Fashion 101: Transitions

So, the mornings and evenings are getting chilly, you've pulled out all your snuggly sweaters and boots, but you're not quite sure how to go from sundresses and tank tops to cardigans and corduroys . . .

The answer, of course, is always layering! If you've got a couple pairs of cute tights and a few scarves, you can carry many of your summer outfits over into fall. 

Now, excuse the wall-mirror pictures. 

I bought this cute teal chiffon dress on the clearance rack, but couldn't bear to put it right into the summer box. Out comes the scarf and boots! 

It was a fairly warm day, so I skipped the tights. 

My sweet friend Ruth and I were both rocking our stripes at church the other week. Isn't she adorable? Love how she tied the scarf around her waist to break up the stripes, and I love her cute tights! 

Stripes don't have to be only for summer! 

Ok, last layering example, you can wear a cardigan with just about everything! The short sleeved button down shirt is floral, but it's a nice subtle floral print that's not too summery. You can wear your summer dresses or shirts on into fall if you stick to smaller florals or more muted prints. 

What are some of your favorite layering pieces? 

Make it so: DIY Dry Erase Board

A few weeks ago, I made my mom a DIY dry erase board for her birthday. It turned out so cute I thought I would share! It would be a great way to add your style or personality to your office or desk at work. I use dry erase boards a lot for Arbonne meetings, so I might be making one for myself soon, too!

I started with a nice picture frame from the clearance isle at TJ Maxx. My mom has a lot of Americana-themed decor in her house so I thought the weathered blue wood would be just right. 

I bought a piece of 12x12 scrapbook paper at Hobby Lobby and cut it down to match the frame. The off-white "lined paper" print was perfect. 

Also bought some unpainted wooden stars at Walmart for less than $2, I think. 

Pulled out the trusty acrylic paints. 

And painted those suckers. 

They looked too new and not americana enough, though. What to do? I sanded them down with a fine grade sandpaper, then covered them with that morning's coffee grounds and let them sit for a few hours. 

When the grounds were completely dry, I brushed them off with a paintbrush. 

Then, hot-glued them to the frame!

And the finished product...

So cute! I really like how it turned out. 

Now I just have to decide what I want mine to look like! I'm thinking of doing it in a larger, poster sized frame for lots of writing space!

What colors/themes would you want your personalized dry erase board to be?

Fashion 101: Find it cheaper

Whew! So sorry for the lack of posts lately, guys! I've been up here in Maryland starting my lovely friend Amanda in her Arbonne business, and I've been trying to post all week on my iPad to no avail. Apparently Blogger and iPad just don't get along well - loading pictures is impossible and it never lets me type more than three lines of text as I can't seem to scroll down. Has anyone had success blogging on the iPad? I searched for apps but didn't seem to find anything promising. Any apps or work-around you iPad users can recommend? I'd really like to keep posting while I'm on the road!

So, today's fashion post is a short one, to be expounded upon later.

The lesson: Find a style you love, then go find it for cheaper.

We've already covered investing in the basics (it's ok to spend a little more on a great pair or black pants or a nice coat - your cost per wear is going to be a lot lower if it's something you'll wear all the time and it will last). This "rule" is for trends and non-necessities, and will help you round out a stylish wardrobe.

When you find something you love, shop around a bit. 

Now I did this next example totally on accident, but let's pretend I did it on purpose, mmm hhmm? 

I love Madewell, particularly their dresses. I am not in love with spending $150 on a dress that I'll probably wear for a season or two. 

The Inspiration:

 

 The Madewell "Swingdot" dress. I love the floaty chiffon, and the scattered white polka dots. 

The Find: 

 

This is a pretty rough self-picture, but it's a floaty chiffon A-line dress with the same cute polka dot print! Plus it has a ruffle on one shoulder. And it was a grand total of $12 at TJ Maxx. Score!

So, I can rock my polka dot dress this fall, and not worry if it's completely "out" by spring. 

What are some are your favorite deals and steals?

Fall Fashion Week: Bonus Post!

Wouldn't you know it, as soon as Fall Fashion Week ends, the weather cools down! 

So I thought I would do a bonus post. With boots! Hooray boots! (said in Jamaican beer man's voice)

This shirt has always been one of my favorites! A good blouse you can wear alone in the summer or layer in the fall and winter is a great investment. And with the amount of wear I've gotten out of this, the cost per wear is insanely low. Plus ruffles = fun. You can't quite tell from the picture but the skirt is a really nice dark maroon, and the boots are chocolate brown. Those were another great investment piece I scored on Ebay for about $70 (they're $300 boots originally!). 

Top: J.Crew 

Skirt: Forever 21 that I found at a consignment shop - so double-cheap!

Boots: J. Crew 

Watch and Bracelet: Arbonne gifts (as always)

What are some of your favorite "investment" pieces - something that you wear over and over again and with everything? 

Fall Fashion Week: Day Seven - what I *would have* worn

It was another hot and humid day here in the 'noog, which meant a disappointing lack of fall attire. I couldn't muster up the enthusiasm to take another narcissistic photo of me in shorts and a t-shirt, so I decided to end the week with what I would have worn had the weather been a bit more fall-ish.

So, come fall temperatures, I will be wearing...

/source/

My chambray shirts with bright pants (I had a red and pink pair of cords that j'adore) . . . 

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Maybe some denim on denim? With a bright lip! 

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Leather jackets with feminine dresses (especially that Oxblood leather jacket I posted earlier this week!) . . . 

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My red corduroy pants with a tank top and denim or leather jacket. . . 

/source/

And lots of boots and scarves! With that striped shirt?! This has me written all over it. 

Ok, southern girls, what are you dying to wear when the weather turns cooler? 

Deanna, thanks so much for coordinating Fall Fashion Week! I had a blast!

Ps: What do you guys think of the new blog design? Comments and suggestions welcome!

Fall Fashion Week: Day Six

Off to a picnic in the park with Molly and friends! Mother nature definitely cranked the heat back up today - it was back in the 80s in most of the south. Short sleeves and rolled-up jeans it is, then!

I am seriously running out of poses.

I look like I'm in pain. Or trying to be a leprechaun.

 

 

Top: Cotton On

White Cami: Forever 21

Jeans: Consignment shop...don't know what brand

Shoes: Target

Bracelet: Came in the mail from Arbonne today...I love it!

 

 

Fall Fashion Week: Day Five

I did not wear this outfit all day long (I worked and cleaned in running shorts and a t-shirt for most of the day!), but I'm all dressed up now that it's time to go do an Arbonne party!

Scout wanted in on the action!

Necklace close-up! I have wanted one of these J.Crew-style "Bubble" necklaces for forever, and I finally found one on the cheap on Etsy. Just search for "bubble necklace" on Etsy and you find a ton of them! Mine was $14.99 plus shipping, I think - such a steal!

Do you like the statement necklace trend? What would you wear a bubble necklace with?