A Little Old, a Little New

For the most part, I've stuck to my one in one out policy regarding my wardrobe. Having a membership to Gwynnie Bee has certainly helped, a well as having a nice collection of garments that were purchased last year that I'm not bored of yet.

Lately I've been trying to mix newer items in with older items. When I buy something new I try to envision all the items in my wardrobe I can mix and match it with, and what old or ill-fitting item it will replace. 

For instance, this cardigan replaced a similarly colored cardigan that had seem better days. This scarf was purchased because I knew it would add some fun to a lot of existing  items in my closet and that it could be worn in the spring, summer and fall. This skirt and these sandals are both from last summer.

Outfit: Skirt- OldNavy similar from asos; Tank and Scarf- H&M; Shoes- B.O.C similar; Cardigan- Gap Outlet similar

Now if I would just take the giant bag of clothes I'm getting rid of to be sold/ donated... 

PS: If you live in Massachusetts, don't forget to vote in the US Senate Special Election today!!
Learn where to vote HERE.

Mint Chocolate Chip

The chilly New England spring has me turning to cozy pieces in brights and pastels. This sweater was an awesome find for less than $10 at H&M!

Did I mention that up close it looks like mint chocolate chip ice cream? 

Maybe with the mint flats, mint heart earrings, and gingham it's a little too 1950s ice cream parlor?

I'll take two scoops of mint chocolate chip, please! 

Outfit: Sweater- H&M; Shirt- Old Navy; Pants- Torrid; Flats- Lucky Brand via Marshall's; Earrings- F21 

 What colors are you attracted to this spring?

Holiday Wishlist 2012

So I'm a little crazy and started my holiday shopping a few weeks ago, but today officially kicks off the holiday shopping season. What better way to commemorate the biggest shopping day of the year, than with a list of what I want for Christmas? (Mike and Mom- this one's for you!)

image via SquareHue's Pinterest Page

Lots of nailpolish.
So I'm kind of obsessed with nail polish right now. I've been looking into various subscription options, and Square Hue is definitely the most appealing. For $14.99 a month you get three .5oz bottles of polish and they donate part of their profits to an anti- human trafficking group? Sounds awesome. I would love a few months for Christmas!

image via rei.com

A fancy travel mug.
I have a beautiful ceramic travel mug that I love, but on really cold days my coffee is cold before I even get on the train. I'd love a fancy travel mug that would keep my coffee hot for a few hours, like this one from REI.

image via asos.com

The cutest sweater ever.
I never thought I'd buy into the animal sweater trend, but then I saw this adorable Asos Curve Sweater with a Polka dot Robin. I must have it.

image via nordstrom.com

A cozy robe.
When I get out of the shower, I like to put on my makeup before I get dressed. Lately I've been stealing Mike's robe in the mornings while I do this. I could really use a robe of my own like this adorable and cozy Kensie robe from Nordstrom. 

image via modcloth.com

A cross-body bag that can hold everything.
This is another commuter must have. I like to keep my hands free to hold the aforementioned travel mug, and hold on if I'm standing on the subway. I've been looking for a cross body bag that can hold my laptop, lunch, umbrella, wallet, keys, etc. I love this "Truly Gritty" bag from Modcloth.

image via sephora.com

image via ulta.com

Multi-product cosmetic gift set.

I love cosmetics, and I'm always looking for an excuse to try new products. I'd love a sampler set of multiple brands like the In The Glow gift set from Sephora. Or a set of products from one of my favorite brands like the Benefit Sexy Little Stowaways kit from Ulta

A little something sparkly.
Jewelry is, of course, always appreciated, but this sparkly polka dot sweater from JCrew would do just fine:) 


What's on your holiday wishlist?

Foliage and Shopping

The foliage is absolutely beautiful in New England right now! In my walk to the train or bus in the morning, I just want to stop, sip my coffee outside, and take it all in. This past weekend was mostly sunny, so I made sure to enjoy the many parks in my neighborhood and take in the foliage. 

What better for a walk in the park than a comfy pair of jeans, a tshirt, an over-sized cardigan, and some loafers I've had since high-school?

I took these pictures during my weekly scramble to find shopping something to do to get me out of the house while Mike watches every football game ever on Sunday.

Outfit: Jeans- F21+; TShirt- Old Navy; Cardigan- Vintage Men's, thrifted; Loafers- Naturalizer circa 2004

This Sunday? I went to not one, but two Marshalls. After trying on every pair of booties in my size between the two stores, I bought some nail polish, a pepper grinder and some gummy dinosaurs. Success?

