Pink and Blue (9/30)

Just a quickie today... Promised myself I would be in bed by 11pm for the first time this week so I have five minutes. Better make this snappy!


Top: H&M, old
Pink Skirt: No tag (handmade), Thrifted, $1.60
Scarf: Won in giveaway at The Looks For Less, High Gloss Fashion (no longer available for purchase)
Shoes: Mossimo Supply Co Odell Ruffle Flat, Target, $6.48 (clearance in store)
Glasses: SEE Eyewear

The truth of it all: It was rainy, muggy and unbearable today. My hair reacted accordingly to the weather by becoming a hot mess. It happens. Also, my busy day and the weather resulted in indoor photos that don't even begin to show how awesomely pink this skirt is and how great it looks with the blue top (also drained by my terrible apartment lighting) and coordinating scarf. Also, it was 10pm when I took these photos so excuse my wrinkles.


But: I loved this outfit, I adore this scarf (so soft and light!) and I felt good despite a terrible hair day. If I can feel good through that, I think this outfit wins.

LOVE THE LOOK? SHOP SIMILAR ITEMS BELOW!

Winning Wednesday: Great Fashion Giveaways

Winning a giveaway is fantastic for two reasons: 1.) You have a new item to add to your wardrobe for free. What could be more frugal than that!? 2.) You are (most likely) introduced to a new company/store/brand/what-have-you. This is a great way to try something you either might not have bought on your own or try something you may have never heard about prior! I love that. This, my friends, is why every week I write a little post called Winning Wednesday.

1. Fashion Pulse Daily is giving you the down low on how you can win an iconic Norma Kamali Bill swimsuit. There are multiple ways to enter! Trust me... You're going to want to do all of them because this swimsuit is gorgeous! Click here to learn how to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: August 1, 2011

2. Meg's Musings is giving away a $50 credit to her shop! Ohhh, boy, I am crossing my fingers and toes that I win this one! I adore this shop! What would you buy with the credit if you won? The minty necklace would immediately be popped into my virtual shopping bag! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 28, 2011

3. Threadless is giving away an Olly Moss tee to ten lucky winners in celebrate of their new Select line of Olly Moss designs! Check out the designs here and learn how you can win one! I'd love to wear the "Don't Worry - Everything is going to be Amazing" shirt... Really cheerful, I like that. :)
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 28, 2011

4. Kendi Everyday is giving away a $200 gift card to Karen Kane! I would love to spend it on the leopard button up shirt I spotted in their Fall 2011 collection that is coming out in August. Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 31, 2011

5. exPress-o is giving away a gorgeous Juicy Series necklace from Nadine Essra - complete with a customized stone color. I think I would go for turquoise - what color would you fancy? Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 31, 2011

6. Love Twenty is giving away three pieces of jewelry - earrings, wrap bracelet and necklace - from Nadany! Her jewelry is not only gorgeous but is also for a greater good - 20% of her proceeds is donated to a list of worthy charities! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: August 4, 2011

7. In Their Closet is giving away a three makeup brush set from Sigma. Truth be told - I have never owned nice makeup brushes but have heard a lot about how much of a difference they can make. Care to clue me in some more on that? Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: August 3, 2011

8. Girl With Curves is giving away an adorable floral print dress from BeBop Clothing. I love that this dress is perfect for summer but would also look great styled with some bright tights for autumn and beyond! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 28, 2011

9. I'm Charming You is giving away a perfect Linea Pelle Dylan handbag. The color of it? So awesome. Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: August 1, 2011

10. StyleMint is hosting a "Create Your Own StyleMint July T Moment" contest. All you have to do is submit a photo of you wearing a red, white and blue tshirt and you are entered to win a free year of StyleMint and 12 StyleMint T's! Yes, please! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 31, 2011

Scarf Swap (8/30)

I have a case of the moody mondays today. Admittedly, the first day of the work week is never a favorite of mine... but it felt like everyone took a crabby patty pill today! Did it feel that way in your neck of the woods? I had to take a breather break after I was chewed out (over the phone, mind you) by someone I work with (indirectly work with - not exactly a co-worker of mine). Nothing sets me off more than when someone talks to me like I am five years old - especially when A) I know I am right and B) I am nice while knowing I am right. Gah. Anyway. Had to get that off my chest.

