Transforming that summer dress into fall- Part 1

 Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend. One thing I noticed this weekend was the temperature change. I felt like it went from very warm to very cold. Many people pack away their summer clothes and bring out the fall/ winter wear. I put some things away, but I try to incorporate many pieces throughout the year.  I am dedicating the next two posts to transforming your summer dress into your fall attire. I bought this dress this summer at the thrift store and can be seen here. Many different types of dresses can be incorporated into your fall wardrobe by layering a couple of pieces.

In this first outfit, I took the same dress and paired it with a floral denim shirt from Target and a burgundy sweater from H&M. Adding a skinny belt over your sweater helps define your waistline. I accomplished being warm (because my work was really cold!) and found a way to incorporate this dress into fall.

Braided Skinny Belt - Similar,  Xhilaration: Western Floral Denim Shirt, H&M- Burgundy Cable Jumper 

This second outfit, I went for a more casual look. I took off the belt and added a pair of western style brown boots. I love the brown boots contrasting against the black dress. Its important that an outfit accomplished two things for me: one, I feel great and two, I can maintain my style.

Blowfish Boots- Similar

In the fall, I tend to wear pants more often than skirts or dresses (just because I can't stand to be cold). My goal for my next few posts are to take a few of my summer dresses and incorporate them into my fall attire.

Which outfit is your favorite? Do you wear your summer dresses in the fall? Are you one to pack away your summer clothes and only use them for summer?

Linking up at Thirfters Anonymous, Watch What I'm Wearing, Monday Mingle,and Visible Monday.

Watch out there is a new store in town

One of my good friends told me to check out this new consignment shop, because she knows I am always on the lookout for a unique treasure. The stores name is called CIVETTA and stands for:

                                                                       Chic

                                                                       Inspiring

                                                                       Eclectic

                                                                       Vintage

                                                                       Trendy

                                                                       Timeless

                                                                       Artistic 

This acronym defines what this store offers. There is a little bit of something for everyone.

There are 4 women that have designed this warehouse into a fabulous consignment shop. Those women are Judy Kellogg, Donna Robare, Julie White, and Dana Fularz. I had the privilege of meeting Judy, Donna, and Dana. I must say they are the nicest ladies. I was interested in a table, but I needed the measurements. I asked for a tape measure and they were happy to help. They have designed the store to use all space including upper levels as seen in the photo above. They offer furniture, lamps, frames, pottery, artwork, jewelry, custom pillows and so much more.

Well, I bought that table and it fit perfectly. I love the detail of the black drawers with the cream knobs. It is a great addition to my entryway. I bought a few other items and can't wait to go back to see what other treasures I can uncover.

If you are ever near Columbus, Ohio definitely come check this store out. They are open from Wednesday- Saturday 10 am- 5 pm. If you need more specific information check them out at http://civettaconsignment.com/. I think it is great to help small businesses.

Have a great weekend? Do you have any plans?

DIY: Studded Blazer

Happy Wednesday. I had chance to finish a DIY, hooray! This one is a quick one and I have got a ton of compliments on this blazer. I bought this blazer at the thrift store last fall. I liked it because of the herringbone print and contrasting material on the sleeves. It needed a little embellishment (not really), so I had been holding onto these spikes that I got from my trip in NYC. I decided they were meant for this blazer. I know I have been doing lots of DIY's involving embellishing, but I just love it. I can't promise this will be my last, I still may have a DIY or two up my sleeve.

For this project you need the following materials:

A blazer, I thrifted this one for $5.00 last fall.

I got these spikes on my trip to NYC, but you can get them online M&J Trimmings.

These are 3/8" Tiny spike w/screw and are here.

I found this pin utensil in the metal section of Hobby Lobby

Step 1: Start in the top right hand corner of the lapel of the blazer. Push the pin tool threw and twist to form a hole.

Step 2:Then, push the spike threw and twist on. You can use a flat head screw driver to make sure they are on tight.

Step 3: Measure 2 inches from the spike. I used a tape measure. Then insert the pin tool and repeat step 1.

Step 4: Keep repeating the measuring and inserting the spike around the lapel.

Step 5: Continue until the bottom of the lapel is complete and your studded blazer is finished.

Now, I have added a little edge to a conservative blazer.

Have you embellished anything lately? Do you have any printed blazers for fall?

Linking up at The Pleated Poppy.

Riding into Fall

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a great weekend. I actually had Sunday to myself and it was lovely. I am in a rut where I get one thing done and then have something else to do, so my DIY's keep getting pushed back. Oh well, that 's life. On a positive note, I did find a pair of great pair of Merona Riding Boots from Target. I have been on the hunt for riding boots. I have bought a couple of pairs and returned them because they weren't what I was looking for. I finally came across the pair for me. These boots are only available online. They are $74.99 each, but right now they are buy one get one 1/2 off. So, I got a black pair and brown pair with free shipping. I bought a 6 and usually I am a 6 1/2. These come in 4 colors: brown, black, cognac, and burgundy.  These boots look so similar to the Melissa button Frye boots that are around $400.00. So, I got two pairs for around 1/4 the price of the one pair of the Fryes. I paired my boots with this chambray dress and skinny braided black belt. I had a couple of chambray shirts I loved, well I love this dress even more. I will be wearing this dress a ton this fall.

Rubbish Chambray Shirtdress

Women's Merona Kasia Leather Boot- Target

Frye Melissa Button Riding Boots

Do you own something chambray? Do you have riding boots? What do you wear your riding boots with?

