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

The Striped Oxford (Casually)

            I have around 20 button-up shirts (not including all those secretary blouses, see HERE) so I’m always looking for new ways to wear them. So far, I’ve tried wearing them over turtlenecks (HERE) and under sweaters (HERE). For me, the button up shirt is synonymous with office attire. I’ve worn button ups with dressy trousers and skirts.

            This striped Ralph Lauren top with Peter Pan collar is a piece I recently thrifted and couldn’t wait to style it. A button up with jeans isn’t some great fashion revelation, certainly. However, it is new for me! I love how each piece balances the other, stylistically. I used the same concept of balance with the accessories—a pearl necklace and cowboy style boots.

See how else I wore these dark wash skinny jeans HERE and HERE

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Thrifty Threads: A Christmas Gift Review

Hello Readers,
I hope your Christmas celebration was lovely! Today, I'm going to recap my fashion related gifts. My thrifty-ness doesn't ever go away, so even when I'm not the purchaser of something, I'm still looking for a good deal! Each item on the list was under $30 and I cannot wait to integrate them into my collection.
Enjoy,
B

Pardon My French Forever21

Red Plaid Sweater Forever21

Grey Sheep Sweater Old Navy 

 Pearl Cluster Necklace Etsy (Eienblue)

Pearl and Rhinestone Necklace Lisner (via Ebay)

 White & Blue Anchor Stud Earrings Etsy (JoannaBizu)

Renegade Spike Bracelet GroopDealz

 Blue Velvet Large Tote Merona (via Target)

Blue & Brown Owl Coin Purse Thirty-One

 Plaid Embroidered Smoking Loafer Rock & Republic (via Kohls)

Yellow Corduroy Smoking Loafers SO (via Kohls) 

Fashion Inspiration: Carolina Herrera

White button up- Express (via Goodwill) ~$3.50

Black cardigan- Old Navy (via Goodwill) ~$3.50

Red iris print maxi skirt- No tag (via Goodwill) ~$4

Pearl necklace (gift)

Black gladiator sandal- Ruff Hewn ~$13

TOTAL COST: $24

            Another random warm day here in the North East. For this outfit, I was inspired by Carolina Herrera. She often pairs a full length skirt with a simple white button up shirt. I added my buttonless cardigan for warmth. I wore this skirt this summer with a simple black tee shirt and couldn’t wait until enough time had passed to wear it again. This time around, I paired it with my white button up. I don’t own much red, but that’s another natural choice for top colors for future wears. I also HAD to break out these sandals again- they’re so comfortable!

Tell me readers, How would you style this loud, statement skirt for fall and winter? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Still Chic

Teal v-neck sweater- ODCC (via Junior League) ~$ .25

White sleeveless button up- Ann Taylor (via Salvation Army) ~$3

Grey herringbone trousers- H&M ~$30

Pearl necklace- gift

Purple skimmer- Delias (gift)

TOTAL COST: $33.25

            Some pieces in my wardrobe have managed to stick around for years, despite not focusing on quality. These wide leg trousers from H&M were purchased as far back as 9^th grade! That’s right, I’ve had this pair of pants for just about 10 years. Not only do they still fit, but they’re still chic. There are classic pieces all women should own, and if you purchase smartly, they’ll be with your for years to come. I paired this wardrobe staple with one of newest (and most thrifty) finds, this super soft vintage sweater from the Junior League- snagged for just a quarter. The preppy result is professional without being unapproachable.

Tell me readers, What staple pieces have been in your wardrobe forever? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Black & White

Printed short sleeve tie blouse- Ship N’ Shore (via Goodwill) ~$3.50

Black pencil skirt- Target ~$20

Pearl necklace- gift

White skinny belt- no tag (via Goodwill) ~$2

Black gladiator sandal- Ruff Hewn ~$13 (on sale)

TOTAL COST: $38.50

            A warm day amidst some chilly ones! I used this brief weather reprieve to wear this blouse that I thrifted a while ago. Wearing black in the summer is something I shy away from because it doesn’t seem seasonally appropriate, so when I bought this blouse, I had to put it away for a while. Fall seemed to be a great time to pull it out and this day really allowed the blouse to be on full display (i.e. no cardigan needed). I stayed with the black and white theme when selecting the rest of the outfit. Looking back, the belt was a misstep- there are no belt loops on the skirt, so it was moving all over- annoying.

