I took these pictures just in time because it’s pouring outside now. I think it was supposed to be snow, but it ended up being too warm (hooray!).
This skirt and this gingham shirt are both such versatile pieces. They’re neutral colors (gray), and the patterns are subtle/simple enough to where I’m willing to mix them with pretty much any other pattern, including each other (and the zebra shoes).
See how I’ve worn this skirt in the past here and here. See how I’ve worn this shirt here. AND get some purple inspiration here.
sweatshirt: secondhand J. Crew shirt: secondhand Gap skirt: secondhand xhilaration tights: secondhand shoes: secondhand American Eagle Outfitters flower post earrings you can’t see: secondhand J. Crew
I don’t know about you, but with spring on the horizon, I’m itching for adventure. A little bit of change is exciting, whether it be changing seasons or a change of location. And of course, I’m probably not the only one who associates warmer weather with vacations and travel.
…But then again, I’m always itching for adventure. I adore traveling, and though my last big adventure (Ireland) was only eight months ago, I’m ready for another. Hopefully I’ll be able to afford regular travel one day, but for now, I’ll just have to live the dream vicariously through Pinterest.
I gathered some photos of outfits that have a bit of adventurous, outdoorsy tinge to them. Even if you have nowhere to go, you can at least dress as if you do! All images are linked to their source.
1. Cargo pants – so you can keep your compass, map, or spare euros handy . A skinny fit makes them feminine, and a sparkly or flowy top makes them a bit more glamorous.
2. Insect prints – if you can’t go out into the wilderness, just wear it on your dress. I have a mild obsession with insect prints. I even designed and bought my own insect-covered iphone case.
3. Desert/chukka boots – inspired by the boots worn by British officers in WWII. The real, crepe sole desert boots (Clarks) are intended to be super comfortable. They’re great for adventures that require lots of walking…or just causal everyday wear.
4. Souvenir tees – show off where you’ve been or just where you want to go. Wear your travel tee with a skirt, or wear it with jeans (just add some fun jewelry to dress it up).
5. Panama or safari hat – you don’t have to go on a safari to justify wearing a safari hat. Feeling really adventurous? Wear a safari helmet (see here or here).
6. Waxed canvas bag – rugged-looking and sturdy. Swap your patent leather purse for a waxed canvas rucksack or shell bag.
What items of clothing or accessories make you feel adventure-ready?
This ad placement in a magazine made me giggle. Notice the spout pouring water into the coffee filter on the left page and the position of the gas pump on the right. When I first saw this my brain registered them this as a two page spread rather than separate images.
I’ve made a lot of risotto this month. This recipe called for SO MANY mushrooms.
I’m ripping out the carpet in my house…solo. It’s a nice break from the computer.
I made peanut butter filled cookies for myself for Valentines Day.
Snow! Hopefully the last of the year. I’m ready for spring.
23 birthday candles is evidently over the top, so I just got one.
My sister knows me so well. She got me this birthday card (I love Shark Week).
My friend Jami came over one Sunday afternoon and we had a Doctor Who marathon to catch her up on season 7. We only got halfway through, so we have to plan another marathon. (yay!)
READING – I should be reading Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, but I haven’t picked it up this month. I’ve been reading a bunch of articles and studies about social media for a project I’m working on. I was recently reminded I still need to read the second and third Hunger Games books.
WATCHING – I’m slightly embarrassed to admit that I’ve gotten hooked on American Idol this year. You see, it comes on right after Big Bang Theory…which my family watches every night while dinner is being prepared. So yeah, that’s my excuse.
LUSTING – Have you heard of Inkkas? I just discovered them yesterday and I’m in love! They’re sneakers made out of beautiful South American textiles. The company, “was founded on the principles of fair trade, philanthropy and authenticity,” and 10% of all sales is donated to help protect and preserve the Amazon rainforest (check out this post I wrote on incorporating sneakers into your wardrobe). Also, I’m itching to make a quilt and I want to use this as one of the fabrics. I have the quilt planned out in my head, I just need to get the supplies and get to it.
Harsh shadows still exist at 5pm! That’s exciting because it means the sun is still above the trees…which means the days are getting longer…which means SPRING IS COMING!
See how I styled this necklace last time here. My outfit was inspired by this outfit Sydney of The Daybook wore (third picture down). I love the orange and grey combo!
Look at this adorable face:
sweater: secondhand Liz Claiborne shirt: secondhand J. Crew jeans: secondhand New York & Company shoes: secondhand Toms necklace: secondhand
Spring is teasing me. I went outside with bare legs today and didn’t freeze, and daffodils are blooming in front of my house. I sure hope the not-freezing weather sticks around!
See how I styled this dress another time here, and check out how I styled this sweater last winter here.
sweater: secondhand Madison Studio dress: secondhand Tory Burch jacket: secondhand Old Navy belt: secondhand necklace: secondhand shoes: Toms
This week I’m bringing you the second interview as a part of the Shopping Guide series. I interviewed Crystal, Owner of Plum Consignment in Denver, Colorado. Her boutique is beautiful! I love the décor, which she explains in the interview is mostly up-cycled items, so her store is an all-around eco-friendly experience. Her store is full of amazing designer finds in “plum-perfect” condition, including women’s and children’s clothes, shoes, and accessories. So read on to find out more about this must-visit boutique in Denver. I will most definitely be making a visit if I’m ever in Colorado!
Plum Consignment
{fresh designer consignment + sweet deals} Address: 2373 Central Park Boulevard #106, Denver, CO 80238 Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; Sunday 12-5pm Founded: 2012 Contact: 303.322.PLUM {7586} Website:www.plumgood.com
1. Tell us a bit about you. Fun fact?
As mother of two school aged girls & future Plum fashionistas, when I’m not scouting for finds, you might catch me doing yoga, running, cooking and commuting to/from work in my Stapleton Denver neighborhood on my “green” golf cart.
