Outfit Motivation .... // When It's Not *that* Freezing

Hellloooo from the road! I hope you guys are having a great week! :)

Lately, the weather here has been warmer and breezy. I find myself wanting to try a little harder getting dressed from time to time! :)

I have two friends who started selling LuLaRoe recently, and while I was skeptical at first... I'm loving shopping their FB boutiques and getting to know LLR a little better. I bought this great pencil skirt... The "Cassie" and decided I should finally wear it out and about.

I don't do fashion posts that often anymore... so here you have it!

Outfit Details:

Jacket: Kenneth Cole via TJMaxx, $45 - Old

Shirt: Target via The Salvation Army, $5 - Old

Skirt: LuLaRoe "Cassie", $35

Tights: Target, Clearance, $6(?) - Old

Leopard Flats: Target, Clearance, $20(?) - Old

Total: $117

Recent Total: $35

A Note About Pattern Mixing:

Aside from my jacket, every  piece I am wearing in this outfit has a pattern. The skirt has a very faint quilted chevron-ish texture to it. The tights are black leopard print, the shoes are leopard print, the shirt is plaid. This may sound like a lot, but it's well balanced by the fact that my tights and skirt are subtly patterned with a texture in the same colors. This makes it easier to pull off!

Let's also agree, leopard print is essentially a neutral. Which means it pairs SO well in any pattern mix. Plaid, floral, stripes, dots... just get some flats and wear them all. the. time.

What have you all been wearing lately?

Anyone else love pattern mixing? What's your favorite combo?

XO,

Alexandra

5 Steps to an AMAZING (& Cheap!) Halloween Costume

Oh, Halloween. Such a fun holiday. We all love to dream up costume ideas, and wander through the Target seasonal section looking for the perfect thing don't we?

Whether you are going out, staying in, or throwing your own party, dressing up is half the fun of Halloween. (for me anyway!)

But if you are anything like me, you have really good intentions... and really not-so-good follow through. You end up with an almost awesome costume.

Well, in the past few years I've had a lot of practice coming up with a great costume, quickly, and inexpensively. So I thought I would share some tips!

Read on grasshoppers. (ewwww... grasshoppers...)

1) Pick a Character/Person That is Iconic, but that Won't Require You to Buy a Ton of Things

For example, a costume that takes a relatively solid colored dress + a few accessories is ideal. Especially if those things are inexpensive and/or you will wear them again. Be wary of picking a character that might be too generic. For example, if you want to be Ms. Scarlet from Clue.... you probably need more than a red dress. Follow advice for #2 however, and you've got a recognizable costume.

2) Props & Details Are Everything


What does your costume have to have to be recognizable? For example, being Holly Golightly in the men's shirt with the eye mask, is not convincing without the eye mask. You might as well be Risky Business Tom Cruise. Spend the money to DIY the eye mask or just buy it. You'll be glad that you did. To carry over the example from #1 Ms. Scarlet is just a girl in a red dress, until you give her a a murder weapon, like a rope as a prop. When KC and I were Natasha and Boris we carried around a fake old fashioned looking bomb and a wanted poster that KC drew. Those things cost maybe $5 and took so little time to come up with. This topic leads me to #3....

3) Just Buy the Wig (or Pick Someone Who Has Your Hair!)

If you are going to spend money on your costume, this is often the place to do it. It seems silly, when will you wear it again, right? Well, Lucy just isn't Lucy without the vintage styled red updo, believe me we tried it. We just looked like us, dressed up, and mildly vintage. Daenerys isn't Daenerys without the braided flowing blonde mane. Often times these wigs are $20, in the grand scheme of things, it's not too much. Heck, Target has some for $10 this year! You can always plan future costumes around a wig you bought a previous year. Poison Ivy's red hair could easily become Ariel's in future years. Plus, that fake hair dye never looks good, and just gets on everything else. amIright? And, it's more fun because you will look and feel different,  more in character! It's especially easy to foot the bill for a wig when you do #4...

