Invitation Day!

It's fiiiiinally invitation stuffing day for the Gala. (I linked to the non-profit a little here.) We had so many errors in this poor invitation, it's not at all as we intended, but we want them outta here. But, in celebration of the day and in preparation for a 13 hour workday (I'm not even joking), I am wearing my orange for the Orange Show and jeans for 'cuz I want to. Yeah, I know I'm totally defiant- wearing jeans during the work week.

Jeans: Gap...Buttondown: J Crew Outlet...Cardigan: Banana...Shoes: Nine West Outlet...Earrings: vintage Tibetan

I am also ashamed to admit that I got "for real" dressed ONCE this entire weekend. Sunday Potluck Dinner with Composer friends. I thought I would give a little pattern mixing a shot. I also tried a cream skirt with leopard flats... I don't know if I made the right decision or not. Is this one too out there? 

 

And last but not least: my Thrifting treasures. I went out in yoga pants to go hunting for these and I'm over it. The first skirt falls just below my knees and is perfectly slim. I love the deep, subtle plaid. The next one is waaaaay awkward in length, I need to pick a few seams and hem it about 1 1/2-2" higher. It has pockets, though. The fruit skirt is so cheerful, I can wait to slim the hips and wear this next spring. The black skirt is a little long, but the shape is a slim A-line, which will be very pretty this winter with boots. Last, a ridiculous Lauren Ralph Lauren gold cable weave boatneck sweater. Because for $2, why not? I can get behind a totally weird sweater for that price. I may even end up loving it rather than just liking it. For $2, you have to give things a chance.

Only my Undergoodies are retail

Yup, I said it. Everything visible about this outfit is thrifted or secondhand. HA! I'm getting way better at this game of looking fashionable on a dime. Or I'm finally patient and persistant enough to think long and hard about what looks good on me and what looks like crap. Whatever works, I'm feeling less and less like I'm wearing the wrong things for my body type. (And I'm super glad I let go of the jeans and tee silhouette/ uniform) You can also see this blouse remixed here and here.

Skirt: Thrifted...Blouse: Banana via Buffalo Exchange...Cardigan: Thrifted...Boots: via Buffalo Exchange...Belt: Thrifted...Bag: vintage D&B via Buffalo Exchange

I was momentarily leery of the fullness of the skirt, which isn't my go-to silhouette. I think my problem with full skirts is the long leg, high waist, rump-showing problem. Not cute. And I move too much, so I know I would leave little to the imagination at some point... But knee length works for me. I'll keep thrifting.

Thriftin' the Night Away

 I have been on a thrifting rampage. While the tall-man-of-the-house is away... I spend hours and many dollars at thrift stores. Here's my loot:

 Emerald/ Shamrock green pencil skirt (I plan to throw a few darts in the back and slim the bottom of the sides so it's a little straighter) and a collection of silk scarves- little blood red silk pocket square with hand rolled edges, an Olga Greco 80's fab red and navy silk scarf, and a soft, funny, 70's inspired no-name little square of happy.

Adorable knee length micro-houndstooth pleated skirt and a possible Missoni tunic (does anyone recognize that white label?). The tunic is a little awkward in length, a little swingy at the bottom, but it is daaaang cute tucked into skirts.

 A new Target orange cardi with !!newly altered!! funny floral blouse with my thrifted fave find: the navy lightweight pencil skirt of perfection. It fits beauifully, has hanger loops all over the place, deep pockets, and the most awesome concealed pocket zipper/ side swoop button closure in the world. I will photograph the workings tonight, it's amazing.

I liked it so well, I had it immediately dry cleaned and am wearing it today. And, I'll give you two guesses about why I'm so distracted and laughing so hard while looking into the other room in these photos.

Skirt: Thrifted...Blouse: thrifted and altered...Cardigan: Target...Shoes: Biviel via DSW...Bag: Cart vendor in Beijing (faux Tod's)...Belt: Thrifted

Nail color: Sephora by OPI "I don't bite"...Necklace: DIY

I'm so happy to have this little taste of fall, it's so much more pleasant to walk the dog in the mornings. See you all mañana!

Outlet Purchases: a few remixes

Hey, crew. Just a heads up, I snapped A LOT of really horrible pictures tonight and they're kind of more for my memory than anything. Take a peek if you want but fair warning- these costume changes make me look like an obsessive crazy person.

I played in the Outlet with a girlfriend yesterday and bought some goodies- I'm still deciding on some of these items, but here's what I found...

J Crew Outlet Orange & White checked button down:
I was a little iffy on the color, but decided to bring it home and give it a whirl. As it turns out, it's wildly versatile for fall. I thought I might have ended up looking like a clownfish, but I had an easy time of remixing it today. The only time I felt a little like a goldfish was the one with the blue skirt. Add a sweater and that concern is gone.

Neeeext, the J Crew Outlet Striped lightweight sweater:
I like this in a casual application- very soft, easy to throw on and look stylish. It has a certain "look" to the outfits, though. I recently-ish thrifted and wore this striped sweater, but I didn't really love how tight and long and lowcut the thrifted one is, it's awfully hard to layer. THOUGHTS?

Here's the J Crew Outlet striped long sleeved tee:
I bought this light color and a darker one. I thought in store that the dark one was navy and white, but I fear it's actually black. Which I have already. Back it goes. I remixed the light one with the same sweater and blazer just to see dressy vs. casual possibilities.

Aaand Banana Republic tie front silk blouse:
I like it a lot but I fear it's a lot like another thrifted blouse I wore a few weeks ago. Yesterday's find has a bigger bow, more plum color and is a bit more fitted. It also has more shine to the silk, which of course I like. Whaddaya think- too close to what I have or too fab to return?

If you decided to hang in there until the end, I admire you, am grateful for you and pity you just a little. That was a lot of blurry crap pictures.

Please lemme know what you think of these finds. I have a few thoughts but some outside insight and extra eyeballs would be helpful!