The Lightweight Sweater (in Winter)

I own a few lightweight sweaters (like this one from Old Navy) and rather than put them away for the cold, hard winter, I find other ways to wear them. For this outfit, I decided to layer this lightweight sweater over a button up. Yes, 90% of my recent outfits contain a button up shirt—don’t hate!

Once I picked out the sweater, I decided to go for a whole black and white ensemble. My new Larry Levine Signature black on black brocade pencil skirt seemed the perfect partner for my polka dot black on white sweater. I finished it up with black and white accessories and a red lip for some visual interest.

See how else I wore this sweater HERE

Thriftfully Yours,

B 

How to Wear a Button Up: Sweater Set

            Today is the third installment of my “How to Wear A Button Up” salute to Lauren from My Closet in Sketches. Here is the sketch from which I drew inspiration:

I love a button up under a sweater. For this post- I started with the sweater. I selected my J Crew marigold cable knit pull over, which I recently thrifted. This sweater fits quite snuggly in the arms, so adding another layer underneath isn’t an option. As a result, I paired it with my white button up from Ann Taylor, which is actually sleeveless. I had the foresight to keep this button up out for just this very reason!

            To go along with my sweater, I picked my Talbots wrap skirt, which went with the preppy tone of the sweater. To finish the outfit, I added some opaque tights in a neutral color for balance (and warmth) and my yellow smoking loafers. Classic accessories such as a pearl necklace and a silver broach add visual interest. 

            Stay tuned for the last 3 installments of How to Wear A Button Up in the coming Mondays! Also, see how I wore these smoking loafers before HERE & HERE!

Thriftfully Yours,

B

How to Wear: The Rugby Shirt (Dressed-Up)

            A while back, I thrifted two rugby shirts. I wore the first one HERE with skinny jeans a boots. I’m always looking for new ways to style my pieces, but this rugby shirt was stumping me. It’s such a casual garment, I couldn’t imagine it working with anything other than jeans.

            While recently perusing the popular Tumblr “Wicked Preppy,” I came across this photo.

Finally! An alternate way to wear a rugby shirt! I recently replaced the plain, navy button on my navy blazer with golden ones and thought it would look great in the very “Ralph Lauren-esque” ensemble. I paired it with my grey silk Banana Republic skirt and a riding boot to keep with the preppy aesthetic.

See how I wore this skirt another way HERE!

Thriftfully Yours,

B

The Collarless Jacket

            When I picked this cardigan up at the Junior League, I was so excited. I had added a collarless jacket to my hunt list and this plaid, sweater version was perfect. However, I repeatedly passed it by when perusing my closet for inspiration. Styling this piece was challenging me! I tried it on over some long sleeve tees and realized the crew neckline of the cardigan needed something taller under it—this meant a turtleneck or a button up.

            I bought this maroon turtleneck recently from H&M and realized the color was a perfect compliment to this cardigan. To keep the outfit from going “granny,” I paired it with skinny jeans and a red shoe. I don’t often wear jeans but these dark wash skinnies (Forever 21—thrifted from a local consignment store) are my go-to pair when I’m feeling the denim vibe. I also wore my grasshopper necklace, which I found while antiquing in December.

Thriftfully Yours,

B

The Nautical Dress

            Full Disclosure: This outfit is not that exciting, but I did wear it on a recent, exciting day (more on that later). I picked this dress up from Junior League (see that full post HERE) not too long ago and I was itching to wear it. The nautical motif is one I much prefer and find more appropriate in the summer, but I was determined to make it work for winter.

            Enter: Tights. It’s really a perfect answer for using any seasonally inappropriate piece during the winter (also, turtlenecks). This navy blue pair from Merona is slightly ribbed and super soft. I went traditional on the accessories (gold skinny belt to define the waist, and a pearl necklace) but added an unexpected twist with my mustard smoking loafer. (See how I wore this shoe another way HERE)

             So my exciting day entailed ice skating, lunch at my favorite Vietnamese restaurant, tubing and dinner at the skii resort. This is what I wore to dinner. 

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Double Plaid

            Mixing prints has seriously become a fascination of mine, but I wasn’t sure how to handle plaids. I did dot on dot pretty successfully (if I do say so myself) HERE. The idea of putting the plaid button up under my favorite LBD came in a sudden, and random, burst of inspiration, but adding the plaid shoe was an after thought.

            The plaids are different colors, but similar scales. This way, there is enough connection and continuity between the patterns but difference too, in the color, so they don’t look too “matchy.” My LBD and sweater tights, both black, served as a blank, neutral canvas on which I could highlight the plaids.

            I thrifted this Ann Taylor LOFT dress ages ago and have really come to appreciate it more with time. The plaid helps keep the outfit somewhat more casual. See how I styled this dress totally differently HERE.

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Thrifty Threads: A Junior League Shopping Review

Hello Readers, 

My mother and I recently visited our local Junior League which, it turns out, had many items on mark down. Here's what I snagged. 

Ronni Nicole Striped Nautical Dress   $5

This nautical dress jumped right out at me! I should be able to wear it 3 seasons a year with proper styling. It’s navy, which is a bit hard to see in the photo. I may try to remove the white cuffs on the sleeves and leave the one on the bottom hem.

Banana Republic Blue and Pink Striped Oxford   $3.50

I love the blue and pink stripe of this blouse. The fit is great! It’s just the right amount of different from the blue American Eagle oxford I snagged (see it HERE). I’m already planning to layer it under the J Crew rose sweater below!

