On Personal Style

I am 35 years old. It is only in the last few years that I've really liked what clothes I wear. I still make mistakes, but for the most part, I like what I wear. Here are some of my lessons learned. Note that style is seriously personal! When something doesn't work for me, I guarantee it is effortlessly beautiful on someone else.

(1) Full skirts are my friend. Pencil skirts are not.

(2) Oxfords with crewneck sweater are not flattering on me. I need an open neckline because my neck is short (no, not insulting myself. Just how my neck is!)

(3) I am more Doris Day than Audrey Hepburn.

(4) Even if they aren't the height of style anymore, I actually like my Revas. This is why I was so sad when they broke. They actually helped me survive pregnancy feet! I know people love the Cece J Crew flat, but they didn't work for me.

(5) I like beachy/coastal style in the summer time. Perhaps it isn't the most sophisticated, but give me a coral print tunic anyway.

If you have any of your favorite style lessons, I'd love to hear/read them!

February 2013 Fashion Budget

Feb 2013 Purchases by natylite78 featuring colorful jeans

As you can see, February was about adding to my professional work wardrobe. Now our official dress code is business casual (i.e. suits not required daily), however my department highly encourages jackets worn when attending meeting outside the department. So I've been scouring eBay for jackets and suits (because a suit does make it easier to get dressed in the morning!).

Side note: I find is so hard to find suits that are age appropriate. I am turning 35 next month. Most suits are skewed towards the over 50 group (in my opinion). The suits that are age appropriate are so expensive! I've had luck with Talbots, whose done a good job of appealing to the 30's demographic in recent years.

So here is how I did!

Purchased and Wearing!

1. Old Navy Pop Color Jeans - Obviously NOT for work! - $19

2. Black Ponte Knit Ruched Blazer - This is not the exact one I purchased. I purchased mine from  Ross Dress for Less - $19.

Purchased and Returned

3. Target Merona Blue Ponte Knit Dress - $27.99  

4. Target Gathered Waist Tank Dress - $24.99

I wanted these dresses to work out so badly! But the fit was just wrong all the way around. Waist too low, chest too big. My body was not meant for them!

Purchased on eBay, not yet received

5. Talbots Khaki Blazer - $0.99 (add $7.50 for shipping)

6. Le Suit Grey Suit - $42.99

My original grand total was $142.46. After I returned the dresses, the total was $89.48.

I would like to add another shirt that will work under suits. I'd also like to add a cardigan or blazer in a spring appropriate color. Wish me luck!

January 2013 Budget

January was a "spendy" month. However, in my defense, a lot was purchased with Christmas gift cards! I pinky swear.

1. Lace top - Willi Smith, TJ Maxx - Clearance price $8.00 (Gift Card)
2. Black jersey dress with 3/4 length sleeves - ABS, Marshalls - Clearance price $14.99 (Gift Card)
3. Red drapey top - Willi Smith, TJ Maxx - $14.99 (Gift Card)
4. Tan pointed toe flats - Mia, 6pm.com - $69.99
5. Blue ponte knot blazer - TJ Maxx - $24.99 (Gift Card)

Not pictured is the new pair of Stephen Bonanno Sandals, purchased during 50% anniversary sale. I ordered a Navy pair of monogrammed Emmas with white whipstitch. Cost w/shipping $97.00.

Total (including gift cards) - $229.96
Total (of just my own money) - $166.69

Y'all. I want to shop so bad. Especially since I'm back in an office environment. However, I'm continuing to challenge myself to remix what I already have. It is not like I don't have new stuff (see above!). I plan to be more behaved in February!!

OOTD's from my first work week!

These are so not in the right order, but here are most of my work OOTD's of the week! Sorry for the bathroom pics. Yet another reason I won't be a fashion blogger! No time to frolick in the fields!

Blazer and Dress: Marshalls

Shoes: Jessica Simpson, TJ Maxx

Blazer/Shirt: TJ Maxx

Skirt: Target, via eBay

Shoes: TB

Blazer: TJ Maxx

Dress: Marshalls

Shoes: Sofft, via eBay

Scarf: J Crew

Cardigan: Target

Top: TJ Maxx

Pants: NY&Co

Shoes: TB

Necklace: Thrifted

Earrings: Anthropologie

In all the pics, I'm wearing this watch, which was a Christmas gift from J!

Holiday Party - In Real Life

Last Friday, we attended J's work holiday party. A week or so ago, I blogged about my potential outfit. Here's how it worked, in real life!

What NOT to Wear: Personal Edition

For the past several months, I've been seeing an inordinate number of outfits similar to this one:

12.17.12 by oregonmiss featuring knit tops

The button down gingham shirt layers under the crew neck sweater was quintessential J Crew prep. The girls sporting this style looked so put together and adorable. I thought, I just have to replicate this!

