Monday, December 30, 2013

Day 231: 10 Points for Gryffindor!!!

Cardi: Merona, Purchased with Christmas gift card from Target, (burgundy w/gold chain detail)
Skirt: J. Crew, Purchased at Goodwill
Shoes: Purchased at DSW (to replace a pair I broke a few months ago)
Shirt: Old Navy (black)

I just didn't see it when I bought this cardi.  How could I not have seen it???  I have seen all the Harry Potter movies and consider myself a huge Potter fan.  Well, I see it now!  As soon as I put this ensemble together yesterday, I realized I looked like I was rooting for team Gryffindor.  

I guess there are worse things I could've been dressed like.


Remember this skirt???  If not, click here.  This skirt has been my best Goodwill find so far.  It had never been worn and I think I spent only $4.99 on it.  You try to find a brand new J. Crew skirt for that amount.  

TIP:  When you are shopping at thrift stores or resale shops, make sure you look for items that are a good name brand and/or good quality.  Try to purchase items that are classics and will go with many different items you already have in your closet.  What is the point of buying a cheap top if you have nothing to wear it with?  Don't buy just to buy!  Have a plan and an outfit(s) in mind.

Anyways, I thought this skirt would look great with this cardi.  Of course, once I put it all together I realized I look like a fictional book character.  

Oh well, I rocked it and that is all that matters.  If you feel self conscious in your clothing, other people will pick up on that.  Rock what you wear and wear it with confidence.  Stand up straight, walk with pride.  If you do that, your clothing will always look better on you!  Unless you're wearing pajamas to Walmart...that NEVER looks good on ANYONE!

So, how do you suggest I wear this cardi?  Color combos, style?  Let me know.  I don't want to look like I prepping for a quidditch match every time I wear this cardigan:)

Happy Shopping,
Christin


Saturday, December 28, 2013

Day 230: Spending My Gift Cards!

Top: Merona, Purchased at Target (black and cream)
Jeans: Lucky Brand
Boots: Urban Outfitters
Necklace: Purchased at Dandy Lion Boutique

Yesterday I ventured out to spend some gift cards I have had burning a hole in my pocket.  I went to Target and bought the top I am wearing in the below picture, as well as a cardigan that I will show you all at a later time.  I think this top was on sale for $10 and the cardi, $14.  NEVER PAY FULL PRICE FOR ANYTHING EVER!!!  I didn't need either item, but my husband insisted that I go out and buy myself some clothes.  He wanted me to buy more, but instead I used the rest of my gift cards on my boys (they needed socks and underwear).


This top is really cute and has a zipper detail on one shoulder.  I love little details like that!

I don't normally wear anything that is white or in the white family because it is almost always see through.  And now that I am looking at this picture, I can see that this top too, is see through.  Next time I'll wear a tank underneath.  

I do love the look of wearing with, especially during the summer, but I hate having to wear tanks underneath.  It is really annoying during the summer when you're burning up hot already and don't want to add anymore extra layers to a top just so you look appropriate!

So frustrating!  Oh well, what can you do?

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Day 229: The Day After Christmas:)

Vest: Talbot's (red) Christmas gift
Top: Purchased at Ross (black and white plaid)
Jeans: Lucky Brand
Boots: Ariat (brown) Christmas gift

I know I skipped Christmas day, but we stayed in our Christmas pajamas all day on Christmas and I didn't think anyone would want to see that.  Although, I do look a lot better in my Christmas pj's now that I've lost some weight;)

The day after Christmas I decided it would be a good idea to go shopping.  I really just needed to get out of the house for a little bit, but the lure of after Christmas sales was a good excuse too. 


I am totally being overshadow in this picture by the cutest baby alive!  

I walked around Macy's, went to Target to buy my boys socks and underwear (very exciting I know!) and had a Starbucks.

All in all, it was a nice relaxing few hours to myself.

What did you do the day after Christmas?  Did you score big at any after Christmas sales?  

