WIWW #11

Hello bloggy (and a few real-life) friends! As usual, I am linking up with WIWW at The Pleated Poppy.

I ordered a bunch of shorts from Old Navy this week during their Friends and Family Sale. Once I start wearing shorts, my fashion sense goes completely out the window because all I care about in the summer is my tan and baseball! Can’t wait! However, we have plenty of spring left before shorts weather hits Illinois, so I think I have a few more weeks of trying to look somewhat stylish!

I just love the look of a button up shirt under a short sleeve T. You may be seeing a lot of that around here now that it is warming up a tad.

checked shirt (it’s actually pink but looks red): Target (girls section)

Tshirt and necklace: Forever 21

jeans: Target

shoes: Old Navy

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I wouldn’t be caught dead not wearing green!

sweater: Walmart

shirt and shoes: Old Navy

jeans: Angels from Gordmans

necklace: JC Penney

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Is it the 4th of July? NO! Am I the captain of a ship? NO! I know this get-up is a little matchy-matchy, but I do like it. I wish I had a turquoise necklace to wear with it….that would have been cute!

striped shirt: Gap Outlet (it’s navy but it looks black in the pic)

red shirt: Target

jeans: Angels from Gordmans (2nd day in a row) Funny story about these jeans—they were on clearance for $5.00 and I was excited at that price, but when I went to pay, they had 50% off of all clearance, so they ended up being $2.50. I cut them off, cuffed them and sewed the cuff so it wouldn’t come undone in the wash. They are the best jeans ever—they never get baggy in the booty or knees!

shoes: Old Navy

necklace: Forever 21

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The funnest thing about this outfit is my leopard shoes and you can’t really see them! I need a little bit of spring today and the robin egg blue shirt did the trick.

Cardigan: Gap Outlet

shirt: Target

jeans: TJ Maxx

shoes: Old Navy

favorite brown belt: thrifted

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This is were my warm weather dilemma begins….too warm for layering so “outfits” become pretty much jeans and a shirt. I tried to bump it up a notch with the belt and necklace.

shirt and necklace: Forever 21

jeans: Lee from VF Outlet

shoes: Old Navy

favorite brown belt: thrifted (see that little bit of white showing on the belt? That’s double-stick tape that worked right up until I took these pics at the end of the day!)

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This morning, my youngest said, “Mommy, you don’t look very pretty today.” I asked him why. “Because you are wearing brown stripes.” Luckily, I don’t place much value on the fashion advice of a 7 year old boy. Unless he tells me that I’m beautiful, of course!

“not pretty” brown striped shirt: Target

white shirt: Steve & Barry’s

jeans and shoes: Old Navy

necklace: Forever 21

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I do believe that spring must have finally arrived (although they are calling for snow on Thursday) because I went an entire week without wearing boots—or even socks!

Thank you for stopping by and have a WONDERFUL week!

WIWW #10

Hello there! As usual, I am linking up with WIWW at The Pleated Poppy. I’m betting there will be lots of lucky girls out there sporting flip-flops this week while I’m still wearing boots. JEALOUS!!! Make sure you go and check out as many links as you can! There is always tons of great inspiration.

I put a belt with this outfit, but frankly, I was going for comfort over style so I got rid of it. I do like how belting sweaters and shirts looks, but it isn’t always the most comfortable thing to wear.

Cardigan: Walmart

shirt: Target

jeans: TJ Maxx

shoes: Old Navy

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I keep hearing that primrose is THE color of the season—really anything pink. I’ve had this sweater for a while and it has never been one of my favorites. Maybe now it will become one! Sorry for the fuzzy picture. And look, there is thrifted brown belt who is my new best friend!

cardigan, shirt, jeans: Target

shoes: Old Navy

necklace: Forever 21

belt: thrifted (I’m 99% sure it is one of those cheapy belts that sometimes come with pants at Walmart)

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I’m undecided on this cardigan. At $20, it is a little more than I like to pay. (Yes, I’m THAT cheap.) However, I see loads of potential—dress it up/dress it down….etc.

