A Thrifting Adventure

My oldest daughter gifted me a thrifting scavenger hunt for my birthday. While my actual day was back in early January, we just recently got to go on this fun little adventure. When she showed up at my house she gave me this cute little printout with the instructions and the list of fashion items I was to look for. This was for fun, so most of the items for the outfits I did not purchase, but we both succeeded in buying a few things. Ha, ha.

I didn’t find everything on the list as our time was limited and we also had to stop for lunch, but I was able to find 17 out of the 26 prompts. It was a lot harder than it seems because you are dealing with limited inventory. For instance my first prompt was Cowgirl Chic. While you might be able to find a western shirt, or skirt, or even a vest, you might have a harder time finding boots, or a cowboy hat. This is the outfit I came up with.

Cowboy Chic

Becky found the dress and I found the tee shirt. I should have looked for a pair of ankle boots or a jacket, but as I said time was limited.

Neon on Neon on Neon

I must say, this is a pretty cute outfit, but I generally am not a leggings type of girl, and I don’t wear neon very often. Maybe if I found just the right pieces I would be more inclined to wear it, but this was what I came up with for the prompt.

The Most “Not You” Thing that You Actually Look Great In - or Mary Ann Vibes

I most definitely felt like Mary Ann from Gilligan’s Island in this cute cropped top and navy blue capris. Actually, I thought I looked pretty cute in this outfit, but it just isn’t my normal vibe, and the fact of the matter is, if I don’t feel comfortable in it I probably won’t reach for it.

Impossible Patterns

I had to ask my daughter for a bit of clarification on this, but it was pretty wide open. It could be a pattern, like this, that was just out of the ordinary, or it could have been a wild print mix. I actually liked this button down so much I bought it. It has all the artsy feels and I do love a good artistic rendered clothing piece. Plus it has so many colors in it, so unlimited possibilites.

Touch Me Texture

I saw these wide wale corduroy overalls and thought, “My dream come true.” I have been looking for overalls for a number of years, but have not been able to find a pair second hand. These were cute, and cozy, but unfortunately too small. I wasn’t able to zip the side zipper all the way up, even when I untucked the heavy sweater, which I did purchase. Oh well, I will keep looking!

Neutrally Neutral

This was a fun combo, and both my daughter and I benefitted from it. I bought the cozy, soft textured pants, and she bought the waffle weave sweatshirt.

Heels Made for Sitting

If only, I could still wear heels like this! Actually, I never wore heels like this. Ha, ha. But they are cute. I did stand up in them, but being that I have osteoporosis, I decided to not risk trying to walk.

Breaking the Rules

This was a hard one, because frankly all the rules have been broken in the fashion industry. From wearing underwear as clothing, to men dressing like women and so on, I really don’t think there are rules any more. I decided to go for a bit of an eclectic print mix and also the skirt is like a very soft blanket. I think it was meant to be worn as a a swimsuit cover up of sorts. It is very much outside of my fashion box.

Something from the Men’s Rack

This was another piece I purchased. It is a beautiful men’s shirt with a textured feel. I wanted to add a few more neutral pieces to my wardrobe since so much of what is in my closet falls into a color category. Neutrals are great to have when you just want something more understated, or want to emphasize your accessories or another piece you are wearing.

Weirdest Handbag

What can I say about this bag? It’s just very, well…weird. Ha, ha.

Wear it Backwards

This was a fun challenge and I was lucky to find this stretchy jumpsuit. You can hardly tell the back from the front, except that worn backwards the butt area is a bit tighter and the pelvic area looser. This was a cute piece, but neither of us bought it.

Wear it Inside Out

I wish I would have take a picture of this dress worn the right way. It was a fully lace piece with this nude underlay. While it was a bit short for my taste it worked well for the prompt.

Inspired by a Fictional Character

If you guessed Jessica Fletcher from Murder She Wrote you are correct. Jessica is my fictional persona. What could possibly be more fun then being a writer who jets all over the world and helps solve mysteries?

