Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Christmas Truck

Couldn't resist trying to get a picture with this vintage truck that an auto repair shop in downtown Jackson put out! For some last minute errands yesterday (stop in the office and a few local businesses) I threw on jeans and a sweater. I got this sweater a few years ago and I wouldn't categorize it as a Christmas sweater because it is a rose pattern. But since it is red, white and green I do tend to think of it as a Holiday season sweater. When I posted about it a few years ago, I wore it with black jeans and olive booties.


 

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Clothes Mentor

This year, I found a "new to me" consignment shop chain called Clothes Mentor. I don't get there that often, but a found a few good pieces last week at the one near me. And then I found out you could shop ALL of their locations online! Each store location selects the pieces they want to put online, so I was thrilled to find yet another secondhand site to search my favorite brands across the US. Of course I selected "Anthropologie" as a brand to search on the site, and up popped this Eva Franco skirt! I actually owned the dress version of this cool shoe print in 2014. You can read the post about that dress HERE....... about how I saw it on The Carrie Diaries, found it on Amazon for under $100, and then a few weeks later Anthro carried it for $348 which cemented my thoughts that I can predict the future and should be a buyer for Anthro (I kid.... sort of). I loved that dress, but as I got deeper into motherhood I realized a mini dress with a bustier top and a wild print wasn't getting worn much. Knowing it was a rare piece, I sold it. So when I saw the skirt again on the Clothes Mentor site - and for $12!!!!!!! - I knew it was meant to come back to me. I definitely want to play with color combos again, but for some quick photos during this busy holiday week I did what was quickest for me - black tights and top. The necklace is one I wore with the dress back in 2014 (a rhinestone necklace I DIY'ed with nailpolish).


 

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Love It, Couldn't Wear It

Has anyone seen and become obsessed with the latest TicTok going around, about dogs showcasing outfits they couldn't wear in 2020? Check out "Tika the Iggy" and "Honey the Iggy" if you want a laugh. I've still been wearing what I want in 2020 for the most part, so this phrase more applies to not being able to wear something because of packages being held hostage at sorting facilities. A few weeks ago, I fell in love with some gem print pieces at Ann Taylor. Out of all of the styles, I decided on this blouse and ordered the matching skirt. I was looking forward to wearing the pieces together, as well as showing several outfit ideas with them on their own. Well, the skirt is sitting in Indianapolis right now and has been for 2 weeks. It is no longer on the website, so I can't even reorder it, so I just have to hope it shows up eventually. I know, it's happening to everyone and there are bigger problems at hand, so I shouldn't complain. So I figured while I wait I would go ahead and show the top, with simple black jeans and shoes, if anyone is looking for a festive piece while all the good sales are going on. This print also comes in a cami and turtleneck. I loved having an excuse to wear my pink blingy sunglasses (Gucci dupes via Target), and I've also since found the most incredible matching necklace at a secondhand shop that is making me even more anxious to get the skirt!

Garland Ruffle Tie Neck Blouse - Ann Taylor



 

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Epic Sales


 For a fashion lover like myself, sales around the holidays are exciting. I mean, of course I am shopping for others, but I really don't have anyone to buy clothes for. To me, clothes are pretty personal not only because of style but also because of size. The last thing you want to do is "gift" someone an errand if they have to return something that doesn't fit, and then by that time everything is picked over and they can't find the correct size. Anyway, I'm getting off track here..... one of the silver linings of Covid is the sales this year are..... EPIC!!! They change daily, and it certainly can put the pressure on to buy because it is such a good deal and/or you don't know if something is going to sell out and/or if the sale will be as good the next day. All of that aside, I am still trying really hard to ONLY select items I truly love and that are unique. Case in point...... Anthro has had some AMAZING sales this season. And I haven't bought a thing! At one point, all clothing was 40% off which is something I have never seen. Currently, the entire site is 30% off. I refresh their new arrivals daily in hopes of something I love enough to buy, and no luck yet. There are things I like of course, but not enough to buy I guess. Murphy's Law though is that as soon as the sale is over, there will be like 10 things I want! Another point I want to make is that even though we have seen a lot of big retailers go out of business recently, it's the small businesses that are really hurting. I've made it a point more than ever this year to shop small.

