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]



Summer Recap . . . Rompers

Where did the summer go? The temperatures are cooling down and I'm already shopping for fall/winter again. Here's a look back at a few trendy rompers that I added to my summer wardrobe:

Juniors Romper-Macy's [$9.99]

Vintage Purse [Thrift Gift]

Gladiator Sandals-Forever 21

 Juniors Romper-Plato's Closet [$4.12]

Mossimo (Target) Sandals [$7.48]

Vintage Patent Purse [Thrift Gift]

 Mossimo (Target) Tank

Juniors Shirts - Macy's [$9.99]

Bamboo Platform Sandals - Rugged Wearhouse [$7]

 Juniors Romper-Plato's Closet [$3.60]

NY&CO Cardigan [$6.24]

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]

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:

Black Jumpsuit

Norma Kamali Jumpsuit - Walmart [$7]

Leopard Print Scarf - NY&CO [$5.11]

Mossimo Wedge Sandal - Target [$20.98]

Wide Red Belt - H&M

I really thought that I just couldn't pull off the jumpsuit look with my body type. I actually tried it on months ago when it first hit Walmart stores (it was regular priced and not in my budget at the time so I left it behind . . . until I saw it on sale on Walmart.com. I made some minor adjustments (pulled out the drawstring and added a belt), but everytime that I've worn it I've gotten so many compliments. An added bonus is that it's super comfy!

What's missing . . .Accessories!?!

NY&CO Jersey Wrap Shirt-Goodwill [$3.75]

Self Expressions Light Control Tank-Target [$16.99)

The Limited Pants, Bandolino Flat Sandals, Vintage Earrings

I love this outfit, but looking back at the pictures I feel like it's missing something, a scarf, a necklace, some bangles, just something extra. I don't even remember why I left the house looking so plain. Maybe it was because I was so excited about wearing the vintage earrings I purchased last week and thought they were just enough by themselves. Or maybe it was the NY&CO shirt, I gave away the exact same shirt a few years ago because it was too small (before I discovered shapewear), so when I saw this one during an impromptu lunch visit to Goodwill on High Point Road, of course I purchased it along with a few other great shirts to add to my wardrobe.

Ann Taylor Loft Blouse-Goodwill [$3.75]

Gap Polo Shirt-Goodwill [$3.75]

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 . . .

$6 Summer Dresses

a.n.a Cardigan - JC Penny 

Blue Skinny Belt - Plato's Closet [$3]

 GUESS Platform Pumps - Goodwill [$5]

Covington Cardigan - Goodwill [$3.75]
Apostrophe Belt - Sears [$2.39]
 Mossimo Nude Pumps - Target [$22]
 NY&CO Accessories [$ 8.75]

Summer Dress, Maxway [$6]

 That's Right! Brand New!  

A few weeks ago I was reminded of how important it is to have the basic wardrobe essentials when I had to go all over town searching for a white shirt and black pants for Camden to wear to the Greensboro Boys and Girls Club Fundraiser Gala. It was a few more days until pay day and my shopping budget for the month was already gone so I had to dip into the emergency fund. While out shopping I found these dresses and thought to myself, this would be perfect for someone who needed an outfit immediately and didn't have a lot of time to search thrift and consignment shops, but also didn't have a whole lot of money to spend on an entire new outfit. I paired both of these dresses with items that I already in my closet. Some items were recent purchases (both pairs of shoes), but both cardigans I've had for at least a year now. I added some accessories (for less than $20 total) and created two great looks, now that's what IMPR(4L)ess is all about. I have a few more ideas for these dresses as the weather continues to warm up.

For those of you who have never heard of Maxway, it's comparable to Family Dollar, Super Dollar, or Dollar General. There are two in Greensboro, on Summit Ave and Randleman Road. Now the quality of these dresses, they will more than likely only last for one season with normal washing (but so do most items from Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe at double or triple the cost). From time to time Maxway also carries name brands from NY&CO to Faded Glory (Walmart). I've got Mecca, U.S. Polo Assn., and Point Zero for Camden and name brand men's dress shirts in the past. I've also known them to carry suits for men, women, and boys for $30. And if you are looking for a church hat, they have those too. Happy Shopping!

