Shopping Our Closets: Spring Trends Edition

Today’s post revolves around several Spring 2024 fashion trends. While I don’t follow every trend that comes along, I like to be aware of what is happening from season to season. Frankly, most things have already been done, and just keep coming back into the trend rotation. Certain colors and prints, fabrics and styles come around again and again. For instance, leopard print is once again in; not that it really went out. I always hang on to a few leopard print pieces. That choice is less about what is trendy and more about what I like.

I’m not even going to give you links to forecasted spring trends because they are all so different. One says high waisted pants are out, another says they are in. The same thing for corduroys, and other styles. As I always say, wear the things that make you happy and feel good about how you look and who you are. You don’t need a high priced fashion entity to tell you what to wear. That being said, in today’s post I will share a few of the trends I like.

Prep School

Academic blazers, button down shirts and polos are all part of this preppy aesthetic. You can’t go wrong with a thrifted Ralph Lauren blazer. This is my second Ralph Lauren blazer. You can see my navy blue one here and here.

Style Tip: Second hand stores, and retailers like Poshmark, Ebay and ThredUp are great places to find cast off high end brand names.

Color Combos

This dark gray and brown pairing was another item on the trends list for this year. It seems there are few color combinations that seem a little different, but you know I love a color combo challenge, so this was perfect. Dark gray and chocolate brown would not be my first go to color combo, but I like it.

Cherry Red

Red is in and it speaks volumes, adding a pop of color to any outfit dressy or casual, and there are so many ways to make a statement with red. Try a red top, a red skirt, a red jacket or coat, a red scarf, a red bag, red shoes, or keep it simple with bright red lipstick.

Wide Legs

The wide leg look is sticking around, and you can wear it in any fabric or texture. Dress up in a wide leg trouser for work or a night out, or dress casual with a variety of wide leg jeans.

Metallics and Flats

Metallic fabric is shimmering on the run ways, but that doesn’t mean we have to go all out. Just a little dab of metals is all you need to take an outfit up a notch. I added mine in the form of my gold clutch and my silver SO flats. Flats are also on trend this spring, so take those ballet flats from the back of your closet and let them shine.

I added a few silver necklaces for a layered jewelry look, along with a few silver bangles.

Before going out shopping for new trends, be sure to take a look in your closet. Without a doubt, you have one or two pieces that are back in the trend revolving door. Out of the trends I listed above a nice structured blazer, and metallic shoes or a bag are great pieces to hang on to. They are easily styled with dressy or casual outfits, and are perfect for parties, special events and work.

I hope you enjoyed today’s outfit, and that it will inspire you to check out the spring 2024 trends on the web. You might find you have some of the ones I mentioned or others already in your wardrobe.

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

Have a great day!

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.

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I hope you are having a great week.

Outfit Inspiration - A Spring Look

Spring is here, at least the calendar says so, even if the temps don’t feel quite like it yet. As I worked on taking pictures of this outfit I was glad for my long sleeve tee and bulky, longer cardigan, because, dang it, it’s still cold outside! The sun is shining brilliantly, but not quite up to the task of warming our northern states. It will come, so we just have to be patient.

While we wait I thought it would be fun to post a few spring outfits that cater perfectly to our crazy midwestern changing weather. Fall and Spring are our transitional seasons and our temperatures can fluctuate from below freezing in the morning to the mid 70’s during the day. In addition, we can almost always expect rain, rain, more rain and plenty of wind, all of which continue to make me feel cold and want to dress in cozy layers.

Today’s Outfit Inspiration comes from Pinterest where I have a board titled Spring Fashion. Do you use Pinterest? I find that it can be a great source of inspiration and ideas from everything fashion, to holiday decor to recipes. I get tired of the same thing all the time, and I can’t tell you how many times I walk into my closet and just feel overwhelmed. Pinterest and the challenges I participate in on Instagram help me to think differently about my wardrobe and help me rediscover the joy I get from creating a fun outfit.

Style Tip: Look to other sources for outfit inspiration. Instagram, Pinterest, bloggers, and other social media platforms can be overwhelming, but they can also keep things from getting stale and get you looking at your closet with new joy. If you are not a social media kind of gal, then look at the fashion magazines at a bookstore or grocery store. Even though many of those don’t cater to your average woman, many of them can still give you color combinations, acceptable trends and outfit ideas.

The pin, which I will show you at the end is from an influencer Get Your Pretty On. Founder, Alison Lumbatis has a classic, petite, feminine style that works perfectly for busy moms. You can check out her website by clicking on the link. However, it doesn’t look like she has posted anything since last July, so I am not sure if she is still current. Anyway, the pin is for a spring outfit and features a pink cardigan, light wash jeans, a white v-neck tee, a pink tote, and neutral colored flats or sandals.

