While I’ve mentioned one or two headbands in some previous Etsy Love posts, it’s come to my attention that I’ve never actually had a post solely dedicated to headbands. This has to change, because most headbands in brick and mortar stores seem to be either too cheaply made, or severely over-priced. Here’s a set of some lovely items I’d love to get my hands on.
Topknot Headband in Lemon Buzz $13
Lady Amherst Feather Headband $20
Bow Headband in Japanese Linen Fabric $12.86
Sometimes you buy something, then decide that you really don’t like it. It sits in your Goodwill pile for a few months, and then you try it on again and adore it. That’s what happened with me and this tunic.
I bought this tunic while on a thrifting trip months ago, but when I wore it again at home, I convinced myself that it looked way too much like a maternity top. I tossed it in my Goodwill pile, then in my scrap fabric pile, and it languished. Last week, I had one of those panic getting-ready-for-work mornings where I couldn’t decide what to wear. Then I remembered this top and dug it back out. I found that by tying sash differently, I could create a more defined waistline that prevents it from making me look preggers (which I don’t want to be for a long time).
The rayon fabric is so soft and comfortable, and I love the shade of purple. I also love that it gave me an excuse to wear this beautiful necklace that I inherited from my grandmother.
Tunic: Target (thrifted)
Pants: Express Editors
Sandals: Clarks Rime
Purse: Morelle City Bag
Necklace: Inherited from my grandma
Somedays, all you really need is a good, classic color palette. And to me, nothing is more classic than red, black, white and grey.
Because of my full-time work schedule, my outfits are usually getting posted about a week after I actually wear them. I write all of my posts on Thursday nights or on the weekend and then schedule them ahead of time. Thus, this is actually what I wore for my first day at my new job last Monday. Red is supposed to be a good color for first days because it communicates authority. I wanted to keep everything polished and professional, and I’m pretty happy with the result.
My favorite work accessories are a nice strand of pearls and a good watch. For now, I just have a basic Target watch, but one day I’d like to buy something a bit nicer. I’m enjoying my new job, although the schedule is a bit difficult to get used to. I have to get up at 5:05 am to be ready to leave by 6:40 am for a 45 minute commute. It’s rough, but I like what I’m doing.
Blouse: Express
Capris: Erik Stewart (thrifted)
Shoes: Clarks Apple Sky
Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT
Purse: Morelle City Bag
Pearls: Coryell Design
Watch: Target
Frye Molly Flat in Lemon $86.87 on Endless (on sale)
I’m a sucker for yellow lately, and I could see myself wearing a pale lemon flat all the time. I love the delicate detailing, and the elastic would keep it firmly on my feet. It comes in a lot of other colors too, including green, coral, tan, black and white. By the way, for fellow Frye lovers out there, be sure to follow Frye Sales on Twitter - they’ll keep you up to date on all the best prices.
For those on a budget, I highly recommend discovering if there is an exchange type store in your area. It’s kind of like a consignment shop. The way it works at a local store here, Revolve Clothing Exchange, is that you bring in clothes that you don’t wear anymore, they pick what they want to buy from you, and then you get instant store credit! I love this, because I am constantly weeding my closet, and it lets me do a bit of shopping without hurting my wallet. I took in quite a few items last week, and got an amazing $62 store credit! So here’s what I got without spending money this week:
Express Denim Jacket = $12, free with store credit
I have been wanting a denim jacket for ages, but I could never find one that I really liked. While this one still isn’t absolutely perfect, the fit is good, and I love the nice dark wash. This will be going into heavy rotation very soon.
BB Dakota Leather Jacket = $20, free with store credit
This was absolutely the find of the day. If I had only bought this, I still would have been super happy. I really wanted to get a nice leather jacket before fall, but they were always either too expensive, too boxy or too biker chic. This brown suede one is perfect, fits beautifully and compliments my brown hair. I will have to get it cleaned, since it has a few spots, but that’s not too bad, since I got it for free.
Tan Pleather Clutch = $6, free with store credit
I really wanted to get a nice clutch to take to the wedding I’m going to next month, but I can’t really afford the super nice leather ones I really want on Etsy. Since this one was free, and it was a color that will go with my dress, I went ahead and got it anyhow. It will probably be replaced with something nicer (and in real leather) when money is a little less tight.
So I didn’t actually use any ban money on all those purchases, since I had so much store credit. I did use some ban money to buy a lovely necklace on Etsy, but I’ll feature it next week, since I haven’t received it in the mail yet.
Guess what everyone? I’ve got another giveaway for you!
Chickdowntown is offering the lucky winner of this giveaway a pair of LNA zippered leggings in their choice of color. There’s many gorgeous options:
There’s also hot pink, silver, moss green and charcoal.
