Black Sails

I don't know why this skirt doesn't photograph as true black, because that is what it is. It's the first time I wore it in 2 years because it was not pregnancy friendly. This time I went all black (sweater and wedges).... why??? Because my husband shrunk my blue shirt!!!!!!!

Yep, that's right, one of my favorite TJ Maxx finds (see original story here)..... that I wear with so much...... is now ruined. I am the main person who does the laundry. Jon does help, but not often. I usually reserve my own "special" pile of clothes to wash, since sometimes they need special care and I rarely use the dryer (I hang them). I threw in a load and was getting ready to leave on an errand. The thought crossed my mind to tell him not to put the stuff in the dryer. But I though, "Nah, it's not like he pays attention anyway."

Irony people. Irony.

I got home and saw all of the clothes waiting patiently in the dryer. I shouted out "NOOOOOO!!!!!" And he was like, "What's wrong?"

Again, the irony. So anyway, I am now in search of replacing my beloved shirt. Thankfully, that was the only casualty that day. These poor men, they just can't win can they?

Peacocks Lately

Every once in a while, I like to pop in here to talk about peacock items I've found. It never ceases to amaze me the things that I find!

Cards have always been a mainstay. See posts on previous cards here and here. With Spring/Summer the busiest time for celebrations around here, these are some recent ones:

1. Birthday Card for my Mom (March) : Target

2. Birthday Card for Richard (May) : Walmart

3. Anniversary Card for Jon (May) : Menards 

(this is the second peacock card I have found at Menards, weird!)

4. Father's Day Card for Jon (June) : Kohl's

5. Birthday Card for a dear friend (July) : Meijers

(ummm, where can I get some of those peacock sunglasses???)

6. I already have Jon's Birthday Card (September) : Kohl's

The funny thing about these cards, is the sentiments are so perfect too! That makes it all the more exciting for me. I wouldn't want to give a card just because it has a peacock on it. I am usually the one in the card isle bawling like a baby. Now that I have been giving peacock cards for so long, it feels like an expectation. I hope I can continue... anyone who knows me knows I am up for the challenge!

 This is a recent book we borrowed from the library. It caught my eye right away, and the librarian said we were the first ones to rent it out. There is a bird for every letter of the alphabet, and the illustrations are so gorgeous! Of course, the peacock claims to be the most beautiful in the end. I'd love to purchase this for our own collection, and you can see more peacock books we have in this post.

 Peacock feather burlap from Joann's. Not sure what I will make with this yet.

 This peacock picture, printed on glass, was at Meijer for $49.99. It eventually got marked down on clearance for $12.49!!! The same picture is at Kohl's for $124.99 (currently on sale for $74.99). Craziness!

 If you're my friend on Facebook, then you probably already know about these peacock diapers! OMG I was so excited!!! They are by The Honest Company, which you can order online or else I've found them at Meijer and Target. We've preferred Pampers with both boys, but after trying these I really love them as well! Now, I buy whatever is on sale/coupon. Those legs..... nom, nom, nom. 

That's all I can think of for this recent round of peacock finds! 

Frugal Florals

I found this strapless maxi dress at my new favorite local consignment shop : Moran's in Chelsea.

It's from Target and it still had the tags on!

$14.99

I loved the painted like flowers on the black. 

 The story of our front door will be another post (it needs to be painted a deeper shade of burnt orange, and I want to share my potted trees project and some possible wreath projects). But for now, it's a nice pop of color for outfit pics!

 The necklace? Kate Spade. $9.99 at TJ Maxx. YES KATE SPADE FOR $10!!!!! I find the coolest stuff at the Jackson TJ Maxx, especially jewelry. It's the location of my $6 Anthropologie necklace that I love so much!

 I really wanted to pull out the brown in the floral print, so I made the strapless part of it work appropriate by topping it with a brown sweater which I tied to make it the right length. I love how the ombre coloring of the sweater blends so well into the black.

 Then, I also wore brown sandals.

 So let's see.....