Linking up at Watch What I am Wearing, Monday Mingle,  and Visible Monday.

Cloudy with a chance of Hunter Boots

Happy Friday! It's been raining the past couple of days and the only good things from the rain are the grass is greener and I can wear my Hunter Boots. I paired my Hunters with a sweater skirt that I got from the thrift store and my black tunic from H&M. I think these boots can bring any outfit some life. I also think these are great in the winter with a pair of fleece inserts. I got this pair for Christmas last year and a black pair for my birthday this year. I have a great tip for you gals that have a pair of Hunter boots and have noticed they get dull and have a white film. Nordstrom sells a boot shine sponge that works fabulously. I am normally not one that goes on and on about a product, but it works great. I have talked to a few gals that have these boots and they were not aware that Hunter offered this product and it's only $5.00.

H&M Black Tunic- Similar, Love Change Sweater Skirt- Similar, Totes Umbrella- Similar

Hunter 'Original Tall' Gloss Rain Boots

Hunter Instant Boot Shine Sponge

One of my blogger friends, Adrienne from The Rich Life on a Budget, does a post called Positively Friday. In her post, she focuses on the positive things that are going on in her life instead of the negative. I enjoy her blog very much and hope you'll check her out. I am going to try to continue  to be positive in a world, where it is just sometimes easier to be negative. So here it goes:

1. I am so happy that my son, Harrison, got his cast off this Tuesday. He still has a little bit to go, but he is walking better each day. I am so happy that he has such a supportive and great kindergarten teacher. It has made this whole broken leg thing a little easier.

2. Also, I feel so great to finally be apart of something that truly helps others. I am taking part of a program through the Celestial Mission. This program is providing the homeless a meal that come in during off main dine eating hours. How it works is they provide you with a food saver. You then put your left over meal from dinner into the food saver, then in the freezer. The mission then comes and collect the meals you have frozen from your house. You are only giving your leftovers, not making a full meal. I am not really a cook, but I am only required to give 2 single serving meals a month. I can handle this and hopefully cook more. I have been wanting forever to give back and there never seems to be enough hours in the day. This is a great way to get people involved. This allows someone that comes in off the street to have a great meal from someone's left overs. This is my first meal and I think this will help me cook more.

Yum! porkchop, corn, and noodles.

3. Lastly,  my younger brother, Kevin, is currently working for the AmeriCorp. He decided to do this for a year after he graduated college. He is one of the kindest people I know. He is currently helping people that have faced a natural disaster. He sent me a message during a crazy week that said he was thinking of me and loved me. That made all the craziness better. I am so lucky to be related to a person like him.

Well I won't be doing this every Friday, but I wanted to share.

Do you have anything positive to share? Do you have any plans for the weekend? What do you wear your rainboots with?

Linking up at
 

Star Gazer

One of my favorite things for fall are printed tunics. Prints range from stars, polka dots, and animal prints. I find myself really liking star prints lately. Tunics are a loose sweater or shirt that goes farther than your hips, but shorter than your knees.  I like the look of a tunic with wide leg pants and jeans. If that is not for you , then tunics are great with a pair of leggings, jewelry, and a pair of boots for a casual outfit this fall. Tunics look great on many types because they tend to be loose and flow. To make a outfit more dressy, you can tuck in your tunic as seen in the second photo. I have many silver bracelets, but I have been slowly adding to my gold bracelet collection as seen in the second photo.

Star Silk Tunic- Marshalls - Similar, Old Navy Khaki Wide Leg Pants - Similar

 Carole Spike Bracelet in Gold,
Stella & Dot Gold Spike Bracelet

Do you have a favorite print you are drawn to this fall? Do you like wearing a tunic?

Linking up at the Pleated Poppy.

Animal Lover

Hope everyone had a great weekend. I have been resting a lot over the weekend, because the week days are long and busy. One of my highlights of my week has been reading some of my favorite blogs. I plan on making a list very soon to share. Also, my son gets his cast off tomorrow and I am very excited about that.  I can't seem to get enough animal print. Many bloggers think of animal print as a staple piece in any wardrobe and I certainly agree! I have animal print belts, scarves, shoes, skirts, shirts, and pants- yes that is a tad bit. I found these Cheetah pants at Zara in NYC and here are two ways that I styled them.  The first is dressier.  Something I would most likely wear for work or out. I paired it with my silk black shirt that I have worn in several posts and my Zara ankle pumps.The second look is a casual look, I paired the pants with an older J.Crew animal gray tee and my favorite converse shoes.  My newest accessory addition to my fall wardrobe is this awesome purse from Nordstrom. I have been on pursuit for a studded purse and found a cute one for a great price.

Zara Sling Back- Available in red , Cesca Studded Faux Leather Tote

Printed Cropped Cheetah Trousers- Zara
Grey Converse Chuck Taylor,
Xhilaration- Gold Metal Aviator Sunglasses

   Besides my wardrobe, I incorporate animal print in my house decor. I love it when my husband  says getting a little crazy on the animal print in the house. I incorporate it by using throws, lamps, rugs, and an ottoman with animal print.

This is my is my zebra print ottoman that I use for extra seating and my coffee table.

In my hallway, I use my buffet to display a zebra frame with a cheetah lamp.

These are some great ideas for incorporating some animal print into your interior design.

source

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Do you use animal print in your home? Which of the looks is your favorite the casual or dressy?

Linking up at Sunday Style, Visible Monday,and
 Monday Mingle .