Spring 2014: Fit & Flare Dress

 

Cooperative Dress - Triad Goodwill 5.00

(paid 2.50, 50% off colored tag sale)

Old Navy Denim Jacket

Mossimo (Target) Pumps

Cleaning Out the Archives: NY&CO

Apostrophe (Sears) Blouse - Goodwill $3.75,  NY&CO 7th Avenue Pants $23.40

NY&CO Cardigan - Goodwill $3.75, Earrings - Charming Charlie's $5.97, Old Navy Flats

DATE: July, 2011

I love New York and Company for a few reasons:

1. Their clothes are simple and timeless. Even if I thrift something that's a few years old it usually fits right into my current wardrobe.

2. Fit. I can't say enough about the fit of NY&CO, especially their pants.

3. Cost. With the right coupon and the right sale, I can usually go in NY&CO and really rack up on some wardrobe staples.

4. Professional Trends. Somehow NY&CO takes fashion trends and make them appropriate for young professionals.

FYI - Not every outfit has made it to the blog this year for whatever reason. Every week, I plan to take a look back at some outfits that didn't make the cut before and post it. If I wore it, I have to be comfortable enough to share it.

Summer Recap . . . Date Night

I really need to get out of the house more! I haven't even worn either one of these dresses and I've only worn the first outfit once . . .well there is always next summer.

 Juniors Strapless Top-Macy's [$6.12]

H&M Harem Pants [$7]

Mossimo (Target) Sandals [$7.48]

Vintage Oversized Clutch-Goodwill [$3]

Dress 1 - Charlotte Russe [Thrift Gift]

Charlotte Russe Sandals-Plato's Closet

Dress 2- Juniors Burlington Coat Factory [$19.99]



Cleaning out the archives . . .

I admit that I haven't been on it the past few months with taking pictures and posting regurlary. And even when I've taken picures, they somehow just haven't made it to my computer, much less to the blog. In an effort to clean out the archives, here's a few outfits from the past month or so. 

Outfit 1

Xhiliration (Target) Dress - Goodwill [$5]

H&M Cardigan [$12.95 BOGO 50% Off]

Forever 21 Earrings [$3.80]

Outfit 2

Fire (Macy's) Romper - Plato's Closet [$6.50]

NY&CO Cardigan [$7.49]

Outfit 3

Apostrophe Blouse - Goodwill [$3.75]

NY&CO Cardigan - Goodwill [$3.75]

Earrings - Charming Charlie's [5.97]

Outfit 4

White Stag (Walmart) Cardigan [$5] - NY&CO Skinny Pants [$6.56]

Outfit 5

Casual Corner Cardigan - NY&CO Tank - Banana Republic Pants

Outfit 6

Miss Tina (Walmart) Dress - NY&CO Shrug - NY&CO Sandal [$13.47]

Fun Floral Shirt

Delia's Floral Shirt-Goodwill [$3.75]
NY&CO Cardigan [$7.50]
Easy Spirit Sandals-Goodwill [$4]
Earrings-Walmart [$3.88]

NY&CO Pants

Who remembers Delia's catalog? I remember my cousin Treeia and I flipping through Delia's when we were younger, picking out things that we never ordered. This shirt is bright, fun, and floral! I paired it with some wardrobe essentials for work, but could easily wear it with some denim shorts on the weekend.

Printed and Professional

Madison (Belk) Boyfriend Blazer - Goodwill [$3.75]

NY&CO Shirt - Salvation Army Select [$2]

H&M Harem Pants [$7]

Mossimo (Target) Sandals [$7]

Earrings - Forever 21 [$3.80]

Express Beaded Necklace - Plato's Closet [$1]

Assorted Bangles - Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Charming Charlies

Carrera Sunglasses [Gift]

Back in May, during my last H&M Shopping Spree I tried on a pair of harem pants and regretted not buying them ever since. I was not making the same mistake twice when I went shopping over the weekend. First of all, I don't know what I was thinking going to the mall on tax free weekend! But in the end, it was soo worth it because I found 2 pair of harem pants and Camden some fly sneakers for less than $35. I am really surprised by this outfit, I was a little nervous to wear such a bold print to work, but paired with a neutral top I guess it is possible to be printed and professional. I have a few ideas for these pants, so stay tuned for a possible 1 Pair of Pants, 3 Looks post! The new eye wear were a gift and really finished off the outfit. Until recently, I had no idea what Carrera's were, but they do look good on me!

