Color Play: Pantone Autumn/Winter NY Palette - Tomato Cream, Moonstruck and Buckthorn Brown

Today I am combining the last three colors from the Pantone Autumn/Winter 2024 New York Palette. Tomato Cream will definitely remind you of the familiar soup. I still have cans of Campbell’s Tomato Soup in my pantry and use them regularly. My mom always used water to make the soup when I was growing up, but when I got married to a Wisconsin man who loved dairy I learned to use half a can of milk and half a can of water, or if I have skim milk, I use a full can. It makes the soup creamier and it takes on this orangey red color.

Moonstruck is a medium gray and reminds me of the gray skies of fall and winter that just hang around, but don’t produce any rain or snow. For this sufferer of Seasonal Affective Disorder those gray clouds are the worst! Just rain or snow, already. Ha, ha.

Buckthorn Brown is an earthy sunshine color. It tends towards yellowish gold, but is not truly yellow. I think their idea was buckskin, but without the bad press that animal skins or prints have for many people. I do not have an issue with leather, but I do prefer it is sustainably and responsibly sourced. Fast fashion is not good for our environment and certainly not for animals who are used just to make a buck…pardon the pun! That being said, I do like this color. It is a nice change from our darker browns, and gives our wardrobes a peppy vibe.

My outfit for these last three colors is very casual. This is more in line with my every day looks, so for those of you who are not working, or are working from home, this might be for you.

To see the actual Pantone Autumn/Winter 2024 New York Palette colors just click on the link. I do the best I can to match the colors with what I have in my closet, so they differ slightly.

My Tomato Cream Tahari open front cardigan was a clearance find from TJMaxx a few years ago. You can see how I styled that with a white sleeveless sweater, a fall graphic tee, and in a monochrome fall look from last year.

My Gloria Vanderbilt Moonstruck jeans have been around for a while. It seems every time there is a Pantone series, I bring these out as there is always some sort of gray. You can see them styled with a red and white striped tee, and with a red plaid blazer.

Buckthorn Brown is really more of a brownish gold or yellow, but I thought this Sonoma tee from Kohl’s was a pretty good match. Kohl’s has always been a great place to find basics like short and long sleeve tees, pullover sweaters for the cooler weather and fun tees with holiday motifs. I don’t shop there much any more due to my lack of need for clothing, and due to my love of thrifting. Ha, ha.

I kept my accessories pretty minimal. My necklace was a more recent thrift find, and might seem a little to fancy for this casual look, but I like the contrast of dressy and casual, and the color goes well with the Tomato Cream cardi.

I chose blue for my bag and my sneakers, just to play off the blue flowers in the tee. My bag is an old thrift find, a brand called Nine & Co. My sneakers are Keds.

What do you think of these colors? What did you think of this fall’s New York palette? What colors were your favorites? I’d love to get your feedback, so leave me a comment or two.

I’m including a few shopping links. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Color Play: Building an Outfit Around a Bag

When I found this cute color block bag on a recent thrift store run, I knew I had to style an outfit around it. The colors are perfect for spring, summer and fall, and for me, the size is just right. I have gotten away from carrying large bags, because they tend to bother my shoulders. Even a cross body bag that is larger becomes problematic because I put too much stuff in it. You know the saying, “If it’s big, fill it up!” Ha, ha. I may have just made that up.

Aren’t the colors on this piece so cute? This has no brand name on it anywhere.

There were lots of choices I could have went with for an outfit. For a little while I was looking at a white maxi, but decided to save that for another day. I also pulled out a pair of coral pants, but ended up with the look you see here.

For this look I decided to have a similar color block vibe to the bag. I am looking forward to using this bag again for inspiration with a print mixing outfit.

I was pretty sure I wanted to use this thrifted teal blazer as it matched so well with the bag. Obviously this is a great outfit for these spring days where the temps fluctuate, but once summer hits the heavier layers will disappear. This blazer is a brand called Weekenders. It is a medium weight with a longer silhouette, and textured cuffs that match the shawl lapels.

Once I decided on the white Gloria Vanderbilt jeans that I have had for years, and can still squeeze into…and I do mean squeeze…I knew I wanted a coral piece to match the coral in the bag, so I chose this thrifted Cherokee shell, which I decided to use as a knit vest.

I also wanted to add a little black, so decided on this thrifted Chaps blouse with polka dots. Once I had that the only jewelry I added was this fun pendant necklace I found at the second hand shop around the corner.

I have always like the classy look of oxford shoes, so I pulled out this black patent leather pair I have from my days as an assistant manager at the bookstore. These are a brand called Sugar.

Do you have a bag that you can use to inspire an outfit? Have you ever tried building an outfit around a fun, colorful bag? What do you think of this outfit? Would you wear something like this? I would love to hear your thoughts.

I’m including a few shopping links for you. I bring these to you at no extra cost. These are affiliate links which means I get a few cents if you click on a link, and a bit more if you purchase something through one of the links I provide. I appreciate all your support. All opinions are my own.

Have a super week!

Shopping Our Closets - Utility Vest

Today’s outfit revolves around a utility vest. Vests are great pieces to have in your closet. Whether you wear them as an extra layer in the winter, or style them as a fun topper in the summer, a vest can add interest and depth to an outfit. Spring is the perfect time to pull out those lighter weight vests and change up your looks from dark, cozy colors to lighter pastels and brights.

Style Tip: Try using olive as a neutral in your outfits. It is a nice change from the typical tan, beige or gray, and works great in any season.

My Mudd brand vest was a clearance find at Target a few years ago. I have a few utility jackets, but I liked that this was a vest, and is made of a soft, medium weight fabric making it perfect for warmer days. For those of you who like pockets a utility vest is a practical workhorse for your wardrobe.

I just nabbed this Croft and Barrow puff sleeve top on the Kohl’s clearance rack. You know how I love embroidery and the sleeves on this were pure perfection. While the whole print isn’t embroidered, but the combination of print and embroidery really stands out.

I wanted to show you another ankle length jeans look. Last week I showed you a wide leg jean. This week is a thrifted, Gloria Vanderbilt, straight leg version, and once again, it is in a lighter wash. These are also a pinstripe, which is harder to find, but you can’t really tell unless you get close.

I knew I wanted to do something pink and gold for my jewelry so I chose this floral statement necklace and the gold bracelet for a bit of bling.

My bag was a clearance find at Meijer a few years ago when velvet was trending. My sneakers are Sperry’s.

What do you think of this outfit? Is this a style you would wear? Do you have a utility jacket or a utility vest? How do you like to wear them? I love to get your feedback, so leave me a comment or two.

