Cozy in Green

(Outfit Notes: Earrings-too old to remember //Sweater-Thrifted // Tank-Sears clearance years ago // Belt-Target last year // Leggings-Kohls // Boots, Target clearance last year //  Scarf-too old to remember)

Today I spent most of my day cleaning up messes around the house that my toddler made. I didn’t even get dressed until he went down for his nap at 1 o’clock in the afternoon. By then, I was cranky and already exhausted, but I had to get ready for work. I wanted to wear something comfy and cozy, but still work appropriate, so I grabbed this big, snuggly sweater that was a recent thrift find. It is 100% alpaca wool, from Eileen Fisher, and probably would have originally cost 200 bucks (or more). I got it for a mere 7 dollars! I usually stay away from things that I have to hand wash, but since it was so affordable, I felt it was worth it. Plus, green is my favorite color.

(Linked at The Pleated Poppy)

Turquoise and Marigold

(Outfit Notes: Earrings-made by me // Sweater-JC Penney clearance rack // T-shirt-too old to remember // Skirt-Target clearance rack // Tights- too old to remember // Belt-Target, last year // T-Strap Heels-JC Penney clearance last year)

Three things about today’s outfit:

1-My husband, Jeramy, and I are going out on a date night tonight to a late 1950’s/early 1960’s-themed drag show, after dinner. I wanted to dress somewhat suitable for the occasion, and so, this marigold and turquoise combo was born. I felt the colors of the ensemble, and the t-strap heels fit right in to the time periods being represented. (Though, with it being March in Maine there will most likely be a cardigan thrown over the top when we go out later, but I haven’t decided yet.)

2-This outfit was cheap. Very, very, cheap. The sweater was a recent 2 dollar find at my local JC Penney. (I bought two fun shirts for just 2 bucks each that day.) Score! The skirt is listed at full-price on the website, but someone ordered it online and then returned it to my local Target store. So, I got it for only 5 dollars instead of full price. Another score! The clutch bag was also marked way down, which I wrote about here. Triple score! The heels were also in the clearance section, last winter, for only 5 bucks too. Quadruple score! Add to all of that the t-shirt being only a few dollars on clearance, the fact that I made the earrings myself, and the tights being marked down…the most expensive item in the whole outfit was the belt, but I paid less than ten bucks for that. The whole ensemble for less than 40 bucks!

3-Lastly, this outfit is my offering for this week’s Style Imitating Art challenge. The lovely Jess, of the blog Animated Cardigan, chose this piece:
(Roses jaunes dans en vase), by Gustave Caillebotte
The title of the painting translates to: “Yellow Roses in a Vase”.

When I first saw this painting I thought: “How am I going to work with that when I don’t own any pale yellow?“. But Jess encouraged everyone to click on the image and look at it as large as possible to appreciate all of the flecks and strokes of color in the paint. Once I did this, I appreciated fully just how many rich colors really were in this seemingly pastel work.

If you look closely, you will find many shades of yellow in there, including the same marigold shade as my sweater. There are also ticks of orange, which I brought in with the beads on the earrings and the flowers on my tapestry print clutch. I also thought it fitting that the orange earring beads and the clutch print were roses, the subject matter of the painting. Finally, the dark background swirls with different browns, which show up in my tights and shoes.

(Be sure to check Jess’ blog on Monday when she posts all of the outfits that people submitted for the challenge!)

Spring Green

 

(Outfit Notes: Earrings-have had for years // Cardigan-JC Penny //  Plaid Tunic-Thrifted //  Leggings-Kohls // Boots-Target Clearance)

Green is my very favorite color, so when I saw this bright, happy-colored, cardigan for only 16 dollars at JC Penney, I knew it would be an addition to my wardrobe that I would want to wear all the time. Technically, this is a Winter outfit; but today I went out with no coat on for the first time all year, and the sun was shining warmly. Considering that, and how bright and fresh this particular shade is, I call it “spring green”.

