Thanks to Goodwill I Can Steal Jessica Lowndes’s Look for Less than $25…What Mommy Wore!

Back at the beginning of the month (or the end of last month, can’t remember which), PopSugar posted a Look of the Day that featured Jessica Lowndes (who plays Adrianna Tate-Duncan on the tv show 90210) sporting a super-cute look that I fell in love with due to its simplicity and perceived  comfort level.  Unfortunately, it featured a Tory Burch Thorri striped top that I knew would probably not be in my budget any time soon.  But, I tucked the photo into my inspirations folder “just in case” because I might win the lottery one of these days if you can do that without purchasing a ticket.  Here’s Jessica’s lovely outfit:

Photo:  100 Inspirations (who linked to PopSugar)

Of course, a few days later the wonderful ladies over at 100 Inspirations, who are the best at duplicating celeb looks for those of us on a budget, came up with an amazing alternative for around $113!  Still, that constituted my clothing budget for two months, so I had to use my resources…and here’s what I found…

Jeans:  Old Navy, thrifted from the White Settlement Goodwill (with tags still on)- $4.19

Army Style Jacket:  Mossimo, thrifted from the Saginaw Goodwill– $5.99

Striped top:  Express, thrifted from the Goodwill Boutique– $4.99

Booties:  Guess, thrifted from the Rufe Snow Goodwill– $7.00

Scarf:  no idea on the brand, but it’s tag says it’s mainly rabbit hair-thrifted from the Saginaw Goodwill– $1.99

GRAND TOTAL:  $24.16! Just goes to show you can shop second hand and still look like a star 😉  Oh how I LOVE Goodwill!

I will be honest though-I didn’t really care for the scarf, as it was a little constricting for me.  Here’s how I actually wore the look:

This was actually super comfortable and perfect for a day when the weather was a little cooler.  I could have really copied Jessica by wearing my hair down, but the second day pony tail (which looked slightly train-wreckish by the end of the day when the photo was taken) worked.  I gave it the Mommy thumbs up for comfort, stylishness and the ability to pick up a child without showing anything indecent.  What do you think–thumbs up, thumbs down, thumbs neutral…worth duplicating again?  I would love to hear your thoughts!

So a big thank you goes out to Jessica Lowndes for having great style for us to rip off and thanks to the Fort Worth area Goodwill’s for having such fabulous finds!  MUAH right on the mouth!!

‘Til next time,

Nicole

Attempting to Rock the Over-the-Knee Socks (What I Wore)

Sorry it’s been a while since I’ve posted-I just got back from the SITS Girls Bloggy Boot Camp in Austin and had two tests to study for PLUS two papers to write this past week, all while trying to wrap my head around what I had learned at the conference.  Look for a post about what I learned over the next few days as that conference rocked my world!

In other news, I’ve been a little fashion-boring lately.  With everything going on, it’s been hard to get enough sleep which in turn translates to getting up late and dressed in a hurry.  I decided that it was time to wear something other than jeans and my usual sweater, so I broke out an outfit I’ve been dying to wear for three weeks; that look includes the huge trend, over-the-knee socks.

Olivia from (406) Olivia (whom we all know I heart to death) and Eboni from The Fashionista Next Door have both rocked the OTK socks lately, so I thought I had better put at least one of the three pairs I have to the test.  Here’s what I threw together:

Jacket: Vintage Sasson, thrifted from the Hurst Goodwill.  I fell in love with the velvet trim collar which you can’t see.  This is the perfect little jacket and for $5.99…heaven!

Red Satin/Cotton Tank Top: Old Navy from years ago

Skirt (that obviously didn’t iron very well):  Old Navy-I got this two seasons ago when I was pregnant and it still had the $1.99 clearance tag on it.

Over-the-Knee socks: Xhilaration bought at Target.  Seriously, if you want to try this trend, Target is by far the best place to get these socks since they’re only $5 and they have at least 15 styles to choose from.  They have a chunky knit off-white pair that I may just have to go back and buy (only to hold on to them until I figure out how to style them!)

Black Velvet Mary Janes: From Forever 21 and one of the most uncomfortable pairs of shoes I’ve ever worn.  I was dying for a pair and when I found them in velvet, I bought them to go with this jacket.  I think I made it an hour in them before my feet said no more.  I don’t think an insert would help either.  {insert crying sad face here}

Necklace/Earrings: NY & Co. from last year.  It is supposed to be a long necklace, but it was longer than the jacket so I double looped it.

Flat hair-the result of letting my hair air dry with no product.  Since my husband was kind enough to take this photo at the end of the day, I wasn’t going to mess with it either.  Sorry!