So I ordered this shirt from J Crew.

I was so excited upon receiving! That is, until I tried the outfit on. Can we can frumpy and lumpy? I have thick arms, broad chest and a soft tummy. Combine these 3 attributes with a fitted button down shirt and sweater? It was just a bad look. I'm too vain to share the atrocity with you.

Even though I KNOW that most button down shirts look bad on me. Even though I know that I look better is less structured fabrics and more forgiving cuts. Heck, I even think it looks frumpy on people that have my same trouble areas! But, I STILL ordered this shirt. I STILL wanted to recreate a look that is not meant for my body type. 

Why? I'll admit it. I succumbed to (self-inflicted) peer pressure. Against my better judgement, I wanted to emulate this look because darn it, it is preppy. But it was so wrong.

So here's to 2013 and working on only wearing items that flatter rather than trying to be something I,m not!

Gwynnie Bee - Second Box Review

I received my second Gwynnie Bee box last week. Again, everything was packaged beautifully, with each piece wrapped in tissue and sealed with a sticker. I knew this box would have the two tunics I was most interested in trying as well as a faux wrap dress from Lands End.

Here are my thoughts after trying everything on!

Simply Be Bird Tunic - I wanted to like this one so much! However, It just did not work for me. It fit in some places and was huge in others. Perhaps that is just the style and not the piece itself. Regardless, it was a bust.

From Blogger Pictures

Next up is the dress from Lands End. This was one just wrong all over. The fabric felt like a sweatshirt to me. The bust was too big. I could only dream about being able to fill that out :) I felt this was just flat out matronly on me. I don't think sizing down would have made me like it.

From Blogger Pictures

Last up, a tunic from Simply Be. This print was very out of my comfort zone. But I really liked it! I ended up wearing it out that night for dinner with J and meeting up with our friends afterwards. I told J was a bit self-conscious of the print. So when I got two compliments on it while out, he knew I was tickled by it!

From Blogger Pictures

After this box, I decided to cancel my subscription to Gwynnie Bee. I do love the concept of renting clothes. The Gwynnie Bee website is easy to navigate. The shipping and returning process is very easy. However, I still struggled to find clothes (1) in my size that (2) was my style. Luckily, I'm still able to log in and I'm checking weekly to see if the inventory has improved (for me). I'm definitely open to subscribing again if I find more items I'm interested in.

WTWW: Holiday Party edition

This topic for "What to Wear Where?", hosted by Amy, could not have come at a better time. J's work holiday party is in two weeks. He works in financial technology, so the crowd is a little more conservative as far as dress is concerned. The party will be held at a local hotel. They never indicate attire, but I'm going off last year's events with a conservative cocktail look.

Holiday Party by natylite78 featuring a clutch purse

The dress is from Nordstrom. The earrings are from Anthropologie, purchased in store. I tried to find them online, but no luck. The clutch is from Target. 

The shoes. I went to Twitter and asked what shoes I should wear. The majority stated nude shoes. For me though, nude=tan. Thus the kitten heel Jessica Simpson shoes above. I am not good in high heels. I'm a complainer too, so for the sake of J, I'm going with a lower heel.

Yes. I'm going with bare legs. This is Florida, after all!

Review - Gwynnie Bee

Gwynnie Bee by natylite78 on Polyvore

Gwynnie Bee is a clothing subscription service geared towards women size 10 and over. For a monthly fee, you can rent clothing at various levels (1 at a time, 3 at a time, etc). I read about Gwynnie Bee on one of my favorite wardrobe blogs, Wardrobe Oxygen. She partnered with Gywnnie Bee to offer her readers a 30 day free trial. The idea intrigued me, so I requested an invitation to the site (it is currently invitation only). I selected a 3 item membership, which is $79/month plus tax. 

The website is very user friendly. The major categories are shirts/blouses, dresses/skirts. cardigans and blazers. You select 8 items that you are interested in trying. Gwynnie Bee will send you three from the list.

I had a hard time picking out 8 items for my closet. For a style standpoint, I only saw a handful of things that I was interested in. However I decided to push myself and pick some items that I would not normally try. As well, this would be a great opportunity to try out brands that I was unfamiliar with, so I could see how the sizing ran. I normally wear a 12/14 (Yes, I just put my size out there for the whole world--eeep). I do not have any experience with shopping women's sizing, so I was curious. Within a day or so, I saw that my closet had been updated to show three items were on their way to me (pictured above).

The items are shipped via USPS. The packaging is terrific. Each item was wrapped in tissue paper and sealed with a customized sticker. Attached to each garment are two tags, one for comments and one with care instructions. There was a handwritten note welcoming me to Gwynnie Bee. Also enclosed were two return bags with prepaid UPS labels.

