This Much

You can probably tell by my smile how much I like this outfit, but, in case you can't, the second photo will tell you I like it **this** much.  I.  Love.  It.

Ruana, not tagged, Goodwill; lace tank, Blue Asphalt, thrifted; belt, gifted (thanks, Kristin!); faux leather leggings, Faded Glory, Walmart; shoes, Relativity, Younkers; earrings, Target.

I've been wanting a ruana since I started seeing them in stores last fall, but I held off because of price.  I spotted this one at Goodwill last weekend, and I knew the wait was worth it.I love that I have the kind of workplace where I can wear coated leggings to work.

I belted only the front part of the ruana with a belt my friend Kristin gave me.  Belting only one side left the outfit flow-y but also secure.  I want to make another half dozen garments like this so I can wear this outfit in a variety of seasons.

Goal for next week: wear a different pair of glasses!  I love this pair from Zenni Optical, but I have so many others to wear!

No Bolo

When I first saw this necklace (at a yard sale) it was wadded up in a Ziploc bag and I thought it was a bolo tie.  I was irrationally disappointed that it is actually a necklace.  I don't know why I wanted it to be a bolo tie.  I still love it.

Jacket, Old Navy; dress, Calvin Klein, Ross; leggings, Faded Glory, Walmart; boots, Frye, Goody Two Shoes; necklace, yard sale; earrings, who knows.

I have been living in these Frye engineer boots (and their black twins) ever since I found them at Goody Two Shoes.  Goody Two Shoes is a small, local store sells prestige-brand seconds at a fraction of the original cost.  Want Frye, Coach, and other high-end shoes for as little as $100 or less?  Hop a plane to Augusta and head to Goody Two Shoes.

This sweater dress was saved by the power of leggings.  Since I've gained weight recently, many of my dresses have fit shorter.

I've also started a second blog.  I want to keep the focus of this blog primarily beauty and style, and my new blog, tentatively called Love is the New Hate, will primarily cover self-acceptance and self-care.  Because if you can't love yourself, how the in hell are you gonna love somebody else?

Can I get an amen?

Swimming Up Stream

This inappropriately-short, salmon-hued dress has become a summer favorite this year.  To keep it PG, I've worn it with leggings.  To keep from freezing in the office, I add a sweater.   It has pockets.  It's light enough to be comfortable in the Georgia heat (without the sweater).  I feel confident in it.  It is good for whatever most days hold. This salmon leaves me ready to swim up stream.. if we take that as a metaphor for working hard against the current, and not for going somewhere to die.

 

Dress, Dots, thrifted; sweater, Faded Glory, Walmart; leggings, George, Walmart; shoes, Merona, Target; glasses, Zenni Optical; dogwood earrings, thrifted.

 

Widget the velcro dog photo bombed me again.

 

I used to steer clear of these colors, but now I think they suit my coloring.  Pink, peach, and coral tones bring out rosiness in my cheeks and lips.

Lazy Legs

I have worn pants or leggings every work day since last Monday.  The horror!  It started because I was bitten by an ant and my ankle swelled up like a balloon.  (Surprise, I'm allergic to ants!)  It kept going because I was tired and lazy.

 

Tunic/dress, BRAND, swapped; leggings, OP, Walmart; woven belt, thrifted; shoes, Dr. Scholl's Joliet Ballet Flat*; Amazon; earrings, Target; glasses, Zenni Optical.

 

The belt came from a weekend visit to the Catholic Social Services thrift shop.  It was a dollar.  It is colorful woven pattern.  Also, these prescription glasses were $12.95!  Get over to Zenni Optical and get yourself some!

 

This long tunic/very short dress came from my most recent clothing swap.  If you haven't had a swap yet, why haven't you?  You share the clothing you don't wear with friends who will enjoy it.  You take home fun styles you might not have tried before.  Everyone gets something they like, and it doesn't cost you any money.  

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.  If you make a purchase through those links, I will receive a small commission.

Too Excited to Title This Post Appropriately

Today is the day my mom comes to visit!  I am going to pick her up at the airport and then we will have a day of crafting and cooking fun!

 

Denim mini dress, Mascara, thrifted; sparkly cream sweater, George, gifted (thanks Nancy!); brown leggings, Walmart; red multi-strand beaded necklace, thrifted; green crystal margarita pendant, gifted (thanks Angie!); teal/green beaded bracelet, handmade by me; silver swallow earrings, Roth Jewelers; brown over-the-knee boots, Sketchers, Victoria's Secret.

I decided to try this dress with leggings this time.  Succcess?

 

A Leggings Experiment

I have had these leggings for over a year.  I got them when "jeggings" first became popular, but I have never worn them before today.

Every time I tried them on I decided I looked too fat, and I wore something else.  That is part of the reason I started this blog.   I am working on wearing what I like and not getting hung up on my size.  I am working on loving and appreciating my body.  If anyone else wants to judge me, that's their problem.

 

Purple tunic sweater, Love Always, Younkers; sheer black blouse, Mossimo, Target; red belt, Express, thrifted; denim leggings, Faded Glory, Walmart; black faux shearling boots, Relativity, Younkers; butterfly and cloisonne earrings, Target.

 

You can't tell how sheer the black top under my sweater is, but I was trying for some contrast in textures with the bulky sweater/sheer top.  

I made some great buys at Goodwill this afternoon.  I plan on photographing them once they have been through the wash.