Small Business Saturday 2022 Finds

Small Business Saturday 2022 Finds

If you read my last blog post or keep up with me on the ‘gram, you’ll know that I went shopping around Green Bay on Small Business Saturday. It was a fun day of looking around my favorite local shops and new-to-me spots (check out my SBS ’22 story highlights for locations). I found a few items to add to my winter wardrobe, as well as some other goodies.

It was great to finally check out Alternative Route Outfitters on Small Business Saturday. I first saw the shop on Instagram and loved the vibe. It lived up to my expectations when I saw the place in person. At Alternative Route, I found a red cropped sweatshirt and some cowgirl earrings. I loved their selection of boots, skirts, and dresses, so I’ll definitely be back when I have the excuse of vacation or concert outfit shopping.

At A Bag Lady, I found a diamond checkered jacket. It’s made of a super fuzzy material and has some brown corduroy accents. I can always count on this boutique for unique finds!

Another boutique I adore is Sunrise on Main: They have a mix of upscale new and pre-loved items. I found a cozy maroon sweater and a tan camo sweater there. Both of these will be absolutely perfect for the chilly days ahead!

On Small Business Saturday, I even stocked up on some candles. I found an old fashioned candle from LoCo WisCo. Yes, it smells just like the drink. At Aurora’s Apothecary, I found a teakwood and tobacco candle from Classic Farmhouse. It smells amazing and has a cute rustic look.

& that wraps up all of my finds! Did you go shopping on Small Business Saturday? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!

A Few Summer Concerts & Outfits

A Few Summer Concerts & Outfits

August has been a month full of live music! I couldn’t imagine a better way to wrap up summer.

Back in June, I wrote a blog post with Goodwill NCW that covered four thrifted concert looks and discussed the beginning of the festival season. In the post, I talked a bit about attending an Eric Church concert, a Jason Derulo concert, and Freedom Country Festival. It feels like it was just yesterday since the piece was published, but I’ve been to three more concerts since then.

Early in August, I saw 3OH!3 perform in Green Bay’s Titletown District. I have to admit that I listened to them quite a bit in middle and early high school, so it was cool to see them live. Yes, I fangirled when they played “Don’t Trust Me.” I wore a “black dress with the tights underneath,” (*wink, wink*) paired with a black denim jacket and faux snakeskin booties.

Last weekend, I saw Oliver Tree perform at The Rave in Milwaukee, WI. His openers were Huddy and Jawny. The whole show was incredible, energizing, and engaging. If Oliver Tree is ever in your area, go to the show! Just be prepared for lots of jumping up and down and screaming. Also, be prepared to join in on a few chants. Did I mention that Oliver also likes to open up the mosh pit? Oh, and he has a cow statue and other props handy. It’s an absolute blast.

For this show, I went for a casual yet accessorized look. I threw on some white tennies and a white tank with my black denim shorts and jacket. I brought my completely bedazzled purse along and put on a fuzzy black bucket hat. With how warm the venue got, I definitely could’ve left my jacket in the car; but hey, fashion over function.

Last night, I attended the “Sounds of Nashville” show at the Green Bay Botanical Gardens. This concert was unique since it featured a few country songwriters. JT Harding and the Warren Brothers played #1 country songs that they wrote. You may know the song “Alone With You” performed by Jake Owen or Blake Shelton’s hit, “Sangria.” Well, those were both written by JT Harding! The Warren Brothers wrote Chris Young’s “Sober Saturday Night,” Toby Keith’s “Red Solo Cup,” and more (of course)!

This concert was also unique because the songwriters shared stories of how the country hits came to be. They shared a bit about their journeys as artists as well. It was a very relaxed, conversational, and good show.

For this concert, I kept my outfit country with my tall black cowboy boots and a little black dress. I can’t wait for another excuse to break these boots out.

I think that’s a wrap on concerts for me this summer, but I’m excited to see what fall may bring for events!

Do you have any upcoming concert plans? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!

The *Best* Way to Crop Your T-Shirts

The *Best* Way to Crop Your T-Shirts

The way I styled my shirts changed after I saw this Reel in my Instagram feed. In the reel, @torylleigh shares how she cuts her crop tops with a curve rather than a straight across cut. While this may not sound like a huge difference, it actually creates a unique look. If you sometimes feel like t-shirts or basic crop tops make you look “boxy,” you have got to try this cropping method.