Confession: These pants are from H&M's Mama Maternity Line. Now as someones mama and I have no idea why these pants are maternity because they are 100% Viscose, the only stretch is the elastic waistband. They fit and they don't have that huge belly band that most maternity pants have, so a great addition to the wardrobe (even if I'm not expecting, and I'm definitely NOT).

Check out my Youtube video for Chica Fashion's Fashion Dare Tag: Harem Pants:

Sunday's Best: Tea Party Bridal Shower

NY&CO Ruffle Blouse

White Floppy Hat - Dots [$8]

Silver Earrings - Walmart [$3.88]

Cato Print Full Skirt - Goodwill [$3.75]

Easy Spirit Sandals - Goodwill [$4]

Navy Straw Hat - Maxway [$6]

White Veiled Hat - [Borrowed]

Sherita's getting married!! And I was super excited when I received an invite to her "Tea Party" themed bridal shower! The skirt and white sandals were a Goodwill find a month ago and were perfect! Now the hat, let's talk about it. I bought the blue hat from Maxway for only $6 and loved the look, but it just didn't give the outfit the pop I was looking for. I borrowed the white veiled hat the day before the bridal shower from my friends mother, and also loved the look (I am loving all things vintage lately), but again it just didn't give the outfit that pop I was looking for. The day of the bridal shower, with two hours to spare, I decided to venture out and find the perfect hat in my IMPR(4L)ess budget! I ended up at Dots, the first hat I tried on was ok, then I tried on this one. One of the cashier's stopped stocking earrings and exclaimed, "That's cute, buy it, like right now!" Another customer asked, "Are you gonna wear it with what you have on?" Another customer walked up, sooo you get where I'm going . . . I purchased the hat, declined a bag, ripped off the tags, put it on my head, and went to the bridal shower. I had so much fun! Now I have to figure out what to wear to the wedding in a few weeks, maybe Black and White?

Undergraduate Influence

Juniors Blouse-Thrift Fairy [FREE]
Faded Glory (Walmart) Jeggings [$12]
Earrings-Charlotte Russe [2 for $8]
Madison Studio Purse-Goodwill [$4]
Via Neroli Wedges-Belk [$29.99]
Belt-Charlotte Russe

Every once in a while walking across campus, I will see an undergraduate outfit that I think can be recreated for the grown and sexy. I really like the recent off the shoulder, blousy trend but rarely do I have the opportunity to get all dressed up. Last week I finally had a day off (even though I ended up in the office for about an hour-it's annual report time) and put this outfit together with some older items and recent purchases. I spent most of my day off thrifting with my sister and Camden. I came across a great sale at Plato's Closet, clearance was an additional 60%! My sister got a pair of NY&CO and Old Navy Jeans for only $15! I returned later that evening with some girls from work and got two rompers for only less than $10! My girl Brianna got the best deal of all with a romper and at least 6 summer dresses for her beach vacation for only $50, now you can't beat that!

Follow me on Twitter @impr4less



Spartan Bold, Blue & Gold Challenge, Day 2

Ann Taylor Silk Blouse-Goodwill [$3.75]

Casual Corner Cardigan-Goodwill [$3.75]

The Limited (Drew Fit) Pants-Carolina Thrift

AVON Navy Wedge Sandal [$16.99]

It's Day 2 of my Spartan Bold, Blue & Gold Challenge. I really struggled putting this outfit together on Monday, probably because it was a Monday! I knew that I really wanted to wear my new shoes from AVON because they are so comfy, so the outfit came together around my shoes. Spartan Spirit!!

