Thrift Toast

Although my wool blazer makes an appearance in these photos, I flounced around today without it. The flannel shirt and heavy knit skirt kept me toasty while other pedestrians were bundled up in (no kidding) puffer jackets, beanies, and GLOVES!


Shirt, Eddie Bauer (thrifted). Skirt, Charlie and Robin (thrifted). Tights, gift. Boots, Sofft (consignment). Sunglasses, Target. Necklace, Stella & Dot. Bag, Charming Charlie. Blazer, J Crew.

Best of all, the warmest pieces are second-hand. Cozy AND environmentally responsible.

Business Rugged

I thought it only appropriate to pair high-heeled hiking boots with a shrunken grandpa sweater and long-john red tights. A fussy vintage dress makes the ensemble sort of work appropriate.


Sweater, Banana Republic (thrifted and gifted). Dress, thrifted, vintage, and shortened. Tights, Anne Klein. Boots, Lauren Ralph Lauren. Sunglasses, Target. Belt, Gap (thrifted). Poncho, Tri Collection.

Pro

I planned a more professional look than usual for some important meetings, today. However, the rain forced me to carry a silly umbrella, cover my sharp blazer with a waterproof layer, and replace my peeptoe oxfords with galoshes. Take all that practical nonsense away, and this is what my outfit would have looked like:


Blazer, Odds ‘N Evens. Dress, Richard Chai for Target. Tights, Madam Butterfly. Shoes, Eileen Fisher (consignment). Earrings, Cuffs. Necklace, Heart Boutique. Bag, Target.

And . . . this is how it looked with the rain gear:


Umbrella, gift. Jacket, H&M (thrifted). Galoshes, TJ Maxx.


I still looked like a pro, right? A pro at staying dry!

Experiment No. 601

As the days gray, I reach for saturated colors. Maybe that’s the reasoning behind the Red Hat Society’s jewel-like shades. As the head grays, we compensate by draping ourselves in ruby reds and amethyst purples.


Coat, Bebe. Tank, Imaginary Voyage. Dress, Melton. Tights, We Love Colors. Boots, Sofft (consignment). Earrings, Charming Charlie. Scarf, thrifted. Bag, Imoshion.

Personally, grays prompt me to color my hair a purpley-red.

Winter Bulk

I love sweater tunics – but damn they can add pounds. I wore thin layers beneath to minimize the bulk and topped it with a denim vest to create shape.


Vest, AC-3998 (cut from a thrifted jacket). Sweater, Ashley (thrifted). Leggings, Xhilaration. Boots, Vince Camuto. Sunglasses and bag, Target. Brooch, Avon (gift).

Quality (or the lack thereof)

I’m pretty disappointed with these mixed media leggings. On the first wear, the inner thigh seam between the pleather and the fabric sprung a bunch of tiny holes. I’m hoping Macy’s has a generous return policy.


Sweater, Forever 21. Dress, Eddie Bauer (thrifted). Leggings, Guess. Boots, Style & Co (thrifted). Sunglasses and bag, Target.

This sweater, on the other hand, is a winner. Purchased at Forever 21, it is surprisingly well made and the fabric is a weighty, cotton knit. Good thing . . . since I know Forever 21’s return policy isn’t so good.

Senility

I’m becoming forgetful and boring in my old age. I wore almost this exact outfit last February. Except, this time, the shoes are much more practical. Another sign of aging: sensible shoes.


Poncho, Newport News. Shirt, FY2 (thrifted). Skirt, Mossimo. Tights, We Love Colors. Boots, Sam Edelman. Sunglasses, Target. Necklace, Heart Boutique. Bag, Apt 9.



February 2013 and today:

Stems

When choosing tights to pair with my fancy shorts, I worry that any color but black will give me stumpy legs. To keep the leg line long with my green leopard tights, I wore boots in a very close shade. I think it was a success.


Sweater, Moda International. Shirt, INC (thrifted). Shorts, San Souci. Tights, B. Ella. Boots, Miz Mooz. Sunglasses, Target. Necklace, Stella & Dot. Bag, Apt 9.

Black is Back

If the beauty industry has a color, it is black. On-duty hair stylists, makeup artists, and fashion photographers are usually dressed in black. It must be rubbing off because I’ve begun to add more black to my own wardrobe. However, it has to have a special detail to pass my muster. I wouldn’t purchase a plain black shirt, but add a small geometric pattern, and it catches my eye. And while I’ve looked for a black, high-heel, oxford-style shoe (to replace this pair) for a few years, they all seemed too plain until I found an oxford with a peep toe and cut-outs.


Shirt, Forever 21. Dress, Prabal Gurung for Target. Shoes, Eileen Fisher (consignment). Sunglasses, Target. Necklace, Heart Boutique. Bag, Go Jane.



Besides the peer pressure and special details, I am also adding more black to my wardrobe because it so transformative. It adds emphasis or takes it away. It tones down bright colors. It adds formality to an outfit. I love how the black accents in this ensemble transform a summery dress to an autumn-appropriate, business casual outfit.


Summer and Fall stylings