Layering 101: Corduroy

 

 

 

E here, corduroy was never my thing growing up, but as I got older I started to look at it differently. For a long time I had always thought of corduroy as being really dated, but then I saw other people wearing it and I changed my tune. When paired with the right pieces corduroy can look refined and polished.

 

 

The thing about corduroy is knowing what to pair it with so it doesn't end up looking too frumpy. Since corduroy is so structured, I decided to pair it with plaid and a delicate feminine scarf to create contrast. Most people think that everything needs to be matchy-matchy but I find that to be boring. Outfits are more interesting when you mix them with different prints and textures.

 

 

Thrifted items; corduroy blazer: Banana Republic $9.99 (Goodwill,) plaid button down: Indigo $4.99 (Goodwill.) Non-thrifted items; jeans: Levi's $15 (Macy's,) boots: Pink & Pepper $30 (Fred Meyer,) scarf: H&M $8, aviators: Sperry's $30 (Nordstrom Rack.)

 

 

 

Here I tried to keep it simple and go for a casual, laid back, layered look. It might have been sunnier here than the rest of the country, but it was still cold! When putting together layered looks, I try to go for pieces that will layer easily (in terms of movement.) I always make sure when I buy blazers or jackets that they are a size bigger so that I am still able to layer underneath them. Well that's all for now, hope my tips help. Until next time!

-E

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

Layering 101: Polka Dots & Neutrals

 

 

 

 

 

E here, as the weather gets colder its essential to start layering up in order to stay warm. Not sure how to master the layering method? I have a few suggestions for how to stay warm and still create cute outfits. First of all, it is important to figure out what styles and fits of clothing work for your body type specifically.

 

 

Thrifted items; polka dot trench coat: Gap $20 (Crossroads Trading Co,) ruffle blouse: Ann Taylor Loft $4 (Goodwill.) Non-thrifted items; jeans: Levi's $30 (Macy's,) oxfords: Pink & Pepper $10 (Fred Meyer,) scarf: $8 H&M (not pictured.)

 

 

For example, do you prefer fitted tops like the Loft blouse that I paired with skinny jeans, or perhaps a loose fitting tunic and leggings is more your style? Whatever your style preference is, you next need to build upon it with a warm jacket such as a trench coat (my personal favorite,) and accessories such as a scarf or a hat.

 

 

The trick to layering is to pick items that compliment each other; either in color, texture, or contrast. What I did here, was I took delicate ruffles and paired it against polka dots to create a soft, feminine look that creates a balanced contrast in texture. If you're going to layer contrasting textures you want to make sure that one offsets the other in a flattering manner.

 

 

You can probably tell by now that I love scarves! During this time of year I tend to wear scarves almost everyday. Scarves are perfect for layering with outfits because they add a little something extra. Besides scarves, I like to add chunky rings and statement jewelry for that extra bit of flair.

 

 

 

My friend was kind enough to humor me and pose for the camera. We grew up together, and naturally we thrift together! I mean friends that thrift together stay together right?! Speaking of thrifting together, we recently went on a thrifting mission at Goodwill to find the perfect outfit to wear to the concert of the king of thrift shopping himself - the one and only Macklemore! Check back soon for details on the success of our shopping mission, and see what we end up wearing to the concert tonight.

 

 

Sarah is wearing a D&Y scarf from Fred Meyer that I gave her for Christmas, and a comfy, yet stylish casual wear look.

 

 

This time of year the weather is fairly nippy and windy, but fortunately we don't get dumped on with snow like the rest of the country does so you just need to dress in several layers. Sarah's layered outfit is a great because it offers warmth and protection from the extremities, yet its still very stylish.

 

 

Great shot of my friend's boots that she nabbed on Black Friday. Cute aren't they? The girl's got good  taste! Boots always serve as a great addition to any outfit.

 

 

 

That's it for now, please stop by again soon. I have several upcoming posts documenting my thrifted finds and adventures with my friend during her visit in town. Until next time!

-E 

 

 

Color Me Pink!

 

 

E here, I hope you are enjoying the holiday season. Working in retail this time of year is pretty stressful so I may not be able to blog everyday. We are now only about 20 days away from Christmas can you believe it? This month is really going to fly by because there is actually one less week between Thanksgiving and Christmas so you can expect to see a lot of advertisements within the coming week for special 1 or 2 day sales in order to make up for missed sales opportunities.

