The Streak Continues - Outfit 16

Wow! With the luck I've been having, I should head straight to Vegas. Can you believe this? Two Anthro pieces, two different thrift stores, in two days.

I found this lovely blouse while on a mission for bar stools. Come on, you know you've done it too. I had been to this thrift store fairly recently so I planned to only pop in a see if they had any bar stools. I was not going to look at any sections other than the furniture but I thought, "Well, I'll just walk through the boutique section (the nice stuff)". And Bang! There it was. Odille blouse. $5.00.

I still don't have any bar stools.

Top - Odille, Thrifted
Capris - Old Navy
Flats - Thrifted
Belt - Gap, Thrifted
Bracelet - Mexico

Unbelievable - Outfit 15

Alright. I stand corrected. I take back everything I said. You can find honest to goodness Anthropologie at an honest to goodness thrift store. Anthropologie like this Odille skirt, for example. For $3.92. Yes, miracles do happen.

Chambray Shirt - Gap
Skirt - Odille, Thrifted
Belt - Thrifted
Bracelet - Vintage, Flea Market
Flats - Thrifted

Okay, so I'm haven't exactly abstained from thrift shopping this time around for 30x30, but this is the 30x30 with no rules. Right? Regardless, I'm glad I did go shopping yesterday because not only did I find this fabulous skirt, I also found the matching belt I'm wearing and two pieces on my wishlist, a cream blazer and a lady-like jacket, $5.92 and $2.92 respectively.

Imitation = Flattery - Outfit 14

I was perusing Tomboy Style the other day and saw this picture of Anjelica Huston. I thought, "Hey, my 30x30 includes all the items I need to recreate this look. Score!"

Okay, so I don't come off as smoldering as Anjelica does, but I still think I've achieved spirit of the outfit.

Shirt - J.Crew via Plato's Closet
Shorts - Mossimo, Target
Flats - Thrifted

If I look awkward in my photo it's because I decided to take outfit photos in the front yard for the first time and just as I was taking my pictures, the neighbors drove up.

Proper Lady - Outfit 13

Since I doubt any one is keeping track (I barely am), this dress is item number 18. The blush blouse from yesterday's post is number 17.

This dress is a fairly new acquisition. It's from my favorite vintage store in the area, Grey Dog, a vintage boutique. If you're ever in the Northwest Arkansas area, you really must stop by. They don't just sell vintage, but vintage that has been altered to be slightly more modern. Take this little number for example, I have a feeling it was shortened, nipped in at the waist, and altered at the shoulder. All in all you get a unique piece, but without the weird fit issues of thrift store vintage.

Dress - Vintage, Grey Dog Boutique
Belt - Thrifted
Flats - Thrifted
Bracelet - Vintage, Flea Market

Check out that pattern. Fab, isn't it?

Weekend Wear - Outfits 11 & 12

I've been wanting a blouse in blush for spring. (We all know it's been one of the hot colors.) I even considered using one of my five 5PFW spots on it. I resisted and then low and behold I found the perfect top at a thrift store. It was in the "Vintage" section, which normally means the price is marked up, but it was just $4.00, the same price as the regular tops. The tag doesn't specify the material, but it's either silk or some silky substitute.

Once again a perfect example of being able to find a second-hand version of something that is currently in fashion.

Top - Vintage, Thrifted
Shorts - Gap
Jewelry - Vintage, Garage Sale
Flats - Thrifted

Cardigan - Madison, Belk
Tank - J.Crew
Capris - Old Navy
Sandals - Lucky, Dillards
Jewelry - Vintage

Brightside - Outfit 10

I waited a little bit late in the day to try to get outfit photos. I had to go for deep shade and then Photoshop it within an inch of its life. Oh, well. On a brighter note (ha ha, get it?), this outfit features a new (to the challenge) skirt!!! The black pleated skirt makes item #16. I'll try to grab a photo of all the items I'm adding to the challenge once I decide what they are going to be.

Tank - J.Crew
Skirt - Liz Claiborne, Resale Shop
Sandals - Lucky, Dillard's
Necklace - Simply Vera, Kohl's
Belt - Vintage, Thrifted

Conversations with Myself - Outfit 9

The problem with a 15 for 15 is that you have to wear your items too closely in succession. I just wore this skirt on Monday. I didn't want to wear my denim shorts and I am saving the white capris for a weekend event, so there you go. Yellow skirt it is.

My life is not changing as quickly as I had hoped (i.e. I haven't got a job yet), so I will probably be extending my 15 for 15 into a 30 for 30. I'll be adding some new items over the next few days.

Chambray Shirt - Gap
Skirt - Vintage, Thrifted, Altered
Dark Blue Necklace - Talbots via TJ Maxx
Turquoise Necklace - Coldwater Creek
Belt - Thrifted
Bracelet - Urban Outfitters
Flats - Thrifted

"What's that on my foot?" "Oh, it's just a smudge."

Double necklaces. What do you think about that? Not so fashion forward as it once was. It's actually quite standard now, but it's not something I do often. I usually rely on pre-matched, multi-strand necklaces.

