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

The Oxford Shoe

 

            I’ve long been pining over the oxford shoe—but without a lot of inspiration on how to wear them, I stopped looking for a new pair. Of course, as it often happens, when you stop looking for something is when you find it. I came across this all leather pair at Salvation Army recently and scooped them up. They look like they’ve barely been worn which is another bonus.

            Because these shoes remind me of men’s wear, I selected other masculine pieces to go along with them. To give the shoes high visibility, I paired then with my skinny OP cords. For a pop of color, I picked my Brooks Brothers plaid shirt. I’ve been wearing button up shirts nearly every day and I’m constantly looking for new ways to wear them. I’m doing a series on ways to wear the button up shirt (see it HERE and HERE) but “with a sweater vest” wasn’t on that original list.

See how else I wore this plaid button up HERE

Thriftfully Yours,

B

How to Wear a Button Up: Knotted

Last Monday, I started a series of posts that will feature different ways to wear a button up shirt. The idea came from an image created by Lauren of My Closet in Sketches. In post number 1, wore my button up with a turtleneck and a statement necklace.

Today’s post features this image from Lauren’s drawing:

            Selecting the Proper Pieces: I needed a button up (obviously) but which one? My collection is pretty expansive these days and I couldn’t decide. I have far fewer high waisted skirts, so I started there. My blue pleated tennis skirt seemed perfect for this concept. After I selected that, it was far easier to pick out a top. My blue gingham Lands’ End button up  was found by my mother at a church rummage sale cost around 20 cents! I LOVE it and have already worn it (see that HERE). This blouse was selected because I liked the idea of a monochromatic look. 

Here's how my rendition turned out

You don’t have to pull my leg to pop a collar or roll the sleeves of a button up, but knotting it? I’m still a novice knotter. I did try it once before HERE and I was pleased with the result. Pairing the knotted button up with a high waisted skirt truly is the ideal match. It takes away that awkward “midriff bearing” possibility and allows for the perfect long leg proportion.

Stay tuned, dear readers—next Monday you will get the next installment!

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Thrifty Threads: A Salvation Army Shopping Review

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            Another fruitful trip to Sal Val! I purchased accessories, a pair of shoes and 4 garments for $17. 

Heart Hat Pin $1

I plan to wear this as a lapel pin. For a buck, I figured, why not?

Cluster Pearl Earrings $ .50

Loved these! Different than the standard pearl earring. 

Picasso Black Oxford Shoes $3

I’ve been toying around with the idea of buying Oxfords and when I came across these for a mere $3, how could I say no? They fit nicely and make my giant feet look tiny—a true skill! 

LL Bean Blue Fair Isle Sweater $3

After seeing blogs like What I Wore, Atlantic Pacific and Classy Girls… feature this style of Fair Isle, I was more than inspired to find one of my own. This vintage LL Bean wool sweater fits the bill perfectly and for just $3, I can only imagine my virtual savings is well over $50! What a great find.

Darlyn Abstract Pleated Tennis Skirt $2.50

I recently thrifted THIS other tennis skirt and LOVED it! I’m looking to add to the collection and this abstract printed skirt caught my eye. Probably won’t style this one til Spring.

Signature by Larry Levine Black Brocade Pencil Skirt $3

Okay, readers. I’m now at my max for black skirts (except maybe for a black leather one…). I loved the black on black brocade and the length is perfect- just above the knee. Can’t wait to style this ASAP!

Express “Stylist” Khaki Pants $4

Because I can only wear pants at my internship, I’ve been pouring over the racks of trousers a bit more extensively. These pants by Express are that perfect shade of khaki that I can never seem to find and fit perfectly. They’ll be getting a lot of wear. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember, I'm on twitter (BsGoodwillHunt) and Instagram (BsGoodwillHunting) so check me out!

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