Preppy

This outfit has so many things I'm loving this fall all wrapped into one.  I've been on the look out for a navy military/utility style jacket and they seem to be sold out all over.  I turned to ebay and nabbed this one up for $15 shipped and it fits perfectly. 

I'm also all about the plaid scarf craze, but honestly think the idea of a wool blanket scarf sounds really hot and uncomfortable, am I the only one???? However, I picked up this light-weight cotton one last year at J.C. Penney for less than $10.  Here's a super cute light-weight plaid scarf, if you feel like I do.

I showed you all this tan skirt last week that I picked up at half off and am convinced it's the best purchase I've made in a long time.  Lastly, I'm excited about these boot socks I was sent to try out from Tulip, a boutique I love in K.C.  

This month I get the chance to take part in their "Tulip With a Twist" challenge again.  I'd love for you to stop over and vote for my look styling these fun socks on the Tulip Facebook page.  Thanks a ton!

Chambray and a Utility Jacket

 Last year I wanted a utility/military vest badly, but couldn't find one anywhere.  I finally stumbled onto one at JCP for $8. I nabbed it up, but it was a size to big.  I make it work, but really wanted one with cleaner lines....and one in my size.  I figured I'd find a replacement this fall, well, they seem to sell out as soon as they hit the selves or site.  I finally found one at Wet Seal of all places, but all they had left was large sizes on line.  I called a location near me and found one in my size. I really like the cut and lines on this, and decided to pair it with a few of my favorite things today: my chambray, pearls, perfect black pants and literally my favorite shoes of all time.

I wore this last weekend for errands, then a birthday party with Grant, then a Fall Bash at church.  It was the perfect comfortable and put-together look, one I'm sure I'll repeat......a lot.

My Weekend

Last weekend I had the fun opportunity to take over Divine Caroline's Instagram.  I thought I'd give you all a peek into my weekend too!  Do you love Instagram?  I do, you can follow me along here. 

1. I made a homemade apple pie using this recipe.  It's the second time I've made one this season, and while it is a ton of work, it's delicious and it makes my hubby happy. : )

2.  Here's a picture of Grant picking apples for the pie at my parent's house.  He said, "I will do it all by myself."

3. I entered DSW's National Shoe Day contest with my favorite shoes on a whim and won a free pair of shoes from DSW!  I'm so exicited, I seriously never win anything!  I 'll share what I pick with my certificate gets here.

4. Here's what I wore Saturday, it's pretty much my favorite combo and will be on the blog tomorrow. 

5. How cute is the decor at my parent's house? Seriously, my mom has a nack!

6. Saturday night we went to a fall bash at church and "Batman" had a blast.  It was perfect weather too.

Animal Print and Thoughts on Shopping

 You all have hear me talk about thredUp a number of times on here, and today I'm sharing probably my favorite find, this animal print dress from J.Crew, which has been on my wish list for quite some time.  I had a number of referral credits, so I was just glancing though the newest additions in my size and this dress popped up, just as quickly it went into my cart.  I love the shift style and the neckline too.  I wore it for the first time to church yesterday with this blazer and pumps, and going to wear it to school again this week.  Today I'm at a conference, hopefully not being bored to death.... Next, I think I'll pair it with my denim jacket, tights, and booties.

Have you joined thredUp yet?  If not, sign up here and get $10 of your first order and I get $10 too. : )

I've been thinking a lot about the purchases I've been making for the last six months or so.  I feel like there has been a significant shift in how and what I buy.  For the past few years I've had the mentality of buying as much as I can with my budget each month.  The problem with that was that I ended up with a lot of things I didn't need, or things that didn't fit perfectly, just because the price was right.

Now, I couldn't tell you the last time I went to Target "to look" or a thrift store. Why?  Because I ended up with a bunch of stuff I didn't need.  Now, I buy a lot less, but I'm willing to spend a bit more to buy quality that fits right and will last.

For example, last year I hemmed at hawed about this cute animal print dress that was $30. I ended up settling for one I found at Goodwill for $5 (seen here).  The dress is really pretty, but the top really gaps on me and it probably needs to be tailored to fit right.  I have quite a few examples just like this.  Now, I'm still all about a deal, but only when it fills a hole in my wardrobe.