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Day 227: Christmas Eve Outfit

Top: Old Navy (green)
Skirt: Laura Ashley (black lace)
Boots: Antonio Melani


Let me just start off by saying that I have had this skirt for about 7 years and this sweater for 10.  Let me also say, that I have not been able to wear this sweater for a very long time because I wasn't able to fit into it.  Yay me!  I've lost about 10 pounds in the last month by cutting out gluten, soy, corn, peanuts, sugar, eggs and partially cutting out dairy.  It's called The Virgin Diet and I could start a whole new blog about it.  Anyways, I hope that I'll now be able to wear some of the items I have had hanging in closet purgatory:)

Back to the outfit.



Here is a better picture of the skirt and sweater.



It is a beautiful skirt that I bought when a department store was going out of business (same store I bought my Marc Jacobs shoes from).  I'm sure I didn't pay more than $10 for it.  It is a longer skirt, hitting the top of my calf.  I haven't worn it much, but now that I can fit into this sweater once again, I think I'll be wearing the combo a lot more!  

Hopefully, within the next couple of months I'll be able to shed another 10-20 pounds.  I am hoping  that I'll not have to go buy another wardrobe, but if I do I'll be shopping at thrift and resale shops.  I'll keep you all informed as to how my progress is going.  Of course, you can all see the changes in my pictures:)

Happy  Shopping,
Christin


Sunday, December 22, 2013

Day 225: My Polka Dot Obsession Continues!

Jacket: Purchased at Target (black with cream polka dots)
Jeans: Banana Republic
Boots: Antonio Melani (black leather)
Necklace: Purchased from Simpleaddiction.com (mustard)

I know this is no surprise to anyone who reads this blog, but I still have a polka dot obsession!  Thank God I can't buy anything or my entire closet would be full of polka dots.  

I don't know what I'm going to do hen the polka dot trend fades away!  I guess I'll just hold on to all my polka dotted garments until the trend rolls back around (like they always tend to do!).



I wore this outfit to our Company (Army talk) Christmas party on Friday night.  I did what I do and mixed several coordinating colors together to make my outfit pop.  First the jacket.  It is pretty basic I think.  The colors are neutral so I decided to wear a teal t-shirt underneath.  I could've played it safe with my choice of necklace, but I decided to wear my beaded mustard yellow necklace.  I think mustard and teal look great together!!!  Plus, the necklace really looks great with the polka dot jacket!

I have done something similar before, but the result was NOT as fabulous (it wasn't fabulous at all!).  In fact, the outfit made me look like I weighed about 50 pounds more than I do.  Not to mention, I had a HORRIBLE haircut on top of it!  I am embarrassed to show you all this, but I am trying to teach you all something today.  The right way to mix colors (i.e. the picture above) and the wrong way to mix colors (i.e. the picture below).


I look so top heavy!  That top (which is yellow with white polka dot...go figure) has an elastic band around the bottom which makes me look like I have the biggest beer gut in the world.  The jacket isn't doing me any favors either.  Looking at myself straight on in the mirror that morning, I looked pretty good.  I managed to mixed a teal jacket, a yellow and white polka dot top, a minty necklace, black slacks and (not pictured) burgundy heels.  

I thought I looked good.  It wasn't until I saw this VERY unflattering picture of myself that I realized how awful I really looked.  I really need to invest in one of those 365 degree mirrors;)   

Anyways, now you get the point.  Cute idea, poor execution.  I've worn this top once since then and the last time I wore it I tucked it in to avoid the billowiness of it.  It helped some, but I am forever scarred by this image of myself.  

What do you think?  Besides the poor fit, did the coordination of items pay off?  Or, am I just trying too hard to make things match?

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Day...: I've Lost Count!

Jacket: Purchased at TJ Maxx (Army green)
Top: Purchased at Modcloth.com (black and white stripes)
Jeans: Lucky Brand
Boots: Urban Outfitters (black)

Thursday I was able to spend the entire day out with my handsome hubby.  We shopped, we ate, we had a lot of fun together.  Of course we had the baby with us and our day was cut a little short when she decided she was exhausted and needed a nap, but it was still a great day!

 

We were together all day and I still forgot to have Jason take my picture.  Oh well.  You guys just get to see my bedspread more:)

I wore my favorite Army green jacket (this is as close as I'll get to the Military style.  No camo for me!!!)  

