PEACHY KEEN

Recently I took a trip to Kohl's to use up some Kohl's cash I had earned from buying my guy a new set of luggage for our vacation to Cozumel in May. I went in on the hunt for something perfect for summer and, as a requisite, it needed to not be a dark color. Lately, I feel like all I ever wear is black! Summer is here - I need to start dressing like it!

I came across this peach toned dress on the clearance rack and it fit the bill perfectly. It's sleeveless so it's perfect to wear now AND wear later (something I always aim to do with my clothes), has great color, and is super comfortable. Oddly enough, though I bought it with summer heat in mind, the first time I wore it, it was actually a slightly chilly day so layers were a must.

Dress: ELLE from Kohls [similar for $34.99] - FREE after Kohl's cash & gift card
Lace Sweatshirt: Dots [Similar in navy for $22] - $15
White Jean Jacket: GAP via Salvation Army [LOVE this one!]
Shoes: Mossimo from Target [d'Orsey version for $20] - $6.48 clearance find
Necklace: Vintage estate sale find
Eyewear: Zenni Optical [exact] - $25.95


LOVE THE LOOK? SHOP SIMILAR ITEMS BELOW!

Linking up with: Passion for Fashion at Lena B, Actually!

My First Fishtail

Do you like the title of this post? It's not that I have plans to go out and buy multiple fish tail dresses/skirts but I have been on the hunt for the perfect one for a little while now.

I won a gift credit from Speedy Girl the other week on twitter and was immediately ready to put it use. The second I laid my eyes on it, I knew it had to be mine! Yes, I did have a gift code, but I would have gladly handed over my own funds for this dress. For starters, it cost just $25! More on that later. Secondly, it's gorgeous and even prettier (if at all possible) in person!


Dress: Princess and Her Knight dress, ShopSpeedyGirl.com, FREE
(after using the gift code I won via twitter)
Leggings: Mossimo Supply Co, Target, OLD
Shoes: Dana Buchman, Kohl's, Purchased last year
Belt: Taken from another dress
Glasses: SEE Eyewear

Truth be told, there is a bit of an Awkward and Awesome moment going on here. Awkward? These terrible indoor photos and the bruise on my leg. The Awesome? This dress, duh, and the fact that that bruise is about 25% as bad as it was before. I'll take it. (Small word of advice: Don't walk into the corner of your dishwasher door when unloading dishes. You and your leg will regret it.)


OK, so back to that $25 awesome dress, right? Well, in case you haven't checked out Speedy Girl yet, you should. They offer lovely clothing - two pieces every 24 hours, to be exact - at low, low prices. Two new pieces are up every 24 hours... so if you like something, JUMP on it and jump on it quick! I'm already kind of regretting not buying this olive tunic sweater the other day. Live and learn!

EBEW: Colored Pants

Colored pants. They're a pretty big deal right now but I can't say I am 100% on board. I love the idea but have a hard time following through on the actual look when it comes to actually doing it. Pants have never been my favorite thing. Regardless, when Everybody, Everywear put out the call for colored pants, I answered!



Gingham Top: Old Navy, $19.50 on sale (free to me w/ gift card)
Silk Tank: Casual Corner, Thrifted, OLD
Green Cords: J. Crew, Thrifted, OLD
Necklace: Thrifted, $1
Bangle: ?, OLD
Sandals: Mossimo, Target, $7.48 (on clearance in store)
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
Purse: Jessica Buckle Tote, c/o HandbagHeaven.com

Yes, I followed through and brought my kelly green J. Crew (thrifted, J. Crew, mind you) corduroy pants to blogtown. I've had these for a while now but never seem to wear them as much as I probably should. Everybody always loves them when I wear them and how could you not!? They are such a happy color! A happy color is enough to put a smile on any face.


I have to admit, even with a lot of crazy business going down at work this week and especially today, I remained pretty cheerful. I attribute this to a good mix of happy colors. The green, of course, and this fantastic gingham button up that I lusted over the second I saw it on the Old Navy website. I knew it had to be mine!


I kicked it up another notch with some chunky gold jewelry. This outfit was actually a little casual feeling (at least for me) for office wear during the week so I thought the jewelry might help take it to the next level. Not the fanciest outfit I have ever worn, but it worked!

And how about my $7.48 sandals? I love when the shoes I really want go on major clearance. Thank you, Target, thank you very much.


AND, goodness, how about that sun today!? Sunny outside to match my sunny exterior! :)

Free Flowing Monday

Mondays, in my world, require something relatively easy and comfortable to wear. I can't help it - being back at work after two days off just requires simplicity. I'm always extra sleepy on Monday mornings (side effect of usually sleeping in too much over the weekend and therefore not being able to sleep Sunday night), slightly grumpy about having to go back to work (I deal with grumpy customers a lot at work) and Mondays are just really busy in my office.