I am including a few shopping links. These are affiliate links. They are brought to you by me and I do not receive compensation for your clicks, but only if you make a purchase through the link. These are provided for your benefit, to give you ideas and options for items you might like to purchase. All opinions are my own.

Buy Me a Cup of Coffee. I provide this link for you to monetarily support my blog. I do not make money on my blog, but I do sacrifice my time to bring you fresh ideas and thoughts. If you enjoy these posts this is a small way to support my efforts.

I hope you are having a great week.

Shopping Our Closets - Unique Cardigan: A Casual Valentine's Day Outfit

I am pretty sure all of us have a unique cardigan in our closets. This would be the piece that has a different pattern or print that you simply love, but aren’t sure how to use it in an outfit. It has been hanging there for a while, and you are starting to think you should just get rid of it. Don’t do it, until after you have read this post. I am hoping to give you style tips on how to take that unique cardi and turn it into a masterpiece of an outfit.

I found this thrifted cardigan recently at my local thrift shop around the corner. I liked that it is a bit shorter, so for me gives the appearance of a cropped cardigan. It’s actually a petite size, so the sleeves are a tad short, but again this gives it a different look.

Style Tip - Always shop all size sections at thrift stores and even at full priced retailers. Sizing has become such a circus of silliness today. A size 12 now can be worn by someone who wears a size 10 or someone who wears a size 14, depending on the manufacturer. A small might fit someone with a very petite frame or it might be way to big.

Obviously, I was drawn to the color and the Fair Isle pattern on this piece. It actually has some wear around the button holes where the threads are starting to fray, so I need to see what I can do to fix it. I like that it has the red, white and a touch of olive green, so a great piece for Christmas, but also a bit of pink which makes it perfect for Valentine’s Day.

In order to build this outfit, I started with my unique sweater. I thought about pairing it with jeans, but then decided I needed to get out of that box. Seeing as I have several olive colored pairs of pants, I knew that would be a good choice. Thus, my Gloria Vanderbilt, olive, cargo skinnies. Black or white pants, or a skirt would have been another good choice.

Style Tip - When building an outfit start with the most colorful piece, then choose the rest of your pieces using colors from that. You can do this with a scarf, a bag, a top, a cardigan, a skirt or even a pair of pants that are very colorful.

My oddly colored long sleeve tee was a clearance find at Kohl’s. It really is a nondescript color. It leans towards an extremely washed out olive, but could also be seen as a very light tan or beige depending on what you wear it with. It is very light weight, so my thought was it would be a good layering piece, especially as the weather warms up.

Style Tip - Colors can be deceiving, which works to our benefit. A color can look quite different depending on what other color it is paired with. This is especially true for lighter colors in the green, orange and yellow categories. Depending on what you pair them with they might look more blue, pink or beige. Do an experiment and hold one of your lighter colored tops next to a variety of more saturated tones and see how it changes.

My jewelry also mimics the color tones in the sweater with the pinks, reds and olive greens. I thought this beaded necklace made a beautiful statement against the drab backdrop of my tee. Especially, with the somewhat monochrome look of the tee, pants and ankle boots.

Style Tip - Accessories are a great way to show off your own unique personality. Your shoes do not have to match your bag and your jewelry can be a whimsical - this is what I feel like wearing - choice; no matching required

I chose my faithful SO ankle boots and then added the bright red bag to pull it all together. (Don’t mind my blue socks! Ha, ha.)

What do you think of this outfit? What would you have done differently? Tell me about that unique cardigan in your closet and how you plan on using it to build a fabulous outfit.

Note in the picture below, the olive threads in the sweater look more beige. Maybe color is as fickle as fashion. Ha, ha. As my photographer daughter will tell you, color is definitely influenced by lighting.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Leave me some love in the comments. Your comments help keep my blog interesting and also keep it growing. I am including a few shopping links for you to look over.

Thanks for stopping by the blog.

Pantone Autumn/Winter 2022 - New York Palette: Samoan Sun, Martini Olive and Chiseled Stone

Today is my last post for the Pantone Autumn/Winter 2022 New York palette series. I decided to do a flat lay for a change due to several factors that are affecting my ability to get posts done. The first is time. I do not know where time goes, but it sure seems like I have less of it than ever before and I am not even working a regular job right now. Second, I injured my knee a few years ago and recently I tweaked it and it has been very painful. I have an appointment Thursday to have it checked out, but I knew it was going to be hard to get pictures done with changing clothes, running up and down the stairs and going outside, so I thought a flat lay the next best thing.

The three colors today’s outfit revolved around are great colors for fall and I think this outfit would be perfect for a casual Thanksgiving celebration. My yellow Samoan Sun sweater is a thrifted Old Navy piece. It has more orange undertones to it, but I still think it works great for this outfit.

My Chiseled Stone striped tee is another thrift find from a brand called Company Ellen Tracy. I looked up Ellen Tracy and it is a clothing retailer with some nice pieces. You can check it out by clicking on the link. The brand seems to exude class and modesty. Prices are a tad high for my limited resources, but I like to show you retailers you might be interested in. If I had the money, I would definitely shop this brand more often.

My Martini Olive utility skinny pants have made multiple appearances on the blog. They are Gloria Vanderbilt brand. You can see these pants styled with a floral bomber, a light weight pullover, a snakeskin print jacket, a floral dress, a lace vest, and a floral dress as a jacket.

My accessories were simple and I chose to emphasize the black to coordinate with the stripes in the tee.

I love this simple charm pendant necklace. It adds a touch of interest to almost any outfit without being overly garish. I couldn’t even tell you where I got it, but knowing my past shopping habits it was either thrifted, or bought at Kohl’s or JC Penney. Ha, ha.

I’ve shown you this black Aidebam bag on the blog before. I got this one from Amazon, but Amazon’s inventory changes pretty regularly and I don’t see this exact style on there anymore. I will include a few shopping links at the end. Here is a very similar one.

These black boots are a very recent thrift find. They were my size and I loved the “witchy” vibe of them. They are a brand called Rampage. I have a wedding coming up and right now I am planning to build my outfit around one of two pairs of ankle boots. I also found a blue velvet pair, another thrifting treasure that I wasn’t lookin for, (but I was). I hope to do a blog post next week on what to wear to a fall wedding using the outfit I come up with. Keep a look out.

Style Tip - The right shoes or boots with an outfit can absolutely make the outfit. If you are not sure about which pair of shoes to wear when going to an event or celebration, try on a few different pairs. Remember, heels of any height will upgrade a look, even when wearing distressed jeans and a tee. If you are going for a more casual look, then think flatter souls and a heel that is an inch or less.