I just bought the black boots online from Urban outfitters.  I got them for a steal at $20!  I've told you all before about my bad knees so because of my bad knees I had been looking for cute flat black boots for several months now.  I finally found them two weeks ago!  Yipee!

I love to play around with mixing different colors, patterns and textures.  I think the green jacket paired with the black and white top looks cute.  Definitely not the craziest thing I've ever paired together;)

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Here's A Month's Worth of Outfits For Ya!


  So since Thanksgiving I have been either really busy, or too sick to do anything.  I will be honest a say that I've lost some motivation to keep up with the blog because I haven't been seeing any comments lately and that makes me wonder if anyone is even reading this blog anymore.  But, I made a commitment so here goes.

  Here are all the outfits that I have worn since my last post on November 22nd.  It isn't a month's worth because I did spend a whole week in yoga pants when I was sick.

 Top: Purchased at Ross, Jeans: Banana Republic, Boots: Purchased at Target (and they are falling apart!)

Green Sweater: Purchased at Old Navy, Polka Dot Top: Purchased at Forever 21, Jeans: Banana Republic, Boots: Antonio Melani (black leather)


Dress: Purchased at Ross, Jean Jacket: Ralph Lauren (purchased second hand), Boots: Antonio Melani

Blazer: Purchased at Dandy Lion Boutique (red with cheetah print), Jeans: Lucky Brand, Booties: Purchased at Target (taupe), Necklace: Purchased at NY&Co

 Top: Old Navy (cream), Jeans: Gap (wide leg), Shoes: Purchased at one of those discount shoe chains (I can't remember)


Dress: Purchased at NY&Co (chambray), Sweater: Cremieux, Boots: Purchased at Belk, Belt: Purchased at Maurices

 Top: Purchased at Dandy Lion Boutique (gray), Jeans: LOFT, Necklace: Purchased at Maurices, Shoes: Purchased at Target

 Top: GAP, Jeans: LOFT, Shoes: Purchased at Walmart, Necklace: ???

 Plaid Top: GAP, Jeans: Lucky Brand, Boots: Purchased at Target, Vest: Old Navy

 Sweater: Purchased at Dandy Lion Boutique, Jeans: Lucky Brand, Boots: Purchased at Target

 Sweater: Purchased at Maurices, Jeans: Lucky Brand, Boots: Purchased at Target, Necklace: Payless, Bracelets: Plato's Closet

 Sweater: Banana Republic, Jeans: LOFT, Boots: Purchased at Belk

 Scarf: Modcloth, Top: Purchased at Dandy Lion Boutique, Jeans: LOFT, Shoes: TOMS (navy)

Sweater: GAP (oatmeal), Jeans: Luck Brand, Boots: Purchased at Belk (brown), Necklace: Purchased at ???

Sweater: Purchased at Ross, Jeans: Lucky Brand, Boots Coach

As you can see, I wore a lot of sweaters with jeans and boots.  And I only have a few pairs of jeans that I really like to wear apparently.  I loved all my outfits, except for the last one.  I am trying to decide if I should keep these boots or not.  They are Coach and I've had them for years, but they aren't really my style anymore.  They're a size 7 if anyone is interested.  Just let me know!

I have been asked what I am going to do with this blog once my year is complete.  Well, I'm going to keep going.  I highly doubt that I'll be 'shop free' like I am right now, but I'll still be a good girl and not spend like I used to.  I am also going to start sharing recipes, health info and other interesting things I find.

What do you think?  What do you like to read about on blogs?  What kind of blogs do you follow?  I want to expand.  What would you like to see more of? I love hearing from y'all, so please let me know.

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Friday, November 22, 2013

Day 182: Southwestern Aztec

Sweater: Purchased at The Dandy Lion Boutique
Chambray top: JCP
Tee: Purchased at Goodwill (white)
Jeans: Lucky Brand
Boots: Purchased at Target (brown)

I had plans today.  Had being the key word.  The snow came and it came hard!!!  Whatever I had planned to do could wait!  That didn't keep me from getting dressed however.  Normally, I would just say, "Well, no blog post today, I'm staying in my yoga pants and sweat shirt".  But, I realized I've been doing that A LOT lately.  So, I got dressed:)


Despite the three layers, I was still freezing!  