Black Tee: Forever21, Thrifted, OLD
Maxi Dress: Mossimo, Target, OLD
Sandals: Mossimo Pilar, Target, $29.99 (but FREE for me after gift card)
Necklace: Walmart, $10
Glasses: SEE Eyewear

What could be better than a maxi and a great necklace? Or, as Unusual Form likes to call them, Lankets - aka blanks for your legs! I will take a maxi skirt/dress any day of the week - especially if it is soft and flowy, as this one is. I bought it a few summers ago on clearance at Target and loved it so much that I bought it in another color (same print, but greens). This one happens to be a halter dress so I have to layer it up in order to make it work appropriate.


Also, if you remember correctly, I am currently (trying to) embracing messy hair. I've learned that doing such is 100% easier when my bangs are short and blunt. I cannot handle messy bangs and therefore cannot handle growing my bangs out. I don't even know why I try because I prefer having short, blunt bangs! I crave change but then march right back to my usual. Do you go through this ebb and flow too?


I have found a star player in embracing messy hair! Spin Pins from Goody are God's gift for easy hair. I've seen a lot said about them the past few months but never thought about using them myself. I have very baby soft, thin hair that tends to fall out of any sort of hair holder/curl/etc, so these types of hair products don't usually apply to me. Then, lo and behold, I received a package in a swag bag from Kaboodle and decided to give them a try. Do yourself a favor - GIVE THEM A TRY! The two pins that come in a package hold my bun together easy peasy. All I do is twist my hair (when damp - this just works better for me and my hair) into a bun and then twirl the pins into it. Done. This is my hair at the end of the day. I know there are bits falling out but keep in mind my hair is pretty still pretty short.




Oh! And I can't forget to show you my necklace! It was a total impulse buy at Walmart a few years ago around Christmas time. It is quite a statement piece but it's not too loud thanks to its dark colors. I think it brought this outfit up a notch, don't you?

How was your Monday?

Pinned Up (12/30)

I meant to post these photos yesterday but we were in a hurry to head downtown to watch a Tiger's (baseball) game. I think this is my most favorite 30x30 look yet in this go around! It is simple but fun, classy yet slightly edgy... and comfortable!


Black Tee: Forever21, Thrifted, Old
Skirt: Chaus, Thrifted, $2.99
Sandals: Mossimo Pilar, Target, FREE ($29.99 but FREE after my gift card)
Necklace: Francesca's Collection, $4.98 (clearance)
Pin (on skirt): Gift from my little brother
Glasses: SEE Eyewear

I cannot get enough of this necklace. I honestly don't think I have ever worn another necklace as much as I have worn this one this summer. It's only been photographed one other time on the blog but I promise it has been more of a trusty friend than that. The colors of it seem to match no matter what I pair it with... love that.


So I decided to pin up this skirt after trying it on the night before and not really loving the way it fit. There is quite a bit of fabric to this skirt although it is very thin, silky fabric so it can tend to look a little droopy... Pinning it in front took away the droopy factor and added in a little flair, at least I think. My ladies at work loved it - which is always nice to hear. :)


As an added bonus, the pin is actually a gift my little brother gave me years and years ago for Christmas. He had bought it and a matching pink pin as a set for me at the little Christmas shop his school puts together for the kids. Jewelry from a ten year old little boy? Enough to melt your heart. :)

A Mishmash (12/30)

This is an outfit that I wore a couple weeks ago but apparently forgot to post about and forgot I ever took the photos. That worked out well today as I spent a couple hours after work preparing for tomorrow's Yard Sale Trail festivities and didn't have time to photograph my outfit from today. Look, I take this stuff seriously guys. :)


Blue Tee: H&M, old
Tan Button Up: Arizona, Thrifted, $3.75
Zebra Dress: Mossimo, Thrifted, old
Wedge Sandals: Mossimo Pilar, Target, $29.99 (but FREE w/ gift card)
Blue Belt: Old Navy, $2.99 (clearance in store)
Glasses: SEE Eyewear

I wasn't exactly gung-ho for this outfit. It's kind of a strange mix of a little bit of everything - hence my mishmash title. It isn't terrible but it's also not something I would have put together in a regular context. Generally, I think that is a good thing. Pushes me a little and don't we all need a little push sometimes?


I found this vibrant belt at Old Navy a few weeks ago and about giggled in delight when I saw one of their bright clearance stickers attached to it. $2.99?! SO SOLD. I have a little obsession with owning a belt in every color imaginable so this was a perfect addition to my collection. I don't wear a lot of blue but I like the punch of color this can add to other outfits.


Finally, let's talk about how great my hair looks in these photos. It reminds me how horrible it looks right now. (Har har.) If that isn't some motivation to trim my bangs, I don't know what is!

An EBEW/30x30 Smackdown... or something. (11/30)

Today's topic? Pattern mixing. It is something I am quite fond of really and I feel like it is a really easy way to maximize your closet by having just a few pieces but creating numerous looks! (Shameless past print mixing promoting herein ends. You are welcome.)

Now, pattern mixing within my 30x30 pieces wasn't a stretch whatsoever. I always make sure to include some patterned pieces because A) they are fun and B) my closet is so full of them, how could I not? I pretty much live for florals and bright colors during the summer. I love these pieces apart but together they're even better...


