Creating Outfits with Texture - Part 2: Shoes

Wow! I began a draft of this post on June 7th and here it is a full month later. Time flies when you are having fun, as the saying goes, but not everything during that month was fun. We did take a ten day vacation down south visiting Savannah, Georgia, Florida and Kentucky. When we got back we had a few days to unpack and get the house ready for company. Our friends from Wisconsin spent four nights and we had a great time of visiting and hanging out. After that we helped our daughter with a bedroom redo. The next day I watched the grand baby and by evening I had come down with the stomach crud that has been going around. Thankfully, I only got the 24 hour version, but that was not fun. We then learned family members had Covid, so our Father’s Day plans got put on hold. The month ended well, however, with my spouse and I taking a mini trip up north for our anniversary. It was wonderfully relaxing.

This past weekend my brother was in town for two nights and on Monday we ended up celebrating my husband and younger daughter’s birthdays with a family get together and meal. Whew! It has been a whirlwind. This month things are slowing down, just a bit, although we are hoping to get back to see our Wisconsin family later in the month.

Last month I started this series on creating outfits with texture. Adding texture to an outfit makes it more interesting and who wants to wear boring clothes? Ha. ha. Actually, I am a pretty boring person when it comes to my style, because I really love my tee shirts and jeans, but even a simple outfit like that can be taken up a notch by adding a few fun textural elements. For this post I want to look at Shoes.

Shoes

I think most of us enjoy numerous pairs of shoes. In the spring and summer we love our sandals, sneakers and flats. In the fall and winter we love our ankle, knee high and thigh high boots. Many women love heels all year round, and we now can find shoes in every configuration from platform sneakers, to wedge heels to ballerina flats. Shoes come in a variety of materials with embellishments from the normal laces and buckles to floral prints, special weaving and fringe.

I’m going to divide these up by seasons, but obviously if you live in a warm weather climate you can wear sandals all year round, and if you live in a cooler climate you might choose boots more regularly.

Warm Weather

Sandals -

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

Sneakers -

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

Flats -

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

Cold Weather

Oxfords - I think of oxfords as more of a cold weather shoe. You can wear them all year round, and they would certainly look cute with many of our warmer weather outfits, but for the purposes of this post, I am putting them with the cold weather shoes.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

Ankle Boots -

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

Motorcycle or Combat boots -

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

Knee High Boots -

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

That last pair were actually above the knee and they are the only pair of over the knee boots I have.

Shoes and boots all provide additional texture and interest to an outfit. As you could see from many of my pairs shoes are not just bland and ordinary, but fun and extraordinary and that is exactly what they can do for your outfits.

I’ll be back with another post on creating outfits with texture. Next time we will look at fabrics and add ons like hats, scarves and other ideas. Until then, 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!

Pantone Spring/Summer 2022 - NY Palette: Gossamer Pink, Skydiver and Poppy Seed

Hi everyone. It is time for another set of colors from the Pantone Spring/Summer New York Palette. These colors include the pastel Gossamer Pink, the pretty, bright, Skydiver blue, and a charcoal gray called Poppy Seed. I was glad to see a darker gray on the Classic color palette, as that has always appealed to me more than the lighter gray. These are my choices from my closet for each of these colors. To see the actual Pantone New York palette colors, click here.

My blue cardigan is not a perfect match for the Pantone color, but I try to give you ideas for outfits with interesting color combinations, not do a paint by number. I love this light Gossamer Pink with the bright contrast of the Skydiver blue. This would have been another pretty combo for Easter, but any spring activity where you have to dress up a little would welcome these colors. This would be perfect office attire as well.

I have had this Christopher and Banks cardi for a few years. It is a lighter weight sweater that is perfect for the spring, or for summer when you need a little something in the air conditioning. They don’t seem to be carrying this same type of sweater, but you can always check here at Kohl’s for a few solids and prints on a basic button down cardigan.

My pink blouse is Elle brand, and was a clearance purchase from Kohl’s a few seasons ago. It is a sheer material with little sparkles throughout, which are not visible in the picture. It has 3/4 sleeves and ties to make a bow. I also added this pretty spring scarf that one of my daughters gave me a few years ago.