Okay, so let's talk layers!  How do you feel about wearing layers?  For me, I feel fatter than I already am.  Bulk is NOT my friend.  This is why I never wear a button down top under a sweater.  Too much bulk for me.  Plus, with my chest size being on the larger side,  adding more layers just makes them look bigger.  

Even though this is layers, they are open layers.  There is not bulk over my chest or stomach.  This is a great way to layer, without making yourself look bigger.

Belts are always a good option too!


Nate rarely ever smiles for pictures.  Y'all are all very lucky he is smiling for this one!

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Day 181: Last Dress of the Season!

Maxi Dress: Old Navy (black)
Jacket: Purchased from TJ Maxx (green)
Scarf: Purchased from Walmart
Shoes: Ballet flats purchased from Walmart
Bracelet: Purchased from Plato's Closet

I am willing to bet that this will be the last dress I wear casually this season.  Since there is snow on the ground and temperatures in the teens, I doubt I'll be wanting to wear anything but thick bulky layers for the next few months.  Since this is my first time ever living here, I have no idea what the winter will be like.  Maybe the snow will melt and we'll have 60 degree days again.  I just don't know.  But as of right now, all I want to do is sit in front of the fireplace and drink hot tea while wearing my sweats.  Glamorous isn't it?!

I'm sure I'll still wear dress and skirts to church on Sundays (some habits are just hard to break no matter how casual the church is).


I apologize for the blurriness and darkness of the picture.  I had to ask my 6 year old to take my picture today.  He isn't very patient and doesn't really pay attention to what he is doing. 

Happy Shopping,
Christin 

Monday, November 18, 2013

Day 180: 30 Day Mini Challenge!

Cardi: Old Navy (floral black and white)
Top: Banana Republic (green)
Skirt: J Crew, Purchased at Goodwill (black and white)
Shoes: Jellybeans (black)
Necklace: LOFT (multi jeweled tones)
Bracelets: Tiffany and Pandora
Earrings: Banana Republic (silver)

This skirt was probably my best Goodwill find EVER!  I found it brand spanking new hanging on the rack at the Dothan, AL Goodwill store for $4!!!  It had never been worn and was simple gorgeous.  It is a black and white tweed skirt in a chevron type print (can't remember the exact name of the print).  

I love it when I come across such great finds!  Have you ever found a gem while bargain shopping?  I'd love to hear about it!!!


I always give thomas a hard time about his picture taking skills.  However, today my husband took my pictures and these were the only two that didn't have his thumb in them.  In his defense, the sun was super bright and he could really see what he was doing.


On another note, I am half way though my challenge.  I know some days have been skipped, but illnesses happen and you don't want to see three straight days of my sick self in pajamas.  So, those days were skipped for your benefit and mine (I don't need blackmail photos out there:).  

I have had a lot of fun and I hope I have helped some of you find new ways to wear the clothes you already have.  This journey has been very eye opening for me.  I had a serious shopping addiction and it is only by God's grace and by doing this blog daily, that I have been able to keep up the motivation to not shop.  Yes, I have purchased a few items here and there, but they were replacements for items that were damaged or broken.  I no longer feel the rush I used to get when I shopped.  I go into a store looking for a specific replacement piece and if I don't find it, I leave.  Simple as that.  

I want to further encourage you to take a no shopping challenge yourself especially if you think you may have a shopping addiction.  Try to not shop for 30 days.  If that is easy for you then go for 60.  Pick the amount of time that is best for you.  Reflect on why you shop.  What do you feel while shopping and after shopping.  If you get a rush or high while shopping then feel regretful afterwards, you may have a problem like I did.  

Just try it out.  Be honest with yourself.  Write down your feelings in a journal.  It is also good to start writing down all the clothing items you buy.  This will help you keep track of how much you're buying and how often you are shopping.  Be sure to include the prices of each item.  Those little trips to Goodwill can add up over time.  

If you are interested in participating in a 30 mini-challenge, please let me know.  You can leave a comment here or email me at myclosetstyle365@yahoo.com  I would like to pray over you and offer you encouragement and tips.  