            I think this may be the final wearing of my new favorite sandals of all time- but don’t worry, just for the fall and winter seasons. Packing up and swapping out my out of season clothes has been a semi annual tradition for YEARS. I love taking out the bins and rediscovering all those pieces. I also get to put away my summery stuff. It’s refreshing- but I am going to miss those sandals for the next 6 months (or so).

Tell me readers, What items are you sort of sad to put away for fall and winter? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Ina Inspiration

Pink and White striped Oxford- Ralph Lauren (via Salvation Army) ~$2

Black Leggings- Under Armor (gift, old)

Sunglasses- Wet Seal ~$3

Swavorski Mickey Earrings- Disney World (gift)

Pearl necklace (gift)

Black gladiator sandals- Ruff Hewn ~$13

TOTAL: $18

            Have you ever watched the “Barefoot Contessa” with Ina Garten? She is one of my favorite Food Network chefs. Her show is filmed in the Hamptons, full of New England style. In nearly every episode she cooks in an oversized Oxford with the collar popped and a pearl necklace. I’m just learning to style button-up shirts in a feminine way and I think I’m kind of loving them over leggings.

RED ALERT READERS: I wear leggings as pants. Judge away! I held off for a long while after the trend started, but then I realized that I am not ashamed of my body, so leggings as pants are okay! Of course, the styling is important when doing this, and I think the length and more full shape of the top helps balance the tight look on the leg.

Tell me readers, Do YOU wear leggings as pants? Why or why not? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt
Thriftfully Yours,

B

Classy Girls Wear Pearls

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Plaid Dress- American Living (via Salvation Army) ~$4

Dark Fuchsia Cardi- Merona (at Target) ~From mom

Oversized Sunglasses- Wet Seal ~$3

Pearl Necklace- Gift

Teal Barrel Bag- Merona (for Target) ~$30

Tan Sandal- Target ~$20

TOTAL: $57

            Today is my homage to the blog run by the glamorous Sarah Vickers, Classy Girls Wear Pearls. If you have not seen her blog, please check it out! I am a lover of plaid and finding a plaid dress was a great excitement. The length is appropriate on me, which is tricky in a sundress, and this one far exceeds my fingertips! Hooray! Naturally, I paired it with a cardigan and my new bag. Sadly, the seasons are changing and this dress is getting packed up after this wear until next spring.

Tell me readers, What blogs inspire your outfit choices? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thirftfully Yours,

B

Snag of the Season (& 50th Post!)

White ¾ gauzy top- Hollister Co. ~$20

Purple tank top- H&M ~$7

Pink chino shorts- Tommy Hilfiger Outlet ~$25

Gold and pearl strand necklace- Consignment ~$3

White and gold skinny belt- Goodwill (no brand) ~$2

Black gladiators- Ruff Hewn (via BonTon) ~$13

TOTAL COST: $70

            For a blog that is about thrifting and saving money, this outfit is looking kind of expensive. However, it was a put together look and I decided to document it. You see, I haven’t been so into thrifting my whole life. My focus has really expanded in the past 3 years and both the top and bottom of this outfit are more than 3 years old. The true sales high light of this outfit are my new sandals. You know those $5 silver gladiators I’ve been wearing all summer? They’re still alive (no need to worry) but the quality isn’t great and I’m just not sure how much longer they are going to make it. Enter these shoes. BonTon is having a huge sale and I hunt down these babies, originally $89- What a snag! They are comfortable and stylish. I LOVE those tassel details! I know I only have a few months to bond with them before they go into fall/winter hibernation, but until then- they will be my go-to shoe!

Tell me readers, What was your end of the season snag? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B