This white long sleeve tee is just a basic Hanes tee shirt. Basics like this are good to have in your wardrobe, especially if you have a more casual style. You can see I did a bit of a front tuck and added a pink belt to complement the sweater.

I actually had these Signature Levi Strauss jeans from the clearance rack at Meijer in the bag to return, but when I saw this pin, I began to think about other ways I could style these wide leg ankle pants for spring and summer and decided to keep them. They are super comfy and have a high waist that actually fits over my bulges, making it a good choice for wearing with tees that I might want to tuck in.

My thigh length, open front cardigan is Old Navy brand and was a thrift find. I’d say this has been one of my favorite sweater finds while thrifting. I love the length, the pockets, and the cozy fabric. The fact that it will be useful over three seasons is an added benefit.

Style Tip: When using an outside source for outfit inspiration, think about ways you can change up or add accessories to make the look completely your own.

As you can see I did just that with this outfit. I added this thrifted floral silk scarf for a bit a warmth, chose a coral floral Sonoma bag instead of pink to go with the coral tones in the scarf, and chose my neutral Keds sneakers instead of flats or sandals.

Here is my outfit next to the outfit I pinned.

Let me know what you think? Did I do a good job using the pin as inspiration, and did I do a good job of making the look my own? What would you do with this outfit inspiration? I always love to hear your thoughts. You inspire me to keep posting my blog posts and to keep playing with clothes!

I have added some shopping links to give you more ideas.

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Have a great week!

Pantone Spring/Summer 2022 - NY Palette: Harbor Blue, Dahlia, and Northern Droplet

These are the last three colors from the Pantone Spring/Summer 2022 New York Palette. Today’s colors are festive and fun, the perfect combination for a summer event. I always love a brighter, richer approach to color anyway, so these are probably two of my faves from this palette. Click here to see the actual Pantone colors.

Harbor Blue is a medium blue green giving it a teal vibe, but with a little less intensity. Dahlia is a beautiful shade of purple that reminds me of spring and summer flowers like Azaleas, Cosmos and Pansies. Northern Droplet is a light shade of gray much like an early morning fog over a mountain lake.

For my outfit today, I ended up using a slightly darker gray rather than a light gray. I don’t own a lot of light gray because it is one of those colors that doesn’t do me justice. It is also what I would term, a non color, meaning it doesn’t really do a whole lot for very many people. Certainly there are women who look wonderful in a light shade of gray, but it seems to me that a medium to dark gray is a better choice for most of us.

As of the posting of these photos it is still cool in the midwest. We have had so many gray and rainy days, I am honestly starting to think we are turning into the new northwest and joining our friends in Seattle. However, I did want to give you an outfit where I at least showed a little bit of skin on my legs, just to give the feeling of oncoming summer and warmer weather.

My Harbor Blue bomber jacket was a clearance purchase from ShopNational a few seasons ago. I love the floral textured pattern. The banding at the neck, sleeves and bottom makes it extra comfy to wear. It is a unique piece that I don’t wear a lot, but one that I will hang on to for its versatility and vibrant color.

My thrifted jeans are a brand called Stylus. This appears to be a discontinued brand that may have once been sold at JC Penney and Walmart. I like that they have a tiny bit of distressing near the pocket and above the knee.

My Bambi tee is a thrifted Sonoma piece. When I first got it I knew the print was of deer, but after closer inspection it is definitely Bambi’s silhouette. You can also see my silver necklace that my bestie gave me back in March when we were in NY visiting my mom. I opted for the olive canvas belt because there is a bit of olive in the scarf.

My beautiful scarf was gifted to me by a dear friend who was clearing out her home in preparation for their move to Tennessee. Every time I wear it, I am reminded of her and her husband who moved to be near their youngest daughter, her husband, and their first baby. I just love all the colors in this scarf and feel like it is the perfect piece for every season.

Style Tip: When you don’t know what outfit to put together, pull out a favorite printed scarf. Take cues from the scarf on putting the ensemble together by choosing pieces with matching or similar colors. It really helps for picking out outfits and I do this often, when I am going away for the weekend.

My Ked’s sparkly sneakers are quite old, and perhaps need another run through the washer. I chose my simple Aerosmith tote (a hand me over from my younger girl) for my bag.

Do you like these colors? Would you wear these colors together? Let me know what you think of this outfit by leaving me a comment.

I’m including a few shopping links for you to look over. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own. Thank you for all of your support. Have a great weekend!

