Then and Now : Wide Leg Pants

 I wear wide leg, funky printed pants and am proud of it! I dug through my archives to take a trip down memory lane of "all the pants I've loved before". All of these, with the exception of one, are from Anthropologie so I guess you could say they are a "go-to" for this style. And on that same note, I only still own one pair from this collage (sniff, sniff). Even though you'd think these pants would be forgiving, it's really only in the legs. It is so odd to me how much my waist/torso/hip area has morphed over the years.... for instance how a few pairs of these pants fit when I was pregnant but not now!?!?!

 So when I saw these beauties from Anthro (peacocks!), and realized how low my "pajama/not pajama" pants stock had dwindled, I knew I had to get back into the palazzo game!

 There are so many pretty colors in these pants, that it's going to be fun to remix them which is something I so enjoyed with my previous pairs. Sometimes, the crazier the piece the more fun it is to create outfits around it. Photographing wide leg pants is still a challenge though!

 ett:twa Sunreta Printed Pants : Anthropologie

Apt 9 Sweater : Kohl's (old)

Sunglasses & Sandals : Target (old)

Necklace : Francesca's (old)

 

Crochet Carryall

 Ahhh, yet another granny square item to add to my collection (so far I only have sweaters..... about 5 at the moment). This week has been nuts. Each of my boys had back to school night on two different nights and then the Chelsea County Fair always happens this week too so we pick an evening to go to that. And then I also had to fit in a Meijer trip. Usually I would just plan to get a Shipt delivery, but there were some odd items on my list that required me to go in person. So I reluctantly drudged out last night but my mood immediately turned as I spotted this beauty!

 The brand is Twig & Arrow if you don't have a Meijer by you. It was $38 and currently all bags are 30% off. There is this light denim color combo, as well as black. There is this tote size and then a smaller purse to choose from as well. A few posts ago I was bragging about going "hands free" with fanny packs, so you might wonder why I opted for a tote. I find that I am either trying to go bare minimum, or have enough room for everything!

 I also realized that lately I only switch purses when I get a new one. So, even though I purposely color coordinated these pics, I am not someone who changes out my bag to match every outfit. My current purse I have carried since November of last year which is when I got it! Any woman knows the decision to change bags is quite an undertaking! Like, you need to add it to your to do list. LOL!

 I kept to a really simple jeans and tee outfit here. I choose a darker denim to offset the lighter denim of the bag. Of course the jeans, sandals, necklace and sunglasses are all my favorite staples. Earlier this season, I was looking for some good basic tees and I found this style at Kohl's. V-neck, loose shape, shark-bite hem..... it's a very thin sweatshirt like material so it is very soft. I got it in this green and a dark grey and they get a lot of wear.

 Twig & Arrow Tote : Meijer

Sonoma Tee : Kohl's

Mossimo Jeans & Sunglasses : Target

Sandals : Payless

Embroidery Love

I can't resist some good embroidery! When I saw LuLaRoe's newest release - the Deanne II - I was in love. It's a sheer embroidered maxi dress, so you can layer it over whatever you wish. I already had a few black maxi dresses so I was all set! You could use a shorter dress or even a tank and leggings (or tank and jeans). 

There are so many gorgeous patterns out there, but I was drawn to this one almost immediately. It reminded me of an embroidered dress from Anthropologie I lusted after last year - same color palette and types of flowers. I ordered it from a consultant in my home state of Wisconsin - love supporting the local ladies when I can! When I got it, I was so happy with it. 

I usually don't have problem with things being too long on me, but this one was a bit. There is a seam at the waist where there would be an opportunity to adjust the length professionally (so that you don't lose the pretty hem). But, I just belted it and pulled the fabric up a bit, creating a "blousy" look on top. I am feeling okay with that fix for the moment.

I remember owning a few similar dresses in the early 2000's....... I wish I had pictures of me in them just to look back on, so I guess that's one benefit of this blog..... it's like I am documenting my history. Of course I remember big life events, but I am also someone who remembers weird details about insignificant days. When I'm looking back on some of my posts, I can recall how I might have felt that day, how I love a particular photo location, a memory about purchasing an item, etc..... Today I was thinking that this dress deserves more than Arby's drive thru for lunch! LOL! Such is the life of a busy working Mom!

If there is one thing I know about this season of my life, it's that I can have my highest highs and lowest lows all within the same day. Every day. Some days the only person who can make you happy is YOU! So buy the special dresses and WEAR them! Even if you're just going to the Arby's drive thru.......

When a Plan Comes Together

When I buy things, I usually have several ideas on how to wear them right away. But sometimes I buy something because I like it and know I will figure it out later. That was the case with this jean jacket and necklace. The jean jacket I bought back in the Spring..... a jean jacket is classic and I couldn't resist the peacock embroidery. While colorful, I just wasn't finding anything in my closet that I liked with it so it has sat for months.

The necklace I bought just last week. I went on a field trip with my son to a museum in Detroit, and I had a little time to kill before meeting the group. I was thrilled to see that The Peacock Room (recently talked about here) and their sister store Frida was only 2 blocks away from the museum! FINALLY I was going to get to go to these store in person. And they did not disappoint! All of the clothing and accessories are so thoroughly selected at different price points. I really restrained myself and only bought this necklace at Frida as a reminder of my trip. It caught my eye, but again I had no idea what I was going to wear with it. 

Over the weekend, I went to a LuLaRoe sale at my local consultants home. She had this peacock feather Carly that I knew had to be mine. As soon as I saw the purple and mustard yellow, I immediately thought of the colors in the peacock jacket. This is my fourth Carly and it's the most worn style of my LLR dresses. They are just so versatile and comfortable!