I feel like this blog has really shown an evolution of my style, plus how and what I shop for. My suggestion for you who might be in the same boat as I was in:

1. Stop shopping when you'e bored, upset, exhausted, or if you just need some "me time." Instead treat yourself to a latte and book or magazine.  It's a lot less expensive and I bet you can find the same satisfying results without getting shopper's remorse.
2. Make a list of holes in your closet, when shopping stick to the list.
3. Some of you might disagree, but I now prefer shopping online. It helps me stick to my list, when I actually go shopping I have a tendency to browse (especially the sale rack), and I ended up with more than I need.
4. If you have a budget, realize you don't have to spend it all.  I use cash, so it's easy to just save it, then if I do want to purchase something bigger, I have the money saved up.
5. If you blog, it's a good idea to refrain from buying "for the blog." I've done this too because something was trending, or whatever.  I don't think this is ever the right reason to buy. Enough said.

What advise do you all have? I'm definitely not perfect, share your wisdom with me!

Preppy Plaid

While J.Crew Factory was having their 50% off sale I picked up this sweater and this skirt.  Last month I snagged up this skirt for a steal and crossed my fingers that my normal size would work, it did and now I want this skirt in every print and color.  

I thought the tan would be great for fall and I've seen it styled super cutely by a number of bloggers lately.  Today I decided to pair it with this navy vest I recently picked up.  I really liked the way Maureen wore it and have a gingham shirt to try with it too, but I thought I'd pair it with plaid today, and I love how it came together. 

Edgy with Pops of Color

 This jacket from Gordmans is turning out to be one of favorite pieces and I've been wearing it like crazy to and from school.  Today I paired it with this great necklace from Sira Mara.  It's so unique to anything I have and everything from Sira Mara is so reasonably priced! It's such a fun piece for giving a bit of edge to a look and I think I'll wear it like crazy this fall, along with this jacket.

Fair Isle Love

I shared with you all my love for this Fair Isle sweater last week, and when it arrived it did not disappoint.  I plan to wear it like crazy!  I also loved this navy vest, I just couldn't justify the price.  Last year I got a plain puffer vest at Sears of all places for less than $20, so I hit them up again and scored this navy vest for the same price this year. The quality is great and I know I will be able to wear it a lot!  

More Good Hair Days with Dove Pure Care Dry Oil Collection

More good hair days, isn't that what we all want?  I know I feel so much better about my overall appearance when my hair looks good too.  Tell me I'm not alone? 

I was excited to get to try Dove Pure Care Dry Oil Collection, and my hair felt silkier and easy to manage after just one wash. 

I was able to try the Dove Pure Care shampoo and conditioner, as well as the dry oil nourishing treatment with African Macadamia Oil. I loved the scent of the shampoo and conditioner and didn't feel like it left over any residue, which is always a concern when I'm trying a new hair product. 

I thought the nourishing treatment with African Macadamia oil was awesome.  The directions say it can be used prior to washing, after washing with damp hair, or once the hair is dry.  I have been on the look out for something like this to help smooth fly-aways.  I used a few pumps on my clean, damp hair and loved how it helped to tame fly-aways and keep my hair smooth once it was blow-dried and styled.

This Dove Pure Care Dry Oil Collection is great for all hair types, which I love. I also only wash my hair every-other day and felt like my second day hair looked just as good as the first, which is awesome.  There is nothing worse than hair that feels greasy or heavy, and the Dove Pure Care Dry Oil Collection did a great job or keeping my hair looking good.

Leopard and Green

Last winter I pinned this look because I absolutely loved the combo of green and leopard, however I didn't own a green sweater.  Recently I was on thredUp and I found this one from Gap, similar to this one for $10.  I wish the color had been captured better in the pictures, it's not really neon; the color is really more like the one in  this pin.  I decided to pair it with my beloved denim jacket, black jeans, and my black ballet flats for school.  I wore these jeans like crazy last winter and really need to be on the hunt for a replacement, but I really dislike jeans shopping.  Where are your favorite black jeans from?

