Thank you all so much for your kind and thoughtful words last week as I shared about bringing my Frugal Fashionista series back, but more importantly, why it stopped in the first place. It was very encouraging and every single comment meant the world to me, well except one, but in life, isn’t there always that one? 🙂
Honestly, the comments and interaction are what I love the most about the blog, but as we all get busier, it just hard to leave them. If you haven’t read the last post, I ask you to head there first because it sets a background for me bringing back one of my favorite series (and yours.)
This past month, I’ve been doing some traveling. I am not a plan and pack kind of girl. Does this surprise you?
In fact, more often than not, I grab the closest clean clothes and pray that I can pull outfits together once I arrive at my destination. The reason why this is important for you to know is that fashion needs to be fun, not stressful. It breaks my heart to hear the amount of time women spend worried about what to wear, and we need to have some freedom from that.
It never ceases to amaze me when people tell me how stylish I am. If they only knew, they would laugh along with me.
My priority is always in the accessories. The last trip I went on, I forgot my accessory bag and I was lost. 😉 My simple $1 yard sale shirts only work for a night on the town with a great necklace.
I am a believer that you can wear anything if you have a few fun accessories to tie the outfit together.
A new favorite $5 shirt find was this sparkly tank top. I typically don’t wear much bling on my shirts; I let the necklace or earrings do the talking, but these two combined just made me happy. A perfect pairing for summer, turquoise and yellow are wonderful complements to each other.
In the past, nearly 95% of the clothes I featured were all second hand. The little switch you’ll see me making is that while 90% of my wardrobe is still thrifted, I’ve purchased a few new items on clearance and/or out of season. In my opinion, getting pants that fit well is critical in how you feel about your overall outfit.
I was thrilled when I found these super fun colorful pants for $10 clearanced. For retail, buy off season! I even wrote a whole post about buying clothes out of season back in 2010. (I still love that 2 out of the 3 outfits, even if they don’t fit right now.)
I’m a bit conscious of wearing sleeveless things right now, so I always grab a cardigan.
This one was only $2 at a yard sale and it covers a multitude of sins. With long cardigans, I can get away with wearing pants that may have gotten a tad too tight in the bootie area, plus long cardigans always hide muffin tops.
I don’t care if they go out of style. I will wear them forever and ever. 🙂
Did you notice my beautiful bangles? Yes, this outfit is all about the little pops of color. These Cents of Style yellow bangles make everything more fun and for a few dollars they elevate the outfit.
(P.S. Cents of Style is having a 50% off Summer clearance today Use Coupon Code 50CLEARANCE)
Here are the same fun pop of color pants paired with the most comfortable $1 yard sale Banana Republic black shirt. I love this shirt. I’ve slept in this shirt. I may have even slept in this shirt, throw this gorgeous necklace on and then worn this shirt out, but you’d never know. 😉
Yes, I know this is a bold look and you may be thinking you could never pull it off. That is ok. We all need to pick accessories that we feel comfortable with, but go a bit more adventurous with your accessories. You won’t regret it. Take a baby step.
I admit that I have too many black tops in my wardrobe. It’s a problem really, and I asked the question, “Can you ever have too much black?” years ago in a post. (My daughter said, “Wow, mom, those last outfits are ugly.” I agreed. It was five years ago. The shawl is a winner. 😉
I also have a huge little black dress collection. That is a core wardrobe piece and one of the reasons I love them is because I always find GREAT quality black shirts and dresses second hand. They are the perfect back drop for my statement necklaces.
This picture was taken just this past week. My $1 black yard sale shirt was the perfect canvas to highlight that gorgeous necklace. (And yes, that cardigan again, plus the $3 Goodwill striped skirt. I need to get a full length picture of it because it’s fabulous!)
Now onto the shoes. Thrift store find: $4 and they make me feel like a woman. 🙂 Really, when I wear them I just feel fashionable, even though they were someone else’s fashion find first.
And now I am going to focus on the letting go of Pinterest Perfection fact that I brought up last week. I won’t even mention the fact that my necklaces were crooked on multiple pictures or that once again, I will get a comment about my make up. The thing that feels great? The post is done and I’m on my way to encouraging you that we can embrace who we are and do it on a budget.
You know what I said as I took these pictures?
