You Get What You Pay For

Hello all!!

Recently, on one of my many window shopping trips, I decided to go into my local TJ Maxx to take a look around.  Shopping for plus size at TJ Maxx is sometimes hit or miss (at least at my store), but on this trip I was able to score a really great find.  When I saw this cute jumpsuit, I liked it.  But, when I saw the price, I knew I had to have it.

Would you believe me if I said I picked up this Tahari jumpsuit for $5? Yes, that's not a typo.  I got this jumpsuit on clearance for $5.  I can't tell you how fast I snatched it off the rack and headed off to the dressing room to try it on.  And what I also love about it (besides the price) is that it can be worn multiple ways and multiple seasons.  You can't beat that for $5! 

I decided to pair it with my black espadrilles I got from Payless a couple years ago, some navy blue earrings from Target, and my orange Jessica Simpson clutch, also from TJ Maxx. Since I wore it to church today, I also paired it with my navy blue long cardigan from Old Navy.  I can't wait until it gets cooler so I can dress it for the fall/winter season.  Stay tuned for that.

Do you love to bargain shop? If so, where do you like to score a great deal? Let's talk about it in the comments section.

Until next time....

Jumpsuit:  Tahari (TJ Maxx); Earrings:  Target (sold in a pack of 3); Cardigan:  Old Navy; Shoes:  Payless; Bracelet:  Cato Fashions; Clutch:  Jessica Simpson (TJ Maxx)

Style Inspiration: Tee Shirt and Skirt

Hello all!

I'm always searching on Pinterest to help get my creative juices flowing.  Pinterest has a plethora of style photos for whatever look you're trying to create.  No matter your style or what pieces you're trying to put together, if you can search for it, there's probably a picture for it.  

My inspiration initially came from a black pleated midi skirt I'd recently picked up from my local Target  (via gift card from work.) I've been wanting a pleated midi skirt FOR. THE. LONGEST. But when you're on the hunt for something in particular, you never seem to find exactly what you're looking for.  I finally scored my jackpot a couple weeks ago and have been waiting to find the right piece to wear with it.  Initially I got a black lace camisole to go with it for a particular look I was aiming for (kind of like old school full slip look) which I still plan on wearing with it as well.

This time around, I decided to pair it with a tee shirt. At first, I was going to crop it, but I haven't gotten THAT bold with showing my stomach, yet (baby steps.) As I looked at the pictures in Pinterest I saw various cropped tees, knotted tees, etc.  So I decided to knot it and show a little skin. I think I made a wise decision.  Plus, since the tee only cost around $5, I can cut it up as much as I like.

Once I remembered I had some lipstick by NYX that would match my Fruit of the Loom tee perfectly, it was a on like popcorn from that point (lol!) I knew I wanted to wear heels with my outfit and these from Plato's Closet, along with my other accessories, tie all the loose ends together.

What do you think of this look? What would you have done differently, if anything? How do you feel about midi skirts? Let's chat it up in the comments section.

Until next time....

Skirt:  Target; Tee:  Walmart; Shoes:  Plato's Closet; Rings:  Lane Bryant, Old Navy; Earrings:  ??? (purchased while living in Memphis)

Mad Hatter

Hello all!

If you truly know me, then you know I love a great hat.  They have to be one of my favorite accessories and they come in a variety of colors, shapes, and styles.  Plus, they cover up a bad hair day.  Hats can do no wrong in my book. 

This beauty of a hat I was blessed to win in an Instagram contest.  When my sister sent me the post and I saw it, I knew I had to have it in my collection.  And I already had an outfit in mind to wear it with (even though it will compliment a lot of the items in my closet). So, I decided to put it with this dress I've worn on the blog previously.

I decided to go with this dress because I wanted to bring out the hints of yellow in.  Plus, I didn't want to go with simple black and white.  I wanted to take it up a notch.

So if you've always wanted to wear hats, my suggestion to you is to try some on to see which style is complimentary to you. You never know, you may just find your new favorite accessory.  What's your favorite accessory to wear right now? Let's discuss it in the comments section.