Have you joined  thredUp yet?  If not, sign up here and get $10 of your first order and I get $10 too. : )

Floral and Denim

This week marks the end of the quarter and I'm so excited to have Friday as a work day.  The kids are great, but I am ready for a bit of a break.  I'm not feeling very motivated and I think the weather really changing has really bummed me out.  I'm just not ready for cloudy days and the necessity of coats. 

I really do like today's outfit, though. I'm wearing my booties for the first time this fall, and it's fun to have them back on.  In the midst of my gloomy attitude, this outfit feels like the best transition to fall look, denim jacket + dress + booties = easy, comfy look.  I still can't get over finding this dress for $7 at Target (thank you who ever returned it after letting it sit in your closet unworn until I could get it for a steal). 

Currently Craving: Fair Isle

Recently I had the chance to do some styling for the wonderful Susan at Charming Lucy.  One of the pieces I picked out for her is this awesome  Fair Isle sweater from J.Crew Factory.  I ended up buying it last week at 50% off! I thought I'd share with you a few of the outfits I created for Susan featuring this sweater, I'm definitely excited to try them for myself too!

The first look features pairing the sweater with a plaid shirt, I love these two together and this combo will be perfect when it begins to cool down.  

Gap top / Fair Isle Sweater / Gap jeans / Crown Vintage ankle boots / Necklace

Coral and Leopard

 Well, another Monday is here. I had a nice, relaxing weekend. Saturday Grant and I went to the library, then Saturday night Brian and I went to a charity event. Sunday we went to church then I spent Sunday afternoon watching The Walking Dead while Grant took a long nap. Of all the shows out, I have to love the zombie one that gives me nightmares. Awesome. There's just something about the characters and their post apocalyptic lives that has my eyes glued to the screen.

 Sunday night I got together with my girlfriends for small group, which is the best treat. This week at school marks the end of the first quarter, which is crazy!

As for today's outfit, I recently got this J.Crew blazer from thredUP for a steal and it looks brand new. It's actually more coral than orange, like it looks here.  I thought I'd try it today with my leopard scarf and this fun top from Old Navy.  I love how it turned out and I think it has a lot of fun possibilities for this fall and winter.

If you haven't tried thredUP you can sign up here and get $10 off your first purchase.  Seriously you guys, I have gotten some of the most amazing pieces for next to nothing!

Stripes and Brights

Happy Friday! I don't normally post, but I've had this in my drafts and kind of forgot about it.  I really like the combo and it's one I've worn a number of times.  

School has be really busy and the kids and I are just finishing a unit.  I think they could use a "brain break" and  I know I could, so we are celebrating their success by watching The Goonies.  I just love that movie and I got to educate a number of them on what a VHS is (I've had the video THAT long).  I was able to get a lot accomplished yesterday and am hoping to keep the momentum going today. Next Thursday marks the end of the quarter. Wow, time flies.

Polka Dots

Ever since I saw Lisa wear this sweater I've loved it.  Last year I ruined my own polka dot top and have been looking for a replacement.  I picked this one  up at J.Crew on super clearance and am so excited to wear it.  I styled it pretty casually today with my utility jacket but I think it'll be perfect with skirts too.  

Speaking of polka dots, I just picked up this polka dot vest at Target yesterday. It's from the little girls' department.....I should be embarrassed, but I'm totally not. It's just so fun.  I hope my students and I don't twin out ; )

Black and White

 I told you all that I switched my closet over to my fall and winter clothes earlier this week, but I just picked up this skirt for a steal and I'm going to get in a few wears before I need to put it away until spring.  I love everything about this skirt and decided to keep it simple with a black tee and denim jacket.  I added my leopard print shoes and know I'll feel comfy and put together all day.

Earlier this week I got to go to our local pumpkin patch (it's a pretty big deal around here) with Grant's preschool class.  It was such a nice break from the normal routine and we had a great time.  We got to go on the train, hay rack ride, bounce house, "haunted house," and all kinds of other kids friendly activities.  We were home by two, so Grant could nap and I could get a few hours to myself.  It was a pretty perfect day. : )

Edgy

Edgy is not really a word I would use to describe my style, but when I saw this top at a boutique in KC recently, I knew it would be such a fun addition to my closet. This similar option is now on sale at Nordstroms.  I've already worn it twice and am pretty sure it'll be on heavy rotation all fall and winter.

