The Poncho

As I keep taking a shot of this whole fashion post thing, I have learned that my yard is not as private as I wish. The other day I peeped around to make sure no neighbors were at home so I could take some photos using my tripod and wireless photo snapper. No one was at home so I ran outside to set up my camera. I turned around after a minute and the teenage neighbor across the street was at the end of his driveway snapping photos of me with his camera (not phone camera, but big camera). I just waved at him since he does not understand English and I ran inside. So that's why most of my photos are taken inside the house with no natural back grounds or lighting. I hate it but, I'm a little bashful doing my own fashion show for the neighborhood.

Now to The Poncho:

When I was younger, my mom made me the most colorful little poncho. It was made for me to wear over my bathing suit.

It was brightly stripped with colors of summer and was always too big. It hung off my shoulders and down to my ankles. I always thought it looked like this.......

↓

 ↓

Ha ha ha- Just kidding...Not really. 

It was basically a circle of pom pom trimmed terry cloth with a large hole for my head and two small holes for my arms. This was back in the 70’s and I do not remember ever wearing it then, but here it is today.

This poncho has hung in my closet for years. I would look at it and thought I needed a sombrero to wear with it.

I never wanted to get rid of this piece of clothing. There was always something about it that made me want to keep it. 

Maybe it’s the bright colors with the cute pom pom trim.

Maybe it was because it was like a blanket.

Or maybe it was just because my mom made it for me and that's something special.

My daughter would play with this poncho when she was small. She liked to put it on and twirl around while she danced. 

Now when she gets into my closet and sees ‘The Poncho’, she laughs and says “Mom, you still got that thing?"

"Yes, I think I’ll keep it for my grandchildren".

  

Vintage Cape

Today I’m itching to share this handmade crochet cape with everyone. (No pun intended). This cape is actually soft and not itchy the way I imagine most crochet is. My skin in sensitive to anything made with acrylic or wool, like most vintage yarns, but this seems to feel ok.

My mom gave me this cape (or shawl) thinking it might be something I would like. Well, truth is, “not really” but this vintage piece is growing on me. Even though I do a lot of crochet, I do not like to wear it. Does that even make any since?

This cape is over 50 years old. My moms mother gave it to her. We are not sure if my grandmother actually made it or if someone else made it for her. Either way, I am actually beginning to like this thing. It sort of brings out the boho chic in me (or is it hobo chic?). I like how it goes with my distressed jeans and last years Fall booties.

I’m not really sure if this is called a cape or shawl, but it hangs over the shoulders with waist length arm openings. The arm holes sit at the perfect length so I can slip my arms in and use my hands freely while keeping the cape from falling off. 

It has multiple different crochet stitches that add a delicate touch. With the wide collar, long fringe and crochet buttons down the front, It definitely has that 70’s look. 

Will I ever wear it? I’m not sure at this point. It's possible but I’m not sure how I feel about it. I would definitely wear it open and not buttoned. It rarely gets cold enough here to enjoy the warmth anyway, but who knows? I may bring the 70's back. 

        

What do you think? 

Is this a shawl or a cape? 

Olive suede booties can be found at Old Navy.

GoodWill Fashion

As I have said before, I am a big thrifty shopper. I do not hesitate going to the local thrift shops or heading straight back to the clearance racks at my favorite stores. I never wear anything for long. I am never in need for anything expensive and my job does not require any dress code. It’s only me in a small office where I am not exposed to other people or sunshine.

I know a lot of people that will snarl their nose up when I mention used clothes. I understand and I am picky about what I touch and what I bring home. However, if you take the time to look, you can find some nice items that still have the tags attached. Some items you can just tell they were taken care of or rarely used. That's what I look for. Think about it... You buy new clothes from a department store and there is no telling how many people have tried it on. I also make it a rule to not buy anything that I can't wash regularly in the washing machine.

Today I would like to show you my latest find from the GoodWill Thrift shop. I found this Mudd cross front bodycon dress for 4.99.

I fell in love with this dress the moment I saw it on the rack. I love the colors. Though its not quiet Fall yet, this will be perfect once the weather starts cooling down. 

I usually stay away from these tight fitting dresses because they show every muffin top and ripple I own. However, this dress was not tight, though it looks like it is. There was plenty of wiggle room and the poly blend fabric is super soft and light weight.

