Preppy

This outfit has so many things I'm loving this fall all wrapped into one.  I've been on the look out for a navy military/utility style jacket and they seem to be sold out all over.  I turned to ebay and nabbed this one up for $15 shipped and it fits perfectly. 

I'm also all about the plaid scarf craze, but honestly think the idea of a wool blanket scarf sounds really hot and uncomfortable, am I the only one???? However, I picked up this light-weight cotton one last year at J.C. Penney for less than $10.  Here's a super cute light-weight plaid scarf, if you feel like I do.

I showed you all this tan skirt last week that I picked up at half off and am convinced it's the best purchase I've made in a long time.  Lastly, I'm excited about these boot socks I was sent to try out from Tulip, a boutique I love in K.C.  

This month I get the chance to take part in their "Tulip With a Twist" challenge again.  I'd love for you to stop over and vote for my look styling these fun socks on the Tulip Facebook page.  Thanks a ton!

Jacket: Liz and Co. (ebay) similar 

Scarf: Joe Fresh similar

Shirt: Target

Skirt: J.Crew factory same

Socks: c/o Tulip

Boots: Born similar

Linking up with:

What I Wore to Work Link-up

Chambray and a Utility Jacket

 Last year I wanted a utility/military vest badly, but couldn't find one anywhere.  I finally stumbled onto one at JCP for $8. I nabbed it up, but it was a size to big.  I make it work, but really wanted one with cleaner lines....and one in my size.  I figured I'd find a replacement this fall, well, they seem to sell out as soon as they hit the selves or site.  I finally found one at Wet Seal of all places, but all they had left was large sizes on line.  I called a location near me and found one in my size. I really like the cut and lines on this, and decided to pair it with a few of my favorite things today: my chambray, pearls, perfect black pants and literally my favorite shoes of all time.

I wore this last weekend for errands, then a birthday party with Grant, then a Fall Bash at church.  It was the perfect comfortable and put-together look, one I'm sure I'll repeat......a lot.

Vest: West Seal same / similar

Pants: Target same

Necklace: Edith Marie Jewelry c/o similar

 Bracelets: chloe + isabel c/o same and Stella and Dot

Shoes: Aerosoles  same

Linking up with:

What I Wore Wednesday

Random Wednesday

My Weekend

Last weekend I had the fun opportunity to take over Divine Caroline's Instagram.  I thought I'd give you all a peek into my weekend too!  Do you love Instagram?  I do, you can follow me along here. 

1. I made a homemade apple pie using this recipe.  It's the second time I've made one this season, and while it is a ton of work, it's delicious and it makes my hubby happy. : )

2.  Here's a picture of Grant picking apples for the pie at my parent's house.  He said, "I will do it all by myself."

3. I entered DSW's National Shoe Day contest with my favorite shoes on a whim and won a free pair of shoes from DSW!  I'm so exicited, I seriously never win anything!  I 'll share what I pick with my certificate gets here.

4. Here's what I wore Saturday, it's pretty much my favorite combo and will be on the blog tomorrow. 

5. How cute is the decor at my parent's house? Seriously, my mom has a nack!

6. Saturday night we went to a fall bash at church and "Batman" had a blast.  It was perfect weather too.

Animal Print and Thoughts on Shopping

 You all have hear me talk about thredUp a number of times on here, and today I'm sharing probably my favorite find, this animal print dress from J.Crew, which has been on my wish list for quite some time.  I had a number of referral credits, so I was just glancing though the newest additions in my size and this dress popped up, just as quickly it went into my cart.  I love the shift style and the neckline too.  I wore it for the first time to church yesterday with this blazer and pumps, and going to wear it to school again this week.  Today I'm at a conference, hopefully not being bored to death.... Next, I think I'll pair it with my denim jacket, tights, and booties.

Have you joined thredUp yet?  If not, sign up here and get $10 of your first order and I get $10 too. : )

I've been thinking a lot about the purchases I've been making for the last six months or so.  I feel like there has been a significant shift in how and what I buy.  For the past few years I've had the mentality of buying as much as I can with my budget each month.  The problem with that was that I ended up with a lot of things I didn't need, or things that didn't fit perfectly, just because the price was right.