I hope you enjoyed this flat lay and the conclusion of my Pantone series. From now through the end of the the year I hope to bring you holiday inspired and winter looks. Leave me a comment or two, letting me know what you thought of this outfit. Which was your fave in the series? 1 - Lava Falls, Amazon, and Arctic Wolf, 2 - Orange Tiger, Nosegay, and Autumn Blonde, 3 - Rose Violet, Caramel Cafe, and Polar Night, 4 - Waterspout, Midnight and Loden Frost or today’s.

I am including a few shopping links for you to look over. Remember these are affiliate links, which are brought to you at no extra cost. You do not pay anything extra to purchase something through one of my links. In fact, it helps me by putting a few cents into my pocketbook. I really appreciate every little bit.

Have a great week!

Pantone Autumn/Winter 2022: Lava Falls, Amazon and Arctic Wolf

Here we are, once again, looking at another color palette from the Pantone Color Institute. For the next few weeks I will be concentrating on the New York colors. In the past I have tried to give you both palettes, but with changes in life, so too come changes with the blog. For now, I want to bring you the New York palette which was where the institute was founded in 1962. From the Pantone website it looks as though the London palette was added in 2017.

For this look, I wanted to combine the bright red of Lava Falls with the energetic green of Amazon and see if I could come up with an outfit that didn’t look like I was getting ready for a Christmas get together. Let me know in the comments if you think I pulled it off.

My Lava Falls flag tee was a thrift store find this summer. Unfortunately, I didn’t have it washed to wear for Independence Day celebrations. When I was pulling clothes for this series, I saw the tee and thought, why not. Our gratitude for our country and our freedom shouldn't be restricted to one or two days a year, just like Thanksgiving shouldn’t be the only time we dwell on what we have to be thankful for.

This Amazon green sweater was new from Christopher and Banks a few years ago. I love a longer cardigan like this for fall, and an open front cardigan has no buttons or zippers for things like coats or bags to get caught on. Most of the time, I leave my cardigans open anyway to show off the top underneath, so an open front piece is a great choice.

Arctic Wolf is a creamy off white and these thrifted Gloria Vanderbilt pants probably tend towards a little more gray where as the actual Pantone color has more yellow undertones. However, you get the idea and when it comes to the color cream, off white, ivory or whatever title you want to give it, they are all in the white family.

For accessories I went with black to go with the black stripes on the flag. My black bag was an Amazon purchase a few years ago and is Aidebam brand. My sneakers are new to me, a thrifted pair of Vans high tops with a fun floral design.

For jewelry I added a simple choker pendant. I found this at a thrift store and love the pressed flower look of the pendant.

What do you think of these colors? Would you wear them together, or do you think red and green are strictly for Christmas? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I’m including a few shopping links for items in similar colors. These are affiliate links, which means when you click on a link, I get a few cents. If you purchase something through my site, I get a little bit more. I appreciate each and every click.

I just tested positive for Covid yesterday, after my hubby tested positive on Friday. Our two friends who came for the weekend have also tested positive. I feel so bad, but here we are. I would appreciate good thoughts and prayers, as with my asthmatic condition it puts me in a higher risk category. Thank you everyone!

Have a good week and stay healthy.

Pantone - Autumn/Winter - 2021 - London Palette: Green Bee, Downtown Brown, and Olive Branch

Hi everyone! November is zooming along and I am still trying to get back into some sort of rhythm, not only here on the blog, but in life. Anyone who suffers from a long term illness can relate to what I am talking about. Not being able to sleep for such a long period of time and still dealing with unresolved symptoms make it hard to get back to what I would say is a normal routine. However, I know there are people who are struggling with much worse situations and I am thankful that I am able to do as much as I can. In fact, this past weekend, we were able to travel to celebrate my mother-in-law’s 80th birthday with her, so that was good.

Unfortunately, there has also been other difficult things along the way. My son-in-law lost his grandfather this past week and I know that has been a great loss for the whole family. He was a dear man, a wonderful painter and loved his family, so he will be missed. As many of you can relate, it seems as we get older, we see loss happening around us at a more frequent pace. This too is part of life, and for me knowing God is holding me and my loved ones during these times, makes it a little less painful.

Now on to another outfit. As I said last week, while I am wildly behind, I decided to go ahead and show you these Pantone London Palette outfits as possible sources of inspiration for Thanksgiving Day wear. Many of you will be celebrating with friends or family and it is a good reason, to get out of those sweat pants and dress up a little bit, if just for your own mental well being.

You can’t go wrong with a pair of trousers, a pretty top and a fun scarf and bag. Obviously, you can pick your colors, but I chose to combine these earthy tones for a look that is a mix of military meets, moto chic.

My Downtown Brown moto jacket is a thrifted piece that I have styled on the blog before. It is a brand called Celebrity Works. I do like this medium milk chocolate brown. Browns can be tricky to wear, especially when they contain a little too much gray or a little more red, or well, you get the idea. A true brown is hard to find, but I think this brown hits the mark, so thank you Pantone for that one.

You’ve seen my Olive Branch pants numerous times on the blog as well. As I look at them in these pictures, I am thinking I might need to find a replacement pair. These are starting to look worn and really don’t look very flattering. Of course that may have had something to do with my chubby thighs. Ha, ha. These were Gloria Vanderbilt brand and I probably got them at Kohl’s.

For the Green Bee color I chose a thrifted Studio Works popover top that I did the front tuck on, which gave it the blouson effect. I also added the Green Bee paisley print scarf. The thought to add the Dana Buchman floral bag was a last minute addition, but I like how it pulled everything together. A fun floral bag is a great addition to your wardrobe, especially when it can serve multiple season duty. This one works just as well in spring, summer and fall.

I chose my trusty Olive Branch SO ankle boots for my shoes. My ankle boots definitely get used in these cooler fall temps.

What do you think of these colors? Would you wear an outfit like this to your Thanksgiving celebration? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so leave me some love in the comments below.

I am including a few shopping links. These are affiliate links and are brought to you at no extra cost. If you click on a link, I get a few cents. If you purchase something through one of my links I get a few more pennies. I appreciate every penny! All opinions are my own. Please note, I am not familiar with all of the retailers I list in my links, so be sure to read and understand their return policies in case something doesn’t fit or isn’t to your liking.

I hope you enjoyed today’s post. Until next time, have a great day.

Photo credit Jessica Trumbull with Rebecca Trumbull.

Oh, Olive! Utility Vest - Workwear

Tuesday you saw the casual look with the olive utility vest. Today we are going to look at a casual workwear look, that would be easy to take from the work place to a casual evening out. Once again the vest will take center stage, but will be complimenting a floral blouse, instead of floral pants and a denim skirt.