So, back to some frugal fashion... remember that scarf swap that Concrete Catwalk put together back in June? Yeah, that one! Now, I know what you're thinking... Katie, that was June. This is July. Erm, I know. But, see, here's the thing: There was a huge delay in me sending a scarf to my partner. I originally gave my boyfriend the task of sending it to her, which was fine and great... until he put the package in the back of his car and proceeded to forget about it. So there you go. The good news is that everything was sorted out and I have a very forgiving swap partner! Thank you, Jackie!


Dress: Merona, Thrifted, OLD
Scarf: Swapped with Rodori Style!
Earrings: Won in a giveaway
Flats: Mossimo, Thrifted, $3.40
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
Can I tell you how much I love the scarf she sent to me? It is big, bright, and bold. Love. Love. Love. The colors in it change between a pink and orange - probably my two most favorite colors. Unfortunately, I took my photos late in the day and didn't have the foresight to take a photo of the scarf stretched out so you could get a better look at it. Don't worry, we'll visit with this scarf again soon!




I decided that since the scarf is such a bold piece that I would pair it with this simple dress from my 30x30 items. I love it against the black. It makes it pop that much more. Plus, since I can almost-kind-of-sort-of put my hair up now, I added some massive earrings that are perfect at times like this. I'm pretty sure every single person in my office complimented me on both the scarf and earrings today. (OK, maybe not everyone I encountered was a crabby patty.)


Check out my mini baby bun. This was taken around 8pm so I think it did a pretty good job holding up... even if I did have to use one million pins in the back and shellac it down with gel and hair spray. :)

Now if you'll excuse me, I am off to hunt down some ice cream and hop into bed with a good book. I think I've earned both of those after a long day!

Nifty Thrifty (7/30)

So I was doing my usual blog reading at lunch today and discovered that it is a Nifty Thrifty day over at Every Body, Every Wear. How did I miss this?! Lucky for me (and you, maybe?), I am wearing my most favorite recent thrift find... actually, two of them...


Dress: Liz Claiborne, Thrifted (Value World), $2.60
Belt: J Crew, Thrifted (Value World), $1.60
Bracelet: Gift
Shoes: Mossimo Supply Co Oldell Ruffle flats, Target, $6.48 (clearance in store)
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
TOTAL = $10.68

I know you just saw this dress a few days ago but I thought I would show off the back of it now. It was a blazing hot day so I figured it would be perfect to keep my cool while I was at work - where it fluctuates between being freezing and being hot (don't even ask me how that works).


Ignoring my horrible posture in this picture, what do you think? The low back of this dress border lines on being inappropriate for work but I decided to hell with it today. The temperature warranted it.


My other nifty thrifty piece? This amazing yellow skinny belt that I picked up from one of my local Value World stores. Yes, J. Crew for $1.60 can be possible, ladies and gents. You just have to look! This belt looked virtuously unused when I bought it... I was actually even pretty shocked that the thrift store had not priced it higher than this.


I think the two go pretty well together, don't you? It didn't occur to me to pair them up until last night when I was putting my clothes together for the next day. So happy I chose to wear this today so I could participate in Nifty Thrifty Thursday!



Now shake your tail feather on over to Every Body, Every Wear and check out all the other great Nifty Thrifty submissions!

Winning Wednesday: Great Fashion Giveaways

Winning a giveaway is fantastic for two reasons: 1.) You have a new item to add to your wardrobe for free. What could be more frugal than that!? 2.) You are (most likely) introduced to a new company/store/brand/what-have-you. This is a great way to try something you either might not have bought on your own or try something you may have never heard about prior! I love that. This, my friends, is why every week I write a little post called Winning Wednesday.

I think I owe you a double dose of giveaways this week to make up for the lack of a Winning Wednesday post last week, huh? Your wish is my command!