Cozy Chic

I love leggings. However, I typically don't leave the house wearing them as anything other than hosiery. It is a rarity for me to find a tunic type garment that is actually long (and wide) enough to go over my hips and provide enough booty coverage for me to wear leggings as pants. So, when I found this flowy gray tunic on super clearance at H&M, I knew I had to have it. I also knew I would layer it under my over-sized, vintage grandma sweater. I love outfits that are as comfortable as pajamas, but still look put together.

I wore this outfit to get out of the house on Sunday while Mike watched foot ball. I ended up going a little crazy at H&M, but since my cold weather professional wardrobe is lacking, I feel I can adequately justify my purchases. 

Outfit: Cardigan- vintage/ thrifted; Leggings and flats- Target; Blouse and Belt- H&M; Jewelry- various 

Maybe I should think about investing in some thicker/ higher quality leggings, so that I can wear leggings as pants more often. 

Mustard Shoes

I managed to take some outfit photos in the morning on Monday! Okay, okay I cheated a little. I took these in the alley area behind my building because I didn't have time to walk down to the park.

Although I cheated, I actually really like these photos. I think the simple gray background and natural light help the colors of my clothing to stand out. Cobalt and mustard might be my favorite color combination for fall. I keep buying mustard colored items. I should probably stop.

Outfit: cardigan- Target; shirt- Old Navy; pants- Macy's; shoes- trade from Buffalo Exchange

Aren't these shoes awesome? They're a little hard to see under the wide-leg pants, but they are a mustard colored loafer with a wedge heel. I know I'm going to get a ton of wear out of them this fall and winter. 

Image via heels.com

I found these wedges in very good condition at Buffalo Exchange and purchased them with store credit I had from trading in some clothes. If you have a Buffalo Exchange in your city I definitely recommend checking them out! You can bring in your new or gently used clothing, shoes and accessories to sell and then choose to receive a percent of the sale price in cash or a higher percentage in store credit. They can be pretty picky about what they take, but it's worth a shot! 

If you're in Boston I recommend the Davis Square location in Somerville over the Allston location. It has a better selection of sizes. I got the chambray shirt dress I wore in yesterday's post is from Buffalo Exchange too! 

Full Price

I almost never pay full price for clothing from Old Navy. They always have a sale, so when I see something I  like I just go back a week later and it's on sale (or I wait until I have a coupon). When I saw this dress, I knew I couldn't wait and risk having it not available in my size. Office appropriate length and neckline? Black and white print that isn't a stripe or polka dot? Sign me up!

 

When I saw this dress my mind started racing with all of the possibilities for styling. I can't wait to wear it layered over tights with boots and a chunky sweater for fall/ winter. For my first spin in it I was going to keep it really simple, but it looked sort of off with the sash that came with it, so I took off the sash and added this red patent belt. 

Outfit:
Dress: Old Navy
Belt: ? Came on a skirt.
Necklace: So Good
Shoes: Spring Step via DSW

Pencil Perfect

It seems counter intuitive to buy new clothes while attempting to purge my closet and down size, but I've been on the hunt for a new black pencil skirt for a really long time. I love pencil skirts, but they're hard for me. My waist is much smaller than my hips, butt and thighs. In fact, I have two pencil skirts in my closet that were online purchases that I can't wear until I get them altered.

When I saw this skirt at Macy's, I knew I had to try it on. I was in the plus size section, so I grabbed the 1X and I was really disappointed when it was too big. As some one who is in between sizing systems, I love it when stores carry the same pieces in plus sizes and straight sizes. I was stoked to find an XL on the other side of the store. Perfect fit! The stretchy fabric is forgiving of my curves, but helps it maintain its shape at the waist.

Outfit:

Tank: thrifted

Cardigan: Target

Pencil skirt: Alfani from Macy's- Standard Size, Plus Size available in store.

Leopard and coral are just too great together.

Do you have any luck with pencil skirts?

Weekend Recap: Flea Markets and Procrastination

It was a beautiful weekend in Boston. Great for spending time with my friend Kelly before she heads back to Texas, but terrible for accomplishing the dozens of things I need to get done before my guy moves into my current apartment temporarily on Friday. Saturday Kelly and I walked along the Charles River and had a little picnic. Sunday we headed to Davis Square in Somerville for the Davis Flea Market and some thrifting.

The Davis flea was small, but had some great vendors. The prices on the jewelry and home goods were a little better than I'm used to seeing at Flea Markets in this area. I picked up a really pretty jade colored stone necklace, and Kelly got a few rings, a necklace, and some quirky vintage tie clips as gifts for her grandfathers.

We also went to the Davis Square Buffalo Exchange, Goodwill, and an upscale consignment shop that I couldn't afford and forgot the name of. I forgot how greatly stock can vary at Buffalo Exchange. While the Allston location is great for accessories, I've found that they stock mostly smaller sizes and clubwear. The Davis location had a lot more items in my size, so I'll definitely have to go there more often. I picked up a chambray shirt dress that is going to be great for fall. I might try and sell some items there next weekend.

