Thursday Flutters

I ordered this skirt over the Summer, but it ran really small so I returned it. When a larger size recently popped back on sale (marked down + 40% off) I reordered it. Teetering on the edge of being a "warmer weather" piece, I quickly wore it before it gets too cold. I love that the butterflies look as if they are cross stitched (but really printed) on. This purple top is actually a long button up thin duster (the basic staple I have in multiple colors that I usually wear over things). Being at a loss for purple hues in my closet, I buttoned it up and tucked it into the skirt. I then remembered these purple mary jane heels my Mom gave to me a few years ago. This look came together great!

Remix : 3 Outfits

Blogging and Instagramming are all about NEW, NEW, NEW, right? The people who do it for a living are making money off influencing your purchases. Someone like me - YES, I love to shop and YES, I love new clothes - but that doesn't mean I don't wear what I have repeatedly (you just don't see it day to day). There is nothing I LOVE more than remixing my clothes in new and interesting ways. So I have 3 outfits in this post that I remixed recently. Some things are really easy to remix - say a dress and you just change the color sweater you wear over it. I would say the biggest challenge is pattern mixing, but when it works it is so rewarding. This tulle skirt with metallic dots I got last Winter was first worn pretty "safe" with a black top. Same for this striped sweater paired with black jeans. After reassessing the skirt, I felt it was too long so I cut about a foot off of it and it is so much more wearable now! Tulle (and other fabrics that do not need a hem) are easy to DIY alter. I keep seeing big sweaters paired with skirts, but for my body type I definitely need a thinner sweater, tucked in, and a belt for definition to pull this look off. I am loving this combo!

I already pattern mixed this skirt after wearing it "safely" with a white tee and jean jacket (guess that's my routine - wear a new piece more conservatively and then get daring later). And now I'm glad to see that this striped and feathered thin sweater also go great with it!

 And, for one of those easy transformations I talked about above....... same wide leg pants and same black tee........ but for cooler temps add a jean jacket, switch out sandals for close toe shoes, and this time I added a necklace!

Costumes from your Closet : Moira Rose, A Little Bit Alexis, Peacock, Witch

Needing a last minute Halloween costume? If so, here are some ideas you might be able to pull from your closet. I LOVE Halloween and when it comes to costumes, I have done it all - bought them, rented them, made them. I have been part of huge group costumes in my past work life, and couples costumes with the hubs where we made rounds to all of the contests at bars. Now, the holiday has morphed into being all about the kids and we love attending as many Halloween events as we can find.

 Ever since falling in love with the show Schitt's Creek, I have longed to do group costumes of the characters. Since this year presents more challenges in getting together, I opted to dress up on my own as Moira Rose to take my kids through the Wendy's drive thru. Any bets on if I spoke like Moira when ordering? I have been all about magical and celestial prints lately, so I ordered this tunic/dress from Modcloth to wear anyway during the spooky season. But it's prefect for Moira's black and white wardrobe, so, choose any black/white outfit you wish. I accessorized with a thick grommet belt I've had for years, and the craziest heels I have. Obviously, the bigger and more outlandish, the better here. Think huge necklaces, purses, bracelets, hats, headbands, patterned tights/leggings. I crimped my hair and donned her signature red lips, but if you were into wearing a wig you know you could choose almost anything since she had such an impressive wig collection.

My everyday look definitely matches up best with our beloved boho Alexis Rose! So it was really easy to choose any flowy dress from my closet (this recent peacock purchase, also from Modcloth, is what I used here). This two toned teal hat is one I've had from World Market from years ago which I stuck a peacock feather in. Long, layered necklaces and these little suede booties are a recent thrift store find for $4! Practice some of her mannerisms and phrases, and you are all set!

 This peacock costume that I've been posting about on social media uses all things I've had on hand with the exception of the awesome mask I found at Target. Black leggings, black long sleeve top, black rain boots, and handmade shawl gifted to me a few years ago.

I've had this green witch hat for years, so it's easy to grab in a pinch. I used to have this green tulle skirt that matched it well, but now I would use a long black dress or the black tulle skirt I have. Easy to layer up and keep warm with tights, sweaters, and such.