4) Thrift, Borrow & Repurpose the Bulk of Your Costume

If you are sticking with my #1 suggestion, this part shouldn't be too difficult. Elsa? Blue dress. Cruella? Red dress. Figure out what clothing you'll need, and rummage through your closet. Old formal dresses work well for costumes! Don't have it? Check with a friend or family member. Don't have time for that? Go to the thrift store. Goodwill and The Salvation Army have dresses for $5-10, in every color and size. This is also a great place to find weird shoes you don't want to spend the money on, handbags, and other quirky accessories. For Cruella, I thrifted my red dress, used red heels that I bought for my Poison Ivy costume, a camisole and jewelry I already had. I only had to buy my wig, and a few inexpensive accessories. I thrifted my Poison Ivy AND Natasha dresses from Goodwill too. None of them were more than $10!

5) Make It Work & DIY Your Heart Out

What happens when you find something that mostly fits the bill? Get crafty. I decided to be Poison Ivy the night before a costume party one year. I found the wig, I found the shoes and fishnets, ivy was easy to come by... the dress was the most important part. I stumbled upon a dark green dress at Goodwill that was perfect but it was REALLY long. I tried it on, it fit like a glove.... but again, so long. I have absolutely no sewing skills, but I knew the dress could be utilized. I took it to my dorm, put it on and had KC cut the bottom of the skirt off (a little longer than I wanted it). Then I turned the dress inside out, folded the bottom edge up and made a duct tape hem. It took about 5 minutes and it did the trick. The dress was perfect. Moral of the story: if you think something will work, put in a teeny bit of work. You can do it, and it will be worth it. :)

The biggest thing is to remember to have fun. Pick a character that you want to be. Then get creative, it will come together, and there is certainly no reason to spend hundreds of dollars!

I'm working on updating some of these tutorials but I'm going to put in these links anyhow:

Poison Ivy Costume DIY
Cruella De Vil Costume DIY
Natasha and Boris Costume DIY
Velma and Shaggy from Scooby Doo Costume DIY
(not yet a tutorial) Little Red Riding Hood and Big Bad Wolf
(not yet a tutorial) Professors Snape and Trelawney
(not yet a tutorial) Garden Gnomes

What have been your favorite Halloween costumes? How did you pull them off?

What are you planning to be this year? Or is it a secret?

XO,

Alexandra

Springtime Hues // $38 Outfit!

Happy Monday! The sun is shining here. :) 

We've officially hit that phase of spring in Kansas where the rain and the storms hit. I really don't mind it. I don't particularly have a fear of storms, or tornadoes (I know you're thinking it - everyone who has ever seen the Wizard of Oz...).

I threw this on the other day, and I just love it. It's a little bit girly, a little bit bohemian, & really easy!

Blouse: Hand me down, from mom, $0

Jeans: Target, $20

Flats: Target, $8

Necklace: World Market, $10 (BOGO Black Friday Price)

Total: $38 (!)

I love that the color in the top matches my jeans, but it doesn't look too planned out. The long necklace and little bit of pattern mix keep it from being too stuffy as well.

What is your go-to easy outfit for spring?

Do you get lots of thunderstorms where you live this time of year?

XO,

Alexandra

Polka Dotted, Lack of Spots

Hi everyone! I hope that you had a lovely weekend and Valentine's Day. 

We went to IKEA (with about 1,000 other Kansascitians...) and then to see The Princess Bride at a local old theater. We ended the night with Keira Knightly's P&P. (KC picked again, such a keeper!) It was a really fun day! :) We also made each other some fun Valentine's/Gifts. But I'll have to share all of that later this week.

This week's linkup with The Creative Closet has the theme polka dots. Upon seeing this I opened my closet to see a sad lack of polka dots. I think I must have some hiding in tubs of clothes somewhere... it is beyond time to clean out all of the stuff I have packed up!

What I did find were a few polka dotted scarves, so I went with that. :)

I also shared this look on Instagram for a fun challenge called #StyleMeFeb with @hilaryrushford , it really has me stretching my wardrobe! :)

Blazer: FXXI, $24 - Old

Tee: FXXI, $7 - Old

Skinnies: TJMaxx, $16 - Old

Ankle Booties: TJMaxx, $35

Scarf: Target, $15 - Old

Glasses: Peepers, NOLA boutique, $20

Outfit Total: $117

Recent Total: $55

Luckily, I went to the thrift store over the weekend, for the first time in months, and I found two cute polka dotted blouses ($4 & $2), so the polka dot void has been filled! 