The clothing received were all of great quality. Fabrics were nice and the clothes were well constructed. However, the sizing was really off. I wasn't completely surprised as I picked items from brands I wasn't familiar with. Here is a summary of my thoughts on each:

(1) Tunic Dress from Alfani - Fabric was great. Length was good. I ordered a 0X. It was way too wide. A shame as even a belt wouldn't help it. I really liked it otherwise!

(2) Tweed Jacket from Coldwater Creek - I was hesitant about this one as I look at CC as beyond my age range. However, I wanted to give it a chance. I normally wear a size up in jackets because of my shoulders, so I ordered a 16. Big mistake! The jacket was swimming on me! Best line regarding this jacket came from J - "It looks like something my mom wore once.". Enough said :) I will say the fabric was terrific though! Great quality.

(3) Cheetah skirt from Karen Kane - I ordered this in a 0X. I liked the elastic band as it was wide and flattened my stomach. It was a tad wide in the hips, but I liked the room. It was a hair long on me but otherwise, a great skirt! 

Below is the comment card I filled out for the jacket.

I sent everything back, which was really the easiest process ever! The large return bag was perfect for sending three items. Even better was I was able to give it to our UPS guy with no hassle! Then I updated the status of the items on the GB website as shipped back. 

I checked today and three more items are on their way- Two tunics and a dress. I'm excited to try them out.

I haven't decided if I'm going to continue the subscription after my 1 month is up. It appears that for some of the brands, the women's sizing is too big on me. I'm not sure if I could find enough in my normal size to keep my closet "full". However, I keep checking the website to see what I can add. I'll be sure to update again after I receive my next shipment!

Latest Consignment Find: J Crew Reve Shirt

Consignment find by natylite78 featuring old navy

I bought this shirt a couple of weeks ago from one of my favorite consignment stores. I normally shy away from shirts with words on them, but I liked the sequins and thought it would be fun to mix in with my current wardrobe.

I wore it with the orange Old Navy Rock Star Jeans and TB's. It was a fun way to update the "Jeans and T-shirt" look.

I'm thinking of pairing it with a pair of skinny jeans and the green Talbots blazer that I picked up a month or so ago. 

I recently bought 2 work friendly pieces from eBay and can't wait to share if they worked out (or not!).

The thrill of the hunt

When it comes to shopping, I like the thrill of the hunt. I don't think I'm alone in this, based on what I've read on y'alls blogs and Twitter! Usually, I like hunting at TJ Maxx and Ross. Lately, I've been checking out consignment and thrift stores. I was inspired by Kimberly at Fab Finds Under $50, who discovers the best stuff at her local Goodwill in Indianapolis. Her Goodwill regularly has Target new stock plus random designer items. I was also inspired by Gracie Beth's post at Preppy Southern Princess, where she shared her tips on "Goodwill Hunting"

I popped into my local Goodwill and found this Merona (Target) twill jacket, which is the perfect weight for Florida winter and spring. Cost: $5.

Did I see any designer items? Not really, but I did see a lot of J Crew in smaller sizes as well as some Lilly. Hopefully these items get snatched up quick!

My consignment shop is part of a local chain. I frequent two locations. One location has a great selection of designer items from Milly, DVF, Chanel, and more. The other location carries dowdy grandmotherly clothing, but on a rare occasion, carries some stylish items. Here are two of my most recent consignment finds. Both are Talbots and cost $24 and $20.

I hope whomever is consigning these clothes continues to do so! I'm convinced these pieces are from the same person. I'm also convinced the animal print cardigan from my last post was hers as well!

So if you are a hunter, say hi! Also, tell me about your favorite consignment or thrift store finds!

What to Wear Where: Date Night

I'm linking up with I Pick Pretty for What To Wear Where? Date Night edition. J and I actually had a date night a few weeks ago. I blogged about it here and even included an outfit pic!

However, I wanted to use this week's theme as an opportunity to put another look together. I have to be "always prepared" for that next date night!

I decided to do two different looks with the same dress, recently purchased from Old Navy.

Date Night by natylite78 featuring a paisley shawl

I am looking forward to seeing other date night looks! 

Mixing it Up

I shared that I had purchased an orange dotted cardigan from Target. I mentioned that I had thought of 4 different ways to style the cardigan, as part of my purchasing "rationale". I hopped on Polyvore and came up with the below looks.

Orange Cardigan 4 Ways by natylite78 featuring white pearl earrings

Then I realized that all my outfits were orange and navy! I guess it does make it easier to style something new when it fits into your favorite color combination!

So I went to Twitter and asked what colors BESIDES navy, white, black and khaki would go with orange. The responses I received included purple, maroon, hot pink/magenta, teal, grey, varying shades of blue, brown, and olive. I have to say, my Twitter friends are awesome! I loved these recommendations and went back to Polyvore to put more looks together.

