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 

Bright Jade, Black Lace & Feathers // Remixing Your Wardrobe

Linking up this favorite old post with The Creative Closet girls again today. This week's theme is 'a pop of color, and I thought this post would be the perfect fit! :) 

Happy Friday everyone! :) I hope you had a great week! 

I still have two New Orleans posts coming... but in the meantime, here is another winter / remixing outfit for you! (others can be found by clicking on the style then fashion tabs above!).

Black Lace Blouse: F21, $25?, old

Gray Pants: TJMaxx, $16, old

Black Sequined Flats: Kohl's?, 25?, obviously old... :)

Green Vintage Necklace: Salvation Army, $3

Black Rose Drop Earrings: Gift, old.

Outfit Total: $69!

I am amazed at how many 'old' items I pulled out of the closet to create this one! I have been trying to do that more, incorporating old and new pieces into an outfit, but it's usually mostly new items, plus one thrifted item and one old one. This is a success with 4 old items & one thrifted! :) Yay for remixing!

I have always been a sucker for a bright green and black. It's such a brilliant contrast, but I find bright green kind of hard to integrate into my wardrobe these days (I rocked a lime green cardi all through high school, and still have it)... but this necklace is a nice pop of almost a bright jade-like green. I loved the color and find that it helps me revive my green + black combo in a more sophisticated way. :) 

I love the lace panels in the back! It's so feminine and alluring without showing off a lot of skin. Lace tops in general have an important place in my wardrobe essentials list. I have quite a few neutral ones from black 3/4 length blouses to Ivory scoop neck tshirt. They are so versatile. This blouse is a little more dressy, but it is still such a basic piece. Ending my love note to lace shirts now. ;) 

I also have this fun little feathery 'hat' that I got for $5 maybe on clearance once. It was completely random and I never wore it until I was Cruella De Ville for Halloween last year, but I think it could be kind of fun to wear if you went to a party where people were dressing up a bit, but not full on costumes. Who knows, but it was fun to wear it if even just for the pictures. :) 

What is your favorite eye catching color combo? 

Do you have an obsession with lace tees and blouses too? 

Thank you for reading! 

XOXO,

Alexandra

Like this post? See other fashion posts by clicking on the 'style' and then 'fashion' tabs above!

Like Loungewear But Cuter (II) // Remixing Challenge

Remember my 'Like Loungewear But Cuter (I)' post from earlier in the month? Well the remix made a very similar outfit work, but it has a totally different feel with a cream colored sweatshirt! What do you think? 

I love them both, and they both make another outfit with dark denim skinnies! :)  To vary them even more I like to switch the pink necklace for a vintage mint ombre one!

These combos are so wonderful because they keep me warm and cozy, but I still feel pulled together. Minimal effort, warm and comfy are all preschool pre-requisites! 

Sweatshirt: Aerie, $40 -old

Pink Jeans: JCP, $15 -sale price

Necklace: Francesca's $26 -old

Flats: Target, $22 -old

Cocktail Ring: Salvation Army, $3 -Vintage

Total: $106

Duchess is getting better at her photobombs... :) 

I really needed new flats, these are super comfy, and I love how the studs divide the toe of the shoe! Such a simple detail but it makes it feel so much more special! :) Plus, the price was right!!

I love hot pink with this light cream. But this sweatshirt goes with everything from dark denim to teal skinnies! So versatile. 

currrrllls. 

This ring has got to be one of my favorites that I got during my Salvation Army hauls! So pretty!

With dark jeans... pardon my power cord... ;) 

Days are so much happier when you are comfy!

What do you think of these outfits? Which do you like best?

How do you wear dressy sweatshirts?

Have you ever hit the vintage costume jewelry jackpot?

All for Now,

Alexandra

My second remix outfit can be found here.

