One-Dollar Wonders

I never did end up getting that classiques suit... I still love it, but did not want to come off as intimidating since many managers who would interview me right now are younger than me. but here is a suit like outfit made from my striped flared trousers and my tuxedo ish blazer.

forgot to get a shot of the shirt by itself so I took one inside during lunch.

I'll tell you what, the sales world can be a cruel mistress sometimes. if I did not love the fashion thing, I might be in trouble...lol.

wearing a $1 swap meet top, $1 Bebe swap meet parents, and last season's Trouve blazer. New Rockport pumps from Amazon, too! I must add those to the fines when I get home. " looks like a pump, feels like a sneaker."

I don't think this print really counts as ocelot, but I'm a sucker for alliteration. I think that, in a perfect world, I would be happier with this blazer in my normal size, but it's fun to do something a little outside my MO. I tried to show the asymmetrical hem of my tunic in pic 2, but the blacks aren't cooperating. Imagine a slanted hem poking out the bottom of the jacket. :)

I tried this with my dark wash straight leg jeans at first, but I liked the edgy black jeggings better. Croc-birks to make it more "now." Worn to work for a couple of Half-Yearly Sale appointments. 

Added my Kate Spade as a find due to a request on my previous post.  :)

DH unplugged my flat iron, so I guess I do have time to post this! 

Just a breezy outfit for the heat wave: really cool Clover Canyon top I found at Wasteland, plus my new favorite sandals. If you remember, the patent leather on my Gentle Souls platform birk-like sandals peeled off, and I had to return them. Found last year's style Crocs Cobbler Wedges for $20 on Amazon, and here we go! Much more lightweight and comfortable, even.

I really, really wish Crocs would add a line of trendy, fashionable styles. They jumped the gun on this trend when they could have sold me a ton of colors this year! Croslite is just so comfy for long days at work, but most of the styles are not appropriate for the workplace. :T

Silly photo taken at Universal Studios on my day off. 

Oh, what a difference some good light makes! I really must start leaving work on time on a regular basis so that I can take my outfit photos the right way (yes, it turns out I am really vain and want my schedule to revolve around self portraits). 

Anyhow, I have been lax about both posting and commenting here, so I wanted to catch up a bit. DH and I hit up a swap meet a couple of times - twice on our own and once with our favorite double-date couple. Consequently, I am sporting the results of our post-retail therapy these days. 

#1-3 features a new-to-me silk/sequins Matty M dress, $0.50. It is technically too big, as I could fit a whole extra bazoom inside, but I think that makes it look more modern. Odd poses while I try to convey the swishy-slinky drape that prevents this sack dress from feeling like a sack of potatoes. 

#4 is just something I threw on for the flea market. Nothing new. 

#5 shows the top I wore on my airplane rides. Young Fabulous & Broke for $0.50. Paired with F21 mini. 

#6-7 center on this sheer, emerald plaid... blazer-ish... thing my friend Amanda convinced me to buy. I was unsure of the oversized look, but I came to like it. I really love the color and, at another $0.50, it's a fun experiment. Target brand. 

#8 I have not really debuted yet, but it's a fun photo inside a flea market tent. I have this soft, printed blazer slated for an outfit real soon. Also originally from Target, also $0.50. 

And that was my escapism... we are still in our apartment, still living with all our stuff packed in boxes, still waiting for a move date. Long story short, we are buying a unit in a co-op, and so the loan process is extra annoying. Sigh. I hope it will be over soon. :T

Trying to relax and escape from various stress factors today - clearly a ballgame is in order. :) I have noticed a lot of you keeping it real out there in your gear, & I thought I would join the bandwagon. I'm very selfishly hope things settle down soon so I can resume my usual YLF addiction!

