Wednesday, October 25, 2017

New Refashion for a New Season

It's a new season in more ways than one.  First, it's actually cool here in TX, so it feels like Fall!!!  Second, and probably more important to me, it's a new season for the life of our family.  I haven't blogged in what seems like ages.  I took a little (long) hiatus when we moved in May.  We are finally settled into our new home, new job and new school.  Our school is a University model, so my kids go to school part-time and homeschool part-time.  Needless to say, mom has had as much of a transition as the kids!  

I was really missing refashioning, so I hit up the local Goodwill and scored big time!  I mean, who could pass up this beauty?

In my head I pictured this dress could be cute with an empire waist, so I decided to remove the elastic.


I was surprised to see how huge the dress became after that!

Not only did the dress become huge, but the waist ended up really low.  I decided I'd just chop it off and reattach it higher.

After reattaching it higher, I measured where I wanted my hem to be.  Can I just say that I love hemming striped fabric?  It's so easy to keep straight!  At this point I tried it on and I liked it, but it was still too big.  I turned it inside out and starting at the sleeves I took in about 1-2" on each side.  Unfortunately, this did away with the pockets, which I was really hoping to keep.  However, it just looked so much better taken in, so I had to sacrifice the pockets.


I added a fun necklace and a cognac bag and booties and wore it that very day!

Before and After

There were many ways I could have refashioned this dress.  What would you have done?

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

American Eagle Distressed Hem Jeans


American Eagle distressed hem jeans are one of the latest Instagram obsessions.  I thought I'd give them a try when I saw several of my favorite fashionistas and friends wearing them.  And seriously?  I love them.  I do have to be careful when putting them on that my feet don't tear the distressed hem.  

My friends and I had a girls weekend recently and I wore them.  One of my friends posted this pic on Facebook and one of my FB friends commented "Amanda can't you and your little friends afford jeans without holes?"  I love her!  And I still love my holey jeans!

 These are some of my best friends!  Check them out on Instagram!  From left to right - Dinah @stylishprofessor, Mandy @musingsofashopaholicmama www.musingsofashopaholicmama.com , Apryl @prylb and Ann @teacherannie

I've linked the jeans here.  I'm wearing the high-rise, but there's also a mid-rise.



Obviously my #squad likes these jeans, too!

I thought my friend Dinah's looked so cute with her blush Adidas!

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Blazing a Trail in a Spring Staple

Blazing a trail in a Spring staple - the blazer!  I loooove blazers!  They are perfect for this time of year when it is cool in the morning and warm later in the day.  A blazer makes jeans and a t-shirt look classy!  It can also be a great pop of color or a statement piece.  Here are a few of my favorite blazers this Spring.

*Note - I haven't blogged in a couple months due to putting our house on the market, selling it, and buying/building a new one.  It's been crazy, but I hope to have more time to blog again now!*

 Blazer and scarf are both last year's Cabi spring line.  Bag is Noonday Collection.

 Airport selfie!  This amazingly comfortable sailor blazer and red cargo pants are this Spring Cabi. I seriously wear these rose gold Adidas ALL THE TIME! Initial necklace is LeBoutiqueShop.

 Blazer and top are last year Cabi.  Distressed hem jeans are American Eagle Outfitters and are currently buy one, get one free! This amazing bag is vintage Noonday Collection.

I love how this J. Crew Factory striped blazer pairs with this floral Cabi top!

 Blush and camo is one of my favorite combos!  This blazer is from Nordstrom Rack last year and the camo pants are from Ross!

A white blazer is such a versatile piece!  I wear mine all the time!  Maybe I should do a blog post just featuring my white blazer!  This one was my birthday gift (to myself) 2 years ago from Anthro. Dress is last year Cabi.  These shoes were Charlotte Russe from a few years ago and literally fell apart as I was wearing them this time.  So sad!

What is your favorite blazer?

All current items are linked in the post!

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Spring Transition

Spring transition is my favorite time of year!!!  I am NOT a cold weather girl.  My favorite clothes are warm weather clothes, so I am about to be so happy!  Of course, transition from Winter to Spring looks vastly different across the country. Here in the South, we've already been having 80 degree days and tornadoes.  Who knows, we may have another freeze in us, but not likely!

I've put together some looks that should work with minor changes no matter where you live.

Florals are a great way to look Spring-y! 

Throw on a jacket and boots or booties if it is still cool.

This Gray Monroe dress is perfect as is for warmer climates or just throw on a cardi or denim jacket if it is cooler.

Floral pants are great because you can wear them with flats or heels where it is warmer or put on boots or booties with them where it is colder.
 P.S. - if you just love this leather tote it can be yours right here!!!

Another great way to wear a floral top is to throw on a bright cardi and a skirt.  Add more layers (or pants instead) if you need to!

 Layers are the perfect go-to for transitioning seasons!

