Navy and Wavy

Outfit Notes: Cardigan-old // Dress-thrifted for $4 // Tights-Target // boots-old // naked vintage  lady necklace-old, found in a craft shop

Ever since I had Simon, my hair has changed. It is thicker, and naturally a bit wavy if I allow it to air dry. Because I spent the first 28 years of my life with stick-straight fine hair, I have had no idea how to deal with this, and usually just round brush or flat-iron it out. Recently though, after letting my hair air-dry, I decided to leave it alone and see how it felt for a day to have waves in my hair. I ended up liking it and getting a lot of compliments. So when I went in for a much-needed bang-trim the other day, I asked my stylist if she could teach me how to style my waves, and cut some layers back in to encourage them more.

She showed me how to scrunch my hair up after washing it, and use my diffuser to really make the waves come out. She showed me a couple of products that would help the hairs curl and hold them, and then she told me to avoid drying my hair all the way, so that the air drying could help my hair do its thing.

I absolutely loved the result, and the waves lasted even the next day after I ran a brush through them in the morning. I will definitely be “wavin’ it up” on the days when i have more time to get ready in the morning.

Thrifted Finds

I have been cooped up in the house for the last several days, taking care of my sick little one. Yesterday, I needed a break so I went thrift shopping while Daddy and Simon stayed home, and I found a few new items:

~The tank top was only two dollars plus change, and is a silky fabric with a pretty print and a very flattering fit. It will be great, paired with a pencil skirt for summer days that call for something a little bit dressier, or with a cardigan over it the rest of the year.

The skirt is something I have actually been looking to find for a while now, and I found this one for five dollars. I have been trying to find a casual skirt that will be great to toss over a swimsuit at the beach, or to wear to picnics, barbecues, and other casual summer activities. This one is made of a cotton blend that stretches, and it feels as comfortable as wearing sweatpants.

Finally, I have wanted a leopard print belt for a long time, but belts are very expensive, and as you might have figured out by now, I very rarely pay full price for anything. So when I spotted this one for two dollars, I did a little mental happy dance.

I am looking forward to mixing and matching these new finds with my wardrobe.

Have you done any thrifting lately?

Double Plaid

I recently wore my thrifted plaid tunic in two different casual ensembles:

Outfit Notes: Cardigan Sweater-Gift // Plaid Tunic-Thrifted // Necklace-Gift // Jeans-Old Navy // Shoes-Monnetonka, at TJ Maxx // Bag-Mexicali Blues

Outfit Notes: Plaid tunic-Thrifted // Denim Skirt-Target, old // Leggings-Target // Shoes-Minnetonka, from TJ Maxx // Bag-Mexicali Blues

The first outfit was for a weekend day, and the second one was actually worn to work at the library. I love this tunic because it is super comfortable. I sometimes worry that it looks a bit like a maternity shirt, because it is so loose and flowy in the waist, but that same “flowy-ness” is also why I like it.

Even though the tunic is plaid, it is black and white so it acts like a neutral to my outfits. I like to add a pop of color with it, as I did with the shoes and necklace here.

See other ways I have remixed this tunic here and here.

(Linked up at The Pleated Poppy)

Pink, Shimmer, and Shine

I was co-director of The Vagina Monologues this weekend in my community. It was a lot of hard work, but also so much fun. We raised money for a great cause, sold out the theater both nights of performance, and had a terrific time. This was my fifth time performing in this show, but my first time ever as a director. After each night of performance, we received great feedback from the audiences, and I felt so proud as I watched them laughing, and being visibly moved by our show.

Unfortunately, I did not get a lot of pictures of myself during the whole weekend event. I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off, getting women lined up for their turn on the stage, handling minor crises as they arose, and making sure everyone had their scripts, props, and anything else they might need. However, this week’s piece for Style Imitating Art is so festive and pink, that I wanted to share my ensemble from the show for the challenge.