 

In fact, this would be a really good time to take advantage of all the sales either online or in the store. If you find yourself still shopping for those last minute Christmas gifts, think about heading to the mall during the weekdays because it will be less crowded, and you are more likely to find the items on your list in stock before the last haul. Check back soon for more shopping tips.

 

 

Funny thing is, these pants aren't actually as pink as they photograph. For some reason anytime that I wear these pants in photos they come out looking really light. The trick to wearing colored skinny jeans, is to pick a color that compliments your skin tone and hair color. For instance, if you have darker hair like mine, you should wear lighter colors and vice versa.

 

 

Also, when wearing colored jeans, you want to try and wear colors that either compliment or contrast that color. What I did here, is I picked the darker tones in my top that matched my blazer so it would compliment my jeans. I also tried to mix patterns and textures to make the outfit more interesting. The idea is to make the outfit your own, so don't be afraid to go bold!

 

 

Today's outfit is almost entirely thrifted, with the exception of my D&Y scarf from Fred Meyer which was $4.99.  Thrifted items; blazer: H&M $9.99 (Crossroads,) tank: Mossimo $4.99 (Goodwill,) jeans: Mossimo $7.99 (Goodwill,) boots: Deena & Ozzy $7.99 (Goodwill.)

That's all for now! Until next time!

-E

A Lovely Day at the Marina

 

 

 

E here. Another beautiful Seattle afternoon. My husband and I decided to take a stroll on a marina near our house since the weather was nice. One thing I love about living in Seattle is being surrounded by water. I don't think that I could ever live anywhere that wasn't near the ocean.

 

 

 

 

Perhaps its because I grew up near the ocean, but I enjoy the convenience of living merely minutes away from the water. I love everything about the ocean; the smell of it, the vastness, but most of all, the freedom and tranquility that it embodies. There's something humbling about the ocean.
 

 

As you may have noticed, I practically live in my trench coat. The weather is often chilly and wearing a longer jacket offers more warmth. Not to mention the fact that wearing a trench provides a far more stylish alternative to the typical northwest jacket of choice - the North Face. Don't get me wrong, I own several North Face jackets, but its nice to mix up your collection every once in a while.

 

 

Thrifted items; trench: Tommy Hilfiger $10, cashmere sweater: Esperante $7. Non-thrifted items; scarf: $10 (Chicago souvenir shop,) jeans: JCPenny's $20, oxfords: Pink & Pepper (Fred Meyer) $10, sunglasses: Sperry's $30, purse: Dooney & Bourke (gifted.) My lipstick: Maybelline, "brazen berry."

 

That's all for today. Happy Monday! I hope you enjoyed the pictures. See you 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

 

Adventures In Puddle Jumping

 

 

 

E, here. As a Seattleite, I've grown accustomed to the rain. In fact, I really don't mind rainy days because it means that I get to wear my new Hunters and a trench coat. Besides, rainy days serve as  the perfect excuse for going thrifting! I mean what better way to spend your day off? Just grab a coffee and lunch at your favorite café then head to Goodwill or Value Village after (or both.) Sounds pretty darn good to me!

 

 

 I grew up watching classic movies, and I have a particular penchant for musicals. So when I step outside on a rainy day, I feel compelled to jump and skip through puddles as if I was with Gene Kelly in Singing in the Rain. Of course I never do this, otherwise people would be like who is that crazy girl jumping through puddles! But I will admit that I did test out my new Hunters in a puddle or two. I had to break them in after all!

 

                  

My friend (and partner in crime when it comes to thrifting,) Nicole is wearing a fur lined coat and rabbit fur boots. What's great about her outfit is not only is her jacket very stylish, but its also very practical and keeps you warm during chilly days.

 

 

If tall rain boots aren't your thing, try wearing fur lined rain/snow booties like Nicole is wearing. Aside from keeping your feet warm and dry, the fur accents add just a little bit of flair to any fall/winter outfit.

 

                

I love walking around my neighborhood this time of year because it's so festive and bright. It's fun to look at the interesting window displays that stores create for the holiday season. I don't know what it is about this time of year, but its like the whole neighborhood comes alive.

 

 

I walked through some serious puddles and didn't have to think twice about it! 

 

 

Thrifted items; trench coat: Tommy Hilfiger $10, hounds tooth skirt: Debut $7, shirt: Halogen $4. Non-thrifted items; scarf: D&Y $5 (Fred Meyer,) leggings: One Step Up $7, (Fred Meyer,) rain boots: Hunter-gifted (Nordstrom.)

 

 

Looking forward to more rainy day adventures!

Until next time, E.