Dress: Liz Claiborne, Thrifted, $2.60
Gingham Top: IZOD, Thrifted, $4.99
Flats: Mossimo Supply Co Odell Ruffle Flats, Target, $6.48 (on clearance in store)
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
Diamond Studs: Gift from my boyfriend
Flower Hair Pin: Handmade by me
TOTAL: $14.07
Oh, mama. Floral and gingham, be still my heart. Ever since I laid my eyes on this gorgeous match up of gingham and floral from 9to5Chic I have been dreaming of ways to recreate the look myself. There was no time better than now as both of these items are part of my 30 for 30 pieces and it is Everybody, Everywhere pattern mixing day.


I kept the look pretty simple other than that... I'm not usually one to add on a lot of jewelry when I'm wearing a "louder" outfit. It's just how I roll. I was actually feeling under the weather this morning so I opted not to blowdry my hair but instead threw it up (aka pin obsessively and spray a lot) in a baby bun and added a felt flower I made a while back. I think it complimented the outfit pretty nicely, don't you?


Looking for more pattern mixing inspiration? Connect with other lovely bloggers today (and anytime!) at Everybody, Everywhere! Did you pattern mix today? Link up at the site!

Case of The Mondays (10/30)

It's Monday and I'm dealing with a serious case of The Mondays.


Yellow Top: Old Navy, Thrifted, $2.99
Zebra Dress: Mossimo, Thrifted, OLD
Belt: Thrifted, $1.00
Necklace: Claire's, OLD
Shoes: Mossimo, Thrifted, $3.40
Despite my Mondays, I still made the effort to photograph my outfit today - which I promised myself I would do all week no matter how non-Fashion-Frugality I felt. :) My camera also apparently had a case of the Mondays because it kept switching settings on me WHILE my timer was set. Aye carumba. Like her job is that hard - take a few outfit photos every once in a while... c'mon, girl, get your stuff together.

Today officially begins my countdown to the... drumroll, please... YARD SALE TRAIL! Yes, indeed! My family has indulged in this delightful shopping excursion every year since, hmmm, I think 2005! Did I ever tell you my parents love yard/garage/whatever-you-call-it-in-your-neck-of-the-woods sales? I didn't just happen upon my frugal ways on my own, folks.

So, that being said, FOUR days till yard sale heaven! Stay tuned for more info such as: my yard sale shopping tips, finds from past yard sales along the trail and this year's list of what I am looking for!

Do you yard sale?

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!

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!

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.

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?

Camo Dreams (4/30)

Let's talk about camo today, shall we? I have been obsessed with the idea of owning a camo jacket for a while now. The obsession got further out of control when I came across this photo at All The Pretty Birds! Doesn't she look amazing? The camo jacket just totally makes the whole look and the necklace she paired with it? Oh, swoon. Needless to say, I have spent great amounts of time dreaming up my own camo jacket and what I would pair it with.

Then came one fateful trip to Old Navy. And there it was. Hanging alone on a clearance rack amidst tanks and sundresses. My perfect size. A dream come true!


Pleated Skirt: Peter Popovitch, Thrifted, $1.50
Black Tee: Forever21, Thrifted, OLD
Camo Jacket: Old Navy, $20.99 (on clearance)
Braided Belt: Tagless, Thrifted, $1
Wedge Sandals: Mossimo "Pilar", Target, FREE ($29.99 but bought with gift card)
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
Bracelet: Inherited from grandma
Watch: Inherited from grandma
It got a simple styling today - all black and camo. It doesn't get much easier than that yet it still looks good, you know? Classic with a twist. Pleats with an edge. My favorite belt to cinch the jacket in...


And my favorite jewelry ight now...


Both are pieces I inherited from my grandma... The watch doesn't work at this point but I wear it because it reminds me of her. Out of all the jewelry I inherited from her, this is my favorite. It is the one of my favorite memories of her - she was always wearing a watch and it was always a small, dainty watch like this. In fact, this was the one she wore the most and the only one left in her massive jewelry box at her death. Clearly, it was her favorite, which makes it a fast favorite for me as well.

In closing,



1. A favorite jacket
2. A favorite skirt
3. Favorite jewelry

It all makes for a happy Katie.

Lemon and Lime (3/30)

How do you combat the back-to-work Monday blues? I dressed up in a color blocked, bright as can be kind of outfit! Truth be told, I think it really did help my outlook today.


Yellow Henley: Old Navy, Thrifted, $2.99
Vintage Green Skirt: Tagless, Thrifted, $7.50
Nude Flats: Mossimo Supply Co, Target, $6.48 (clearance - in store)
Necklace: Gift from friend, Bought in Italy!
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
The minute I picked out my thirty pieces, I had this outfit in mind. I mean, bright yellow and bright green? It's a match made in heaven or, at the very least, a match made for summer! Plus, I have a lot of great, bright jewelry that can go with it so well - the piece that made the final cut is this amazing beaded necklace a friend of mine brought back with her for me from Italy.

Molto bello!

Now... what shall I ever wear tomorrow?



Chow! :)