{ 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!

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!

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:)

Updates

Here is today's picture! Hope you're all staying warm, breaking out the layers, not getting sick, and drinking lots of fall flavored drinks. I know I'm making an effort to do all those things right now:)

I recently realized that you don't have to sit in specifically one style. I wore a dressy top and cotton pants and sneakers, which even each other out and make the outfit a little dressed up and a little dressed down. What are some of your favorite things to pair together? Send me your ideas and pictures!

Sweater: $15, Hollister

Top: $18, Forever 21

Necklace: $12, Forever 21

Pants: Borrowed from my sorority's costume closet (these beauts have stirrups at the bottom!)

Shoes: Borrowed from my roommate (from Target)

Thrifting in Unexpected Places

I'm a firm believer in searching for clothing with character. Something about the possibility of finding something fantastic keeps me going back for more. More often than not, with a little elbow grease, you can find some pretty interesting pieces in mundane places. I work at a children's consignment store and noticed soon after I started that some of the clothes in the store would be good additions to my wardrobe. Luckily, everything is inexpensive and also comes from the children's or extra small maternity sections, so there is quite a variety to choose from. I can always find something intriguing, right within my reach.

 So here's my call to arms: look in unexpected places for unique pieces that can spice up your wardrobe or simple ones that can play the complimentary role to your already print filled closet (the latter is definitely me, I'm a print junkie). Going further than that, buy pieces you love and re-purpose them into something different, like using an over-sized blouse as a kimono or wearing a dress with a skirt over it to use the top of the dress as a shirt. There are so many ways to make simple things into something spectacular! Here is my outfit for today and three things I bought at work today:)

Scarf: $12, Charlotte Russe

Top: $10, Anthropologie

Jeans: $20, American Eagle Outfitters

Shoes: $48, TOMS

$1, thrifted from Lily Pads

[found in the Girls 14 section)

$1, thrifted from Lily Pads

[found in the Girls 14 section]

$5, thrifted from Lily Pads

[found in the Boys section]

Hope this gives you some good ideas of things you can buy for not much money! Keep your eyes peeled for more tips on finding great clothing deals.

Mid-Day Musings

I've been thinking a lot about living with less and succeeded in cleaning out my closet before my junior year of college started. In an attempt to appreciate the things I already own, I have decided to switch up my wardrobe a little more by wearing everything in my closet once before repeating. This will be a little tough, but I think it'll be good for me. I also wanna keep this blog as authentic as possible. We are most beautiful when we are our natural selves and I believe that when you portray your true self to the world, others take notice and feel more comfortable being themselves. I hope this idea holds true with my blog!

That being said, I hope you're all enjoying the blog so far. It's been a great experience getting the chance to put my thoughts out there. This semester and school year has already been one for the books and I've been working hard to take more time for myself to do things I want to do. Coincidentally, one of them was to start a blog-and here we are/ I'm glad that it's finally materialized into something new and interesting!

And now for a sneak peek into some possible upcoming features on the blog: daily outfits and pictures, tips on thrifting and finding cute clothes cheap, mixing and matching inexpensive and more expensive items, how to wear vintage with modern, lists of good consignment and coffee shops (because let's be honest, the two go hand in hand), and general things about life. I'm also thinking about featuring some of my beautiful friends on the blog and sharing their stories. Other things that are definitely up and coming are some great photos taken by one of my best friends, Tarah. We went on a little photo shoot the other day and I'll be posting those soon. Check out her website, she does fantastic work:  www.tarahdawdyphoto.com. We'll see where this year takes me, I'm just excited to be able to share it with all of you! Also, I'd love to hear from you, feel free to send feedback:)

{Don't let the Mondays get you down}

Top: $48, Anthropologie

Belt: Free with skirt from Target

Pants: $5, H&M

Sandals: $20, Target

Keep it Cheap

Here are some pictures I've taken recently with thrifted items. Hope you enjoy:) Details are under each photo!

Sunglasses: $12, Target

Top: $5, Urban Outfitters

Belt: Free, with Target skirt

Shorts: $3, thrifted from Goodwill

Shoes: $10, Target

{Same as pictured above}

Sunglasses: $12, Target

Top: $5, Urban Outfitters

Pants: Free, from the costume closet in my sorority:)

Sandals: $20, Target

Dress: $18, thrifted from Penny Lane

Sweater: $10, Urban Outfitters

Skirt: $7, thrifted from Paper Doll Vintage

Sandals: $20, Target

Sweater: 50 cents, thrifted from my church's garage sale (Vintage Nebraska Cornhusker letter sweater)

Tank: $5, American Eagle Outfitters

Sweater: $16, thrifted from Penny Lane

Leggings: $10, Target

Socks: $7, Urban Outfitters

Boots: $30, Target

Pants: $15, Anthropologie

Shoes: $30, Urban Outfitters 

Both borrowed from my stylish little sister:)