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Day 179: Sheer Love

Top: JCP (royal blue)
Jeans: Lucky Brand
Boots: Antonio Melani (black leather)
Necklace: Purchased from The Dandy Lion Boutique
Earrings: Purchased from Altar'd State

I love sheer tops!!!!  Of course, I wear them with a tank underneath (I don't understand the 'show your bra under your sheer top' trend).  

I have had this top for a while now, but have never worn it (at least, I don't remember having worn it).  One reason that I haven't worn it yet is this.  See, this top has a roll up the sleeves option.  You know what I'm talking about.  Roll up the sleeves and there is this little tab that buttons into a button towards the top of the sleeve.  Well, my problem with that a a sheer top is this.  Sheer tops are slippery.  I can't keep the sleeves rolled up.  they unroll and then I look stupid walking around like I don't know how to roll up a sleeve.  Can anyone relate to this???

It was so bad that I decided to just wear the sleeves down on this top.  

Okay, back to the outfit.  This was my grocery shopping day outfit.  I get tired of wearing my flats all the time (I sorta have to because of my knees) so today I decided I would wear my black leather (they feel like butter) boots.  


I made a mistake when taking this picture.  I didn't not wear my lack skinny jeans with this outfit.  I wore my Lucky Brand skinny blue jeans.  That is what happens when you keep a pile of your clothes on your bed for picture taking time then forget what you wore exactly.  Oops!


So, how about you.  Do you love sheer or do you stay away from it?  Why or why not?  

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Day 178: Fashionable at the Dentist Office

Top: Purchased at Plato's Closet (green)
Jeans: JCP (black)
Shoes: Purchased at Payless (sparkly gold)
Jewelry: All purchased at Plato's Closet and Altar'd State

My little guy (Nathaniel) ended up with three cavities at his last dental cleaning.  I'm not surprised because he has crowded teeth, grinds his teeth at night, has to be forced to brush his teeth twice a day, and never flosses.  He is the total opposite of his brother (Thomas) who brushes twice a day without me telling him to, flosses everyday and has beautiful straight evenly spaced teeth (okay, he did have braces, but that was for his buck teeth).


 Thomas was once again my photographer.  This was the least blurry of all the pictures he took.  Bless his heart, he tries:)

I really wanted to wear my animal print flats with this outfit, but I thought I'd show you all that I do own other flats.  These are sparkly gold flats that I bought from Payless years ago.  They are surprisingly comfortable.  Spending a lot of money on your shoes does NOT guarantee their comfort.  In fact, all of the shoes I have ever bought from Payless have always been very comfortable.  On the other hand, all of the shoes I have ever bought from Target always end up rubbing blisters on my feet.  I still buy them, and I still wear them, but not for long bouts of time.

What about you?  What are the most comfortable and most uncomfortable brands of shoe you have ever owned???

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Day 177: Yep, I Have a Sparkly Gold Sweatshirt

Top: Dorothy Perkins (gold)
Jeans: GAP
Shoes: GAP (metallic)
Earrings: Banana Republic (gold)

Doesn't everyone own a sparkly gold sweatshirt?  No?  Just me?  Oh well:)  I am a HUGE fan of sweatshirts.  As soon as my day is done, and I don't have to leave the house again, I immediately change into one of my oversized sweatshirts.  One is an Army Aviation OBC sweatshirt that I stole from my husband (have I mentioned he is a super hot Army helicopter pilot?).  The other is one that was given (yes, given) to me by a New York City street vendor.  I was pregnant with Nathaniel and visiting the city with friends.  The morning was chilly and I needed a sweatshirt.  I guess he felt sorry for me so he gave me a XL, NYC sweatshirt.  Proof that there are generous people in big cities.

Anyways, this gold sweatshirt isn't for lounging in.  Nope, it is one for strutting around town in.  Or in my case, going to Walmart (I have a very exciting life).   


A big current jean trend right now is wide legged jeans.  These just so happen to be wide legged jeans that I bought from the Gap Outlet.  You should be able to find jeans similar to these anywhere.  


Can you see the sparkle?  I always love clothing that has a little something special to it.  So, instead of wearing a plain Jane sweatshirt or t-shirt, look for one that has lace detail or sequins , or something else that makes it special.  Adding lace detail or a jeweled neckline is super simple and something you can do yourself.  

