January Budget

January 27, 2013 · By · 24 Comments
Recent Purchases
I can tell you right now I had quite the successful month! I set my budget at $200 (which is a little higher than I want to go the rest of the year, but it is also birthday month, so it was okay in my mind). I ended up spending LESS than my budget! (Patting myself on the back because I NEVER do that!)  For $139.03 I got two new scarves, two new blouses, a dress, a faux fur embellished vest, a pair of glitter strapped heels and a new workout outfit! Also, after laying out all of my purchases together I don’t think I was over Christmas and New Years (hence all the green & red and glitter shoes).
Red Blouse, Apple Branches Vintage (Etsy Store) $5.00 + $4.50 S&H = $9.50
Sheer Purple Dot Blouse, Apple Branches Vintage (Etsy Store) $5.00 + $4.50 S&H = $9.50
Green Dress, Land’s End $25.94 (including S&H) Available here
Faux Fur Vest, ShopGoodwill $21.54 (including S&H) Bid on others here
Plaid & Infinity Scarf, Abercrombie & Fitch $26.80 – $6.80 + $5.00 S&H (using RetailMeNot code 15244 for 25% and $5 S&H) = $25.10 Plaid Scarf Available here (Infinity Scarf Sold Out)
Glitter Heels, DSW final clearance $9.99 Available here (I am a little confused because I bought this exact pair in stores for $9.99 but online they are still $29.94– I would check in stores if you are interested in this pair of heels!)
Not Pictured: pv.body new workout gear (top and cropped bottoms) I started a monthly subscription (similar to JustFab, ShoeDazzle, JewelMint, etc. only for workout clothing) as a way to get myself motivated to keep working out. Plus my workout clothing needs a major update! Your first month you can get a 25% discount, so this month’s was: $37.46
Total: $139.03
UPDATE! So I couldn’t resist getting a new dress for my 25th birthday, but wrote and had this post scheduled a few days before (so I could enjoy my birthday weekend without worrying about getting blog stuffs done). Anyway, I found a long sequin dress at Forever21 for $18! It was a steal… so updated budget at $157.03. Still under budget, which makes me happy!
How did you do on your budget this month (if you have one) or what new fun pieces did you get this month?!
Linking up to Budgeting Bloggers over at Franish! Join the fun!
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Tweedy Florals & Messy Hair

October 17, 2012 · By · 33 Comments

This combination is an easy one, I believe the big floral prints on this bow-tie blouse and the classic black and white tweed jacket just work together.  Adding a strand of pearls could look quite nice with this too, but I’ll be honest that I only had 20 minutes to get ready yesterday so accessories were lacking.  I did mange to put on some sparkly bracelets and earrings though!

And this quote found on my Pinterest account is why I allowed myself to walk out of the apartment this way:

I embraced it by letting it do its own thing (but tried to control it in a bun) and by adding a small detail: my black bow headband.  I think this quote is more for messy beach waves? But hey, you know when you only have 20 minutes to get ready in the morning, you really have to do what you have to do :) Totally my fault, but this is how real life goes.

Floral Blouse, TJMaxx (Similar here) Tweed Jacket, Express from Goodwill (Similar here) Pants, Vintage (Similar here) Flats, Nordstrom Rack (Similar here) Headband, Primark (Similar here)

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Polka Dot Skirt

September 5, 2012 · By · 47 Comments

Found this vintage polka dot skirt at Goodwill back home in Iowa this weekend when I went shopping with my mom… couldn’t be happier with the find and wanted to wear it right away back to work yesterday! It is cute, comfy and a great transitional piece for when the weather starts to get colder. This blouse is one of my favorites and you can look for a range of similar ladies blouses online too. Happy Wednesday :)

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Vintage Tribal

May 2, 2012 · By · 32 Comments
I am so glad tribal, aztec prints are so trendy right now because one of my absolute favorite vintage finds of all time is this bright, vibrant tribal print pencil skirt.  Not only do I love the vibrant color and pattern, but when I tried it on at the Goodwill it fit me perfectly.  For $5? I was singing on my way out of the store when I picked this baby up a couple years ago!  I love this skirt and although I have a lot of ideas to wear it with other colors or colors in the same family, my favorite way to style it is with a neutral ruffle blouse and a matching tan belt and t-strap heels. I like to let the skirt be the full center of attention!  Did I mention I also picked up these T-Strap heels for $5 from another Goodwill location?! Dear people who donate fabulous things to Goodwill… THANK YOU! Happy Hump Day and don’t forget to check out “Work It Wednesday” over at a Little Bit of Lacquer!
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Animal Print & Color Combinations

March 21, 2012 · By · 13 Comments

Animal Print & Color

These are a few of my favorite things… well my favorite animal print and color combinations!  I love adding pops of color to outfits as well as pops of animal prints, so when I mix the two together, these are my go-tos! I made a few outfits showing how I incorporate leopard & red, zebra & yellow and snakeskin & blue.  You can see  one of my leopard & red pairings here and my favorite pair of snakeskin heels and snakeskin faux leather pants to wear with blue here. What are your favorite colors to wear with animal prints?