Just as a refresh, the olive vest is Mudd brand, a clearance find from Kohl’s. My blush floral print top (Fall Trends) is this season’s purchase from Maurices and branded Coco and Jamison.

This blouse reminded me of things my mom used to wear as I was growing up, so I felt it almost had a bit of a retro vibe. The cut is more boxy and the sleeves longer making it a great piece to put under this vest. I actually put a cami underneath. You know I am all about modesty and I guess I really am a bit of a prude when it comes to things being low cut or too short, but that is me and that is what I am comfortable with. This blouse is really not that low, but I wanted to feel like if I bent over I was safe. It’s probably just me, but hey that’s who I am.

My medium wash denim skirt was a thrifted Gloria Vanderbilt piece. A denim, pencil skirt like this is so versatile and not restricted by the seasons. Wear it with a casual sweatshirt and sneakers in the spring. Style it with a blouse like this for summer. Add tights, ankle boots and a sweater for fall and try it with knee high boots and faux fur in the winter. You can’t go wrong with a denim pencil skirt.

I thought gold accessories would be a good compliment to this outfit. I then finished off the look with my SO olive colored ankle boots and my blush bag.

What do you think of this outfit? Do you have a utility vest?

I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know what you think of the color olive and how you would style it.

I am including a few shopping links for you to look over. These are affiliate links, which means I get a few pennies every time you click on a link. If you purchase something through my blog, I get a few extra cents. I appreciate all your clicks. Even more I appreciate your comments and encouraging feedback. All opinions are my own.

Have a great weekend!

Oh, Olive! Workwear Look

Tuesday I showed you a casual look with olive pants and today I am showing you a workwear look that might be doable for the office. We are looking at the color olive as a neutral. I know many of us have olive in our wardrobes and are becoming more aware of what a great color it is. Tuesday, I showed you how well it goes with orange and white. Check out today’s outfit, which combines dark florals and black for a sassy look.

I found this fabulous dark floral Time and Tru dress while thrifting on one of our trips. I had started really looking over the dress racks at thrift stores recently after seeing Instagram gal, jbowenandcompany using a button up dress like a kimono. It makes a piece like this so much more versatile. When I decided to do this series on olive pieces, I knew this dress as a duster would be a perfect topper for a fun workwear look.

Once again, my olive Gloria Vanderbilt skinny pants are the focal piece. This time I paired them with another neutral, black. My black v-neck polo is a sleeveless piece that I found thrifting a few weeks ago. Black and olive has always been a classic combination. Throwing the dark floral piece over the top really makes the outfit pop.

You’ve seen these Clark peep toe shoeties on the blog before. They are great shoes, I just really have no place to wear them right now. I know many bloggers and Instagram babes who post outfits they are actually wearing, but some of us have a more laid back approach. I would wear these and this whole outfit if I had an office job, but right now I don’t. Still, it is fun to have choices, and to be able to show you all a few of my fun wardrobe pieces, even if I don’t wear them as often.

I thought adding the light blue bag would pull out the light blue in the duster and with the dark florals it still gives the outfit a summer feel. You could have done the same thing with the light pink, yellow, or white. For the same reason I went with the light blue pendant. Just that little extra pop of color adds more interest to the outfit.

What do you think of this outfit? Have you ever worn a button up dress as a duster or kimono? It is a great way to extend the use of your dresses. If you are like me, you don’t have too many excuses to wear a dress. I know some ladies wear them all the time, and if my legs were less blemished by veins, I probably would too, but using a dress in this way still gives me an excuse to get more dressed up.

I hope you enjoyed this post. I am going to include a few shopping links for you to look over. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Have a great weekend. I will not be posting next week once again, as I am going to spend the week with my mom while my brother and his family are out of town. I’ll be back the following week. Until then, take care.

Oh, Olive! Casual Look

It is old news that olive is the new neutral, but that doesn’t mean everyone knows how to wear it. Olive is not everyone’s perfect color, although, you know me. I think everyone can wear every color, if you find the right shade. Olive is not olive, is not olive. In other words, there are varying shades of olive, just as there are varying shades of red, yellow and every other color. Olives can vary from yellowy browns to almost gray. My husband has numerous types of camo for various types of hunting, but almost all of them have olive in common. However, they are not the exact same shade of green. Knowing this, I decided that a few posts on how to wear olive, might be a good idea for this middle of the summer time. Do you feel like summer is zipping by faster than the Eurostar train running from Britain to France? Before you know it, it will be time for the Autumn/Winter Pantone series.

If you follow my Instagram account, you know that I styled this look over there, minus the vest on Monday. We started a style challenge this week called #stretchyourstyle . Using things we already have in our closet we come up with outfits to go along with the daily or weekly theme. We are doing colors this time and yesterday’s was olive and orange. That was all I needed to inspire me for what I wanted to do next on the blog.

You’ve seen these Gloria Vanderbilt skinny pants on the blog before. They were a Kohl’s purchase from a few years ago. These are a work horse in my closet and the fact that they are olive was the frosting on the cupcake of fashion. They have a good amount of stretch, but don’t loose their shape. They are casual, but can also be dressed up, which I will show you on Thursday and they make a great neutral color. You can see them styled with a floral bomber jacket, a lightweight graphic sweater, an olive vest and top, a snakeskin jacket, a floral dress, and peachy print top. If you click on the links they will take you to the original posts.

Let’s talk for a minute about what makes a color neutral. The best way to describe it is a color that can go with all other colors. Colors like black, navy, tan, and white have long been considered neutrals. More recently olive has become a favorite neutral, able to be combined, not only with the other neutral colors, but with colors that vary from light to bright and everything in between. I honestly cannot think of a color that I would not pair well with olive.

My thrifted pineapple top is Elle brand. To go along with that I put on a gold belt and did the front tuck, so the belt is visible. I also added a simple gold necklace.

The open weave knit vest was a thrift find on our anniversary trip. It is Jordache brand. I just love the pretty detailing on this boho piece.

For Mother’s Day my husband gave me a gift card for Nordstrom. I only shop there occasionally, as their prices are a little higher than what I usually feel comfortable spending. However, Nordstrom Rack is a better option as prices are slightly less, and the gift card works for either. I got online and started looking at clearance and sale items, and came across these Sperry olive colored sneakers. I knew they were going in my cart. I have been looking for a pair of olive colored shoes for the warmer weather and these are perfect. They are comfy too, so that is a plus.

You’ve seen this pale green tote on the blog before as well. This is from Charming Charlie. I love the metal stud detailing along the sides and the contrasting green hues.