Pantone Spring/Summer 2022 - NY Palette: Spun Sugar, Coca Mocha, and Perfectly Pale

Today’s Pantone colors are a blend of earthy and pastels. Spun Sugar is a light, airy blue reminiscent of hazy summer skies. Coca Mocha makes me think of a double scoop of chocolate ice cream and Perfectly Pale is the perfect summer alternative to basic white. See the actual Pantone colors here.

I think these colors are a great pairing for spring and summer. We often think of brown as a fall color, just like we think of white as only a summer color. Well, girlfriends, we definitely needing to change our thinking about color, as in all colors work at any time of year. I will forever love my darker browns, oranges, yellows and burgundies in the fall, but that doesn’t mean I won’t occasionally put them on in the heat of summer. God made color and color is good, all year round.

My Sugar Spun tee is a Sonoma piece. I don’t know that I consider myself wild, but I definitely am glad I live in a free country. That is something I never want to take for granted. I am thankful for all who have fought for so many years to keep our country the free nation it is. I have come to have a deep affection for graphic tees, especially those with words on them.

This outfit is all me. The colors work for me and the pieces are all thrift finds except the necklace, bag and sneakers. The Coca Mocha velvet blazer is a brand called SSA, and is definitely showing wear. I need to do some stitching around the cuffs as it has been wanting to come apart. But overall, I think the blazer still has some wear left in it. This is not something I would normally gravitate towards in the summer, but with our weather being so wacky, I think I will keep this available.

Style Tip: Don’t put your blazers away for spring and summer. Think of them as light weight jackets that you can throw on with cropped pants, capris and even shorts. They make any casual outfit look classy and put together.

My pants are Gloria Vanderbilt and a newer thrift purchase. I knew I wanted a few other lighter weight and lighter colored pants for spring, so this utility pair does the trick.

Style Tip: If pure white is not your bag, find light colored bottoms for summer in pale creams, tans and yellows. You’ll get a similar effect to wearing white and won’t have to worry as much about your colored underwear showing through.

Summer for me means less in the accessory department. I can’t wear most scarves as I get too hot and many of my jewelry pieces make me break out in the warmer weather. These warm months are where I turn to pieces with hippie vibes that use cording, or heavyweight string for pendants and bracelets. I am thinking about taking a few of my hubby’s metal detecting finds and turning them into jewelry, so I guess this would be the time.

My daisy necklace was a Christmas gift from my husband. I like the little quirk it has, because that’s me, just a little quirky. Ha. ha. I am also showing off my round Nine West snakeskin print bag, that I got a few seasons ago from Kohl’s on clearance. Last, but not least, I had to use my bright blue Converse again, since they went along with the Spun Sugar color.

What do you think of these colors? Do you like the colors together, or would you put them with other colors? I love hearing your thoughts and ideas. You inspire me too!

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

Have a great day!

Fashion Fun: One Blazer Three Ways

Everyone should own at least one or two good blazers. What I consider a good blazer is a piece that fits well, is made well and doesn’t show wear after only a few years. I have my own stockpile of blazers, because they are timeless. I do have wool based blazers that I only wear in the fall, winter and spring because they are the perfect classy layer to keep me warm. I also have a few that serve me well in the warmer months in overly air conditioned restaurants and theaters. Today, I want to show you a thrifted piece that I recently found.

I have been looking for a tan colored blazer for a few months. I didn’t care if it was tan, or beige, or camel, I just wanted something in that color family. I now have two. The one I will show you today being the first one I found. Last week I found a darker one at the dollar thrift store in the town south of us. How could I possibly pass up a beautiful blazer that fit me well and made me look like a girl straight out of Pinterest, for only a dollar? I couldn’t! Ha, ha. Do I need two tan blazers? No, and eventually, I will probably get rid of one, but for now I have two.

Outfit 1 - Casual with Jeans

This piece is a brand called Collections for Le Suit and I got it at Goodwill when my husband took me out for my birthday back in January. Looking at it in these pictures shows me that it is a little big. I lost a few pounds when I was sick and have not gained it back. Not being able to taste anything helps with that. Ha, ha. However, it will be nice to wear with bulkier sweaters and sweatshirts in the cold months.

My Apt. 9 jeans are also thrifted, though from a few years ago. I like the darker wash and bootcut of this pair. I have found most of my favorite jeans at thrift stores. It is a great place to find and try brands you haven’t heard of or can’t afford at regular retail prices. My patterned turtleneck is a thrifted brand called Investments Essentials. The funky pattern is what drew me to it.

To complete the look I added a beaded layered necklace, my Very Peri thrifted Merona bag and my old Sonoma heeled ankle boots from Kohl’s.

