Turquoise, Tangerine, and Gold - Work

Continuing on with my closet shopping spree, I put together something fun and full of color and energy for work.  This was helped along with some new styles from lia sophia's Spring/Summer 2013 collection.  Sometimes what you need is not a new shirt or pants, but a fresh and fun new piece of jewelry.  But we will get to that later.

The star of this outfit (besides the jewelry) is the turquoise scarf since it brings a shot of color.  It can also be found here in my Red and Mint post.  The scarf is part of a set from Wisteria that normally is $29 for 5, but I got on sale for $25 for 5!  The textured Ann Taylor pants are a find from Goodwill for $5 and the boat-neck 3/4 sleeve shirt is from Old Navy on sale.  I love the shape and got it in tons of colors for just $6 each.

Scarf - $5 (Wisteria.com)

Shirt - $6 (Old Navy)

Pants - $5 (Goodwill)

Shoes - $30 (6pm.com)

Outfit = $46

Alicante Earrings

Persimmon Ring

Casual Military Green, Brown, & Gold

Here's another Pinsperation found shopping in my very own closet.  It's perfect for the nice weather we've had...mid-60's and sunny in January is a sweet surprise!  The brown tube top has skinny gold stripes throughout it and looks great with this structured jacket.  Long and lean jeans with high healed boots make the outfit casual, but not sloppy.

Jacket - $10 (J.C. Penny's Clearance, 2012)

Tube Top - Free from my friend Michelle

Jeans - $23 (Target)

Boots - $100 (Nine West Outlet, 2004)

Total Cost - $133

Now for the really fun part...jewelry!!

The One Necklace

For You Bracelets

Aria Earrings

Brighten Up Work

I have gone through my three months of clothes and decided it is time to add some fresh new outfits for work and everyday.  The thing is, I am still working on searching for my wish list items and instead of making replica outfits from Pinterest finds, I decided to use M.O.C. (My Own Creations/My Own Closet).  Sometimes we just need to go "shopping" at home to remember what pieces we have, and keep things interesting by putting them together in a different way. 

My inspiration for this outfit came from the fact that the cranberry top matched the same color of these fun shoes I have.  Then I pulled in bright colored jewelry and a basic black cardigan with black and white patterned pants. 

Fun, fresh, and free for me : )

Cardigan (also here) - $15, TJ Maxx

Tank Top (also here) - $4.50, Target clearance

Pants (also here) - $4, Goodwill

Shoes - $30, 6pm.com

Total Clothes Cost - $53.50

Prismatic Necklace

Prismatic Bracelet

Sugar Dusted Earrings

Under $60!

Here is a compilation of several outfits featured on this blog, and most of them are under $60 (many much less).  This picture is also a good reminder for me when I just can't think of what I have put together in the past that I really like.  To see the details of these outfits, click on the links of archived posts on the right side of the page. 

The order starts with my first post in August (upper left) and goes across by rows.

**And, yes, I realize that I forgot the $ sign on my photo, but am too lazy to fix it!**

In Practice: My 10 Habits of a Clean Home

In case you couldn't tell by my posts on how to organize your wardrobe to make your mornings easier, I like keeping things on a bit of a schedule.  When our family is on a schedule, and taking baby steps towards organization every day, things just go more smoothly.  So, I was really excited to see the blog link below on Pinterest! 

I read it thinking I would have an aha! moment on a new way to operate.  Imagine my surprise when I realized that this is really what I do already.  Much of this is what I set up when I went back to work full time last September and it really helped create a smooth transition.  It is my version of "good enough cleaning".

Read below for the list of items on found on the idreamofclean blog, and how I incorporate them into my daily life!

10 Habits of a Clean Home

1. Shine Your Sink.

This is something that my friend Sheri told me about from Flylady.  I am still not entirely doing this, but am doing it good enough.  Before bed I make sure that the dishes are in the dishwasher or hand-washed dishes are put away.  At this time, I also set the coffee maker up for the next morning.