So here’s a question…I was reading Vogue in the waiting room the other day while waiting for the BFF to have a simple procedure done and came across a column by Tim Gunn (of Project Runway fame).  He was discussing skirt length and said that women over 35 should not wear skirts that hit higher than 2″ from the top of the knee.  Of course, I’m over 35 and I have a LOT of skirts that are higher than that (mainly because I’m so tall).  What’s your opinion on that?  Do you agree?  If that’s the case, I have to get rid of about 10 skirts in my closet.  And the one above is a push in the length department according to Tim.  Also, do you think tights or OTK socks make a difference?  Does it make it better or worse?  I would love to hear your opinions!!

That’s it for now!   Let me know your thoughts 🙂

‘Til next time,

Nicole

**EDIT:  I totally forgot to link up to Lindsey’s What I Wore Wednesday over at the Pleated Poppy, Mandy’s Steppin’ Out Saturday at Harper’s Happenings and Jewelscape’s Bejeweled Wednesday’s –sorry!

What I Wore Wednesday

Woo hoo it’s Wednesday!  For anyone joining from The Pleated Poppy or …Meet Virginia, I posted earlier in the week that I was headed to Phoenix today, and so if you’re reading this later than 1pm CST, then I am either on my way, or already there.  Although I grew up all over the Pacific Northwest (mainly Spokane, Washington and with all my extended family in the Seattle area),  I consider myself to be from Phoenix.  I lived there part-time for 1991 and 1992 while I was in college up in Utah, but then transferred to Arizona State in 1993 and lived there until 2006 when J2 and I headed out to Texas.  At the time, I needed a change of scenery, but now I am anxious to get “home”.  This visit will bring back summer dresses and shorts for six days (since it’s still in the mid 90’s there), but if that’s what it takes to see my family, so be it!

With that in mind, here’s what I wore while it cooled down here in North Texas…

Wednesday, September 29th– Second to last day of my 30 day challenge!  Of course, I had class in the morning where both my classrooms are freezing and that morning I woke up late so I threw on the first thing that was fairly warm and clean (oh, and that I hadn’t worn!)

Blue top:  NY & Co from two years ago

Black tissue cardigan:  Old Navy from this spring

Jeans:  Joey style BCBGirl jeans, thrifted from Buffalo Exchange in Tempe, AZ probably five years ago easily (you can tell I was getting down at the end of the jean pile)

Socks (black and blue striped): NY & Co, bought the same time as the shirt

Shoes:  men’s Oxfords, thrifted from the Industrial Blvd (Bedford) Goodwill

Tuesday, September 30th– Running around with J3 and not in the mood to do anything.  I felt sloppy and gross, but needed to find the little guy a Halloween costume.  I had seen a couple at Goodwill (because I’m too darn cheap to pay $30 for something he’ll wear for 30 minutes) and knew I needed to go before they were all gone, so out the door I went.

Top:  Old Navy and a XL, can’t you tell?!?  I wore it when I was pregnant even though it’s not maternity and somehow it missed going up in the attic.  Ifound it buried in my closet and it seemed perfect for the mood I was in at the time.

Tank Top (you can’t see):  Charlotte Russe (because my 14 month old is fascinated with pulling on my shirt and showing everyone my goods)

Capris:  Adriano Goldschmied “the Split” jeans, purchased from the Buffalo Exchange in Tempe, AZ back when AG first hit the scene.  Yeah, I’ve had these awhile!

Moccasins: Preview International, thrifted from the Haltom City Goodwill.  At first I was a little unsure about the stones on them, but they’ve grown on me.  I thought at the time they’d match a couple of hard-to-match bronze colored things in my closet, so I bought them and they did.  Yea!

Friday October 1st-YAY!  The 30 outfits/30 days challenge is done!  The first thing I did was throw on one of my favorite pairs of jeans.  As you can see from the background and lack of cropping, J2 and I took J3 to his first baseball game at Rangers stadium.  I was a little hesitant, thinking J3 was going to be a crazy baby, but he was great and everyone around us loved him.  I had planned on buying a Rangers shirt while we were there, but it just didn’t happen, so I was stuck with plain white. Oh well!

Jeans:  Big Star “Kayla” straight jeans

T-shirt:  Awake Couture, bought at Macy’s three years ago.  I love it because it’s long and I love it so much I have it in black as well!

Flip Flops:  Old Navy

Saturday, October 2nd-J2 had a company event at the Fort Worth zoo…

Believe it or not, that’s not me 😉

I let J2 play with the camera while we were walking around and something on the darn thing freaked out before we had a chance to take any human pictures, therefore the red baboon’s butt is what you get.  Sorry about that, but dang, it’s better than what I was wearing!  I walked out of the bedroom in a simple shift dress and J2 suggested I change, saying I would be overdressed and out of place (like that isn’t the story of my life).  So I put on a very unexciting gray Arizona State t-shirt, old faded black capris from NY & Co and silver cushy flip flops from Old Navy.  Now aren’t you glad you got to see a monkey instead?!?

