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Monday, September 30, 2013

Discount Jewelry at Flea Markets

 

 
Guess how much all of this jewelry cost!

$80? Not even close.
$55? No, try again.
$25? Nope.

Only $14!

My secret? I shop at the flea market.



Nashville, TN has a monthly flea market. It's where I buy almost all of my jewelry. The best part? There are three vendors who sale $1 jewelry. They have tents set up where everything is a dollar! It's insane, really. When I first discovered this, I felt like I was in heaven! It's not unusual for me to spend $60 and come home with 60 pieces. Yes, my jewelry collection is HUGE.

I love costume jewelry. I am too indecisive to save up to buy more expensive pieces. I like the freedom of wearing different jewelry everyday or something different with each outfit. No, all of the jewelry does not have top notch quality. You won't find a ring there to wear everyday for the next twenty years. Your necklace probably will not last ten years (it might!). Some things do break the first time you wear them. That has only happened to me less than 1% of the time though. I get at least a few wears out of every piece and I do have things I bought three years ago.

I get compliments all of the time on the jewelry I wear: necklaces, earrings and bracelets. No one can tell I only paid a dollar. Whenever I let people in on my little secret, they are shocked! You'd never know I only spent a dollar.

It's worth finding a local flea market where you live. If they don't have dollar jewelry, they may have antique pieces or handmade jewelry. It's worth spending a Saturday afternoon rummaging around. There also may be a dollar jewelry store in your area. Google search your city and "dollar jewelry" to see what you can come up with. If you're in the Tennessee area, I recommend you check out the Nashville flea market. I guarantee you'll find something you like!

Sweater Weather

Fall is here! It's getting colder and colder. Time to pull out your sweaters or have a shopping spree.

Last week, I ventured into my local Goodwill to see what sweaters they had that needed a good home. Their sweaters are only $5.99 and I found 2 sweater dresses for $7.99 but they were half off since it was red tag day. You cannot beat those prices for sweaters! I bought eight. Yup, guilty.

Another great place for sweaters is Ross. (Or is it Ross Dress for Less? I call it Ross.) I bought a gorgeous sweater dress there for $10.99! Their sweaters vary in price, but I bought two the other day for $13.99. Bargains, I tell ya!

 

Leopard print sweater similar: here | Burnt orange sweater similar: here | Zoe Karssen arrow sweater: here | Mint green sweater similar: here | Knit pullover similar: here | Cable knit sweater similar: here | Bow and stripe sweater: here | J. Crew Cashmere turtleneck sweater: here | Parisian black Aztec fluffy jumper: here | Mustard yellow sweater similar: here

10 Reasons You Should Own a Sweater:

1. They keep you warm. Obviously.
2. They come in different weights. There are heavy ones and lightweight ones.
3. You can dress a sweater up or dress a sweater down and still be comfy!
4. You can wear an oversized sweater with leggings, boots and a scarf and look instantly presentable.
5. You can layer sweaters and remove your sweater if you're too warm.
6. Sweaters are cute over button downs for the office.
7. They are cozy and make you want to read a book and drink hot cocoa.
8. You can find grandma's old sweaters at Goodwill and they're actually in style right now.
9. You can wear sweaters indoors while coats are sometimes less welcome. ("Take off your coat and stay awhile!")
10. Ugly sweaters can even make you the winner of an ugly sweater contest. (True story. I won an Ugly Christmas Sweater contest.)

10 Ways to Wear a Sweater:

Colored leggings add a pop of color to neutral accessories, lace up boots and a cream colored cable knit sweater. Patterned socks add detail and interest. This outfit appeals to your need to be cute and comfortable.
I adore Aztec ANYTHING so sweaters are no exception. Use an Aztec sweater as your focal piece, then stay neutral with the rest of your outfit. Black leggings, tan boots and a gold necklace finish this look.
Mix up your patterns! These bright blue patterned leggings pair well with this tan and black polka dot sweater. Add brown riding boots, neutral tone scarf and dangling earrings to complete your outfit.
This outfit is great for a chilly day at work. Black slacks, baby blue button down and a gray sweater with a bow necklace, gray boots and black Michael Kors handbag.

I love the mustard yellow and brown color combination. It gives off so much warmth. You can pair a sweater with a pencil skirt for fall. I love the shoes.
 
Wear a chambray under a bright colored light weight sweater. Pair with black slacks, dark gray flats and a multi-strand necklace. Another great office outfit for casual Friday. 

Wear boyfriend jeans with a bright scarf, patterned sweater and booties. This is a very popular look right now and easy to pull off.