Until next time...

Hat:  Edgy Chic Boutique; Dress:  Belk; Belt:  Torrid; Earrings:  Target; Bracelet:  Target; Shoes:  Cato Fashions

White Hot

Hello all!!

I've been out of pocket for far too long, and for that I'm sorry.  Now, since it's officially summer, what better way to kick it off than wearing all white.  Wearing all white is clean, cool, and works with any setting.  But I refuse to wear white dress shoe because they are simply not my ministry. Whatever floats YOUR boat, though.

Anyway, today's look is inspired by summertime, all white parties, and the old school ice cream man from TV shows and movies.  You know the one, wearing a white button-down shirt, white slacks, and matching hat.  I know sometimes wearing all one color, especially white, can be a bit too much (unless you're a church usher or missionary member).  But, if you break it up with some bright colored accessories, it's much easier to wear. 

When wearing all one color, have fun with punches of color, different silhouettes, and different ways to wear typical items.  Remember, style is supposed to be fun.  There's no right or wrong wear to do something (unless you're wearing white dress shoes 'cause that's just wrong).

So, what's a color you're afraid to wear? Why are you afraid of wearing it? Let's talk about it in the comments section.

Until next time....

Button Down:  Lane Bryant; Earrings:  Target; Black belt:  Target; Purse:  Target; Jeans:  TJ Maxx; Shoes:  Betsey Johnson (gifted from my sister)

Notorious

Hello all!

Today's post is a combination of a lot of things:  my love of hats, heels, jeans, and graphic tees.  Put these items together and you've got an outfit that can take you out for errands during the day, or out on the town at night.  If you're not sure how to put it all together, get some inspiration from Pinterest.  

I decided to go with a look that centered around my black Notorious B.I.G. tee I picked up from Old Navy a few years ago.  I initially got it for my son but he didn't want it (his loss.) To keep the look comfy, I added my black Old Navy Power Ankle Jeans, black ankle strap heels from Asos, and black hat from J.C. Penney (a gift from my Ma.)

So, do you fancy a great graphic tee? If so, how do you like to put it together? Let's talk about it in the comments section.

Until next time...

Hat:  J.C. Penney; Earrings:  Ashley Stewart; Graphic Tee:  Old Navy; Jeans:  Old Navy; Shoes:  Asos

This Is The Remix

Hello all!!

Can I be totally honest with you? I don't have a massive closet stocked full of unlimited clothes and shoes.  I also don't have an unlimited supply of money to go shopping on a whim.  For those reasons, I have to find creative ways to make the clothes I have look different.  I'm sure you have to do the same, and there's nothing wrong with that.  It's all about maximizing your wardrobe and making several outfits from what you have.  This not only saves you time it also saves you money.  

The pieces in this weeks post may look familiar to you.  The polka dot top I wore in this previous blog post and the black dress I wore in this blog post.  I also decided to pair them with my magenta colored Betsey Johnson heels, black clutch, and bracelet.  

Even though this outfit was a last minute decision, I think it came together well.  Sometimes those are the best ones.  The ones where your initial outfit doesn't work the way you thought it was in your head.  And you have to find something quick and everything else you just don't want to wear.  

So, do you like to remix the pieces in your closet to create new outfits? Why or why not? Let's chop it up in the comments.

Until next time....

Earrings:  Simply Irresistible; Top:  TJ Maxx; Dress:  Belk; Bracelet:  Cato Fashions; Clutch:  TJ Maxx; Shoes:  Betsey Johnson

One-Sidedness

Hello all!!

The top in today's post has been a story of both love and hate for me.  I love it because it takes it out of my comfort zone because of the color and hemline.  I hate (dislike) it because everything I try and put with it, whether jeans, a skirt, or shorts, just seems to not do it justice.  Don't get me wrong, this is a fabulous top, but it could be slightly intimidating.  