A Color You Don’t Think You Look Good In

If you have followed me for a while, you know that I say, no color is off limits. With that being said, I do think certain colors look better than others. I am not an Oxford gray girl. I think I look much better in a charcoal gray. This was a cute and comfy sweatshirt, but I didn’t buy it. I just would wear it when I have so many other better color choices.

Sentimental and Significant

As soon as I saw this button down shirt it reminded me of tops my mom used to wear in the summer time. I felt like crying. I almost bought it just for the purpose of wearing her close to me, but I didn’t. There will be another lady somewhere that will enjoy wearing this piece.

Four Seasons in One Outfit

Summer

Fall

Winter

Spring

This was actually the first outfit I put together, and I really liked how it turned out. I did end up purchasing this dress, and the navy blue tiered dress that I used for the Cowboy Chic prompt at the top. I really want to get out of my jeans with everything rut, but with everything going on in our lives right now it has been hard. However, we have a wedding of a friend coming up in April, so I will probably wear one of these depending on the weather.

Stay at Home Cozy

I wanted to just wear this outfit out of the store, it was so cozy. I thought long and hard on the oversized sweater dress, but I didn’t buy it. I did, however, purchase the sweat pants. They are amazingly soft and comfortable. They are a heavy weight, drapey fabric, so they might work as a pair of pants. I’ll have to do some playing around with them.

This was a very fun day with my oldest girl and it made me feel so good to be able to spend time with her and enjoy the fun of shopping. We also had a great lunch and a good talk. Rebecca also took all the pictures on her phone. Thank you!

I hope you enjoyed this thrifting adventure. I am going to look at starting the Pantone Spring color soon, so please keep checking in. I appreciate all you love and support.

Have a great day!

Pantone Autumn/Winter 2025 - New York: Primrose Pink, Damson, and Mauve Wine

I am making an attempt to get back on track on my Fashion page, by introducing the Pantone Autumn/Winter 2025 color palettes. I thought if I started a little earlier, you could take the inspiration and actually shop your closets for some of these colors to wear this fall. Starting with the New York palette, I hope to also cover the London Palette next month.

Today’s outfit is a pretty work wear look that uses the palette’s lightest color Primrose Pink, paired with the medium Damson purple and the darker Mauve Wine. I really like how these colors work together, giving a nod to the parting pastels of summer and to the incoming darker hues of fall. You can see the actual colors in one of the Pantone pins on my Pinterest board here.

I got dressed, did my makeup and was all set to take pictures outdoors and then it decided to pour. By the time I took these shots the sun was coming out again, but the grass and trees were soaked, so I decided to stay in doors.

I went through a few color combination iterations before I finally settled on this trio, but I really like how it turned out. Let’s look at all the pieces.

I decided to use this thrifted herringbone blazer for the Damson medium purple color. My photos don’t do the purple color justice, but it is what it is. This is a vintage piece from a U.S. manufacturer called Cape Cod Match Mates. The research I did said these were made in the 1970’s and 80’s. The pieces are easy wear, durable, and a stretchy polyester blend that holds its shape well. It also said they mostly made patterns that were bold and fun. I have one other blazer by them that is a darker blue and red plaid. You can see that on my Instagram page, here.

The Mauve Wine color of my floral blouse is actually under the Classic Colors on the New York palette. I was surprised. Usually, the classics are more neutrals or dark navy blues or black. It was nice to have a different option and this color is one I love for the fall and winter. This piece is a second hand Loft brand. Dark florals are always a winner for fall.

My Primrose Pink pants have made an appearance on the blog before. These Christopher and Banks trousers are a great choice when I want to look a little more dressy. You can see them styled here in a casual Easter outfit,

Since there was a tiny bit of green in my blouse, I reached for this Charming Charlie tote bag that I have had for a few years. I thought it keeps the summer element in the outfit along with the pink pants, after all we have about five more weeks of summer before the actual seasonal change.