Red, White, and Blue

Ann Taylor Loft Blouse-Goodwill [$3.75]

Red Leather Belt-Nu Fashion Beauty Supply [$2.99]

NY&CO Knit Boot-Cut Pants

Independence Day is next month, but I've been wearing a lot of red, white, and blue or just blue and white lately. The Ann Taylor Blouse above and the Merona (Target) Tank are some of the fabulous finds from my best Goodwill Shopping Trip video. I had been searching and searching for a skinny red belt and finally found this one in the beauty supply store (or just "hair store" if you're country).

Now to these Banana Republic Pants, white pants have been on my thrift wish list for quite some time. Last week, one of my girls called me to meet her at my favorite Triad Goodwill location to help her decide on a few things she had picked out. We joke because my number 1 goal for her this year is to stop wearing juniors clothes all the time! After leaving the dressing room and with 15 minutes before the store closed, I headed to the pants and right there in front of me where these pants! I didn't even try them on before I purchased them. They are a perfect fit and are fully lined.

Now isn't that what IMPR(4L)ess is all about, finding quality name brand staple items at thrift and consignment price.

Merona (Target) Tank-Goodwill [$3.75]

George (Walmart) Cardigan [$12]

Banana Republic Trousers-Goodwill [$3.75]

I've worn this cardigan a few times this spring, each time has been different. What's your favorite look?

Black and White: The Wedding Edition

AB Studio Short-Sleeved Jacket-Goodwill [$3.75]

NY&CO White Lace Skirt $32.95 [$7.95]

Apostrophe (Sears) Belt [$1.49]

Express Beaded Necklace-Plato's Closet [$1]

NY&CO Body Shaper

Over the past few years, there has been an increasing number of weddings and baby showers in my circle of friends, families, and coworkers. In my early twenties I remember saying that I would never attend another wedding until I was married. Now that I'm in my early thirties, I've totally thrown out that saying because there is nothing like a good wedding reception with good music and great cake! And when you've witnessed someone's love story, seeing the beginning of their lives together gives you hope that just maybe one day that could be you in that white dress saying "I do" to your best friend. 

I can never decide what colors are appropriate to wear to spring/summer weddings. I don't want to be so over the top with color that I clash with the wedding colors or so dull and boring that I don't look cute when I take pictures with the bride. Lately, I've just kept it simple with black and white. It seems to be working for me so far at work and at weddings.

NY&CO Black and White Blouse
The Limited Wide-Leg Pants-Goodwill [$3.75]

Top Right: Ann Taylor Loft Blouse, New Directions (Belk) Skirt
Bottom Right: NY&CO Print Dress



Goodwill Shopping Trip

I just had to share with you all my fabulous finds during one of my best Goodwill shopping trips to date. I had some extra time on Friday before I had to pick Camden up from after school, so I stopped by Goodwill on N. Elm to see if I could find a few items on my wish list. I don't know who donated so much Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft in my size, but THANK YOU!

Enjoy my very first video and look for more to come . . .

1 Dress, 3 Looks

Last week, I posted pictures of the $6 summer dresses that I purchased at Maxway, but here’s how you can take one of the dresses from weekend to work with just a few quick and easy changes:

1.  Out Shopping


This is a simple weekend, going shopping look. I paired the dress with a body shaper tank and flip flops. It's easy to slip in and out of when I’m trying on clothes and I'm already wearing a shaper so I know how new clothes will fit.

Summer Dress [$6], NY&CO Body Shaper Tank, Old Navy Flip Flops

2. Date Night 

I pulled the dress down to show the body shaper tank underneat. Then, I folded the top half of the dress inside (it's elastic making it easy to fold) and tucked in the straps. Finally, I added a wide belt, accessories, and GUESS platform pumps, now I’m ready for a date with my guy or drinks with the girls.