Orange Cardi: Twitter Style by natylite78 featuring old navy

True to my exercise, I used only what I had in my closet. I don't have a lot of pink, teal etc that is appropriate for the fall season. I would love to add another pair of colored denim to my wardrobe, but I'm resisting!

What to Wear Where: Travel to-go outfit

I am linking up with the stylist PhiPhi at PhiPhi's Blog: Adventures of a Petite Shopaholic for What to Wear Where? This week, the theme is your travel to-go outfit. When I travel for pleasure, I'm usually headed somewhere cold. I need yearly breaks from the oppressive Florida heat and humidity. We went to Chicago last year. I found a picture, taken at 6am-ish, from when I was in the airport.

Here's a Polyvore of featuring inspired pieces from the outfit.

Airplane outfit by natylite78 featuring a satchel bag

What to Wear Where? - Pumpkin Patch

Today, I'm linking up with Amy at Forever 29 for What to Wear Where - Pumpkin Patch edition. Truthfully, I don't get into the fall spirit till the end of the month. It is so hot still in NE FL However, I can pretend!

Jack's a little young for the pumpkin patch, but we will definitely take him next year. So honestly, I'm not sure what is exactly appropriate for "pumpkin patching". I've been playing on Polyvore a lot lately and I think the below outfit may work. I'd love to hear your feedback if I'm on the right path or not!

Burnt Orange and Navy Blue by natylite78 featuring j crew

What to Wear Where: Football Tailgate

Today, I'm linking up with Melissa at I Pick Pretty and Amy at Forever 29 for their "What to Wear Where" series. This week's theme is "Football Tailgate". Now I know y'all will have your darling gameday dresses in your college colors, complete with coordinating trendy necklace and/or earrings and/or bracelet stack. NFL tailgating is a bit different, in my opinion. It is a bit more casual, so my outfit is a true representation of what I plan to wear, nary a dress in sight.

Suffice to say, if I was going to an Auburn tailgate, I'd have to pick up this darling dress. I spotted this at a local boutique last week and fell in LOVE! The dress is from Jude Connally, a brand I was not familiar with, but very much covet now!

Anyways, where was I? Oh yes. What I would wear to a Chicago Bears tailgate. I'm praying for chilly weather so I can wear something like this:

What I would wear if it wasn't 80 degrees by natylite78 featuring reiss

However, I'll probably wearing this as we're still in the 80's here in Jacksonville!

Chicago Bears Tailgate by natylite78 featuring old navy jeans

What to Wear Where: Transition to Fall

I'm participating in What to Wear Where?, hosted by Amy at Forever 29 and Melissa at I Pick Pretty. Today's theme is "Transition to Fall". I own the scarf, earrings and shoes. I have a very similar dress. The bag? It's on my wish list ;)

Transition to Fall by natylite78 featuring tory burch flats

Nursing Wardrobe

Nursing Wardrobe by natylite78 featuring converse shoes

Old navy
oldnavy.gap.com

T shirt
target.com

Lands End lands end
landsend.com

Converse shoes
tillys.com

Tommy Hilfiger blue shoes
dsw.com

Conair Infiniti Pro Dry AC Motor Blow Dryer – Pu... : Target
target.com

Spaghetti Strap Scoop Neck Lace Trim Nursing Nightgown | Destination...
destinationmaternity.com

Mossimo Supply Co. Juniors Bermuda Short Assorted Colors
target.com

Nursing Pajamas & Sleepwear | Destination Maternity
destinationmaternity.com

Sleeveless Pull Down Nursing Tank | Destination Maternity
destinationmaternity.com

Sleeveless Pull Down Mock Layer Nursing Tank | Destination Maternity
destinationmaternity.com

Amazon.com: Udder Covers 100% Cotton Breast Pads -4 Pack: Health &...
amazon.com



My wardrobe has taken a temporary turn. For the next several months, the above will be my "everyday" look. I hope that this may help other new moms and moms to be. Dressing to nurse can be challenging and expensive, but it doesn't have to be!

Some notes:

* Most of my tops are darker colors as leakage is inevitable! It is a bit easier to hide this in dark colors.
* Cardigans are a good way to cover up potential leaks also!
* A hairdryer? Great way to quickly dry off :)
* The Target top is not intended for nursing, but it works great! I have it in the blue polka dot and navy.

I left off my nursing bras as I couldn't find them on the Target website. I have 2 bras that are good for sleeping and hanging around the house. I have one that is good for going out. I also wear my Stephen Bonannos quite often while running errands, but sadly those don't show up well on Polyvore.

If you have any wardrobe advice for the nursing mom, please share!