2. Wash One Load of Laundry Daily.

As long as I have enough white or darks, I try to throw a load in before work daily.  They go into the dryer when I get home, and get folded while we watch "How I Met Your Mother", "Big Bang", or another fun departure from our daily craziness.  Also, we put a laundry chute in and it is easy for any of us to drop dirty clothes down so I am not wasting time running around and gathering items from different laundry baskets.

3. Process Mail Immediately.

Before I walk in the the door I grab the mail.  As I am prepping dinner, I take a few moments to go through the day's mail (and what the boys bring home from preschool) to decide what is kept, shredded, and recycled...and I take care of it at that moment.  The keep items that are easy to take care of are put right in the Command Center, others are put on the desk in the office to be filed away/paid/filled out on the weekend.

4. Create a Command Center. 

Our Command Center is in the Kitchen and is really made up of the small stretch of counter space by the refrigerator.  It is there that all the "out the door" items are stored.  My purse, keys, wallets, phones, shopping lists, bills that need paid, etc.  Also in the kitchen area is a space for the boys' backpacks to hang with their own "out the door" stuff.

5. Throw Away Trash. 

I am sorry, but this just seems like common sense to me.  Although I don't know that it comes as naturally to anyone else in my family.  Needless to say, as soon as I spy trash, I pick it up and toss it in the nearest trash can.

6. Straighten Up Every Night. 

Toys are put away, dirty dishes washed, laundry down the laundry chute, and clothes set out (for me at least) for the next day.  Also, the Command Center is organized with a fresh list of what needs to be accomplished the next day so that I can clear my mind for bed.

7. Create a Cleaning Schedule. 

I work full time and we have a 5 year old and 3 year old...both boys, and a chocolate lab.  Needless to say, my cleaning schedule helps me stay sane.  Everyone needs to do what works for them, but for me I want to make sure the bathrooms and floors are cleaned more regularly.  I don't want to spend my Saturday cleaning after working all week, so I'd rather take 15 or 20 minutes each night to do a little something.  When you adhere to a schedule, there is less to clean!  Here is what works for me:

Monday - Vacuum

Tuesday - Bathrooms

Wednesday - Vacuum

Thursday - Dust & Gather Trash

Friday - Vacuum & Bathrooms

Saturday - Wipe Down Kitchen Cabinets and Clean Out Refrigerator (Grocery Shop)

Sunday - Wash Sheets & Towels & Dust

8. Become a Minimalist.

This is not too hard for me.  I like a lived-in/functional home, but not nick knacks and don't have any collections.  I also think that it helps that we live in a smaller house by most standards...bigger house equals larger house payment, more to clean, and more place to expand unnecessary junk.

9. Do One Thing.

I don't have a schedule for this, but when I have time there are always projects on the back burner that I will squeeze in for a bit.  Right now I am working on a couple Valentine's decorations.  The key is to start projects way in advance because something will always come up.  For this things it is always better for me to work on them when I have that burst of creative energy.

10. Have a Junk Drawer. 

My junk drawer is in the Command Center, which is very fitting as that is our "out the door" area and central to the house.

These are all great baby steps to start taking if you are looking to get organized for 2013.  Add a few steps at a time so it is not overwhelming.  I promise that when you plan a bit and are organized, your life is much less stressful!  It is not about presenting a clean home (but I like that), it is about being at peace without clutter and chaos and being able to find what you need when you need it.

Striped Sweater Dress

I might be a little bit obsessed with stripes.  They provide a simple contrast and can be both fun and sophisticated.  Here is the photo that "pinspired" my striped sweater dress look.

And here is what I found.  I am not a fan of ankle boots on myself, so these are with my tall brown boots from Payless ($39.99!)...and they fit my calves in the wide size.  For a casual look, I put this with my tight Lee jeans.  They are more like jeggings, and I found them on clearance and TJ Maxx for $7.  For a more dressy look I can put the dress with tights and boots, but it is a wee bit short for work.  With jeans, it is a good casual Friday outfit.  I got the dress at Target online for just under $18.  It can still be found in the orange and navy combination, as well as other fun color combos here.  So we are at $65 for the whole outfit, which is less than most tall boots!

