How To Wear A Button Up: With a Statement Necklace

            Recently, I came across an image created by Lauren of My Closet in Sketches in which she shows 6 ways to wear a button up shirt. I LOVED the idea and was so inspired that I decided to do outfit posts for each concept. Here is today's:

            I love the statement necklace I received for Christmas and knew it was the perfect piece for this post. As a personal choice, I prefer not to wear my oxfords all the way buttoned up. To give the outfit a comparable appearance, I wore a turtleneck. If you haven’t tried the turtleneck-under-a-button-up before, do so! (see how I wore it HERE). Lauren’s idea is excellent because the button up is the perfect canvas for a statement necklace.

See how else I wore this skirt HERE.

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Weekend Watch: V

Welcome to the 5^th edition of Weekend Watch! This week I cover novelty sweaters, fun spins on basic bottoms, and leatherette.

Both of these sweaters are from Forever 21 and retail for around $23 each. I love prints and this blue elephant sweater is so sweet. I love that they styled it this way- over a collared shirt.

The second I saw this “Pardon my French” sweater, I knew I had to check it out in person. Sadly, when I visited, they were out! Seems like everyone had the same idea. Kate Spade had a shirt in the latest collection with the same phrase (which, I’m sure, is why F21 is manufacturing it).

These playful bottoms are both from JC Penny. Both pieces retail for $25. I LOVE the print on this skirt- great with many different color tops. I own so many printed tops that I would probably pass on this for my own collection, but it’s definitely a statement piece!

The tuxedo pants, on the other hand, are a piece I would use in my wardrobe. I have been a fan of skinny jeans for years, and just now I am beginning a search slim leg work appropriate pants- starting with black ones. I want to go visit these soon

 

Leatherette (aka pleather) has really been improving since it’s arrival on the market as an alternative to authentic leather. Both of these pieces are from Target. I spotted this bias-zip deep teal leatherette jacket with faux-fur collar on the last visit to Target. I’ve been toying with the idea of buying a black or cognac colored moto jacket- but it has to be warm. This one is definitely on the lighter side- more appropriate for fall or early spring. Target has a number of different leatherette pieces and a few of them are truly amazing leather substitutes- so buttery and real feeling. This coat retails for around $40.

This cute Fox coin purse is only $7 and comes with a few other animal faces (like owls!). I don’t presently have a use for it- but I had to share it with all of you! Someone buy this cutie thing, people!

Tell me readers, Did you come across something cute that I missed this week? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Flexing my Fashion Muscles

Pink polo- Jimmyz ~$20

Khaki skirt- GAP (via Salvation Army) ~$3

Sunglasses- Wet Seal ~$4

Gold chain link necklace- Thrifted (Salvation Army) ~$9

Brown leatherette skinny belt- H&M ~$5

Red loafers- Talbots (via Goodwill) ~$6

TOTAL COST: $47

            Does anyone remember Jimmyz? It was some sub-company of Aeropastale… (Trying to compete with A&F?) Anyway, I’ve been holding onto this polo since HIGH SCHOOL. I wish it didn’t have that “factory distressing” that was so popular during that time, but eh- it’s survived this long. This khaki skirt is a staple piece and I can’t wait to mix, and remix it through all seasons. As you can see, it was quite warm on this day (despite wearing a sweater dress just the day before). This crazy fall weather is certainly flexing the muscles of my wardrobe. Maybe I’ll be wearing my snow suit tomorrow- Who knows!

Tell me readers, Has the weather where you live been doing crazy things? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Weekend Watch

Hello Readers! Welcome to my new blog "segment"- Weekend Watch. I have not been posting on weekends (mostly due to scheduling and lack of profound outfits) but I still wanted to post. Rather than just blab on about my life, I decided to do something fashion related, and this idea was born.
This week, I'm pulling my most recent fashion pins from Pinterest and making a full post about it. Of course, in line with the whole thrifty theme of my blog, I am selecting items that will (usually) be under $30 an item. My general rule is under $20 for new pieces, but I'm making an exception so I can cover a slightly larger price range. Enjoy!

 

This is a Lauren Conrad for Kohl's polka dot blazer. The polka dot craze is still going strong and I LOVE this piece. It's presently on sale for $35 (Oops, already broke my rule, sorry!). What a great deal (originally $70, wowza)

 This Old Navy plaid shirt is an excellent (cheaper) alternative to this PiperLime version worn by Sarah Vickers of Classy Girls Wear Pearls. I love the green color on both shirts and I think it looks great with denim. This piece is on sale for $16.50. Haven't checked the fit or quality in person. Old Navy is hit or miss in that department, so I NEVER recommend online buying, only online looking.