Sunday, October 3rd– I was lazy until it was time to go get a massage.  I have THE BEST therapist in the world, and from someone that has received hundreds of massages, that’s saying a lot.  Oh, and I’m not exaggerating either on the hundreds.  I worked for a massage therapy school for almost two years that had a clinic on the weekends and staff got free massages so that the students would get their hours (and the clinic admin would let us bring friends for free if it was slow).  I would receive five or six in a weekend and then I worked for Massage Envy (where I get my massages now).  I have back issues and my therapist Fil is wonderful.  I have to book at least two weeks out to get a spot but I feel amazing afterward!

Dress:  Gap, thrifted from the Goodwill Boutique

Scarf:  ???, thrifted from the Rufe Snow Goodwill.  I’ve never been big on scarves, only because I think I look stupid, but I liked this one.  It was buried in a bucket and I saw the color peeking out, so I grabbed it and for only 99 cents it was mine!  Muhahaha!

Sandals:  Reaction by Kenneth Cole from T.J. Maxx.  You’ve seen these plenty of times, but they used to drive me crazy because the back strap would slip off my heel.  I mentioned it to my (wonderful) cobbler/shoe god and he fixed them for me.  Have I mentioned how important having a good cobbler is when you’re a shoe fanatic?!?  Does everyone have a good shoe guy/cobbler?  If not, you need one, or at least need to know what one can do if you do decide to look for one.  That may be a post in the making…hmmm…

Monday, October 4th– Class and it was a little chilly in the morning.  Fall really came crashing in here in North Texas, but it’s supposed to warm up over the weekend.

**Side note on the tunic-I put it on with leggings and boots originally and then walked out in front of my husband who kindly proceeded to tell me it was not my most flattering outfit.  I am one of those women that expects my husband to honestly tell me when I don’t look good in something, so I was grateful, but sad that the whole legging thing didn’t work.  Tunic was just too short and momma’s got too much junk in the trunk to pull leggings off with this one.  {SIGH}**

Orange tunic top:  Ashley 26 International, thrifted from the Saginaw Goodwill (told all about here)

Jeans:  Big Star Maggie jeans

Boots:  Bandolino, thrifted from the Campus Drive Goodwill four years ago, right when booties started getting big.  They are definitely a throw back from the 90’s, but they’re such a rich brown suede with a medium heel they’re timeless.  And they were on sale that day half off ($2!) so heck yeah!

Gold chain belt:  Funny story on this one.  I’ve had this belt since my junior year of high school (back in the 90’s).  That year for Christmas this arrives from my aunt over in Seattle; I call her and say “Thank you for the necklace Aunt K” to which she laughs and replies “honey, it’s a belt.”  I almost died from embarrassment, but have held on to that thing for 20 years and have worn it as a belt, a necklace AND a bracelet!!  I hardly ever wear gold, but it just seemed appropriate with the pumpkin colored tunic sweater.

Huge gold Guess watch:  a left over from the late 80’s/early 90’s that I found in a box up in the top of my closet.  It is HUGE!  I had a battery put in and now have a gold faced watch for when I venture out and wear another metal other than my usual silver/platinum.

Tuesday, October 5th-Hair appointment at Shampoo Salon with Ally.  If anyone in DFW needs a fantastic hair stylist, she is it!  Plus her husband went to ASU and she lived in Phoenix, so we gab it up about all the things we miss about the desert.  And she’s super cute too (little petite thing that she is).  Seriously, if you need someone great, she’s worth the money (actually, all the stylists there are, which I can profess since they’ve all cut and/or colored my hair at one time or another in the past four years).

Plaid shirt:  No Boundaries, thrifted from the Industrial Blvd (Bedford) Goodwill

Jeans:  Big Star “Kayla” straight jeans (yes, again)

Belt:  I think Target…about ten years ago

Shoes:  Wearing the Bandolino’s again.  I have a pair of Nine West ones that I wanted to wear, but I think J3 has hidden one of them since it wasn’t on the rack in my closet where it should have been.  Thanks kiddo!

And that’s it!  It felt good to really wear some of the items in my closet, but it felt better to be able to wear my favorites and not be so restricted.  I think now that my tripod and timer have arrived, I may just take a few pictures during the week, because I feel like what I’m wearing is really not that exciting.  I can amp it up a few times a week, but everyday…not so much.

As usual, linking up with Lindsey and Morgan!

‘Til next time,

Nicole

What I Wore and the Challenge is Halfway Through!

So here it is, Wednesday again.  September here in Texas is finally cooling off a bit, but temps are still in the 90’s most days.  Rumor is though that it’s supposed to cool off this weekend.  We’ll see about that!  When we moved here five years ago, we were told that if we didn’t like the weather to wait 15 minutes and that is certainly true.  I just know that if I see another great set of boots (yes, I’m talking to you Olivia), I’ll turn a deeper shade of green than I already am.  But just wait, I’ll be whining about how I hate the cold come January.  That’s just me 🙂

I am more than halfway through my 30 day challenge of not wearing the same outfit twice and so far it’s going GREAT!  Want to try the same challenge?  Grab the button on my sidebar and jump on in-it’s a lot of fun.  Anyway, here’s my outfits for the week…

Wednesday, September 15th-Class because I swear, that’s all I ever do anymore is go to class…ugh

Sweater tunic:  Free People, thrifted from the Rufe Snow Goodwill (only $1 on sale day!)