This contest is open to everyone, including non-US residents. To enter the contest, simply comment on this post saying which color is your favorite. For extra entries, tweet the contest on Twitter (be sure to include @SimpleElegance1 in your tweet) or blog about the contest. That gives you three chances to enter. The contest will run until Friday, October 2nd, at midnight EST. I will then use a random number generator to pick the winner. Good luck everyone!
Like items in my wardrobe, there are certain accessories I own that I couldn’t go without.
A Basic Pearl Necklace (Coryell Design)
I love my pearls. They give any outfit an extra touch of class. And they never, ever go out of style.
Sterling Silver Bangles (Jill Popowich)
I literally wear these almost every day. I love the light, feminine touch that they add. And the pretty sound they make 
Black Mary Janes (Clarks Apple Sky)
Okay, so it’s extremely hard to pick just one pair of shoes. But if I had to have only one pair of shoes for work, these would probably be the ones. They look amazing with both pants and dresses. The patent classes them up a notch. They’re reasonably comfortable (although my feet do start to hurt towards the end of the day).
Brown Strappy Sandals (Born Savory)
Okay, so I chose two pairs of shoes. While the previous ones were my work essentials, these are my casual essentials. Since Florida is so warm, it’s possible to wear sandals for most of the year. These lovelies are amazingly comfortable (once broken in) and they look great with everything.
A Colorful Purse (Easy Spirit Outlet)
I love wearing this edamame colored bag to add a pop of color. I’ve worn it so much that I’ve had to do a few repairs to the interior lining. That’s fine with me though, because I love this classy bag.
A Black Leather Hobo (Morelle)
Because it’s classic, because it’s beautiful. and because it goes with everything.
Silver Woven Belt (Thrifted)
I never really thought I needed a silver belt until I bought one. Now, I wear it all the time. I love how it’s unexpected.
Sterling Silver Hoops (Sara Westermark)
Sterling Silver Studs (June Designs)
Again, simple, classic and go with everything.
Scarves and Brooches
Okay, so I’m really cheating here. Scarves and brooches in general are an essential in my wardrobe. There isn’t a specific one that I wear constantly, simply because of the way I utilize them as accents. I love how a scarf or brooch can instantly make an outfit more chic, and it’s impossible to choose just one.
I think I am starting to come to terms with the fact that the weather will not get below 70 degrees here for at least another month. I want the cold weather to arrive so badly, but what I really should be doing is enjoying the last blast of summer. This outfit is a good summer to fall transition outfit. I’ve got a cardigan to make me feel a little more like fall is here, while the yellow accents are fresh and summery.
I originally bought this tee at Old Navy with the intention of wearing it while working out, but lately I’ve really liked wearing it out on the weekends. The bold stripes are a lot of fun, the cut is very flattering, and I like that the neckline lets a bit of my clavicle show.
Tee: Old Navy
Cardigan: Anthropologie
Skirt: Ann Taylor LOFT
Shoes: John Fluevog Malibrans
Purse: Morelle City Bag
Headband: Target
Necklace: Chocolate Cake Jewels
I did an Etsy love post on clutches back in March, but today I’m focusing on leather clutches. Since I’m going to a wedding in October, I’d like to get a simple leather clutch that could hold a few things for me while still looking chic. These are some lovely options I’ve found.
Gathered Apple Green Clutch in Nappa Leather $40
Small Studded Leather Clutch $40
Classic Ivory Vintage Purse $20
The Pochette in Butterscotch $92
Now that I’ve started my new job (as a substitute media specialist at an elementary school) I’ve begun to realize that I really need to expand my professional wardrobe. I’ve got tons of great casual pieces, but not so many work separates. I’ve only got three pairs of dress pants, and only three or four skirts that are really appropriate for working with kids. This is an area I need to start focusing on.
So now we come to this outfit, which I wore last week while going through training for my new job. I liked it at the time, but something about it bothers me now. I think my issue is with the proportions. I’ve read in many places that wide leg pants are good for women who are curvy on the bottom, but now I’m not so sure if that’s true. It’s supposed to balance out the width of your hips, but I think it makes me just look larger. I think I might take these pants to a tailor to have them made into straight leg pants.
The other part I’m not so sure about are the proportions of the cropped jacket here. I love how this jacket looks worn over a dress or with a high waisted skirt. Do you think it works here worn over a longer blouse with pants? Or does it chop up my proportions too much?
Blazer: Forever21 (thrifted)
Blouse: Anthropologie
Pants: Banana Republic Outlet
Shoes: Clarks Apple Sky
Tote: Thrifted and re-conned
Pearls: Pixisette
Bangles: Jill Popowich
