What I Wore: New Year's Eve

The inspiration (see more here)

My take (with my fab friend Lauren)

Blazer - Limited via Goodwill ($5)

Cuffed shorts - H&M ($25)

Black tank - Old Navy ($5)

Art deco stretch belt - ?? from Salvation Army eons ago ($2)

Faux suede pumps - Payless (manufacturer is Karma) ($25)

What did you wear?

SEC Gameday Wear

Us University of Georgia girls take our college football attire very seriously.

Jeans a t-shirts on girls at Georgia games? No way!

The XX chromosomed fans find fun ways to don the team colors. I love to see how the girls get creative; you see paisleys, stripes, patterned sashes, houndstooth accessories, polka dots, you name it. Your imagination can run wild as long as you stick with black, red and white.

(To be fair, college football fans in the SEC all take their attire very seriously).

My gameday gear:

• Black dress (no one I'd heard of) picked up at Brentwood, TN, for $7
• Art-deco-ish stretchy belt - $20 (via Athens, GA, Salvation Army like 8 years ago)
• Mom's bulldawg pin (circa early to mid 1970s) - gratis
• Laredo brand snakeskin roper boots (via Decatur Last Chance) - $25 (found 'em brand new with tags)
• Ruffled red bag with monogrammed initials - gifted by stepmother a few years back (features my maiden name initials - KAB)
• Crazy feathered koozie - gifted (much girlier than I would have picked out for myself, but fun)

A few outfits I dug on Saturday:

A few more photos from the game:

Husband, brother (who is a junior and cheers for UGA).

Husband, father.

Now if our football team could just get its act together... Regardless of the game outcome, going to an SEC game is something you must put on your bucket list. The fans are out of this world. You've never seen a campus so covered in fans, tailgates and general excitement — it's a fun time.

How do you do game day wear?

Martha's Colors (and for $50 or less!)

Miz Martha Stewart (along with Miz Heather over at "We Met in a Bar") has been very fond of pairing grey with yellow.

I used to shy away from wearing yellow (thought it clashed with my hair), but lately I've been gravitating toward bright, cheerful hues like yellow a lot myself.

• Blouse: Banana Republic Outlet ($12 on sale)
• Wool vest: $4 at one of my local Goodwills (Tucker, I think)
• Skirt: Isaac Mizrahi for Target ($5 at Goodwill or Salvation Army)
• Shoes: Nine West via Ross ($25)
• Necklace: gifted by stepmother
  
• Ring: $2 at a thrift store in Santa Barbara
• Shoulder bag: $16 at Tucker Goodwill (and it's leather!)
  
• (Okay, it's only $50 or less when you don't count the purse...)
  
  

This necklace has really grown on me. When I opened it up circa Christmas 2008, I wasn't sure what to think. I thought it was too feminine or too busy or something. But I find myself wearing it all the time now. It's subtle with light colored tops -- and bold and interesting with colors like navy and black.




Happy Friday!

What's Black and Blue and Cheap All Over?

Why a Less than $50 outfit, of course!

I TOTALLY had forgotten about this skirt until this morning. I saw it peeking out from the back of my closet, covered by a thin layer of dry cleaner's plastic wrap. I don't think I've worn it in five months. I've missed you, lined/textured Isaac Mizrahi for Target skirt.

• Top: $4 on extra super clearance at the Georgia Premium Outlets' Banana Republic. It's actually too big in the body, so I just keep it unbuttoned and fold it over just a bit. I thought the tribal-esque print might be a little much, but it's grown on me.
• Black tank: $5 (Old Navy)
• Stretchy belt: $2 at (Athens, Georgia) Salvation Army ions ago! It has a kind of art deco textured buckle. I bet I've worn this belt 100 times.
• Aforementioned Isaac Mizrahi for Target skirt. Picked this up nearly a year ago at Salvation Army while in Michigan for my grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary. What a fun weekend. $4.
• Shoes are from the place where 50 percent of my shoes are from: Ross Dress for Less (North Dekalb Mall in Decatur, Georgia, location). Leather platform pumps by Nine West - they have fun patent leather tips. $27.
• Grand total: $42

(shheesh - I had enough dollar bills left in this outfit to have thrown on an eBay costume necklace!)

Taking a Risk: <$50 Outfit Post

Every time I wear white, I take a serious risk. I am the most coffee spilling, makeup smearing, accidental pen writing person that I know!

I feel a little less nervous about ruining white clothing when I pay under $10 for it...