White t-shirt:  Old Navy from probably four years ago

Jeans:  Big Star (I would name the fit, but they’re in the bedroom with my sleeping hubby)-these are my favorite ones too.  They’re a skinny cut with a little bit of stretch an they make a girl with hips look thin!  YES!

Ruffle Pumps:  Xhilaration Tabitha t-strap peep toe pumps from Target

Thursday, September 16th-just running around

Beaded tunic:  NY & CO from a few years ago

Jean:  Old Navy The Weekend boyfriend-cut jeans

Shoes:  Michael Kors Allie platforms off of eBay-you knew you’d see those again soon!!  LOVE THEM!

Friday, September 17th-Ugh, class…I threw a sweater over it because the rooms are so cold, but discarded it later.

Dress:  Ann Taylor Loft, thrifted from The Goodwill Boutique

Shoes:  Reaction by Kenneth Cole, bought years ago at T.J. Maxx

Saturday, September 18th-Breakfast with J2 and J3 at Our Place, then we were supposed to head to the Grapevine Grapevest, but someone’s best friend decided to drink too much tequila the night before and was hung over (thanks T-SPOT!!).  Then we found out the ASU/Wisconsin game was an early game, so we lounged around, ate pizza and watched ASU lose due to a missed extra point (and some super crappy refs).  The heartache…(sigh)…

Jeans:  Lucky (and I can’t remember the fit…but they are at least five years old)

T-shirt-ASU one, bought at the bookstore the last time I was home in Phoenix

Flip flops:  Old Navy

J3’s outfit:  Thanks to Gramommy for the ASU gear!  Love you MOM!!  (found out my mom reads my blog-is she a follower?  No…for shame…)

Sunday, September 19th-I was stuck with my nose in a business law textbook all day, so this is not a terrific look.  I did force myself to change out of my p.j.’s mind you, so I get points for that!

I’m seriously a walking advertisement for Old Navy right here-everything showing is from there.  Shorts from 2008, t-shirt and flip flops from this spring.

Monday, September 20th-my BLAW test and because I was up late the night before, I woke up late.  I normally don’t dry my hair (because it ends up looking like a frizzy mess), so I quickly showered and threw this on, mainly because the pants were comfortable.

Cargo pants:  Lady Hawthorne (I found a button that had the name on them since there are no tags)-thrifted from the Camp Bowie Goodwill

Tank Top:  Charlotte Russe

Cardigan:  Xhilaration from Target

Shoes:  black patent from Target (they were on clearance for $4)

Belt:  black patent, thrifted years ago

Necklace/Earrings:  NY & Co.

Tuesday, September 21st-I had a couple of errands to run and it was a little muggy, so I went for easy and light.

Turquoise tunic:  Twenty One-I have another one like it that’s longer, but this one has a cute fit.  Thrifted from the Rufe Snow Goodwill

Capris-oh how I love these capris.  Why do they have to be Motherhood Maternity?!?  I was rearranging that tummy panel all day long…

Belt:  I seriously have no idea.  It’s been in my closet for years-like as in 10 years because I remember wearing it that long ago!

Platforms:  Yes, back to basics, the basic black platforms that were thrifted years ago.  Come to think of it, I think they might have been No Boundaries ones…not sure on that.

So I know a few people have mentioned how self-conscious they feel taking their own pictures and I am in the same boat!  I always have such a goofy look on my face.  Anyone have a solution for that?  When I smile I feel like the Cheshire Cat…should (we all) just get over it?  The serious look is just not me.

And that’s it!  As usual, I’m linking up to the lovely ladies over at The Pleated Poppy and …Meet Virginia.  Thanks Lindsay and Morgan for hosting such fun parties!

‘Til next time,

Nicole

What I Wore…and the Challenge Continues!

Hey Everyone!  Here it is, Wednesday again and my challenge to find 30 different outfits in my closet without repeating is now 14 days in the making and I’m actually doing pretty darn good!  I thought I would have to repeat jeans and such, but have figured out how to mix and match some items in different ways.  So here’s what I’ve worn this week…

Wednesday, September 8th:  It rained like crazy here (as in flash flood warnings), so I stayed home from class because I was NOT about to drive the 30 miles down to campus with all the crazy Texas drivers out on the road.  So I stayed home and bummed around the house.

Shirt:  Charlotte Russe featherweight T-shirt that I got for $2.99 and then edged with leopard trimmed lace from Hobby Lobby ($2.99 a yard) after seeing Jessica over at A Few of My Favorite Things do this.  Too cute!

Jeans:  Anne Taylor, thrifted from the NRH Thrift Town

Shoes:  fabulous leopard print Liz Claiborne flats, thrifted from the NRH Thrift Town.