Step 1: Try the shirt on to see where you would like it cropped. This ensures that you don’t cut it too short or too long. It may seem like an obvious step, but it’s one that I occasionally regret skipping.

Step 2: Lay your shirt down on a flat surface. Make sure there are no wrinkles; this will cause you to get a jagged cut rather than a clean one.

Step 3: Start cutting the shirt. As you cut, you’ll want to create a half circle. You can fold the fabric over once you are to the center of the shirt to mirror your cuts on the other side. Pro tip: Use fabric scissors. These are sharper, easier to use, and they give you a better cut!

Step 4: Cut down the center of the neckline. This is an optional step depending on the look that you are going for. You can have a plunging v-neck cut, just a slight cut, or no cut. It’s up to you!

Step 5: Pull along the fabric that you cut. When you pull along the fabric, it naturally “curls”/folds over. This helps to clean up any slightly jagged cuts.

And finally, your crop top is ready to wear! I love how chopped-up tops only get better with age. Once you wash and dry this t-shirt a few times, the cuts will soften even more and it’ll be perfectly worn in.

Do you have a different cropping method? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!

How To Style Blazers *After Hours*

How To Style Blazers *After Hours*

Blazers are a classic style staple that can be utilized for more than just your 9-5. In fact, you may get more use out of your blazers if you break them out after hours.

In this post, I’ve compiled a few ways to style your blazers with a touch of moxie. In the pictures, you’ll see a navy blue pinstripe vintage blazer that I thrifted. I highly recommend thrifting before buying new when it comes to blazers. Sure, you may have to cut out some shoulder pads, but you’ll get a better deal and a more unique look. Also, I’d recommend going for a neutral color like navy, grey, black, or brown. This will allow for your blazer to be very versatile.

Anyways, let’s get into a few looks that you’ll look great in.

Look 1: Little Black Dress

There are a couple of ways that you can style this look. It just depends on what feels best for you.

Option 1: you can simply throw the blazer on top of your little black dress and leave it open. Option 2: you can close the blazer and cinch your waist with a belt.

Personally, I love option 2 since it helps to show off some shape. The cinched waist offers a gorgeous contrast to the blazers’ boxy shoulders.

Look 2: Tank, Blazer, and Blue Jeans

This look keeps it simple, but you can do a lot to make it your own. Once you have the base of a white tank, a dark-colored blazer, and blue jeans, you can add on accessories like hats, jewelry, purses, etc.

If I wore this outfit during the day, I’d pair it with my white Reebok tennies and Johnny Cash baseball cap. If I wore this outfit out to dinner, I’d probably throw on strappy black heels and grab my Edie Parker Bodega Bag.

Look 3: Monochromatic

Hot take: pattern mix-matching and monochromatic looks are fun. In some cases, I believe that style rules were made to be broken.

To recreate this look, simply pair your blazer with pieces that it shares a color with. This is a look that can challenge you to try something new and get creative.

Look 4: Sporty Spice

I saved the comfy-ist look for last. All you need are biker shorts and a t-shirt to pair with your blazer. Then, feel free to accessorize!

This is another outfit that I’d pair with my Reebok tennies. I’d also add on my oversized black sunglasses and a black crossbody purse.

This is the type of outfit that is so easy to put together, but you can still look chic.

I hope this post helps you look at your *professional* wear in a new way.

Which look will you try? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!

Recent Thrift Trip: Winter 2022

Recent Thrift Trip: Winter 2022

On my latest Goodwill thrifting adventure, I found eight new pieces for my wardrobe for just $50 and some change. In my haul, I scored brands like Madewell, BDG, and BB Dakota. I adore each piece and think they will compliment my wardrobe well. Also, I believe this haul contains a lot of nice wardrobe staples/basics. If you need some ideas of what to add to your thrift shopping list, you’ve come to the right place.

First up, I found a striped button-up and some classic ripped jeans. The cut of the top is perfect for me, and I love the button detailing on the side. Thrifting jeans is my favorite thing to do because then they are already a bit worn in. Uncomfy jeans are just not for me.