Do you have an olive pair of pants? Do you consider olive a neutral? How do you like to wear your olive? I will be showing you a work wear look on Thursday, so be sure to check back for that.

I am including a few shopping links for you to look over. These are affiliate links and are brought to you at no cost. If you click on a link, I get a few cents and those cents do add up after a while, which I really appreciate.

For more outfit fun, be sure to check out my Instagram, where I post almost daily with my typical every day looks.

Have a great day!

Spring/Summer - 2021 - Eyelet, Luxe Leather, and Long Necklaces

I am continuing my look at Spring/Summer trends today with a focus on eyelet, metallic faux leather, and long necklaces. I have always like eyelet. I think it is a pretty, feminine material that is light weight, making it perfect for the warmer weather. Besides the feminine aspect of eyelet, I also like the textural element that a fabric like this adds to the outfit.

This top is Universal Thread brand. I added a similar colored tank top underneath for warmth. I thought it was appropriate that this top also has puffed sleeves since these are trending as well, as you saw last week. I personally like the puffed sleeve better when it is puffed at the end of the sleeve on a long sleeve top like last week’s. However, when I saw this top at Target, I fell in love with it, and I do like the way it looks. It will be a fun piece for summer with cropped pants and sneakers, or a skirt and flats.

The choice to wear my straight leg high waisted Gloria Vanderbilt jeans was a no brainer. The embroidered flowers on the leg, not only fit in with the fantasy floral trend, but they also went so well with the top. As I have said before, I am not getting rid of my skinny jeans, but I will gladly wear a pair of straight leg jeans on occasion.

You’ve seen this metallic faux leather moto jacket on the blog before. I got it at Nordstrom Rack and is a brand called Coffee Shop NY. It is a tad tight right now, due to my excess pandemic bulge, but I can still wear it open and I think it looks perfect with this outfit. You can see how I styled it with a camo shirt, and with a graphic tee and pin striped shirt combo.

Long necklaces are in this spring, as I mentioned before. I have quite a collection of pendant necklaces, like the one above, but I don’t think the trend is strictly limited to pendants. I think long dainty chains and multiple layers are trending too, so it really is what you want to make of it. I find almost all of my jewelry on clearance racks and at thrift shops. Once in a while I’ll get something brand new from one of my family members as a gift for Christmas, Mother’s day or my birthday, but otherwise I prefer cheap. Ha, ha.

My large pale green tote is making another appearance. I have used this numerous times on the blog and it was a purchase a few years ago from Charming Charlie. Big tote bags are also trending for spring. I think this often comes around again, because people are looking forward to traveling and going to the beach. We will see if Covid allows these simple pleasures in life again.

I figured since I was styling a moto jacket I might as well add my moto boots as well. You’ve also see these on the blog before too. These were a Kohl’s clearance purchase and are Sonoma brand.

What do you think of this outfit? Do you like eyelet? Do you like to wear moto jackets? Wear do you get most of your jewelry from? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. You are what keeps this blog going. I know I don’t spend time talking about make up or hair products, and other fashion related ideas, but if you would like to see more of that kind of content, just leave a comment and let me know.

I am including a few shopping links. These are affiliate links, which means I get a few pennies if you click on a link. I appreciate all your clicks. All opinions are my own.

Have a great Tuesday!

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

Having Fun with Layers - Light Weight Kimono

I am sure most of us have one or two kimonos in our closets. Typically, we only pull out these light weight pieces when the weather warms up enough that we can show them off over our spring or summer outfits. Kimonos are really more of an accessory than they are an actually clothing item. They are meant to accentuate or be the focal point of an outfit, much like a statement necklace or a scarf. For this reason, I thought it would be fun to show how we can use a kimono while it is still cold, by using it in the same manner, but over an outfit with heavier layering pieces.

This kimono was a clearance find at Kohl’s a few summers ago. It is actually a bit small for me, but since I don’t have to worry about closing the front, I just let it hang open, almost more like an open front cardi or vest. You can see the pretty floral detail, but what you can’t see is that there is also a spattering of light yellow here and there in the pattern. That is why I wore it over the bright yellow sweater.

I love this pretty yellow, St. John’s Bay, cable knit sweater that I got at JC Penney over a year ago. Cable knit sweaters are definitely a staple in my cold weather wardrobe. They are comfortable and can be worn along or with a collared shirt sticking out as an additional layer.

You’ve seen these Gloria Vanderbilt jeans on the blog many times and I swear by this particular pair of white jeans. So far I can still fit into them, which is a good thing, because a heavy weight pair of white jeans, that don’t show through are hard to come by. Ha ha.

I didn’t really need to add a whole lot to my look since the kimono does the bulk of the work. I added some black beads, both at the neck and on my wrist. I also opted for gray Impo ankle boots, and a thrifted Evan-Picone bag. Like my blush New York and Co. bag, this gray piece serves as both a tote, a crossbody and a clutch.

I hope this post will inspire you to pull out that kimono in your closet and give it some love.

I’m including a few shopping links for you to look over. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Have a great evening.

Color Play - More Fall Mixing

My daughter has come into her very busy season and has numerous editing projects on her plate from all sorts of clients, so my Pantone - Autumn/Winter - London Palette series is going to be delayed for a little bit. In the mean time I am falling back to my Thursday columns, so today’s is based on, of all things, fall colors. You just aren’t going to get away from my obsession with color. Ha, ha.

Today’s outfits are centered around a thrifted Christopher and Banks jacket. I absolutely love the muted frenzy of colors and I knew it would be something I could wear repeatedly throughout fall, winter and spring. This is the back of the jacket. It is shaped and feels somewhat like a denim jacket, though the material seems a little less stiff. I paired the jacket with a rusty colored long sleeve tee that I got last year at Maurices. I am going to show you three ways these two pieces can be styled for different looks.

Look 1 - With Jeans

This first look was what I wore on the day I took these pictures. This is a simple look with my Rock & Republic jeans that I have had for years. I added my Sonoma faux suede boots to keep the fall color scheme intact, then I added my purple agate pendant necklace and a purply blue gingham scarf. The last piece to add was the thrifted olive hobo bag. I love the little ruffle on the sleeve hem on the tee. The sleeves on this jacket were the perfect length to let the sleeves stick out.

Look 2 - With White Jeans

For this look I swapped out the regular jeans fro my white Gloria Vanderbilt pair. I also removed the scarf, put on a different necklace and changed the bag and boots. White all year round is simple the rage, and that is one trend I am willing to put up with. These jeans are especially suited to the cooler weather, because they are a heavier weight. They also have a wider leg, so it is easier to get taller boots under them.