2. Why did you decide to start a consignment store?
I guess you could say I’m passionate about consignment. So much, that I traded my corporate restaurant industry career in sales and marketing to take on the mission of redefining resale. My goal: Create an uncommon consignment experience {while supporting sustainable clothing practices for the environment & my community}. PLUM is the fruit of that labor. PLUM specializes in mint condition carefully curated clothing, shoes & accessories for women + children on consignment. We are discriminating in our consignment process & therefore offer a great selection of name brand clothing in pristine condition. When you come to shop, you’ll find our merchandise will be close to Plum-perfect.
3. What’s the best part about your job?
Resale is a great solution for fashion pollution. I love providing Moms a means to recycle their previously loved wardrobe for new designer threads & to continue to fashionably outfit their kiddos as they grow. Consignment provides a fashion-forward way to be earth friendly while saving savvy shoppers some green! Clients are relieved to find an outlet for purchases gone awry, to recoup a portion of their initial investment. People bring clothes to PLUM they want to sell & I provide a space to showcase them. I enjoy meeting new PLUM friends & fashion forward consignors!
4. What types and/or brands of things could a shopper find in your store?
Plum specializes in boutique brands, Nordstrom brands & Anthropology brands. From Polo to Prada, Plum has you covered!
5. To give readers a better idea of what great things they can find, what is one (or some) of your favorite pieces in your store right now?
My favorite piece in Plum’s designer display case right now is a retired Louis Vuitton carry-on travel bag that is in pristine condition & very rare. $2,500 and it’s yours!
6. What is one thing that sets your store apart from the rest/makes it unique?
I believe our distinguishing difference is the overall value we bring to the community, starting with legendary service & offering “uncommon consignment.”
PLUM has a unique boutique feel, complete with wooden hangers to showcase fresh inventory daily. In keeping with the concept’s eco-friendly focus, most of our interior décor items have been repurposed into up-cycled displays, providing an urban eclectic edge and hip shopping experience. As for selection, we hand pick each new or nearly new item for resale, which means they are close to PLUM perfect for a fraction of the cost of buying new designer duds. And If you’re looking for something special, you can add it to our “wish list” and PLUM will contact you when we have what you’re looking for (before it even hits the floor)!
7. What’s the best part about being in the location (city/state) your store is in?
I LOVE having the Rocky Mountains in our backyard! Keeps us in tune with Mother nature & a constant visual reminder of why our sustainable shopping practices at Plum are so important.
8. Quick! You have one minute to convince someone why they should start shopping secondhand…go!
Designer resale shopping is a great way to stretch your wardrobe dollars. Added bonus: the thrill-of-the-hunt! You can find mint condition or never worn merchandise at a plum good price, allowing you to stake your claim on current designer, high-end apparel and accessories for a fraction of full retail cost. And you are helping out mother nature by being sustainably fashionable!
9. Do you have a website, Facebook page, Twitter, or blog where readers can learn more or stay informed about events, sales, etc.?
We are plum pleased to be your Stapleton neighborhood go-to shop for curated women + children’s clothing on consignment. Come say hi ~ we are always excited to meet new friends and fashion-forward consignors!
Thanks Crystal!
If you’d like to offer some input on locations (cities/states) I should cover in the future or if you are a resale store owner, please let me know in the comments or go enter your location in this poll.
Did you watch the Oscars last night? I watch not because I’m rooting for particular actors or movies, but because I want to find out what movies & documentaries might be worth my time to watch. I don’t really keep up with the latest and greatest movies.
I thought it would be fun to show you some fabulous dresses from the ceremony and how you can use those dresses as inspiration in your everyday outfits. So here are 5 glamorous looks transformed into causal outfits. Click each image to go to the original source.
1. Jessica Chastain in Armani Privé – Pair sequin or beaded pieces with more casual pieces like chambray or jeans for some daytime glamour.
2. Kerry Washington in Miu Miu – Wear gold accessories with coral. They make a beautiful combo.
3. Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji – Tulle skirts are really fun and girly, and they can easily be made less formal when paired with a more casual top.
4. Charlize Theron in Christian Dior – Peplum tops are very trendy right now. A white peplum would look great with a pencil skirt or, for a really casual look, a pair of boyfriend jeans.
5. Jennifer Lawrence in Christian Dior – Try some light-colored jacquard pieces or a low high skirt for a look that subtly takes inspiration from this embossed, blush-colored, show-stopping gown.
Check out this article to see more pictures of the dresses from the red carpet.
I opened my dresser drawer to find my black tights, and these lovely olive ones greeted me. So much better than the black ones would have been! I like the way they look paired with this mint green sweater.
I almost got rid of this skirt a few months ago.Then I happened upon this post Kinsey did where she wore this same skirt. Her outfit was so cute I decided to keep it.
See a few other ways I’ve styled the pieces in this outfit here, here, and here. sweater: secondhand Gap skirt: secondhand 21 boots: Star Ling via Nordstrom (over 3 years ago) belt:DIY tights: target hat: secondhand San Diego Hat Co.
So I looked at my blog schedule today and realized I had left a few days with no planned posts…intending to go back and fill them in. Whoops.
Instead, you can head over to my OTHER blog. It primarily focuses on design, but there’s still some stuff there that may be interesting to you even if you’re not interested in graphic design, for instance, I wrote about my birthday wish list earlier this week.
Also check out my archives here. There’s a handy dandy category menu over in the right sidebar so you can view specific kinds of posts.
sweatshirt: secondhand J. Crew