J Crew Marigold and Pink Cable Knit Sweaters   $1.25 (each)

At the beginning of the fall season, I decided to focus on finding more pull over sweaters. I’ve definitely increased my collection and these two J Crew brand cable knits are so perfect. High quality, solid colors, and unlike most of the other colors I already had (blues and greens).

Jacklyn Smith Black Satin Skirt   $1.75

Not a high quality brand, but the perfect black skirt for a fancy evening. I’m interested to see how else I can style this!

WM Chelsea LTD scarf            $3

A bit of Googling reveals this company is based in Conneticut and manufactures men’s neck ties (mainly). This silk scarf has beautiful buildings on it—still not sure if it’s a college or not, but I loved the simple design. 

Hope you enjoyed this shopping review!

Thriftfully Yours, 

B

The Smoking Loafer

            I’ve seen these extra fancy flats all over fashion photos and took the plunge—I asked for two pairs for Christmas and this pair from Rock and Republic has been so much fun to style. To keep the focus on the detailing of the shoe, I kept the rest of the outfit pretty basic.

I used standard pieces, like a v-neck sweater and white button up, as well as solid colors to direct attention right to my plaid loafers. These black skinny corduroys have become more useful than I would have ever imagine when I thrifted them about a year ago. Smoking loafers have such a high class, ultra preppy association and the luxe appearance of the corduroy adds to this factor.

See this sweater styled another way HERE.

Thriftfully Yours,

B

PS I hope you enjoyed the cameo by my dog, Bean! 

The Critter Sweater

            Another blogger trend I latched onto this season is the critter (or animal) sweater. So many of my favorite bloggers have worn their sweaters over button up shirts and I wanted to do something slightly differently. Enter—the secretary blouse.

            If you’ve read my blog before, you know that I am obsessed with the secretary, or tie-neck, blouse. I have probably about 10 of them in different colors and patterns. I thought this blue zigzag printed one would add some vibrancy and fun to my grey sheep sweater.

            These basic black pants have a thin blue pin stripe (which is difficult to see in the photos). To add a bit more color, I used bright accessories (my pink Anne Kline watch and dusty red Talbots loafers).

I’d really like to style this sweater a different way before spring—but I have no ideas! Anyone?

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Shopping Review: Recent Purchases

Dear Readers,

You know I try to thrift shop most of the time but sometimes I do make other purchases. I love to keep you all updated on what I’m buying and why. I recently shopped at H&M, Hollister, Target, and TJ Maxx, and I’m going to share those pieces now. Enjoy!

H&M Heathered Tan and Bordeaux Tissue Turtlenecks $13/each

These are turtlenecks number 4 and 5. They are joining my black, purple and hunter green turtlenecks. This year, I really jumped on the turtleneck train. I have been layering them under everything (see them HERE, HERE and HERE). These colors are great, versatile additions to my wardrobe. My first two turtlenecks (black and purple) are both from H&M and I purchased them freshman year of college—still going strong!

Hollister Navy Skinny Sweatpants $25 (on sale)

I’ve never been a “sweats” kind of girl but the “Skinny” cut by Hollister totally converted me. This is my second pair and probably not my last. I think I might be on the edge of the appropriate age group for buying from Hollister, but my gosh, I just can’t care about it! These pants make me feel great, which is way more than I can say about any other pair of sweatpants I’ve ever owned. They fit tight without being extreme. They’re a great length. And they’re so soft. When I want to dress super casually without sacrificing my figure, I turn to these pants. 

Photo credit @Megan_Lindsey on Instagram

Merona for Target Seafoam Button Up with Navy Polka Dots, $25

I've haven't stopped thinking about this button up since Megan_Lindsey posted it on her IG a week or so ago. I stopped by my local Target to stalk some of the new items listed online (see my favorite on my Pinterest HERE) and instead, I stumbled across this piece. It hasn't been listed online and there was one of every size--practically saying "No matter what, this top is yours!" I hate buying at retail but I knew I wouldn't find it thrift, and I was pretty sure it would sell out before it had the potential to hit the sale rack. 

Anne Kline Sweater Tights (2 pairs) (via TJ Maxx) $4/pair (on sale)

I first purchased sweater tights (Anne Kline) earlier this year for $8 at TJ’s. I fell in love. They are warm and don’t squeeze the life out of my organs. I went back to buy one more pair, and lo and behold, they were on clearance for $4! These are marked to retail for $25- virtual savings of $21! I got a standard pair and a ribbed pair. 

You're now up to speed! Thanks for reading :)

Thriftfully Yours, 

B

How to: Monochromatic

            This outfit started with my red Limited skirt that I picked up at Salvation Army recently. When I was perusing my closet for the perfect compliment, I spied my burgundy and tan vertical striped secretary blouse. “What a perfect opportunity for a monochromatic outfit”—I thought to myself. To pull the color all the way to my feet, I selected my burgundy velvet loafers.

            I try to avoid being “overwhelmed” by clothes. This could be color, pattern, texture, or shape. For this outfit, I didn’t want to look like a tomato—so I toned down the reds with neutrals. Tan is a featured color in the pattern of the top so I paired a light brown cardigan with the blouse to tone down the red hue.

See these shoes styled a different way HERE

Thriftfully Yours,

B