New with tags dress from consignment shop - $14.99

Kate Spade necklace from TJ Maxx - $9.99

Apt 9 Sweater from Kohl's - I've had this for years but let's just say around $19.99

Sandals from Payless - $19.99

Jessica Simpson sunglasses from TJ Maxx - $14.99

Those are some pretty frugal prices - and of course these pieces can be mixed and matched with others in endless ways. This is why I blog.... it's not about pictures of myself, it's about sharing my passion for the quest of pretty clothes with price tags that are attainable for anyone. I've never been one to say, "I need new clothes" and go out and drop a ton of money. I enjoy finding piece by piece over the course of years.

Chambray Dress

It's hard to believe that I didn't own any chambray (light denim pieces) until just a few years ago. Now it seems I can't get enough of these versatile pieces and I own 4 button up shirts, a short sleeved shirt, recently added a sleeveless button up shirt, and now this dress. The styles and shades of the tops I have each seem to fit their own purpose and outfit and I wear them again and again.

The shape of this dress is not really something I gravitate towards. A-line styles and empire waists are what is best for my body type. But I couldn't resist the embroidered peacock feathers on this!!! And even though it may not flatter my shape the greatest, it is comfy as heck!

I wore this the Friday before the 4th, to our local diner and to get Richard's haircut. We explored the historic train stop once again, and this time I found an old scale and cart for some fun props. We'd love to have one of those carts transformed into a coffee table someday!

The sandals are my newest favs from Payless. I took advantage of their BOGO sale a few weeks ago. I am constantly surprised that "cheap" shoes are more comfy than their more expensive versions. At least for me lately. Seriously..... but I'll post on that another time. 

Holding Horses "Plumage Chambray Dress" - Anthropologie

"Val" Gladiator Low Wedge - Payless

Apt 9 Aviators - Kohl's

Peacock Feather Earrings - Lucky Brand (old)

Anthropologie is currently holding their summer tag sale, where everything on sale is an extra 20% off. It started in June, so who knows when it will end. This is the best time to shop Anthropologie! My philosophy is that you CAN treat yourself to higher end items on a budget, and the way that I do it is by watching sales and then being open to shopping at lower priced stores, thrift stores, consignment shops for the rest of your pieces. The more "mix" that you have - new, used, old, vintage, whatever - the more unique your style will be!

Misty Morning

Trying to keep up with this little hobby (blog) of mine is hard to do. I never thought about "giving it up" until I had my second baby. Every time I am just about ready to throw in the towel, I get a new wave of inspiration that prevents me from doing so. And I am happy for that because I really don't want to stop and I think it's important to keep those little bits of things "you" enjoy doing. It's so easy to get lost in the everyday grind.

I usually take my pictures during my lunch hour..... that is, unless I have a million errands to run. On this particular morning though, I was taking some things out to the car before getting the kids ready. I couldn't resist the gorgeous morning light and fog, which is pretty much the norm living where we do now with farm fields as far as the eye can see. I am not a morning person, but this peacefulness makes it a little bit easier to enjoy. Since the kids were still sleeping and content, I took advantage.

I wore this same outfit last month when I had to travel for work. I just replaced the sandals for Birkenstocks for ease going through security at the airport. The over sized scarf was perfect for temperature changes on the plane, and then my white blouse did double duty once there as I could dress it up with work pants, dressier sandals, and even belt it for a more tailored look.

Of course this peacock scarf caught my eye at Anthropologie. But $78!?!?!? No way. As usual, I started doing my research on the brand - Front Row Society. 

Front Row Society is an exciting new fashion platform giving talented designers from all backgrounds the opportunity to showcase their work.

Front Row Society is known for its clean contemporary shapes and stunning prints, with collections that remain fresh and exciting season after season. Every month, a new print challenge is set following a seasonal theme or trend. Hundreds of designs are submitted to the online competitions each month, with the winners becoming part of the Front Row Society collection.

I ended up finding the same scarf at Nordstrom for $40. Why almost double Anthro??? I don't get it.

With as large as it is, you will really get a bang for your buck. Just take a look at some ideas on Pinterest to see how it can be used as a piece of clothing (sarong, pareo, etc...).

Hi Rise Jeggings - American Eagle

Simply Vera Sleeveless Blouse - Kohl's

Front Row Society Scarf - Nordstrom

Val Gladiator Low-Wedge Sandals - Payless