Now, I couldn't tell you the last time I went to Target "to look" or a thrift store. Why?  Because I ended up with a bunch of stuff I didn't need.  Now, I buy a lot less, but I'm willing to spend a bit more to buy quality that fits right and will last.

For example, last year I hemmed at hawed about this cute animal print dress that was $30. I ended up settling for one I found at Goodwill for $5 (seen here).  The dress is really pretty, but the top really gaps on me and it probably needs to be tailored to fit right.  I have quite a few examples just like this.  Now, I'm still all about a deal, but only when it fills a hole in my wardrobe.

I feel like this blog has really shown an evolution of my style, plus how and what I shop for. My suggestion for you who might be in the same boat as I was in:

1. Stop shopping when you'e bored, upset, exhausted, or if you just need some "me time." Instead treat yourself to a latte and book or magazine.  It's a lot less expensive and I bet you can find the same satisfying results without getting shopper's remorse.
2. Make a list of holes in your closet, when shopping stick to the list.
3. Some of you might disagree, but I now prefer shopping online. It helps me stick to my list, when I actually go shopping I have a tendency to browse (especially the sale rack), and I ended up with more than I need.
4. If you have a budget, realize you don't have to spend it all.  I use cash, so it's easy to just save it, then if I do want to purchase something bigger, I have the money saved up.
5. If you blog, it's a good idea to refrain from buying "for the blog." I've done this too because something was trending, or whatever.  I don't think this is ever the right reason to buy. Enough said.

What advise do you all have? I'm definitely not perfect, share your wisdom with me!

Blazer: H&M similar

Dress: JCrew (via thredUP) similar (on sale)

Necklace: Mariposa Medley c/o similar

 Bracelets: chloe + isabel c/o same, same 

Shoes: Nine West similar

Bag: Coach

Preppy Plaid

While J.Crew Factory was having their 50% off sale I picked up this sweater and this skirt.  Last month I snagged up this skirt for a steal and crossed my fingers that my normal size would work, it did and now I want this skirt in every print and color.  

I thought the tan would be great for fall and I've seen it styled super cutely by a number of bloggers lately.  Today I decided to pair it with this navy vest I recently picked up.  I really liked the way Maureen wore it and have a gingham shirt to try with it too, but I thought I'd pair it with plaid today, and I love how it came together. 

vest: Sears same 

shirt: Target 

skirt: J.Crew Factory same

necklace: Mariposa Medley c/o similar

bracelets: chloe + isabel c/o same and Stella and Dot same

boots: Born similar

Thursday:

Linking up with:

What I Wore to Work Link-up

Edgy with Pops of Color

 This jacket from Gordmans is turning out to be one of favorite pieces and I've been wearing it like crazy to and from school.  Today I paired it with this great necklace from Sira Mara.  It's so unique to anything I have and everything from Sira Mara is so reasonably priced! It's such a fun piece for giving a bit of edge to a look and I think I'll wear it like crazy this fall, along with this jacket.

jacket: Gordmans c/o similar

necklace: Sira Mara c/o same

top: Express similar

Jeans: Old Navy

Shoes: Nine West similar

Fair Isle Love

I shared with you all my love for this Fair Isle sweater last week, and when it arrived it did not disappoint.  I plan to wear it like crazy!  I also loved this navy vest, I just couldn't justify the price.  Last year I got a plain puffer vest at Sears of all places for less than $20, so I hit them up again and scored this navy vest for the same price this year. The quality is great and I know I will be able to wear it a lot!  

sweater: J.Crew Factory same 

vest: Sears  same

necklace: Edith Marie Jewelry same

bracelets: chloe + isabel c/o same and Stella and Dot same

jeans: Old Navy same

boots: Wanted similar

Linking up with:

What I Wore Wednesday

Random Wednesday

More Good Hair Days with Dove Pure Care Dry Oil Collection

More good hair days, isn't that what we all want?  I know I feel so much better about my overall appearance when my hair looks good too.  Tell me I'm not alone? 

I was excited to get to try Dove Pure Care Dry Oil Collection, and my hair felt silkier and easy to manage after just one wash. 

I was able to try the Dove Pure Care shampoo and conditioner, as well as the dry oil nourishing treatment with African Macadamia Oil. I loved the scent of the shampoo and conditioner and didn't feel like it left over any residue, which is always a concern when I'm trying a new hair product. 