My Poppy Seed gray plaid trousers have been around forever. They are Style & Co. brand. I know Macy’s and a few other retailers sell Style & Co. brand, but I honestly can’t remember if I got these at Macy’s or if I thrifted them. Macy’s isn’t a retailer I have typically frequented, but I have gone a few times with my bestie and might have bought these on one of those trips.

My black belt was a recent thrift find.

My shoes are my Aerosoles black heeled pumps. I like the lower more stocky heel in my older years. My feet are not used to wearing heels at all anymore, so when I do they have to be ultra comfortable. Aerosoles fit the bill in that regard. Check out their website for great looking shoes at reasonable prices.

My bag is a thrifted NY & Co. and can be a tote or fold it over for a smaller clutch option.

Do you have these colors in your closet? How would you were these, with each other, or with other colors? What is your favorite spring color combination? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so leave a comment or two below.

I’m including a few shopping links below. These are affiliate links, which means I get a little money when you click on a link. These are brought to you at no cost and I appreciate all the clicks. All opinions are my own.

Have a super week everyone!

Pantone Spring/Summer 2022 - NY Palette - Innuendo, Poinciana and Basil

Week two in my Pantone Spring/Summer 2022 series and we are looking at the New York Palette. Last week we saw a medium blue, a bright yellow and a crisp white that, put together, made a perfect spring Easter look. This week is another perfect combo for the upcoming Sunday holiday, especially if you are going to church or visiting family.

Innuendo is a bright, hot pink, while Poinciana is a simmering red. Combined with the classic light green color Basil, the look I put together says chic and classy with a splash of watermelon cooler! Let me know what you think.

I don’t often think of pairing pink and red, but for some reason I love how this turned out. The bright pink with the bright red just seems to work. Pairing them with the printed floral skirt led to a bright, colorful spring outfit perfect for Easter Sunday, or even a spring wedding or other event where you need to get more dressed up.

My bright pink open front cardigan was a thrift find and is Old Navy brand. I like to give you the brand names on things because it gives you an idea of the cut and quality of a piece. I don’t shop at Old Navy, but I certainly will grab their brand at a thrift store. This is a lighter weight piece so perfect for the warmer temps…at whatever point those arrive. Ha, ha. Here is one from Kohl’s, Shein, and Chico’s.

My Pop Sugar red smocked blouse was from Kohl’s a few seasons ago. It has ruffle details along the sleeve openings, but is otherwise sleeveless. I love the smocking detail and the shiny fabric. Check out these tops from Shein, Dia & Co, and JC Penney. You can also see in the photo below my long pendant necklace and belt. I have a beaded bracelet on as well that mimics the Basil green color, but it is mostly hidden by my sleeve. Ha, ha.

Style Tip: To get more use out of your clothes, try pairing unexpected colors together. You will not only have new ways to wear different pieces, but you’ll become a trend maker.

My skirt is a thrifted piece and the tag was torn or cut out, so I have no idea who made it, but it is a typical prairie maxi skirt. It is lined, but the lining is very sheer like the skirt, so I still felt a slip was necessary. See these from Kohl’s, Shein, and Dia & Co.

My shoes are a number of years old. I don’t wear heels or wedges much any more, so these have stayed in nice shape. These are Keds brand. I most likely got them at Kohl’s on clearance. The brand doesn’t seem to make this sort of espadrille with the wedge heel anymore, but I’ll give you some other options in my shopping links below.

My bag is also a few years old and was from Charming Charlie. We used to have a store at our mall. Now it is called something else, but still has a similar vibe to it with bags, jewelry and scarves being their main products along with a few clothes. Here are a few green tote bags from Amazon, Banana Republic, ModCloth, and Kohl’s.

What do you think of these colors? Do you think they go well together? Do you have any of these colors in your closet? I love hearing your thoughts, so leave me a comment or two.