I like for my clothes to have special details and this one has it. The crisscross front says sexy while staying modest. This dress will be perfect for church or nice dinner out. I’m calling this one a win.

One is sold at Kohls by Mudd.

One was found at GoodWill.

And

One is a professional model 

One is definitely not 

Family Dollar Fashion

When I think of Family Dollar, I think of it as a place to buy household cleaners, bubble gum and batteries. I had no idea they had cute fun clothes. I have never had any intentions of buying clothes from a dollar store.

Well. Listen to this....

I had seen a dress on line that I liked and showed it to my daughter. She was surprised because It was a coincident that she had planned to give me a dress that was similar to the one I showed her. Her room mate works for Family Dollar and gave her a dress from their clothing line. It didn't fit her well so she asked if I wanted it. “Sure” I said. 

This shift dress has double ruffled sleeves that drop perfect off my shoulders giving it this fun cold shoulder style. The jersey material makes it light and cool for the warm weather we have been having. The material stretches with every move so you don’t have to worry about it riding up and showing your bloomers when you bend down or if the wind blows in your direction. 

I paired it with my favorite nude heels for a dressy look. This dress is sexy enough for date night, yet modest enough for church. I actually wore it to church Sunday and got a lot of compliments from all ages.

Another way I wore this dress was by blousing it over a fitted belt.

This style made the dress shorter and gave it a more fun look that can be worn with flats or sandles. This style makes it a fun dress for the beach, shopping or a trip to the park. 

Who said clothes always have to be designer or from a fancy boutique. Just go to the nearest Family Dollar and check out more of their clothing options with prices and styles for anyone. 

Model Dress on the left  - Wild Meadow found on Amazon. 

Dress on right- Just Be found at Family Dollar. 

Nude Heels- Charlotte Russe 

I was not asked or compensated by Family Dollar or any other brand or store for this blog post. 

This review is all my own with my honest opinion.

Thrifty Fashion- Camouflaged Deal

I am a broke girl and not ashamed to admit that I will be the first to make a bee line to the back of a store and hit the clearance racks. I will also be the first to admit that I will shop for clothes at a 2nd hand store in a heart beat. I look for new or almost new items that can be easily washed and dried. For the record, I will NOT buy shoes or undies at a 2nd hand store. 

(I may have told this story before) 

A few months back, Nick and I decided to go look around our local Goodwill thrift store. I was ready to leave when I looked across the store and saw him holding up a pair of camo pants. I laughed and shook my head "no". I am not much of a camo wearing girl. He motioned for me to come closer. 

The pants had never been worn and still had the price tag on them! I had to take a 2nd look at that price tag.

That's when I decided, "ok, I can be a girl that rocks the camouflage". 

These pants were two sizes too big but I could not turn down a deal like this. I purchased them for only $3.99! After I washed them in warm water to makes sure of any shrinkage, I took them to my mom and she altered them to fit me. 

These pants are cropped with zippers on the ankles to give them a style that can be worn different ways. The material is thick, yet cool so they can be worn in any season with at tank top or sweater. 

They are sold with the distressed look and the more they are washed the better. I also love the cargo pockets so when I have to make a quick trip to the store or salon, I can just toss my phone and some change in my pockets and go.

Now I'm thinking every girl should own at least one pair of camouflage pants. What do you think? 

Style brands:

Cargo Camouflage Pants: Current/Elliott

1/4 Sleeve Onesie: Gap

Tan Wedges:  New York & Co.

Crochet Earrings: LiLiDi on Etsy

Hat: GPD

Pineapple Earrings

I’m feeling a little fruity after noticing fruit designs and styles in the stores this summer. I’m starting to actually like it. I see a lot of lemons and pineapples on everything from dishes and decorations to hats and underwear. I have even seen men suits printed in crazy fruity prints (that's where I draw the line).

Well I have joined in and made some fruity fashion to share.

I had this bright idea to make a pair of pineapple earrings so I hopped on Pinterest and began searching for ideas. Then suddenly I came across some adorable little crochet earrings so I had to make a pair. You can find this free pattern at  Winding Road Crochet. Be sure to pop over to her blog and check out some of her other crochet creations and patterns. 

Mine are just a little different though. I didn’t add as many layers and went different on the beads. (Didn't my husband do a great job getting this close-up photo?). I plan to keep this pair and made another pair for my shop.

