Weekend Lovin'

This weekend I wasn't scheduled to work and took advantage of being able to go home and see my parents. It was awesome to get to have a low key weekend and hang out with my mom and dad. The house felt empty without my sister, Emily, who is a first-year student at Indiana University. I haven't seen her since August, but I'm flying there next month for a reunion, YAY! So here are some pictures from the weekend, some of my momma and puppies (I have two weiner dogs) and then other random shots. Also, I found some head scarves my sister left in our room, so below will be a short tutorial on tying two different types of headscarves!

Mom and I had late night dessert at this European bakery in Omaha

Top: $10, Urban Outfitters

Belt: Free, came with Target skirt

Skirt: Urban Outfitters

[Blue Line cappuccinos and muffins]

Skirt: same as pictured above

Shoes: $40, Urban Outfitters, borrowed from my sister

Dress: Free, vintage, from the 80s (my mother's)

Leggings: $12, Target

Socks: Gift from my aunt

Boots: same as pictured above

Tying head scarves is easy and can make your hairstyle a little more interesting (or help you if you're having a bad or don't-have-time-to-wash-your-hair day). Here are two simple ways to use headscarves:

The top picture is just a simple double knot in the back. Put your hair up in a pony tail or top knot, place the scarf on your head and tie in the back.

The bottom picture is a twisted scarf. Place the scarf around your head so the tails point away from your head. Pull them upward, twisting them around each other. Wrap back around your head and tie in the back. 

Top: $1, thrifted from Goodwill

Scarf: Free, borrowed from my sister

Sweaters Forever

With fall still slightly evading our grasp, I've been wearing lots of lighter sweaters lately, especially layered over my summer dresses. Either way, sweaters are forever. Today was a shining example of a non-fall day, but never be afraid to put on layers when its warm out-you can always take them off if it gets too hot. Or if you're like me and live in a college building that stays cold until half way through winter, layers are your best friend (but seriously, the music building at Wesleyan is so cold, I swear they're preserving mammoths in the basement or something).

Today had me running from one thing to the next and University Choir had its first performance. Needless to say, it was wonderful being back with some of my best friends, doing something I love, and reaching the audience with a specific message. Tonight we sang about famine and the reaction from audience members was very powerful. A number of people came up to me saying they were in tears during our singing, which speaks to the dedication of our group. I know this part doesn't apply to fashion, but it was on my mind and is important to me, so I wanted to share it with all of you!

Here are some of my great friends and also the outfit for the day; stay well and keep pushing-we're halfway through the week!

Sweater: $6, thrifted from Lily Pads

Skirt: $15, H&M

Skirt: same as pictured above

Shoes: $10, Urban Outfitters

[Carlo and I]

[Amy, my best friend]

Floral Frocks 'A Plenty

I'm convinced that everyone should have at least one floral print item in their closets. So here is an ode to all things floral and the many reasons why I can't get enough:

1. Treat them as a neutral: florals go great with fall because they brighten up the brown leaf landscape, but they go with basically everything.

2. Accessibility: so many things are floral printed these days, it's easy to find things. From backpacks, to sneakers, to shirts, every girl and guy alike can rock the florals.

3. Matchable: did I mention that they go with almost everything? I'm a firm believer in prints and mixing/matching them, so never run from the opportunity to wear stripes or polka dots with florals.

4. Brightener: because there are so many colors going on, you can match almost anything with floral print. Even if the specific color isn't in the print, chances are, it's neutral enough to be paired together.

5. Matchable: did I mention that they go with everything? Seriously though, treat yourself to a floral print skirt or something. I invested in one from H&M in high school during a trip to Chicago and only spent $10 on it. Also, I wear it ALL the time, cos it's just so dang versatile.

Sweater: $15, Target

Necklace: $12, Forever 21

Dress: $25, Target

Belt: Free, came with skirt from Target

{Long story short, never underestimate Target}

I want to hear from you guys, so comment with what your favorite things to wear!

Also, I'm going to be doing something new on the blog where I feature some lovely friends of mine that thrift or look for cute, inexpensive clothing. Today's post will be dedicated to the stylings of my best friend Katrina [K. Pierce, Miss Fierce]

Scarf: $12

Dress: $6, H&M

Other details unknown

Keep your eyes peeled for more updates coming soon:)

Friday Formalities

Willard Sorority had their annual Fall Formal last night and the duckies were dressed to the nines. I was feeling the Gatsby theme (which is a great movie, if you haven't seen it; everything about the roaring 20s, from the dresses, to the cheekbone length bobs, to finger waved bangs and huge headbands). Two years ago while on choir tour during Christmas break, we had a shopping day at the Plaza in Kansas City and I snagged a beautiful blush/beige shift that had some old school charm. I paired that with a red pedicure, super tall beige heels, and soft waves pulled to one side. I wish I could have gotten a picture of the back of this dress, but I didn't (think a low-cut V with teardrops beaded on the edges, SO pretty). The best parts about the dress? It fits well, is from H&M and was on super sale. Also, since I want this blog to be about my life and the clothes that go through it with me, here are some beautiful humans that I am blessed to know!