Wearable Art

I bought this dress on sale at Zara a few years ago in the dead of Winter. I was drawn to (no pun intended) the print which is a mix of watercolor and sketches in a nature theme. It's a very thin, satiny, shirt dress with not only a slit in the front but also on each side (i.e. chilly). So when I tried to wear it right away after purchasing it, I did not like how it looked (evidenced in the photos I took). I wore it with tights and then tried again with leggings and felt dowdy in both. This length definitely looks better with bare legs. Since the print is a moody/seasonal look to me (Fall/Winter) I decided to try it once again before the snow flies and layer a sleeveless black knit dress under it for a bit of warmth. The dress came with a matching belt in the same fabric, but I like swapping it out for a black belt to break it up. Black booties would naturally go, but I opted for olive ones today to pull the green in the dress. Natural stone necklace from Anthropologie pairs nicely with the nature print. I am liking this much better now because honestly, this dress was almost on it's way to the consignment shop.

 

Aratta Admiration

 Aratta is another boho boutique brand that I have admired for a long time. So when I discovered an online boutique recently doing a BOGO sale on this brand, I decided to purchase this peacock kimono. Of course I love the 3 huge peacocks, but also the velvet sleeves, vintage feel, and it is so well made with a soft lining which has a nice weight and warmth! This is truly a heirloom piece that a person can keep for a lifetime. And, since a kimono and robe definitely blur the lines between going out or lounging at home, it fits perfectly into my half office/half work from home lifestyle. Lately, I've liked to take the belt from these longer kimonos to wear as a head wrap. Tank and jeans are older staples from Kohl's. I chose a peach tank today, but so many color options here - I have the same tank in a deep red which would pull in the color from the sleeves. Sunglasses and shoes also everyday staples from Target.

Effortless Peacocking

A Boden catalog arrived last week. I turned the page and read "Effortless peacocking comes in the form of this in-house designed print with a forever flattering shape." SOLD! After searching for a coupon code first, of course. I didn't know "effortless peacocking" was such a thing, but I am here for it. The quality of Boden items is amazing, and this dress is no exception. The ponte fabric has a beautiful weight to it and will not wrinkle. I love the pockets, puff sleeves, and of course the mirrored peacock design. This print also comes in a blouse, maxi dress, pajamas and robe. I was delighted that this beaded necklace I got at Meijer years ago matched "effortlessly"!

 

Strutting into Tuesday

Back in my happy place this morning, wearing this cute babydoll style dress from Modcloth. It is by a designer I had not heard of yet - Molly Bracken. I love how the peacocks pop on the forest green fabric!

Pumpkin Types

I love Fall. I love pumpkins. I love Halloween. And I love when I find a graphic tee that fits my personality! Last year, I saw a pumpkin type t-shirt circulating that I thought was cute. The pumpkins were more cartoon like, and included a jack-o-lantern, which I felt limited the shirt to not be worn after Halloween. So when I saw this shirt at Target the other day, I nearly jumped for joy! I like that the pumpkins look like paintings, adore the cursive writing, and am glad the omission of a carved pumpkin will allow this shirt to be wearable all November too! The sleeves are also rolled (and sewn) for a fun detail, and you can't beat the $15 price!

Women's Pumpkin Grid Graphic Tee - Target

Mustard Chenille Cardigan - Target (a few years ago)

Universal Thread "Wenda" Shoes - Target

Rockstar Olive Jeans - Old Navy

 

Friday Florals

 I got this cute floral top in July, and it's been one of my go-to's with jeans. Denim and grey pairings here are cool tones, but I love that it also looks great with cognac accessories and olive green bottoms. I can't find it online anymore, but you might have luck in stores.... it's Lauren Conrad at Kohl's (as are my sunglasses). Jeans are from years ago at Kohl's too, and DV booties are older from Target. Layered necklaces from Anthropologie.

 

 

This Time of Year

I know this is redundant, because EVERYBODY is talking about the weather. The leaves. The sunrise or sunset. But seriously, this week especially, can we just press "pause"? Life is back into the chaos that is school, soccer, scouts, and more. Honestly, I hope to NEVER complain about my schedule again after seeing what life is like without it. But, these few quiet moments each morning when I am taking pictures, and enjoying the most perfect setting, sets the mood for my entire day. If I'm having a hectic night, I know I can look forward to this peace the next day.

