In Her Natural Habitat

Look how awkward! I was multitasking. Nope. I'm not pretending to talk on my phone, I'm talking to my best friend of many years who lives oh so far away. Yes. I'm wearing that hat again. It's just too easy; I don't have to do anything special to my hair if I wear that hat. Yes. I'm wearing those sandals again. These are reasons why I couldn't do a daily outfit blog; I don't have nearly enough clothing and shoes to make it interesting! But guess what, that tank is new!

Hat: Dorfman Pacific Co. at Pavilion's, $12.99
Black Cami: Kohl's, $6.99, $3.99
Ruched Ankle Leggings: Kohl's, $19.99, $12.99
Tank: Macy's, $24.99, $12.50, $6.25
Sandals: Ross, $12.99
Bracelet: Forever21, $5.90

Grand Total: $55.11

Stock Up On: Paper Products

No, not those paper products. These paper products! Check out these fun jewelry items made out of paper.

Necklace: Lena Sekine at Etsy
Earrings: Paper Demon Jewelry at Etsy
Ring: Blush Envy at Etsy
Bracelet: Squishy Sushi at Etsy

In Her Natural Habitat

My real life wardrobe is really struggling lately to stay relevant. Due to my frugality, I don't replace old pieces and pick up new clothes as often as I should in order to have a fully current and versatile wardrobe. I'm working to fix this without over-spending and feeling guilty for not using my money on, say, groceries.

That being said, I went shopping at Macy's on Sunday with my husband. I had a few key pieces in my head that I was looking for, then just had the goal of keeping and open mind and trying a lot of stuff on. I did try a lot of stuff on, but only left with three items. I would have stayed longer, but the husband was growing restless. Anyway, this dress is one of the things I found!

It's the first of it's kind (the skirt/tank top in one) that I've found that flatters me. The silk tiers are flitty and fun without adding too much bulk to my hips like some tiered skirts can. I added the belt over the elastic waist to help "clean it up" a bit and create a more smooth transition between the top and the bottom.

I wore this out to lunch on Monday with my dear husband, then back to a different Macy's afterward to see if I could find the pieces I couldn't find. Those are my $8 Aldo shoes, and they proved really comfortable while buzzing around the racks for an hour or two.

Dress: INC at Macy's, $89 $17.80
Shoes: Aldo, $100, $29.99, $8
Bracelet: Forever21, $5.90
Belt: Forever21, $7.90
Necklace: Hollygems at Etsy, $20

Grand Total: $59.60

Finally, an Oxford!

I've finally put something together that has left me feeling confident about menswear-inspired oxfords for women. It's been something I wanted to feature, but every time I tried, it just wasn't working. This time I wasn't focusing on the shoe, but the outfit when the shoe just seemed to fit. (That pun was NOT intended!)

Bracelet: ERM Originals at Etsy
Shoes: Target
Tank: Bluenotes
Vest: Aerie
Jeans: Gap

Circle Gets the Square

The focus of this post was going to be the maxi dress and natural accents... but then I noticed the circles! All of the circles... circle in the dress, circle earrings, circles bracelet... I should have looked for circle shoes, but maybe that would have been overkill. Probably not, but I really liked these wedges I found for this dress.

Dress: Pink Ice
Earrings: Teka & Zoe at Etsy
Bracelet: Element75 at Etsy
Shoes: Endless

In Her Natural Habitat

So look! It's an outfit post! A real, look-at-me-in-my-outfit outfit post! This is my first one. It likely won't be a common occurrence, but I had to show you my shoes. My (essentially) $8 shoes finally came yesterday! I opened the package and saw the box; it had the original $100 price tag on it which made me smile. P.S. They're back down to $29.98!

I couldn't wait to test them out, so after my shower, I quickly put on pants and then my shoes. I wore them while I searched for the right top. Then I wore them while I did my hair. Then I wore them while I played with my necklace trying to get to to wrap just right. Then I wore them out to run errands! Do you want to know something? They're super comfortable and I love them. And as you can see by the picture, I also love Quaker Chewy bars. (I also forgot to turn down the ISO, so my picture is grainy. Oh well. I'm showing off my shoes, not my photography skillz.)

Shoes: Aldo, $8 out of pocket; technically $29.98 (see here)
Jeans: Kohl's, $34.99 (on sale)
White Tank: Old Navy, $3 (clearance)
Shimmery Gold Tank: Metropark, $15 (clearance)
Belt: Came with another pair of jeans, so freeee!
Necklace: Self made, materials cost $20
Bracelet: Forever21, $5.90
Chewy Bar: $0.25

Grand Total: $87.14

P.S. I'm getting my wisdom teeth out today! Wish me luck. I wish you all good luck in the MaraMay Paper Garland giveaway! It ends tonight at midnight. The winner will be announced tomorrow. I can't promise a time, but I'll get the announcement up as soon as I am capable of using a computer. 

Love These Layers

Layered accessories can be a lot of fun, especially in the warmer months when it might be more difficult to add depth with layers of clothing.

Stack Rings: Mixed Metals at Etsy
Scarf/Cowl: Necklush at Etsy
Bracelet: Just Lena at Etsy

Pair It with Parrots

This fun tank top can brighten any outfit, but pair it with more "serious" items for more of a kick!

Tank Top: O'Niell at PacSun
Pants: Nordstrom
Shoes: GoJane.com
Bracelet: Spiffing Jewelry at Etsy

Antique Inspired

Here is an antique and vintage inspired dress for any special occasion. Keep to the gentle theme with modernized pearls and a flower hair comb.

Hair Comb: Flowers From Fatima on Etsy
Dress: Macy's
Bracelet: Ami Designs at Etsy

Day to Night

This dress is perfect for going day to night in. The pattern is bright and fun enough for day time without being too dark, yet isn't too cheery for night time. Keep the jacket in your car for when it gets chilly at night!

Dress: Kohl's
Necklace: Forever21
Jacket: Charlotte Russe
Bracelet: Uniquely E at Etsy

Brighten Up Someone's Day

Do you know someone that needs cheering up? Here are a few items that might make them smile.

Zebra Painting: DaRosa Children's Art at Etsy
Chainmaille Bracelet: Janabolic at Etsy
Card: Left & Right Creations at Etsy
Hair Bows: Princess Diva Bowtique at Etsy

Summer Shopping

This outfit would be great for perusing the sidewalk sales on Main Street in your favorite beach town.

Hat: Roxy
Crocheted Bracelet: Afra at Etsy
Top: Forever21
Shorts: I <3 Ronson at JCPenney
Bag: Nine West

Loose Structure

Pairing these loose-fit harem pants with the structured vest (which can be worn open) creates balance and prevents a sloppy appearance. Then brighten it up with a bold bracelet and a scarf to create interest around your face.

Pants: Charlotte Russe
Vest: Forever21
Scarf: Pretty Panda at Etsy
Bracelet: Lavender Rabbit at Etsy
Shoes: Target