These brown ankle boots are a new pair I ordered from Kohl’s. I just love my suede and faux suede ankle boots and wear them all the time. I decided to add this dark brown Nine West pair to my collection because they were on sale and I had a coupon. To go with the boots I chose my thrifted bronzy colored shoulder bag.

Look 3 - Green Skirt

In the final look I chose my thrifted Old Navy tiered skirt, which I have styled numerous other times on the blog. I also added a pale yellow gingham scarf that I bought from the Jacket Society three years ago. Nora always has such unique and beautiful pieces. Be sure to check out the scarves and wraps here. I swapped out my bronze bag for this purple Nicole bag with gold chain handle accents, and my ankle boots for these thrifted mid-calf leather heeled boots. You can see I also added a woven belt that goes with the boots, just for some fun added texture and contrast.

Here are all three outfits side by side. Which one do you like best? Do you have a colorful jacket that you were thinking of getting rid of because you never wear it? How about trying some of these ideas and making your wardrobe work for you?

I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know your thoughts on these outfits. Tomorrow I will have a new Faith post on the blog, so be sure to stop by and check that out.

Have a great day!

I’ve included a few shopping links for printed jackets. These are affiliate links. It does not cost you anything to click on a link to shop, but it might pay me a few cents. Enjoy!

Pantone Fall/Winter 2020 - New York Palette - Peach Nougat, Sandstone & Military Olive

Welcome to another round of Pantone colors. If you are new to my blog, the Pantone Color Institute is an entity that comes up with color palettes for two seasons a year - Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. These color palettes are referred to by members of the interior design and fashion community for designing spaces and clothing full of color and vibrancy. Many of their palette colors are meant to create a feeling of peace, unity and confidence whether at the office or on the runway.

Since becoming a Fashion Blogger in 2016 I have been drawn to the Pantone color palettes as a way to find inspiration for putting together outfits from the clothes in my closet. I enjoy all colors, so for me the two palettes put out by the Institute are a way to challenge myself to look at colors I might not normally wear in a different light. I hope you enjoy this series.

I am going to start with the New York Palette. You can see the entire palette at the end of this post. Instead of doing an intro the color palettes for both New York and London, I am just going to jump right in to the New York colors. As per usual, I am going to combine two palette colors with a classic color, which is also shown on the palette.

There are a number of these lighter more pastel tans on both palettes this season. This is not a color I would normally reach for, however, if you are more into pastels and lighter shades both Peach Nougat and Sandstone might be good for you.

When I originally put this outfit together I thought the sweater was more like Sandstone, but now seeing the pictures, it is much too yellow. However, the thrifted, tie-front tee has both colors in it, so I am making that my Pantone piece for both colors in this post. Even so, I do like the way this outfit came together with a rather neutral vibe.

My camel colored, waffle knit, thrifted cardigan is Old Navy brand. I love this piece and it is the perfect weight for these changing temps. I like that it is a little longer, has pockets and will go with just about anything in my closet. It is showing a little bit of pilling, but these days, if we can wear distressed jeans, why not wear pilly sweaters. Ha, ha.

My Gloria Vanderbilt utility pants have been a staple in my wardrobe and you have seen these appear on the blog over and over. I am so thankful they are stretchy, because my weight has fluctuated over the last few years about eight pounds, up and down, many of you know the feeling. At least with pants that have some flex you can still wear them, even when your weight is up a bit. This year Military Olive is on the New York palette as a Classic Color and on the London palette as a main color. Not sure why that is, but you’ll see I use the color both ways, once you see the London palette colors.

This cross necklace was the perfect accompaniment for this outfit. It goes so well with the shirt, it looks like they are made to go together.

Keeping the look ultra casual allowed me to carry this fabulous hobo bag from Fossil. Also a thrift find. Shhhh! Don’t tell my hubby. He claims I have too many purses. Is that even a thing? Ha, ha.

Lastly, I chose these well worn, thrifted combat boots from Falls Creek. I have had these for quite a while and they are definitely showing their wear, but again, if you like a grunge look, like I occasionally do, then well worn is just right.

What do you think of these colors? Do you have any of these in your closet? Are you a pastel kind of girl, or do you like richer, bolder colors? Leave me some love in the comments. It means a lot to hear from you!

Here is the New York Fall/Winter 20/21 color palette.

I hope you will follow along as I continue this color series. I’ve included a few shopping links, for you to peruse. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own. Have a great day!

Photos and graphics Rebecca Trumbull.

Chambray Dress - Look #3

This is the final look from the sunflower fields at Hirzel Farms. My Massini chambray dress has proven to be a versatile piece and very easy to combine with accessories and toppers to create new and different looks. I think you could do a similar thing with any solid colored dress. For today’s outfit, I wanted to show a look that was more ready for fall.

This pretty, open weave sweater was a clearance find from Kohl’s. I have a number of Liz Claiborne pieces and I really like the feminine, lacy look of this cardigan. The sweater has no closures, which is fine, but what I have noticed is if the piece isn’t folded or hanging just so, the front tends to fold back. I solved that little problem by adding a small brooch to keep it closed and laying flat.

I added the leaf print scarf as another way to add interest. The colors of the sweater and scarf were very similar, so I like how this looks. This is an infinity scarf, which I like when I don’t want to worry about how to tie it.

Since the leaves on the scarf are black, I added this recently thrifted Scarlton bag. Amazon has a lot of these vegan leather bags. I have many purses that are not real leather. They are sufficient for looking nice and serving the purpose a purse serves, but what they don’t do is last. I have several real leather bags that I bought second hand that look brand new. Many of my non leather bags start showing signs of wear after only a few seasons. We’ll see how this vegan leather bag holds up.

My ankle boots are my old, trustworthy, Sonoma suede boots. The neutral color was perfect for this look.

What did you think of this outfit? Do you have a chambray dress, or any other solid dress that you could do looks like these? Leave me some love in the comments.

Here are the three looks side by side. Which one is your favorite?

I hope you enjoyed these sunny pictures. It was fun to take pictures with these yellow beauties. Isn’t God’s creation amazing?

I am including a few shopping links, so be sure to take a look at those. These are affiliate links, so every click you do gives me a few pennies. I appreciate every click. All opinions are my own.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

Thrifted Thursday - Dots and Stripes

Today’s outfit is another one pulled together from my many thrifted pieces. I wanted something casual that wasn’t the same old outfit formula that I have been wearing all summer, which has been skinny jeans or ankle pants rolled up with some sort of warm weather top, whether a sleeveless button up or a light weight tee. I knew I wanted to still wear pants, since I still have to watch my grandson and I never know what I’ll be doing, but I wanted something different. I remembered these salmon colored polka dot pants and knew I had the start of my casual thrifted outfit.