I've been pulled back into the Loft and it's sister store, Ann Taylor recently. I've been really into the gradient/space dyed sweater trend, and the pastel rainbow palette is popping up all over. Ruffle details are also all over the place, but honestly I could do without them. This sweater just made me happy - it's like Rainbow Brite/80's - and happy is definitely what I need as we go into these long Winter months (as you can see, we have a dusting of snow and I go without socks as long as I can because I am in denial). When I bought this sweater, it was 70% off!!! It is currently 50% off. I've also seen it on sale for a flat $25. Another example of a great sale at the Loft is yesterday I ordered a velvet puffer vest that was something like 50% off and then an additional 40% off!?!?! Crazy!
 

Another thing I will add to talking about clothes being a personal gift...... I feel like I am a hard person for my husband to buy for. He knows that the entire year I know what I want, know what the best deals are, and purchase accordingly. He of course thinks I have too many clothes, jewelry, etc.... (I could argue the same about his hobby). I am not really into fine jewelry - I prefer costume jewelry. I still put links to clothes/jewelry on my list but then as I watch the sales daily, I wonder if or when he might purchase something. I can't very well ask him if he bought something because of course I still want to be surprised. And as I mentioned earlier about sizing, I then feel like I am hurting his feelings if something doesn't work out and I end up returning it. So, I try to come up with practical items for my list that I very much need but don't buy myself. But then he argues those things are boring. Any other ladies out there feel like they just can't win??? I know my close friends and I talk a lot about feeling like we create the Christmas magic for everyone in the family, but no one does the same for us. I will say that earlier in our relationship, he was great at coming up with unique ideas on his own. But I guess after almost 20 years, this is what happens. Sigh.....

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

November Reads

 

Here's a look, and quick review, of the 5 books I read in November!

Educated, by: Tara Westover

Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, Tara Westover was seventeen the first time she set foot in a classroom. Her family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education, and no one to intervene when one of Tara’s older brothers became violent. When another brother got himself into college, Tara decided to try a new kind of life. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge University. Only then would she wonder if she’d traveled too far, if there was still a way home.

I bought this at my local thrift shop, and was glad to finally read this much hyped memoir. It was really interesting to learn about the challenges a person might have based on their upbringing. A life so very different from my own really helps to open my mind.

Troubles in Paradise, by: Elin Hilderbrand

I rented this from the library, and was anxious to read the third and final book in the Paradise series. This trilogy was set in on the island of St. John, and per usual Elin makes her readers fall in love with the location and characters. I enjoyed the wrap up of the lives/relationships, complete with misunderstandings, secrets revealed, and a hurricane.

Nine Perfect Strangers, by: Liane Moriarty

Nine people gather at a remote health resort. Some are here to lose weight, some are here to get a reboot on life, some are here for reasons they can’t even admit to themselves. Amidst all of the luxury and pampering, the mindfulness and meditation, they know these ten days might involve some real work. But none of them could imagine just how challenging the next ten days are going to be.

I always enjoy Liane's books, and this was no exception. It started out a little slow but then took some surprising turns. I am happy to see this is set to be made into a TV show (just like her Big Little Lies book AND also starring Nicole Kidman again)!

The Paris Model, by: Alexandra Joel

I received a copy of this book from the publisher - Harper Perennial - thank you! This story follows Grace who was born and raised on a sheep farm in Australia. She sets out post war to become a model for Christian Dior in Paris, and adapts well into her new lifestyle. As she lets herself fall in love, she is haunted by the abusive husband she left behind, and in a unique twist even gets involved in some spy activity. I knew I would like this book based on the fashion aspect alone, but loved all of the other themes within it.

Of Women and Salt, by: Gabriela Garcia

In present-day Miami, Jeanette is battling addiction. Daughter of Carmen, a Cuban immigrant, she is determined to learn more about her family history from her reticent mother and makes the snap decision to take in the daughter of a neighbor detained by ICE. Carmen, still wrestling with the trauma of displacement, must process her difficult relationship with her own mother while trying to raise a wayward Jeanette. Steadfast in her quest for understanding, Jeanette travels to Cuba to see her grandmother and reckon with secrets from the past destined to erupt.

This book is set to release April 6, 2021. Thank you to Flatiron Books for an advance copy. I loved the complexity of the different generations of women here, and an insight to the mysterious Cuba.

