A New Adventure: Print Top + Khakis ... and a 4-year-old

This post is in collaboration with Schoola. I was sent clothing in exchange for a blog post about their site and mission.

So, you guys, this is my first affiliate post. I've gotten a few emails here and there, but nothing has ever seemed like it fit with what I'm about. But when Schoola approached me about its Summer Adventure campaign, it was really serendipitous. You see, my husband and I decided a few weeks back to withdraw our daughter from preschool for the summer — partly to save a few bucks, partly to spend some more time with her. So I'm a few days away from a seriously major summer adventure of my own.

Thrift Audit: Rummage sale + thrift shop, April 9

It's not that I haven't been thrifting, you guys. It's just been one of those ... years?

Guest Post @ Shaped by Style: Oaxacan Dress

Guys, it's been a brutal few weeks. But this outfit was definitely a highlight:

Check out the full post over at Shaped by Style.

There's No Wrong Way to Have a Body: Floral Maxi Skirt + Peasant Blouse

I heard an ad on the radio for some new makeover show, and I instantly felt really sad. Then I felt angry.

Guest Post @ Shaped by Style: Polka Dots + Stripes

This is a drive-by to let you know I have a new post up over at Shaped by Style, where we're featuring striped skirts this month:

Stop by and check out some of the other looks we've put together — or see more pics from me here. 

Styled by The Outfit Repeater: Vintage Dress, Suede Vest + Platform Wedges

You know what the best thing about having someone else pick out your outfit? No second-guessing.

Thrift Audit: Salvation Army, March 30

Would you believe this was one of my most expensive thrift hauls of all time?

Shop Update: New Look, New Sections, New Stuff

I've been working really hard on my Etsy shop these past several weeks, so I'm posting a little update to show you what's new.

Stay Positive: Yellow Cardigan + Vintage Printed Skirt

Body positivity is hard, you guys. At least, it is for me.

Winning at Sewing: Quilted Makeup Bag

I hatched the idea of making a makeup bag for my sister for Christmas after seeing some tutorials on Pinterest (you can see some of them on my sewing board here).

Outtakes: From the Cutting-Room Floor

Every now and then I shoot a few outfit pictures that just never make it into a post. Here are some of my favorite shots that haven't been on the blog until now:

Thrift Audit: Salvation Army Mega-Haul, March 7, Part 2 of 2

As promised, I'm following up today with the second half of a mega haul I introduced last week. Real talk: I literally did not even remember half of what I bought until I hauled it out of my closet yesterday morning (I'm calling it thriftnesia, and please tell me I am not the only one who experiences this?).

Guest Post: Red Cape + Checked Trousers

I'm over at Shaped by Style today feeling inspired by this red cape.

You can read the whole post here.

Flattery Will Get You Nowhere: Pink Cardigan + Purple Trousers + Leopard Flats

Sometimes my reality doesn't live up to my fantasy — and sometimes that's just fine.

Thrift Audit: Salvation Army Mega-Haul, March 7, Part 1 of 2

You know a thrift outing is good when it's measured by the number of garbage bags you stuff into your trunk (in this case, three). What you're seeing today is only a fraction of the haul — I'll share the rest next week.

Green Sleeves: Plaid Midi Dress + Olive Wedges

For someone who claims green is her favorite color, I sure don't have much of it in my wardrobe.

Drama Queen: Vintage Cardigan, Wide Leg Pants + Turban

There are the days you try to play it safe or really bring out your own personal style. And then there are the days you say, "Screw it, I'm going to flounce around in a turban and wide-leg pants, because this cardigan demands nothing less."

Thrift Audit: Salvation Army, March 5

There's nothing like a family outing to the local thrift store. Even when your 4-year-old gets bored and starts laying around on the floor, or running away from you laughing while you shout, "Get back here!"

Winning at Sewing: Hex Knit Baby Quilt

I haven't showcased many finished knits on this blog, but this is one I'm extra proud of, since it also represents my first foray into any type of quilting.

A Version of Me: Silk Blouse + Olive Skirt

When I was a kid, I had a theory about how each person contains a multitude of different "selves."

Thrift Audit: Salvation Army, Feb. 29

Remember earlier this week when it was February? I am so over that month. But at least I got to close it out with a good thrift outing. And there's something different this time around, so read on:

Thrift Audit: Salvation Army, Feb. 22

Now that I'm back on the thrift audit bandwagon, I'm really trying to crack down and be a sensible shopper.

It's a slow time on Etsy, so I'm focusing on items I can sell on consignment ... although the occasional vintage piece may sneak in from time to time.

To Plan or Not to Plan: Floral Knit Dress + Belted Cardigan

I have this weird, conflicted relationship to planning things.

 

Guest Post: Goodbye, mint dress

I'm over at Shaped by Style today, saying goodbye to this pretty mint dress. Find out why here:

And, Shaped by Style is on Instagram now, and I'd love it if you'd follow along, because I'm monitoring the account obsessively (only half kidding).

It's Good to Want Things: Fur Scarf + Floppy Hat

Do you know what you want?  

Thrift Audit: Salvation Army, Feb. 8

So for a while I was all, "I'm not doing thrift audits anymore!" and then I realized that was crazy talk.

From the Vault: Chambray dress + crocheted shawl

I'm still ruminating on a lot of things, so this post isn't going to be long on words.

Setting Out: Peacock Dress + Turquoise Heels

So I have been feeling lately like I lost my mojo a bit.

Guest post @ Shaped by Style: Blanket Scarf

Guys, I am finally a real fashion blogger because I have a blanket scarf outfit to post!

Kidding aside, I really enjoyed wearing this cozy scarf I swapped with Justine of The Thrifty Girl's Guide. Head over to Shaped by Style to see more of this look.

On Being Nice: Vintage leather dress + polka dot polo

Because of reasons, these photos were taken in the ladies' room at my office (as if that weren't painfully obvious).

The Little Things: Camel Sweater + Green Skinnies

Working night shifts for a week does funny things to my fashion sense.

How to Host a Clothing Swap

I hosted my first clothing swap back in high school. I don't even remember what gave me the idea, but I had a few friends come over with some clothes they wanted to get rid of. We sat in a circle on the floor and held up our unwanted garments, trying to "sell" them to the others in the group. We giggled, tried things on, convinced each other of what to take or what to keep, and generally had a blast.

Since then, I've hosted a number of swaps — some with friends, and some with total strangers. I'm in the midst of planning another one, so I thought I'd share a few tips with you if you'd like to plan a swap of your own.

Not Quite Right: Vintage Dress + Victory Rolls

"Polished" is not a word anyone would ever use to describe me.

Recovery: Plaid Maxi Skirt + Gray Booties

I seriously tried to come up with something creative to wear with this skirt. But nope.

Easy DIY Scarf: 1-Hour no-pattern fat quarter scarf

Hello again — I've been away for a while because of holiday, family and work demands, but I'm back with a super simple DIY project that I recently put together as a gift for a friend.

Thrift Audit: Salvation Army, Nov. 9, 2015

I don't believe in karma ... but on the other hand, I don't have another explanation for this recent thrift outing.