Pink Bow, by Jeff Koons

The shirt I am wearing was purchased back in January, for a night of dancing on my birthday. It was twelve dollars at Forever 21. My pants were only seven dollars at my local Goodwill, and served as my pop of pink in the ensemble. (Everyone in the cast wore black with a pop of red or pink.) My shoes can’t be seen in the photo, but I found them still listed online so you can imagine what they might have looked like as part of the outfit. They were ten dollars at JC Penney on the clearance rack, and I loved how they sparkle. I call them my “dancing shoes”.

The painting for Style Imitating Art, chosen this time around by Jess of Animated Cardigan, depicts a bold, bright, shiny, pink party bow. It seems to shimmer and glow with light. I feel like my sequin top, sparkly shoes, and neon pink pants go with the color and shine of the work. And since the painting is of something from a party, and our show was a party, celebrating women, the two go together quite perfectly. 🙂

Peachy Keen

Outfit Notes:
Necklace-Gift
T-shirt-Thrifted
Cords-Kohls, old
Shoes-TJ Maxx, old

Here I am, on a casual Wednesday. The weather cannot decide what it wants to do. It is sunny one minute, dark, cloudy, and wanting to rain the next. I spent the morning and afternoon tidying up after my toddler, getting an adjustment at the chiropractor, and reading parenting articles.

I almost didn’t bother to post today, fearing this outfit to be too boring and plain. But, I prefer the style blogs that show everyday outfits–stuff I can imagine myself wearing, and that seem doable for every budget. Real-life style. Clothes you can play with play-dough in. 🙂

When I wear simple, casual clothes like this, I always feel like I need at least one little pop of personality. A chunky necklace, some crazy earrings, fun shoes. Just something to spice it up a bit. Today I added my orange stone necklace to this peachy colored shirt. This creates a focal point to the outfit because the two colors are similar, and makes it more fun. I am also wearing an orangey-colored lip gloss that matches the shirt almost perfectly.

I suppose if the weather won’t stay bright, at least my outfit can. 🙂

No Socks!

(Outfit Notes: Cardigan-Target // Tank-Old Navy, on sale for $2 // Skirt-Thrifted, H$M brand // Leggings-Sears, when my local store went out of business // Flats-Target, old // Scarf-too old to remember)

Today was the first time all year that it was warm enough outside to wear flats with no socks. I also did not need a coat or jacket, my cardigan and scarf were sufficient. This was very fitting, since this weekend as a family we celebrate the return of Spring.

We spent a bit of our time in the outdoors at my parent’s house, and I was soaking in as much vitamin D from the sun as I could. The warmth and sunshine really brighten up my mood and make me feel optimistic.

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)

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”.

Pink Pant-ther

(Outfit Notes: Necklace-Target // Grey Sweater-Target last year // Pink Jeans-Thrifted // Boots-Target Clearance)

Today I dressed for a day at home with my little guy. We ended up outside, having a snowball fight, and then I stood keeping warm in the sun, sipping coffee while he climbed “mountains” of snow. (Really though, they were piles that only went up to my waist, but mountains to him.)

These pink pants are cropped, so I haven’t figured out a way to wear them in cold weather without boots. Otherwise, it looks like I have a length problem. Hopefully soon, this snow mess will melt and I can pair them with cute flats or sandals again!

(Linked up with What I Wore Wednesday at The Pleated Poppy)

Not Quite Spring Flowers

(Outift Notes: Necklace-a gift // Sweater-Thrifted // Long-sleeved tee-Maurice’s clearance rack // Cords- Kohl’s last year // Booties-TJ Maxx)

This was my casual and comfy, yet Library appropriate, work outfit from yesterday. I almost changed about ten times, because everything I was wearing was so grey, but comfort won out. Plus, I felt like the necklace was the real star of my ensemble anyway, and it stood out nicely. It was a Christmas present from my Mother-in-law, and it matches this recently thrifted  purple-flecked sweater very well.

Today  we are having yet another snowstorm, despite the fact that tomorrow is the first official day of Spring. Apparently, if I want to see flowers, I will have to wear them in the form of clothing and accessories for now.