Outfit:
Blouse: Old Navy
Shorts: Old navy
Bag: thrifted
Bracelets: Forever 21, thrifted, and my mother's from the 80s
Necklace: Gift
Sunnies: ?
Sandals: Payless



How was your weekend?

Stripes and Coral

After months of searching, I've finally found a maxi dress! I am in love, and I want to wear it every day! I wore it Friday for work and date night.

I originally tried on this Calvin Klein dress in light blue stripes a few weeks ago at Marshall's and I loved it, but the pastel blue and white made it feel a bit like a night gown. Color- wise I also wasn't sure how I would style it. I saw the same style in black and white and instantly fell in love with it. Unfortunately it wasn't available in my size, so I left empty handed. Fast forward a few weeks and I found it in black and white at a TJMaxx on the other side of town! Shopping victory!

I took these pictures with my trusty tripod behind my apartment building Friday morning. I really need to get my butt out of bed early enough to venture downstairs more often, because I'm really pleased with how these turned out. It's amazing what a little natural light can do! 

Outfit:
Maxi Dress: Calvin Klein via TJMaxx available here in navy
Cardigan: Target
Sandals: Payless

Weekend Recap: Two Sundresses

It was a very summery Memorial Day weekend in Boston. I didn't make it to any barbecues or to the beach, but I did spend a lot of time walking around Boston in the sunshine. It's weekends like this that remind me why I love this city, and why I love sundresses. They're so effortless and comfortable.

Saturday it was hot and humid. My beau and I took some measurements of our apartment, had brunch, walked around a bit, and then went to a house party in Cambridge. You may recognize this navy polka dot dress from this post. I have to say that I much prefer wearing it with sandals instead of tights and boots.

Outfit 1:
Dress: Target
Belt: H&M
Sandals: Payless (last year)
Necklace: gift
Sunnies: Forever21

Sunday my beau and I spent the day at the SoWa Market browsing vintage and local art, furniture and clothing and eating delicious food truck treats. I wore denim shorts, but didn't get any pictures.

This outfit is from Monday and was taken in the Boston Public Garden. I spent the day catching up and shopping with a friend who is in town for a summer internship. I also bought these awesome mint green canvass shoes for $13 at H&M and immediately put them on. They are super comfy and will be getting a ton of wear this summer.

Outfit 2:
Dress: H&M last summer
Belt: Target
Shoes: H&M (available in stores)
Sunnies: Forever21



Want to keep up with me on the weekends? Follow me on twitter!  What did you wear this weekend?

Another Polka Dot Dress

Happy Friday, y'all! Are you as happy as I am that it is a three day weekend? I will be taking some measurements of my future apartment, hanging out with my beau, doing a little thrifting, and spending as much time as possible outdoors

This is the third polka dot printed dress I've added to my closet in the past year. I can't imagine it will be the last. I am a little addicted. I was initially attracted to the solid colored mint green version, but unfortunately the only dress left in my size in that color had a giant makeup stain on it.

I love the shape of this dress, it reminds me of something Zooey Deschanel would wear and it makes me want to spin! My only complaint is that the pale pink patent leather looking belt that came with the dress is so big that I had to poke an extra hole in it.

Outfit:
Dress and Belt: H&M
Earrings: Yard Sale!
Bracelets: thrifted
Flats: Payless.


What are your plans for the long weekend?

Thank Goodwill It's Friday!

TGIF everyone! Between all the rain we had this week and my four day weekend last week, this week has felt like the longest week ever. I wanted to take a moment to do a quick post about my first ever blogger event. Last Thursday I attended a behind the scenes event at Goodwill Boston's headquarters. The event was hosted by  Melissa and Amy of the Swapaholics. I'll admit I was a little intimidated at first, but I felt instantly welcomed by all the women that attended!

Goodwill generously provided us each with a 50% off coupon and some time to shop in the massive Huntington Ave store. I was overwhelmed by the sheer size of the store and ended up saving my coupon for a trip to my local store in Jamaica Plain. I'm glad I did because I found an awesome JCrew Denim Jacket for only $5 with my coupon.

After shopping we got to hear more about Goodwill's services, mission, and then tour their awesome distribution center.

Did you know that about 86 cents of every dollar spent at one of their stores goes directly to their amazing programs and that they are able to sell or recycle almost everything that is donated? For more information about Goodwill Mass check out their website, follow them on twitter @Goodwillboston or check out their Facebook page. 

Be sure to tweet about your favorite thrifted or vintage finds every Friday with hashtag #thankgoodwillitsfriday.

Live in the Boston area? Here's an awesome 20% off coupon to use at any store in Eastern/ Central Mass.