 Wear a colorful button down under a striped sweater. Wear with dark wash jeans and tall boots. This is cute for work or an afternoon shopping.
A lightweight sweater can be worn with a flirty skirt and flats. This outfit looks cute with a pendant or statement necklace. I love the color combination of navy, yellow and brown.

This look is adorable for date night. It has girly charm. Wear a sweater over a dress with a collar and add flirty heels. Keep jewelry simple with diamond and pearl stud earrings.
 
 
Pull out those sweaters and wear away!

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Blazers - Outfit Ideas

Blazers

A blazer can add class to your outfit and wardrobe.
 
It's hard for me to find blazers that fit properly. I am big busted - a blessing and a curse, I suppose. You could always just have your blazers tailored (or alter them yourself if you're a genius like that.) I'm too lazy for that though. I like to buy a piece of clothing and have it fit.
 
Luckily, I found two blazers at Cato for only $14.99 a piece. They fit through the bust and they are tapered through the waist. Excellent find!
 
Blazers are a wardrobe staple.
 
A black blazer, white button down and black pencil skirt makes a classic work ensemble. You could also trade out the black blazer for a colorful blazer.
 
I love this hounds tooth skirt, lightweight white sweater and blue blazer. A patterned skirt pairs well with solid color accessories. This outfit has blue booties and necklace.
 
 
A flowy leopard print chiffon skirt is adorable with a pastel mint green blazer. Mary jane heels and a bow necklace makes this outfit feel super girly.
 
 
A tan or nude blazer with a solid color dress is professional for work, but shows off your fun side. Keep your accessories neutral for the office or try something colorful for drinks after work.
 
A pink blazer, tan shirt and denim leggings look great with booties, a big bag, watch and monogrammed necklace. This outfit looks flawless and effortless at the same time.
 
Denim jeans, gray t-shirt, scarf, black blazer and booties - this outfit looks put together but is still comfy.
 
 
What's your favorite way to wear a blazer? I'm a big fan of workplace blazers but they are great to wear on weekends too. 

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Black Booties & Outfits



Today was a great day. No, not just a great day -- an epic day! I bought a beautiful pair of black booties.

Every lady should own a pair. They are a classy edition to your closet and you can wear them many outfits. You can wear them to work, on weekends, out with the girls or on date night.

My favorite outfit, after cold weather strikes, will be my black booties, black tights, a dress and cardigan. Perfect and work appropriate.



On weekends, I'm going to live in leggings, a sweater and a scarf. Easy, but it looks pulled together and like you put forth more effort than throwing on a pair of sweat pants.



I'm looking foward to cooler weather and living in tights & leggings, but until then, I'm going to wear my new booties with a dress, belt and jacket.

 

Friday, September 27, 2013

Take Your Chambray to Work Day!

Wear your Chambray to work....or to the park, grocery store, dinner with friends....the list goes on and on.

There are light and dark chambray shirts. Some have polka dots and some have anchors. You can find one you like, so don't be scared to try out the ever-so-popular chambray.

First up, let's review a few ways to wear your chambray to the office.

 

The thought of wearing a chambray to work may frighten you, but it's easier to pull off than you think. If your office is very business professional, then of course, this isn't a great idea. But business casual? Yes! Button your chambray and let's go.


 
Chambray, infinity scarf, black slacks, flats and stud earrings make a great, simple outfit. Tuck it in or leave it out, either way, depending on the style of your pants. This is an outfit anyone can pull off and is feet friendly.
 
 
 Throw a chambray over a little black dress! Belt the waist, add pearls and your go-to heels. It's classic and modern.

 
Wear a chiffon pleated skirt or dress with a chambray over it. You can wear the belt under or over the chambray. For skirts, try tucking in the chambray with a belt. Too cute.
 
If your office has casual Fridays, this outfit is a change from boring jeans. Pair colored skinnies with a tucked in chambray and geometric necklace. I'm in love with the shoes in the picture.
 
 
 
Chambray skirts also go great with pencil skirts and heels. Tuck in your chambray for a gorgeous look.
 

MORE CHAMBRAY LOOKS:

The basic look is chambray with skinny jeans. Why not add an open cardigan over the chambray?
 


 
Leopard print leggings and your wildest heels are so cute paired with a chambray shirt.
 
 
Here's a chance to wear patterned tights! Pull on your boots and wear a striped dress with a chambray shirt. I really love stripes with chambrays.