What type of holes do you have in your wardrobe?

XO,

Alexandra

My Funny Valentine's Outfit // It's Not Actually Funny...

Valentine's Day is Saturday, and if you couldn't tell I'm a little bit excited.

This week I am linking up a Valentine's Day look with the girls from the Creative Closet.

I wanted to chose something pretty, and in Valentine's hues, but nothing too formal or fancy.

I decided to pair this thrifted red blazer with a creamy lace tee for a girly but structured look. I chose dark wash skinnies, cuffed above the ankle, and tan ankle booties to round it off.

I think this is an outfit that I would be comfortable in on many different types of Valentine's dates. A girl's night, Chinese food & bowling, a movie and ice cream...

Tee: $20?, TJMaxx, Old - similar

Blazer: $6, Goodwill - similar

Skinnies: $16, TJMaxx, Old

Ankle Booties: $35, TJMaxx - similar
Earrings: Dillard's, $20?, OLD - similar 1 & 2
Clutch: VS Pink, $20, Old - similar

Total: $97
Recent Total: $41

What are you hoping to do this Valentine's Day?

Netflix and Ice Cream is 100% an acceptable answer... and sounds pretty darn good to me! :)

Like this? Check out my V-day mani here. 

XO,

Alexandra

Everything's Coming Up Roses // Summertime Layers

I bought this dress back in February (!) and I just loved it. The only problem is that it is extremely low cut. But, I loved the colors and the pattern so I had to get it. I considered turning it into a skirt or wearing it with a cardigan, but one day this combo jumped out at me and I LOVE it. 

Tee: Aerie, $10 or less - Old

Dress: Goodwill, $6 

Flats: Payless, $15 - BOGO price 

Earrings: Renaissance Festival, $32 - old

Outfit Total: $63

I think the flowers on the skirt perfectly match this tissue thin tee and layer really nicely! I never tie my tees, but I think that for this skirt it helps to tie the it up and define the waist. 

Since the tee is so thin I added an ivory bandeau underneath the dress so that no one got a show out in the sunshine! Haha

I ended up wearing this outfit to my surprise birthday game night, here.

Linking up with Jana and Maegan at The Creative Closet for Backyard BBQ style. This outfit is breezy and simple. Perfect for a hot day outdoors!

What are your favorite ways to layer in the summer?

Thank you for Reading!

XO,

Alexandra

April Showers Bring May Flowers // Ladyface Inspired

Happy May Everyone!

I guess I forgot to say that in the last few posts. I hope that everyone is having a lovely spring so far!

As I have mentioned Kansas has flown straight to summer... it's been in the high 80's- low 90's pretty consistently. Sigh. 

This is an outfit that I put together for a spring birthday party. We were going to wish KC's little second cousin a happy 1st (and Golden!) birthday and I wanted something sweet and simple. 

As soon as I put it on I instantly felt like lovely Becca over at Ladyface blog! This is sort of her signature look.. and it is so great on her! I think I kinda pulled it off here...? 

The best part is that both the top and the skirt are from Goodwill & in great condition! 

Blouse: Ann Taylor via Goodwill, $4!

Skirt: H&M via Goodwill, $5!

Flats: Payless, $15 - BOGO Price

Outfit Total: $24!

I hit the jackpot one day in February at our local Goodwill and ended up with 4 Skirts, 2 Dresses, 2 Cardigans and 3 Blouses that I love and fit well. I have very few skirts and dresses in my wardrobe these days, so it was awesome to find so many pieces for spring and summer at such a low price! The skirt from my last fashion post, here is also from this haul as well as this dress! :)

Have you found any amazing deals this spring? I would love to hear about them! 

XO,

Alexandra

I Wish I Was a Librarian.... So I Could Wear This Outfit To Work...

It's somewhat still winter/spring transition time here in Kansas. Sadly we seem to get Winter, Slightly Warmer Rainy Winter and then go straight to summer. :( 

All the same, here is another seasonal transition outfit that I really love. 

