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

Weekend Watch II

Welcome to the second installment of Weekend Watch! Enjoy-

Forever 21 Necklace ($8)

LOVE this necklace & what a great piece for the price! That pave detail link is such an excellent touch. I haven’t checked my local store yet, but I know that in store selection at Forever 21 jewelry is generally much greater online than it is in the store. I have a necklace VERY similar to this already, but it was thrifted, so here is a great dupe if you liked mine!

Target Merona Loafers ($25)

I DID try these on at my last trip to target and I can tell you, I am seriously considering purchasing. They are comfortable and fashionable. I may use these as replacements for my truly beat-up moccasins- I’ll be thinking about them, maybe I’ll visit them again…

Pink Pineapple Whale Earrings ($25)

This online store sells some really beautiful jewelry for reasonable prices. These are so preppy and nautical- I LOVE them. I wish I knew how large they were… They also come with anchors

Target Merona Barrel Bag ($30)

I purchased this bag during a special Target was running- buy one Merona purse, get one 50% off. Well, I had been spying on this one for a while and easily found a second so I could get the deal. It has little metal feet, which I love and the color is perfect for fall. I wish the material was a little more rigid and stood tall when empty but it doesn’t totally fall flat either. 

Joe Fresh Jaquard Sweater ($19)

Oh Joe Fresh- Why do you not yet have online shopping? If you haven’t heard of this brand yet, go to their website RIGHT AWAY! They have great pieces at really affordable prices. Sadly, they don’t yet have many stores in the US (but they do have some in NY and Canada), however, this summer they signed a deal with JC Penny to sell their clothing in Penny’s starting next year. I picked this sweater because I love the print and it comes in 6 colors.

Forever 21 Stripped Cardigan ($20)

I cannot wait to see this cardigan in person. It’s buttonless, so it looks quite a bit more like a collarless blazer than a cardigan, but it’s knit material. It’s preppy and timeless. I may need to order this online just to ensure I get to check it out.

JC Penny Colorblock Dress ($30)

This color block dress is like an LBD with a twist. I LOVE Kelly green, so naturally I’m excited to see that color featured here. I’m not sure what the fabric feels like, and that’s a huge part of my decision to purchase (alone with fit and price of course).

Target Merona Stripped Sweatshirt ($20)

I look over Target’s website on the regular and never saw these. On a recent store visit, I spotted them and only then was able to find them on the website. It comes in another stripped color and a few solids, but these two are the best, most chic options. I think they’re quite J Crew-esque and you’ll never see this price at THAT store.

 So readers, see something great this week that I missed? Tell me about it! Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours, 

B

The Classic Statement

Silk red and black floral blouse- Ann Taylor (via Goodwill) ~$2

White and gold pencil skirt- Worthingtons (JC Penny) ~$7

Dark green skinny belt- Target (via Goodwill) ~$1

Gold pointy toe heels- Nine West (via BonTon) ~$20

TOTAL COST: $30

            I recently took a trip to Tennessee and visited a Goodwill store while I was there. Items were separated men’s and women’s but beyond that- the sorting was lacking. My favorite GW locations are those in which items are sorted by garment type and color. The pricing at this location was also different. The general cost of short sleeve tops was around $2 whereas in my area, they are $3.50. When I saw this pattern and fabric, I knew the brand to be quality. The only down side to silk (especially a printed silk) is that is has to be dry cleaned. I know the long-term value of a piece like this. It’s a classic statement piece, which is my favorite kind of garment. I can’t wait to find other ways to wear it throughout the year.

            Tell me readers, How are your favorite thrift stores set up? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Fashion, Fit & the Fourth

Red top with white detailing- Calvin Kline (via Goodwill) ~$3.50

White and gold pencil skirt- JC Penny ~$7 (on sale)

Earrings- Local artisan ~$5

Light blue skinny belt- no tag (Goodwill) ~$ .97

Sandals- Lands End ~$10  Nine West (Via Bon Ton) ~$20

TOTAL COST: Approx. ~$26.47/36.47

            I love dressing with purpose and holidays often provide me with an opportunity to do so. Here’s my not-too-costumey Fourth of July ensemble. This post may be a good time to talk about sizing. I don’t put a lot of stock in women’s sizes. Each manufacturer does it differently and aside from that, the type of garment effects sizing too. For example, a tight, body hugging dress would require a larger size (for me) than would an empire-waisted dress, as I have a more pear-like shape. When shopping, especially true while thrifting, it is more important to look at the garment itself, and don’t get hung up on what the tag says about size. This Calvin Kline top was labeled extra-small, but it looked more like a medium and the print was so excellent that I had to try it. As I mentioned in an earlier post, it takes only a few moments to try something on. So when we look at gain v. loss, it’s a fabulous top to gain, and only a few seconds to lose. This skirt, while not from a thrift store, was so classy and versatile (and cheap! $7 is an excellent deal) that despite it’s Petite sizing, I tried it on- and voila! Instant wardrobe staple.

            You might notice I am wearing a different pair of shoes than I featured in the detail box. A good friend of mine who is also an excellent style blogger, (http://sugarandspicebyavb.blogspot.com/) said that while my outfits are stylish, my shoes are lacking, and recommended my gold heels, so here they are! While we’re talking about SugarSpiceStyle, she is also a talented nail artist (she’s tried tricky techniques like water marbling). I decided to do something patriotic for Independence Day!

            Tell me readers, Have you ever used a holiday to inspire your look? Inbox or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Matchy-Matchy

Black button-up dress with small floral print- I Heart Ronson (at JC Penny) ~$20

Red braided skinny belt- H&M ~$5

Black, tan and red messenger bag with Aztec stitching- Mossimo{Target} (via Goodwill, NWT) ~$6

Tan sandals- Target ~$20

TOTAL COST: Approx. $51

            What an excellent find this bag was! It’s hard to tell from my small photograph how lovely it is and for all of $6, all I have to say is, THANK YOU to whoever donated it. The strap to the purse is easily adjustable to a wide range of lengths- this makes it easy to go from shoulder bag to cross body bag in seconds. I also like a bag that closes well. This bag closes using a fairly strong magnet/snap system. Easy enough to get into (as the owner) but not too easy. The bag also features a host of inner hiding spots (which I call “comparticles”), which, as a lady, I enjoy! Finally, my favorite feature is the size- not too big, not too small. My prerogative with a purse generally revolves around its ability to hold a bunched up cardigan. I am really beginning to believe that I am part lizard, which means if I’m out of the suns direct rays, I feel the need to cuddle under a blanket. Blankets are not highly portable, but cardigans are. I’ve been carrying this bag for a few days now and I am really pleased with how smooth, silky and real the faux-leather feels. It’s a far cry from the “pleather” of my youth (What’s up 90’s?). As a thrifty lady, I’m all about faux, because it errs on the less expensive side, however, a faux-anything is not worth the reduced price if it looks or feels comically fake. The whole idea of faux (in my opinion) is that it should be passable for the real thing by “walking around society members” (e.g. not connoisseurs of the real deal).

            A note on styling: For many years I’ve been hearing Stacey and Clinton try to help WNTW participants “unlearn” the idea that “matchy-matchy” is bad and unnecessary. Although I don’t go out of my way to match this closely every day, I like the level of coordination in this outfit. The reds in the belt and bag match well, as do the tans in the shoes and bag. Finally, the geometric straps on the sandals pair well with the angular-Aztec inspired stitching on the bag. It may be matchy-matchy, but I think it looks damn good!

            Tell me readers, Do you think this outfit is too “matchy-matchy?” Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

As ever-

Thriftfully Yours,

B