“I am so exhausted. It’s been a long day. I should probably go freshen my make up and hair, but I just don’t care.” And I know 99% of you don’t either. 🙂
So now you have to go scroll up and see the difference between the two different outfits. haha
All I know is that this pair of leather shoes I “stole” from a yard sale for $2 and my toe nails are fully painted. All in all, I would call that an amazing day.
I hope that your weekend is full of lots of chocolate, painted toe nails, pops of color and wonderful times with family and friends.
That yellow and turquoise is to cute!!
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Beautiful ! Love your color combinations! You are inspiring me!
Only you don’t need cardigan. It cuts your legs and makes them short visually (it is not true in the reality). Waist defining jacket will do. Trust me, I watched 2 seasons of ” What not to wear” ;-).
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Jen Reply:
August 1st, 2014 at 3:11 pm
haha!! Love that! I do wear waist defining jackets too and love the look, but they are not nearly as comfy. When I want comfort that needs to cover the tight fitting butt, it’s all about the cardigan. When I lose those extra 10 that I just gained, I’ll go back. It’s a great reminder of what to shoot for. 🙂
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Svitlana Reply:
August 1st, 2014 at 4:29 pm
Thanks for inspiration. Heading to yard sales tomorrow . Last time I found designer shoes, like new condition, for $3. Hooray for frugal fashionista!
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Love your color combinations! You’ve given me lots of inspiration – I’m on a color hunt now!
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Jen Reply:
August 1st, 2014 at 6:23 pm
I always get stuck in my love of all things black, so this was fun. 🙂
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These outfits are all gorgeous . You definitely have a gift when it comes to accessorizing just right! I love those yellow bangles. And I have a couple of things that I also say I don’t care if it goes out of style…..I will still wear them. One is long t-shirts. Remember when short t-shirts were in style and you couldn’t bend over or lift your arms? Never again. Also….it does bug me when people point out their imperfections because I honestly never would notice if they weren’t pointed out.
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Jen Reply:
August 1st, 2014 at 10:31 pm
oh, I LOVE long T-shirts. We can forever bond over our long cardigans and tshirts. 🙂
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J Reply:
August 2nd, 2014 at 9:12 am
@Jen, Here’s a tip to help you with short t-shirts (which I dislike as well): look for maternity tanks. They’re longer & you don’t get a peek show with your shirts. Also, the layered look is really cute. Love your fashion posts!
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So glad to see you back. Frugal Fashionista is my favorite part of your blog. I was wondering what happened to you. You are the one that inspired me to shop garage sales and Goodwill. My new hobby is refashion. Thanks for the inspiration!
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Jen Reply:
August 1st, 2014 at 10:33 pm
So so glad to hear I helped start your new hobby. Love that. It’s so fun, isn’t it? My thrifting, yard sale fashion has still been here. I just hadn’t been sharing it as much. 🙂
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Was admiring this Sunday, I like the yellow/teal/gray combo. (As soon as Patrick saw all the sparkles, which I’m just a bit above slightly obsessed with, he asked if you stole my shirt.) 🙂
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Your outfits look so cute and I’m so happy that your Frugal Fashionista series is back! You are part of what inspired me to shop at thrift stores a few years ago and just this past week I hit my local Goodwill after a hiatus and found two Banana Republic skirts, a Gap jacket and shirt, and a cute Arden B cardigan. Score! I’m also happy that you’re getting back to your true blogging roots. The perfect blogs are boring and, honestly, some of my favorite blogs have become too “polished” and I’ve subsequently stopped reading them. They aren’t as inspiring at that point. Your FF series is my favorite part about your blog and I’ve missed it 🙂
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Jen Reply:
August 2nd, 2014 at 10:14 am
Thanks so much, Alicia!! SO fun to hear about your latest Goodwill haul. Those were some scores. 🙂
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Love this post and so glad Frugal Fashionista is back!! I have been a thrift-aholic for years but am never sure where to start when it comes to accessorizing. We are very casual here in the Northeast, like pajama casual. But all these photos remind me that you can stand out, in the best way possible, by dressing like a woman. And that means necklaces, earrings, fantastic color combinations, and heels! By the way, I want those leather flower wedges! Gorgeous, Jen, AS USUAL!