Like Loungewear But Cuter (I) // Remixing Challenge

I came across this fantastic blog called Greater Than Rubies, where she (Caitlin) challenged herself to quit shopping for a year (!). In the process she learned to be an expert remixer. Now she hosts link ups for remixing wardrobes. She is currently doing a winter 20 X 30 (twenty items (not accessories) to make 30 outfits). I didn't get any posts up in time, to link up from the beginning, but I am trying it out at home all the same, and so far it's going pretty well! I have picked my 30 items, stuck to them and come up with at least 15 outfits, if not more so far! It's kind of a select as you go thing. But for me even 15 outfits is good with so few items! :)

I found this challenge so helpful in revealing the hidden potential in my closet. A lot of times I think I over-wear things, or wear them the same way so many times that I just need a new idea. This challenge forces you to be creative and try combinations  that you wouldn't have before. Not all of them are going to be great... but some might be amazing. :) 

So I am going to start sharing some of those outfits on here!

Like Lounge Wear, but Cuter (I)

Necklace: Francesca's, $26

'Dressed up' Sweatshirt: Aerie, $40*

Pink Jeans: JCP, $15(!) - bought with Xmas money!

Navy Flats: Payless, $15 (BOGO Price)

Vintage Cocktail Ring: Salvation Army, $3(!)

Total: $99

This outfit also works well for this idea that The Girls With Glasses posted about on Babble recently (here). They are calling it 'Dress For Happiness' and it's basically just wearing fun things that make your day a little bit better. It might sound kind of silly... but it really can work. When your shoes are sparkly or you have a colorful pattern on, it actually can make you a little more excited to run errands. :)

*This sweatshirt was a bit more pricey than I usually go for.. but I wear it ALL the time! Working in a preschool means I want to be comfy and warm, so I wear it weekly! I even bought it in a cream/tan with a gold fleck too! Great investment! Plus dressy sweatshirts are one of the fall trends I was wanting to try... and I'm in love!

My love for colored denim goes on and on. This pink is shockingly easy to wear. I love love love love bright pink with navy! My first pair of $10 clearance hot pink jeans wore out, and luckily I found this pair at a day-after-Christmas sale at JCP. They were such a good deal I got the same pair in black and red! (so excited to try the red!) 

And the statement necklace lives on! I can't tell you how many times I've worn them! More about my love for these statement necklaces here. 

I love how pairing dressed up basics makes for a comfy but polished look!

So easy. So cozy. But cute.

Have you ever done a remixing challenge?

What are your favorite/most versatile pieces?

Do you have any dressed up basics that you swear by?

Leave me comments and I would love to know!

Thanks for Reading!

Alexandra

Jewelry Haul // August 2013

Howdy all! 

One of my goals for this year is to post about more and new topics.. and I've done ok so far.. but one thing I've really been wanting to post about is fashion. 

I've been working hard to revamp my wardrobe and accessories... and here is some of the evidence! 

I guess August was the time for me to buy accessories! I'm having a major attraction to all things fuchsia and mint... which are apparently everywhere!

I love that these pieces are bold, but easy to wear, many of which will rotate nicely into my fall wardrobe! (click on the image to zoom)

Here we go!

1. Mini Heart Charm Layering Necklaces, Forever 21, $1.80 each.

2. Red Dangle Drop Earrings, Target (clearance), < $5

3) Mint Pave Posts, TJMaxx (sale), $11.

4) Sterling Silver Pave Bows with Pearls, TJMaxx (sale), $14!

5) Mint & Navy Cluster Earrings, J Crew Outlet (sale), ~$16

6) Mint Beaded Statement Necklace, Francesca's, $26.

7) Fuchsia Beaded Statement Necklace, Francesca's, $26.

I love all of these pieces, but am especially obsessed with the two necklaces! They make dressing up jeans and a t-shirt SO easy!

So far they look great with everything I've paired them with! Plain t-shirts, striped ones, blouses, tops with lace accents.. the possibilities are endless! 

I love that I can just throw these necklaces on with an otherwise basic outfit and feel all dressed up! I've gotten so many complements already!

Moral(s) of the story: 

1. Search the clearance jewelry at your favorite places! You can find some great deals that are often great basics or on-trend... or just something you've been looking for.

2. A statement necklace (or two!) are worth the investment! You'll wear them more than you'd think! Plus they come in so many colors, shapes, lengths and sizes! Francesca's has a TON, go check them out!

Have you found any great steals on the clearance rack recently? 

What statement jewelry do you like best? How do you style it?

Leave me your links and thoughts in the comments!

Thanks for reading!

XO,

Alexandra