can’t get enough polka dots (and orange cats)

I really really like polka dots. Polka dot blouses, polka dot tees, polka dot skirts – they’re all fabulous and I can’t get enough of them. So, imagine my extreme shock (and excitement) when I found this amazing polka dot blouse at the thrift store. I am completely smitten.

Here I am pairing my lovely dot blouse with a simple stretchy black skirt. This skirt actually used to be a dress. My mom bought it for me as a gift and when the all the elastic in the top part of the dress completely disintegrated, I couldn’t let it go, so I went to a tailor and had him make it into a skirt.

Also, how funny is Ulysses the kitty in these pictures?

Outfit details:
Top: Lands End, thrifted
Skirt: Made from gifted dress
Belt: Thrifted
Shoes: J. Crew, consignment credit
Necklace: 1928 magnifying glass necklace, thrifted
Bangles: Wooden, thrifted

workwear wednesday: convertible dress for fall

Hi friends, it’s no surprise that I really like convertible dresses and so of course when Henkaa tweeted me about their fall contest, I was in. Plus hubby took the pictures of me outside (please excuse our janky deck, it really needs some work) when the trees in our backyard were in full color-changing splendor.

The nice thing about convertible dresses is that you can also wear them as skirts, which is what I did for this outfit that I wore to work last week. I love the Henkaa fabric, it’s super smooth and luxurious and was fun and comfortable to wear the dress as a skirt!

Don’t forget to check out my #workwearwednesday buddy Justine’s (formerly of the TheTwoCentChick) newly branded blog – The Thrifty Girl’s Guide! 

Well that’s all friends, hope you’re all enjoying the lovely fall weather!
xo
Nout

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Outfit Details:
Top: The Limited, from a few years ago – was about $20
Jacket: Gap jean jacket, consignment store – used credit
Skirt: Henkaa Sakura convertible dress worn as skirt – bought from Henkaa store in Canada a few years back
Shoes: Cowboy boots – gift from mom
Bag: Vintage Coach, thrifted – $18

workwear wednesday: a new skirt

Well, technically, this skirt isn’t new. It was previously a dress that my mama bought me many years ago. A few years back after spending the summer in storage, the dress emerged with all the elastic completely stretched out. It was kind of strange and disappointing because the dress wasn’t that old. I put the dress back in storage and only recently dug it back out (when my friend Melissa came over to help me de-clutter ).

Last week, I took it to my favorite tailor and had them turn an unwearable dress into a cute, comfortable skirt. Yeah!

Well, the moral of the story is don’t give up on an old (or new) article of clothing that you think is done for, because changes are a good tailor can breathe new life into it 🙂

Hey – don’t forget to check out Justine‘s Workwear Wednesday post too!

Outfit Details:

Top: Jennifer Lopez white and gold polka dot blouse, thrifted $4
Skirt: Used to be a Muse dress
Shoes: Sam Edelman
Necklacce: Gift from mama

stripes & chambray

I can’t get enough stripes. I also can’t get enough chambray and denim. So I decided to pair the two in this outfit that I wore to work. It was really fun to wear 🙂

Happy Friday, friends! I hope you all have a great weekend!

Outfit Deets:
Skirt: Eshakti contrast colorblock pleated skirt (black & white striped), bought on clearance for like $30.
Top: Arizona jeans sleeveless chambray shirt, ebay $7
Belt: Leopard belt, consignment (used my credit)
Shoes: Mary Jane pumps, thrifted $2
Necklace: Jewelmint Leading Legacy
Cardigan: Ann Taylor, thrifted $3.39?
Cat: Ulysses
Bag: Mill & Bird

september 2014 fashion budget

Another month, another budget! 2 months ago, I tried to bring my budget down from about $100 per month to $25 per month. I knew I wouldn’t easily accomplished, but I just wanted to get down to a lower amount so that I could use the difference for a newly acquired car payment. Well, last month’s budget was totally demolished. Let’s see how I did this month.

eileen fisher black tank top

Simply Vera by Vera Wang black skirt

Gap sleeveless denim shirt

JustFab Mandy Jumpsuit

Misook hooded jacket

Misook cardigan

Arizona light denim sleeveless shirt

Here’s what I got this month:
1. Eileen Fisher black silk tank top, $2 (thrifted)
2. Misook black and purple cardigan, $3 (thrifted)
3. Misook hooded jacket, $3 (thrifted)
4. JustFab Mandy Jumpsuit, used a JustFab credit – $40
5. Arizona Jeans light denim sleeveless shirt, $7 from ebay
6. Gap sleeveless denim shirt, $8 from ebay
7. Simply Vera by Vera Wang black skirt, free (used consignment credit)

= 8 items for $63 !
– Minus a $20 check from ebates (you should sign up if you haven’t already…it’s free and you get cash back!)
TOTAL = $43

I did go over my budget…but only by a little bit, plus I got some really awesome basics! I am still proud of myself that I was able to keep it under $100.

OK, now it’s your turn to spill…how did you do this month!?

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Linking up with Franish and Budgeting Bloggers!