Baby Its Cold Outside.....

 

 

 

E here, I've got a lot of catching up to do before the new year! [Check back soon for a very overdue thrift haul post.] As the weather gets chillier its time to start thinking about accessorizing to stay warm. My favorite winter accessory? Well, its really hard to narrow it down because I enjoy experimenting with different layers of hat, scarves, and glove combinations. But I'd have to say that when it comes down to it I have quite the collection of scarves (my husband can second this!)

 

 

When it comes to layering I always try to pick pieces that will work well together and will also be functional if I decide to remove a layer. The last thing that you want to do is create a layered outfit that looks great, but is not going to be comfortable and functional. Here, I threw on a vest, a hat, and a scarf to ensure that I would be warm, but could just as easily take off the vest if I needed to.

 

 

My personal styling tip for accessorizing - if you're wearing a lot of darker colors try to balance it out with some lighter colors. What I did here, is try to contrast the darker colors with lighter hues. Also, the accessories don't necessarily need to match. I like to mix different pieces together to create a unique look.

 

 

 

Thrifted items; tan sweater: Ann Taylor Loft $7.99 (Goodwill.) Non-thrifted items; vest: North Face (gifted,) jeans: Levi's $20 (JCPenny's,) riding boots: Bandolino $99 (DSW,) hat: Adidas $15 (Fred Meyer,) scarf: H&M $7.99.

 

 

That's all for now. Happy Friday! Let the final countdown to Christmas commence. Until next time.

-E

Rainy Day Afternoon

 

 

E here. Another rainy Seattle afternoon. What did I spend it doing? Shopping of course! For once I didn't head to the thrift stores, instead I went to the mall with a friend to browse the latest trends and brainstorm for Christmas gift ideas. Tip: when going to the mall this time of year it is best to go early, and on the weekdays when it is less crowded. Not looking to spend a lot of money? Check the store ads for any coupons and promotional events. Most sales ads tend to run weekly, and during the holidays there are usually several coupons and doorbuster sales. Always make sure to check coupons and sales for exclusions and expiration dates.

 

 

 

Thrifted items; trench coat: Tommy Hilfiger $10, sweater: Mossimo $6, leopard loafers: MIA $7. Non-thrifted items; scarf: D&Y $5 (Fred Meyer,) jeans: Levi's $30 (JCPenny's,) purse: Dooney & Bourke (gifted.) 

 

 

I'm wearing my newly thrifted leopard print loafers that I picked up the other day. How much? I snagged them for just $7! I tend to have pretty good luck finding trendy name brand items at the Goodwill by my house. The trick with thrifting shoes is to check for any visible damage i.e. - ripping, snagging, holes, etc. Once you get them home, all you need to do is take some form of cleaner whether it be Lysol, foot powder (anything that would clean out the use/odor of the last owner.)

 

 

The idea of wearing shoes that belonged to someone else makes some people cringe, but for me I see it as a bargain. After all, if you take the time to clean them properly you can score shoes for as low as $5. Yes, I have thrifted shoes that cheap! I won't guarantee that every time you step into a thrift store you will find items in your size, but that's how thrifting works. Its hit or miss most of the time. Want more tips for thrifting? Check out my thrift page.

 

 

 
 

That's all for today. Please stop by again soon.
Until next time friends.
-E

 

Adventure Tuesday: A Trip to the Ballard Locks

 

 

E, here. Today my friend and fellow blogger Sara and I went on a mini adventure to the Ballard Locks (also known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks,) which is not too far from my house. It was an unusually sunny and pleasant fall afternoon in Seattle and we wanted to get out of the house. Since it was such a nice day I felt like taking several nature shots because it isn't too likely that we will be able to enjoy such weather for too much longer.

 

 

 

Speaking of the weather, there is a fairly common misconception about Seattle that it rains all 365 days of the year. In reality, it doesn't rain nearly that much. Most of the year its actually quite beautiful. For the most part it rains more frequently in the late fall through the winter, and into early spring. So if you ever think about visiting Seattle don't hesitate because of the weather. In my opinion this is perhaps the best time of the year to visit because of all the lovely fall colors and leaves, not to mention that there are far less tourists in town.

 

 

Its funny because I've been to this park many times, and even took my prom pictures here, but I don't think that I have ever ventured into this part of the park before. Besides the locks themselves, there are several beautiful botanical gardens on the grounds. This is just one of several that we decided to stop and take pictures at.

 

Thrifted items; Tommy Hilfiger $10 (Goodwill,) sweater: Loft $10 (Goodwill.) Non-thrifted items;  jeans: JCPenny's $20, necklace: Charlotte Russe $5, boots: Bandolino $99 (DSW.) *Sunglasses: Ray Ban's (gifted)

  

Great shot of Sara don't you think? She is wearing a tweed jacket with layers underneath, and boots from DSW. Our outfits today are pretty typical of most Seattleites; jeans, several layers, and boots. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining! Fall is actually one of my favorite seasons personally. I enjoy experimenting with layers. I'm certain that Sara would agree with me. Also, did I mention that I love boots? I have a serious obsession with boots! Riding boots, rain boots, fashion boots, booties, etc. I think you get the point. I get excited when fall comes around because I start planning all of the different outfits that I can put together with boots.  I mean who doesn't love a comfy fall outfit complete with jeans, a sweater, (or your fave jacket/vest) and boots?

 

 

I love how perfectly my outfit goes with the scenery! I didn't plan to go to the locks today, but my outfit definitely has a very nautical theme to it. Anyone that knows me is aware of my nautical infatuation (my dad was a sailor,) hence the interest.

 

 

 

 The Ballard locks is a popular tourist destination because you can watch boats travel through the locks from Lake Union out into the ocean. The Locks serve as a special ship canal that allows vessels of all sizes to pass through, and also serves as a fish ladder for local salmon.

 

 

 

 

Today was a unique day because as you can see in this picture, and the picture above this one (in the background behind Sara,) the Locks were drained today which only happens once in a while. Its always interesting to see what sort of items are laying in the bottom of the chambers. There wasn't anything today otherwise I would have taken a picture. In previous visits I've seen everything from tires to cell phones, and random articles of clothing. 

 

 

 

That's all for today. I hope you enjoyed our little adventure. See you next time!

 -E