I provided direct link shopping links above, due to changes at the affiliate site I was using. I’ve included a few shoe links through the affiliate website. I only receive a few cents when you shop through the affiliate sites. The other direct link sites I bring to you at no cost, but I also don’t make money through them. I just want you to have some shopping options.

Have a great week!

Pantone Spring/Summer 2022: Glacier Lake, Daffodil and Snow White

Welcome to the New York Palette of the Pantone Spring/Summer 2022 colors. Pantone has changed the way it allows usage of products, so images are no longer free. Now you have to have a subscription to use the color swatches via the internet, so I have had to get creative in putting together my graphics. I am also not using my daughter’s photography services now, as she is very busy with her business and her baby. I am definitely creating new pathways in my brain, but that is good.

If you want to see the actual Pantone colors click on the following link: Spring/Summer 2022 - New York Palette. I try to get my colors as close to the palette colors as possible, but they are not exact. I appreciate the Pantone Institute’s use of color and always enjoy seeing what the colors are for each season.

For today’s outfit, I thought the mix of yellow, blue and white perfect for spring and even for the upcoming Easter holidays. This color combo makes me think of the sunny flowers the color is named for, and the many blues of summer including skies, lakes and denim. White is always classic, not only for summer, but every season.

My Glacier Lake vest is a Christopher and Banks piece that I found at a thrift store. It has the utility look with the larger, square pockets, encased drawstring and metal buttons. I love using my utility vests in the spring and fall.

Style Tip: If you want an extra layer but don’t want all the bulk choose a light weight vest. A utility vest or a dressier suit vest will provide extra warmth, but won’t add the bulk of a quilted, or sherpa type piece.

My bright, yellow cable knit pullover is St. John’s Bay piece. I honestly can’t remember if I bought it at JCPenney or if I got it thrifting. Ha, ha. My white Gloria Vanderbilt jeans I have had for a number of years now. They are just the right weight and thickness for no-show issues, and can be dressed up or down.

My floral scarf is a piece I recently thrifted. I love scarves. I think they add so much to an outfit.

Style Tip: When styling an outfit with two or three solid colors, add a printed scarf for additional color and interest.

You’ve seen my Merona thrifted bag a few times now on the blog. I thought it was a good choice for this springy look. I also opted to wear my Steve Madden platform sneakers. When it comes to platforms, these are very low, which I like. I really don’t like all the extra bulk of a thicker platform or a really thick lug sole on boots.

What do you think of these colors? Would you wear them together? Do you have these colors in your closet? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so leave me a comment or two. I am including a few shopping links for you to look over. These are affiliate links, which means I get a small commission when you click on a link. All opinions are my own.

Have a great week everyone!

Fairy Tales and Print Mixing

I promise, I will be starting my Pantone Spring/Summer 2022 series next week. I can’t thank you enough for being patient with me as I maneuver this new normal in this season of life. As I type this my grand baby is sitting next to me on the floor. He is six months old going on a year. Ha, ha. He can sit up, is starting to eat solid food, looks like he might be getting his first tooth and when he is on his tummy he does planks and rocks back and forth on his hands and knees. What a joy to be able to enjoy the first year of his life with all the changes and all the fun.

I thought I would show you what I am wearing today, which is a mix of fairytale meets military. I never used to do much print mixing. In fact, I never would have thought to put multiple prints together, but now I do it with ease and even look for ways to combine numerous prints as the same time. One of the key elements in classic print mixing is to pick similar color schemes in all of your prints.

I got this Forever 21 sweater at a thrift store. I rarely ever shop retailers like Forever 21, or H & M any more, though they used to be frequent stops when my girls were younger. The clothes were cute and cheap, but I am trying to get away from “fast fashion” and move towards more sustainable choices in my purchasing. That is why thrifting is so high on my list when it comes to finding things, not only for myself, and other members of my family, but also for my home. I have found kitchen items, wall decor, picture frames, candles and even movies and books at second hand shops. This past Christmas I gave everyone in the family a thrift box filled with all thrifted items from clothing to books and movies to cute decor. It was fun to shop for people that way.