Casual Friday

Merona (Target) Flats $22.99 [$16.08]

George (Walmart) Sweater

NY&CO Scarf and Capris

 

Merona (Target) Tunic - Goodwill [$3.75]

Faded Glory (Walmart) Jeggings and Gladiator Sandals

Happy Friday! Today you get 2for1, what I'm wearing today and an outfit that I wore a few weeks ago. Target is definately my go to place for trends each season, because they are inexpensive without the lack of quality like some stores. I had been checking out these shoes for at least a month before they finally went on clearance. My only regret is that I didn't get them in a fun color, leave it to me to keep it simple and basic. The same thing with this tunic, they had a few other colors in Goodwill, but I went with white. I'm stepping outside of my comfort zone more with bright colors and colorblocking, but at the end of the day you can count on me to stick to what I know! I'll save the fun colors for my nails!

1 Scarf, 3 Looks

Here's another edition of 1 Scarf, 3 Looks featuring a Bold Flower Bloom Scarf I purchased from NY&CO a few weeks ago along with a few new items for the spring/summer. Everything in the store was BOGO 50% off and I had a $50 off $100 coupon. In addition to some really great deals, I received $15 City Cash off of $30 for my purchase that can be used next month. If you haven't been in NY&CO lately, now is the time to shop during their NY Is On Sale promotion with up to 70% off spring items.

Weekend

NY&CO Bold Flower Bloom Scarf $19.50 [$5.43]

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

Old Navy (Diva Fit) Jeans - Uptown Cheapskate [$12]

Work

 NY&Co 7th Avenue Pants $42.95 [$23.40]

Merona (Target) Turtleneck T-Shirt

Playing Dress Up

NY&Co Pencil Skirt $39.95 [$10.88]

Apostrophe (Sears) Stretch Belt [$2.39]

Bangles - Charlotte Russe

Keeping it Classic: Black and White

George (Walmart) Blouse

Xhiliration (Target) Flats

The Limited Wideleg Pants - Goodwill [$3.75]

5 Piece Pedestal Dining Set - Yard Sale [$30]

Spray Paint and Gloss - Lowe's [$4.24 each]

Every woman should have that classic black and white outfit that makes you look and feel good. I've had this shirt for at least three years now and I wear it every spring when the weather is just beginning to warm up. This outfit also happens to match my kitchen and NEW (well new to me) 5 piece dining set that I found at a yard sale! This was really one of those lucky finds that would probably never happen again because I didn't venture out until after 9 am (true yard sale shoppers know that by then all the good stuff is usually gone) with intentions of getting some gas and heading home after spending the night at my mama's house. I couldn't believe that this set was only $35, so I called my mama, who called my daddy, who happened to be right down the street to come and load it up. The owner didn't have any change so, I got it for only $30!! This set was in great condition with a few speckles on the top of the table, that was easily fixed with a can of spray paint. I have to add a clear gloss this weekend and find some red seat cushions. I really wish I knew how to sew, I would make some seat cushions and matching curtains. Sometimes the best deals are just meant to be!

Spring Color Blocking: Blue and Yellow

Outfit 1:

Old Navy Cropped Cardigan - Uptown Cheapskate [$4.99]

NY&Co Yellow Maxi Dress

White Stag (Walmart) Tank

Nine West Tan Purse - Ross [$24.99]

Outfit 2:

INC International Concepts (Macy's) T-shirt - Goodwill [$3.75]

Yellow and Gold Bangles - Forever 21

Merona (Target) Scarf

I receive so many compliments when I wear blue, so I'm not sure if that's what made it my favorite color or my love of Duke Basketball since as far back as I can remember, or the brief love affair with Dallas Cowboys football back in the day. Anyway, blue and yellow are definitely my GO TO colors for the spring! Up until this week, I've only been wearing cobalt blue on my toes (see Manicure and Pedicure). Now that the weather is warming up in NC, I'm finally able to incorporate my favorite color into my everyday wear and I am absolutely loving it! I am also loving the latest addition to my handbag family. I really wanted a Coach, but just couldn't justify the purchase with my birthday and mother's day next month (hint, hint family and friends) so I went with one of my favorite brands, Nine West in a neutral tan color that will compliment the many colors I have planned for the spring and summer.