• Orange/red lucite necklace: eBay ($8)... I always have fun searching "costume jewelry" on eBay
• Black tank: Old Navy ($5)
• Black elastic/art deco belt: Salvation Army from ~6 years ago ($2)
• White lace skirt: Marietta, GA, Goodwill ($5)
• Black buckle pumps: $20 Fitzwell (6pm.com) 
• TOTAL: $40

Forgive the pumps — wore this to work today with a little 3/4 sleeve jacket over top.

On a side note, I think my camera takes fine photos outside (like these) — but the indoor ones are awful. Can't wait 'til I have a better camera! This is hint #4 or 5. 

Reader Question: Vintage Jewelry

This week, Becca e-mailed me a question. I had so much fun answering it!

Hey, I stumbled upon your blog through other people's blogs. I just wanted to say I really love reading your blogs and your findings. I was just wondering, which thrift stores do you hit to find vintage jewelry. I live in the atlanta area also. Any information would be great. Thank you so much.

Sincerely, Becca

And my response:

Hi Becca!

I'm so flattered you enjoy my blog and reached out to me! While they don't have hoards of jewelry, I have found many affordable and unique vintage jewelry pieces at Kudzu Antique Market (http://kudzuantiques.com/) in Decatur. Not to mention they have great sales (sign up for their e-mail newsletters).

Another great place to look is My Sister's Closet: http://www.mysistersclosetonline.com/.

I haven't been there, but I've heard great things about Back by Popular Demand in Lilburn: http://bbpdconsignment.com/.

And don't be scared to check out the new and vintage styles at Hurs Jewelry Mart. They have SOOO much stuff! http://www.hursmart.com/store/default.asp

But the best advice I can give is to swing by the jewerly counter whenever you're in the vicinity of a Goodwill, Salvation Army or other consignment shop. Most of the best -- and most affordable -- items are found by chance. My fave Goodwills are the ones on LaVista (by Northlake Mall in Tucker) and on Buford Highway near the intersection of Clairmont Road -- it's where all the Buckhead people donate. :)

Katy
http://www.lifefulfilledatlanta.blogspot.com/

p.s. I wouldn't have known about Back by Popular Demand if it weren't for the lovely Danielle from Fell4Fashion. Thanks, Danielle!

Goodwill Finds: 80s Vertical Striped Sweater Dress

click to enlarge.

One of my New Year's resolutions is encouraging more people to buy secondhand. There are SO many reasons to consider shopping your local Goodwill, Salvation Army or vintage boutique. 

• Cost (you're almost always going to pay less)
• Sustainability (what's more "green" than buying others' "recycled" clothing)
• There are good options! (I donate nice things to Goodwill, and others do, too — their discards can be your treasures — and many items are in nearly new condition)
• Uniqueness (more one of a kind, funky stuff than any women's — or men's — clothing shop you'll visit)
• THERE'S SERIOUS FUN IN THE HUNT!

Okay, more on that later.

For now, here's an example of what's waiting for you at your local secondhand shop. 

Secondhand find: teal/black, vertical-striped sweater dress (so soft!) - $5.89 at the Northlake (i.e., Tucker) Goodwill - no tag

Paired with: black leggings (Target), elastic/fake patent belt (Mercedes Bien in D.C.), Dolce Vita wish boots 

And if you REALLY want to see a great blog about secondhand clothes, check out "New Dress A Day," a blog dedicated to spending $365 (or less) on 365 days' worth of outfits. Marisa is a genius at finding neat thrift clothes and making them her own. Some need more work than others, and she takes "before" and "after" photos to show how she customizes each item to her style and taste. Phenom. I'm so inspired. (Thanks to Becca for sharing this blog with me!)

Winter Shorts: Attempts 1 and 2

So, I've tried wearing my $24.99 H&M winter shorts twice now. The first time, I wasn't brave enough to venture out wearing them. The second time, I managed to wear them to a small gathering at a friend's house. 

Where: Playing "dress up" in the privacy of my own home

What: Potential casual night out outfit

The other components: black tights (Target), black Dolce Vita booties (now marked down to about $125), white Target tee, random black/white/grey slouchy sweater from Ross.

Where: Friend's place in Smyrna

What: Football-watching, casual "night-in" (cheering for Dan's team, the Cowboys)

The other components: argyle tights (Dillard's), grey slouch boots (from Steinmart, via my lovely friend Kate!), black elastic art deco belt (Salvation Army), H&M black tank, brown short sleeve cardi from Target

I must admit that wearing these shorts is a little stressful! I'm not usually one to wear shorts (even in the summer), nor show a lot of skin in no matter what I'm wearing. I think I'll feel more confident if I wear them with opaque black tights next time.