Check out Pinterest for some DIY motivation and inspiration.  

I'll pick out a piece of clothing out of my closet to spruce up and I'll share the finished project with you all within the next few weeks.

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Day 173-176: My Trip to Los Angeles!!!


Day 1- This is what I wore on the plane.  My Peter Pan collar polka dot top from Forever 21 with my Maroon pullover from old Navy.  I paired that with my boyfriend jeans from GAP and my favorite animal print flats.  

Very comfy and practical airport attire!  Better than the girls in front of me going through the security line.  Why would you wear complicated zip up boots to the airport when you know who have to take them off???


Day 2 - My second day in LA was a super duper blast (like all the days)!  I have pictures below of what all I did, so right now I'll stick to the clothes.  After a Mark McGrath concert (yes ladies, the super hot lead singer of Sugar Ray) we went to the ultra hip and trendy bar/restaurant Sur.  Apparently one of those 'Real Housewives' owns the place and she has her own reality show that centers around the employees that work there.  Two of the guy bartenders from the show where working that night.  One was named Jax.  I have no idea about the other.  Apparently Jax is a big draw because skanky girls were throwing themselves at him and bulldozing us over to get a picture with him.  Stupid!

Anyways, the outfit.  I wore my animal print tank with my green military jacket.  My skinny black jeans and my new (to replace the ones I broke a few weeks ago) Mary Jane pumps.  I accessorized with my adorable elephant necklace and gold Coach purse.  Oh, and that is not a mojito in my hand ;)


Day 3 - On Sunday night we went to the Pantages Theatre to watch Evita.  So, I was all dressed up in my Target cocktail dress (plum color), my Banana Republic jacket (purchased second hand from somewhere) and my Mary Jane pumps.  I no longer on the dress however.  I decided it was more suited for Zanne, so I gave it to her.  Zanne also believes I am the only person still alive that wear panty hose. Maybe so, but my legs are way to pale to go without.

Oh, and this picture was taken while we were waiting on the subway to take us to Hollywood Boulevard so we could watch the show.



Day 4 - Time to say goodbye:(.  Another airport appropriate outfit.  This time I wore my military jacket over a black and white stripe tank.  I wore my Lucky Brand jeans, animal print flats and animal print scarf as well.  Plus, I have on no make-up.  Eek!!!

This picture was taken in the lobby of Zanne and Bill's apartment complex in downtown LA.  The building use to be the old train terminal (I think) or subway...something.


Okay, now on to some of the fun things I did while in LA.

Day 1 - I had a chili cheeseburger from Tommy's.  All I can say is that it was AMAZING!!!!!!!


Day 2 - Enjoyed morning yoga on the beach in Santa Monica.  Umm, the water was COLD!  The scenery was beautiful!  I wish I lived near a beach so I could do it everyday!


Day 2 - Celebrated my 32nd birthday at SUR.  The waited brought us cobbler with a flaming candle (firework really) and sand to me.  I may or may not have been a little tipsy in this picture:)


Day 3 - Walked down Hollywood Boulevard on our way to the Pantages Theatre to watch Evita.  Very cool!


Day 3 - Rode on the subway on the way to the theatre.  I have now ridden on the subway in New York City and Los Angeles.  


Day 3 - My first time eating a raw oyster thank you very much!  I honestly don't see what all the fuss is about.  All I could taste was the cocktail sauce.  And I love me some cocktail sauce:)!!!


Day 3 - Zanne and I outside of the Pantages.  Words can not describe how beautiful that theatre is!  Gorgeous!!!


Day 4 - Since I had an evening flight, we had plenty of time to do some fun stuff earlier in the day.  We hiked in the Hollywood hills.  I saw the Hollywood sign from a distance.  It isn't as big as one may think.


We also stopped at the observatory since we were in the area.  The views around LA are amazing!  



Minus the one dead rat I saw on the sidewalk, I can honestly say LA is an amazing place and I can't wait to visit again!

Thank you so much Zanne and Bill for your amazing hospitality!  I had a blast and can't wait to come back!

Happy Shopping and Happy Travels,
Christin