 Summer Dress [$6], NY&CO Body Shaper Tank, Wide Belt, GUESS Pumps-Goodwill [$4]

3. Work

I had been eyeing a similar short-sleeved jacket at NY&CO, but before I could buy it, it went on clearance and I could no longer find it in my size. This jacket is definitely one of my “Goodwill Finds of the Week”.  I added a skinny blue belt, simple accessories, and switched out the GUESS pumps for classic Nine West Pumps for a more professional look.

AB Studio Jacket - Goodwill [$3.75], Blue Skinny Belt - Plato's Closet [$3]

a.n.a Print Shirt

A.N.A (JC Penny)Print Shirt-Goodwill [$3.75]

The Limited Pants-Goodwill [$3.75]

Apostrophe (Sears) Belt [$1.49]

Life Stride Wedge Flats-Belk

I saw this shirt while shopping at the Goodwill Grand Opening last month and didn’t buy it at first because I wasn’t quite sure about the color scheme.  Two days later I couldn't stop thinking about the shirt and how much I needed some color in my spring/summer wardrobe. So, I went back to Goodwill looking for it. Totally disappointed and about to give up when I didn’t find it among all the shirts, I went to try the things that I did find. As I left the fitting room, there it was, hanging on the rack outside the fitting room just waiting for me! It was meant to be!

Potential Outfits

PICTURE 1

 A.N.A (JC Penny)Print Shirt-Goodwill [$3.75], NY&CO White Dress,

Gladiator Sandal-Ross [$9.99], Silver Skinny Belt-Burke’s Outlet [$2.99]

PICTURE 2

A.N.A. (JC Penny) Print Shirt-Goodwill [$3.75], NY&CO Black Skirt-Goodwill [$3.75]

NY&CO Wide Belt, Apostrophe (Sears) Platform Shoes [$9.99]

 

Old and New

If you have ever looked in your closet and said I have nothing to wear, then I'm telling you to look again! So many times we get caught up in outfits instead of separate pieces. I’ve had this leaf print dress and brown sandals for at least 2-3 years purchased on clearance from JC Penny. Here’s a few ideas I played around with to give the older items a new look with recent purchases (on my Impress for Less budget of course). 

Arden B Vest-Goodwill[$3.75]

Old Navy Bowtie Shirt-Plato’s Closet [$1.50]

NY&CO Straw Clutch $26.95 [$13.81]

I love, love this look! But I definitely can NOT wear it to work. When it’s 70-75 degrees or above outside, it’s about  50-55 degrees in my office.  Yesterday I wore layers, bundled up with a blanket and still felt like I needed some socks and a space heater. Whose idea was it to let some universal power control the air and heat in our building? I would most likely wear this outfit on a date, to a poetry event, or a night out with the girls (if we can ever find the time to have one).

Here's the dress by itself, simple cotton blend, v-neck, A-line. Nothing special to write home about.

a.n.a (JC Penny) Print Dress

The Potential Outfits

1. Keeping it Simple

New Directions (Belk) Cardigan

Leather Belt-Beauty Supply Store

This is how I’ve worn the dress in the past with a cardigan and a belt that I found at a beauty supply store. You would be surprised by what you can find at the “hair store”; sandals, belts, scarves, hats, and jewelry. Most items are under $20 (with the exception of some costume jewelry, specifically evening wear). In Greensboro, there seems to be a beauty supply store in every shopping center and I must add that some are better than others.

2. Simple Layers

New Directions (Belk) Cardigan
Old Navy Bowtie Shirt-Plato’s Closet [$1.50]

Leather Belt-Beauty Supply Store

I added a white sleeveless tank with a bowtie to give the outfit some structure and add dimension. I like this look for work, but it’s definitely a safe choice.

