Jersey Knit Dresses

Juniors Dress-Rainbow

NY&CO Ruffle Dress

Braided Belt-Uptown Cheapskate [$2]

Via Neroli Wedges-Belk [$29.99]

Sometimes I get really frustated when I walk in my closet to and see a bunch of knit, solid-colored summer dresses. Don't get me wrong, I love some jersey knit for the summer, but I wish I was a little more daring with color and prints. In an effort to step outside the box I try to add accessories that will make each dress stand out a little bit. I guess even a true fashionista has days were they just feel "blah and boring". 

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!

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It's all about the SHOES

NY&CO Blouse and Cardigan

NY&CO Skinny Ankle Pants

Via Neroli Wedge-Belk [$29.99]

 

If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter (@impr4less), you already know that I was shopping at Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh, NC earlier this week. I was in the mall less than 30 minutes and had already purchased these shoes. I actually saw them online while looking for another pair of nude wedges that were no longer unavailable in Greensboro. These shoes are HOTTTT! They are so comfortable and were so worth $29.99 (original price $79).

 

I am always amazed when I look back at pictures from the beginning of IMPR(4L)ess and now. I was pretty confident with my sense of style, but blogging about personal style and fashion has really made me step my game up. Besides my hair, the most noticeable differences are my waistline and hips. You already know that I'm wearing a bodyshaper (The shapewear post is almost done) but I really like how these skinny pants make me look SKINNY! I can't believe that I've been totally against skinny jeans for so long.

NY&CO Madison Shirt

Faded Glory (Walmart) Capri Pants [$14]

Charlotte Russe Pumps-Plato’s Closet [$15]

I guess you could say that I went on a shoe shopping spree this month because just last weekend purchased these Charlotte Russe pumps. I finally got out of the house for more than shopping with a much needed girl’s night of dinner and dancing. I wasn’t excited about my outfit at all (I actually wore this outfit to Crabtree Valley Mall, I didn't even take pictures of the going out outfit). I stopped by Plato’s Closet on my way to dinner hoping to find some accessories to spice it up. Instead of finding jewelry, I found these brand new Charlotte Russe shoes! Now these are definitely 2 hours shoes and didn’t make it for dancing, but they are too cute for only $15. Girl's night definitely made me realize my lack of casual going out clothes. I have plenty dresses, but they were a little too dressy for the club we went to, like I need another reason to go shopping.

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. 

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

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!

Work(2)Weekend

It's casual Friday! Actually it's been casual week since UNC Greensboro is on spring break. Good thing for the students/faculty/staff who had an opportunity to get away because it has been cold and rainy. I am so ready to put the rest of my winter clothes away, but until the weather warms up I'm getting the last few wears out of my sweaters.

Here's an outfit that can easily be transformed from work to drinks with friends after 5 p.m. If you don't want to wear pumps to work, a black flat or wedge would also look great. I searched and searched for my red lipstick for Picture 2 but opted for this red purse, either one or both could give you that "It's the weekend! look.

Picture 1:

New Directions Sweater - Belk

George Elbow Sleeve T-Shirt - Walmart [$5]

Apostrophe Stretch Belt - Sears [$1.49]

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

Nine West Pumps - Steinmart [$48]



Picture 2:

George Elbow Sleeve T-Shirt - Walmart [$5]

NY&CO Faux Leather Jacket [$9.99]

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

Nine West Pumps - Steinmart [$48]

Red Purse - Goodwill [$1]

Jeweled Ring - Flea Market [$3]

It's Polka Dot Day!



I am so loving Fab Find's Under 50 March Outfit Inspiration Calendar. Could it be because I'm truly inspired or because a lot of the items featured are in my closet? Today's inspiration is also an Everybody, Everywear challenge. Check out my Polka Dots:

Apostrophe Polka Dot Zippered Tank- Sears [$3.19 ]

George (Walmart) 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan - Goodwill [$3.75]

Black Knit Belt - borrowed from a skirt

Bead necklace and earrings - a few years old 

Life Stride BlackWedge Flats - Belk

NY&Co Knit Pants

Goodwill: Find of the Week

Grace Elements (Belk) Sweater - Goodwill [$3.75]

People are always surprised when they compliment me on an outfit and I share with them that I got it from Goodwill. The first question they always ask is, "Which one do you go to?" Well, any one of them. It just depends on the day, how much time I have, and how far I'm willing to drive. I even try to find a Goodwill when I'm out of town. The Goodwill closest to my house just closed for the opening of the newest Goodwill in Greensboro on N. Elm St. I did a drive by yesterday and the building looks almost complete for it's spring grand opening (of course I will let you know as soon as I find out). The next question is almost always, "How often do you go?" I try to go at least (actually at most) once a week.

Here are some tips (that I really don't use, but just to get you started):

·       Have an idea of what you are looking for, whether it's a blouse, a dress, or pants.

·       Color is also important since most Goodwills are organized by item and color.

·       Take your time, I know it may be overwhelming but plan to spend at least one hour just browsing.

·       Try things on, don't just assume that something is your size since sizing tends to change every year.

·       Check and check again for stains, tears, funny smells, or anything that might make you toss the item once you get it home.

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

Brown Cable-knit Sweater

GAP Brown Cable-knit Sweater, Goodwill [$3.75]

NY&CO Denim Trousers

Madison Studio Fall Print Shirtdress, Belk