Joanna and I in front of her DIY'd paint chip chevron wall

Joanna borrowed my dress that I got brand new from a consignment shop; it's from Francesca's, originally $44, but snagged for $16

Katrina or K. Pierce, Miss Fierce is looking fantastic in her $5 thrifted dress from Goodwill

My two beautiful roommates, Amy and Alex

Alex is wearing a necklace borrowed from Amy and a her own dress from Target

Amy is wearing her own necklace and dress; the dress is from Promgirl.com

This picture describes Cassi and my relationship perfectly: sass

Cassi is wearing her own necklace and dress (she snagged the dress for $10)

Dress: $5, H&M

Shoes: Borrowed from my stylish sister, Pamela

Nail colors: Essie

Enjoy your weekends and stay stylish!

It's Finally Friday

And the weekend is here, thank goodness! Friday has been a long time coming. I'm looking forward to having some time to hang out, go to work, catch up on sleep and homework and mentally prepare for next week. I hope that all of you aren't feeling overwhelmed yet-always take time to take care of yourself and ask for what you need:) 

Today, I decided I needed even more layers (it was 46 out, after all). Here are my layers on layers. Also, I'm a member of Willard Sorority and we have our fall formal tonight, so keep your eyes open for pictures of how to work with a 20s style dress later this weekend:)

Boots: $35, Charlotte Russe

Socks: $12 for a three pack, Target

Leggings: $12, Target

Dress: $13, Forever 21

Ring: Free, gift from my mom (bought at an art festival when she was young)

Sweater (cowl neck): $10, Urban Outfitters

Scarf: Handmade by me! (arm-knitted)

Jacket: $12, Gap Kids (thrifted from the girls 14 section at Lily Pads)

[I layered my sweater over my dress for extra warmth today and then piled on a scarf and jacket]

Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend and stay safe:)

Some Days Were Made for Warm Hugs and Coffee Mugs

What a dreary, sad day it's been. The cold drizzle lasted all day, on and off and I've been craving big sweaters, comfy socks, warm drinks of the fall flavored variety, and laying in my bed watching Portlandia. Unfortunately, college doesn't always allow you to do stuff like that every time the weather decides to take a vacation. Either way, the beginnings of fall are in the air, which means LAYERS, layers, and more layers. I'd have to say that fall has recently become my favorite season because of the number of clothing items you can pile on yourself to feel warm and ready to go. So tonight's post will be devoted to everything fall and how to take your summer wardrobe and bring it into a new season.

Generally, I don't buy anything that I'm not going to wear all year around-it just doesn't make sense to do it the other way, especially if I'm paying good money to buy it. I want to get the most bang for my buck and wear my clothes year round. That being said, an easy way to wear your summer dresses in the fall is adding a tights or leggings and a pair of socks with boots. At this point in my life, I've collected a ridiculous number of socks, but from my perspective, you have to have some to choose from depending on the occasion and outfit. Buying a neutral colored pair of boots can also be worn with almost anything, especially if they are black or brown. Sweaters and pullovers are also great for all and are cute layered over a dress. If your sweaters are oversized, throw it over a dress and belt it to make it more flattering.

Really, there are no wrong answers in layering or fashion. Doing something unexpected or pairing prints that are different can make a statement and liven up your outfit. If I have a printed dress on but want to wear leggings, socks, and boots, I often try and pick a pair of socks that have a small print (so it's less distracting from the big print on your dress or top) and are a more neutral color that complement the rest of the outfit. This way, you can get away with colors and prints that don't necessarily go right with your outfit.

It definitely felt like fall today and here's what I wore. Lots of layers (yay!) and comfy socks and boots:)

Sweater: $10, thrifted from Paperdoll Vintage

Necklace: Free, handmade by my friend Juan Mora

Dress: $10, Urban Outfitters

Leggings: $12, Target

Socks: $12, Urban Outfitters

Boots: $30, Target

I buy a lot of my clothes on sale or from thrift stores. There are lots of tricks to finding cheap things from big name stores; it all depends on when you go to shop. Look for an upcoming blog post about when to shop and how to find great, inexpensive pieces to add to your closet.

Also, check out the new side bar features on the right side of the blog. There you can find the most popular posts, an archive, a search bar, and what the Consignment Kat is listening to. Check back for new updates:)

Fall Beginnings

Hello blog world, it's good to finally be a part of all of this cyber journaling. But before I overstay my initial welcome, let me introduce myself:

My name is Kaitlin. A small portion of friends know me as Kat, which is where the blog name comes from. Aside from that, I have become really into fashion over the years, especially in high school when I decided jeans and a sweatshirt weren't going to be my every day wardrobe (but let's be honest, sometimes we need those comfier days). As far as clothes, I love going thrifting and finding great pieces that are inexpensive, but still fashionable. I'm a firm believer in comfy sweaters, socks and boots, layers, and dresses on dresses on dresses. I'm overly obsessed with prints, but have realized as of late that simplicity in style is easier than you think. As far as other things about me, I love music, attending concerts, sharing songs with friends, and singing in choir. According to old photos of me, I've always been a diva soprano. I work at a church camp in the summers and love kids and meeting new people. Coffee and vintage things are some of my favorite things. 

And now, here are the beginnings of the Consignment Kat. I'm excited to go through this journey with all of you, show you how to buy smart (and inexpensive), and perhaps even inspire you in your own fashionable lives.