Close up on the top and shoes:

Thursday, September 9th-Just bumming around the house, keeping track of J3 and studying

Top:  Old Navy from a couple of years ago

Jeans:  Jag, thrifted from the NRH Thrift Town ($2!)

Snakeskin print wedges:  Merona, thrifted from the NRH Thrift Town

Friday, September 10th-I was supposed to have a presentation in one of my classes, but my professor forgot and then I headed to the Saginaw Goodwill grand opening to see what I could see (more on that tomorrow)

Dress:  Vintage Roulette, thrifted from the Rufe Snow Goodwill on the $1 rack!

Shoes:  Boutique 9 Natural Javan Anklestrap sandal I originally saw these on …Love Maegan and kept thinking about them, but at $149 they were WAY out of my price range.  After obsessing about them (since they were on my Amazon wish list), I happened to check on them to see how they were doing and saw that they were on sale in my size-I ended up getting them for $42!  SCORE!

Necklace: Brighton, a gift from my mom

Saturday, September 11th-My husband’s employer was encouraging people to walk in the American Heart Association’s Walk for Your Heart event, so we did.  Honestly, I don’t think I did anything but change the t-shirt afterwards and put on flip flops.  Obviously one of my hottest outfits on record (hahaha).

T-shirt:  Lovely purple monster courtesy of my husband’s employer

Shorts:  Seriously, these have got to be eight years old and I have no idea what the brand is, since I cut the tags out (nothing more annoying than tags rubbing when you’re hiking, which I used to do a lot of back when I lived in Arizona)

Tennies:  Asics

Sunday, September 12th-Brunch with the hubby and child.  After seeing Cassie’s outfit over at Hello Sugarplum! I knew I had to style chain that puppy because it was super cute!  Plus, it’s starting to cool off enough to not be able to wear white anymore, so if I didn’t wear it now, I wasn’t going to be able to wear it until next year.

Dress:  Charlotte Russe from about five or six years ago.  My husband wanted this to be my wedding dress, but I went with a longer, little bit dressier one.

Shrug:  Seriously, I think I got it at Macy’s a few years ago, but I’m not quite sure…

Red Pumps:  These are some of my favorite shoes EVER!  They’re Franco Sarto and I got them at the Last Chance store in Phoenix.  Last Chance is where Nordstrom sends all of the items that don’t sell at Nordstrom Rack.  There are only two-one in Phoenix and one in Florida somewhere.  The items there may have some issues, but most are just returns with a scuff or two.  I have easily had these timeless pumps for six or seven years.

Belt: Vintage, thrifted from the Rufe Snow Goodwill

Necklace:  Claire’s, thrifted from the White Settlement Goodwill

Monday, September 13th-Class as usual, this time the presentation was for real.

Dress:  Bought three years ago at Ross.  I have no idea on the brand…

Shoes:  Joey O, thrifted from NRH Thrift Town about three years ago as well.  These shoes do NOT like to be worn with the tights.  I thought I was going to kill myself because I kept slipping around.  Those tights were a nightmare anyway (found them in the bottom of my drawer) and are now in the trash.

Tuesday, September 14th-Running errands.  It was humid as all get out and I was seriously considering changing, but didn’t.  I got three compliments on the hat, so maybe that will be seen a little more often.

Featherweight t-shirt:  Charlotte Russe (I picked up a couple when they were $2.99)

Layering tank top:  Charlotte Russe

Jeans:  Big Star (Maggie)

Booties:  Mossimo, thrifted from the Rufe Snow Goodwill

Hat:  One Star from Target-the only reason I bought it was because it was $4 and I thought it might be fun.  It was!

Earrings:  Sam Moon (a few years ago)

Well, that’s it for this week!  As usual, I’m linking up to The Pleated Poppy and …Meet Virginia!

What I Wore Wednesday…on a Thursday

Ever have one of those weeks where you go “and where did this past week go?!?” That’s been me lately. Ugh! Yesterday J2 was off work and my best friend was over, so I didn’t get to posting my WIWW. I also didn’t get my button done for the 30 days/30 outfits challenge, but I will get it done over the next couple of days. For those that are new, for the next 30 days I’m going to try and wear all of the different items in my closet. If anyone wants to join in, I would love it! I’m not setting any “rules” per say, just that for 30 days you wear 30 different outfits. If you need to repeat jeans or shoes, that’s fine, but I’m just trying to see how many different outfits I can come up with in that time frame. Shopping is not off limits (although I know I need to cut back), but shopping for an entire outfit is a little silly, right? Kind of defeats the purpose. Anyway, if you’re interested, leave me a comment and I’ll email you to let you know when the button is ready.

Also, thank you to all last week that commented on the tunic/leggings combo I wore.  I thought I looked like a hippo, but since I got favorable feedback, I guess I’ll wear leggings a little more often.  You guys rock!  (Note:  if I do look like a hippo though, please tell me.  You can email me-mommymoxie2010@gmail.com)

And let the show begin… 😉

Wednesday-It was a little yucky out, so J3 and I went thrifting

Yellow & Gray plaid shirt: Op, thrifted from one of the area Goodwills,  I just can’t remember which one!

