Thrift Outfits I Wore and Purchased

Does life sometimes feel like you are stuck in the middle of a tornado?  Or is that just my life?!

This week leaves me photo lacking after taking Friday and Monday off from my 8-5'er.  My office is gearing up for college freshman orientation sessions.  We see EVERY student beginning next week through the end of June.  Usually these are 2 day events averaging 300 students with their parents.  It's what we do.  :-)

During my time off, I did a bit of thrift shopping.  On Friday I hit up my local Goodwill store.  Here is the haul, minus one really pretty black dress:

All of the tops are from Goodwill.  The 2 necklaces however are from Cato's, with the blue one being a clearance deal.  I just loved the Owl and he wasn't a bad price at $7.99.  The white top still had the store tags (Kohl's).  The blue button up is short sleeved and will be used as a cami cover for a maxi sun dress; making the outfit work appropriate plus hiding my old lady flabby arms.  I wore the Loft top (one with the necklaces on it) this past weekend on a family picnic by the river.  You may want to advert your eyes and scan to the next photo.  Knobby knees and old lady flabby arms in plan view!

Very comfy top by Loft via Goodwill

Shorts by NY and Company - Goodwill

Necklace - Goodwill

Earrings - thrifted

Bracelet - gifted

Sandals - at least 3 years old

We stopped in our local fast food joint (BBQ hut).  What did you expect in the Boonies?  Then headed down to the Chattahoochee (Yep, the river that Alan Jackson made famous in a song).  Bear enjoyed tossing sticks into the river, then playing on the playground at the park.

Sunday brought about a Mom/Daughter bonding day and we headed out to a couple of our favorite Goodwill stores.  Here is my loot from that day:

The one top is navy, not black as it appears in the photo.  The native print skirt is actually a Liz Claiborne and so totally me.  I WISH I could wear this beauty I had to leave at the store:

This dress is perfect for the office.  Unfortunately I am NOT a size 6, nor was I at my smallest.

Loved this one too:

Still had the store tags on it.  Oh so adorable.  Again, not my size.  

Just proving you CAN find awesome items; it just takes digging and tons of patience!

This is a totally thrift outfit.

The skirt and top are from the weekend's shopping trips.

Skirt is Worthington via Goodwill
Top from Kohls (new with store tags) via Goodwill
Necklace - Goodwill
Earrings - Thrift boutique
Shoes, Italian brand - Goodwill

I'm really glad my 20 year old daughter talked me into picking up the stripe skirt!

We are heading into 90 degree weather for the Memorial Weekend - What are your plans?

I hopefully will be sitting by the pool with my Kindle!

Some of What I Wore and Wore Again

Another month, another set of adventures in the life of Me.

I really appreciate the Facebook comments about missing my posts.  It really warmed my heart.  I miss ya'll too.  Admittedly life gets busy with two children at home; my 4 year old nephew, that I am raising along with my 20 year old daughter trying to decide where life will take her.  Along with working a full time job outside the house at a local University.  Bear (our 4 year old)  has required some special attention over the last several weeks, then I was hit by a stomach bug and a bout of "Old Lady" syndrome with mother nature.  If you get my drift.  Not blog worthy I promise you.  Ha!

I've snapped a few photos, but even that has been few and far between.  Several weeks ago, I had a meeting with a room full of 'big wigs'.  Here's what I decided to wear:

A photo snapped in the building's ladies room.  So classy, right?  Bad lighting, bad photo.

We've seen most of this before back in colder weather:

Alfred Dunner Animal Print skirt, Goodwill

Slim red belt - Salvation Army

Apt 9 black short sleeve blouse, with really cool ruffles you can't see because of the bad pic - recent Goodwill

Necklace - Goodwill

Sag Harbor heels - Goodwill

Red Jacket - Hand-me-down (from my Mom)

All Professional.  ;-)

Another recent work outfit:

This was made on campus in front of a new art sculpture placed near my office.

Love this tribal print skirt from Cato's, a recent thrift purchase.

The brown blouse is 100% silk with no sleeves, hence the thrifted cover up cami.

Brown silk blouse, Ann Taylor Loft via Goodwill

Target belt via Goodwill brand new

Necklace - clearance deal from Rue21

My awesome Target sandals.

Since I haven't posted in a while, yep I wore the same skirt/blouse on another warm day to work.

Changed up the sandals and wore 3 new thrifted bangle bracelets.  

I picked them up for 75 cents each.  LOVE.

We've seen parts of this outfit before too.  I wore the skirt in the winter:

I changed up the tops:

A newly thrifted black tank by New Direction found at Goodwill.

Tossed a NY and Company blouse (from Goodwill) over the inappropriate for work tank.

Belt - new from Goodwill

Skirt, Emma James via Goodwill

Necklace - Goodwill

Sandals - Goodwill

There you have it.  A few of the outfits I've been wearing and REfashioned into still wearing it again.  Hence my love of skirts.  I can wear them with tights and boots in the winter; then sandals in the warmer weather.  Which is cooler to me than dress slacks.  

So I have a burning question for you.....

Do you prefer skirts or slacks for dressing up?

