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

The Pleated Skirt

            My restaurant recently held our staff holiday party and getting dressed was a serious process. What does one wear to a holiday staff party? The uniform for all employees is the same: Black shirt, kilt and black knee-highs. I wanted to look cute, classy and different than I do at work.

            I recently thrifted this Wilson tennis skirt and was pretty set on making it work for the party. Looking good is important, especially in a social setting. Because this was a work function, I needed to be mindful of selecting appropriate attire. Let’s be realistic—the skirt is short. To create the illusion of coverage, I selected my grey opaque tights. Don’t have any of these? You’re missing out.

            But what to wear on top? When in doubt—button up shirt. They’re so versatile. This white one (Express brand) has become a staple piece since I thrifted it some time ago and it came through again on this outfit. I unbuttoned it to a deep-v and filled the open space with my cluster pearl necklace. I got some positive feedback from coworkers on my outfit, so I was pleased! 

REMIX: See my white Express blouse styled differently HERE and HERE.

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Thrifty Threads: A Goodwill Shopping Review

Hello Readers!

Enjoy my latest GW trip haul: 5 pieces for $22

Designer Originals Pink ¾ Sleeve Sweater $ 4

I’ve long admired those vintage sweaters that zip up in the back. Something about it screams Betty Draper to me. The color is a beautiful bright pink. It’s a solid, which means I can wear it with any of my printed bottoms (I’m already planning something!) and it is versatile.

Liz Claiborne Blue, White and Pink Plaid Button Up $ 4.50

Yep, another plaid button up. I may or may not be done hunting for them, but I did remove them from my hunt list. This one has a bunch of great details—

cute logo embroidery at the cuff and the buttons are high quality. I love the pink accent in the plaid, which is much easier to see in the close ups.

Lands’ End Hunter Green Turtleneck $3.50

This has been the year that really converted me to become a turtleneck wearer. I wear them under everything to help keep me warm. This is my third one (the other two are black and purple) and was an item on my hunt list. I’m still looking for a black and white striped one (a la the one J Crew did this year).

Worthington Tan Dress Pants $ 4

I’ve got plenty of dark colored dress pants, but needed some more light colored ones. These fit well and the color is perfect—not quite khaki, not quite brown.

Old Navy Chambray Dress (NWT) $ 6

This was definitely my favorite find of the day. The dress was one I looked at this summer at Old Navy and even visited. It never made it to “deep clearance” and I knew I wouldn’t wear it enough for the price. Lucky for me, it turned up, new with tags, at the GW. Original price, by the way-- $35. I snagged this baby for $6. I cannot wait to wear this! Although it’s more of a warm weather garment, I am determined to style it for winter!

Thriftfully Yours, 
B

The Graphic Sweater

            These graphic or text sweaters have experienced a lot of popularity this fall and winter. In fact, I put it on my fall wish list (see it HERE). Back in October, I put this sweater on my Christmas list—and mommy followed through! Thanks Mom!

When I get a new piece, I always desire to wear it right away. I had a flash of creativity and decided to run with the “French” theme suggested (jokingly) by the sweater. My ruffle skirt and textured tights gave it a Can-Can dancer feel, which I love! I topped it off with girly accessories and I was good to go.

I rarely have a desire to repeat outfits, but this one is a keeper!

Thriftfully Yours,

B