Cardigan: TJ Maxx

shirt: Walmart (old---I wish I had one in every color because it is a slightly dressed up long sleeve T with a slight boat neck and buttons on the cuffs—and it’s super stretchy and NEVER loses it shape!)

jeans and shoes: Old Navy

necklace: Forever 21

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This is the world’s most unphotogenic shirt. I think it makes me look a linebacker in pictures, but not in person. It’s those darn butterfly sleeves. I also swear that my necklace really made the color of the boots make sense.

unphotogenic shirt: Gap Outlet

t-shirt: Sears

jeans: Old Navy

boots: Walmart (I originally bought them on clearance for $20 and then I took them back. A few weeks later I saw them for $7.00 so I bought them again.)

necklace: Forever 21

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Jack wanted some face time on the blog. This picture shows how short (I prefer petite) I really am….Jack is only 7 and he’s gaining on me. For the record, I’m 5’2. I started out the day with ballet flats, but then I went outside and froze my toes off, so I changed to boots. It was 35 degrees today but it’s supposed to be 70 degrees on St. Patrick’s day—God willing!

Sweater: TJ Maxx

shirt: Target

jeans: Old Navy

boots: Walmart

pearls: fake, but old.

cute kid making weird face: Jack—his outfit: Nike

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As it gets warmer, I feel less like layering my clothes. This turns most outfits into just a shirt and pants. Not sure if anyone is really interested in seeing that? I know that in addition to ideas about styling outfits, I love to see the good deals that other WIWWers have found. So I guess I will keep plugging away!

Have a great day and thanks for visiting!

WIWW #9

I forgot a few picture days this week but I’m still linking up with WIWW at The Pleated Poppy. Make sure you go and check out as many links as you can! There is always tons of great inspiration.

Oops. I cut off my feet. I’m wearing black boots in case you wondered. I subbed this day so this is my slightly more dressed up look. I kind of loved that tan belt with this outfit. My instinct said wear a black belt, but I really ended up liking how the belt broke up the outfit.

striped shirt: Walmart

white button-up: Steve & Barry’s

black pants: thrifted but they are from Limited

belt: thrifted

necklace: Forever 21 (this has totally become my favorite)

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Oh Lord. Yuck. I hesitated to even put this out here. It probably would have worked with different boots. This is one of those days that I wish I would have taken the pictures BEFORE I left the house.

Chambray tunic/dress: TJ Maxx

sweater: Target

flowers: made by me

leggings: Walmart

boots: Clark’s from Bergner’s

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Just to prove that I do not always make an effort, I am showing this “outfit”. This was Casimir Pulaski Day so we didn’t have school and we stayed home all day. (Seriously. Who is Casimir Pulaski, you ask? No one really knows, but we don’t go to school on his day.)

Long sleeve T: Target

Braves shirt: gifted from friend

jeans: Lee from VF Outlet

shoes: Walmart

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I subbed again today—high school English and Sociology. I had a student teacher so….I read the newspaper. Every time I sub I wear black pants because those are the only dress pants I own. I think I need some more. I’m getting sick of black!

cardigan and belt: old from Walmart

shirt: Old Navy

pants and boots: Target

WIWW #8

I told myself that I wasn’t going to participate in WIWW at The Pleated Poppy this week because putting together “stylish” outfits and taking pictures has become somewhat of a chore. I discovered that it has also become a habit! I’m not saying I’m always stylish…just that where before I might have just thrown on a shirt, now I accessorize and layer it. I wore just a long sleeve T and jeans the other day and I felt incomplete all day! I can’t imagine doing this in the summer though. It would be the “WIWW Swimsuit Edition” or the “WIWW Sweat My Butt Off at Baseball Games Edition”!