I thought the nourishing treatment with African Macadamia oil was awesome.  The directions say it can be used prior to washing, after washing with damp hair, or once the hair is dry.  I have been on the look out for something like this to help smooth fly-aways.  I used a few pumps on my clean, damp hair and loved how it helped to tame fly-aways and keep my hair smooth once it was blow-dried and styled.

This Dove Pure Care Dry Oil Collection is great for all hair types, which I love. I also only wash my hair every-other day and felt like my second day hair looked just as good as the first, which is awesome.  There is nothing worse than hair that feels greasy or heavy, and the Dove Pure Care Dry Oil Collection did a great job or keeping my hair looking good.

This fall I'm seeing a lot of fun hair styles.  I don't have a ton of time to devote to styling, but I do have a few simple, go-to styles I thought I'd share today, and the Dove Pure Care Dry Oil Collection helped make me feel polished and put-together all day.

Each of the styles begin with blowdrying and then using a flat iron on my hair.  I've learned a few tricks when it comes to blowdrying.  First, start by using your fingers to dry your hair, instead of using a brush the entire time.  It will take longer and the brush really only helps with styling once your hair is almost dry.  Most importantly, before turning off your blow dryer and calling it good, do a cold shot of air all over your hair.  The cold seals the hair follicles and will keep your hair looking smooth all day, along with the help of the Dove Pure Care Dry Oil Collection. 

After blow drying my hair I use a CHI Air to straighten my hair, and although it's a bit pricey it works really well.   

This first style below takes less than a minute, but it's great if you want your hair out of your face, which is a definite pet peeve of mine. Simply gather your hair and pull it back to right behind your ear. Then, secure it with a bobby pin or two.  I sometimes keep it smooth like below and other times I twist it a few times before securing it, just to mix it up.

This next style is the one you see most.  Once again it's about pulling my hair out of my face.  For this style, find where your natural part is on each side of your head.  That is where you'll pull your hair back, then secure it with a bobby pin.  I then, pull the secured hair forward a bit to add a bit of volume.

This last style is all about a simple braid.  I couldn't French braid my own hair to save my life, but a simple braid I can do.  For this style gather a two inch or so section of hair and braid it until you have an inch or so unbraided at the bottom.  Next, pull the braid and the rest of your hair in front of your ear back.  Secure it with a few bobby pins behind your ear.

Just like the Dove Pure Care Dry Oil Collection has helped me to have more good hair days, they can do the same for you! Right now Dove is sponsoring the "Dove Silky Hair Dare." From now until December 31, 2014 you can try Dove Pure Care Dry Oil  risk free. 

Share your silky hair results at #silkyhairdare and  #silkyhairdaresweeps for a chance to win** $20,000 in prizes up for grabs. Visit Dove.com for more information. 

*If you are not completely satisfied with the Dove Advanced Hair Series Pure Care Dry Oil system, Dove will refund your purchase (from 9/21 – 12/31). Visit hairmoneyback.com for details

**No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. The Dove Silky Hair Dare Sweepstakes is sponsored by Conopco, Inc., d/b/a Unilever. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18 & older. Begins 12:00 p.m. ET on 9/25/14 and ends 12:00 p.m. ET on 11/20/14. For Official Rules, visit http://www.dove.us/Products/Hair/Advanced-Hair-Series/rules.aspx

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Leopard and Green

Last winter I pinned this look because I absolutely loved the combo of green and leopard, however I didn't own a green sweater.  Recently I was on thredUp and I found this one from Gap, similar to this one for $10.  I wish the color had been captured better in the pictures, it's not really neon; the color is really more like the one in  this pin.  I decided to pair it with my beloved denim jacket, black jeans, and my black ballet flats for school.  I wore these jeans like crazy last winter and really need to be on the hunt for a replacement, but I really dislike jeans shopping.  Where are your favorite black jeans from?

Have you joined  thredUp yet?  If not, sign up here and get $10 of your first order and I get $10 too. : )

Denim Jacket: The Limited similar

Sweater: Gap (via thredUP) similar

Scarf: Boutique similar

Jeans: Old Navy same

 Bracelets: chloe + isabel c/o same, same 

Shoes: Vera Wang similar