James Perse tank - $1 at flea market
Karma pants - $1 at flea market
Lucky Moran sandals - Amazon??
KC cap - Royals tram store
Silver bangles - gifts
Kate Spade bag - ebay

Post and run off to the salt mines! But here is my other KC souvenir: this draped duster with zipper sleeves from the sale rack. I love how lightweight and airy it is. Plus, it hides the fact that my rear is currently a smidge too big for this dress. -_-

Worn with western booties, snake, and geodes for that mineshaft-in-the-desert effect. :-)

I tell you what, it's been a busy month last month, and May shows no signs of slowing down. Here's a window into my life right now - may as well be a window into my brain. They say a cluttered desk denotes a cluttered mind, and we've gone way beyond that! lol We don't even have a move date yet, but I guess we are on Team Preparation. We are hoping that boxing things up little by little will pay off in the long run.

I first tried this outfit with a boxy silk top, but I wasn't in the mood for that much body surrender today. Changed into my trust Aiko tee, and I feel much better. 

#3 shows one of my prizes from when we visited my dad in Kansas City - if you are ever in the area, you must hunt down a Standard Style! They have a wonderful eye for style and aren't afraid to mix Helmut/Rag & Bone/Haute Hippie with fab low-end pieces on the same rack. My store does not support this type of merchandizing, but I love how it shows you exactly how to style a less expensive piece and retain the luxury-look factor. It also forces you to fondle all those expensive items while you look for a deal - great way to make sure you don't brush off an item because of the price tag.

Anyhow, I had already paid for another item (to be revealed soon) and noticed this necklace in the case as we turned to leave. The subtle, spine-like design won my heart immediately. I figured it must be out of my league since it was In The Case, but it was a nice steal! I had just been admiring Aida's white collar necklace, and this one practically dropped in my lap. :)

I wish they had an online store, so I could add a fab find - I am totally loving the new feature!

Still lurking and reading and lusting after all your outfits, even though I'm scarce on the forum. 

XOXO

Waiting to board our flight home! It was such a fabulous family weekend. We all got our hair touched up at our stepmom's super chic salon, DH caught a foul ball at the Royals game, and we got to hang out at our dad's new place with all their closest friends there to warm the house. Wish the visit lasted longer!

And look! Ended up with a blush pink souvenir tee shirt! I am excited to wear it with my red moto when we get home. Must also show you my finds from Standard Style - my sister and I say it's our favorite place to hit in Kansas City... :)

DH and DS(ister) have to put up with me blogging this travel outfit, because I am just so pleased with it. This new to me top is an instant favorite for its comfy material, flattering cut, and tummy forgiving built in poncho neckline. The jacket continues to be priceless for flattery, comfort, and security with zippered pockets and four way stretch. I am even pleased with these ankle socks, which I was surprised to see don't look half bad with booties. Perfect outfit to nap in and also hit the ground running.

Also pictured are my super lightweight suitcase, my handily compartmented satchel, and my sister's new tan leather travel bag - proud to have it in the bag shot!

See you in Missouri!

ETA: My sister's travel style! Including socially-responsible bracelets. Last pic is DH's contribution: his $1 bracelet from BsAs. :)

Quickly posting in the midst of getting ready for the weekend, but I really wanted to shout out to Aida on this one! She recently posted her Apple Equilateral outfit, and I was smitten with the color combination. Although this dress has been on the chopping block a few times as I flirt with darker, edgier combos, wearing it with a white, graphic blazer seemed perfect for an indoor day during a heat wave. 

Set off the grass print with this geode necklace I found at The Rack during a management learning day (yep, they got me shopping!) with the idea that I would use the nude-ish colors to help visually lower necklines. I am sure I will do plenty of that later, but I couldn't resist adding the earthy-luxe element. Mixing in a photo-on-photo pattern mix with the bag, because why not? 

Theory blazer - Off 5th
Tracy Reese for Anthro - Anthro (hey,2012's wild card!)
Anya Hindmarch bag - Ebay
Report booties - Amazon
Navigator sunnies - Nordies