Hopefully this post gave you a few outfit ideas for your chambray shirt. Mix and match, because they are a versatile piece of clothing.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter Raspberry Pie Review & Swatches



Mmm, pie! Raspberry pie, that is!

This is a pretty shade. The color is rich. It is not sheer, I don't care what they tell ya, this stuff is medium to full coverage. I'm light on my applications but the color pigmentation is still there.

There is no shimmer or glitter in this shade. It's just straight raspberry pie glory.

  
 
Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter is described as "Pampering gel formula provides super charged hydration and glides on lips buttery smooth. Hydrating mango, shea and coconut butter formula boosts lip moisture by 156%. Sheer to medium colour with buttery shine."


Lip Butter is awesome. It is very hydrating and doesn't dry out your lips. It doesn't look like you just ate a raspberry popsicle, nope. This is definitely "butter", but no grease.  There is a slight shine, but it's not predominant.


*Not compensated for this blog. Opinions are my own.


Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter Red Velvet Review and Swatches


Red Velvet makes me think of something rich and decadent - like the cake!

This color is a rich red, but not overpowering. The color is medium to rich depending on how thick you put it on. There is no shimmer or glitter, but there is a slight shine.

 


Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter is described as "Pampering gel formula provides super charged hydration and glides on lips buttery smooth. Hydrating mango, shea and coconut butter formula boosts lip moisture by 156%. Sheer to medium colour with buttery shine."

Red Velvet is a much hyped shade. I can see why. This is an easy red for most skin tones to wear. It even looks good on my pale skin.

 
 


I honestly love each Lip Butter that I've tried. You never let me down, Revlon!

*Not compensated for this blog. Opinions are my own.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter Pink Truffle Review & Swatches



I'm in love!

Pink Truffle is my favorite shade of Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter. It's perfect for the office or anywhere you'd like to wear it.

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter is described as "Pampering gel formula provides super charged hydration and glides on lips buttery smooth. Hydrating mango, shea and coconut butter formula boosts lip moisture by 156%. Sheer to medium colour with buttery shine."

It's is not very pink, however. It has a brown tint, but it is very wearable.


I love how great it looks on my lips. It doesn't dry my lips out, look caked on, bleed or settle into the fine lines. It goes on very smooth and stays nicely. It makes my lips look & feel great.
 


It's not something I would normally pick up. I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone after seeing the shade on pinterest. (Yay, pinterest! My hero.)

This is my favorite shade, by far!
 

*Not compensated for this blog. Opinions are my own.

Great Deals You Can Find at Dollar Tree

Dollar Tree is really a hidden gem.

First off, everything IS a dollar. (There may be a few items like candy bars that are .69 cents, but over 99% of their items are strictly a dollar.)

Dollar Tree sometimes gets close outs  and that equals saving $$ for you.


Example - Rimmel London eyeshadow quads used to be $5 at my local drugstore. I found 4 varieties recently discontinued at my local Dollar Tree for a $1 a piece! That is a savings of $4.

Update 10/1/2013 - I stopped by another Dollar Tree and found Rimmel Glam Eyes HD also for $1!


When you go to Dollar Tree, be prepared to look down each isle. The stores aren't that large, so it's not hard to tackle. It also helps if you have a price in mind for things you usually buy.


Don't Pass Up These Dollar Tree Bargains:

1. Wrapping paper,  tissue paper, gift bags
2. Glassware
3. Cleaning supplies
4. Toothbrushes, dental floss, tooth paste, etc.
5. Hair elastics, clips, head bands
6. Cotton swabs, fingernail polish remover, cotton balls
7. Boxed candy (like the movie theater kind)
8. Zip lock bags - their kind works just as well as name brand
9. Greeting cards
10. Eyeglasses, sunglasses (they actually do have some cute styles - great if you lose yours often)
11. Make-up remover wipes, hand wipes, hand sanitizer, baby wipes
12. Pregnancy tests (seriously! they work!)
13. Hand held mirrors
14. Flashlights
15. Car air fresheners
16. Snacks - like pretzels, chips
17. Small plastic containers, tubberware
18. Party supplies & balloons
19. Seasonal items
20. Frozen french fries (had to throw this in there! they taste the same as the expensive ones!)

Also check their bread isle. My local Dollar Tree stores get premium bread from the local grocery store. Usually they are close to their expiration date, but they keep for a week afterwards. You can also find snack cakes, buns, rolls, etc.

I also like to check out the socks. Sometimes they have cute socks that can be worn as boot socks.

Use your judgement with your make-up finds. They do carry a lot of good deals though - you just have to check back often.

*Not a sponsored blog. Just my opinion.