Long story short, when you purchase a piece that you may find intimidating, don't give up on it. Especially if it's one that you really love.  Just apply your thinking cap (like in elementary school) and see what you come up with.  You may just surprise yourself.

Play with silhouettes, angles, and proportions to come up with a look that makes you stand out.  If you get stuck or feel you just aren't creative remember,  Pinterest is your friend.  

Do you have pieces in your closet that you struggle with? Do you shy away from pieces because you feel they're hard to style? Let's talk about it in the comments.  

Until next time.....

Necklace:  JC Penney; Top:  Lane Bryant; Jeans:  Old Navy; Jacket:  Old Navy; Shoes:  TJ Maxx

Maxi Dress: How I Love Thee

Hello all:

As you may already know, I have a very loving relationship with dresses.  Long or short, sleeveless or long sleeved, they can do no wrong in my eyes.  They can be worn day or night and are perfect for any occasion.  They're a one piece solution to the question "what am I going to wear?"  This love didn't happen overnight, but when it did hit me, I've never gotten over it.  Frankly, I hope I never get over it.

Today's look features a maxi dress that I've had for a few years now.  I really love the fact that it's long, flowy, and covers my feet.  I like for my maxi dresses to be really long.  There's nothing worse than a maxi dress that stops at my ankles.  It looks strange because when you want to wear a higher heel your entire foot shows.  This is just my personal opinion, so don't come for me.  

When I saw this dress, I knew I had to get it.  I loved everything about it:  the length, the print, the color.  It checked all my boxes for a great maxi dress.

With this dress being quite a stand-out, I decided to keep everything else simple.  No need for your accessories to compete.  When getting dresses, adopting the K.I.S.S. mantra will take you far (unless you just feel like being funky.)

Do you like dresses? Specifically maxi dresses? Why or why not? Let's chat it up in the comments section?

Until next time...

Earrings:  Charlotte Rousse; Bracelet:  Ashley Stewart; Dress:  Old Navy; Shoes:  Guess 

Style Inspiration: Graphic Tees

Hello all!:

Today's post is inspired by graphic tee shirt looks I found on my Pinterest board.   Who would think something as simple as a tee shirt and jeans could create a look that can take you out on the town at night, or out for errands during the day.  The look can be jazzed up with a blazer and heels.  Or, be made casual with sneakers and a sweater/jacket.   

Honestly, I was at a loss for what to wear for my next post.  That is, until I found these pictures on Pinterest:

Out of literally thousands of pictures, these 2 really stood out for me.  I'm not sure why they sparked my creativity, but I'm sure glad they did.  After finding these pictures and going through my mental Rolodex (which is my closet) I came up with my look for.

I really love how this look came together.  I've had this tee shirt for a few years now and it's one of my favorites. I picked it up from my local Old Navy from the Men's section.  So don't be afraid to shop all the sections of your favorite store. There could be some hidden jewels you're missing out on.  

Let this post show that you can pull inspiration from just about anywhere.  If you don't own any graphic tee shirts you definitely should grab a couple the next time you're out shopping.  They don't have to be expensive either.  Just be sure to add your own spin to them to make the look your own.

Do you own any graphic tee shirts? Why or why not? Let's chat it up in the comments section.

Until next time.....

Hat:  It's Fashion Metro; Cardigan:  Old Navy; Tee Shirt:  Old Navy; Jeans:  Old Navy; Belt:  Target; Earrings:  Cato Fashion; Booties:  Boot Country

  

New Shoes, Who Dis?

Hello all!!

If you're like me, you're a sucker for a great pair of shoes.  Whether they're flats, sneakers, or heels, as long as they're cute and comfy, they get the green light.  They also have to be reasonably priced, but that's a given.  

As you may know, the main purpose for this blog is to show you all how and where you can find great deals on clothes and shoes.  My motto is you don't have to spend a fortune to have great style.  I shop wherever I can get a great deal and I want to help those who don't  have a ton of money to spend do the same.