I didn’t stop there! I had so much fun making these earrings that I decide to come up with my own little version. 

I didn't use a pattern, I only used my imagination. I really like how these turned out too, as they are a bit smaller and seem more boutique.  What do you think?

I think these pineapple earrings will go great with shorts and tshirt or a sundress. 

If you would like a pair of these, be sure to head over to LiLiDi’s before they get away. While your there, be sure to check out some of my other items.

(picture source)

Independence Day Outfit

Happy 4th of July! I hope everyone has the day off and enjoying some fun and relaxing time with friends and family. Nick and I will be heading out to a family cookout today. It is also my brother in laws birthday and we will be saying goodbye to my oldest nephew as he will be moving to London for three years, work related.

Today I want to show you my favorite Independence Day dress. 

My mom made me this dress over 20 years ago. I'm not sure if you would call that vintage or not, but It’s definitely retro. The print consist of American flags, soldiers, Liberty bells, cannons, and more.

This style seems to never go out of fashion. I could never part from this one. It’s my favorite. I wear it a couple times a year on those patriotic holidays. 

There was about a 10 year time span that I was not able to wear this dress due to being over weight. After I lost 50 lbs I was finally able to get back into it. It’s just little bit too big. I never thought I’d say that. It has a zipper in the back and tapered on the sides to give it a fitted look. I like how I can dress it up with heels or dress it down with flip flops, sandals or dainty sneakers. 

I normally wear my nude heels with this dress but not this time. I found these cute little red bow foot bed sandals at the mall and had to have them. 

They were on sale half price. I couldn't turn them down. My husband says I could have turned them down and wishes I would have. He is not a fan of the bow slides. He said they are the ugliest things he has ever seen. haha. I’ll just make sure not to get him a pair. 

My sweet sister brought me a watermelon to church Sunday. I could not wait to cut into it. This is a seedless watermelon and it’s as sweet as candy. It's called a "Sugar Baby" and are only sold about two weeks out of the season.

What can be better than a watermelon and a hot dog on the Fourth of July? 

Dress- Handmade by: Mom

Bow Slides: Indigo Rd. (Belks)

Sugar Baby Watermelon: Strawberry Hill, Gaffney SC

Photographers: My Husband & Sister (Jojisart )

Linkin up at summer style TBB

Nepal Bracelet

Lately I have had this fascination with these tiny glass beaded bracelets. I didn’t want just any kind of handmade beaded bracelet. I wanted and actual Nepal bracelet hand crafted by artisans of Nepal. The search was on.

It did not take me long before I discovered a shop called LiftedHope. They make gorgeous Nepal bracelets and other seed beaded jewelry. 

Each bracelet is delicately made by Nepalese women who work hard to make an honest living and enjoy what they do. Unlike most large mass production dealers, Liftedhope gives fair trade and comfortable working conditions to these women's who are dedicated in their creative abilities. Sales from these bracelets go directly to the makers. Each bracelet comes with a story you will love to read about. It made me feel good that I purchased a bracelet from a small shop that cares about their workers.

If you would like one of these cute pieces of arm candy, made with love and passion, you can visit LiftedHope.com or there Etsy shop HERE. They continue adding new colors and designs. My bracelet just rolled on like butter over my hand and fit my wrist perfect. I chose this flower design called “floating Rose”. 

I plan to head back to the site to order another color and design. They make great stackable bracelets that will go great with my summer beach attire. I love the little chic boho look. It fits comfortable, lightweight and doesn't distract my daily desk work. 

I love pairing my Nepal bracelet with some of my favorite Alex and Ani bracelets (which I have a collection of too). 

They have hundreds of designs and colors to choose from and the highest quality glass beaded bracelets you can find. You can buy them single or by the dozens. Soon they will be adding earrings to collection.

Shop Liftedhope on Etsy or Www.Liftedhope.com

I have no affiliation nor have I been compensated with lifted hope. 

I am just a happy customer who wants to spread the love. 

My review and opinions are my own..

Mother’s Day-The Corsage

Happy Mother’s Day to all past, present and future Mothers! Hope your day is filled with love, happy thoughts and memories.