I Love Neutrals? - Outfit 7

Today I went for yet another lighting situation. I would call this "dappled light". Not so bad.

Sweater - Madison, Belk
Tank - Tucker for Target
Shorts - Mossimo, Target
Necklace - Resale Shop
Bracelet - Vintage, Mae's Emporium
Flats - Thrifted

Today's outfit certainly has a lot going on. Floral, ikat, red, yellow, glimmer, sheen. This kind of "more is more" outfit is generally my dressing M.O. In light of that, it is interesting how neutral my items for my Spring 5 Piece French Wardrobe have turned out. Aside from the poppy orange cardigan, all are true neutrals. It's interesting that when I limit the amount of new pieces that I buy, I naturally gravitate towards items that are versitile versus items that are signature, one-off pieces.

I have found myself staring down a lovely ikat print tank at Gap. It was cute and in another life I might have bought it. However, with the limits of the 5PFW, I question whether I really want to spend one of my five items on this piece. The 5PFW has turned out to be a really great filter. It makes me more considerate in my shopping and I purchase only what I really need and really love.

I'm starting to think about my 5PFW for Fall. It too is shaping up to be neutral heavy. I suppose that my wardrobe is so filled with "signature" pieces that I actually need more neutrals to mix them with. It's pretty interesting how all this is shaping up.

5 Piece French Wardrobe (Spring) by Unusual Form featuring nylon jackets

The Right Light - Outfit 7

I've definitely found the best lighting for outfit photos, slightly overcast natural lighting. Now if I could only arrange for a smattering of clouds every morning around 8:30 or 9:00.

Jacket - Gap
Tank - J.Crew
Skirt - Simply Vera, Kohl's
Jewlery - Vintage
Sandals - Lucky, Dillard's

Double falcon head bracelet. Oh, yeah! I got this baby at a garage sale. $5.00 for two card tables worth of vintage jewelry. I'm pretty sure that puts this bracelet in the pennies.

Shadow and Light - Outfit 6

Today is another one of my (unplanned) all second-hand outfits. I think some people have the idea that dressing second-hand means having a certain aesthetic. It's hard to put into words, but you know the look I'm talking about. One that just screams "thrifted" or "used". Some people can pull off that look and make it look cool, but for most of us it just looks like we've been digging through the rag bag.

My look tends to be a little more put together and structured. It takes more looking and more digging (not through the rag bag), but I'm able to cultivate my own style through second-hand shopping. With enough patience, I believe that anyone can shop second-hand within their own look.

Take today's outfit for example. All second-hand, but a look I would still wear if it were all new. J.Crew has had several yellow skirts recently that I just love, but can't afford. A $4.00 skirt at Goodwill still gets me the look I crave, but at a price I can swallow. Basically what I'm saying is that you can make second-hand shopping fit your style and not the other way around.

Shirt - J.Crew, Plato's Closet
Skirt - Vintage, Thrifted
Shoes - Thrifted
Belt - Resale Shop
Bracelet - Vintage, Mae's Emporium

Silence - Outfit 5

Sorry. I don't have any thing funny, witty, or amusing to say today. Maybe something will come to me tomorrow. You might better check back then just in case.

Chambray Shirt - Gap
Capris - Old Navy
Sandals - Lucky, Dillard's

You like the intense look I have going on in the first pic? It's my "I'm on to you, Camera" look.

Old Faithful - Outfit 4

There is something really nice about doing a 30 for 30 that's filled with old favorites. It's like getting to hang out with friends everyday. (Did I really just compare my clothes to my friends? I need to get out more.) These shorts and this jacket are some of my standbys. The shorts are great for any casual look and the jacket with it's over sized collar always bring up the chic factor just a notch. Are there any clothes you find yourself going back to again and again?

Jacket - Ecote, Urban Outfiters
Tank - Tucker for Target
Shorts - Gap
Flats - Thrifted
Belt - Thrifted
Necklace - Vintage, Thrifted

Summer in the South - Outfit 3

Why is it that during the 30 for 30, when I need to get the most wear out of my clothes, I always manage to drop food on my them? Wednesday was tacos on white pants. Yesterday was ketchup on my skirt. Now both have to be washed. Boo. I guess I need to start eating with a bib or something.

Tank - J.Crew
Shorts - Mossimo, Target
Sandals - Lucky, Dillard's
Necklace - Simply Vera, Kohl's

I need to figure out the best time to take outfit photos, these were taken around 9:00 AM and I look really washed out. Any advice? When's the best time to take outfit photos time-wise? Should I try to avoid direct sunlight? Would that make me a vampire?

Day of Diffusions - Outfit 2

While I'm not generally a proponent of cheap clothing, I do love diffusion lines. You know, where a designer partners with a mass retailer to bring the non-fashion elite (me) fashion at affordable prices. We have all waxed poetic about the various Target/Designer collaborations. Another one of my favs is Vera Wang's line for Kohl's. I will never be able to afford real Vera Wang, but with her line "Simply Vera" I might just get to purchase (with sales prices and coupons) a piece that she at least nodded her approval of. Now that's fashion democracy.