One day, while in my local It's Fashion Metro, I came across their shoe section and immediately fell in love.  They have a great selection of on trend shoes that won't cost you an arm and a leg.  And since they're priced right, you can pick up a couple pair at a time. It was very hard to choose which pair I wanted because they had a really great selection of heels to choose from.  After going back and forth and trying on several pair, I settled on an ankle strap heel.  But, these aren't just any ankle strap heels.

They look yellow and black in the photos, but they're actually neon green. These babies cost me a whopping $24.99.  Since I wanted these shoes to be the star of my outfit, I decided to keep the rest of my look toned down.  I've been looking for a polka dot top for a while now and finally found on at my local TJ Maxx store for around $20.  The skirt is from the Ava & Viv collection from Target and cost around $20 as well.  Everything else I'm wearing I'd already had for a while.  

I plan on doing more shoe shopping in the near future at my local It's Fashion Metro to pick up some more shoes.  Now, don't just go for the shoes.  They have a huge selection of accessories and clothes for women, men and children as well. If you have a store close to you and you've never been before, I suggest you make your way there ASAP!!

So have you ever shopped at It's Fashion Metro? Why or why not? Let's chat it up in the comments section about it?

Until next time...

Earrings:  Local boutique; Necklace:  Old Navy; Shirt:  TJ Maxx; Belt:  Cato Fashion; Skirt:  Target; Bracelet:  Cato Fashion; Clutch:  TJ Maxx; Shoes: It's Fashion Metro

S is for Stripes

Hello all!!

So spring has finally arrived and I am glad about it. Among other things, it means I can wear really cute dresses again without having to bundle up and hide under a coat. Am I the only one who thinks that sucks?

As I was browsing in my local Target the other day, I spotted a really cute black and off white striped dress from the Who, What, Wear brand (if you look for it on the web site, it's going to say the dress is black and white stripe, but seeing it in person the stripes are off white).  Any way, I loved the dress immediately because of the sleeves. I'm a real sucker for a full sleeve because I'm not a fan of my arms (don't judge me). I also loved it because I don't really have a lot of striped items in my closet, so I decided to try and fill that void. Once I got it to the dressing room for a try-on I knew I had to have it.

Isn't this dress delightful?! This dress has to be my absolute favorite in my closet right now.  It can be worn a number of different ways AND it's currently on sale for 30% off!! I decided to wear it with my summer straw hat with black bow, also from Target, wide black belt from Torrid, and black ankle strap heels from Asos.  

I know I say this about many of the outfits I put together, but this look is definitely one of my all time favorites. This simple yet bold dress is a piece that commands attention.  The accessories you put with it should have a strong presence as well.  Stay tuned to see how I style this dress the next time I wear it.  

How would you style this dress?  What would you do differently than I did? Let's chat it up in the comments section.  Until next time...

Hat:  Target; Dress:  Target; Belt:  Torrid; Shoes:  Asos

Feelin' Blue

Hello all!!

I don't know about you, but I like having pieces in my closet that I can wear different ways.  Whether I decide to add a belt, change earrings, or throw on a jacket, I know whatever I put with those pieces I'm going to look great. This dress is definitely one of those items.

I've had this Lane Bryant dress for years and it remains one of my favorite dresses.  It's a great piece because you can dress it up or down.  I've worn it to a wedding, to church, and I could throw on some sneakers with it and wear it to run errands.  It's versatile and can fit many occasions. 

This time around, I decided to wear it with different tones of blue.  Since the dress has shades of cobalt and royal I paired it with my cobalt blue peep toed heels, my navy blue cardigan, and navy blue velvet clutch.  It comes with a blue belt, but to break up all that blue I wore it with a multi-toned metallic belt.  And since there's white in the dress too, I had to wear these awesome white tassel earrings.

This has to be one of my favorite outfits.  I really love how this look came together and I'll definitely wear it like this again.  So, do you like to mix different tones of the same color? Let's talk about it in the comments.

Until next time...

Dress:  Lane Bryant; Sweater:  Old Navy; Earrings:  Charlotte Rousse; Belt:  Target; Shoes:  BCBGeneration