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Jen Reply:
August 2nd, 2014 at 10:15 am
Oh friend – pajama casual? LOVE THAT!! My happiest outfits are those that can tag team pajama and every day. 🙂 Thanks for your sweet words.
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So glad you brought this series back. I love the sequined yellow stripped shirt!
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You are inspiring! Love your blog … You keep us up on the latest fashion and give us ideas on how to do it with a little investment.
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That black and turquoise outfit caught my eye immediately. And the striped skirt outfit totally looks like something I would wear. You don’t happen to have a source for the multi-layer turquoise beads, do you? I have pink quartzlike and white and now want every color, but they’re like $20 everywhere I find them online.
I agree with previous commenter: don’t point out the imperfections! Most of us aren’t looking and wouldn’t notice, and those that are will find them without your pointing them out.
And, seriously, who would make comments about your makeup? Would you do that to someone at church or work? Didn’t think so. So don’t do it on a blog, either! Maybe it’s just my Texas upbringing, but that’s just “tacky.” 🙂
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Jen Reply:
August 2nd, 2014 at 12:19 pm
The reason I pointed out some of the things on this post was honestly, to just encourage others that it “doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.” 🙂 I don’t typically do it and I won’t always continue, but every once in awhile, it’s just something that lets every one know we are in it together. I don’t have a source for the necklace. so sorry, but I’ll make sure and keep an eye out.
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So many nice pics of you! The one in the striped skirt and brown tops is absolutely beautiful. Striking. It is funny that you mentioned being uncomfortable in sleeveless. I had just thought what beautiful shoulders and arms you have and then you said that! We really are our worst critic.
My sister is amazing at finding good things thrifting. Me, not so much. You have done a good job of putting things together in a frugal way.
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Jen Reply:
August 4th, 2014 at 5:06 pm
Thank so much, Sandy.
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Very cute! I think you have convinced me to try GoodWill hunting!
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Jen Reply:
August 4th, 2014 at 5:05 pm
Absolutely! Give it a try.
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Love turquoise! I have a pair of similar pants that I wear a lot with black shirts. LOL. I will have to try with yellow. I also have a hot pink pair of pants that I wear with black shirts and a statement necklace. I get compliments on those outfits all the time.
I, too, hate my arms. So hard to get rid of those bat wings and cellulite at 45. I have been doing push-up 3x a week on my stairs and a resistance band which has helped some. They look better than last year but still not as good as they did at 25. LOL. But I have worn two sleeveless outfits this summer and got compliments so they must not be as bad as I think.
Love the shoes-both pair!
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Love turquoise! I have a pair of similar pants that I wear a lot with black shirts. LOL. I will have to try with yellow. I also have a hot pink pair of pants that I wear with black shirts and a statement necklace. I get compliments on those outfits all the time.
I, too, hate my arms. So hard to get rid of those bat wings and cellulite at 45. I have been doing push-up 3x a week on my stairs and a resistance band which has helped some. They look better than last year but still not as good as they did at 25. LOL. But I have worn two sleeveless outfits this summer and got compliments so they must not be as bad as I think.
Love the shoes-both pairs!
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I found you a year or so ago through The Nester, and signed on because of your Frugal Fashonista posts (though I love all of your posts!)
Though I understand your reasoning for putting it aside…I’m so glad you have brought it back!
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I am just checking in on your blog and I am so very happy that you have brought back your Frugal Fashionista series….and the voice of your authenticity. That is what kept me a reader for a long time and I had stopped checking in regularly because the blog didn’t seem to speak to my experiences anymore (mid 40’s mom!). Thank you for all that you do, and for being so real.
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Jen Reply:
August 25th, 2014 at 7:59 pm
Thanks Peg – hope you keep checking in.
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Seriously, I do not see how anyone could criticise your posts! They are WONDERFUL!!! I just stumbled across your blog after having a great thrift shopping day of my own and wanted ideas for more. I feel even more encouraged. Thank you for that!
I feel so lucky that I found your blog as the frugal fashionista is coming back. I will be checking back regularly to see more of your “imperfect” (aka real) posts. And real life is way better than perfection by the way. God bless
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Jen Reply:
September 25th, 2014 at 9:47 pm
CAtherine – YAY!! So glad you found my little spot in the blogosphere. I am so glad to have you join us. 🙂
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