What I Wore Wednesday 3/23/11

It's time for another edition of What I Wore Wednesday!

Today's my birthday, which means a great evening celebrating with family and a couple more celebrations to come. It also marks the first year in quite a while that I didn't dread the day (I know, I have a problem). This year I have decided to accept and embrace it...I guess it goes with that whole hope thing. Plus, it's fun to enjoy a day with some extra attention. A big thanks to the friends (especially Paige and Katie) and family who have pulled me out from the anti-birthday mode and pushed me into appreciating life and the fantastic people (again, including many of you new blog friends) who come along with it.

But, on to the real reason for the blog today: the outfits!!!

Wednesday, 3/16/11

A wonderful work event.

Dress: Target (yes, I also have it in black, but for $20 it's worth it)

Jacket: Jones NY

Stockings: Hanes Silk Reflections

Heels: Aerosoles

Necklace: made by me

Earrings: Jewelscapes

Flower Pin (really a converted hair clip): Jcrew

Thursday, 3/17

I just love green, so I'll take St. Patrick's Day as an excuse to saturate my look with it.

Top: Ann Taylor

Cardigan: Jcrew

Belt: Ann Taylor

Skirt: Club Monaco (thrifted)

Tights: Kohl's

Heels: Clarks

Earrings: Chicos

Vintage Pin: from my mom

Friday, 3/18

Enjoyed a nice day off, headed to the local outlets

Tank: Macy's

Tee: Jockey

Jeans: Loft (thrifted)

Flats: Dr. Scholl's

Earrings: Surf and Sand (so stunned by these)

Saturday, 3/19

Incredible conference featuring worship and Lysa TerKeurst. Wow, was it inspiring!!

Had a quick visit with my parents and a great dinner for a friend who is moving out of state.

Top: Jcrew

Scarf: Jcrew Factory

Sweater: Anthropologie

Jeans: Macy's (Style and Co)

Shoes: Easy Spirit

Glasses: Kate Spade (welcome spring=welcome allergies)

Earrings: Surf and Sand

Sunday, 3/20

Church in the morning 

Top: Target 

Everyday Cardigan: Jcrew Factory

Jeans: Levis

Flats: Dr. Scholl's

Belt: Jones NY

Earrings: GlitzGlitter

Dewdrops Necklace: Lisa Leonard

Posy Pin: The Pleated Poppy

In the evening I attended baptisms at my inlaws' church.

Wrap: Gift from my aunt (she monogrammed it for me and I looooove it!!!)

Turtleneck: Ann Taylor

Pants: Van Heusen

Flats: Easy Spirit

Earrings: Liz Palacios

Pin: thrifted

Monday, 3/21

Visited our other campus for meetings and recruited in the evening

Top: Kohl's

Jacket: Talbots Outlet

Pants: Van Heusen

Shoes: Dr. Scholl's

 Necklace and Earrings: Jcrew Factory

Tuesday, 3/22

Worked in the office and visited with my mother in law

Sadly, probably the last time this season for this outfit...

Turtleneck: Ann Taylor

Jacket: Jcrew (the microwave causes some glare)

Pants: Macys

Shoes: Aerosoles

Necklace: Allora Handmade (so so fun)

Vintage Pin: My mom

Earrings: GlitzGlitter

Linking to 

the Pleated Poppy

 for What I Wore Wednesday

and 

Jewelscapes

for Bejeweled Wednesday

What I Wore Wednesday 3/16/11

 I think this challenge has been one of the most interesting part of the past year - I have loved being a little more creative in accessorizing and have enjoyed experimenting with new ways to wear old pieces. 

Most of all, I love all the new blog friends I've met through this. Thanks for connecting! 

Wednesday, 3/9/11
I've had this jacket for several years and never felt it quite worked. Then I found the top while thrifting. Perfect match and makes for a more feminine look.

Jacket: Old Navy

Top: Banana Republic (thrifted)

Pants: The Limited (thrifted)

Shoes: Aerosoles

Earrings: Jewelscapes

Necklace: Superhero Designs

Flower Pin: Jcrew

Thursday, 3/10/11

Worked in the afternoon and recruited in the evening.

I did throw a jacket over this to be more professional.

Top: Brooks Brothers Outlet (Tailored Fit)

Tank: Forever21

Pants: Gap (thrifted)

Shoes: Dr. Scholl's

Belt: Kohl's

Necklace: by me

Earrings: Anthropologie

Hair clip: Goody

Friday, 3/11/11

Very productive day at work, quiet night.