Monday, November 30, 2020

Amazon Dupe

 Many Amazon items have a cult following and/or receive their own hashtag (such as the #amazonnightgown dresses I adore). Last year at this time, I was already about a year late in jumping on the #amazoncoat bandwagon. Up until that point, my coats have been more fashion focused. Now that I find myself doing more outside in colder temps, I knew I needed to focus on warmer and sportier options. So, I ordered the Amazon Orolay Coat which comes in several colors, and whose price fluctuates daily (right now it is $149.99). Sadly, I didn't like the fit enough to justify the price so I returned it. This year, I am now slowly seeing "dupes" to the #amazoncoat. Wait a minute.... isn't Amazon the place to go for dupes, not the other way around? After reading reviews on the dupes at Steve Madden, Forever 21, Sam Edelman, and Walmart, I decided to order the Walmart version at under $50. And, I liked it way better than the original! I like the olive green color best, but you will find the dupes in the same basic colors as the original like black and navy. They all carry the same details.... sherpa lined hood, zippered vents on the sides, exaggerated pocket outlines. I wore it to cut down our tree the other day, and it's been great today for our first snowfall.

Original - Amazon Orolay Coat

 Jason Maxwell at Walmart

Forever 21

Steve Madden



Monday, November 23, 2020

Not Sporty

Anyone that knows me, knows that I am not a sporty person. Physical activities that I enjoy are low impact and/or meant for relaxation/meditation (walking, yoga). Needless to say, I am not into the "athleisure" fashion trend so I don't have a lot of "cute" pieces that can be worn for this type of style. But when LuLaRoe came out with joggers...... and they had a peacock feather print....... I knew I had to try them. As soon as I ordered them, I wondered what type of shoes I would wear with them. My sneakers for walking would not look good at all. For warmer months, and quick pictures today, my Birkenstocks fit the bill. But I can't deny it's Winter any longer and I may need to purchase a trendy pair of slip on black "athleisure" shoes. Throwing on a grey tank and denim jacket was NO issue though, and I am loving these comfy pants! I can't wait to come up with more outfits with them.



 

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Nuuly #4

This is the 4th and last item I will show from my Nuuly rental box, as 2 of the 6 items did not fit well. But I loved the 4 items that did fit, so I am considering it a WIN anyway! I do not plan to rent another box right away for a few reasons - I don't think there are enough items I am interested in, in my size right now. And, our state is going through more Covid rules so I don't really need anything at the moment (although that won't stop me from buying good deals and still posting outfits). This is the Sawyer Balloon Sleeved Tunic from Anthropologie, and I really like it! It's a very tiny black and white polka dot print with contrasting floral sleeves. I love this type of pattern mixing, and my Lenora Dame necklace (via TJ Maxx) goes perfectly with it. It finally seems like Winter here as you can tell my favorite photo spot is becoming more desolate, so tights were in order today.



 

Monday, November 16, 2020

Holiday Plaid

I don't have much flannel or plaid, so when I saw this patchwork shirt it really grabbed my attention because it was "different" than what you usually see. It is actually part of a pajama set from AE (there are matching pants and shorts, as well as tons of other prints) but I think it works perfectly as a piece of clothing. I love the mix of 3 different plaids with the pop of leopard, and it is super soft. Besides jeans, it works well with leggings. You could wear it open, layered over something - or to dress it up a bit you could tuck it into a skirt or tie it at the waist over a dress!

Aerie Flannel Pajama Shirt

High Rise Power Straight Jeans - Old Navy

Boots, Sunglasses - Target

Layered Necklaces - Steinmart


 

Friday, November 13, 2020

Nuuly in Frankenmuth

The third item I am wearing from my Nuuly rental box is this colorful fair isle sweater from Anthropologie! After living in Michigan for 17 years, there are still so many popular places I haven't been. But I have slowly been checking them off my list, and yesterday was Frankenmuth - home of the world's largest Christmas store and famous chicken dinner! When my friend Lisa asked me if I was up for a day trip, I jumped at the chance. I'm glad we went on a weekday because this place gets really crowded this time of year. The weather was absolutely perfect to walk around in jeans and a sweater. I am definitely getting into the holiday spirit early, and love the keepsake finds I purchased.






 

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Space Dyed

The space dyed sweater trend has been around for a few years, but I feel like I am seeing it A LOT this year. I don't know the first thing about knitting, but the yarn used for these items is multicolored so that it creates really unique pieces. Lots of options I've seen have been $100+, so when I saw this affordable cardigan in an ad, I decided to check it out (it was 30% off when I bought it). I was drawn to the bright colors, but even as vibrant as it is you can see it goes perfectly with denim and black.