I wear the jacket in the morning and by noon I have to lose it!  Add leggings if it's colder where you are.  
These blush Adidas are going to be a Spring staple for me!

A brightly colored blazer is a great way to layer in the Spring!

More fun pants and a cardi.

Swing dresses are great because you can wear them as is or they look great with tights or leggings for warmth.  I definitely had to lose this scarf by afternoon, but it was great for the cool morning!

What's your go-to Spring transition look?

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Noonday Style

Noonday Style - It's no secret that I love Noonday Collection.  The pieces are just gorgeous and are all handmade by artisans around the world! America provides a marketplace for these artisans to sell their work when they might not have a source of income otherwise.  One of my best friends is an Ambassador and I host a launch show for her every Spring and Fall. Just this weekend I hosted the Spring launch, and let me tell you there are some fabulous pieces!!!

I mean really!!!
Noonday Style
This gorgeous Wildflower clutch is handmade in Peru.

My trunk show will be open through Thursday, February 23.  You can shop directly through this link bit.ly/AmandaSpring2017
And just because I love my followers, if you make a purchase, you'll be put in a drawing to win one of these pair of earrings!
Noonday Style
These Flight of Fancy earrings handmade in Peru are retired, BUT I have a brand new pair just for you!

OR
Noonday Style
These Fringed Crescent Earrings are handmade from upcycled metal in Haiti.

Here are a few more of the pieces from the current line, but you can see everything if you click on the link above!

I'm wearing the Wideleine earrings handmade from upcycled oil drum and leather from Haiti.  Jill (my ambassador) is wearing the leather Mystique earrings from India. Our necklaces are True North paper beads from Uganda and the Fawn Necklace from India.

Here's a better view of the True North


Noonday Style
Jill - Earrings, Rivulet from India; Reversible Necklace, Andromeda from India
Me - Earrings, Golden Hour from India; Necklace, Mara from Kenya (the bottom piece of this necklace is removable)

Blush Fringed Crescent Earrings from Haiti (ON SALE!!!)

Noonday Style


And you guys, the bags!  Oh they have my heart!!! 
Noonday Style

Noonday Style

There are so many more amazing pieces!  You can read my other post about Noonday Collection here to see some of the ways I've styled what I have!

Remember - if you purchase from this trunk show, comment here on this post and let me know or write a message in the notes section of your order saying you read about it on my blog!  Then you'll be entered to win a fabulous set of earrings!

What's your favorite Noonday piece?

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Don't Make me Blush


Don't make me blush!  On second thought, yes, do!!!  I'm just loving blush right now.  There are so many beautiful blush pieces out there, so I thought I'd share a few of my faves.  These are a wide range of price points, so hopefully something for everyone.



Don't make me blush



1. Scarf - you guys, this is $4.99!!!!

2. Earrings - these are on sale for $28.99 from $42.00!  I have these and they are some of my very favorite earrings ever!

3. Keychain Pom Pom - $10.00

4. Adidas - $79.99 I think I'm going to need these!!!

5. Floral bag - $35.00 This, too!  Oh how fun it is!

6. Michael Kors necklace - $165

7. Watch  - $18.00

8. Steve Madden heels  - $99.95


Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Thrifty Thursday - Spring Fever Refashion

Thrifty Thursday - Spring Fever Refashion 

With all of the traveling we've done in the last 2 months in addition to the holidays, I haven't had a chance to work on any refashions.  I was really missing it this week, so I dug through my pile and found this.

Thrifty Thursday - Spring Fever Refashion
 Doesn't it look so great with those socks? ;-)

I loved how fun and bright the print was - and totally this Spring's Pantone colors! However, it was a bit big and a little too much fabric. It's hard to see in this pic, but it was a hi-low hem; longer in the back. First order of business was getting rid of shoulder pads and ripping out the sleeves!
Thrifty Thursday - Spring Fever Refashion

Thrifty Thursday - Spring Fever Refashion

Sleeves are gone!
Thrifty Thursday - Spring Fever Refashion

Initially I thought that I'd go sleeveless, but when I looked at the sleeves I had just ripped out I got the idea to sew them back in the opposite way to make flutter sleeves!
Thrifty Thursday - Spring Fever Refashion


Thrifty Thursday - Spring Fever Refashion
The sleeves were still a little long for my liking, so I trimmed and hemmed them a bit more.

Next, I decided that I didn't want the big scoop neckline, so I turned it around backwards. I definitely needed to lose some length, but instead of chopping and hemming, I just gathered up the excess fabric in the front and Ta-Da!!!
Thrifty Thursday - Spring Fever Refashion

Thrifty Thursday - Spring Fever Refashion
I think my daughter caught me trying to keep the wind from knocking me over here, but it is a good shot of the front up close.

I really love how this turned out and I can't wait for Spring so I can wear it!

Before and After
Thrifty Thursday - Spring Fever Refashion

What would you have done with this dress?

 

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