I remember when I was little, Mom would carefully lay out corsages for me and my sister and boutonniere's for my brothers that My Grandmother made. One by one, mom would pin our corsage to our Sunday outfit and to church we went. I hated it. I despised having to wear that big scratchy corsage that smelled like grandmaws basement! I was too young at the time to realize the reason of her making sure we all had a corsage to wear on Mother’s Day. 

The Mother’s Day corsage started in the 1800’s. Everyone wore one on Mother’s day. The corsage did not indicate that your were a mother, but rather that you are wearing something to honor your own mother. The flowers were usually made with an orchid, carnation or rose. The type of flower was not as important as the color. If your mom is living, you wore a red or pink flower. If your mom is deceased, you wore a white one. 

Sadly the tradition of the Mothers Day corsage has stopped. You will rarely see anyone wearing them anymore. I admit, I have not worn one in years. 

So, this Mothers Day, I have decided to make my own corsage to proudly wear over my heart in honor of my Mother (If it’s still alive).

I am who I am today because of her. She worked hard making sure all four of her children had everything we need. She showed us unconditional love but would also show us what a hickory stick was when we did wrong. She made sure we were in church every Sunday and raised us with Christian values that we still hold on too today. My mom is very pretty, smart, strong and always smells good. 

I made my mom laugh and cry. I have rebelled and hurt her feelings many times. I will always hold that guilt but I know she prayed and loved me through it all. That's what moms do. 

As a mom myself, I find and l learn new obstacles with my own daughter that make me think about the challenges and sacrifices my mom went through. Everyday, I am more thankful for the lessons she taught me and how much she has inspired me. Next to God, she is my foundation. 

My daughter is home this weekend to spend Mothers Day with me. We did some shopping, and crafting and took lots of selfies. I feel so blessed.

This afternoon, the whole family will meet for dinner with our mom. It's a mommy kind of day!!!!

I LOVE MY MOM!

Getting Prepared for Easter

I really miss the days when Mom stayed up all night making me and my sister a new Easter outfit. She let us pick out a pattern and material from a local Mary Joes cloth store. We never went without a new Easter dress and shoes for church.

Now that I'm older its up to me to get my own new outfit. I'm sure if I asked her, she would still make me one but I think she enjoys her freed up evenings before Easter. After all, her and dad have to be up early Easter morning to prepare breakfast for the church that will take place after our sunrise service.

My daughter will be home this weekend and I'm sure we will end up at some Mall or Target store looking for her a last minute Easter outfit. I gave her some money a few weeks ago to pick her out something new whether its a new church outfit, work outfit or something fun for Summer.
I don't sew.

All the new outfit stuff is just a tradition. It celebrates "new" beginnings. After all, a girl needs an excuse to take advantage of getting something new. I mean, a girl always needs new shoes!!

A while back I picked up a purple dress from the Good Will. It fit so I'm wearing that. Its sleeveless so I hope the weather will break and give us some warm air.

Since I only spent 3.00 for something different to wear for Easter, I decided to spend some play money and have my hair done. I usually just get it cut or trimmed. I use a root touch up every so often to keep the gray from showing my age.
This time I decided I wanted something different. I wanted to go with some mushroom colored highlights.

Two hours, a box of foils, and several dollars later, I have some new color in my hair. It did not turn out nothing like the color I wanted. The mushroom color is a taupe, khaki or light brown tint. My hair now has Orange highlights. I'm going to go hide under now.  I wish I would have gotten more cut off too but I was tired and just wanted out of the chair. I was hungry and I wanted to get home.

The new highlights do not look bad, it's just not what I expected, but with my hair being dark, it was hard to lighten. I mean, she is not a magician, she's a beautician. Sometimes I forget.
Give me time. It will back to one color as soon as its safe to add it.

Now I have some baking and making to do.

Are You Weight Ready For Fall?

We lost our weight so we could finally enjoy a fun summer of feeling great about ourselves. We flaunted the flat tummy at the beach, and enjoyed thoses shorts and tank top at cookouts.

Summer brought gardens full of fresh veggies and meals were light. We traded ice cream for smoothies and protien bars after a workout. Water was a necessity and we drank it alot due to the heat.

It wasn't easy. We struggled with the scales as we saw our weight shift up and down a couple pounds, but we we managed to keep our weight in that safe range.

But beware. Fall is coming. Are you weight ready? Do you have room to gain a few pounds without gaining to much? Fall will bring cool temperatures and out come the sweat shirts and baggy clothes.

