summer

  • fall,  fashion,  summer

    How to Make a Fancy Dress more Casual

    I shared this dress earlier this month for my birthday post. When I bought it I thought of it only as a special occasion dress but then I started to think about as any of my other dress. Is it dressy and colorful? Yes it is, but that does not mean it can only be worn for that occasion. Wearing this dress from I’ll Have What She is Wearing to church and the botanical gardens shows you that a dress can really be for any occasion. Here are the steps I took to tone it down and make your fancy dress more casual: Making My Dress Casual with Sneakers Adding…

  • budget,  fashion,  summer

    Back to School Style with the Ageless Style Link Up

    What is back to school style? I guess with the end of summer approaching and the temperatures not as hot, I start reaching for the same items as other summers past! Today’s back to school outfit starts with 2 pieces I wore last year in the back to school ageless style post here! These wide leg jeans from Loft are fun as they allow air flow and create a different silhouette. The large tote, I enjoy using this time of the year as children start sports and I can carry a water bottle, a book and a notebook in addition to what I would usually have in my purse. I…

  • fashion,  summer

    Happy 47th Birthday to Me: A Carribean Dream

    This summer, my mother in law gifted me some money to spend on myself. I decided to shop a small business and spent some time browing I’ll have what she’s Wearing’s website. This dress just spoke to me as I was planning my anniversary trip (coming up in 2 weeks!) and I thought it would be pretty to wear in Costa Rica. I took these pictures about a month ago and decided to save them for this post therefore the longer hair. The dress can be worn on the shoulders, off the shoulders and on one shoulder, and the matching belt can be worn or you could wrap it around…

  • budget,  fashion,  summer

    Inpired by Jodie and Rena: Summer Looks

    One of the ways that helps me be content with my closet is to create outfits that are inspired by others whether they are bloggers I read or a look I have come accross on Pinterest or Instagram. Today’s post is a short one with 2 such inspired looks. Inspired by Jodie Jodie from Jodie Touch of Style is my all time favorite blogger. She is amazingly creative, she is a lover of shopping her closet, small boutiques and second hand shopping and she is as sweet in person as on Instagram. I hope to plan a vacation in Arizona again when I can get a good deal for our…

  • budget,  fall,  fashion,  summer

    Shorts: Late Summer, Early Fall Outfit

    I can’t help but take blog pictures when I am in a new place and wearing a cute outfit! I met up with my friend Rachel from The Faux French Girl last month in Chattanooga in Coolidge Park where our boys had the time of their life in the fountain. Each time I visit Chattanooga, I remember how cute the downtown area is and how many outdoor things the children would enjoy. There are also so fun shops and restaurants: I think we will need to do an overnight visit next year (the rest of this year is going to be too busy!). The fountain is surrounded by large animal…

  • budget,  fashion,  summer

    Summer Shop my Closet Outfit Recap

    Nothing like feeling a little broke to help you stick to your guns and shop your closet for a month or so. I will be truthful and let you know that I did use a money gift from my mom in law to pick up several things for my anniversary trip in July during my no shop month of June. She specifically gives me such a gift once and a while for the purpose of me buying myself something. She lives with us and I take care of her shopping. I was tempted to add to cart a couple of times on my dime (one $15 skirt at Walmart called…

  • ageless style link up,  budget,  fashion,  summer

    Fashion on a Budget with the Ageless Style Link Up

    There is nothing like realizing the day before a post is supposed to be published that you wrote and took pictures for a theme one month down the road. Thankfully, my boys always welcome the opportunity to take blog pictures and earn money and I was able to come up with an idea quickly! Fashion on a budget is my motto and while I probably spend more money than I should on clothes, I pride myself on shopping 2nd hand when I can and on making smart buying decisions. Lately I have enjoyed consigment stores more than thrift stores in my area as they are smaller and often small business…

  • budget,  fashion,  summer,  Ways to wear

    Styling Silky Cargo Pants 3 ways

    Anytime I add something to my closet, I hope for it to be versatile and be able to wear it several ways. It is always a little more difficult with certain items that might be considered more dressy or have a different texture such as silk, sequins or certain prints. So when I chose these silky cargo pants as part of my giveaway win from I’ll have what she is wearing, I knew I wanted to think about different ways to wear them (I couldn’t find the joggers on the website anymore so they are probably sold out but this can give you inspiration with your own joggers). I love…

  • budget,  fashion,  summer

    Athleisure Wear: Relaxed Fit

    I did not plan to blog about this outfit as I had all of my outfits planned for Monday posts for this month but I decided to go ahead and allow my 4 year old photographer an opportunity to earn some money to buy a lego mini figurine. I don’t often wear casual athleisure wear like this but it sure is nice for a change. This is my typical hiking look but I didn’t hike on this day only enjoyed a little time here before running errands. I have these old Zella joggers in black and finally found them in grey on Ebay this past year. I love the cargo…

  • budget,  fashion,  summer

    Thrifted Navy Stripe Jumpsuit

    Nothing beats finding a gem while thrifting! I have been wanting another jumpsuit or a pair of overalls, and while shopping on the 70% off clearance day at Upscale Cheapskate,  I found this jumpsuit for $4! I like that I can wear it with or without something under which makes it more like overalls in my eyes. I wore this on a trip to the zoo late June and the wide legs would perfect for a hot morning. After washing it, I did have to steam it and next time, I will make sure to steam the pockets too. I don’t think it was noticable but they felt all wrinkled…