Goodwill: For Those Afraid, Intimidated or Grossed Out...

(Part two of the consignment shopping excursion...)

I dedicate this post to all the folks out there who think that Goodwill doesn't have things that fit within these descriptors:

• Cute
• Trendy
• New
• Modern

We were on our way to Roswell Road location Alexis Suitcase when our plans were derailed — derailed in a good way! I got a call from my brother's girlfriend Becca. She was a little behind in grabbing a costume for a Halloween party on Saturday night. She said she knew I was familiar with the local thrift and secondhand and wanted to know if I could do a little shopping with her. Little did she know that we were out-and-about on a similar path. 

So, Lauren and I switched gears a bit from checking out higher-end secondhand shops to seeing what was culminating at one of our local Goodwills. I'm glad we stopped by!

Becca dug around for an SNL skit character costume while Lauren and I were distracted by the shoes. It was shoe jackpot day at the Buford Highway Goodwill. Either someone with really great taste passed away unexpectedly or a local fashionista unloaded a surplus of shoes right at our feet.

Too bad most of the shoes were a size 5.5 and 6! But no joke, some of the shoes were brand new (no scuff marks to be found) and from fantastic designers ranging from Guess to Steve Madden. We also saw casual brand pairs (e.g., Old Navy) and some not-so-familiar names that happened to have fantastic looks. And all for under $15.00!

If these shoes (or any pictured, for that matter, had been in my size, they would have been SO mine. Love love love).

Lauren was trying to "behave" for the rest of the weekend in terms of spending (a decision that could rub off on many of us) so she made the decision to leave empty-handed. I felt like I had to leave with something (especially to make this particular blog post more fun) so I grabbed a pair of AWESOME red bootie stilettos. LOVE them.

Too bad I was busy chatting and not thinking. I should have included this piece of advice in the thrift-shopping 101 guest post I wrote for the DC Goodwill Fashionista blog: always check both pairs of shoes before buying (to see if they're the same size, still have sound structural integrity, etc.)...

That's right. When I got home, I realized one of the shoes was a size 8 (fit) and the other was a 7. Super lame. Argh. I'm so disappointed. I had big plans for these shoes! I was going to wear my new burgundy tights with them... and pair them with fun black dresses or patterns. Oh well. It's over.

Moving on. At least I snagged this fun pair of earrings and this silver brooch (it looks gold but it's silver). I'd love to find a rhinestone brooch to go with my new My Sister's Closet dress, but this brooch MAY work with that purple or beige satin ribbon that I'm envisioning.

Take that people who don't think that they could ever shop at the likes of a Goodwill or Salvation Army... Give it a shot, ladies and gents!

Goodwill was great as always — and Lauren and I delay our gratification for Alexis Suitcase until her next visit. Hey, it never hurts to spread out the spending, right?

Oh, and of course it seemed like a good idea to polish off our shopping with a little Yogurt Tap action. Mmmm. The caramel apple (tasted more like apple pie) was delish.

Last Chance Wool Skirt

I finally got to wear the wool skirt I bought at Last Chance late last spring. This is actually a revised version of what I ended up wearing, as my morning attempt was a MASSIVE fail. Well, just the upper half of my body was a massive fail. I'll explain.

I thought this skirt would be perfect with simple, fitted, white button-up shirt. Earlier this month, I bought one that I thought fit the bill. Nope, didn't work. Once I got to work, I saw that the shirt was too ornate for the skirt (too much ruching, buttons were kind of a yellow-ish color, etc.). And the collar didn't lay right. Needless to say, there are no photos of that version of this outfit.

Here:

• Subtly patterned Anne Klein tights ($7 at Ross)
• Nine West platform pumps with patent tip ($25 at Ross)
• rando wool skirt ($5 at Last Chance)
• Simple Old Navy cotton top ($10)... not the ideal top but it's better than what I had on earlier
• Faux leather and elastic art deco belt from Salvation Army ($2 plus about $10 to repair it earlier this year)

Surprise Finds in the Great Automobile State

When we departed for my grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary in Holland, Michigan, I had no idea Saturday would turn into a thriftravaganza.

