Thrifty Thursday

WARNING: What you are about to see may scare you.  

Some of the clothes are things you would normally walk right by...maybe even make fun of.  But part of what I'm encouraging you to do here is think outside the box.  So today I'm posting the finds we snagged at the thrift store, and tomorrow I'll show you how to put them together.  You just have to come back (and you're going to have to trust me...especially when you see gold fabric).

I can't really take credit for this guy.  Andrea had already found the red pencil skirt. I went and found the black belt on the shelf and she could have applied for a job right then.  Tomorrow we'll show you two ways to wear it.  Casual and interview-appropriate.  (Is she adorable or WHAT?!)

I call this the nun shirt.  It's super-weird.  But I'm in love.  A little lace collar and the back has a tie...which is totally random.  Here's the thing, if you love it-you'll love wearing it. 

Don't be scared.  You've gotta trust me here.  And while I know most of you will never leave the house in a gold shirt that looks like you borrowed it from Claire Huxtable, you might be surprised at what you can pull off.  And...I...love...it.

I know you...and I know you'd walk right by these because you already wore them to your junior prom.  But pair them with skinny jeans and you'd be surprised at how much you could change your look with something like this.  They weren't my size...or else I would own them right now.  Tip: Never leave the thrift store without looking for shoes...ever.

And while thrifting is good for many things, and I can't even blog about all the things we found because there isn't room for all the pictures there are some things that should always be left at the thrift store, here are two...

It's called a "dickie", and (contrary to what Andrea thought) you are supposed to wear it under a shirt.  But don't buy them...cause they're weird.  Leave them there.

I know you're shocked and amazed at my hotness even in the granny casual shirt (aka: gran-cas), but it's too risky.  Just don't do it.  Unless you've given up on life...then by all means...go for it.

Hey! Don't leave yet, post a comment about your doubts in my thrift skills, your favorite thrift store find, your fear of gold fabric.  Come on...show the love.

It's called Wed-nes-day

Hey guys!  Guest blogging over at Lyndseylew today.  Check it out!

High fashion is for suckers!

     One of the things I love to do for people is make good style practical and relevant for any budget.  If that means taking you shopping at Goodwill (it's a good thing I'm lucky at thrift stores) then that's what we do.  Cause I live on a budget, and I hope you do too.    

     I could care less about "high fashion"....and honestly it's kind of ridiculous looking right?  Since none of us are going to be walking down a runway any time soon, and most of us shop at places like Target and Old Navy (which is totally glorious in my book), I wanted to post a few options this morning that I think are gorgeous, and are all under $40.  Okay, let's get to it. 

I think this dress is the bees knees.  It would look great on those of you with skinny hips (people like that exist right?) or a straight figure, because the ruffle and structure at the shoulder will create an hourglass shape on anyone.  But I'd wear it with my hips too...cause it makes me smile.   Wear it to a summer wedding, or just wear it to the grocery and let people think you have a super professional life.  

T.A.R.G.E.T.  We love you!  Remember the awesome scarf we found there already?  Target is fabulous.  Don't be scared because it's yellow. You could easily carry something this fun and bright whenever you'd carry a black or brown bag.  Since color (especially yellow) makes people happy think of it as a service to depressed people everywhere.  Really, you'd be denying the world some happiness by not buying this bag.  

Oh man.  I almost didn't want to post this cause I love it so much and wanted to keep it a secret from everyone....but I really like you, and want you to look great--so here you go.  Wear it with leggings and boots, wear it with a blazer and heels, wear it with a jean jacket and cowboy boots, wear it in your sleep--it's that cute!  There is also a brown and black option, for those of you who play it safe, which you could pair with a crazy bright belt.  But honestly, when there's a red option...you should always choose that.  

There you have it!  Easy to wear, easier to buy.  Aren't you glad you stopped by?

Staples

The easiest staple to add some mileage to your wardrobe?  A great neutral scarf.  Throw it on with a white button up and a pretty skirt, a fall sweater, even with a tank top!  It adds a little visual interest, and is an easy layer to put on, and the ruffles make it dummy proof!  The best part?  This gem is $15 at Target!  

You're welcome, and Happy Saturday.  

It's not selfish...

Welcome to the new blog!  Isn't this exciting?  The above look was one I threw together on Polyvore, which is a ridiculous website to create outfits on because you basically have a virtual closet that consists of every piece of clothing under the sun.  

Two quick notes about why I love the above outfit, and then the reason for my post:

1. All my jeans get holes in them, so I love when I find outfits that actually look good...with hole-y jeans.  Must be all those hours of tirelessly playing My Little Pony.

2. Putting something as polished as lace with something as unfinished as torn denim makes it looks effortless and ironic, which is much more visually interesting.  

Now, let's talk about you.  I want to take a moment to dispel this vague thought floating around out there (especially among those conservative mamas I love) that it's selfish or (GASP) worldly to take some time to plan your wardrobe and style. 

Taking five percent of your time to plan out what you feel confident, and beautiful in frees you up in the other 95 percent of your life to engage with and respond positively to the circumstances and people around you.

Planning your clothing, just like planning your meals, makes sure that when your kids come into your closet at 7:00 and need help tying their shoes or combing their hair you're not too stressed out trying to figure out what you can wear to engage with their little hearts and move on.  This is why it can be so helpful to have a "look book" handy of your go-to outfits- you grab one, throw it on, and get on with the important part of your life. 

What's more, if you feel beautiful and put together, you're less likely to even be thinking about yourself, and more likely to be able to think about whatever else it is your doing (and as women, that is usually helping someone else--right?)

So take a few minutes to plan ahead and know what works for you, and then forget about it.  Cause good style should never be the focus of your life, but it shouldn't distract you from living it either!