Yesterday I shared the concept of Kuhfs with you.  It's pretty cool, add different prints and patterns of Kuhfs to your boots quickly, and make your outfit just a bit more special in the process.

Today I'm wearing the Motown (which will be up on the site soon). I'm was impressed by the quality and the ease of wearing.  The back of the Kuhfs have rubber grippers to keep them in place and then there is a clip (similar to a bobby pin) you use to clip them to your boot.  I think they are super fun and think they'll be so fun to wear this fall and winter.

Fall is Here

This past week it really started to cool down here.  I switched everything in my closet over, so long shorts, I'll miss you.  The best part of switching my closet over is getting out my boots, sweaters, and vests.  They all feel new again, and I'll admit, I'm excited to start wearing them.  Recently I was contacted by Kuhfs to see if I'd like to try then out.  The concept is pretty cool, add different prints and patterns of Kuhfs to your boots quickly and make your outfit just a bit more special in the process.

I chose to try the Amazon and the Motown (which will be up on the site soon).  When they arrived I was impressed by the quality and the ease of wearing.  The back of the Kuhfs have rubber grippers to keep them in place and then there is a clip (similar to a bobby pin) you use to clip them to your boot.  I think they are super fun and think they'll be so fun to wear this fall and winter.

I'm going to show you the Motown styled tomorrow.  If you're looking to spice up your wardrobe this fall and winter, I definitely recommend checking out Kuhfs!

Leopard and Denim

Recently I saw this pin and loved the idea of the outfit.  I decided to recreate it for myself for school, and I've been chomping at the bit to wear it. I love the idea of the casual top and denim jacket with this dressy skirt and heels. This skirt from thredUP is turing out to be one of my favorite pieces in my closet.  I'm really excited to wear it like crazy this fall and winter.

 If you haven't tried thredUP you can sign up here and get $10 off your first purchase.  Seriously you guys, I have gotten some of the most amazing pieces for next to nothing!

Also, thanks so much for your kind words yesterday, you all make this fun hobby so worth it.  :)

Two Years

Two years ago today I began blogging.  I hadn't even heard of a blog until August-two short months before I started blogging myself.  I was in a huge clothing rut and wasn't looking forward to school at all.  I had a friend suggest checking out Along the Lines of Style, Whitney was showing daily OOTDs at that point (although I had no idea what that actually stood for at the time).  I was shocked that such a thing even existed! I was also really excited, I got so much inspiration through looking at her archives and then I found a few other ladies like Tara at Mix and Match Fashion and Shanna at Because Shanna Said So....

I started to get excited about getting dressed again and I began to gain more confidence in myself, something I'd somehow lost along the way.  A few months later I took the plunge. Now, I'd be lying if I said it's been a perfect journey.  I'm actually pretty embarrassed my some of my early outfits and the quality of the pictures. I'm also embarrassed about how obsessed I became with clothes and getting a good deal. I was also reading and commenting on about a million blogs a day.  It was way too much. There really was no balance and it wasn't fair to my family, my students, or my God.

Since then I feel like I'm found a balance; this is a hobby, not my life.  I don't think being a blogger makes me any more special than anyone else. This is just a fun outlet in the midst of the busyness of life; it's the one thing that's just mine. I also feel like I understand my style and don't feel the urge to go out and buy all the things or jump on board with every trend.  Been there. Done that. I now get a few things each month and am blessed to work with a number of brands. Every cute outfit I wear doesn't need to be blogged and I repeat outfits.  Often.

I'm also continually surprised and flattered when people tell me they bought something because I recommended it, or that a reader would take my outfits and recreate them.  When I started this, that wasn't something I ever considered happening.

This journey has been fun and I've "met" some really great people along the way.  Thanks to all of you who stop by my little spot in the Blogosphere.  Your kind works and support make this little hobby something really fun.