Unicorns are the stuff of fairy tales. I am less about the one horned wonder and more about regular horses with insight into their master’s whims and thoughts…think Gandalf’s horse Shadowfax from Lord of the Rings. Still, I could not resist this sweater, since I am a sucker for fairy tales and all things fantastical. Because the top is short, I added a long sleeve pink tee underneath.

It is another cold day, so I knew I wanted a scarf since the top has a wide neck. I remembered, I had recently thrifted this pretty cherry blossom scarf and thought it not only went with the top due to the pink flowers, but the delicate, lacy branches have a fairy tale look to them.

I was searching for a different pair of jeans when I came upon these and I was so thrilled that not only did the embroidery match my color scheme, and add another print, but these fit better than when I last tried them on. Yay! These are Levi’s brand and I got them a while back from Kohl’s clearance.

When I think of fairy tales, I think of princesses, knights, villains, and sometimes monsters. There is usually some sort of magic and always a quest or adventure to go on. I also imagine, flowy fabrics, with the fair maidens dressed in pastels and tulle. The villains are garbed in black or red. Ha, ha. Yes, my fairy tale memories are full of stereotypes. These are not the politically correct fairy tales of today. My favorite Disney fairy tale retelling is Beauty and the Beast. I love both the cartoon and live action versions.

I always wanted to be a different sort of princess. I wanted to be the warrior, so when I started thinking about this outfit, I knew I had to throw in my own touch by adding combat boots. Of course, if you are going to kick some villain butt, you can’t be in dresses and heels, as least I couldn’t. I would end up tangled up in my gown and spraining an ankle from trying to walk in heels. Ha, ha. These are also thrifted, and are a regular part of my fall through spring wardrobe.

Style Tip: An easy way to add an edgy element to any outfit is to wear combat or motorcycle boots. They are fun with jeans, skirts, dresses and even shorts, for those of you who have pretty legs. These days combat boots come in a variety of colors and styles. Check out the shopping links below for options.

I am a child of the King, therefore, I am a princess. I fight battles every day on my knees and on my walkabouts with God, therefore, I am a warrior. I am full of flaws, lack confidence and have a list of idiosyncrasies, but I stand in His strength. Fairy tales all have elements of truth. Magic or miracles? Monsters or murderers? Fairy godmothers, or just grandmothers, I am living an adventure.

I’ve included a few shopping links for you to look over. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own. Thanks for following along on the blog.

Have a great week.

What I've Been Wearing Lately

I didn’t have the time, nor the energy to come up with outfits for a blog post, so I thought I would just share a few of my everyday outfits that I posted on Instagram. I know some of you follow me there, and on Facebook so these might be repeats for you, but to keep it interesting and fun I will be adding a few style tips and commentary on why I chose what I did and my thought process or the inspiration for putting it together. I also thought it would be fun to tell you which pieces are thrifted.

Outfit 1 - Tan Blazer with Striped Tee

Inspiration - Pinterest

Thrifted Pieces - Striped tee, blazer, jeans, belt and shorter necklace

Style Tip - Florals and stripes are an easy and quick way to print mix without getting overwhelmed.

What I like about it - It is casual, but a bit dressier with the blazer and jewelry. It adheres to my fashion style with the combat boots and floral scarf. The layers make it great for these transitional days as winter ends and spring begins.

Outfit 2 - Sunflower Skirt with Pullover Sweater

Inspiration - Style challenge on Instagram for #wearyellowtoendendo22 with @ldywhobrunches and @sarahceeraz

Thrifted Pieces - Sunflower skirt and gray faux suede boots.

Style Tip - Try choosing color combos that aren’t perfectly matched. It might go against your fashion sense, but it is good for your brain to think differently about how colors pair up. You might find color combos you never thought to put together.

What I like about it - I ended up wearing this outfit all day and it was extremely comfortable. It was just the right amount of layering to keep me warm and I didn’t feel overly constricted. I like the boho vibe of it, but it also says classy with the long flower pendant and the chic chenille sweater.