Finally, A Little Color

(Outfit Notes: Earrings-a gift // Cardigan-a gift…Eddie Bauer brand  //  Blouse-JC Penney, several years old // Cords-Kohls, last year // Booties-TJ Maxx // Belt-came with a tunic from TJ Maxx)

Simon and I went for the first walk in the park of the year today. The sun was shining, but there also happened to be a few snowflakes flying in the air. Not totally Spring yet…but close. I should admit, I wore different boots to the park, because though these booties are cute, they are not comfy for walking, and would get all icky caked in mud. But the rest of the outfit was perfectly functional for a Mother-Son park date. I have to work at the Library later, so the booties will be worn then.

I finally got myself into a bit of color after a long string of monochrome and neutral outfits.  The cardigan is pastel though, and the pants are grey, so not the most colorful ensemble I have ever worn. However, just like this mix of snow and sun we had today, this outfit is a perfect hybrid of Winter warmth and Spring thinking.

Style Imitating Art: in Grey and Blue

This week I am joining in with “Style Intimating Art“, which is a fun style blogger challenge run by the ladies of Animated Cardigan and 14 Shades Of Grey. This week, the piece selected is “The Wanderer Above A Sea Of Fog” by Caspar David Friedrich. A very monochromatic and moody piece. My outfit today was inspired by the color scheme of the painting, as well as the foggy atmosphere and rocky landscape.

(Outfit Notes: Sweater-thrifted // Dark blue, long-sleeved tee-Target clearance rack // Necklace-gift // Skirt-Target, years ago // Boots-Target, last year on clearance)

I wore my grey and white flecked sweater, which represented fog, along with the grey tights. My denim skirt, tee, and nail polish pull in the blue shades and mood of the painting. (I tend to own darker blues, since I am already pale, and pastel colors can sometimes wash me out.) Finally, my belt, boots, and the stone beads of my necklace pull in the rocks.

This challenge is a lot of fun and I cannot wait to do it again!

With A Long-Sleeved Tee

(Outfit Notes: Earrings-Made by me // Sleeveless Top- TJ Maxx // Denim Skirt-Target, a few years old // Sweater Tights-don’t remember // Shoes-TJ Maxx)

This Winter, I have really come to value solid-color, long-sleeved tees as layering pieces. The one I am wearing here actually has an owl design on it, that I don’t really care for, but I bought it for about two dollars off a clearance rack a while ago, with the intention of layering over it, so the small design didn’t matter. I have gotten more than my moneys worth out of this piece, with all of the things I have layered it under in the cooler months. (Which we have many of here in Maine.)

This black tee has enabled me to stretch my Spring and Summer pieces into the cold Winter. For example, here under a Summer dress.

It is another snowy day here, but I noticed the other day that the robins had returned to my Mother-in-law’s garden. Hopefully, Spring weather will come back soon, and with it, the chance to wear my warmer weather wardrobe (say that ten times fast!) on its own again. Until then, layering pieces to the rescue!

(This post linked up at What I Wore Wednesday on The Pleated Poppy)

Sweatery

 

(Outfit Notes: Hat-recently re-discovered in a box, I think I got it at GAP when I was still a teenager working at the mall// Necklace-a gift from hubby’s grandmother// Sweater-recently thrifted for 4 bucks// Skirt- Target, a couple of years ago// Belt-too old to remember// Gloves-a christmas gift last year// Sweater Tights-JC Penney, end of season clearance last winter// Boots-Target clearance last year)

Brrrr! It is getting to be more like true Maine November weather the past couple of days. The shining sun has been a bit deceiving when I choose what to wear. Yesterday, I got caught out and about doing my errands, sorely under-dressed against the chill, and Simon and I ended up running from car to house as fast as we could for warmth when we returned home. I did not want a repeat of that today, so I got to layering some sweaters, and adding extra winter accessories.

I liked the way the sweater and tights echoed each other, and the knit hat and gloves made this a very “sweatery” outfit indeed. Some of the silver beads on the necklace had shapes that seemed fitting with the sweater as well.

It made me happy that just adding gloves and a cozy hat made me so warm that I didn’t quite need a coat. Just barely, though. Soon enough, I will need one every. single. day. But that’s Maine for you.

An Evening of Thrift Shopping

(Outfit Notes: Earrings-Old Navy/Sweater-Target/Tank-Old Navy/Skirt-TJ Maxx/Flip-Flops-Old Navy)

Today was another day of throwing on jeans and a t-shirt to go outside and play with Simon, and then showering and getting dressed in clean clothes in the afternoon. That seems to be typical for weekdays in my life as a (mostly) stay-at-home-Mom.