The body we worked so hard for will soon go hidden behind large sweaters and jackets. We could easily lose focus on the body we worked so hard to acheive.

Holidays, ballgames and staying inside more will bring on munchies. It's ok, those big baggy warm clothes will still fit next week and probably all Winter long. Soon spring will come around again and the next thing you know those cute little clothes no longer fit over those cute little muffin tops. 

Strive to keep up healthy eating habits as the temeratures drop and physical activities slow down. Dont stop exercising. When it's too cold to be outside, come up with indoor activities besides lifting a spoon. Enjoy the comfort of food but control the baking. While snacking, stay in the kitchen instead of taking it to the bed or couch. Limit eating in front of the tv, this leads to over eating. Remember portion contol is important.

Opt for the tight jeans when you shop and the spandex leggings when you workout. Dont hide the body you worked so hard to get or you might forget where you put it.

Snow Really?

Here in North Carolina the weather has been unseaonably warm. Its been as high as the 80's already and its still Winter.

After dinner Friday night, my husband asked if I wanted to go walking or go shoe shopping? Well, there was no question there, so off to the mall we went. I wanted some new tennis shoes and flip flops for summer. I had Spring fever and we are planning a trip to the beach real soon. 

We walk through Belks department store and low and behold, they have free wine tasting and free cupcakes! Needless to say, I never got any shoes. We went back out on Satuday and tried it again. I got some new shoes, new jeans and a new shirt. I went old school on the shoes and bought some white leather Adidas just like they wore in the 80's. I couldnt afford them then but can now. Ha. 

We went to a family dinner Saturday night and I want even mention that double layer German Chocolate cake that my Mom made! 

Ooohhh it was soo good, it would make your tongue slap you forhead.

When we got back home, it was late, we took our showers, turned our clocks up and went to bed. 

I got up this morning and looked out the window. I said, "oh no! Snow! It was snowing like crazy! It had powdered the ground and was coming down like a pillow fight from heaven. I jumped back into bed , whining and complianing. Im so ready for Spring. 

Here was my view this morning.

 

If you slept late you probably missed it because by noon the temps were back up in the 40's and there was not even a sign of snow. 

The news station pretty much summed up the day with this meme.

 

Extra Ice and Yarn Tutu

This week has been a long one. Starting on Sunday, I skipped church to be an extra in a small film that was filming in my hometown. That was a fun experience. I didn't have to say anything, thank goodness, because I have a fear of public speaking and this would be in line with that. I did however have to pretend to be talking and eating in a restaurant.... over and over and over. Maybe I will see my ear or back of my head when the movie comes out, who knows.

Then we get an ice storm on Monday which kept me out of work on Tuesday only to be bored all day. It was nothing worth going outside and breaking my neck for. There was no snow, just a thick bed of ice over the whole town. I could only do so much bird watching.

So,I decided to do something with my scrap pieces of yarn. I grabbed my stash, curled up in my chair and started wrapping yarn around an old picture frame. My husband gave me that look again. I said "don't ask, I have an idea". He knows something is about to happen when that light bulb goes off in my head. He still gives me a look though.

I did not have a color plan, I just grabbed colors until I was out of scraps. Then I cut the yarn to have a bulk of strings all the same length. I took pinches of yarn and tied them onto a piece of sewn elastic and created this yarn tutu. 

I call it a gypsy tutu. It has a mix of different textured yarns. Some strands are braided. Some have knots, and some unraveled. The textures give it a unique one of a kind look. I can just picture this on a little toddler with a headband, big bow and bare feet. I think it would be so cute. 

I think it turned out so well that I put it in my shop. It was a little bit time consuming to make but I only priced it to pay for some new yarn to make more items. I will make more as I accumulate more scraps. I still have enough to make another one if its requested.

Meanwhile, the ice has melted from the roads but temperatures are not out of the teens. That's really unusual around here where our winters are in the 30s and 40's. The weatherman is calling for more wintery mix this weekend and next week. I really am looking forward to spring.

Ive shared this at:
be-inspired-features-and-link-party at elizabethandco
submarine-sunday at usscrafty.com 
snickerdoodle-sunday-link-party at 2crochethooks 
inspire-me-monday-week at create-with-joy.com  
yarn-fanatic-party at thephilosopherswife