Outfit 3 - Plaid Jacket with Space Tee

Inspiration - My closet and my own creativity.

Thrifted Pieces - Plaid jacket.

Style Tip - Skinny jeans and straight leg jeans are the best for tucking into boots, so don’t get rid of all of your skinnies, no matter what is trending. Skinnies and straight leg pants give you a sleeker fit through the leg, but especially around the knee and top of a taller boot.

What I like about it - This outfit just speaks to my inner lumberjack persona. I love plaids and earth tones like brown and green. I like the contrast of the darker green tee, as opposed to choosing an olive green to match the tones in the jacket. Pairing the jacket with a scarf allowed me to wear the wool without doing all the itching.

Outfit 4 - Casual Blue Sweater and Jeans

Inspiration - My own closet and a desire for comfort. (You would be amazed at what motivates my fashion choices - Ha, ha.)

Thrifted pieces - Light blue sweater and light blue long sleeve tee underneath.

Style Tip - Choose a sweater with texture to minimize noticeable bulges around the middle. The eye is busy trying to follow the texture and pattern, rather than focusing on your bits. (I also size up, but that is a personal choice.)

What I like about it - Casual style is my jam and this is a perfect example of all the things I love: jeans, soft, roomy sweaters, pretty color and fun sneakers.

I hope you enjoyed taking a closer look at my everyday outfits, and hearing about where I draw inspiration from, and how I use my thrifted pieces. I also hope you are enjoying my style tips. Let me know what you think by leaving your thoughts in the comments, or on Facebook. I appreciate all your support.

Fashion Fun: Boho Maxi Dress

I do apologize, again, that I am not getting as much content out as I would like, and I am also forgetting to send out a weekly email. Life has been busy and we have been continually bombarded by life bombs including those minor inconveniences like car problems and bigger things like family illnesses and issues. Sometimes we get to a point where we want to give up and just go hide in a nice warm hole, but in the words of Tim Allen of Galaxy Quest fame, “Never give up! Never surrender.”

This week I wanted to share with you three looks revolving around a dress I got as a gift for Christmas. Most of us are aware of the prairie/boho vibe that invaded Target this past year. Long, flowing, tiered maxi and midi dresses hung from every rack. I heard many women complaining that the retailer had lost their mind and that there was no way they were going to keep shopping there. However, I noticed these options are still strong with new colors and prints for spring.

My dress is a solid, rusty color, which will be great for fall, but I tried to think about how I could style this for spring. Let’s take a look.

Outfit 1 - With a Knit Vest

I have long been a fan of gauze. I can remember as I was growing up having a few different tops made out of the light weight, textured fabric. It is the perfect warm weather fabric. This dress is fully lined with a polyester underlay, so actually great for cooler temps. As you can see, the dress has an empire waist and four tiers layering down from the bodice. No worries about pinching or feeling like this piece is too tight. It is like a muumuu, but a little more stylish and classy.

This knit vest was in a style box I won through an Instagram Style Challenge. I hardly ever win anything, so this was a pleasant surprise and was gifted by Instagrammer Rae, @forensicfahsionnotes . There were lots of other goodies in the box including a dress, scarf and necklace. Most of the pieces were thrifted, which I love. This vest is a heavy weight yarn and the oxford gray will go with so many things.

To complete this look I added some beaded jewelry, my gray combat boots and a Sonoma tote bag that I picked up online at Kohl’s last fall. These are a great addition to your wardrobe. They are light weight, but sturdy; very roomy and will carry everything from your laptop or tablet to a notebook and all your other essentials. Check out all the glorious colors and prints by clicking on the link above.

Style Tip: When wearing a lower cut neckline, fill in the exposed area with several layers of beads.

Outfit 2 - With a Corduroy Jacket

I found this wide wale corduroy jacket while thrifting a few years ago. I have been very close to getting rid of it, because I just don’t wear it, but for some reason I keep hanging on to it. It is as though this jacket wants to be mine. It wants to belong to me, because it knows both it and I have such great potential together. The sleeves are a little short, but I love the off white color, the roomie box cut and the texture.