I added a sparkly necklace just to add a bit of pizzazz!

These slip on Oxfords are an older second hand find and brand called Enzo-Angiolini. I don’t often wear anything other than casual shoes like sneakers and my Converse since I no longer have an office job, but I do hang on to shoes like these so I have options if I ever need to dress up a bit.

What do you think of these colors? Which of these three do you like the best? I always enjoy getting your feedback so leave me a comment or two.

I’ve included a few shopping links for you to look through. These links are brought to you at no cost. These are affiliate links. If you purchase an item through my link I get a small commission. I appreciate all you support. All opinions are my own.

Have a great week!

Color Play: Trending Spring Colors - Pistachio and Petal Pink

I thought I would cover two of the spring color trends that are being talked about, because you know I love color. The thought that these two colors would look good together was obvious to me and certainly is a nod to spring. Click here to read more about Glamour’s 10 Key Spring 2025 Fashion Trends.

Pistachio is a light green that is a bit different from mint in that it leans more toward yellow, thought not as yellow as olive. I think it is a pretty color and, as with many colors, comes in differing hues and shades.

Petal pink is a pretty spring time pink with purple undertones.

Today’s outfit was built from thrifted pieces in my closet. The sweater is a bit more purple than the Petal Pink color, but if you could see the actual piece it definitely has pink undertones throughout.

My pullover sweater is an unknown brand as the label was cut off. It is a boxy cut, so I decided to try a trick I have seen a number of bloggers and Instagram gals use. I took a belt and put it over the sweater at about my natural waist. I then proceeded to pull the top half of the sweater up and fold the resulting extra over the belt. Voila, a peplum top, of sorts!

Style Tip: Don’t be afraid to try different things to make your clothes work for you. If you don’t already follow Jodie from Jodie’s Touch of Style, she is the queen of giving you tips and tricks to make your clothes really work for you. Be sure to check out her blog. Alterations are great if you know how to sew, but using a hair clip, or a belt like the above example, is a way to make a top, skirt or dress fit a little better without seamstress style alterations.

My thrifted maxi skirt looks like it was a bride’s maid dress in a previous life, but someone cut the top off and gave it a proper waistband with elastic in the back to make it a wonderful full length skirt. Silky skirts are in for spring, so this was a great find when I purchased it a few months ago.

Style Tip: Do you still have a bride’s maid dress hanging around that you just don’t want to get rid of? Why not think about making it into something new, like a skirt, a top, or even a vest. Be creative!

I decided to add this thrifted faux leather quilted vest to add an edgy element to an otherwise soft and feminine look. It is a brand called Selene Sport. In addition, with spring not officially here for a few more weeks and the warmer temps even slower to follow, a vest adds a warm layer around you core.

Style Tip: Use a vest to add warm and interest to any outfit. It is also a great piece to add when an outfit needs a bit of cinching in at the waist, especially the more fitted waist coat types of vests.

I kept my accessories relatively simple. The longer, pendant in a soft shade of pink, and the gold beaded bracelet keep the outfit feminine and refined. The tall, black, SO lace up boots add a bit more edgy vibe with the vest, and the floral, Dana Buchman bag is a direct nod to spring.

What do you think of this outfit? Would you wear something like this? Do you have any clothes that you have altered to make different pieces? I love to hear you thoughts and ideas so be sure to leave me some love in the comments.

I’ve included a few shopping links. These are affiliate links brought to you at no extra cost. All opinions are my own.

Have a great week!

Begin Again, and a Look at What I Have Been Wearing

Hi everyone. What was originally going to be a one month hiatus has turned into nearly two, thanks to my new normal. I am trying to come to terms with the idea I have a chronic illness; a muddled mess of chronic sinusitis and asthma, each one individually trying to be managed, and at the same time exacerbating the other when one goes awry. In my vast experience (ha, ha) of 3 years I am seeing a pattern of sinus infection almost always leading to worsening of asthmatic symptoms. There seems to be a definite connection, though you will hear little of it from the medical community. Indeed, I am learning it is imperative we do our own research and keep looking for answers while trying to maneuver an overburdened medical landscape.