1. Previously Owned and Pitipua Vintage are giving away a pretty vintage necklace and pin! This pin would be a perfect addition to two pins I inherited from my grandma! Perfect set! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 21, 2011

2. Fashion Orbit is giving away a pair of red Kelsi Dagger Teya Studded Platform Pumps. I love the stud details on these - gives them that extra bit of edge, don't you think? Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 28, 2011

3. The Bon Bon Rose Girls are giving away a $100 gift card to Shopbop! Hunter Boots here you come, perhaps?! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 26, 2011

4. What I Wore is giving away a Canon G12 digital camera! Have you been thinking about doing a little fashion blogging but don't feel like your camera is up to par? Now is your chance to win one! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 25, 2011

5. Fabulous On A Budget wants to give you one of their Summer-Tastic Tanks! Are you fabulous on a budget? I hope so! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 23, 2011

6. Pure Citizen is giving away a summer love bundle of some of their favorite organic beauty and ethical fashion picks! Are you a member of Pure Citizen yet? They offer flash sales of products from companies that strive to make the world a better place - think organic and ethic products. Click here to enter their giveaway!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 24, 2011

7. Art Addict is giving away a pair of her earrings! I strongly urge you to check out her shop, Valerie Tyler, to check out all her pieces - they are unique yet classic. I love that - it makes for a good mix, don't you think? Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 31, 2011

8. Tory Burch is giving you the chance to win a stylish getaway complete with a Tory Burch summer wardrobe! How could anyone turn that chance down!? Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: August 10, 2011

9. Neiman Marcus is giving away 500 $50 gift cards to email subscribers! Click here to sign up for NM emails! I'll be crossing my fingers that you become a winner!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: August 1, 2011

10. Le voyage créatif is giving away one of her beautiful handmade necklaces. I fell in love with her etsy shop thanks to Creature Comforts. Totally one of my most favorite etsy shops! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 22, 2011

11. Have you checked out the Shop Ruche Summer Resort lookbook? No? Well, allow me to share:

In love with what you see? Oh my, me too! My favorite look from the lookbook is right here - the elegancia romance applique tunic is possibly one of the prettiest tops I have ever laid my eyes on! And it is only $34.99! LOVING THAT PRICE!

Well, how about you combine your love of this new lookbook and Ruche and click on over here to learn how you can win a $100 Ruche gift card!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 22, 2011

12. The Daybook is giving away a $50 store credit to Megan Nielsen! I would love to use it toward the purchase of her Desert dress. Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 25, 2011

13. The Beauty Call is naming off some awesome beauty giveaways for you to enter! Check out her list and go win yourself some pretty shadows and glosses!

14. My Style Pill is giving away a summer ready bandeau dress and bow ring to one lucky winner from Accessorize. I think this dress is ready for a day at the beach and a casual evening out for a cocktail - what do you think? Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 25, 2011

15. My Gloss is giving away a $100 gift certificate to one lucky winner to spend on the new limited edition Bisou Bisou/Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising capsule collection at JC Penney! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: August 1, 2011

Good luck, guys!

Dress on Dress Action (6/30)

Oh, hello there, my fabulous blog friends... long time no blog, eh? I apologize for my sporadic breaks but sometimes a girl just needs a break, you know what I'm sayin'? Don't fret - I was still staying true to my 30 for 30 pieces, just didn't take the time to photograph them like usual so I'll be going back to do that this week to catch you all up on my daily outfittings. I know you have been in all kinds of suspense. :)

So, shall we start with today?


Black Dress: Merona, Thrifted, OLD
Zebra Dress: Mossimo, Thrifted, OLD
Vintage Necklace: Estate Sale, $5
Sandals: Mossimo "Pilar", Target, $29.99 (but free for me w/ gift card)
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
I loved this outfit. Sometimes I wonder if I should just own a closet full of black and white clothing because I always just feel so ME in black and white getups. They've just always been my thing.

I had the idea to layer these two dresses last week but put off wearing it until today because this week is supposed to be an absolutely scorcher. And that it was. I think one of the reports I read said at one point if had gotten to 107 degrees. Oh, mama. And it is supposed to stay this warm all week. (Remind me again why I included any type of sleeved clothing in my 30 pieces... anyone?) Yes, summer has arrived in Michigan. And the humidity? Don't get me started.