I have several pairs of Gloria Vanderbilt jeans. I am not a huge fan, although I have worn them on and off through out the years. Don’t get me wrong, they are very comfortable and if you want a fairly high waisted jean, most of hers fit the bill. I like my jeans to fit a little tighter. I also like either a skinny jean or a wider bootcut jean. That gives me the notion that I need to do a post on jeans. Ha, ha. So many things to blog about and so little time.

I decided to try a blue top with my bright jeans, for a fun contrast. I tried several solid colored navy shirts, but when I saw this thrifted striped tee, I thought it would be fun to do a little print mixing. This is a comfy tee and is a brand called Cotton On. Some people only buy certain brands and that is fine, but one of the many things I like about thrifting is I get to try so many brands that I would have never heard of otherwise. Cotton On has a whole website with all sorts of pieces for men, women and children, from sweats and tees, to jeans and button ups. Their price points don’t seem too bad and I do like the quality of this tee, so they might be worth checking out. My tee is a Large for reference.

Since we are thinking ahead to fall with cooler mornings and evenings, I thought it would be appropriate to show this outfit with a layering piece. This Dalia Collection button up is another thrift store find. I like the dark wash and it has a soft feel.

You can see that I added a navy belt to my pants. The reason I did this is three fold. First, I almost always wear a belt. That is just me. The second reason has to do with the print mix. Since the prints on both of these pieces are so small, a dividing line is not really necessary, but sometimes a belt provides a border between the two prints, making it more pleasing to look at. The third reason has to do with interest. The belt is wide, bold and has texture; all things that add to the interest of an outfit. I did the front tuck, to make the belt visible.

This is the last thrifted piece in my outfit. I just found this glass pendant necklace at a local charity shop. I thought it was a very unique piece and will go with just about any outfit.

I wanted to make this outfit look more like fall, thus my choice of bag. I think velvet is the perfect touch for an outfit that is transitioning from summer to fall. It adds texture and an element of warmth to any outfit. This was not thrifted, but a Meijer clearance find from a few seasons ago.

My white Keds are a frequent choice during the summer. I know there is not longer a “wearing white” rule, but I do prefer to put away my white shoes in the winter, mostly because I have way too many cute boots to wear that keep my feet a lot warmer. These were also not a thrift find. I think I got these at DSW on clearance.

What do you think of this outfit? How do you make the transition to fall while still using some of your summer pieces? Leave me some love in the comments. I always like to hear you thoughts.

I am leaving you with a few shopping links. If you click on a link, I get a few cents. Every click helps. These are affiliate links, but all opinions are my own.

Pantone Spring/Summer 2020 - Mosaic Blue, Coral Pink and Brilliant White

Today features another pretty blue and a version of a coral color that comes around almost every summer. Just like Biscay Green, Mosaic Blue makes me think of tropical waters, blue skies and palm trees. Coral Blush reminds me of the light pink peonies that used to grow in my mother’s yard every spring. I have always loved peonies for their beautiful, large blooms and delicate scent. Once again, I am pairing these two lovely colors with Brilliant White from the Classic collection of colors.

The sleeveless, abstract print top is from a Kohl’s clearance rack a few years ago. I have always liked Vera Wang’s Simply Vera line at Kohl’s, but have to be choosy about which pieces I buy because of the fit. I love the bright, abstract patterns and the way she combines different textures and styles all in one piece. Her pieces have a little bit higher price point than what I normally like to pay, so I try to find pieces on clearance. The only problem with that is I often miss out on some really fun, eclectic looks because they sell out quickly. You can see some of the other Simply Vera pieces I have styled on the blog by clicking on the links: thrifted navy bag, thrifted cross body bag, embroidered skinny jeans, a floral top, and summer dress.

The Coral Pink long sleeve top that I put underneath matches the Coral Pink splotches in the Vera top perfectly. Obviously if it was warmer I wouldn’t have had to layer, but it is spring here in the midwest. Ha, ha. This coral colored piece is also a Kohl’s clearance find and is Lauren Conrad brand. Lauren Conrad is another brand I like from Kohl’s, but again, unless I find it on the clearance rack I don’t usually buy her pieces. I do love her take on pastels and feminine details.

I’ve also styled these Gloria Vanderbilt jeans from JC Penney on the blog before. These are my favorite white jeans, as they are thick and fit fairly well, even with my extra COVID pounds. Ha, ha. I like the flared style for a little dressier look and they go well with heels.

For my accessories, I thought some pearls would look good. I also grabbed my blue textured clutch and my blush SO ankle boots. Obviously, when the weather warms up I’ll exchange my ankle boots for sneakers and sandals, but these light colored booties work well for spring.

What do you think of these colors? Do you have either of these colors in your closet? I think both of these colors would look good on many complexions. Sometimes coral can be too orange, but this seems to be a happy medium.

Did you like this post? If you did, do my blog some good by hitting the like button and by leaving a comment. I appreciate all your feedback.

I’m leaving you with a few shopping links to enjoy. These are affiliate links and all you clicks give me a few cents here and there. Thank you for that as well. All opinions are my own.

Graphic designed by Rebecca Trumbull.

Pantone Spring/Summer - 2020 - Sunlight, Flame Scarlet and Ash

There are so many ways to combine these colors. I have had a few of you make comments about which colors you like and love to combine. Susan told me she loves today’s pale yellow, Sunlight, combined with Tuesday’s medium pale blue, Faded Denim. What a great combination. I had Karen tell me she usually veers towards the Classic colors, but suddenly realized she had a few new outfits in her closet when she saw last Thursday’s combination of Classic Blue and Chive. I would love to spend most of my blog time just talking about color combinations, because the more I do these Pantone series, the more I realize how many more beautiful combinations there are. However, I know there are other fashion topics to talk about, so I’ll keep the color talks to the Pantone series and my monthly Color Play posts, which will be back soon. Thank you, all of my beautiful subscribers, for your input and support.

Today’s color combination may not have been your first choice. When we think of combining yellow and red my mind immediately goes to McDonald’s. Anyone else have that reaction? Yellow and red seem almost clownish together, but you may change your mind when you see how a pale faded yellow pairs with a stark red. I like it. Let me know what you think.

This thrifted Christopher and Banks corduroy jacket was the perfect Sunlight color. This jacket is soft, flexible, and great for those in between days when it is still cool.

Another thrift find, this Nautica 3/4 sleeve tee is a great spring and summer staple. Not only does it have the bright Flame Scarlet and white stripes, but it bears the nautical sign of the anchor. It makes me think of the anchor of the Lord, that moors my boat in this ever stormy sea called life.