That is part of the reason for my disappearance from regular posting on my little blog. My hubby and I were able to take our meandering vacation in May without any issues, other than the car having a few hiccups. I am so thankful, because it was after that I got sick, and that would have ruined a really relaxing trip.

Here I am doing what my counselor so often tells me to do and that is, begin again. I will be starting out slow, but I do want to get a little bit of content out there before the summer is over. Today I am going to share a few of my daily outfits that I was able to post to instagram.

Outfit 1 - Long Denim Skirt and Graphic Tee

I wore this while we were visiting my mother-in-law, before we left for our Meanderings. It was the perfect combination of comfy and cute. I have this skirt in my rotation to be worn again, so I am thinking it deserves its own spot in a blog post.

Outfit 2 - Olive Pants and Peach Top with Lace Cut Out Yoke

I love this thrifted top. It has a cotton liner in the bodice area, and since the entire thing is cotton it is very comfortable for our warmer temps. I thought the combination of pastel peach with olive and blue chambray a fitting outfit for late spring and early summer.

Outfit 3 - Subtle Camo Cropped Pants, Floral Tiered Tunic and Open Weave Shrug

This is one of my favorite outfits I put together since we got back from our trip. Everything but the Sperry sneakers was thrifted. The outfit came together as a result of a print mixing challenge in Instagram, and I always love a good print mix. It was one of those cooler, late spring days, and these pieces kept me completely comfortable.

Outfit 4 - Rewear of Camo Cropped Pants with Floral Peasant Top and Blingy Vest

I always rewear my pants over the course of a couple of weeks between laundry sessions. Rewearing helps keep our clothes from getting worn out due to over washing and saves water and detergent. Do you rewear your clothes before washing? Isn’t the floral mix of print and embroidery beautiful on the sleeves of this piece? The Christopher and Banks vest makes regular appearances on the blog and Instagram.

Outfit 5 - Purple and Blue Striped Maxi Skirt and Graphic Tee

It is a struggle for me to wear things outside my comfort zone. This comfort zone revolves more around what is going on in my life than things not being comfortable due to size, fit, or type of piece. I love skirts and dresses, but my life rarely is conducive to wearing them. In order to not be too stuck in a rut, I am trying to reach for a maxi skirt on occasion and style it for my writing grandma lifestyle. Ha, ha.

This outfit is so me. I love the purple hues in the skirt and the tee is right up my alley. The tee was thrifted, and the skirt was another past Christopher and Banks purchase. I haven’t bought from them since they closed down their brick and mortar stores, but I sure did like them when I was able to shop in person. Since they went to an online only presence I have been less than underwhelmed. Sad!

Outfit 6 - Embroidered Chambray Shirt, Graphic Tee and Dark Wash Jeans

I have had this light wash chambray shirt for years and I absolutely love it. If it has embroidery on it I am sold! I used it more as a shacket, but occasionally wear it as a button down. I don’t like to layer it under other things because I want the embroidery to be a focal point. The floral graphic tee was a Maurice’s find several years ago. The dark wash, ankle jeans are a pair of Lee’s petites that I found at Kohl’s on clearance a while back. I don’t normally buy petites but when looking for an ankle pant they often work.

Outfit 7 - Pineapple Bling Tee and Jeans

A fun, easy outfit. What more can we ask for during the busy, hot, days of summer?

Outfit 8 - Floral Kimono, Oversized Tee and Reworn Jeans

I had an eye doctor appointment the morning before I took these pictures, and my eyes were dilated. That’s always fun. When I stepped back outside after I got home to take these pics, I was pretty squint eyed. Ha. ha.