3. Add Some Color
Apostrophe (Sears) Belt [$2.39]

Old Navy Bowtie Shirt-Plato’s Closet [$1.50]

Jones New York Cardigan -Yard Sale [$1]

Instead of the expected brown cardigan I added a fabulous green cardigan borrowed from a twin set my mom purchased  brand new from a community flea market/yard sale for only $1! I don’t yard sale shop often, but  community yard sales and/or annual, semi-annual events have the most potential to yield great finds. 

Little Red Dress

This dress almost didn’t make the blog. It's been in my closet for over a year and I had only worn it once, so it was already in the “consignment” basket. When I purchased the leopard print scarf a few weeks ago I decided to give it a second chance and I’m sooo glad that I did. Here’s how this outfit came together:

1.      What to Underwear 

It’s getting warmer and the dresses are coming out, but ladies please, please make sure that you are wearing the right underwear/shapewear. Jersey knit shows every single lump and bump, so I usually wear a waist shaper thigh slimmer to keep the tummy and thighs smooth. I'm a little chunkier in the middle so I require an extra firm hold, but most ladies can go with a light to firm hold. Have no idea what I'm talking about . . . a shapewear post is coming soon. 

Flexees Waist Shaper Thigh Slimmer

2. NY&CO Knit Dress-Goodwill [$5] 

  

3. NY&CO Leopard Print Scarf

I draped the scarf in front of the dress and looped the belt in front of the scarf and tied it in the back for a different look.

 4. Complete Look

I added a cardigan, some accessories, and platform shoes for a sexy look that can be worn to dinner, church, or work (I would swap the heeled shoes for some flats at work).

      George (Walmart) Cardigan – Goodwill [$3.75]

Black and Gold Accessories – Charlotte Russe [2 for $8]

Apostrophe (Sears) Platform Shoes – [$ 9.99]

Now, let's talk about the obvious . . . My HAIR! So, I decided to return to my extra short hair this weekend and I absolutely love it! I feel sexy, sassy, young, and confident with my new look. Will I ever grow my hair again, probably so, but not anytime soon. I had my hair cut last week into a funky, modern, sides-shaved, Rihanna-like style, but woke up Saturday morning looking like the lead singer from Cameo, LOL. Back to the barber shop I went. For only $12 total for both haircuts I think I did pretty good. Now, I just have to get back used to the barber shop chatter. Men are way worse than women in the salon.

Sunday's Best: The Mother's Day Edition

Straw Hat - Ross [$5.99]

H&M T-Shirt- Goodwill [$3.75]

Wide Belt - Maxway [$3.60]

NY&CO Pencil Skirt $39.95 [$10.88]

Nine West Satchel Purse

Gianni Bini (Dillards)Pumps

I wore this outfit to church Sunday for Mother's Day. It's been a while since I've spent an entire weekend in my hometown, but this past weekend reminded me that I definitely need to do so more often. I went shopping with the girls from work last week and tried this hat on for fun, but my friend JD wouldn't let me leave the store without it. Thanks for the Mother's Day/Birthday gift! I like this outfit, but I don't really love it. I really wanted a blouse to wear with this skirt, but just haven't found one yet. Luckily, my mom had been thrift shopping the week before and this belt was one of her of her fabulous finds that gave it a little added flavor. I forgot to pack the shoes that I intended to wear and had to pull these pumps out of my yard sale/give away tote (that is still in the trunk of my car). Halfway through church I remembered why I had gotten rid of them, my feet were screaming "save me!" I had already went through my yard sale/give away tote Friday for an outfit to wear to my sister's graduation. I planned to just wear my Casual Friday outfit but changed my mind at the last minute when I saw my sister all dressed up. The dress ended up in the tote because it was a little tighter than I like. I borrowed the cardigan from a twin set my mom had just thrifted (I ended up keeping it along with a couple others) and added some shoes that were in my trunk that also happened to be a thrift gift from my mom and there you go! 

(Yes, I'm standing on my tiptoes trying to look tall beside my little sister, LOL)

London Times Dress - Goodwill [$5]

Liz Claiborne (Belk) Cardigan - Yard Sale [$1]

 Nine West Patent Peep Toe