Turtleneck: Lands End Canvas

Cardigan: Nordstrom

Pants: Express

Shoes: Clarks

Belt: Bass Outlet

Necklace and earrings: Jcrew outlet

Saturday, 3/12/11

Worked and Target shopping

Jacket: Talbots

Top and skirt: Gap Outlet

Tights: Jcrew

Shoes: Dr. Scholl's

Earrings: GlitzGlitter

Ruffled Scarf: the Pleated Poppy

Pin: Vintage, from Mom

Sunday, 3/13/11

Church, afternoon with my inlaws

I am loving (like seriously loving) the nautical chic look. But I know it's probably a little trendy, so I bought a less expensive top at Target. If the look seems to stick, I might upgrade. Lands End and Jcrew have some great options I'm eyeing.

Tee: Target (Xhiliration)

Cardi: Anthropologie

Jeans: Gap

Shoes: Dr. Scholl's

Earrings (can't really tell, but simple white gold ball drops): TJ Maxx

Necklace: Vintage Sarah Coventry

Flower Pin: Forever21

Monday, 3/14/11

Spring Break=Day Off: Enjoyed a little shopping and Bible Study.

Cardigan: Jcrew Factory

Jeans: Levis

Shoes: Dr. Scholl's

Earrings: Glitz Glitter

Scarf: Liberty of London for Target

Tuesday, 3/15

Recruited in the morning and enjoyed a wonderful visit/haircut from the fabulous Linnie!!

Top: Banana Republic (thrifted)

Pants: Van Heusen

Jacket: Jcrew Academy Jacket

Shoes: Born

Family Crest Necklace and Earrings: Lisa Leonard

Thanks for stopping by!

Linking to

the pleated poppy

and 

Jewelscapes

What I Wore Wednesday 3/9/11

This week I enjoyed pairing some thrift store finds with some of my favorite pieces. I cannot even begin to describe how much I am loving my recent thrifting experiences. As I mentioned before, I've outgrown most of my pants and skirts (and of course this comes at a time when I just don't want to or can't afford to spend tons and tons of money on new stuff), so thrifting has been a rescue for me. Honestly, a $30.00 bag of new-to-me pieces cost less than one brand new pair of pants. Can't beat that right? Even if something needed dry cleaning, it's still worth it for me. And, they usually come pre-hemmed and altered by their previous owners, so these pieces fit better than ones I could buy retail and have hemmed today.

Shopping thrifted items was TOTALLY inspired by my WIWW pals. If not for the really wonderful looks some of you put together with thrifted finds, I would never have had the guts to hunt the racks for such wonderful pieces. Thank you, ladies!

Here are my looks for this past week.

Wednesday, 3/2

Worked and prayer meeting

 Top: Ann Taylor

Sweater: Jcrew

Skirt: Club Monaco (thrifted)

Boots: Target

Earrings: Jewelscapes

Necklace: Vintage Sarah Coventry

Thursday, 3/3/11

Meetings and a luncheon at work, dinner with new friends in the evening.

I've had this jacket for over 5 years, and truthfully, I thought it was always a little frumpy.
Once again, the belt comes through and saves the outfit.

 Skirt and top: Ann Taylor Loft

Jacket: Gap Outlet

Tights: Kohl's

Shoes: Aerosoles

Belt: Kohl's (probably came with a pair of pants)

Earrings: Dabby Reid, Nordstrom

Flower Pin: Crafted by my mother-in-law

Friday, 3/4/11

Worked and out with the work peeps in the evening.

 Top: White House Black Market

Sweater: Calson, Nordstrom

Pants: Dockers

Shoes: Dr. Scholl's

Belt: Jones NY

Necklace and Earrings: Jewelscapes

Saturday, 3/5/11

Lazy Saturday at home and impromptu dinner with friends.

Top: Gap Outlet

Scarf: Old Navy

Sweater: J.Jill (thrifted)

Jeans: Levis

Shoes: Ann Klein

Belt: Jones NY

Earrings: Anthropologie

Posy Pin: the Pleated Poppy

Sunday, 3/6/11

Church, grocery shopping, and an evening with my family.

 Top: Banana Republic (thrifted)

Jeans: Loft (thrifted)

Sweater: Gilly Hicks

Shoes: Naturalizer

Necklace and Earrings: Jewelscapes

Pin: Vintage, from my mama

Monday, 3/7/11

Worked out of the office, Bible study in the evening.