 These dresses by Mossimo (at Target) are $25 (on sale right now!) and come in this bright pink and more subdued grey. Love both! I have to try it on for length, but this is one of my favorite's from this week's Watch. I wish there were more color options.

 The next two options are both from Forever21. The striped top is SUCH a J Crew rip off but hey, that's my favorite kind of rip off. Nautical stripes and shoulder button detailing? YAY!
The stripped dress is SO Megan Draper (of Mad Men) singing in a Parisian night club, no? I'd NEVER have anywhere to wear it, but I HAD to share it!

 Finally, these Target skirts come in at least 8 colors and are less than $20! Great deal. Will be trying these on soon. It's all about the fit and the length- again, no online ordering for me!

There you have it, readers, my first ever Weekend Watch! I hope you enjoyed my selections for the week.
Spot something great that I missed? Tell me about it! Email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet to me at BsGoodwillHunt
Thriftfully Yours,
B

A Shopping Haul: Old Navy

A while ago, I got some Old Navy “cash” and had to wait until it was good to use. I’ve been stalking the Old Navy website to figure out how I can best spend $50 and then get the $20 off. Here are some of the options I was looking at. I tried on (or visually examined) all these pieces and more.

The first item I tried on were these blouses. I was so excited for this item. So many expensive retails are putting out similar blouses and so I’m hunting for my bargain version. Unfortunately, the fit was BAD. I tried a variety of sizes and nothing worked. While they looked fine, they totally restricted my arm movement. Also, I under anticipated how ridiculous the large breast pockets would look. This was a pass- I am still hunting.

The second item were these corduroy skirts. I didn’t even bother picking one up to try on. They were not an item I was dying for and they just looked so cheap in person. Another pass.

The third item, more skirts, were these striped pencil skirts. A little too tight for me. Pass.

Next, the dresses- I was so excited to see these striped bracelet sleeve shifts with color block top on the web site. 

Prior to the release of these dresses, ON had posted these full sleeve dresses in four color combinations. 

Now, here is where I get confused. The full sleeve dress have better construction, thicker material and slightly more conservative hem lines and retail for $19.95. The bracelet sleeved dresses are thinner material, shorter hems, shoddier construction and are $24.95. My biggest question is why were they released in that order? The dress with the thinner material, and shorter hem and sleeve should have been released in SUMMER. But WHATEVER Old Navy, I liked your cheaper dress better and saved $5. In fact, I bought two. The navy dress with red stripes and the black dress with white stripes. Can’t wait to try it belted, with boots, with leggings, a cardigan, etc. (Hurry up fall).

Finally, I bought a 2^nd light weight polka dot sweater. I already own the green one and I love it so much (and fear them selling out before hitting sale) that I got it in the white with black polka dots.

My total for 3 pieces (2 dresses and the polka dot sweater) was $64 but with my ON cash, I paid $44!

I'm fairly pleased. Still have my $5 off of $25 from their FB page, so I'm not sure what to get with that (if anything).

Tell me readers, Where do you like to shop? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours, 

B

My Goodwill Fill (+Today is my BIRTHDAY!)

       

     Mother and I have visited yet another Goodwill in the surrounding area, this one near a grocery store (Wegmans) which we like to shop at 2-3 times a year. This Goodwill had some excellent brands, so we will probably be back (on our next out-of-town grocery trip). I snagged 6 pieces for myself, 5 of which were fall/winter pieces. I did make one summery exception, but we’ll get to that.

            Starting with the four square photo (Top L, going clockwise) This long sleeve grey J Crew tee is soft and warm. Not to mention, perfect for layering. Ann Taylor put out this fold over collared long sleeve tee in dusty teal- it’s a much more dressy take on the long sleeve cotton shirt. This navy and white long sleeve Gap is the fall/winter companion to the very similar looking Gap tee I found at the Junior League $1 bag sale. It’s cozy and nautical. Finally, this ½ sleeve lightweight sweater cardigan by Express is perfect for fall. It will allow me to wear some of my tank tops for a few more weeks. I also snagged two bottoms: these seaweed patterned J Crew chinos and this vintage purple wool pencil skirt. I had to snag these J Crew chinos- they retail for upwards of $40, so for $5 I have a giant savings AND J Crew shorts. The wool skirt is going to be great with a number of my secretary blouses. Can’t wait to start styling for fall- I’m getting bored of my summer wardrobe.

Tell me readers, Have you started fall shopping? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B

PS- I will do an outfit post about my Birthday in a few days, so stay tuned :)