Outfit 2 - Workwear with Plaid Trousers

These plaid trousers are another dollar thrift find. I didn’t even try them on, figuring for only a buck, I could just donate them if them didn’t fit. What drew me to them were the light blue stripes. These are Mossimo brand.

I decided to pair them with my light blue Sonoma shirt. I got this from Kohl’s a number of years ago. A good chambray shirt, whether a light wash or a dark wash, is always in style and can be worn with so many things.

I finished off the look with silver accessories, and my blue Converse sneakers.

Outfit 3 - Dressy with a Polka Dot Skirt

I found this fabulous black and white polka dot skirt at the same dollar thrift store where I got the pants. How could I resist this classy, flowy piece, especially when black and white is trending for spring. It is a brand called Urban Coco. It has a white elastic band waist making it very comfortable. It also has a partial lining which hits just above the knees. I hope to see this one get some wear this summer.

White tees are all the rage for pairing with blazers, so I thought why not bring that into play here. My simple white tee is a Time and Tru piece from Walmart. This brand has definitely given Walmart a place in the fashion world, and they seem to be affordable pieces meant for real life wear.

For the rest of my look I kept it simple by adding a thrifted pendant necklace, a blag sparkly clutch and my Clark’s open toed shoeties.

If a girl’s got a twirly skirt, the girl’s got to twirl!

Here are the three looks side by side.

Which outfit do you like the best? Do you have a blazer this color? How do you like to wear it? Leave me some love in the comments. I really appreciate it. I am including a few shopping links for items similar to pieces in these outfits. Feel free to look them over. These are affiliate links, all opinions are my own.

Fashion Fun: Men's Oversized Button Down

When it comes to thrifting for fashion, I like to think outside the box. I always peruse all the sizes, because so often size is relative. What I mean by that is, it is relative to the brand. A size 12 in one brand might fit you perfectly, but a size 12 in another brand, might be too big or too small. I honestly believe sizing is different than it used to be. If you shop vintage clothing, at all, you will see that most of the pieces are relatively small. Women tended towards being smaller in the waist, hips, and shoulders than we are now. Not sure why, but it does seem to be the case.

I have also started looking in the men’s section of thrift stores for fun pieces like tees and printed button downs. I like the roomier cut of a men’s medium or even large shirt and they often have textures, prints and fabrics that are different than those on the women’s racks. Today, I am going to show you three different outfits using three men’s button downs that I purchased while thrifting.

Outfit 1 - Men’s Button Down as a Tunic

When I saw this paisley madness, I knew I had to have it. This is Visconti brand. If you type the name be sure to type in Visconti clothing. and you’ll see they have them at Dillards. They also have their own website, but I am not here to encourage you to buy a new shirt. This to encourage you to look at the men’s racks if you thrift, or even if you shop clearance. I absolutely love the colors in this piece and it is easily worn all year round as a top or as a “shacket”.

I topped this look with a thrifted, black Nadia brand, corduroy vest. I added my Simply Vera, Vera Wang skinny jeans and my black knee high boots. The black embroidery on these jeans are what sold me. The abstract floral print goes with so many other pieces.

I didn’t really need to add any jewelry since the print is so busy, but I thought it would be fun to add this piece that has a variety of colors and textures. It blends in, yet also stands on its own.

Outfit 2 - Men’s Button Down as a Work Wear Top

This shirt is Izod brand. This year’s Pantone Color of the Year is called Very Peri. I think it is a very pretty color reminiscent of the Periwinkle flowers, which can come in blue, purple or white. I thought this checked shirt fit the color well. One thing I have to do with most of the men’s shirts I purchase is roll up the sleeves, but rolling up the width of the cuff is just the right amount, so you can hardly tell.

My denim pencil skirt is also thrifted and Gloria Vanderbilt brand. I like the length of this and if I still had a reason to wear a skirt would definitely be wearing this often. I added the navy hose to cover my veiny legs and thought the black, thrifted Nine West loafers gave it a work wear look. I also added the denim blue cloth belt and the dark purple agate pendant necklace. My thrifted, Merona bag, also brings in that Very Peri vibe.

Outfit 3 - Men’s Button Down as a Shacket

I’ve had this thrifted, Ruff Hewn corduroy button down for a few years now. I love the color and typically think of it as a fall piece. It is soft, warm and roomy, so a perfect piece for wearing over lightweight sweaters, sweatshirts or long sleeve tees.

I wanted this outfit to have more of a spring vibe, so I went with my Sonoma floral joggers, and a thrifted light pink Express short sleeve tee. I opted for metallic accessories including my silver Sketcher sneakers, pewter hand-me-over bag, and my silver and copper necklace.

Here are the three outfits side by side.