Space Dyed Cardigan - Lane Bryant

Jeans & Shoes - Target

Black Shell & Sunglasses - Kohl's


 

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Nuuly Rental Item #2

Today I am wearing another item from my Nuuly rental box. This dress is by a brand called Chufy and I chose it because it fits all of the details I love in a dress - funky print, tiered, flowy. It is amazing - the fabric is so soft and light, but still perfectly suited for Fall with the color palette. It came with a matching sash but I used my own brown belt. The pattern is a mix of stars, butterfly wings, leaves, and some peacock feather resemblance. I LOVE this dress, but it's a great example of a piece that I could not justify spending the money on - even at the discounted price Nuuly is offering. Renting it was the perfect option for this piece!



 

Monday, November 9, 2020

Nuuly Clothing Rental

It's been a little over a year now since I heard of Nuuly clothing rental, and I finally decided to try it. There are so many of these type of services now - either directly through your favorite retailer - or on sites like these that curate similar type brands together. The reason Nuuly peaked my interest is because it is most suited to my personal style (boho) and they work with Anthropologie along with many other companies I love. You pay a monthly fee for 6 items that you choose (you can find discount codes for your first month), and then you just send your items back with the prepaid label and box provided. They do the dry cleaning, so the items I received last week were in excellent condition. If there is an item you want to purchase from your rental, you can do so at a discounted retail price that they provide to you. All that being said, this is not something I intend to do monthly - reason being is I have more than enough clothes and I still love to bargain shop. But it was something fun to try (and to do from time to time). The dress pictured today is the Adair Velvet Trimmed Midi Dress from Anthropologie. I actually bought this dress last year when it hit sale, but it ran small so I returned it. I sized up here and now I think it's too big. I don't want to belt it because I don't want to hide the waist detail, but I'm sort of bummed about this because whenever I see this dress online or on someone else I really love it.



 

Friday, November 6, 2020

Brooch Collection

I've been wanting to do this idea for a long time now, but thought it would be on a jean jacket. Earlier this year when I was reading an article about J. Crew's bankruptcy, I saw their former CEO wearing a green utility vest with brooches on it to the Met Gala (see last photo)! Inspiration comes in the most surprising ways sometimes. I love this type of piece made feminine or glam - the contrast of the military green with the rhinestones. I am a collector of a lot of things - have been from a young age - and as the legendary Iris Apfel says, "More is more and less is a bore"! So this is my brooch collection from over the years as well as vintage pieces I inherited from my Grandma. Of course there are several peacocks. It took some time to lay out the design, and word to the wise - once you put it on things might lay differently and will have to be moved. A work in progress, and I do still plan to do a jean jacket someday.
 Lucky Brand vest - TJ Maxx (old)
Jeans, Sunglasses, Shoes - Target
Tiered Top - Loft




 

Thursday, November 5, 2020

Surprise Match

I bought these jeans at Target a few months ago because the embroidery down the sides reminded me of more expensive pairs at Anthro. Target's "Knox Rose" brand is definitely their boho line where you can find pieces that are very close to Anthropologie, Free People, etc.... Anyway, I've been loving these jeans - they are so comfy and great to pair with a variety of solid colored tops.

Last week at Target, I came across these fur lined mules by Universal Thread. A couple of years ago, I brought a similar pair by this brand (see picture below - they are lined in fur as well, just in different places). You would think a unique, patterned shoe wouldn't be worn/match that much. But little did I know those mules would be one of my most worn shoes in the Spring/Fall when there is no snow on the ground! So, they are getting quite worn out although I still wear them a lot, and now I am happy to have this new pair too to give them a bit of a break. Seeing how well the new mules matched the jeans was quite a surprise!
Sunglasses - Target
Tiered Top - Loft
Necklace - Steinmart
 

 


Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Fair Isle

Fair Isle seems to be one of those patterns that is holiday-ish. I've always admired it, but never really wore it, UNTIL I saw this cardigan! I thought a cardigan was a different twist on the typical pullover sweater, and I couldn't resist these bright colors! It is sooooo soft and cozy - I can see myself wearing this a lot all season long!

Fair Isle Cardigan : Old Navy

High Rise Power Straight Jeans : Old Navy

White Sonoma Shell : Kohl's

Beaded Necklace : J. Crew

Shoes & Sunglasses : Target