Back From A Magical Train Ride

“Let’s go play choo choo train!”

“Yeeesss! I call Conductor!”

That’s basically how my conversation went with my nephew and niece when my brother-in-law and sister unveiled their hand-made wooden train. A sweet gift made by my brother-in-law. So, of course, I agreed to go along on our magical train adventure. And how does one dress for such a ride? Striped conductor jacket – check. Appropriately bright colored shorts and accessories to enter into magical lands – check. Mostly thrifted items in case something is left behind – final check. We jumped on board, waved our little hands good-bye (okay, their little hands) and began our journey across miles of bright blue oceans and into enchanted lands. I couldn’t have asked for a better adventure this past summer. And that my friends, is why I have been gone for so long :-)

A Casual Beach Stroll

As much fun as it is to get all dolled up, sometimes a girl just wants a laid-back day with cozy pants and a soft blouse. Something you can take a relaxing stroll in and just be your natural self. It’s like being in your pj’s but in a much more acceptable form. And this has been extra important for me this past week because – get this, I have poison ivy!?! Eww. First time in my life I’ve had to endure this allergic reaction. The first thing I learned was that soft, flowy, and loose clothes are my best friends. This outfit was the perfect combination of comfortable and fashionable. The mix of textures with the embroidered flowers and the linen striped pants make the outfit interesting so I don’t look like I have given up on dressing up and it also manages to hide the fact that I am in poison ivy pain. Sigh, at least it’s an excuse to take things slow and casual.

What about you – do you take casual outfit breaks or are you a fashionista all the time?

From the Runway to the Boardroom

Is it weird if a piece of clothing I’m wearing has had a longer and more intriguing life than me? I find that remarkable and slightly disturbing.

DIY: An Easy 3-Step Crop Top

It’s another quick DIY (see here for the first one)! This one is so simple that I’m sure you’re going to run over to your t-shirts and start cutting them up immediately.

Recently, I was hunting for a cute graphic crop top but all I was running into were some $40 options, um, thanks but no thanks. That’s when I took matters into my own hands and grabbed this little number for $1. Now time to chop up!

How to Mix Patterns: From Beginner to Advanced

Have you been eager to jump on the mixing patterns train but don't know how? It’s actually a lot easier than it looks. Just make minor changes to your outfits until you feel comfortable to go full speed ahead. Below are steps you can take (from beginner to advanced) to get that creative engine running.

The Starry Knight Necklace by Nikki Reed and 7 for all Mankind

Intriguing, edgy, and beautiful – that’s how I describe the Starry Knight Necklace and coincidently, how I would describe the designer. I asked Nikki Reed about her collection and she was beaming with pride when she explained that each piece was her vision, was meaningful to her, and she did all the sketches. Who wouldn’t be proud??

Nikki revealed that the Starry Knight Necklace was the missing piece in her closet. Recently, she’s been recording music with her husband (a mix of country and folkloric) and her outfits have been inspired by this new creative outlet. However, she noticed that her big flashy statement necklaces didn’t go well with her collared, down-to-earth blouses. Enter the Starry Knight Necklace:

Thrifty Thursday: Vintage Patterns

You might have noticed that I’m a sucker for any item that has a story or evokes an emotion. And Retromended Vintage Boutique is the place that provides this by the rack full (read about my first experience there). I initially loved this blouse just because of the sweet and girly vintage pattern. But once I found out the story, it became much more interesting.

Thrifty Thursday: A Tribute to the Discarded

“Latest and Greatest”

In our everyday lives it seems like we are constantly being marketed with those simple words. “Get it now – it’s the latest and greatest.” We yearn for that new car smell and get consumed with keeping an item in mint condition. Could it be that without even noticing we have become so obsessed with the idea of “newness” that in the process we’ve forgotten the intrigue of “distinctiveness” and “old charm”? Instead, we describe those items as used, ordinary, bland and cast them aside.

Well, here’s to the forgotten and the discarded.

Thrifty Thursday DIY: 7 Steps to a Fabulous Skirt

Here’s a fun Thrifty Thursday treat—a DIY! In case you haven’t noticed, it’s actually the first DIY on IFF!

This idea emerged when I realized that lately I’ve been mending, changing, and re-styling most of the clothes I’ve purchased at the thrift store. Not necessarily because they don’t fit me (although sometimes that is the case), but because it’s so much freakin’ fun. It gives me a chance to give an old piece some new life and excitement. One of my latest finds was a long (and in all honesty, a little bit tacky) Talbots skirt. I had a vision of a fabulous piece and with some love I knew it would be fulfilled. Here’s the DIY on how I easily turned this skirt from matronly to sexy.