All of my jewelry is from lia sophia.  It comes with a Lifetime Replacement Guarantee, and these pictures cannot even come close to showing how beautiful the pieces are in person.  Plus during January 3013, when you buy 3 pieces, the most expensive 2 are 50% OFF!!

Aria Earrings

Eden Necklace

Leopard and Red

Leopard can really make a casual outfit fun, and even more so with pops of red!  Here is my most recent Pinsperation, found (where else) at Polyvore.

Here is what I did using the the look above as my goal.  The red scarf was a gift a few Christmases ago from my hubby...I would guess it was probably around $10.  The off-white sweater is from Goodwill.  It is a Limited sweater, in great condition, and only $3.  The tank top is from Target, my favorite long and lean Mossimo tank tops.  It was $7 on sale, they are normally $8 so this was just a small sale by my terms.  The jeans are American Eagle from Goodwill for $5, and the shoes were $6 on clearance from Kohls.  There you have it, from scarf to shoes for $39. 

 

The necklace and earrings are available from my lia sophia web site.  For the month of January, when you buy 3 pieces, the most expensive 2 are 50% off.  Plus every piece of jewelry comes with a Lifetime Replacement Guarantee...just be sure to hang on to your receipt!

 

 

Adrift Ring

 

 

Diary Earrings

 

I found this watch at Send the Trend.  They sent me a promotional offer and I was able to get it for $15!

Citron and Teal

I fell in love with this bright, cheery color combination...found here on Polyvore.  However, I already have a purple pea coat, and just don't feel like I could make enough outfits with such bold heels, so I dug through my own goodies and put together an outfit using the color pallet (and even hematite jewelry). 

Here's what I managed to find.  Alexander (my 5 year old) thinks my citron cardigan is funny because he says it is "too small".  I actually plan on wearing this look tomorrow with black pants instead of jeans.  Let's break it down.  The citron cardigan is an Old Navy clearance rack find.  Actually, is was a surprise find.  Our local Old Navy was running a special where when you could buy a mystery bag for $20 and it would have 5 pieces of clothing in it in your size.  It was "gambling" for crazy shoppers like myself and I couldn't resist.  So this sweater was $4!  The tank top is from the clearance rack at TJ Maxx for $5.  It is just like my favorite long and lean tank tops from Target, and is by Cynthia Rowley.  The jeans are also from Target, bought at full price for $23.  They fit like a dream, and people are surprised to find out they are Mossimo.  The black patent heels are from the Target clearance rack for $13.

That's $45 for the entire outfit from cardigan to pumps! 

The necklace is retired from the current lia sophia collection, but I see some gorgeous similar pieces in our new catalog launching in February!

One of my Multiplicity Bracelets, Pacific Bracelet, Interlink Bracelet

Damask Earrings (so light, it's like not wearing anything!)

The Wish List

We all have our wish lists in many areas of our lives.  Lest you think my entire life revolves around clothes and jewelry...I have wish lists with personal goals, wish lists for professional goals, and wish lists for our family and children.  However, for the purposes of this blog, I am going to focus on my wish list of wardrobe pieces. 

As I pin items to my "Style I'd Love to Emulate" board, I do a mental inventory of what pieces I have to help create the look and what I need to keep my eyes peeled for.  Sometimes it can take months of searching to find the piece I'm looking for at the price I am willing to pay for it.  I am a picky shopper.  Again, patience pays off in the end.  I will survive if I am not the first person wearing the latest trend...in fact because I am conscious of how quickly trends change, I tend to lean towards items that seem more timeless.

This is a great way to keep track of the "holes" you find in your wardrobe when you are organizing your wardrobe and wardrobe planning...you could even print the list or pictures to remind you when you are out shopping!

Red and White Striped Tank

Chambray Shirt

Leopard Scarf

Red Pants

Green Shirt

Puffer Vest

Polka Dot Top

Black and White Striped Scarf

I am also always keeping an eye out for basics...tanks, cardigans, etc. that are in interesting colors I don't have yet.   

What is on your wish list?

Organizing You Wardrobe in the New Year!