I thought my fringy boho scarf the perfect complimentary piece. After that it was just a matter of a black bag and white sneakers. Done!

Style Tip: When adding a scarf to an outfit with only one or two colors pick one that also has at least one or two of the same colors.

Outfit 3 - With a pullover sweater.

I was going to try just wearing the dress with a belt, but to me it didn’t look quite right. Part of it might be the need to find the right belt. Instead, I decided to make my maxi dress into a maxi skirt by topping it with this Christopher and Banks pullover sweater. This works wonderfully for the cold weather as it gives you an extra layer and using the belt allows you to cinch in your waist for a more streamlined look. The belt is another thrift find as it the necklace.

I added my suede boots and an older tote bag from many years ago. Once again, I love the pattern and the corduroy texture. Plus, it adds to the boho flare of the entire look.

Style Tip: Trying looking at your maxi dresses as skirts and see what sweaters or tops you have that would go with the bottom.

Here are the three outfits side by side.

Which outfit do you like best? Would you wear a prairie/boho dress like this? What other ways would you wear a dress like this? I’d love to have your feedback, so leave a comment below, or on my Facebook page.

I’m including a few shopping links, just for fun. Feel free to look them over. These are affiliate links, which means I get a few pennies every time you click on a link. I appreciate every click.

Have a great day!

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.

Spring Trend 2022 - Wearing a Dress with Pants

I saw this on one of the websites as I was looking at Spring Trends for this year. This one is a bit more obscure, but I thought it isn’t so far outside our boxes as we might think. The runway models were wearing outfits that included long, oversized shirt dresses with voluminous pants. That is too overwhelming for most of us, especially if we are carrying a bit of extra weight. However, most of you have already done this to a degree, when you wear a longer tunic with leggings. After all, isn’t a tunic just a short dress? Aren’t leggings sort of like pants? I thought I would show you my version of a dress with pants outfit. It is very simple and perfect for these long, cold days of winter.

I found this fun, velvet piece thrifting and knew the moment I tried it on it was coming home with me. It is soft, warm and stretchy. I love the 70’s pattern and the empire waist with the slightly flared skirt. If I had the legs for it this would be a fun piece to wear with patent leather go-go boots. Ha, ha. However, I bought it with the idea that it would be fun to use as a tunic over pants, especially jeans.

I don’t know about you, but even though skinny jeans are not supposed to be in any more, I just love wearing them with boots in the winter. It is so much easier to get a pair of skinnies into the shaft of a boot, rather than a straight leg pair.

This dress could go over a variety of solid colored pants as well as a few smaller prints like gingham or pinstripes. You certainly wouldn’t have to choose skinny leg pants either. The length and silhouette of this tunic dress would work just as well with a pair of straight, or boot cut jeans.

Style Tip:

Wear a taller heel with straight leg or boot cut jeans for a more upscale look.

To give the outfit a little more interest, I added a long sweater vest the same length as the dress. I then chose gray suede boots, a long pendant necklace and a red bag to pull in the other colors in the the dress.

These boots were another thrift find. I usually don’t have as much success with shoes, but these were a great find. While not real suede, I have found that the faux suede boots last pretty well, as compared to the faux leather ones. They just don’t seem to show the wear as quickly.

My red bag is also thrifted. I don’t typically carry a satchel like this as I like to use a cross body bag to keep my hands free. But I like to keep a few different options around the house for the blog and so that I have choices. I think I might have a few too many choices. Ha, ha.

This long pendant necklace was another thrift fine. I find so many amazing jewelry pieces at thrift stores, so if you are a thrifter, be sure to check out the jewelry racks and counter.

It is easy to put together this kind of outfit and when it is cold during these long winter months, wearing a dress with pants isn’t so far outside the box. I hope you enjoyed this post.

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. I get a few more if you purchase something through one of the links. I appreciate all your clicks and views. Leave me some love in the comments and let me know what you think about this Spring 2022 trend of wearing pants with a dress.

Have a great evening.

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!