What I Did and What I Wore doing it

Whew!  It's been a busy couple of weeks with life and work.  Last week, I worked 3 major events on campus (if you didn't know I work for a University).  So here is a peek into what I 'did' and what I wore while doing it rolled into one post.  Because my life is so very interesting I have to catch you up.  Ya don't wanna miss this.  Ha!  I mean the earth might tilt or something if ya did.  At least some of it is exciting.  Just you read and see.
On Sunday before last, I worked Preview Day at the U.  Where prospective students and their parents visit the university for a tour and one huge meet-n-greet with departments, student organizations, etc.
On Tuesday, I worked my 8-5'er then went back in at 9:30pm for what we call 'Midnight Breakfast' from 10pm to midnight.  Here is a snapshot of part of my outfit from that night.  Because of course, I changed from my day wear to a comfy casual work night outfit.

Here's a picture of my boss, my Marketing intern student and me; taken in our cafeteria around 11pm.

I am wearing a new find thrifted blouse!

Navy Blouse by Crazy Horse (Liz Claiborne) - Goodwill

Khaki slacks - Goodwill

This night I ran around greeting students, snapping photos and hunting door prize winners with a megaphone.

For real.

I've also picked that up from my students.  For real.  ;-)

On the home front:  We hatched around 50 baby quail!  

and while I worked Preview Day, friends put together this for Bear:

One happy little boy!

On Thursday, the U had Spring Fling for the students.  A fun carnival type event with loud music, inflatables and popcorn.

 

My department once again had door prizes for students.  Here I am with 2 of my student workers, on the left the sweet Miss Hannah and on the right, my wonderful Marketing intern, Miss Ashton.

I had on a lime green blazer all day, but hauling boxes out to the field had me showing off my flabby old lady arms.  Yikes!  It's time to do some walking for this gal!

Purple maxi dress, by Venezia - Goodwill

Scarf from Target - gifted

Earrings - Thrift boutique

This dress is like wearing a night shirt.  It's 95% rayon and OH so comfy!  Although it does nothing to flatter my figure.  Seriously, it makes my butt look big; while doing the Electric Slide on the grass lawn with a bunch of college students.  I have the pictures to prove it! You may want to shield your eyes:

Caught!  By my marketing intern with a run away camera.

After all that 'work' (and I use that term loosely because it was also lots of fun), I deserved a night out on the 'town' right?  Nod your head ladies!  Cause this is the 'exciting' part:

Remember, I'm a country gal, living on a farm in a small town?  Country music it is!  I purchased tickets about a month ago because The Band Perry was in concert at our very own University.   Did you catch that?  My big night out on the town involved me, my sister, her hubby and the farmer heading to.... you guessed it.  My 'office'.  Technically the concert was held in the Coliseum.  Because my office wouldn't hold the over 4000 people that attended.  ;-)  

We enjoyed the concert.  Sang along to their songs. My favorite of the night was their rendition of Amazing Grace.  And what did I wear?

A beautiful Fiorlini International crocheted top over a Victoria Secret's cami - both from Goodwill. 

 Jeans from Belks.  

Bracelet and necklace were gifts from my mom.

There you have it.  Sherri's wild and adventurous life.  What I have been doing and some of the thrifty duds I wore doing what I do.    Since this is all the outfit photos I could manage, I'm sharing with the weekly WIWW over at The Pleated Poppy.  Plus most of them are from InstaGram, because I always seem to have my iPhone with me - so linking in with Life Rearranged for InstaFriday.  Stop by for inspiration from both of these amazing ladies.

What exciting things have been happening in your world?

To keep up with my crazy life - check me out on Facebook!

More Goodwill Glamorous Fashions

Weekly I link up with the Pleated Poppy and hundreds of ladies that share what they have been wearing.  Why?  Because I enjoy sharing the fantastic thrift clothes I find shopping at Goodwill and Salvation Army.  In fact, most of my closet is now thrift buys; but no one can tell, unless I let the cat out of the bag.  I've never been a 'designer label' gal.  Although I'm a fast learner!  There is a thrill in finding a very expensive article for the cost of lunch.  Sometimes I don't even realize it until I google it!  My rule of thumb is: if I like it, will wear it (use it), then I buy it; regardless of the name on the tag.  Like the wedge sandals I wore this weekend.

Wednesday - Work

2 piece blouse set,  Kim Rogers - Salvation Army

Brown skirt - Goodwill

Target Sandals
I realize this outfit is a bit 'Granny' looking.  However, I felt very professional!  Maybe I should try it with a belt?

Thursday - work

Light blue top, Croft and Barrow - Salvation Army

Blue tiny polka dot skirt - Goodwill

Scarf - gifted (Target)

Bracelet - gifted

Earrings - Goodwill

Sunday - Easter with family, egg hunts and lunch at my sister's house

Shield your eyes!  Warning! Very WHITE legs ahead.... 

and poofy hair.  Time for a haircut.

Top, Liz and Company - Goodwill

Shorts, NY and Company - Goodwill

Brown wedge sandals, ColeHaan - Goodwill (picked up on Saturday)
Here is a similar pair of the sandals for $198! Mine were $4.00.