Jeans:  Big Star (thanks to my hubby)

Shoes: Banana Republic, bought at a Legacy Boxer Rescue garage sale three years ago

J3 has on an Old Navy top and pants that he got for his birthday and a pair of Robeeze that I found at Double Exposure for 50 cents.  When I went to find a replacement for them, I found out that they’re $25!!  Ebay here I come…

Thursday:  Black Cardigan:  Old Navy, bought on sale this season

Red Tank Top:  Old Navy from about three years ago

Jeans:  Anne Taylor, found at NRH Thrift Town

Red Shoes:  Reaction by Kenneth Cole, thrifted

The necklace I found at the White Settlement Goodwill, and it still had the $55 Macy’s tag on it!  Score for $3…

Friday:

Green Top:  Old Navy from last year

Polka Dot Skirt: No tag, thrifted from the Haltom City Goodwill

Belt: Thrifted from the Haltom City Goodwill

Shoes:  Anne Klein, thrifted from Haltom City Goodwill (and half a size too small-they killed my feet!)

Saturday:  shopping, hanging out with friends

Black and White Dress:  Love Me Kiss Me, thrifted from the Haltom City Goodwill (yes, I went on 50% off day and got a ton of stuff)

Shoes:  Seriously, I’ve worn these so many times the name is gone off of them, but they are some of the most comfortable shoes I own.  I love them!!

Sunday:  it was a super lazy day for me.  I had a massage at 2pm, which cut right into the middle of the day, so I didn’t get dressed up.

SuperDocs shirt:  This was my dad’s.  He played a lot of softball when we were little, so when he died, I made sure I ended up with it.  He wore number seven, which is my birthday.  Thanks Dad!

Jeans:  American Eagle, thrifted from the Rufe Snow Goodwill I never thought in a million years that they would fit, but they do and I love the little front pockets.

Flip Flops:  Old Navy

Monday:  Start of the new semester, or so I thought.  Turns out I didn’t pay too close attention to the start dates this semester and classes actually started on Friday.  I can easily say this is the first and only time that has happened.  And who starts classes in the middle of the week?!?  Only Texas, I swear…

Black and White top:  White House Black Market, 100% silk, purchased at the NRH Thrift Town ($9!)

Jeans:  Big Star skinny

Shoes:  Sofft, purchased at NRH Thrift Town last year

Tuesday: So I need some help with this one…I found a pair of oxfords that I just love and that of course, are all the rage right now, but I can’t decide how to wear them.  So socks or no socks?  Cast your vote!

So here’s with the socks…and Old Dog

Here’s without the socks…

Dress:  One Star from Converse, thrifted from the Haltom City Goodwill

Layering Tank:  Charlotte Russe

Oxfords:  Thrifted from the South Cooper Goodwill

Necklace:  Michael’s

And that’s it!  As always, I’m linking up to The Pleated Poppy and Weekend Wear with Meet Virginia.

‘Til next time!

Nicole

What I Wore Wednesday-Week Four

I apologize, I missed last week’s What I Wore Wednesday.  It was a little bittersweet last week-my baby boy (J3) turned a year old, but the day after his birthday we had to put my other baby, my fur baby (Fat Dog) , to sleep (ugh, I hate that term).  I don’t want this to be a downer post, so I’ll just say that for the rest of that week I didn’t really get dressed!  I am much better now, so here’s what I wore this past week…

Last Wednesday:  A girlfriend from high school had a double mastectomy due to breast cancer at the age of 37 so I wore pink in her honor.

Shirt:  Ronson from JC Penney (I wish I would have remembered to have my hubby take a picture of the back-super cute!)

Capris: NY & Co from 4 or so years ago

Shoes:  Ralph Lauren, thrifted

Thursday:  car dealership to get my A/C fixed, errands

Tank Tops: Old Navy

Skirt: Made by me 🙂

Belt:  Thrifted years ago

Shoes:  Thrifted years ago

Necklace/Earrings: Sam Moon (does anyplace else other than Texas have Sam Moon?  I LOVE that place!)

White, pasty legs-all me!  I do plan on fixing those though.  Look for a post on Friday about sunless tanning and how to get it right.  When I lived in Arizona (and was single), I used self-tanner all the time and consider myself a pro.  Now that I’m married and my hubby is pasty too, I don’t feel the need to be tan all the time (hahaha).

Friday: J3’s one year appointment, shopping!

Dress:  Arden B off of Ebay

Shoes:  Xhilaration from Target (bought about six years ago)

Saturday:  Thrifting, Fort Worth Public (Farmer’s) Market

Shirt:  Bongo, thrifted (see post tomorrow!)

