Spartan Bold, Blue & Gold Challenge

a.n.a (JC Penny) Ruffle Blouse-Goodwill [$3.75]

GAP Jeans, Soda Gladiator Sandals-Ross [$9.99]

Earrings-Charlotte Russe [2 for $8]



UNCG's Spartan Orientation, Advising ,and Registration (SOAR) began yesterday and will continue through August welcoming new students and their families to UNCG. For some reason, I am really excited about SOAR this year. Maybe it's because I'm working in a new office, Undergraduate Student Excellence or maybe it's the new fashion challenge I've decided to embark on. My office is involved in various activities throughout SOAR, so I plan to wear blue and gold (well, yellow) in a stylish, fashionable, trendy way (because ya'll know I only do t-shirts on game day). My Spring Color Blocking outfits will definitely be in rotation and I also hope to capture some fashionable blue and gold Spartans across campus.

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. 

Dress for Success

NY&CO Leatherette Ruffle  Jacket [$9.99]

Worthington (JCPenny) Gray Sweater Dress 

NY&CO Necklace

Old Navy Tights [$4.99]

Mossimo (Target) Red Flats

With spring fast approaching, I had to get a few more wears out of my fall/winter dresses before it starts warming up. For both outfits, most of the items were already in my closet (purchased on clearance of course) with the  exception of the tights and belt purchased last weekend. I purchased two pair of tights at Old Navy and I wish I would have gotten all the styles and colors in my size because when I went back on Tuesday they were already sold out. I'm headed back to Belk's this weekend to get a few more colors for next year.

NY&CO Ponte Knit Dress

Apostrophe Brown Stretch Belt [$2.39]

Hanes Brown Patterned Tights - Belk [$3.22]

Old Navy Printed Flats



5 Trend-Proof Tops for Your Wardrobe | Real Simple

5 Trend-Proof Tops for Your Wardrobe Real Simple by Yolanda Wikiel

Classic Tops that get you through almost any situation are investment worthy staples

I wasn't surprised at all to find that I have 3 out of the 5 Trend-Proof Tops featured in Real Simple Magazine. I am all about purchasing quality staple items that can be revamped year after year. I will admit that it is a little difficult to find a quality, crisp white shirt at Goodwill but after looking for a few weeks I found an Old Navy Shirt with ruffle details. If you are looking to get all these tops in one shopping trip, definately shop in the off season and stock up. Here's a few suggestions:

1. Walmart, Kmart, and Target
I was browsing in Walmart earlier this week and found a white button-down shirt for $7 and an entire rack of solid-colored cardigans for $5.

2. TJMaxx, Marshalls, Ross, and Burke's Outlet
These stores carry Liz Claiborne and other Famous Maker brands year-round for less than what you would spend in a department store. Make sure to hit up the clearance section before browsing the racks.

3. Outlet Stores
Typically, I would only go to Tanger Outlets in Myrtle Beach, SC once a year. But, with the new Tanger Oulet in Mebane, NC (only 30 minutes away) I will definately be going more like four times a year.

Old Navy White Button-Down Shirt - Goodwill [$3.75]

George Ivory Cardigan - Walmart [$12]

a.n.a Cowl-Neck Sweater - JCPenny [a few years ago on clearance]

Brown Leggings

Picture 1:
Calvin Klein Turqouise Tunic with Belt - Belk [$9]
Faded Glory Brown Leggings - Walmart [$5.50]
Brown Sweater Shrug - Walmart [few years ago]
Simply Vera, Vera Wang Booties (Kohl's) - Goodwill [$4]

Picture 2:
a.n.a Cowlneck Sweater - JC Penny
Faded Glory Brown Leggings
Simply Vera, Vera Wang Booties

Business Professional

east 5th 4-PC Wardrobe Suit (Jacket, Skirt, Pants, & Scarf-not shown) - JCPenny.com [$79.99]

Ann Taylor White Ruffle Sleeveless Shirt - Goodwill [$3.75]

Nine West Roundtoe Pumps - Steinmart [$40]

Nine West Classic Pump - Nine West Outlet [$15]

Last week I was invited to attend UNC Greensboro's Black Business Student's Association "Dress for Success Fashion Show Extravaganza". I was so impressed by the hard work and talent of these young people. The fashion show included four segments: Business Professional, Business Casual, Picnic Casual, and Evening Wear After 5. After each segment a panel of critics offered a critique of the models and answered questions for the audience. In between each segment sponsors were recognized and the audience were shown style videos. Suggestions for next year would be to include a female on the panel of critics. Some of the outfits the young ladies were a little questionable even for after 5 pm, more like after 10 pm, but all in all, the show was great.