These Ash gray jeans are another thrift find, and are Gloria Vanderbilt. I used to wear Gloria’s jeans all the time, then got away from them. This pair is soft and have just enough stretch to make them so comfortable to wear. I think the length of these is great for summer. How do you like to wear your pant length in the warmer months?

I kept the jewelry minimal and threw on this opera length string of large beads. Doubling it, gives it a fun layered look.

I chose this simple thrifted Jaclyn Smith top handle bag to keep the look light and fresh. This also comes with a longer strap so it can be converted into a crossbody bag. You can see how I styled this bag with white jeans, Bermuda shorts and high waisted jeans.

My Dana Buchman tweed loafers are making another appearance. Loafers are a great shoe for this in between time, before you really want to go out in sandals.

What do you think of this color combination? Have I changed your view on wearing red and yellow together? It would not be my first choice of colors to combine, but I am glad I did it for this series. It helps me to think outside my box. As always I love to hear you thoughts.

Graphic created by Rebecca Trumbull.

I’ve included a few shopping links which mimic this look. These are affiliate links and all opinions are my own.

Flat Lays in the Flesh - Animal Print

On Thanksgiving I will be starting a holiday series that I think you might find inspirational and interesting. That is all I am saying about that right now, just to whet your appetites. Until then I thought it might be fun to revisit a few of the Fall Trends 2019 that I talked about through the medium of flat lays. If you don’t know what a flat lay is, it is simply a way to show an outfit by laying out the pieces on a flat surface, rather than showing them on a person. I find so many flat lays look amazing, but I am always left wondering, what does the outfit look like on an actual person. I hope you don’t find this too repetitive, but I decided to take four of the flat lays I did for my Fall Trends 2019 series and show you what they look like, in the flesh. Let’s get started.

This first outfit features a snakeskin jacket that I found thrifting last spring. This was the flat lay from the original post, which focused on the fall trend of animal prints.

Photo by Amy D. Christensen

This is what the outfit looks like in the flesh.

It was only about 10 degrees outside and as much as I like to play the tough chick, I decided, forget that nonsense, so my daughter/photographer turned her spare bedroom into a studio. She is so good at being flexible and working with what we have. She does such a great job with natural light. There was no flash in any of these pictures.

This Liz Claiborne snakeskin jacket has a little bit of stretch to it, making it very easy to move in. I paired it with a thrifted Banana Republic sweater for this outfit, but you could easily swap in other pieces like a button up blouse, a graphic tee or a lighter weight turtleneck for all manner of stylish vibes. A jacket like this is a work horse in your wardrobe and can be dressed up with a skirt or dress and heels; or dressed down with distressed jeans and sneakers.

I went for a work wear look, pairing the sweater and jacket with my Gloria Vanderbilt cargo skinnies and my Impo wedge ankle boots.

I chose the yellow tote bag to enhance the sunshiny vibe of the outfit, making this a good combination for a cloudy, fall day. This was another thrifted piece.

I thought layering a few fun necklaces would make for an added statement. In the original flat lay I only had the shorter necklace, but just recently I found the long pendant necklace at JCPenney on the clearance rack. They don’t match, but I think the combination works well against the yellow back drop.

Do you think this flat lay turned out to be a good outfit? Do these pieces work well together? Why or why not? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so leave me a comment or two.

I’m leaving you with a few shopping links for fun animal print pieces. Remember Christmas is coming soon and there might be a person or two on your list, who would love an animal print piece. These are affiliate links, which means if you click on a link, I get a few pennies, and if you purchase something through one of my links I get a few more pennies. Ha, ha. I appreciate every penny I get.

Hope you all have a great weekend and thanks so much for taking the time to stop by the blog.

Photo credit (unless otherwise stated) Rebecca Trumbull.

Old Becomes New (or Not)

Have you ever bought something only to hang it in your closet where it seems to disappear? Not that it really goes any where, but you just never reach for it. Or, if you are a clothes horse like me, things have a tendency to actually disappear in between other clothes, in a pile on a shelf or the floor. This is one of the problems with having too many clothes. However, this is not a post about how to declutter, though that may be a good idea for a future date. 

I wanted to start this monthly column to force myself to reach for those items that I've had for a while, but haven't really given much thought as to how to style them. I know many people are very organized. Their closets are pristine and when they go shopping they know exactly what they want to get and how they are going to style that piece with something else. I really wish I was more that way, but frankly, I am not. I love to shop and I love to have lots of choices. Believe me when I say, I am much better than I used to be. In fact I have been trying to cut back even more, so that I am able to put money towards other things we will need, like a new car.

I have a little four door Saturn, a company that does not exist any more, but one that manufactured reliable, simple cars. Mine is a 2002 and it still starts right up, even on the coldest days. I'm going to miss that little beast, but it rattles and shakes and makes lots of noise, so we know the day is coming that it will have to be replaced. 

I would also like to use this column to help me weed out my closet. I thought of styling a piece two or three different ways over the course of a couple months. If at the end of that time, I haven't felt the piece lived up to my original expectations I will get rid of it. 

This week, I looked at my many jackets, blazers and other such pieces and decided to build an outfit using this suit wear jacket. Longer than a regular blazer this light weight piece is rather dull. The reason I bought it at a thrift store is that I thought it would be a versatile piece. I have worn it once or twice to work, but other than that don't often reach for it. 

For this look, I decided to pair the jacket with white, off white and blush. The jacket is a brand called Braetan. This brand currently is known for their coats and outerwear. The one I'm wearing is more of a suit coat without a lining. It is very light weight, so a good choice for a transitional spring outfit. The jacket is plaid, though at a distance it is hard to see and depending on the lighting, it looks taupe, brown, gray or olive. 

I am wearing my Gloria Vanderbilt jeans. I love this pair of white jeans as they are a thicker material and not see through. Here is a pair at JC Penney.

This top, I bought a few years back at Kohl's. I love the cute Bambi print. Lauren Conrad did a whole line of Disney themed pieces, which were very cute and whimsical. While she doesn't have the Disney line at Kohl's anymore, here is another cute top. 

For my accessories, I chose this cute little pink clutch, a recent clearance find at Kohl's and my fun beaded necklace with blush and gray. I added my blush SO flats, but didn't take a picture, since you have seen them so many times before. Ha, ha .

My first impressions of this piece are not favorable. I feel that the jacket is too boxy. I am going to style this piece again next month in this Old Becomes New column and we'll see if it gets to remain in my closet, or gets the boot. 

What do you think so far? is this a piece you would wear? How would you style a jacket like this? Let me know in the comments. I love to hear from you. 

Here are a few Braetan brand coats from Kohl's that would be perfect for spring. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.