Next, I found a blouse-style black tank and three cozy cardigans. Wintertime in Wisconsin is chilly, as you may imagine, so I knew I wanted a few new sweaters in my closet. The light grey, dark grey, and green cardigans will go nicely with many of the tops already in my closet.

Lastly, I found one of my new favorite outfits: a simple grey tank and black wide-legged paper bag waist pants. I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t squeal with excitement when I tried these pants on. The fit, the style, and the look was spot on for me. I will definitely be wearing them out soon.

What’s your favorite thrifted find? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!

A New Season of Style

A New Season of Style

The cooler weather is calling for a style change-up, and so am I. Lately, I’ve had a bit of a bored feeling when looking in my closet to choose something to wear. You know the one?

I think it’s important to note that this feeling doesn’t mean that you have to, or should, start from square one. I like to view my closet as an ongoing draft that I can make edits to, here and there, as needed. As fall came, I realized it was time to make a few additions and subtractions to refresh my wardrobe.

First, I focused on the subtractions. I took an informal inventory of my closet to see what I had, what I liked, what I didn’t like, and what I needed. Then, I began to take the items out of my closet that no longer “sparked joy.” I piled these items up and put them in bags to be donated.

In theory, this closet clean-out process seems simple enough. In practice, this process can be a bit tedious. But, I do have a few tips and tricks from a previous blog post that you can check out here.

I’d say the number one thing that can make or break your closet clean-out is honesty. You have to get real about what items you enjoy wearing and what items you will never wear. Holding onto pieces of clothing that don’t make you feel good isn’t worth it. Let yourself simply say, “thank you, next,” to the things that don’t spark joy! Trust me; it’s free-ing.

Once the hard part was over, I focused on the additions to my closet. Before heading right to the store, I thought about the type of pieces I truly needed to enhance my wardrobe. When you are specific and intentional, you are less likely to buy something that will end up collecting dust in your closet.

Based on the weather and the items that I decided to donate, I knew I wanted to add a few new sweaters and long sleeve tops to my closet. This brought me to my local T.J. Maxx, where I scored some really great pieces.

I can’t wait to wear these tops out and style them in different ways. I tried to get items that seemed classic rather than overly trendy. As I continue to edit my closet, I find that I value a more timeless style. Trends come and go, but your style is yours, and it can grow with you.

What’s your best seasonal style tip? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!

Steal That Look: Florence Given’s ’70s Aesthetic

Steal That Look: Florence Given’s ’70s Aesthetic

UK-based artist and author Florence Given has a gorgeously unique and defined style. I admire her bold attitude and confident self-expression. You may recall a few times on the blog where I have quoted her book, “Women Don’t Owe You Pretty.”

As a way to play around with my personal style, I recreated three of Florence’s in-feed outfits. This allowed me to mix and match items that I already had in my closet in new ways. This also forced me to jump outside of my comfort zone.

First up, I copied this little black dress look. This was fairly simple to put together since it just required a black dress, black boots, and a scarf. I think this is the perfect simple yet elevated outfit to go out in.

Second, I put my own twist on another one of Florence’s slip-dress looks. This outfit was a lot of fun to put together; it challenged me to mix up various patterns, textures, and colors.

Last but certainly not least, I recreated this black and denim look. As with the first outfit, the “recipe” is pretty simple. All you need is a black tank, black boots, jeans, and a black belt. This is a great outfit for looking effortlessly put together.

While I have my personal style preferences, recreating Florence’s outfits helped me to explore. I believe that when it comes to style, you have to be open to trying new things whether it’s a new trend or aesthetic. Through trials and the occasional errors, you are able to learn a lot about yourself and what your style truly is.

Which look was your favorite? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!

A Few Recent Thrift Finds

A Few Recent Thrift Finds

I always like to visit my local thrift store with the intention of curating my style. This helps me to focus on what clothing items I want to take home as well as which items to leave. On my latest thrift trip, my goal was to find a few more dresses to compliment my wardrobe. I got a bit lucky and found three new-to-me dresses for under $30.