These boots are on their way out. They drove me nuts all day. I love them, but they have no structure and end up very slouchy unless I keep pulling them up. Drives me nuts!

Sweater: Old Navy

Shirt & belt: Target

jeans: TJ Maxx

Boots: Ross

necklace: Forever 21

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This is a good example of bumping it up a notch (a small notch.) A few months ago, I would have just worn the striped shirt, jeans and boots. Now, I added a shirt underneath and the scarf. Not a big deal, but looks a little more “stylish” than the shirt by itself. (At least that’s what I tell myself!)

Shirt: Gap Outlet

Jeans: Old Navy

scarf: Walmart

boots: Clark's from Bergner’s

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Cardigan (old), button up shirt: Target

skinny jeans: Old Navy

Boots: Life Stride

belt: very old from Walmart

necklace: Cato

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Another case of old me would have just worn the t-shirt. New me kept adding stuff.

T-shirt: Target

white button-up: Steve & Barry’s

jeans: Lee from VF Outlet

shoes: Old Navy

necklace: Forever 21

belt: thrifted

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WIWW #7

I’m linking with What I Wore Wednesday at the The Pleated Poppy today. Come, join the fun!

It just about killed me to wear red shoes with this outfit. I mean, I love them, but my instinct said to wear black flats. But one of the things I love on other people is when they aren’t matchy-matchy. Old habits die hard! I look like I am sporting a bouffant, but I swear it’s just the angle of the picture—at least I hope so!

Cardigan: Target

Shirt: Walmart

skinny jeans & shoes: Old Navy

scarf: made by me If you want to know how I made it, you can see my “Scarfy Secret Tutorial.”

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I wore pretty much the same outfit last week but no one saw me that day (other than everyone who visited my blog) and I changed it up a little this week with different pants and a belt.

sweater: Target

tank, skinny cargoes and leopard flats: Target

belt: thrifted

scarf (again): made by me

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This falls into the keeping it real category. See that spot on my shirt? Well, I didn’t notice it until I saw these pictures. It’s just water, so it dried out and we were good to go.

Cardigan: Target (last year)

shirt: Walmart

jeans: Lee from VF Outlet

shoes: Old Navy

necklace: Forever 21

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I really do love this striped shirt from Walmart! Very versatile.

striped shirt: Walmart

button-up shirt: Target

jeans: JC Penney

shoes: Old Navy

necklace: Forever 21

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I stole this look from Thursday Threads, but I’m sure I’ve seen lots of other WIWWers do the same look. I just thought there was something so cute about the plaid shirt underneath a simple tee. (Although I’m not sure the pimped out Braves (high school mascot) shirt counts as simple!)

plaid shirt and black flats: Target

jeans: JC Penney (these are going into the giveaway pile because they are humongous and unflattering)

pimped out Braves shirt: gifted (along with all her other Braves paraphernalia) from my sweet friend Denise who moved away from Braves territory and no longer needed the shirt (sob).

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Welcome back crappy weather and welcome back boots. I love these skinny cargos as witnessed by the fact that I have worn them twice this week. Every time I wear them with boots, I get a Hogan’s Heroes kind of feeling. I wear ‘em anyway though.

denim jacket: Old Navy but I got it at a consignment store

shirt and boots: Target

skinny cargos: Old Navy

scarf (again): made by me

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Straight up stole this look from Nicky at Momma Gets Real. I love her style! I had my dream sub job today—ART! And I’m going back for more tomorrow.

Cardigan, trouser jeans and shoes: Target

Shirt: Old Navy

tank: who cares….they sell them everywhere

belt: probably Walmart----really, really old

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That’s what I wore this week. Thanks for stopping by!

WIWW #6

I’m linking with What I Wore Wednesday at the The Pleated Poppy today. Come, join the fun!

I just noticed that I wore a scarf every day this week. I do love them (especially when they are pinned to my shirt and out of my way!) They dress up an outfit so much.