I hope you enjoyed this look at how to style a men’s oversized button down. It is fun to explore other options in your fashion wardrobe, and you never know when something you try will become your new favorite style. Which outfit was your favorite? Do you wear men’s clothing? How do you like to style a men’s or women’s oversized shirt? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so leave me some love in the comments.

Thanks for stopping by the blog. I have provided a few shopping links for your enjoyment. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

What's Trending for Spring 2022?

Even though I don’t follow trends closely, I still like to do a post for you about what the fashion gurus are saying is trending for the upcoming season. I typically look at websites known for their fashion panache such as: Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and a variety of others. You certainly can do a search under Spring Trends 2022 and you’ll get a list of websites to visit. Just understand these are fashion websites, not sites for real women like you and I. We can go to these and find inspiration, but don’t buy into the craziness that they often call fashion. It is not only impractical, but often times extremely immodest.

With that being said, there are always a few trends I like, and that I am willing to spend time thinking about how to work them into my daily wardrobe. This spring it was tough. To me it seems that fashion, in keeping with the rest of the world, is just getting crazier and more out there. It is definitely getting further and further away from what I think is appropriate for women to wear. If you have followed me for a while, you know I can be quite earthy and real, but I am also a girl who highly values modesty and self-dignity. I will save my deeper thoughts on the subject for a different day.

Here are a few of the trends I found interesting for Spring/Summer 2022:

Gingham

I love that this simple check pattern is back. It is a wonderful print for spring and summer, reminiscent of picnics and warm days at the beach.

Style Tip:

Add a gingham blouse under a pullover, cardigan or vest for a smaller touch of this pretty print.

Crochet

Crochet is something I look for when I thrift. I personally probably wouldn’t wear a crocheted dress or tank top, but I like the top with the crochet trim. Crochet can be a beautiful addition to an outfit in the form of a sweater, shawl, handbag, or trim on a top, skirt or dress.

Style Tip:

For summer, look for open weave crocheted pieces to keep you from getting too warm. If buying a crocheted handbag, look for ones that are fully lined to keep small things like pens and change from slipping through the weave.

Everything White

Once again, white is trending for the warmer weather. Wearing all white is where it’s at, but of course, don’t let that stop you from just wearing a little white here or there. I really liked this idea for the creamy winter whites, so now I need to try it with the brighter whites for spring and summer.

Style Tip

Not everyone likes to wear white near their face, so try adding a printed scarf or a bright pink or red lipstick for a colorful touch.

Black and White

There is just something so classic and chic about the combination of black and white. You all know I am a color girl, but I really like this trend and there are lots of cute styles out there. I already have numerous black and white striped sweaters and tees and I am sure a few other things as well.

Style Tip:

Be sure to shop your closet for trends. It is most likely these have been around before. Otherwise, build the trend yourself by combining black and white pieces. Wear a black skirt with a white tee, or a black cardigan with white pants.

Metallics

I love things that bling, so metallics are always on my radar. This is the type of thing you can do a little or a lot of and it still looks fabulous. Type metallic tops, shoes, bags, jackets and so on in your search bar and you will get all sorts of pieces. Metallics are a great way to take an outfit from okay to spectacular, just by adding a simple bag, pair of shoes or a top.

Style Tip:

Wear a gold or silver metallic blouse with black or navy pieces and you’ll easily get an outfit that can take you from the office to a night out.

Colorful Bags

Who doesn’t love a bright colorful bag for the warmer weather? Purses are one thing I have too many of, so I will be digging through my pile to find my brightest ones for this spring/summer season.

Style Tip:

Try styling a neutral outfit of tans, creams or blush with a bright bag and jewelry. You will look beautiful and confident with just a pop of color.

There are many other spring trends and I will be talking about a few of the others over the next few weeks. I hope you enjoyed this post. Feel free to shop the samples I gave. I try to include pieces that I think are fun and interesting as well as try to keep the price points below $100. These are affiliate links, which means every time you click I get a few pennies. I appreciate each and every click. All opinions are my own.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Pantone - Spring/Summer - 2021 - NY Palette - Amethyst Orchid, Green Ash and Inkwell

Today’s combination of Pantone colors from the New York palette is a study in contrasts. The dark, moody blue of Inkwell, which mimics a night sky is a type of color disparity when side by side with the pale pastel of Green Ash. When I pair colors I often go for bold with bold, or light with light, but I wanted to experiment by creating an outfit with an eye catching difference in color. The addition of Amethyst Orchid gives the perfect compliment of medium purple color.

Let me start the outfit details by talking about this recently thrifted tee. I love the bold flower on the front and purple has long been a favorite color of mine, so I was glad it was on the palette. This tee is St. John’s Bay brand. The darker inner petals are actually separate pieces of material, which gives the tee added dimension.