First, I found this asymmetrical olive green dress. It was originally from J.Crew where dresses can easily cost more than $100. I scored this dress for just $8.99. I really enjoy the unique cut and color. This dress pairs perfectly with just tennies, but I could also dress it up with heels.

Next, I found a simple little black dress with lace detailing for $3.99. While browsing the clearance rack, I found an oversized vintage blazer to go with it for just $1.99. I think this look would be perfect for grabbing dinner.

Last but certainly not least, I found this casual denim dress. It’s Loft brand and cost just $8.99. It’s simple, comfy, and effortless. I adore dresses like this for mornings at the farmers’ market or for grabbing coffee and running errands.

If you live in northern Wisconsin like me, I’d definitely recommend checking out your local Goodwill NCW. That’s typically where I thrift, and that’s where I got all of the items featured in this blog. Also, before your next thrifting adventure, check out this blog post for a few tips and tricks!

What’s your best thrift find? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!

Thrifting My Pinterest Board

Thrifting My Pinterest Board

I have found that I do my best thrifting when I know what I want. Obviously, you never know exactly what you will find at your local thrift store, but you can set some intentions.

Pinterest is a great tool to gather style inspiration from as well as create mood boards on. Before my most recent thrift trip, I took some time to add to and review my 2021 style board (you can check it out here). This helped me to develop a general list of “wants.” Based on my pins, I knew that I wanted to add pieces to my wardrobe that were flowy and feminine. I also knew that I wanted to lean into a pastel and neutral color palette.

Because I did a bit of homework before hitting the thrift shop, it became less intimidating to go through the racks. I could immediately look at a piece and say “yes, I love this” or “nope, it doesn’t fit my description of flowy, feminine, pastel, or neutral.” When you understand your style and how you want to curate your closet, it makes it easier to find pieces that you will absolutely love.

The first piece that I found on my Pinterest thrifting adventure was this long yellow dress. I completely adore it and can’t wait for an excuse to wear it. It’s made out of relaxed linen material, and it has dainty ties on the sides that cinch the waist.

The next piece I scored was this pink cardigan. As soon as I saw it, I fell in love with the cut and the thick knit stripes. I paired it with a simple tank and some light pink shorts for a monochromatic look. I think it will pair beautifully with jeans in fall.

Lastly, I picked up this v-neck knit sweater. It’s a lighter knit, so I could comfortably wear it in winter, fall, and even spring. The colors are neutral and simple, so the sweater will pair nicely with a variety of pants, shorts, and skirts. This sweater definitely looks like a combination of sweaters and tops that I pinned.

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t know where to start when thrifting, try creating a Pinterest board to thrift from! It’s a great first step in defining your style and aesthetic.

What styles have you been loving lately? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!

Summer Style Staples

Summer Style Staples

With the weather heating up, it’s the perfect time to freshen up your wardrobe! Below I have compiled six of my favorite clothing pieces and accessories for summer. All of these items can be mixed and matched, and they are versatile for whatever occasion you may be dressing for.

Denim shorts. I consider these a must-have in my wardrobe for day-to-day summer wear, and I’m sure many of you do too. I prefer the high-waisted option, but even if you appreciate the low-rise trend, denim shorts look cute with most things. I have found many of my favorites from my local Goodwill.

White Tennies. These go with just about everything. I’ve gotten so much use out of my Pumas lately, and I consider them another must-have. They pair nicely with many outfits, and they are actually functional (unlike some of my sandals).

Cute Totes. I have found myself using my totes just as much as my purses lately. It’s so convenient to just throw your wallet and a few other necessities in a tote to go. The tote pictured is from one of my favorite brands, Copina Co.

Knit Tanks. I know it may sound counterintuitive to have a knit tank top in summer but trust me. Knits are in, and they are adorable. If you do a bit of searching, you definitely can find knit tanks that are soft and breathable. Pictured is a knit tank that I thrifted, and it has not caused me to break a sweat.

Silky Scarves. These are very versatile accessories. You can wear a scarf in your hair, you can tie it on your bag, or you can even tie it as a top! I scored my scarf from Ragstock.

Bucket Hats. These come in handy for rainy days or even bad hair days! They are perfect for many cute and casual looks.

What are some of your summer style staples? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!