  

So funny story, after taking the first few pictures for today's post this morning, I walk in my office and Rhonda compliments me on my outfit, then gasps "But, where is your necklace?" You know you have a good friend when she takes the necklace from around her neck and offers it to you make your outfit fabulous. Thanks Rhonda, she's always looking out!

Finally, I just love how a few accessories can take a simple t-shirt to another level. I found this INC t-shirt at Goodwill brand new (still had the tags on it)! I added a yellow scarf and yellow and gold bangles for a simple weekend look (or blue and gold Friday - Spartan Spirit!).

Work(2)Weekend

Both Pictures:
Famous Maker Cardigan - Uptown Cheapskate [$7.99]
Patent Skinny Belt - Borrowed from a dress
Multicolored Scarf - Rainbow [2 for $10]


Picture 1:
Bitten Jeans (no longer made, were carried at Steve and Barry's)
Life Stride Black Wedge Flats - Belk
Gold Earrings - Forever 21 [2 for $8]


Picture 2:
Mossimo (Target) Coral Tank - Burlington Brands [$5.99]
Banana Republic Black Trousers - Plato's Closet

This is actually a weekend to work look because I wore the first outfit on the weekend before wearing the second look to work. I simply switched out the black t-shirt for black pants and added a bright colored tank with the already colorful cardigan and scarf. I love SPRING!

Fab Finds Under $50: March Outfit Inspiration Calendar

"Standing in front of the closet wondering what in the heck to wear? Take a look at the the March Outfit Inspiration Calendar. Hopefully it will help inspire a look"

Fab Finds Under $50: March Outfit Inspiration Calendar

I stalked this blog for some time while deciding whether or not I wanted to start my own fashion/style blog. I love that Kimberly isn't afraid to take chances with color combinations and mixing prints; she is always fly! Here's my first outfit from the March Outfit Inspiration Calendar:



3/2 - Bow Tie Blouse

Old Navy Bow Tie Blouse - Plato's Closet [$1.50]

Faded Glory Cardigan - Walmart [a few years ago]

The Limited Pants - Carolina Thrift [$1.99]

Nine West Flat - Nine West Outlet [$15]

Merona (Target) Chain Belt $12.99 - Goodwill [$4.99]

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



Brown Turtleneck T-Shirt

Merona (Target) Brown Turtleneck T-shirt - Target [$8]

Ann Taylor Loft Herringbone Trousers - Goodwill [$3.75]

Old Navy (Diva Fit) Dark Denim Jeans - Plato's Closet [$9.99]

Simply Vera, Vera Wang Platform Bootie - Goodwill [$4]

Accessories - NY&CO and Forever 21

Wideleg Trouser Pants

The Limited (Cassidy Fit) Brown Wideleg Pants , Uptown Cheapskate [$14.99]

NY&CO Short Sleeve Button-up Shirt - Goodwill [$3.75]

Merona (Target) Gold Cardigan - Target [$15]

Nine West Multi-Colored Pumps - Nine West Outlet [$15]

Accessories- Forever 21 and NY&CO

Wideleg Trouser Pants

The Limited (Cassidy Fit) Black and White Herringbone Wideleg Pants , Uptown Cheapskate [$14.99]

Picture 1:

Mossimo Black (Target) Black Elbow-Sleeve Tee Shirt - Plato's Closet [$3]

Nine West Black Roundtoe Platform Pumps - Steinmart [$45]

Nine West Black Purse -Goodwill [$3]

Express Red Multi-strand Beaded Necklace - Plato's Closet [$3]

Picture 2:

Old Navy White Sleeveless Cotton Shirt - Goodwill [$3.75]

George 3/4 Sleeve Black Cardigan - Goodwill [$3.75]

Nine West Patent Peeptoe - Fifi's Fine Resale Apparel [Gift from Mom]