Unknown awesome 'new' purse - Goodwill (another Saturday find) LOVE the color!

Necklace - Goodwill

Earrings - Thrift boutique

TOTALLY thrift outfit!

Monday - Work

I was so tired when I arrived home after work a photo didn't cross my mind until I was in my 'run around the house' britches.  So what we have are bits of it via InstaGram.

Black blazer, Bandolino - Thrift Boutique

Striped top - Goodwill

Necklace - Goodwill   Bracelet - Salvation Army

Red skirt - Goodwill 

Italian red wedge sandals - Goodwill (this past weekend)

Another total thrift ensemble!

I've worn the skirt and blazer before:

That's all for this week.  I've been buried under a pile of paperwork at the office along with a huge marketing campaign that has my name stamped all over it.  People are depending on me.  Or something like that.

We are experiencing 'Blackberry Winter' here in Georgia this week, so the jackets have been necessary.  The Farmer checked and reported back that the blackberries are indeed blooming.  So that means after this 'cool' snap we are into the dead heat of Summer.

Blackberry Winter - old wives tale or you believe?

Life via InstaGram {iPhone pics}

Happy Good Friday!  It's almost Easter and my photos this week reflect the season.

A bit of Spring fashion inspiration via walking through a retail store.  Yep, sometimes I take a peek at fashion trends in retail, so I know what to look for in my local Goodwill.

It's also the time of year to move winter clothes into storage and bring out the summer items.  I spent part of last weekend doing that.  The picture only shows half of Bears clothes!  We were blessed with tons of hand-me-downs from my cousin.  

Meet Max.  Our rescued resident 'fat' cat.  Do all cats love boxes?!  This is a paper box from my office.

He fills it UP.

Pop of spring color here!  I finally wore this funky necklace to work this past week.  I've had it for months and tried it with several outfits, only to change my mind.  Why yes, that blouse is from Goodwill. ;-)

Since I ran out of time to show you all bunches of photos of my 'cheap' Easter mantel decor, here's one via InstaGram.  The huge tin birdie, I picked up at the Dollar General a few years back.  The tiny wire basket is a Goodwill score full of fake eggs.

Speaking of fake eggs.  Bear is having an Easter Party/Egg Hunt today at daycare.  They requested eggs stuffed with prizes.  Aren't the little Dollar Tree car eggs adorable?!  Bear LOVES them.

Our Easter weekend will be a busy one.  On Sunday, my family will get together for a family lunch and afternoon egg hunt for the little ones.  The little ones include Bear's sisters and my great-niece.  Should be fun!

What are your Easter plans? 

Spring Thrift Clothes in Different Sizes

Grab a church fan and start waving ladies, cause it's HOT in Georgia!  We have had temps in the 80's this past week.  Thankfully the next few days are back to normal Spring days with cooler weather moving in.

Wednesday - work and then Church Egg Hunt with Bear

Top, NY and Company - Goodwill

Skirt, Merona - Goodwill

Belt - Goodwill

Earrings - Consignment Boutique

Bracelet - Gift from Mom

Necklace - old from Kohl's 

Target sandals - not shown

Love the details on this skirt.

Secret:  the skirt is a tad big for me, so I tucked the top and used a belt.
I also have to share Bear hunting eggs in his thrifty duds.  He had a blast and ended up with a bucket FULL of eggs.

See all the eggs on the playground behind him?
Thursday - work

This photo shows our long drive, down on the farm.
Sandra Darren Dress - Goodwill
Sandals - Goodwill

You may remember this dress from a winter look.  Comfy, easy.  Will be my 'no brainer' for Summer.  Not sure these are the 'best' shoes for this dress, but I'm not trying to shake up the fashion world.  These very slight heels work well if I have to tromp across the university campus.

Monday - Work

Here is my try at thrifty spring brights color blocking.
'New' H & M skirt - Goodwill, $3.99 (a find this week)

Blouse - Goodwill, from this score, $1.99

Belt - Salvation Army, 99 cents

Necklace - Rue21 on clearance for $2

Not too bad for 9 bucks!
Then you have to toss in my new Target sandals at $20.  I have been on the thrift search for a bright pair of sandals to mix in with my work wear.  So far, no luck in my size.

The top and skirt were found on separate shopping trips, in different Goodwill stores. 

Yet, I love how the material is the same, just different colors.  That already wrinkled look.  Which is great for this busy mom that hates ironing.

 Tuesday - Work

Dress Barn skirt - Goodwill (another recent find) LOVE the details on it.

Black tank top - Walmart, last summer

Blouse, NY and Company - Goodwill 

Belt - Salvation Army
Sandals, Fioni - Goodwill (recent find)

Confession:  This blouse won't button without it looking like I am trying to bust out of it.  Not that I am overly blessed, it's my mid-40's tummy roll I have gained over the last year.  So instead of tossing said blouse, I am wearing it as a 'cover up' and still getting some use out of it.  

So there is one skirt that is too big for me and a blouse that a wee bit too tight in this week's thrifty Goodwill Glamorous fashions.  It doesn't have to cost a pretty penny to look good!

Do you wear different sizes but make them work?

Tell me your fashion 'secret'.