In my previous post about velvet, I was looking back at my posts from this time last year, and realized this truly is that small window where it seems all my outfits come together as I imagined and all of my pictures turn out. I also realized that at every season change, I do a lot of posting. A lot of that is because I am a huge off season shopper (the best deals) so I have a lot of pieces just waiting to be worn! This dress is a great example of that.

I remember first seeing this dress at Zara in Chicago a few years ago. Of course it caught my eye, but I didn't go for it. Then, it resurfaced at Steinmart earlier this year under the brand Chelsea & Theodore, and I snagged it on clearance for $14.99! Retail price for this is $148 and since the Zara one became an influencer favorite it still sells on eBay or Poshmark for a pretty penny. This is now the 4th Chelsea & Theodore dress that I have gotten that is the same as a higher end option. This color blocked tiered one was like the Hutch ones Anthropologie offered. This ombre chambray one was like the Holding Horses one at Anthropologie. And, most recently, this knit tiered one was just like one of Anthropologie's best sellers that they keep releasing in new colors. Now that Steinmart is closing (sniff, sniff) where am I going to get my Chelsea & Theodore fix from?

This boho maxi has the most perfect fall color pattern, fun pom pom trim, and I adore the detailed neckline! Per usual when it comes to such a statement dress, no accessories needed.

Velvet Time

Velvet is my favorite seasonal fabric, so you will find plenty of outfits that I incorporate it in once the temps turn. I love velvet even more if it involves peacocks! Last year, and now this year, I used my birthday discount at Anthropologie to invest in a peacock velvet piece. Also last year my parents birthday gifted me a pretty velvet peacock vest and later my Mom found this velvet peacock kimono on clearance. Traditionally, these pieces can be worn to special or dressy events. But if you know me, going to the office on a Tuesday is a special event (even more in 2020 than ever)!

So this years birthday discount purchase was this Agostina Velvet Burnout Tunic by Daniel Rainn at Anthropologie. This is the second piece I've purchased from this brand from Anthro (the first being a peacock printed blouse) so of course I am loving this designers mutual love of the bird! Also, this is a good example of a high end piece (the dress) mixed with budget items....... booties from Meijer, sweater, belt, sunglasses from Kohls.

 

"New"veau Week

It's the start of a busy week, so I went for comfort today in a jeans and top combo! This knit top from Modcloth has an art nouveau peacock print that you have to look closely at to see all of the details. Balloon sleeves are a fun detail.

Beyond Basic Long Sleeve Top - Modcloth

High Rise Power Straight Jeans - Old Navy

Universal Thread Wenda Shoes - Target

Simply Vera Sunglasses - Kohls

October 1st & DIY Belt Repair

 Could not ask for a more gorgeous morning on October 1st! This is one of my favorite places to take pictures, but I haven't been here in a while. Now, I am wondering why because the lighting is consistently amazing! This patchwork maxi dress was from the very first Scoop collection Walmart launched (2 years ago?). Scoop's Anthro vibe is what has kept me continuing to check in with the brand! This print is so unique, in part to that pop of blue. The floral dress I posted last week is the exact same style, so I love that they continue to keep a classic cut every season, but in different prints. This belt is thrifted, and read on if you want to hear about how I adjusted the size........

 I found this wide leather Michael Kors belt at my local thrift shop. It was a bit too big for me, but I bought it anyway because it was such a great find. Normally, when a belt is too big, it's an easy DIY or cobbler repair to "punch" another hole into the closure. But the way this one overlapped in the front, there was no way to pull the belt tighter and create that additional hole. So, I sat with it for a while, still thinking I'd take it to a cobbler to see what they would suggest.

 

 I saw that the pieces were sewn on and further enforced with a screw through the hardware. I decided to take a shot at "moving" this side to where I needed it. I carefully cut the stitching and unscrewed the one piece. You can see there is a faint mark where I removed this, but part of it would be covered by my reattachment placement and also the overlapping side. I feel like this would have been the same type of repair a cobbler would have done. Sewing through the woven material made it easier (and my hand stitching didn't have to be perfect) - I might not have tried this on solid leather as it would have been too hard.

 

View on the backside, and finished project. I love solving problems like this, and my motto has always been that if you like something enough you can always find a way to make it work.