night the Easy Way

Long commutes and a long work day, usually mean that if I have plans after work, I won't have time to go home and change. I like to create outfits that are work appropriate but also easy to transition to an evening out. I've managed to score us tickets to a movie screening of the upcoming release, Hit & Run with Kristen Bell and Bradley Cooper. It will be a fun date night and I want to look great. So too my closet I went. Most of the time all you need to transition from day to night is an evening bag, some amped up make-up and a little shift in your outfit.

I'm fortunate to work in a relaxed office where many styles of dress are accepted. I love my trouser jeans because the dark wash gives them a dress pants look. In many offices, jeans aren't acceptable on any day but Friday. If jeans don't fit at your office, you could go for a pair of trousers or ankle pants. I like the idea of pairing them with a sequin tank. I'll cover it with a draped, cropped, blazer for the office and take it off after work. I grabbed some of my favorite jewelry that works day or night and my new favorite leopard heels. A studded top handle bag is perfect for day but I'll switch to a smaller clutch for evening. The studs will toughen up the pretty sequin tank. I'll change my lipstick from a subtle nude for day to a deep fuchsia for night and I'll add a bit more dark eyeliner for a smokey look. Those simple changes will take me from office to evening. So easy!

Frugal Fashion Friday - My Spring Short List

I know I told you all that I'd be guest blogging on the DC Goodwill Fashionista today, well there was a bit of a mix up and I'll be guest blogging there next week.  Each season I create a list, a short one of items I really want to purchase.  The items may be a trend piece or a hole in my wardrobe. I keep the list in my phone. I can refer to it when I'm shopping and it helps me stay on track and reduces my impulse buying.  Also, if I know what I want, it's easy to keep an eye out at thrift stores and for online sales.  If you don't know what you need then it's hard to wade past all those wants and "Oh Those are Cute!".  I also include items like bras, undies and other foundations on the list, even though they aren't exciting. Here is my short list for spring 2012.  I've already snagged the pants, during my vacation this past week.

1) Yellow Blazer - I love the bright pop of color for work or play.
2) Wedge Sandals - I have a tan pair of sandal like, wedge, shoes (seen here) that I wore often last summer. I'd like another pair in a different style.
3) Studded and spiked bracelets - They toughen up a sweet summer look, especially pastels.
4) Bright pants - I wear black pants and jeans often.  A pair of brightly colored pants will brighten my wardrobe.  I found a pair almost this color last weekend at Goodwill!
5) Leopard heels - I have a pair of low leopard wedges. I'd love to find a comfy pair of heels that I can use to switch things up from my usual black.

What's on your short list?

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Rocker Cool at Target

On December 19, Target will launch another designer collaboration.  They launch the Willam Rast for Target line.  I love this line designed by Justin Timberlake and his partner Trace Ayala.  They have a rocker cool, laid back aesthetic. Items are priced $16.99 - $199.99. 

My personal favorite is their black blazer with lacing ($49.99). It brings such a cool detail to a regular black jacket. I could wear it to work and then out at night.

Here are a couple of other looks where you could mix the pieces and they'd be very versatile.

Don't wait to long to make your picks. I'm sure they will sell out quickly.  You can check your local store on December 19 or go directly to http://www.target.com/.