I also went out for a little “Me” time this evening (which I wrote about over in my main blog), and I chose to spend that time thrift shopping. Thrift shopping is a perfect way for me to just zone out for an hour or two and find some fun, new, things for my wardrobe without spending a lot of money.

Since I have started to develop a bit of a system, I thought I would share it with you here.

First-I go to the skirts. Skirts are something I love but don’t really need, so I find it fun to start there. I flip through, pulling out anything that looks interesting and giving it a look-over for quality. If it looks good I grab it to try on.

I go to the fitting room in-between each section or two, because there is a limit of 5 items in the fitting room. So, for example, tonight I tried on 4 skirts, then a few pairs of pants, then two rounds of tops.

Second-I do the pants. These I am most picky about, and less likely to buy second-hand unless they are totally free of wear-and-tear. The reason I am so picky is that I rarely find pants that fit me. However, I know a few tried-and-true brands that flatter me well, and I know the right size in those brands too, which helps me narrow it down.

Third-Shirts. There are so many shirt categories at the place I shop, so this is the most time-consuming section. However, it is also fun for me because of the variety. I find that you cannot go by size alone when thrifting. I have fit into everything from XS to XL and all sizes in-between. So I don’t limit myself to just browsing one size unless I am feeling more lazy, or have less time that day.

After I have tried all the clothes on that I feel like trying, I wander through the shoes, bags, and jewelry.

Tonight there was a long line, so I popped over to the children’s books and found one in new condition that I love for only 50 cents, so I grabbed that for Simon. I might have to make a separate trip just to look at all the books. There were some really awesome looking vintage children’s books there today that I would love to go hunting for again.

I have also been accumulating a bunch of tips about thrift shopping for you, but I will be sharing those another day. Until then, here is a peek at what I found tonight: a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, a sweater, and a pencil skirt. Add the book I bought, and my grand total was $16.

A Jeans And Flip-Flops Kinda Day

(Outfit Notes: Tank-TJ Maxx, LOFT brand/ Belt-TJ Maxx, came on this tunic/Jeans-Kohl’s/Flip-flops-Old Navy)

Speaking of haircuts…I got one today and I love it. I felt like taking some snapshots today, just because I always feel so good after a haircut.

Today was also a pretty standard day around here of playing with Simon, and taking care of his general needs. We played a lot of elaborate make-believe games, made popsicles together, and created a tunnel out of chairs and blankets in the kitchen. I was productive in the motherhood department, but didn’t even get dressed, beyond putting on a bra and combing my hair,  until after 2 pm.

So when the time to venture out into public came around I threw on jeans and flip-flops, with this cute tank that I always throw a belt over because it is so flowy. I didn’t even wear jewelry, which is very unlike me. I usually have a funky beaded necklace or some earrings on.

I suppose the point of this post, besides the haircut, is to show that some days are for just grabbing some clean clothes. Besides, making a wooden block fire house and rescuing Bert and Ernie off of a roof is important work you know.

My First Foray Into Pattern Mixing

(Outfit Notes: Earrings-a gift from my darling nephews//Top-GAP brand, Thrifted//Belt-Maurices//Skirt-Thrifted//Sandals-Target)

I have seen a lot of other women mix their patterns up a lot lately, and have wanted to try it out. Wearing solids all the time may be safe, but it means clothes with fun design and pattern get worn less, and it hinders wardrobe creativity. I know that when you mix patterns, there are certain guidelines you can follow to make sure it looks like you are dressing on purpose, rather than just throwing things together and appearing a bit clown-like.

I will be figuring this list of guidelines out as I go, but the one I used on this day was to keep my patterns in the same color palette. The blue and white stripes of the shirt match the blue and white colors that are present in the skirt, which pulls the whole thing together. I also wore matching blue earrings, and kept my shoes and belt neutral.

I have to say, I loved this outfit. It was comfortable and fun, and made me feel festive for the Fourth of July celebration we were having.

Do you mix patterns? If so, are there any “rules” you follow?