So, I don't know if I have mentioned it here before but my boyfriend took me estate sale shopping on my birthday back in June. I, of course, hit up estate sales all the time but it was nice to have him as a shopping buddy for once. My boyfriend is amazing but the one thing he fails at is being a patient shopper. This normally means I never even desire to have him go shopping anywhere with me - even the grocery store. However, that changes once a year on my birthday where he morphs into a stellar shopping buddy and is as patient as can be. I'll take it.

That being said, you should probably know the story behind this necklace. I walked by it on the very first estate sale we hit up. I'm sure you can imagine that the second I saw it, my heart started pounding and my eyes widened. This pretty lady was meant to be mine. But then disappointment came - the necklace had no price tag. Can I just tell you how much I hate when things are not marked at estate sales/garage sales/etc? I can maybe understand if it is an expensive antique and you want to wheel and deal to see what someone will offer you... but on this necklace? C'mon, put a price on it. So, anyway, I ask how much it is and the guy proceeds to tell me $10. Now, $10 may not sound like much, but remember who you're talking to - I was not happpy with this price. Defeated, I put it down and told my boyfriend I was ready to hit the road. Outside, he told me I needed to go back in and bring the guy down on price... but, here is something that may surprise you: I don't haggle. Never have. Never will. I'm just not into having that discussion with people. But my amazing boyfriend? He could care less. He walked back in and got the guy down to $5 and walked back out with my necklace. Did I mention how much I love him - particularly on this day? :)

This necklace, especially when paired with this dress on dress action, makes me wanna do a little dance...



Sorry, couldn't resist. I love the way the zebra print dress swung under the black dress. I didn't think dancing at work would be appropriate (oh, who am I kidding...) so I waited to share it with you guys.

Slightly Casual Thursday (5/30)

Last Thursday was a casual day in my office as it was our "Friday" considering we had a four day weekend. I wasn't in the mood to wear jeans as it was pretty hot out... do jeans feel completely uncomfortable to you in the heat too? Just heavy and constricting, no thanks. I opted, instead, for this perfect floral dress paired with the softest denim top I have ever touched.


Dress: Liz Claiborne, Thrifted, $2.60
Denim Top: Blue Asphalt, Thrifted, $1.40
Sandals: Liz Claiborne Flex, Thrifted, $2.80
Necklace: Francesca's Collections, $4.98 (clearance)
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
TOTAL = $11.78
Bright, pretty, summery and yet comfortable. I'm all about that kind of combination - especially on a hot summer day. Plus, I was itching to wear this new necklace I picked up a week ago at Francesca's Collections with my BFF. It was marked down to $6.98, which is awesome, but then I saw a sign that said that everything on that table was then marked down to just $4.98. I was sold.




Back to the topic of denim and the fact that this top is super soft - It brings up another good point: Reason #9387547 thrift stores are amazing - A lot of the things you will find are already perfect worn in. Was this shirt as soft for the person who initially bought it brand new? Probably not. But give it a bunch of wearings and washings and you have yourself something perfectly worn. And now it is mine. Thank you, previous owner(s), thank you.

Winning Wednesday: Great Fashion Giveaways!

Winning a giveaway is fantastic for two reasons: 1.) You have a new item to add to your wardrobe for free. What could be more frugal than that!? 2.) You are (most likely) introduced to a new company/store/brand/what-have-you. This is a great way to try something you either might not have bought on your own or try something you may have never heard about prior! I love that. This, my friends, is why every week I write a little post called Winning Wednesday.

I feel like I say this every week... but... wow, SO many good giveaways going on this week! Quick, get your entries in now before you forget!

1. Shoed In is giving away a gorgeous pair of custom made Ms Mary Mac shoes! I'm fawning over the Bitty heel and the Jumba heel. Which pair do you love? Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 22, 2011

2. The Bon Bon Rose Girls are giving away a $25 gift certificate to Dressbarn! I'm currently loving their drawstring waist shirt dress. What would you put the $25 towards? Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 9, 2011

3. Sunglass Hut is giving one lucky winner a trip to the fashion capital of the world - PARIS! I've been to Paris twice (on school trips) and can honestly say I have never been anywhere as inspirational and beautiful. Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 31, 2011