To go along with the Amethyst Orchid color in the tee, I also added this recently thrifted scarf. I love the large gingham pattern. It was the perfect accompaniment to the whole look. Another interesting feature of this scarf is the ruching of elastic throughout its length adding texture.

These thrifted, Inkwell pants are a brand called Hydrant. A dark pant like this is great for making our lower halves look longer and slimmer. I really like these, but they are a lint magnate. Wearing them with a fuzzy sweater like this is probably not the best idea. Ha, ha. You can also see I added a wider, olive belt since belts are trending and did my usual front tuck.

My fuzzy Green Ash sweater might be a little light, but it is pretty close to the Pantone color. This was a Christopher and Banks purchase last year. Before I bought this piece I had very little of this color in my wardrobe. I have picked up a few things since then. It is a pretty pastel color to wear, especially in the spring and summer. I really like how well it goes with the Amethyst Orchid color.

I decided to go with white for my shoes and bag. White is definitely a go to in the warmer months. My white Keds will be on repeat. My white shoulder bag is a new thrift find. I have been searching for a different white bag and this one has plenty of room and can also be worn as a cross body bag. This is a brand called Bueno.

What do you think of these colors? Would you wear a light pastel with a dark color like navy or black? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment.

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

Photo and graphic Rebecca Trumbull.

Pantone - Spring/Summer - 2021 - NY Palette - Illuminating, Rust and Ultimate Gray

I wanted to share this outfit with you first, because it contains the two colors that were chosen by the Pantone Color Institute as the colors of the year. Illuminating is a bright, sunny yellow. Pantone describes this yellow as, “Friendly and joyful, an optimistic yellow offering the promise of a sunny day.” Rust is typically a fall color, yet it is an earth tone, thus its inclusion in the spring palette. Ultimate Gray is a classic and comfortable gray that everyone can wear.

I have plenty of yellow in my closet. It is a color that has quickly become a favorite. I love the many different shades of yellow. I have mustard, sunflower, lemon, blonde and pineapple. Look up shades of yellow in your search bar and see all the fun names they give for these lovely pieces of sunshine. Illuminating is not really a different shade, but a different name for a shade that might also be called bumblebee, butter or dandelion.

Since I love the color so much, it was a no brainer that I add this thrifted, bright yellow, denim jacket to my closet. This is a brand called d & co, or denim and company. When I looked it up, it is a brand that is sold at retailers like QVC, Walmart and others. I like the relaxed style of this piece, as well as the 3/4 sleeves. It will be a great topper for cooler summer days.

We were back at the Toledo Botanical Gardens for pictures and things are starting to bloom over there. This tree was gorgeous and I had no idea what is was because the blooms were so big. It turned out to be a white magnolia. I grew up with a pink magnolia in my parents’ yard. I didn’t even know there were white ones.

You’ve seen my boho skirt on the blog before. I looked at other Rust colored options in my closet, but just wasn’t satisfied with how the outfit looked. Choosing this skirt not only gave me a print, but the perfect blend of classic and bohemian. This skirt is a brand called Notations, but I can’t remember where I got it. Ha, ha. You can see it styled with a green top and a different gray top.

This simple Ultimate Gray tee is from Kohl’s and is SO brand. I got this one and a red one a few years ago. I love that they are light weight, but still provide coverage. The hemline is a straight cut and the length is shorter, so perfect for wearing out. I did the front tuck, just for a more polished look.

When I was rummaging through my necklaces, I saw this one and thought it would pull in both the rusty oranges in the skirt and the yellow of the jacket and bag. To go with the coppery colors I also put on my thrifted beaded bracelet. My yellow diamond patterned tote was a fun find at a thrift store. Another thrift store find, my ID Required combat boots get plenty of wear.

What do you think of these colors? Would you wear rust in the summer time or do you think it is a color strictly for fall? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so leave me some love in the comments. Your comments keep me motivated to keep providing content to you all.

I’m providing a few shopping links for you to look over in your spare time. These are affiliate links brought to you at no cost. When you click on a link, I get a few pennies, so I appreciate every click. All opinions are my own.

Photo and graphic Rebecca Trumbull.

Pantone - Spring/Summer - 2021 - New York Palette: Introduction

I am a bit behind on the Pantone colors this year. I had a hard time getting back into the swing of regularly posting, but here I am. While we are a few weeks into spring, the Pantone colors for this season are for spring and summer. I don’t pay attention too much to their time table, because they already have the colors out for the fall/winter season. Who wants to think about fall/winter when we have barely made it into spring? Ha, ha.