Tank - Tucker for Target
Skirt - Simply Vera Vera Wang, Kohl's
Necklace - Vintage
Shoes - Thrifted

15 for 15 - The Madness Begins

I'm going to keep this short and sweet. I'm doing a 15 for 15 (instead of a 30 for 30) because I'm in the process of moving and getting a new job. My life can and will change drastically in the next two weeks, so for now this is all I can handle.

You may (or may not) notice that this is only 13 pieces. A yellow skirt and a pair of sandals were left in the Car of Doom. (See yesterday's post.)

Top - Odille via resale shop
Pants - Old Navy
Flats - Thrifted

Man, I look angry in both of my outfit shots. Jeez, lighten up, Kara.

The Outfit Post That Almost Wasn't

Yesterday was Phase Two of the Big Move. My BF came to NE Arkansas and we filled up a U-Haul trailer with (some of) my belongings. One and a half hours short of our final destination (NW Arkansas) my car dies on the side of the interstate. We have to call a tow truck which takes it 45 miles to the nearest Toyota Dealership, which is still at least 50 miles short of where we are headed.

In my infinite wisdom, I had packed my car with the items I would need soon. I managed to grab all the components of my EBEW outfit, but not my camera. UGH! Cut to this morning: BF's camera, new batteries, and we are in business, thanks to Barnes and Noble for the free internet. The things I do for blogging.

Blazer - Ann Taylor, Thrifted
Lace Tee - Thrifted
Shorts - Gap
Shoes - Gianni Bini
Necklace - Simply Vera Vera Wang, Kohl's

I'll be back tomorrow with the beginning of my 15 for 15. Stay tuned for that.

Easy Way Out

Sometimes dresses seem like the easy way out when it comes to fashion blogging. No mixing, no matching, just one piece and done (sounds like a commercial, doesn't it?). This dress isn't even vintage or thrifted, just plain old Target. Oh well. It's cute, it's easy. I stand by my sartorial decision for today.

Dress - Target
Necklace - Urban Outfitters
Sandals - TJ Maxx

30 for 30 Summer Edition

I've waffled back and forth about whether to participate in the Summer edition of 30 for 30. I'm in the process of moving and finding a job. Perhaps this is actually a really good time to participate. I can pack up all my clothes, but the chosen pieces and not spend any money on shopping for a while. To start with I'm going to do a 15 for 15. Hopefully I'll have some kind of job in two weeks. Anyway, below are an approximation of the items I have chosen.

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Oh, Oh It's Magic

Who likes $10 Anthro? Me, me, me, me, me!!! (I'm waving my hand around like a second grader who knows the answer. Yes, I was that kid.) This dress did in fact originally come from Anthropologie and I did in fact pay 10 little buckaroos for it. It was previously owned by another person, but they took good care of it. How it sat around long enough in a resale shop to make it to the "50% of the sale price" rack is beyond me.

I have in fact found several Anthro pieces at this particular "high-end" resale shop, but I've never found any Anthro while actually thrifting. Well, I did find one navy skirt, but it was faded, so I passed it up. Has anyone ever found Anthro or some equally exciting brand while thrifting? The best I ever find is J.Crew or Banana. Well, there was one vintage Oscar de la Renta skirt...that was pretty exciting.

Dress - Odille, via resale shop
Necklace - Urban Outfiters
Bracelet - Mexico
Sandals - T.J.Maxx

Garden Party!

We attending a lovely wedding Saturday night at the local botanical garden. I thought that it would be the perfect opportunity to break out one of my 60s maxi dresses. I mean, if you can't wear a floral maxi dress to a wedding at a botanical garden, then when can you? The best part, this baby only set me back $2.50. Yes, you read that right. Got to love the Goodwill Half Price Center.

Dress - Vintage, Thrifted
Jewelry - Vintage, Thrifted
Belt - Thrifted
Sandals - Aerosoles via T.J.Maxx

Summer or Mexico

Two consecutive days of 100% secondhand outfits. I'm on a roll! Granted this is the same belt and shoes as yesterday, but what can I say, I'm a light packer.

This dress was a garage sale find and one of the first items of clothing that I shortened. You can see the original post here. I love the dress. I think it just screams "Summer!" or maybe just "Mexico!". Either way, I think it's fun. What about you? What's your favorite summer fashion statement?

Dress - Yard Sale, Altered
Belt - Thrifted
Flats - Thrifted

Hot in Here

I'm pretty sure that posting one outfit a week does not make you style blogger. Oh well. What can I say, except that I hope everyone will stick with me through this sporadic period of my life. Now, on to the good stuff. Clothes!

It has turned out hot here in the South, so I'm going for light (but still cute) layers. This outfit cost me somewhere in the ball park of $10. Skirt, sandals, and belt trifted and blouse swapped. Now technically we could say that the cost of the blouse is actually the cost of the my own item that was exchanged in the swap, but who wants to get technical? No money was exchanged as part of the transaction, so in my book that means free! Did I mention it was J.Crew? Yeah, it is!

Blouse - J.Crew, Swapped
Skirt - Vintage, Thrifted
Belt - Thrifted
Flats - Thrifted