Style Tip - There are so many ways to take an ordinary jeans and tee outfit up a few notches with accessories including layered necklaces and kimonos. Just because you have a routine of wearing the same type or style doesn’t mean it has to get boring. Jazz up the routine with colors, patterns, layers and bling, even if it just for a grocery store run or a doctor’s appointment. It is amazing how much better it makes me feel to put in the effort. Even when I am struggling with my physical heath.

Outfit 9 - Jeans with Bling and an Oversized Tee

I could not resist this recently thrifted tee. It is not cotton, so definitely not one I will wear when it is super hot, but it is so me. I love murder mystery shows, all the comfy clothes, and feel most comfortable with just a small number of people; although I can handle more like 8 or 10. Ha, ha.

Finding pieces that perfectly fit both your body and your personality is really what makes fashion fun. Graphic tees are great ways to show off the bands, movies, books, and philosophies you like. In the same way accessories can further show off your amazing sparkle. Don’t be afraid to play dress up every day, even the days you don’t feel good.

I hope you enjoyed this look at a few of my more recent outfits and I hope to be back at regular posting soon. Have a great week!

Outfit Inspiration: Gray Days of Spring

We all yearn for the warmer temps and sunshine of spring. We want to see the trees budding into flower and leaf, and smell the fragrance of flowers on the breeze. We are ready to tear off our winter layers, and pull out the tees, light weight sweaters and jackets, and allow our ankles and toes to see the sun. Unfortunately, here in the midwest, spring mosey’s along as if trying to decide whether it wants to settle in, or just bypass our area and let winter reign a while longer until summer blazes into place.

Today’s outfit was inspired by the weather. It is gray, damp, and chilly. There is a chilly breeze blowing, which doesn’t help it feel more spring like. On day’s like these I am still reaching for layers. However, I like to keep the layers visibly lighter and more spring-like in their appearance.

The outfit started around this recently thrifted Rose & Olive knit top. I love the print and after a little research I am not sure if I would call this a Damask, or Ikat inspired pattern. It is quite unique and along with the puffed sleeves and wider banded wrists give the top a very elegant feel. I think it would look lovely with a dark gray skirt or pair of trousers, or a black maxi skirt or jumper. Even pairing it with a dark navy would be fun. You can see I layered a darker gray, long sleeve tee underneath as an extra layer to keep me warm.

Once I chose the top, I thought the best way to give it a more spring feel was to pair it with a light colored pair of pants, so I chose these white, thrifted, distressed Stylus brand cropped jeans. These are very comfy and I am looking forward to wearing them more when the weather gets warmer.

Yes, my shoelace is untied, and I didn’t notice until late in the day. Ha, ha.

I knew I would need one other light layer so I reached for my years old, Christopher and Banks vest. This is a great piece and I regularly wear it as a light layering piece or as a great way to cover some of my middle age bulge. :)

I knew I would gravitate towards my thrifted gray moto boots and my current thrifted gray cross body bag as the perfect accessories to keep a monochromatic feel.

I didn’t want the outfit to be too bland, so I added a sparkly pendant necklace with a tear drop gray jewel, and a cherry blossom scarf, both thrift finds. A girl has to have a little sparkle and glam even if she is just dressing casual. You just never know what a day will bring. I ended up meeting a friend for coffee at a near by coffee shop and I felt very comfy and stylish.

Of course if you get too warm through out the day, you can always remove the scarf and add it to your bag.

What do you think of this outfit? Do you think it evokes the feeling of a gray, spring day? Do you think the scarf and pendant necklace good additions to make the outfit a tad bit more interesting?

I hope you enjoyed this post. I hope that these fashion ideas help you use the clothes already in your closet to create new outfits that will make you feel fresh and confident.

Style Tip: You can make a look like this using any two colors. I chose gray and white, but you might choose navy and tan, or mint green with pale yellow. See what is in your closet and go for it. The outfit formula is simple: top, pants or skirt, vest, shoes, bag, and your choice of accessories. Have fun!

I hope you have a wonderful week.