So I knew I was going to wear the dress and jacket together, and then I saw the necklace with it's wood beads and creamy white accents was perfect! The colors of this outfit will transition into Fall perfectly - I would just trade out the sandals for booties.

It seems to be more fun when an outfit comes together like this - unplanned. It can take months, it can take years. Buy what you love and trust that it will come together!

Jean Jacket - Aeropostale

Carly Dress - LuLaRoe

Necklace - Frida

Sandals - Rockport

Sunglasses - Target

Cross Stitch & Afterpay

By now, you know I like crochet clothing (granny square pattern to be exact)...... I like embroidered patches sewn onto clothes....... and now I am here to confess that I adore cross stitch! Yep, it's safe to say that if it has a handmade and vintage vibe to it I am into it. I used to cross stitch when I was pre-teen! 

When I saw this peacock jacket at Urban Outfitters, my jaw dropped. I knew it had to be mine. I also had recently noticed that my favorite shopping site - Anthropologie - and its sister store(s) Urban Outfitters and Free People  - had started to offer a new service called Afterpay. After reading the details (4 equal payments, each 2 weeks apart, no interest or fees) I decided to try it out. It seemed silly not to! You just choose Afterpay at checkout, and after a few additional clicks you are all set to go! Whatever means you sign up to pay with, will automatically be deducted in the two week intervals. They send you a reminder a few days before, as you can incur fees if the payment doesn't go through. 

You can check out the Afterpay website to see what other retailers are currently participating. I haven't tried it on any other sites, but I know the Anthro family of stores requires a $35 or more purchase to use it. It got me to thinking, with how retailers are suffering and constantly having to compete, this is a genius way to attract more shoppers. Just this year alone we are seeing the closing of Toys R Us and Younkers stores. I wonder who is next. Back to this service though, I am curious to know how it works with returns and/or price adjustments. Maybe I will find out soon.

Back to the jacket, it is so well made.... it is a thick cotton canvas like material and the stitching is so beautiful! It is an oversized fit, due to the dolman sleeves, but I will be thankful for that in cooler months when I want to wear bulkier layers. There is nothing I hate worse than feeling constricted in outerwear! Pairing it with all of my oldies but goodies!

Peacock Paradise Cross-Stitch Bomber Jacket - Urban Outfitters

Rock & Republic High Roller Jeans - Kohl's

Sonoma Shell - Kohl's

Sandals - Payless

Sunglasses - Target

Necklace - Francesca's

High End Hippie

I would definitely describe my main style as "boho". I love loose and flowy. I love print and texture. I love anything handmade or that looks handmade. I shop, or find my inspiration, at stores like Anthropologie, Free People, Johnny Was, Spell and the Gypsy. But man, the prices sometimes!?!?!? And for what you are getting too!?!?! I mean, have you ever seen a rack of Free People clothes at Nordstrom Rack? It looks like it belongs in the most unorganized Goodwill store! No way is a thin, worn looking thermal shirt worth $90 dollars, so that's what kills me is that the image is supposed to be "hippie" but there is no way a hippie could ever afford their clothes. 

Some pieces..... some pieces though are truly beautiful and worth it. I saw this dress on Pinterest last year and was smitten. The peacocks caught my eye at first, but then I fell in love with the bright floral print. I tracked it down to find out it's the Hotel Paradiso dress by Spell and the Gypsy. Yeah, outta my price range and sold out in most cases. Then I started seeing copies but was leery about buying one, fearing it would be a flop. Until one day when I opened my daily Zulily email and I saw the dress. My Zulily purchases are usually good so I decided to go for it, and for $24.99 it was a steal!

I was really pleased with the quality and fit when I got it, even though I have a wear a black tank under it for modesty. Off topic, it reminds me of the Day of the Dead holiday. Or going salsa dancing? That's probably one of the reasons I was drawn to it because I love Day of the Dead and Halloween! I was thinking if I ever needed a last minute costume, I could throw this on, put some flowers in my hair, and paint my face like a skull!

Dress : Zulily

Necklace : Loft

Sandals : Rockport

Sunglasses : Target



Bric-a-Brac

Since I've always been a creative person, I am really attracted to clothing that has unique details. This dress caught my eye because of the ribbon and tassel trims! It also looked like it was going to be a really easy and comfy Summer dress. It has just enough fit and just enough flare for my body type. The color combo..... the thick straps...... just all wins in my book.

Unfortunately, it is sold out now, but if you search "Zara multicoloured trims" on sites like eBay or Poshmark, you should be able to find it. Pairing it here with oldies but goodies...... jean jacket from TJ Maxx, sunglasses from Target, and Rockport sandals from a few years ago.

Light Layers

 When I do a more personal post, like yesterday, I have a hard time because I feel like I am not expressing everything I want to say. It's all in my head, but it's hard to get it out the right way. So I may revisit that post/topic at a later time. In the meantime? Some crochet!!! Earlier this season I did a post about how crochet was here to stay. Whether it's mass retailed, or a thoughtful personal gift, I just can't seem to get enough yarn clothing!

Some of the items in that crochet post are now going on sale. I nabbed this little top when Anthro was having an extra 40% off sale recently. Knowing that these pieces require layers, I've first paired it over a burgundy shell. I am excited to play around with other ways to wear it. The weather has been absolutely perfect lately for light layers!

Moth "Roches" Crochet Tank : Anthropologie

Sonoma Shell : Kohl's

Rock & Republic High Roller Jeans : Kohl's

Sandals : Payless

Sunglasses : Target