Frugal Fashion

Posted on January 28, 2011 by vanderbiltwife

Jen is having one of her Frugalista Fashion Shows today, so I thought I would share with you some recent thrift-store finds. (Even if that means I have to share pictures of myself …)

I found this skirt at Goodwill the other night as they were closing. It was $4! When I got to the register they told me they had JUST put it out. I love the fun pattern but I really need a black cardigan or something to wear on top.

This shirt was new from Ann Taylor LOFT, so I know it wasn’t frugal. But I’ve had it for a good 4 years–and I think my mom bought it for me anyway.

My Nine West shoes were found at Marti and Liz, which sells store cast-offs for cheaper.

My necklace is from The Vintage Pearl–but I won it from a blog giveaway!

Same Goodwill trip, I picked up this cute Christopher and Banks sweater for $6. I love red! The jeans are my same Vigoss ones I found at a small thrift store last year for $7. (And the only jeans I have that I like, sadly.)

And my cute new boots came last week from One Stop Plus, where a coupon code helped me score them for $17. They are SO comfy and warm!

Same trip, I also picked up an Austin and Ashley dress for Libbie for $2.50. As far as I can tell, their clothes retail for $30-$50 new!

I will say it pains me a little bit to show you pictures of myself. But I don’t think I look too bad for 5 and a half weeks postpartum.

Any good thrift store finds for you lately?

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Blissdom Fashion, Part II

Posted on February 1, 2010 by vanderbiltwife

My number one Blissdom concern? Not being able to find the people I want to meet!

I know, it seems silly. I am there to learn and yada yada. We all know that really, it’s a great chance to meet all those people I read every day!

I still can’t believe how many people I didn’t get to meet last year. I was in such a fog of fever and breastfeeding and newness that I simply didn’t connect like I should have. I did get to meet a lot of wonderful women, but knowing now that Jen and Sarah and Mary were all there and I didn’t even say hi to them just eats me up inside!

So, here you go:

This is what I’ll be wearing on Friday and to Savvy Blogging. Surely you won’t be able to miss me if you want to meet me! (Only I might actually do my hair and wear make-up. Maybe.)

I’ll be wearing this sweater and jeans on Saturday:

(They’re not dirty…just my camera flash. Argh.)

And this on Sunday to Amanda’s Pancake Pantry meet-up and to drive home:

P.S. If you are planning on coming to the Pantry–it is ALWAYS absolutely freezing cold. Wear something warm. And the coffee is not very good, so hit up Fido or Provence nearby if you want a good cup.

I’m not faking it here–I am no fashion diva. I’m totally a jeans girl. And yes, this is my same beloved $5 red cardigan. And my bleach-stained jeans.

So will I be able to find you if I want to meet you?

Maybe I should just wear this hat from my Twitter picture and gravatar. Jen from Beauty and Bedlam was worried she wouldn’t be able to find people if they didn’t look like their Twitter pics!

Um, yeah. Think not. I look like a bank robber.

Linked up to Mom’s Travel Tales Blissdom Wardrobe Linky
For Part I of Blissdom Fashion, Go Here.
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The Requisite Blissdom Fashion Post

Posted on January 24, 2010 by vanderbiltwife

On my last post Leisa commented that she wished everyone were not so concerned with what they’re wearing to Blissdom–or other conferences/events.

I guess it’s something I continually struggle with. I want not to care what I wear, because after all, what does it really matter? But then I also don’t want to feel like a fat slob. I want to take care of myself for my husband and for my own self-confidence. I want to look put-together so my husband is proud that I am his wife.

So then I want nice clothes. I want to be on What Not to Wear so I can have Clinton and Stacy dress me from expensive boutiques and have garments that won’t fall apart after I wear them three times.

And then I feel guilty for wanting. And I think how it shouldn’t matter.

When I wonder about these things, I try to go back to the Bible. Miss Proverbs 31, an excellent model for women, clothed her household “in scarlet” and herself “in fine linen and purple.” I would take that to mean they were dressed well. It is obvious, however, than her clothing was not her main concern: she worked hard making linen, selling it, planting a vineyard, making food for her family, and taking care of the poor and needy.

Last year I was slightly obsessive about what to wear to this conference. You know what happened? Once I was there, I really didn’t care what I–or anyone else–was wearing. I bought a dress to wear to the cocktail party and was so feverish and tired of lugging around Libbie that I didn’t go and thus didn’t wear it (don’t worry, I’ve gotten good use out of it since then!).

I think we notice the “oh my goodness what will I wear” about these conferences so much because of the 500 women attending who are all on Twitter asking about it. I would say they’re probably no more worried about what to wear to this than they are about what to wear to any occasion where they will meet new people and want to feel confident. And with social media it’s super easy to reach out to other women who are worrying about the same issue and collaborate.

All of that to say, I did buy a few new items. Because I needed them anyway and I want to feel comfortable and confident. I am SUCH an internal person and big crowds of people I don’t know scare me half to death. I need every ounce of confidence I can muster! And yes, I do think looking nice helps that.

So while I don’t think we should be stressing out any more than normal about our attire, I do understand where it’s coming from. Jo-Lynne has some great, practical advice on conference fashion if you’re looking for those specifics.

While we’re talking Blissdom, can I tell you HOW excited I am to meet these amazing bloggers for the first time? If you’re looking for a good read, check them out!

Jen from Balancing Beauty and Bedlam
Mary from Giving Up on Perfect
Laura from Hollywood Housewife
Sarah from Real Life
Jill from The Diaper Diaries
Amy from The Finer Things in Life
Crystal from Money Saving Mom
Liz from Hoosier Homemade
Kristina from Tennessee Locavore
Kate from A Simple Walk / Cooking During Stolen Moments
Mandi at It’s Come to This