Just as a quick review, the Pantone Color Institute is an entity that provides the color trends for both the fashion and interior design industries. If you go to their website you can see all sorts of information from color swatches you can order to educational opportunities. Obviously, these are not the only colors that you see trending on the runways, but Pantone is easily considered a color authority by both design areas.

Every year, Pantone chooses a color of the year. Last year it was Classic Blue. In 2019 it was Living Coral. This year they picked two colors, Illuminating, a sunny yellow and Ultimate Gray, which is a classic medium gray. Typically, the colors of the year are seen on both the New York and the London Palettes. As I have done in the past I will be starting my series with the New York Palette. This year, the palettes are quite dissimilar, which makes it more interesting for me, as I pick out outfits and for you, my lovely subscribers.

Here is the New York Palette.

This is a mix of jewel tones and pastels, so if you lean towards one or the other, this palette will make everyone happy. Rust is a different color for summer, but I think it can work well with many of the others colors. Once again there is a selection of classic colors, which to me are helpful if you want to tone down an outfit and just accent with the brighter colors through jewelry and other accessories.

The following are a few photos from our shoot which give you some sneak peeks at how I combined these colors.

I hope you will join me on Thursday as I start the series. Have a great day!

Photo and graphic credit Rebecca Trumbull.

Spring/Summer - 2021 - Spark Joy

This trend is a bit different and I think really open to each individual’s own interpretation. The idea of Spark Joy is color and print combinations that make you feel like you are wearing a party. I actually enjoyed putting this together. You know I love print mixing and this pushed me even further outside of my color and print mixing box. Let’s take a closer look.

I got this Universal Threads, sun print top at Target at the same time I got my pastel colored eyelet shirt (seen last week on the blog). Once again, you can see the puffed sleeves. Usually, I am not a ruffle girl, but once in a while, I find something that doesn’t make me look like a clown and this top was one of those times. I think the gathering around the neck helps and that the ruffles are vertical rather than horizontal. Horizontal patterns on us larger ladies are harder to pull off, and that goes for ruffles as well. In fact, when placed as they are on this top, I think it balances out my wider bottom.

This is another LuLaRoe skirt that I found at a local thrift store. The thing I like about these maxi skirts is that I don’t have to worry about wearing a slip. They are comfortable and easy to wear. The fun patterns are great for print mixing as in this outfit, or you can pick any color in the pattern and match up to it. I know not everyone can wear a maxi skirt and I will include a few shopping links at the end for shorter printed skirts for those of you who prefer a midi or knee length style.

My floral, Erin London, bomber jacket you’ve seen before. It was a purchase from Shop National from their mark down section a few years ago. You can see it here with a floral top.

My accessories were simple since there was already plenty going on in this outfit. I chose another long pendant necklace, this time with some bling and fringe. I also opted for a wide black belt to make more of a definition between my top and the skirt. I added a few bracelets, my thrifted, black, a.n.a. loafer heels and my thrifted bucket bag. My daughter does not like this bag. What do you think? She doesn’t like the shape of it. I told her I would ask for your opinion, so be sure to comment below.

So what do you think of this crazy print mixing outfit? I do not really expect you to go out and wear something like this, but it is truly fun to experiment and push ourselves outside of our normal outfit ideas. Would I wear something like this? Probably not exactly as I have it here. I might swap out the skirt for a solid black skirt or pair of pants, or I might change the top for a solid tee. I might even wear the top and skirt together, but switch out the floral bomber for a solid cardi or light weight jacket. You can still have joy with bright colors and print mixing, but you can also look polished and classy.

I’m including a few shopping links for fun prints. Be sure to check those out. These are affiliate links. When you click on a link, I get a few cents. I appreciate every click. All opinions are my own.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

I hope you are having a great week.

Spring/Summer Trends - 2021 - Wearing White, Bubblegum Pink and Ballerina Flats

You know how much I love color, so I was excited the Spring Trends for 2021 included a few fun colors. Once again, white is on the scene, and like pastels, seems to now be a year round staple. Winter whites this past winter were very popular and I felt it was an easier color for many to wear than a stark, brilliant white, but even bright white has a place, and this spring and summer it will have its day. In addition to white, this spring/summer season is heralding the addition of bubblegum pink. This bright, deep pink can be worn full on, or sprinkled. Just like ice cream toppings, you can decide if you want to drizzle or drench. Today’s outfit is a simple combination of these two colors. Let me know what you think.

My bright pink striped sweater is a thrift find from a few years ago. This Old Navy brand top is comfortable and light weight, so perfect for these still chilly days of spring. My biggest problem with pullovers right now are my belly flaps, or as they are more commonly known - the spare tire. I don’t really have as much of a bulge in the front, but definitely on my sides. At the suggestion of my daughter, I am discreetly hiding the fact behind my clutch. Ha, ha.

