{ Snow Day }

Well consignment kitties, it's been quite a while since I've made it back to the blog and it feels long overdue. So with that being said, we're back in black (and other colors)! 

Today's theme is snow day and features pictures that I've taken over the past two weeks. Hopefully all of you are getting back into the grind of spring semester somewhat comfortably--I know I'm making it there ever so slowly. Anyways, let it known forever and always that thrifting gives you plenty of opportunities to: 

1) Save money

2) Recycle clothing

3) Re-purpose clothing

4) Find unique piece

5) Save more money

There's never a bad time to thrift, but definitely more advantageous times (dollar days, my friends). Today, my best friend Tarah and I adventured out in the snowy weather to study at one of our favorite coffee shops, MoJava. Wesleyan graciously gave a snow day and it was definitely one of the most relaxing and fun-filled days I've had in a while. After studying we went to the Salvation Army and Goodwill on the hunt for formal dresses and ended up finding lots of other great pieces. Below are pictures of some of them, as well as older photos I've taken.

Remember, thrifted is good for your wallet and wardrobe. Also, continue to be yourself with style, even if the awkward Goodwill clerk tries to get you down about your style purchases. Who wants to dress like everyone else anyways?

Top: $1, thrifted from Goodwill

Belt: Free, came with skirt from Target

Jeans: $20 (originally $125), a great sale buy from J. Crew

Jacket/kimono: $20, thrifted from Scout (Omaha)

Top: $12, T.J. Maxx

Jeans: $20, American Eagle Outfitters

Shoes: $4, thrifted from Goodwill

Necklace: Free, handcrafted by my friend Juan

Sunglasses: $12, Target

Top: $12, Target

Sweater: $15, Target

Jacket: $12, thrifted from Lily Pads

Scarf: Free, borrowed from my stylish roommate Caitlin

Dress: $20, Urban Outfitters

Tights: Free, also borrowed from Caitlin

Boots: $25, Target

Purse: Free, from my sister, Urban Outfitters

Dress: $5, thrifted from Goodwill

Overalls: $5, thrifted from Goodwill

{this was the purchase of the day; been on the prowl for some of these for the longest time}

Romper: $5, thrifted from the Salvation Army

Glasses: $2, thrifted from Goodwill

{photo cred to Tarah; never not down to thrift}

Stay stylish and cozy, everyone!

Vega

Last night I went to see AZP and Desert Noises at Vega. It was easily one of the best concerts I've ever been to. My friend Sophie and I showed up late and found out AZP wasn't playing, but two other local openers, Blet and Oketo were going to play before DN. I didn't care for Blet, but I now have a love affair with Oketo. Those boys were SO stylish and great musicians. They were all under 21 as well, so I was more than impressed. Desert Noises finally came on at midnight and I was standing at the edge of the stage. Words cannot describe how fantastic they were. They played an hour and a half long set and then we all cheered for an encore. They ran back on stage and started playing Dime in my Pocket. They also pulled us up on stage with them to dance. My life was literally MADE. I haven't had this good of a Friday in a long time. Here are pictures from the concert!

[Desert Noises]

 

[Oketo] 

Dolla Holla

Well everyone, we made it to the end of the week and I don't know about you, but nothing has ever felt so sweet. It's been a crazy one and I've missed posting, so here we are! This morning I sang for recitals; my lovely music major friends were also featured. Here is a picture of us all looking dashing. Gavin, Sophie, and Cassi are all fantastic people and extremely talented.

We all had a great time performing, but I think there was a sigh of relief following, knowing that we won't have to freak out again for a little bit. Anyways, what I really want to focus on in this post is thrifting and the Friday DOLLA HOLLA. The Goodwill in Lincoln has a 10 for 10 weekend once a month and today happened to be the beginning of this month's mad rush of sales. I went with some of the Willards and we each took home a fantastic haul. I managed to snag some great vintage, as well as more modern pieces and only managed to spend $14 (the shoes I bought weren't a dollar, but were too cute not to pass up). Here are some pictures of the things I scored today.

[Mossimo (Target) moto skinnies]

[Vintage shell with rose print]

[Vintage floral print slouchy top]

[Vintage woven sweater]

[Old school American Eagle top]

[Perfect vintage floral print dress picked out by Tarah]

[Vintage woven flats]

[Slouchy tee]

[Another slouchy tee with a vintage wash]

[Vintage gauzy beach top]

[Vintage striped pullover]

The key to finding awesome thrifted items is to go often and buy things that you can work into your wardrobe. After all, you're only spending a dollar; it's so affordable! I'm obsessed with prints, but have some plain skirts and shorts that will complement the printed tops I bought. The more simple tops will go with my printed skirts, jeans, or leggings. One of my favorite parts of thrifting is finding pieces that have character to them. It's fun to have something a little different that no one else does! Anyways, happy Friday, have a fantastic weekend and look for more posts this weekend. I'm going to see Desert Noises and AZP tonight, so check back for stuff about that:)

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

Student Life

Here are some pictures from the last few days. The life of a student sometimes prevents one from doing a full blog post. Look for some cool stuff coming up! Also, here are a few pictures from my adventures back in Omaha this weekend:

[Studying flow]

Top: $20, Target

Dress: $25, Target

[When in doubt, P-Wolf it out]

I'm an ambassador and give tours to prospective students so here is an example of jazzing up your school t-shirts

Top: NWU Ambassador shirt

Shorts: $10, thrifted from Paperdoll Vintage

Coffee today at Huckleberry's with Momma Beck

[On squirrel patrol with Bean]

Dress: $25, Target

[Moss]

Shorts: same as pictured above

Have a great weekend everyone!

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]

Wonderful Weather

Let's just all take a second to reflect on how fantastic the weather was today. It was beyond amazing; I even worked in some time to go on a night run with my baby Tarah. Yay, music major making strides towards health! Anyways, today I'm featuring my GORGEOUS sister because 1) I miss her, 2) she's all the way in Indiana, 3) I miss her, and 4) she's beautiful. She sent me a text with these pictures today saying that she was channeling her inner Audrey Hepburn and I think she nailed it. Her new hair cut is so mod, I can't even handle it. So here's her and my outfit of the day!

Dress: Modcloth

Sweater: Thrifted from a consignment store

 [Same as above]

Sunglasses: $12, Target

Scarf: Free, from my mother

Sweater: $15, Target

Dress: $10, Body Central

Photography via Tarah

My beautiful Willard baby Tarah is a photographer and just blogged some photos from our shoot a few weeks ago. Here is a sneak peek at her work. Check out her website www.tarahdawdyphoto.com and support her artistic self!

Sunglasses: $12, Target

Top: $5, Urban Outfitters

Belt: Free, came with skirt from Target

Shorts: $5, thrifted from Goodwill

Shoes: $12, Target

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!