the embroidered frock

Scarves can add so much to an outfit. It makes an outfit go from OK to wow. With literally no effort. What’s really great about this scarf is that it can also be worn as a sarong/bikini cover up. And for under $9 and in a tropical print…has got me feeling so happy. My favorite places for find unique scarves are F21, TJ Maxx, Old Navy, Marshalls, and eBay! I don’t ever pay more than $10 for one.

I’m also wearing another Jamaican vacation souvenir bracelet.

I know I’m in my early 30s now, but I still like to be fun when I don’t have someplace important to go. That’s why this outfit is one of my favs! A graphic tank, leggings, a stitched clutch, dinosaur earrings, I mean, does it get any more fun than this?!?! Also, again the black beaded bracelet is from a vacation trip in 2013 to Jamaica. I love incorporating jewelry, I buy from craft markets in other countries, in my everyday look.

So is a little white dress. Nothing looks and feels as fresh as a white dress for summer. Simple, dainty jewelry in colors that pop is all you need. These earrings were $4.99 at Burlington Coat Factory!

I know we all get into those crazy moods and we just want to de-clutter and toss out all our old things, but take it from me, you might regret it later. If you have any possible way to hang onto your old things (things you don’t outgrow, like, shoes and purses), I suggest you do! This beautifully detailed clutch is circa 2000/2001 and it never fails that I get asked where it’s from or if I’d be willing to sell it. Also, if you have small feet, consider looking at the kids shoe selections are store like, Gap, J Crew, and Old Navy.

Oh, how I long to wear colored jeans. But the size of my thighs keeps me from buying any. Maybe I should see that as my thighs are saving me money! But I did buy these peach/coral colored jean capris a couple of years ago at Ross for under $15 and every now and then I’ll pull these bad boys out. Peach and navy are so cute together. Also, I am not a big fan of Kohl’s Department store for clothing items (but don’t even get me started on the home décor), but I like to go every summer and check out the juniors section for cute tanks and shorts. And best part, they are usually on major sale. This tank was $9.

So, I usually take one major vacation trip a year. And just like most tourists, I’ve been guilty of buying the cheesy, predictable souvenirs. Like the keychain with my name on it, a pen that the ink dries up after you get back home and the t-shirts that I never seem to wear again. So here’s something to think about. Next time you take a trip, resist buying a cheesy little trinket and save your money for a piece you can make really great use out of. Last year, I went to Cancun, Mexico and bought this beautiful embroidered purse for $25USD. I have used this purse way more than I would any keychain or dried up pen. Plus, I get compliments every where I go and I have a great story to tell about it. I just paired it with a white tank and some stonewashed boyfriend jeans. Easy peasy.

There’s literally nothing anyone could say about rompers that could sway my opinion. They are so easy and effortless, but not a dressy as a dress. And you can get them sooo cheap. This grey romper is a super soft, jersey like material that is so comfortable. And the best part, it was under $13 (Forever 21).

I love wearing sweaters in the fall that have an intarsia print (usually cute animals), because quite frankly, I’m not a fan of Fall (I’m a summer loving fool!) and these sweaters make it fun. But getting back to a good bargain. I bought this Mango sweater for $4.97 at JC Penney in April. It was regularly $60. Although, our spring was mild here in South Texas, I knew I wouldn’t be wearing this sweater for at least 6 months, but at that price, it was worth buying and hanging onto. So check the clearance racks of all major department stores and keep an open mind for future purposes. Isn’t the hummingbird so cute, though?

I love Forever 21, because I can find anything from trendy pieces to everyday basic looks. When people say, “Oh, but the quality just doesn’t hold up.” That’s better for me, because then I can go buy something else! I love updating my wardrobe ALL THE TIME. Here’s a simple outfit using an Analogous color theme (using two neighboring colors on the color wheel). Indigo blue with pops of hot pink.

I like shopping discount stores, like, Ross and Marshalls for simple tanks and then accessorizing or building a theme. This tank is from Ross and was under $8.