Skirt:  Old Navy

Shoes:  Xhilaration from Target-I love the ruffle down the front of these shoes AND they come in red, black, purple, blue and gray!  I think I may need more pairs…not only that but they’re actually comfortable.  They don’t pinch and the heel is the perfect height.

Sunday was a wash…don’t know where the picture went, but I wore a boring purple maxi dress.

Monday:  J3’s first haircut, buying a new phone for J2

Shirt:  j.t.b.-gift from a friend when I was pregnant.  It was an XL and huge underneath the arms, so I flipped it inside out, pinned it to where it needed to be and then stitched it so that it fit!  I love it!

Skirt:  Ann Taylor Loft, thrifted (see tomorrow’s post!!)

Shoes:  No Boundaries from Walmart about three years ago

Necklace:  Shell from Bali, circa 2003

Tuesday:  Registering J2 at the local community college for statistics-he’s excited (uh, not).

Layering Cami:  Charlotte Russe (2 for $12)

Top:  Forever, thrifted

Pants:  Old Navy-I hated that at one point they had hip pockets, so I sewed them shut and then cut the pockets out.  Girls with hips and thighs like mine should not sport hip pockets, especially in white pants!!

Shoes:  Anne Marino, thrifted (again, see tomorrow’s post!).  I will admit, I lasted one stop in these 4″ babies before the yellow flip flops were busted out.  Those things are a pain to walk in!

Wednesday:  Fabric store, Central Market

Shirt:  Old Navy from two years ago

Jeans:  Boyfriend jeans from Old Navy-snagged at their $15 sale

Flip Flops:  Yep, I am a walking advertisement for Old Navy today!

Earrings and Necklace:  Hootie Big Eyed Owl from Lorienna Designs on Etsy (someone else had another owl design from her and I HAD to have some too!)

And the bracelet I had on was from Ebay years ago, but I wear it whenever I can since it doesn’t go with much.  I bought it to go with a dress for a wedding and it outlasted the dress!  The other bracelet is the Venetian Link from Tiffany & Co.  My husband gave it to me for our first Christmas together and I never take it off.  I’m funny like that-I wear the same rings, watch and bracelet all the time.  Until recently, I wore my same Elsa Peretti Bean pendant necklace (push gift), but now that I’m trying to accessorize more, I’m digging through all my jewelry for more options.

Well that’s it!  Of course, I’m linking up to The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday-can’t wait to see what everyone is wearing.

‘Til next time,

Nicole

What I Wore Wednesday-Week Two

Hello All!

Here we are, back for week two of What I Wore Wednesday hosted by Lindsey over at The Pleated Poppy. I wish I could say that I had a really exciting week clothes-wise, but no such luck. It is incredibly hot here in Texas and frankly, I would live in a tank top and sweat shorts (with my Old Navy flip flops of course) if I could, but since everyone is looking at what I’m wearing I can’t allow that to happen. I’ve missed either taking pictures myself over the past couple of days, or have forgotten to ask my husband before he’s gone to work, so there are only five-sorry! But here’s my attire for the week…

Thursday:  Keeping J3 out of the house while J2 sleeps…visited the Camp Bowie Goodwill-pardon the horrible lighting, I haven’t taken pictures in the mirror yet (and hopefully won’t have to as time goes on).

Top:  Mossimo-thrifted

Shorts:  NY & CO-thrifted

Flip Flops:  Old Navy

Here’s a close up of the shirt-funny thing is, I had found the shorts first, and since they fit I bought them not knowing what that color would ever go with since it’s not really brown, tan or gray.  A week later, I stumbled on this Mossimo shirt and thought the colors might match, which they do.  Score!

Friday:  Fabric shopping and a stop at the university where I should be finishing this next semester (thank goodness!)

Dress:  Ross from three years ago (I bought it to wear on my honeymoon)

Shoes:  Kenneth Cole Reaction that I got four years ago at T.J. Maxx

Necklace:  Made by me 🙂

Close ups of the shoes and necklace:

Saturday:  Hanging out at our friend’s pool (read all about the drama here)

Swimsuit: Victoria’s Secret (sale from last year)

Cover Up: X Dye, thrifted

Shoes:  No Boundaries from years ago (found them in the back of my closet)

Hat:  Life is Good Golf cap (I wish I could remember where I got it-I think Dick’s Sporting Goods?)

Sunday:  Hanging out, thrifting, staying out of the house so J2 could sleep

Tank Top:  Old Navy

Skirt:  Thrifted and handmade-I love it!

Flip Flops:  duh, Old Navy!

Monday:  Another trip over the the college,this time for J2 since he’s going back to get his BSN and I was trying to convince them to let me register for him (no such luck)

Top:  The Limited, thrifted on this trip to Double Exposure

Shorts: Style & Co- from Macy’s (three years ago)

Shoes:  Athena Alexander, thrifted and SOOO comfortable!

Necklace:  NY&C

Pardon the super-pasty fabulous skin that I’m showing . I do plan on rectifying that little problem over the next few days-look for a post about self tanning.  Also, tomorrow is the day that I show all my loot from the Fort Worth area Goodwill raid.  I’m pretty excited-I shouldn’t have to shop for a very long time.