Earrings: World Market, $7 - old

Necklace: Francesca's, $26 - old

Tee: Aerie, $10? - old

Cardigan: F21, $13.80 - old

Skirt: Loft via Goodwill, $5!

Flats: Payless $15 - BOGO price - old

Outfit Total: $76.80 

... another outfit primarily made up of older pieces! wooohoo!...

I have always been a huge fan of cardigans, and this navy one gets a lot of play time in my wardrobe! 

I love the contrast with this skirt, but how it ties together to brighten up a warmer look! Plus I think it's kind of fun that it isn't entirely a floral print... it's kind of water color inspired. It's a little less intense and a little more creative.

If only I worked somewhere I could wear this during the week.... like a library... #preschoolprobs

Though, wouldn't it be great to work in a library regardless? Let's be honest.

What do you guys think?

Have you scored any quality pieces of clothing at a local thrift store recently?

What are your favorite winter to spring transition pieces?

XO,

Alexandra 

Black, White, & Red All Over // Thrifted Fashion

At Christmastime I got my pink jeans (you know the ones in EVERY fashion post). Well they were such a good deal that I got them in black and red as well. I was soooo excited about the red ones, but a little hesitant because they are very bright for a girl who doesn't wear a ton of red. But I finally started making outfits with them and I decidedly love love love them! :)

Since this jacket is thrifted & a great deal I am linking up with Greater Than Rubies for her On Trend Secondhand Looks Link Up and I love that these tweed and structured lady like jackets are back 'in' for so many seasons. Though this is just one of MANY thrifted looks for me.. but I thought it would be a good one to link up.

I'm also linking up with Danielle & Andi for Blazer week! - aka the best week ever!! You can linkup here! :)

Jacket: Goodwill, $6

T-shirt: Target (sleepwear!), $10

Red Jeans: JCP, $15 - Christmas Money!

Black Studded Flats: Target, $21.

Outfit Total: $52

I'm really into these sort of uptown society lady tweed jackets. You know, like Emily Gilmore would wear, or someone who wears more color perhaps. So I've been collecting a few at Goodwill, and I am finally finding outfits that I like to include them in! You don't want to style them in a way that is fussy... I'm loving this outfit with the bright pants, studded flats and graphic tee to balance out my structured lady like jacket.

Am I the only one who buys cute sleep tees and wears them as regular tees? I dunno if it's kosher but they are soooo much softer and comfy than regular tees!

I also love how the texture of this jacket is such a great contrast from the smoothness of the jeans and the minimalist design of the tee. And I love that the studs on my flats add just a tad of edge. It works for me.

That's all Folks!

Hoping to have more ways to style these jackets in the future! Then maybe I'll get a little how-to style a uptown granny jacket post up for y'all. :)

What is a new thrifted piece you've fallen in love with?

Thanks for Reading!

Alexandra

The Tee That Won't Quit! // Remixing Challenge

This week we had 3 snow days! 3! THREE! Then I had a day off Friday that I was already expecting! I spent a ton of time cleaning, cooking and hand washing lots of fun new Goodwill and Salvation Army finds! Which means I can start styling them and sharing them in posts! Whoop! So here you have it... another outfit from the winter remix!

I have got some crazy crazy wild hair in these pictures... but sometimes you just have to rock it. ;) 

Grey Blazer: Thrifted, $20 or less - Old

Ivory Tee: Lucky Brand via TJMaxx, $20 or less -Old

Mint Ombre Necklace: Thrifted, $7 - Old

Vintage Cocktail Ring: Salvation Army, $3

Pink Jeans: JCP, $15 - Christmas Money

Navy Flats: Payless, $15 - BOGO price

Outfit Total: $80

I am so in love with this necklace. It's noticeable... but a soft color which I love. Plus it goes with so many things. And I always love to find a vintage piece that is wearable right off the bat! Plus $7?? Steal! 

This will also be a nice outfit in spring :) 

I cannot get enough of this lacy tee! It is so so so versatile! And comfy. But it looks so much nicer than a lot of my other tees. :) 

To see outfits one, two, three & four, click on the links!

Do you have all-season basics that work with everything? 

Have you ever found vintage jewelry that was a major steal?

Thank You for Reading!

Alexandra