Thank you to my dear friend Jaime for inspiring this post.  She and I have been friends since I was in kindergarten, and she is one of the few people allowed to call me Jenny.  Jaime is starting down a new path, which means no more scrubs for work and getting to put together a fun, new wardrobe...woo hoo!

I have had a lot of amazing feedback about my 3 Months of Clothes and Wardrobe Planning posts last August.  It is a new year, and most of us are trying to get organized again after the holidays.  When I started my wardrobe planning, it was to amp up for a new job...back to work full-time after 5 years home with two boys!  Let me tell you, I truly believe that the time I spent planning paid off ten fold.  Mornings are stressful enough, without trying to decide what I want to wear and then scrambling to find the (hopefully) clean pieces and jewelry to pull everything together!


Now it's a new year and my three months are up, so I'm going to need a new "3 Months of Clothes" to incorporate some of the new pieces I've acquired over the last three months.  One of my favorites is the sweater dress/boots combination.  I just checked and the sweater dress I am wearing on the right is now $12.48 at target online. 

If you've read any of my blog, you should know that I truly do shop at Goodwill...no shame in my game : )  You can imagine how excited I was to find out that I am only a 15 minute walk from work to a Goodwill store.  My husband and I commute together, so I don't have a car during the work day.  Once every two weeks or so, I jaunt over for my lunch break...and work out...to scour the racks.  Most of the time, I come out with nothing, but that is the thrill of the hunt.  At the beginning of December, I found three pair of Ann Taylor pants for a total of $12!  One was a "purple tag" and half off.  Here are some tips for finding deals this winter:

Some tips for putting together an affordable wardrobe:

1. My first tip is to find a "good" Goodwill, although there can be a gold mine at any of them, you always want to be near where people with a little more money are donating their goods. For me, the best finds at Goodwill are dress pants, button down shirts, dresses, and structured blazers. They don't experience the "wear and tear" of other items, like cotton tops. Women fluctuating in size and dropping out of the work force to stay home with kiddos often take like new work wardrobe staples to Goodwill. Now is probably a good time to go, as people are organizing and cleaning out their closets right now!
2. For things that can get worn out through regular wear and washing, I scan the Kohl's, Target, and Old Navy clearance racks. In fact, to stay on my budget, I don't even look at anything not on sale/clearance. With Target, sometime the best deals are online (like my dress above!) Remember, you can buy online and easily return to the store (did that with two other dresses that were unflattering). Same with Old Navy and Kohl's. When I buy online, I always check retailmenot.com for coupons for free shipping or an additional amount off to "cover" the cost of shipping.                                          
3. In the next month, winter clothes are going to be moving off the shelves to make room for spring break outfits...but we still have several more months of winter to go! My favorite places for finding real bargains are always TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Again, I stick to clearance racks, and keep in mind what I already have and what I am looking for to stay on track.

Like with grocery shopping, make a plan of what you want your wardrobe to look like, and make a list of the "ingredients"...that's what I used Pinterest for. Always keep in mind what cuts and colors flatter you!

And now for putting it all together:

1. Have a camera handy...batteries charged!
2. Take one morning (or day) to get completely organized. No interruptions so you stay on track...have a yummy beverage and fun music playing while you are at it! 
3. Have a space set aside, with decent lighting and a place to hang a shirt and pants. Haul out ALL of your possibilities.
4. Take a pair of pants, and then start matching up tops and shoes to go with them. Start snapping pictures!
5. Move on to the next pair of pants, or skirt and repeat.Upload those outfit pictures to an album and start looking at 5 day sets. Assuming you have five different pair of pants to choose from, you should be able to mix and match so that you are wearing a variety of colors and styles each week.
6. Print off the pictures for the week, and you will know ahead of time what to make sure you have clean and ironed at the beginning of the week.
7. Each evening, be sure to set the outfit you are wearing the next day out so that in the morning it is just grab and go. Make sure you put the jewelry out the night before too, so you aren't searching for matching earrings ; )

I hope this serves an inspiration and direction for those of you looking to make some changes to your look, or the flow of your morning, in 2013!!