Fashion's Night Out in Orlando

It might not be New York, Milan, or Paris but Mall at the Millenia in Orlando sure knows how to celebrate Fashion’s Night Out. I made it to Neiman Marcus right on time for the fashion show and even managed to grab some seats before they were all taken. The styling was beautiful, of course. They featured some great fall trends: mixed greens, versatile jackets, navy paired with blacks and brights, menswear influenced pieces fitted for women, and (my favorite) digital prints. Sigh, if only I had an endless supply of money.

Micro Mini: The Thrifty Tweed Skirt

“Clothes look best on tall women.” If you are petite, you’ve probably heard that several times before. Well, pssssh to that I say. There is one thing that petite girls can seriously rock and that’s the micro mini. They look short but not so short that you wonder if you are going to get an unwelcomed preview. Maxi skirts, knee-length skirts, and mid-calf skirts on petite girls are sure to raise a few eyebrows by onlookers (although, that has never stopped me before and it shouldn’t stop you either). But not the micro mini, it flatters petite legs by making them look longer and leaner, like they belong on a runway model (or at least a taller girl). Better yet, we can wear them just about anywhere because it doesn’t look inappropriately short. Night out? Shopping? Hell, just doing some grocery shopping? Throw on that micro mini. You know I’m doing it.

Thrifty Thursday: The War for the Crossbody Bag

I don’t know about you guys but Thrifty Thursdays are my favorite posts. I get way more excited from finding a diamond in the ruff than grabbing clothing from an already styled mannequin. Don’t get me wrong, there is also a special joy that comes with getting a spankin’ new piece but right now I’m talking about a different type of joy.

Thrifty Thursday: A Wool Coat

I realize it’s officially Spring, I live in Florida, and I’m wearing a coat. I just couldn’t resist sharing this awesome find with you! Can you believe that I found this wool coat at a thrift store for $5?!! Yes, $5! That’s every Floridian girl’s dream. Rarely do I want to spend $100+ on a coat that I’ll wear once a year or occasionally when I travel up north for work. In fact, I’m notorious for assuming I’ll keep warm during a winter conference with just my business suit. It’s got a coat –err, jacket thing, right? Wrong. It’s really cold up north. Not Florida cold. But I don’t learn and I continue to freeze. Admittedly, I endure frost bite because I feel that nothing within my budget looks sophisticated enough for that kind of event. So, I hit a gold mine when I saw this piece at the thrift store! Besides the amazing cost, the silky lining makes me feel like I’ve splurged on a designer coat. You’ve heard of the “Power Suit”? Well, this feels like the “Power Coat”. Cold chill, blizzard, or snow storm can’t keep me from my next winter conference! Finally, I won’t be the girl shivering in the business suit while other attendees roll their eyes and go, “She must be from Florida.”

Fashion Tip: Think of creative ways to make the thrift store pieces your own. My coat had missing buttons and no belt but that didn’t stop me from taking it home! Buttons, fitting, and missing accessories can all be fixed. Just add a little patience and love!

What I’m Rockin’:

Wool coat – Thrift store

Blue silk tunic – Heritage 1981

Necklace - Beya

Black tights – Target

Boots – Charlotte Russe

Thrifty Thursday: Workin’ Hard for that Money

Finally, it’s the day you’ve all been anxiously waiting: Thrifty Thursday! (I can hear your gasps of excitement!)

Now, I firmly believe that the right outfit can change your attitude and this outfit did it for me. A fierce ­and frugal find, I scored this animal print A-line skirt for only $3. To give it a polished and sophisticated look, I paired it with a black blazer and classic black heels. Boardroom, here I come! Hand me those contracts, send me some financials, I need those reports ASAP! …. Too much? Well, that’s the difference confidence (and a killer outfit) can make.

Fashion Tip: Usually I'm hesitant to wear A-line skirts with my petite frame but why let that hold me back? To add definition and correct the proportions, simply pair the skirt with a tailored or cropped top that shows off your waistline and cinch with a belt. Finish off with sky-high heels for height.

What I'm Rockin':
Skirt - Merona via Goodwill
Blazer - Forever 21
Blouse - Heavenly Couture
Heels - Target
Bracelet - Charlotte Russe
Ring - BeautyTease

Thrifty Thursday: Sweet Fashion

I realized that I really enjoy putting outfits together with my thrift store finds so I decided I will make a habit of it. This is the first official Thrifty Thursday post. Enjoy!

Thrifty Fashion

I've recently had an obsession with shopping at thrift stores. My husband was the one that introduced me to this new world. He loves it for the tools and gadgets he finds but I’m most intrigued by the fashion riches hidden away. I love the thrill of discovering some lost treasures and then imagining all the stories involved with that one ring, shirt, skirt, belt, or hat. Needless to say, I come up with some pretty elaborate stories for my bounty. Unfortunately, you can’t find the same treasure at all thrift stores but I hope these posts inspire you to also plunder your local thrift store to find great things. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that you are helping the environment and your local economy! I got these great linen pants at Goodwill. Happy Thrifting!