This picture is silly, but I put it in here for several reasons. First, I thought you might enjoy a good laugh. I think this was one of my dance moves: maybe the wave? The second reason has to do with what I did with my pullover top. I often do the front tuck. Doing this helps to hide some of the middle area bulge that many of us are carrying around. I did this as an after thought, so it isn’t as pretty as it could be, but you get the idea. Finally, I wanted you to see this maxi skirt that I have styled before on the blog. This St. John’s Bay skirt from JC Penny is one of my favorite summer pieces, as it is fully lined, has an elastic waist and groovy texture. You can see it styled with a green jacket and an orange striped tee.

I like to give you links to past posts, to show you the versatility of the pieces in your wardrobe and how they can be styled for different seasons and with different pieces. You don’t have to have a clothing fetish like I do to have a full and interesting wardrobe. Having a few key pieces, like a white skirt, whether maxi, midi or mini; a-line, pleated or pencil, will give you lots of options for warm weather looks.

I’ve included a couple of pictures that show you up close the details on the skirt.

Once again, I chose a long, pendant necklace. I also added a silver and gray stone bracelet. To keep my accessories similar I grabbed my silver clutch and my silver SO ballerina flats. As I said last week, low soles are back in style, so grab your flats and your sandals and walk in comfort.

Do you wear white in the summer time? Do you like this bright, bubblegum pink? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

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

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

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.

Spring/Summer - 2021 - Wide Leg Trousers, Fantasy Florals and Yellow Bags

It certainly seems that spring has settled in around here. I am fully aware here in the midwest, the temperatures will continue to fluctuate at least through April, so I am not breaking out the sleeveless tops and crop pants just yet, but sunshine is more present, the skies are that beautiful spring time blue, buds are on the trees and the grass is turning green. It is a wonderful thing to see these changes happening.

My husband and I got away for three nights to our favorite Ohio State Park, Mohican. We love renting a cabin down there and hiking a few of their many trails. It is just far enough away to feel like we went somewhere, yet we did not have to worry about out of state restrictions or quarantines. I see that New York finally lifted their travel advisory, so maybe the pandemic is finally getting under some amount of control. We certainly hope so. Time will tell.

As I said in my previous post, I wanted to take a couple of weeks and show you how I styled a few of the different Spring/Summer trends. Today’s outfit revolves around a pair of wide let trousers and a floral cardigan.

These thrifted wide leg trousers are a recent find and are St. John’s Bay brand. I personally am not a huge fan of the wide leg trouser look. Don’t get me wrong, I think they look beautiful on women with longer, thinner legs than mine. I personally prefer a boot cut, straight leg or skinny leg on my particular frame. However, I wanted to show you what a wide leg trouser might look like and this is a pair I will keep. I am going to think about some other ways to style them for future posts.

You know I love florals, so I was pleased that florals were again on the spring trend roster. I found this beautiful floral cardigan a while ago. I haven’t actually worn it, but I thought the colors went perfectly with the medium brown trousers. The sweater is a brand called Joseph A. The fabric is a light weight nylon mix and with the 3/4 length sleeves it will be great for summer.

Belts are back, ladies, so don’t be shy about showing off your waist lines. Whether you are straight, curvy, oblong or triangular, a belt not only cinches in your waist, but adds a fun detail to your outfit. I have been keeping my eyes open on my thrift store runs, but so far, no luck. I have had this brown belt with the blush embroidery detail, for a number of years. I really like it, but unfortunately it isn’t real leather and is already showing signs of wear.

You can also make out, I am wearing a long yellow pendant necklace. Long chain type necklaces are trending right now too. I have numerous longer necklaces, so now I have even more of a reason to wear them. It would be even better if I was actually going somewhere that I could wear them. Ha, ha.

For whatever reason, yellow bags are supposed to be trending this spring and summer. I have a number of yellow purses, so I was happy to have an excuse to get them out. This thrifted messenger style bag is perfect for carrying all the essentials plus a notebook or two. That is just what this writer needs. You never know when inspiration will strike.

You can also see I threw on a few beaded bracelets that I thought went well with the overall look.

These low wedge heels are Clarks and I got them a number of years ago. Low heels and flats are trending now too, so get out those ballerina flats. Platform sandals are also trending, so go figure. Ha. ha.

What do you think of the wide leg trouser trend? How about florals? Do you own a yellow bag? I’d love to have your feedback, so leave me some love in the comments section below.

I am including a few shopping links. These links are brought to you at no extra cost. I get a few cents if you click on a link and a few cents more if you make a purchase through a link. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Have a great day!

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.