4. Dwelling and Telling is giving away a $50 gift card to JCPenney! Based on my experience, $50 can go a LOOOONG way at JCPenney! I have found so many good deals and so many good pieces there! Click here to enter and check out the amazing dress Linley is wearing!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 11, 2011

5. The Frosted Button is giving away $20 gift certificate to Pretty Things By Meg! This has been added to my list of absolute favorite etsy shops and she is a fellow mitten state lady to boot! These are my current favorite pieces: her mocha earrings, the minty necklace and leaves of grass earrings. Beautiful, right? Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 9, 2011

6. The Looks For Less is giving away a $50 gift certificate to ShopKempt.com. Hmm, that would mean you'd only have to spend eight dollars on their gorgeous Kitsch Blanche dress! What a deal. Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 13, 2011

7. Fashion by Alicia is giving her readers the chance to win a $25 Ann Taylor LOFT gift certificate! LOFT is currently offering up knit dresses for $29.50! 29.50 - 25.00 = 4.50 for a knit dress... Yes, please! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 12, 2011

8. Fashstash is currently giving away a pair of Ozone Socks to one lucky reader! I won two pairs of Ozone Socks a few months ago and absolutely love them! They are so comfortable, warm and funky! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 18, 2011

9. The Frugalista Diaries is giving away a $25 gift certificate to spend at 365HANGERS! Click here to enter and learn more about this great shopping site!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 15, 2011

10. Holly Dolly is offering up a double giveaway! She is giving away a SUPER CUTE Krust clutch and an adorable bow tie necklace from her own shop! Basically, you will be stylin' to the max. Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: July 8, 2011

OK, so spill it: Which giveaway are you crossing your fingers and toes in hopes that you win?

Happy Birthday, America!

Well, I am "back to reality" after a glorious four day weekend away from work and the computer (well, ok, just a little away from the computer). I got to spend some time with my little brother (We made him a facebook... oh my goodess, my tiny little brother has a facebook! And I helped!), watched some great fireworks, hung out around my little city enjoying their 4th of July festival and ate some great bbq while visiting with the favorite members of my boyfriend's family.

And then I woke up this morning and thought, "Do I really have to go back to work!?" Yes, lady, yes you do. :)

Just because I had to head back to work doesn't mean I can't show you what I wore to celebrate the 4th of July! Remember, I love a good theme outfit: Example One and Example Two. Plus, red, white and blue always look good together.


OK, to be honest, I wore this on July 2nd - that is when we celebrated the 07/04 weekend.
Tank: Mossimo Supply Co (Long and Lean), Target, ? (clearance rack)
Gingham Top: Urban Behavior, Plato's Closet, ?
Shorts: St. John's Bay, Thrifted, ?
Wedge Sandals: Chadwicks, Thrifted, ?
Belt: No tag, Thrifted, $1.40
Glasses: SEE Eyewear

Red, white and blue... Add in some gingham and ruffles and I am set. I bought this gingham top a few years ago at one of my local Plato's Closet stores. It's a good example of buying something out of your normal size range. Actually, it is the size I would normally wear but this particular shirt doesn't fit over my bust. Determined to wear it anyway, I bought it and went on my merry way. So what if it can't button - I think it works well like this. However, I make an effort not to do this very often as it limits the ways I can style this particular top.


Another fashion piece to discuss: Shorts. Shorts and I don't often see eye to eye. I'm fairly positive I own just three pairs - this being one of them. They just never seem to fit me right, they often ride up and they seem to only come in SUPER SHORT variations. Bootie shorts were desired when I was 13 (much to my mother's chagrin), not so much the closer I get to 30. This pair, however, feels like they are tailored to fit my body. They're just the right length and I love the color. Navy is my summer black. :)






I also love any outfit that matches these wedge sandals. I found them at a thrift store probably two years ago and have worn them as much as possible every summer since. They're only now beginning to show a little bit of wear. They are seriously the most comfortable sandals I have ever slipped my piggies into. Oh my goodness. Plus, I like that they buckle at my ankle - it helps give them a slimmer appearance. Lucky for me (and maybe you!), Chadwicks still makes a similar style sandal! Oh, that snake skin pair is at the top of my must have list right now!

Did you have a good weekend?