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A Bouquet of Lilies

March 5, 2012 · By · 11 Comments

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As I’ve said previously, I draw inspiration from many sources and so far I’ve shown you my celebrity inspirations from Whitney Port and Hilary Duff, but today I am showing you inspiration from what I believe is the most inspirational source out there: nature.  From color combinations, to the textures and the way things move, nature, in my opinion, is where all great art comes from.  And since fashion is my way of being creative in everyday life, I will always be inspired by nature’s beauty.  This look, which is more colorful than many of the outfits I have ever worn (unless if it is already incorporated into a pattern on a dress or blouse) was inspired by the lilies I got from my boyfriend for Valentine’s Day. Lilies have always been my favorite flower.  I grew up with tiger lilies lining the outside of the house I grew up in and today, lilies are the source of this outfit.  Pink, orange and yellow looked so gorgeous together in this bouquet that I just couldn’t help but wonder what an ensemble like this would look like.  Here’s the result! I think I am ready for spring!!!!!

  

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Feeling Whole

January 20, 2012 · By · 15 Comments

What does it mean to feel whole? I couldn’t even begin to describe what it is like to feel whole even if I wanted to, but feeling whole in terms of fashion is simple for me:  this outfit captures my sense of style perfectly and is a unique look that I can wear to the office. When I have accomplished looking professional and have completely incorporated my personal style into the outfit, I FEEL WHOLE (and this usually lends itself to confidence and a productive day at work).  Also, the title is a play on words for the petal holes in my blouse… which is my favorite piece in this outfit.  A new black blouse with just enough detail to make it unique, but still professional enough to wear to work, BONUS! Other favorite details include: fishnets, the mauve color of my heels, the bows on my heels, asymmetric ruffles on my skirt.  Details, details, details! That is all.

 

 

Black Petal Hole Blouse: Lulus; Gray Skirt: Macys; Fishnet Stockings: Heartbreakers; Bowtie Open-Toed Heels: Lulus; Tear Drop Earrings: Kohls; Watch: BCBG Generation

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In the Nude

January 16, 2012 · By · 1 Comment
In the Nude

Nude blouses are a great piece for your wardrobe, and another great year-round piece. (I cannot emphasize versatility enough when it comes to keeping up with trends and being economical). I found a nude-colored blouse at Goodwill back home in Iowa that has been used in so many ways with the rest of my wardrobe. I always find that it’s worth digging through places like Goodwill or vintage stores to find key pieces to add to your wardrobe. I have always had luck finding fun, vintage blouses at Goodwill and finding this one was no exception!

At work I like to pair my nude-colored blouse with a leopard print neutral-colored skirt and a black blazer, and for fun with a pink cardigan, skinny jeans, brown boots and a ruffle headband. Lucky Magazine shows you other ways to wear this type of a blouse for work, casual and everyday living. How would you style an outfit with a nude-colored blouse?

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Holiday Style

December 27, 2011 · By · 2 Comments
Holiday Style

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Tinsel Tuesday

December 13, 2011 · By · Leave a Comment
Tinsel Tuesday

You might be wondering what Tinsel Tuesday is?  Well I wanted to go off of my last “What I’m Wearing” post on a casual Friday just to keep you updated on my wardrobe during the week since I don’t have a chance to take and post pictures every single day.  Anyway, I am calling it Tinsel Tuseday because my blouse with the stripes of metallic almost remind of tinsel and just because I am getting so excited for upcoming family, friend and work Christmas parties! Tomorrow we are having a marketing group Christmas potluck and Thursday is our company’s Christmas party (where I get to reveal my ugly Christmas sweater)!

 

Milly striped blouse
$114 - nordstrom.com

Black skirt
4.99 - dressrail.com

White House Black Market lace stocking
$15 - whitehouseblackmarket.com

Vintage belt
$79 - couturecandy.com

 
“DO” the LOOK
 Black Blouse: Basically any blouse would work, and unlike me, a colorful blouse would really be a great touch!  You could even wear a shirt dress, sweater dress or professional work dress with a cardigan to put  together this look.
Black Skirt:  Any basic pencil or professional work skirt is ideal.  A metallic skirt would be fantastic (I’m saving mine for our potluck tomorrow) and really bring out the metallic in the blouse or the belt.
Gold Buckle Belt:  This is the attention grabbing detail of the ensemble today.  Keep the rest of the outfit sleek, no matter the colors you choose, and detail with a big buckle (could be another color) to have a point of interest. If your skirt is high-waisted like mine, the belt is perfect to highlight the smallest part of you!
Black Patent Kitten Heels: *INVESTMENT PIECE* I don’t think I usually focus on shoes as an investment piece because there are so many, but you just can’t go wrong with a nice pair of black kitten heels.  They are great for skinny jeans (dressing up a more casual look), dress pants at work (help your pants hit at the right spot, especially if you are tall) or in an outfit like this!  They are just classy and you can never go wrong with classy.
Fishnet/Lace Tights:  *INVESTMENT PIECE*Maybe it is just me… but I feel like everybody has to have a great pair of fishnets!  They are fun and believe it or not can look very professional in an outfit like this. Of course, they make a statement, but pairing it with the right skirt length and more conservative top, you are in the clear to wear them to work to spice up your day.
Champagne Lipstick:  Just another shade of pink lipstick in my collection.  You can’t go wrong with a slight shimmery pink for work and it goes well with a lot of looks.  Bright shades, nude gloss or just some moisturizing cherry Chapstick or tinted Burt’s Bees are also great options!
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