I have nothing to say other than this is an awful picture. I love these jeans because I usually think they are very flattering and make me look thin. Definitely not the case in this picture!

cardigan & boots: Target

tank & scarf: Walmart

jeans: Silver (consignment store)

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Today was Jack’s Valentine’s Day party at school. I am the room-mom so I felt compelled to dress for the occasion. By the way, I’m not leaning—my camera sure was though!

ruffle cardigan: Sears (last year on clearance)

shirt: Walmart

belt: old. very old.

jeans: Old Navy

boots: Target

scarf: made by me

new blonde hair: Laura Stonecipher at Attitudes Salon

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Today was Jack’s birthday party. This is after the party. I am worn out. Not loving how that red flower looks now that I see it in the photo. I like the flower, just not with this. Hmmm…..

shirt: Kohl’s

tank & scarf: Walmart

jeans: Sears

boots: Clark’s from Bergner’s

flower: made by me

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Here we are again with the blurry pictures. This was Valentine’s Day and again, I felt the need to dress for the occasion. It was in the 40’s today which felt like a virtual heat wave so I broke out the flats!

striped shirt: Forever 21

white button-up: Steve & Barry’s

black skinny cargos & red flats: Old Navy

pink scarf: Walmart

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This is all about the shoes. My little leopard flats that I coveted all winter until they went on clearance. Finally, the weather is cooperating enough for me to wear them!

Cardigan: Target

skinny jeans & shoes: Old Navy

white T-shirt: Gordman’s

scarf: made by me

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That is most of what I wore this week. Thanks for stopping by!

WIWW #5

I’m linking with What I Wore Wednesday at the The Pleated Poppy today. Come, join the fun!

I am copying off of Lisa Leonard today (and probably often this coming week!) I just love everything she wears! Today is our 3rd snow day and my only goal was to actually get dressed. It feels good to be human again. I tried Lisa’s cuffed jeans with boots look. I like it, but I’m not sure this was the best jean/boot combo. I shall try again.

ruffle cardigan: Sears ($5.00 on clearance last year)

gray tunic: Gap Outlet

scarf: gift from Anthropologie (by the way, I pin my scarves to my shirt because I can’t stand to have them dangling in my way all day.)

jeans: Angel from Gordman’s (clearance $2.50)

boots: Target (clearance $10)

My whole outfit probably cost less than the scarf. Or maybe not because it was from my sister and she gets the best deals EVER. I get rocking deals from places like Old Navy and Target. She gets rocking deals from Anthropologie and Coach. Sigh.

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I subbed in Kindergarten today. After 3 snow days off. Lord have mercy. I made the pom-pom flower using the same method as the pom-pom necklace—just bigger. That little yellow pop of color made me happy all day. Looking at this picture and thinking that I look a little bit pregnant does NOT make me happy!

Cardigan and dress: Old Navy

T-shirt: Target

Leggings: Walmart

Boots: Life Stride (wide shaft because despite my relatively small size, my calves are huge like Mary Lou Retton’s—remember her?)

Scarf and Flower: made by me

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This was one of those days that I probably didn’t really need to get dressed. It’s Saturday, it’s snowing (AGAIN) and I don’t feel like going anywhere or doing anything. However, I FEEL better about life in general when I look decent. So, I took a shower, got dressed, did my hair and make-up and went out and shoveled snow. (AGAIN)

Fleece shirt: Gap Outlet

gray turtleneck and furry boots: Walmart

skinny cargos: Old Navy

wool scarf: Gordman’s…ooh…I just remembered, I have a hat that matches the scarf. That would have been cute for going nowhere today.

