one week...in a weekender

the weekender I wish I had

I do this all the time. I wait til the very last minute to pack for a trip, overpack, and end up not wearing half the stuff I packed. This time, instead of rifling through my suitcase, I'll build some outfit ideas ahead of time with just a few basic items that can mix and match. The combinations are endless! Here's some options for a casual thanksgiving week with family, including 2 church options and ideas for date night, shopping and hanging out. Yep, date night--because we loove free babysitting.

Here's how I'm hoping to style the dress:

For church: over a plaid shirt (sleeves rolled up) with booties and black tights, .

For thanksgiving day/dinner with family: knee-high socks, riding boots, plaid scarf

For weekend shopping and hanging out: wear plaid shirt as a jacket over the dress, tights, riding boots, leather jacket (if needed)

Here's how I would style the knit pencil skirt:

For church: with the gray tee, plaid scarf, black booties and tights.
For date night: black sequin tee, plaid scarf, black booties and tights.
For shopping/hanging out: white tee with plaid shirt tied around the waist, riding boots and knee-high socks.
For the 12-hour drive: gray tee with plaid shirt as a jacket, riding boots and black tights for the cozy factor. I love wearing comfortable skirts for long drives--wedgies are no fun.

Here's some ideas for the black knit pants and skinny jeans:

For dinner out: with black sequin tee over the plaid shirt, booties
For hanging out...option 1:  plaid shirt and booties. Option 2: white tee with plaid scarf and leather jacket and riding boots or booties. Option 3: gray tee with plaid shirt tied around waist or as jacket with black booties. Option 4: Green tee with plaid scarf and leather jacket.

These ideas are for a warmer-ish climate because we're going to my inlaw's in Alabama. If I was going to a colder climate, I would add a gray slouchy V-neck sweater or sweatshirt...and maybe swap out one tee for a black and white stripe long-sleeved version (or a striped turtleneck).


Note: I don't own the booties...yet. One more week til another budget cycle!

shoe lust: black booties!

I really, really want a pair of black booties. And is too much to ask for functionality and style all in one? I mean, I'm not really a rocker chick or a cowboy-girl, and I am a mom, so sexy might be fun for a night out, (let's be honest--how often does that even happen?) but they'd probably end up sitting in the closet more often than I'd like. The suede options--not sure about that. I'm (kind of) afraid of spit-up and wintry slush. I do like the fact that suede can be either casual or dressy. The low-heeled buckle version would probably be the most versatile, but it borders on a little too casual. I'm looking for something I can wear for date night, church, playdates, errand running, and thanksgiving dinner with family. I envision wearing a pair of cool black booties with just about everything...dresses, skirts, jeans, leggings with an oversized plaid shirt...you name it.

shoe lust: black booties! by kirsten-mcclendon featuring ankle boots

Today's Outfit

Here I am wearing my new favorite army jacket and hub's tee shirt. Baby and I are running to the grocery store and I snapped this picture just before he grabbed my necklace. So much for that.

shopping on a tight budget: thrifting!

Budgeting. It's hard reality, people. Hard.


I have a budget of $170 for each month to spend on clothes for myself, the hubs, and Baby. And hubby needs another suit and pair of dress shoes. And I haven't bought a pair of socks since 2009. We're also trying to save some money for Christmas traveling and gifts for family. Soo...that means I'm on a shopping hiatus until Christmas. I think I might have $20.  After that, the amount goes back up to $170, pending a disaster of some sort. It doesn't seem like much, but it's something. In fact, I am slightly ashamed of complaining, since so many people in this world don't even have clothes.

So I thrift. When the urge to go shopping hits, and I'm close to out of money for the month, I hit my favorite local thrift stores. There's something about the thrill of the hunt. Plus I love bragging to my honey about what I found for so cheap!

Here's what I do:

-I feed myself and baby before we go. Who wants to go shopping with a grouch?
-I try to wear layers so I can try on stuff if there's no fitting room. (Like a tank, leggings and a long sweater)
-Don't forget to browse in the men's and boy's sections. You never know what you might find! I've found oversize sweaters and shirts, and taken a scissors to a pair of men's jeans to make a pair of shorts.
-Some thrift stores have discount days, so be sure to call and ask before you go!
-I'm picky. I usually don't bring something home unless I have a use for it.

Here's what I look for-

-Something that will fill a hole in my closet. For example, with all the cozy plaids I've seen everywhere this season, I'd really like a oversize, cozy flannel. I'll probably end up buying one, but in the meantime I'm keeping my eyeballs peeled for the perfect shirt.

-Nice materials. Like cashmere or 100% wool sweaters, silk tops, or leather belts.

-A standout pattern in a skirt or dress. One of my favorite tricks is to chop off a skirt hem. I've also made a dress into a skirt...it's not too hard...believe me! Or, if you don't have the time, a tailor could do the job for about $5.

-Books. Yes, I'm kind of nerdy. But I've found really nice hardcover classics, books on early childhood development and recipe books. Even baby board books!

Sometimes all those racks full of someone else's junk can be intimidating, but finding that hidden gem is so rewarding!

Weekly Style Crush: Grace Kelly

I don't think words do this justice. Grace Kelly was the most beautiful woman of her time. Maybe all time. So I'll let the pictures do the talking.

The Sweatshirt Dress: playground edition

Today's outfit: sweatshirt dress

I wore this yummy, comfy dress to meet hubby for lunch. Baby and I walked to his office and then we had lunch at a park on the waterfront. It was cold (55 degrees), so I wore fleece lined leggings and boots with my dress. And yes, I wore a sweatshirt and leather jacket because I'm a wimp. 

(Expect to see this dress a lot more in future posts!)