You see, over cocktails and barbeque Friday night, I learned that my Aunt Janet might be the thriftiest lady alive. "Everything but my underwear and shoes I buy secondhand," my aunt proudly shared. And proud she should be! With her immaculate (and cute!) $3.00 khakis, $2.00 sweaters and even a $1.50 Banana Republic suit, she is my hero!

We decided right away that we must check out Holland's finest in thrift, consignment and secondhand. My brother Paul and cousin Maureen didn't have to be convinced. They would be along for this ride.

First stop: Ditto secondhand (ha! I get it!)

(Fun to try on but not purchased...) This wasn't the maternity wear Mo was looking for...

(Also not purchased but fun to try on...) Eat your heart out, Brad from Rachel Zoe. 

Totally Paul's style... I think this is a Brooks Brothers button-up and it was around $4.00 (Ditto in Holland, Michigan).

Paul's big find: a Top Gun-era leather jacket (worn in just right). He paid $16... but this should be a priceless piece. Reed jacket found at Ditto.

Nice, feminine tie sweater on Aunt Janet (I think $3.00? at Ditto).

Paul may disagree, but I think this 70s-era 100% leather and suede trench was the find of the day. The label says "Montgomery Ward" — and the piece is in great shape. $15 at Salvation Army. I can't WAIT to wear this. Credit must be given to Aunt J (she found this but it was a little too short in the arms for her tall frame).

Perfect, lined Isaac Mizrahi for Target pencil skirt (you can't see in this photo, but the skirt is a textured cotton/chiffon blend). $4.00 at Holland's Salvation Army. Strange man in red shirt sold separately.

This photo doesn't do justice to Janet's belted, vintage Liz Claiborne dress (I think $6) from Salvation Army. Mint condition and it fit like a glove!

Modeling our "new" leather duds. (Photo bomb courtesy of cousin Mo)

She's not wearing any new buys, but I had to throw in this photo because Anna's looking ferosh in her Dress Up Boutique slate dress ($31) and my Mercedes Bien elastic belt ($18).

And I love my new suitcase! This Safe-Way luggage is eclectic with an old world feel. ($3.00 at Ditto in Holland, Michigan.)

What a great weekend! Beyond the fantastic thrifting, we very much enjoyed celebrating my grandparents and the love they've shared for 60 years. Congratulations, Jack and Bette!

<$50 Outfit Post: Summer Dinner Out

Because I lost my job and we've been saving money for a home down payment, we don't go out to dinner very often. Well, a visit from Dan's longtime friend Kurt gives us a great reason to go out to dinner — and me a great reason to get out of those athletic shorts and t-shirts.

Today's outfit also is great inspiration for something I plan to do often: post outfits that cost under $50. Total. Affordable and cute clothes are out there. You just have to find them.

If I could just crop out my face...

• White tank from Target ($9.99)
• Mossimo lightweight skirt via Target ($19.99 - sale)
• Old Navy satin espadrilles ($9.99 - sale)
• Retro elastic belt ($2.99 from Salvation Army)

Grand total: $42.96

Leon's Full Service, here we come [for the fourth time since you opened... whoops]. Shall I order the delicious veggie loaf? The scallops? Two orders of pub frites with four different sauces... hmmm. I'm perplexed!

Necklace Love

As I prepared for an appointment yesterday, I also did my healthy share of procrastinating. A girl has to think about what to wear, right?

Ever since I saw Love Maegan's post about the DIY chain and tassel necklace, I'd been dying to make one of my own. So I took my eager little tail over to Hancock Fabrics to pick up some inexpensive chain and some upholstery tassels. The trip was half success and half bust. I bought two little black tassels — and asked an employee where I might be able to find some chain. I called Hobby Lobby. Still no luck. Then the sales lady recommended me to a place I hadn't heard of before — and I place that was mere stone's throw from my neighborhood Hancock's. 

It took me a few minutes to spot The Bead Shoppe (next to Salvation Army in Avondale Estates). What a cool place!

Not only did I find the same kind of silver-plated chain Maegan talked about in her blog (and about 20 varieties of it!), I found some interesting brass chain made up of various-sized shapes. I knew it would be perfect for a necklace I could wear long (two layers) or shorter (three layers). 

Two finished necklaces (I used 4.5 feet for the one on the left and 4 feet for the right — 

though I wish my tassel necklace were longer so I could wrap it twice)

Love Maegan's DIY necklace (would look much better with a more 

evening top or dress, maybe a satiny top?)

Brass chain necklace, layered three times

A little closer shot...

Materials for chain and tassel necklace: $9

Materials for the shapes chain necklace: $14

More on The Bead Shoppe later...