My Outfit:
Shirt: H&M Conscious Collection
Blazer: Forever 21- last year
Scarf: Target
Bag: Jason Wu for Target
Jeans: Forever 21+

*** All pictures from the Swapaholics' post about the event.

One Time Only Skirt

I bought this skirt at Goodwill last year without trying it on, washed it and put it away to wear when the weather got warmer. I love the color and I was excited to add a little Maxi to my wardrobe.

After a day of wear this skirt is going in the donate pile. It's a touch too short and a bit too big in waist.I spent the day feeling frumpy. The color is perfect, so I'm sad to see it go, but you can't win them all! At least I got my $1.50 worth.

Outfit:
Skirt: thrifted
Shirt: Old Navy
Cardigan: Old Navy
Sandals: Payless
Earrings: Forever 21

A New Dress!

I've said it before, but just in case you didn't know, I love dresses! On a recent trip to H&M I was really pleased to see that they had a lot of really cute dresses under $30, and even more importantly they had a lot in my size. I've been disappointed in H&M's plus size collection, but the increase in the number of size 12 and size 14 dresses 've been seeing at my local store kind of makes up for it. This dress was 50% off so it was only $17!

Yesterday was a really chilly day. It was windy and rainy and in the 50s, so i reluctantly put on some tights and boots with my pretty summer dress. Hopefully this is the last time I have to break out the tights and boots.

Outfit:
Dress:  H&M
Cardigan: Old Navy
Boots: Coconuts via DSW

Yellow Pastel Pumps EBEW

This is my first time participating in Everybody, Everywear. This month's challenge was to wear pastels. What a great excuse to finally wear my vintage yellow pumps! I wanted to get a little more into the theme, but I'm in the middle of washing about 3 weeks worth of laundry! I am so glad I put a reminder in my google calendar to wear pastels, because otherwise I would have totally forgotten.

I found these pumps with the tags still on at Goodwill. They fit perfectly and are so comfortable! They're totally 80s, but I have definitely noticed that cone shaped kitten heels in bright colors are making a comeback.

Outfit:
Blouse: Forever21
Cardi: Target, very old
Pants: Target
Shoes: thrifted
Bracelet: thrifted

I also want to send big thank you to everyone that sent me well wishes as I battle allergies from hell. My readers are awesome! I'm feeling much better now, excpet for a little cough.

Working Blues

I bought a coral pencil skirt at Target a few weeks ago without trying it on. It fit kind of funny, so I decided to take it back. I still wanted to add a colored bottom to my closet, so when I saw these pants on the rack I had to try them on.

I probably didn't need another pair of blue pants in my closet, but I can wear this pair to work! The best part? I had coupons for both the pants and the shirt!

Outfit:

Shirt: Target- Merona

Pants: Target- Mossimo

Wedges: Madden Girl via DSW

Renewal

On Sunday I revisited Urban Renewals, a thrift store in the Allston neighborhood of Boston that I'd been to a few times before, but never with much luck. I am really glad I decided to give it a second chance. I found two pencil skirts, and a new with tags Banana Republic Blouse all for $9! I was really excited to wear this pencil skirt. It has pockets!

I know I keep ranting about this warm weather we've been having, but I love spring. Despite the allergies, it has always been my favorite season. I love breaking out my sundresses and sandals, and putting away my boots and sweaters. These metallic wedges were an end of the season clearance purchase last year, and I couldn't wait to wear them again.

Outfit:
Blouse: Old Navy Clearance!
Cardigan: Target, very old
Skirt: Old Navy, thrifted
Shoes: Payless end of season clearance last year

Like a Rock Star

It was about 70 degrees in Boston on Sunday, so I was really excited to wear my new Madden Girl wedges. You may recognize them from this weekly wishlist. I had been coveting them for weeks, so imagine my excitement and surprise when I found them in the DSW clearance section for 70% off! $12 wedges? Yes please!

There's something about wearing skinny jeans with heels or wedges that makes me feel like a rock star. Maybe it is because a few extra inches on my 5'7" frame makes me a giant? I definitely had some swagger in my step on Sunday.

Outfit:
Blouse: Forever 21
Jeans: Old Navy
Wedges: Madden Girl via DSW
Bracelet: thrifted necklace

Stripes and shopping limits

This shirt is another Old Navy clearance find. I only paid $5.50 for it and I've already worn it twice! The stripes look like they were hand painted with water colors, and I really love the twisted neckline. Who says curvy girls can't wear horizontal stripes? 

My beau and I are moving in together in September. I'm super excited, but moving is super expensive! Moving related expenses are making my already tight budget tighter than usual, so I am going to start to institute a strict shopping budget. For March I'm allotting $125 for clothing, accessories and cosmetics. Check my progress on the side bar --->

Outfit:

Shirt: Old Navy

Pants: Target

Boots: Coconuts via DSW