Top: Ann Taylor

Cardigan: Jcrew

Pants: Gap (thrifted)

Shoes: Dr. Scholl's

Earrings: Sueanne Shirzay

Necklace: Lisa Leonard Dewdrops

Posy Pin: The Pleated Poppy

Tuesday, 3/8/11

Good day at work and Mardi Gras dinner with my parents.

Top: Banana Republic Outlet

Jacket: local shop

Skirt: Style and Co (thrifted)

Tights: Jcrew

Shoes: Clarks

Necklace: Lisa Leonard Limited Edition fall 2010

Earrings: Pear22

Posy Pin: The Pleated Poppy for InCourage

Linking with

The Pleated Poppy

and 

Jewelscapes

Hope you all enjoyed your week! Can't wait to visit and see your looks.

ABCs of Me

I saw this over at Jess's blog, so thought it would be a good Monday morning post.

Age: 27, but I'll be 28 at the end of the month.

Bed size: Queen. I seriously want king though. I need my space.

Chore you hate:  Oh, where to begin...I guess it's vacuuming.

Dogs: Nope, never had any.

Essential start to your day: Tea. 5 tea bags, 3 tablespoons of sugar, splash of milk. Good advice: If I haven't started sipping, it's best to wait to talk to me. I'm not a morning person.

Favorite Color:  Green.

Gold or silver: Silver.

Height: 5'2''

Instruments you play: I used to play the flute. Not sure if I could anymore though.

Job title: Senior Associate Director of Admissions

Kids: mmmm, not in the near or distant future. It's best I give them back to their owners.

Live: Long Island, New York. 

Mom's name: Lois

Nickname: I wish I had one. Some people call me Kathy, but I'm not a fan (my family calls me that). I wish I was a Kate. Kates are just so cool.

Overnight hospital stay: No. My goal in life is to never be admitted to a hospital. Too stressful, too scary.

Pet peeve: People who don't use their signal lights - they make the world brighter.

Quote from a movie: ‎"The world only spins forward. We will be citizens. The time has come. Bye now. You are fabulous, each and every one and I bless you: more life. The great work begins." -Angels in America.

Right/left: Left...I'm a lefty and tend to be left of center on most things. I never made this connection before.

Siblings:

Here's my brother and I as youngsters:

My brother, Chris (now 25)

My sister-in-law, Lauren, 18

Time you wake up: Weekdays alarm goes off at 7, I get up at 7:40. Weekends are different. Most people know one shouldn't text or call me prior to 11 AM because I'm not up yet. Sad but true.

Underwear: Jockey.

Veggies you dislike:  Collard greens. Ick.

What makes you run late: nothing. My what I wore Wednesday photos, neglecting to select my outfit the night before.

Xrays you've had: Dental x-rays.

Yummy food you make: I can make a mean soft-boiled egg.

Zoo animal: Last time we went was in 2006 for Freddy's 26th birthday. Apparently we liked turtles and foxes...

So, now it's your turn!

New to Me

 I am constantly inspired by the blog What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear  and the fabulous looks on Glee. I mean, who doesn't love the classically tailored pieces blended with funky vintage jewelry and retro-inspired accessories??  After our antiquing adventure last weekend, I started browsing Etsy and Ebay in search of some great accessories that might work well with my style (which I think it an attempt to mix modern classics with some quirky flair) and suddenly remembered that my mom totally has some vintage gems. Ebay and Etsy could go on hold (which my budget was happy about). 

When I asked my mom (I promise I did this nicely. As I type this, I know it sounds like I schemed to take her stuff, but my mom and I style each other a lot) if we could go through her vintage collection she laughed at me. "Why would you want that stuff? Most of it's junk." Oh no, Mom. It's far from junk. It is a collection of awesomely treasured sparkly wonderful items. She was delighted to pass some of it on.

So here's the loot:

 The Sarah Coventry necklace is probably my favorite piece. It sits so perfectly over a crew neck tee. And that sparkly brooch? Holy cow, does it shine.

 The bottom right piece is also Sarah. We found one of the clip on earrings to match, but will have to hunt harder to complete the pair.

I am so loving this new thrifting, antiquing, vintage-finding adventure I am embarking on. Most of all, I love that these new pieces were once donned by my mom in the 60s and 70s and can't wait to thumb through some photos to see if she wore them on special occasions. 

And I love that maybe, just maybe, those Jcrew strands or my Posy Pins can one day be cherished by someone else to jazz up her wardrobe sometime in the distant future.