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Blurry…..argh…that’s what happens when your photographer is 6 years old. Another didn’t-leave-the-house day. I did actually think I would leave this morning, but it never happened.

striped shirt, denim shirt: Walmart (the denim one was $1.00)

skinny jean: TJ Maxx

boots: Target

necklace: Forever 21

Let me add my 2 cents about wearing a button-up shirt under a fitted shirt or sweater. Go ahead and do it. It might feel a little constricting or weird at first, but after some adjusting and a little bit of time, it usually just seems to work itself out! When I first put this together, I felt like I couldn’t move my arms….but after about 15 minutes, the shirts settled down and decided to be friends.

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Brown and tan. Do I look like a chocolate chip cookie!?

Cardigan & jeans: Old Navy

Shirt: TJ Maxx

Boots: Clark’s from Bergner’s (My sister bought them first and then after lusting after them for a few days, I went and bought a pair. They started out at $150 but were clearanced for $30. I’m in love with them.)

Necklace: JC Penney

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I’m very inspired by the beautiful and interesting scarves Lisa Leonard is always wearing. I would love to add some to my wardrobe, but in the meantime, I’m using what I already own—which is a lot of plaid!

cardigan: Walmart (not crazy about 3/4 length sleeves in 8 degree weather, but I like the color)

black shirt and boots: Target (I’m fairly certain that this shirt is maternity which means it is at least 7 years old.)

jeans: Old Navy

Scarf: local boutique

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And that is (most) of what I wore this week. And because I went almost nowhere this past week, you are practically the only ones who are actually seeing what I wore!

WIWW #4

I’m linking with What I Wore Wednesday over at The Pleated Poppy.  I’m completely addicted to seeing what everyone is wearing!

 ***We are experiencing  a “monster storm”—ice storm then a blizzard with 16-20 inches of snow—which probably means a power outage so I am posting my WIWW on Tuesday..…just in case. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I tried a cardigan with this, but I decided the stripes could stand on their own.  It is truly amazing how just adding a scarf or an accessory can make it seem like an “outfit” instead of just pants and a shirt! (At least that’s what I told myself when I added the scarf.) I feel like I’m channeling Amelia Earhart in this look!

striped shirt: Forever 21

scarf: Walmart

skinny cargos: Old Navy

boots: Target

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I am subbing this afternoon, so this is my “teacher” outfit.  It’s pretty much exactly what I wore a few weeks ago, only different colors.  I’m all for sticking with what works! 

Cardigan & Polka Dot Shirt: Old Navy

trouser jeans (that look like black pants but are actually jeans) & boots: Target

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I went thrifting the other day (I need to write a post about thrifting) and found this sweater for $2.50.  I’m still not sure about it because I think it could easily drop over into the “old-lady” category.  It came with a matching white tie belt, but I kind of hate tie belts on me.  I was drawn to the sleeves.  I figured for $2.50, I could take a chance. 

Sweater: thrifted

gray t-shirt & skinny jeans: Sears

boots: Walmart

necklace: Forever 21

belt: Target

***Added note: I received several compliments on the sweater today—one of them from my sister who is the most fashionable person I know and shops pretty much exclusively at Anthropologie—so I say the sweater is a keeper!

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This sweater is actually the Christmas gift I gave my sister.  I wish I would have bought one for myself because I just love the burst of color.  I borrowed it from her while she was visiting.  (I took this pic at the end of the day and I can’t help but notice that I look a little haggard.  Note to self—refresh before the end of the day if taking photos of self.)

Sweater & belt: Forever 21

Shirt: Kohls

skinny jeans: Old Navy

boots: Target

necklace: made by me

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Here I am copying off Jill again.  (Check her out at Good Life For Less) I keep a picture file on my computer of outfits that I like.  When I need an idea, I just check them out and try to put it together with what I have.  Not a chance that I would have come up with this one on my own.  So, thank you Jill! 

Cardigan: Gap Outlet (quickly becoming a regular in my wardrobe!)

Shirt, Cargo Pants: Old Navy

Belt: Walmart

Clogs: Target

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And that is (most) of what I wore this week.  Thanks for stopping by!  If you are like me here in Central Illinois and buried under ice and snow right now, please be safe!