If you haven’t been to the link party for What I Wore Wednesday over at The Pleated Poppy, do so now!  There are some great people participating and I love seeing what everyone is wearing.  It gives me inspiration when I’m desperately trying to figure out what to wear that doesn’t look like the “mommy” uniform.

‘Til next time,

Nicole

What I Wore Wednesday-Week 1

For the past few weeks I’ve been meaning to jump on in over at The Pleated Poppy and join Lindsey’s “What I Wore Wednesday” link party, but hadn’t had time to actually sit down and write about what I had been wearing.  Well, I made the time!  I’m avoiding doing dishes to do it, but that’s okay (I hate doing dishes).  I have really needed to participate in this since lately I’ve been a little frumpy in the “getting dressed” department.  I was looking for some motivation, and this link party is it!

So a disclaimer or two-as mentioned before, I am totally addicted to Old Navy flip flops.  Hence why almost every outfit is sporting them!  I have added some new shoes to my collection as of late, and am trying to work heels back into my wardrobe after having J3.

Second disclaimer, J2 went back to working nights this week, so I am taking showers at night so as not to disturb him once he gets to sleep.  Excuse the hair-it’s not always up under a hat or in a ponytail, but it seems like it is all the time here.  Once I get used to the new routine at our house, I’ll start doing my hair and putting on makeup again 😉

So here goes nothing…

Thursday:  It started raining later in the day, so this was to run out and then for working at home.

Green Hoodie:  Old Navy clearance

Jeans:  Ann Taylor Loft (thrifted-I bought them to cut them into capris but they were actually long enough!)

Flip Flops:  Old Navy

Friday:  Again, raining.  And I had errands to run.

Black and White Striped T-shirt:  Old Navy on clearance

Jeans:  Star from Buckle (gift from Hubby, although 90% of my jeans are from there.  Jeans are the one thing I splurge on since I’ve got really long legs and am hard to fit)

Black patent ballet flats:  Xhileration from Target-I found them on clearance for $5!!

White Nike baseball cap:   Found at Ross years ago-it’s my go-to hat

Saturday:  Thrifting and then dinner with J2 and J3

Black dress:  Gap, thrifted

Shoes:  Kenneth Cole, bought at TJ Maxx probably five years ago

Sunglasses:  I wear these on my head all the time.  They’re D&G and I love them-gift from J2

Sunday: Out running errands and shopping/thrifting.  I ran into my neighbor at Babies R Us who told me she loved my dress and then a woman in the parking lot told me how cute I looked and that she thought it was cool that I dressed up when I had my baby with me.  It made me glow!

Yellow dress:  Forever 21, thrifted (found the day before-will post about it tomorrow!)

Shoes:  Xhilaration from Target.  I was on the hunt for these shoes, but no such luck.  These were on the clearance rack though and I thought they would be the next best thing to (406) Olivia’s pair.  Granted, although they are pretty comfortable, they make me 6’3″ and a lot of people were staring . Hrmph, like I care!

Brown wood necklace:  gift from my mom when I was a kid

Here’s a close up of those super cuties!

Monday:  Passport application appointment, grocery shopping and more thrifting!

Red and Grey/White/Black Tank Tops:  Old Navy

Jeans:  Star from Buckle

Red patent leather shoes:  Mossimo, thrifted.  I love these little sling backs, but they do not like to stay on my feet (they slip off my heels).  Anyone have any suggestions on how to get that to happen?

Tuesday:  J2 was off, so we went to the pool and hung out

Black halter style swimsuit:  Old Navy from last year

Tube dress:  I made it from fabric I found at Walmart!  One seam sewn down the length of the dress and a hem, then that puppy was done.

Flip Flops:  Wanna guess?  Yep, Old Navy!

Wednesday:  Library, thrifting and Michael’s.

Brown top:  Old Navy

Shorts:  Abercrombie, thrifted

Belt:  I think Target-I’ve had that belt for literally years…

Flip Flops:  Yep, Old Navy

It appears that I go thrifting quite a bit, which is not normal.  See, J3 is at a stage where all he does is bang things around and shriek.  Since J2 is getting used to working nights after working days for the past five years, J3 and I have been leaving the house during the day so he can sleep.  Goodwill is having a huge 50% sale in all of there stores here in the Fort Worth area on the 21st and they handed out a list of all the shops in the area (there are 12).  There were many that I had never visited, so I thought for the next week or so we would hit as many as we could and use it for the Thrifty Thursdays posts.  So far I’ve found some great items, many of which I will show tomorrow and wear throughout the week!

Special thanks to my husband for taking the pictures-I need to get a full length mirror so that they will be closer and so I don’t have to wait until he wakes up in the afternoon (after running around all day).

This has been so much fun!  I can’t wait for next week.

‘Til next time,

Nicole