VacayStyle Capsule Wardrobe

VacayStyle Capsule Wardrobe

 This is really a continuation of several other capsule wardrobe posts I've written.  I blogged about my European capsule wardrobe here and my 21 day capsule wardrobe here.  Last week we went to Hawaii to visit friends and it was amazing!  I so much enjoyed packing light when we went to Europe that I decided to do the same for this trip. The difference is that this time I purchased the capsule as a set instead of putting it together myself.  I had seen VacayStyle on Instagram and on some other blogs, so I thought I'd give it a try! I went with the Tahiti Collection Option 1.  

The website says this is 5 pieces, plus the bag.  But technically, the dress and jumpsuit are 2 pieces, so you are really getting 7 pieces, plus the bag!  And if you add a white tank (or tee like I did) and white skinnies, you can have 15 different outfits from these pieces!

(This is the Tahiti Collection Option 2)

We were only gone for 9 days, including travel, so I didn't even get to wear all of these combinations, but here's what I did wear.

I wore the black halter tank on the plane to Hawaii.  It was cold here, so I layered it with a cardi and sweater, but took those off when we got there! Later in the week I put the halter with the black skirt to go out for dinner.

Jumpsuit top with white skinnies, together as a jumpsuit, and with a white tee over a swimsuit for a drive around the island with fabulous overlooks and a swim on the BEST beach afterward!

Ikat skirt with a white tee, halter with the black skirt and both pieces together as a dress for another night out!

Black skirt worn with the Ikat halter, alone as a dress/coverup, and with the black halter as a dress.

White tunic as a coverup and as a tunic with white skinnies.

Every piece was really great quality, and the best part?  They didn't wrinkle!  I didn't have to iron the whole trip! 

VacayStyle is currently having a sale, so if you are wanting to try it out, Winter might be a great time to purchase! You can also purchase pieces individually if you don't want an entire collection. Some pieces from one collection would also go with another collection if you want to add pieces over time!

Have you ever traveled with a capsule wardrobe?  If so, would you do it again?

'Tis the Season for Looking Good

'Tis the season for looking good, so when you are planning your holiday looks, don't forget the accessories!  One of my current favorite accessories is my new JORD wooden watch!

This wooden watch is so unique.  I got many compliments on it the very first day I wore it!  It adds texture, color and dimension that are beautiful, yet unexpected. 

If you have never seen JORD watches, check out their website HERE to see the gorgeous wood from around the world and the modern and sophisticated design.

In addition to being a fabulous accessory for you, it would make a fantastic gift!

How adorable is the packaging?  The wooden box it comes in is just lovely!

They have both men's and women's watches in many different styles and 13 wood choices. And guess what?  Today is your lucky day!  Until December 18, you can get a $25 credit to JORD by just going to this link and telling them which watch is your favorite!

This post was sponsored by JORD Wood Watches

Watch Gift Ideas

Thrifty Thursday - Christmas Bell (Sleeves)

Thrifty Thursday - Christmas Bell (Sleeves)

When I saw this lovely gem at my favorite Austin thrift store, Texas Thrift, I knew I would make something Christmas-y with it!

I decided right away to cut off the bottom part and make a tunic. Luckily, this was super easy and I didn't even have to hem it again because it was attached underneath!

The top part fit perfectly as a tunic, so I didn't even have to change anything there!  I could have left it as a simple tunic then, but I really wanted to do something fun with the bottom part I had cut off - the tucked detailing was so cute!  So, I cut it in half and used each half to sew a bell sleeve onto each sleeve.  

Before and After

I think I'll be wearing this to some holiday parties!  I'm pretty sure I'll also wear it to my Family Feud audition on Sunday.  I'm bringing a "Before" pic with me!  Wish us luck - I've wanted to be on that show forever!!!

Thanksgiving Part 2 - Casual looks

Thanksgiving Part 2 - Casual looks.  I think most people tend to dress more causal and comfy for Thanksgiving.  I mean, it's a holiday centered around eating a feast, so comfort is vital!  Here are a few comfy, but cute looks for your Turkey Day.

Buffalo Plaid tunic, Leggings and Booties

Tunic is from TJMaxx, leggings are Zella from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, booties are Target 2 years ago, FABULOUS hand beaded bag is Noonday Collection - and OH MY GOODNESS, it's on sale for $59, from $120!!! Duster earrings are Noonday, too!

 Oversized Tunic, Leggings and Over-the-knee Boots

Tunic is from The Lily James Collection, leggings are same as above, boots are Vince Camuto form the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, bag is Betsey Johnson from TJMaxx.

Oversized Sweater, Long Sleeved Tee, Leggings and booties

Do you see a common theme???  All of these looks have the same leggings!  Seriously though, who wants to wear jeans on Thanksgiving??? Sweater and tee and TJMaxx, leggings and booties are same as above. And now that I'm seeing this look in a pic, it's screaming for a long necklace to be layered under the cowl neck!

All of these looks are similar in that they are oversized tops and leggings, but they all have very different looks.  Which one is your favorite for Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving Part 1 - Dressy looks

Thanksgiving Part 1 - Dressy Looks.  Some families have a tradition of dressing up for holidays.  Occasionally, our family will have Thanksgiving at the fancy schmancy buffet at the Gaylord Hotel, and we always dress up for that!  Whatever the case, if you need to dress up a bit for Thanksgiving this year, here are a few ideas for you.

Swing Dress, Blanket Scarf and Boots

The wind was so bad, it kept making this dress cling to me!  It's really a very flowy dress with lots of room for mashed potatoes and pie! I got this dress at a little boutique on vacation this summer, but the brand is JODIFL.  The scarf is from an Instagram boutique and the boots are Via Spiga from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year.

Secretary Bow Blouse, Sweater, Faux Button-up Skirt and OTK boots

 Top and Sweater are H&M, Skirt is Cabi and boots are last season Carlos Santana from Macy's.

Striped Knit Dress, Leopard Scarf and OTK boots

This knit dress is super comfy, and the scarf can cover up the post-feast food baby. Dress is last year Gap, scarf and Vince Camuto boots are from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year. Oh, and that cool gold nugget necklace is from my friend Erin's shop - check her out on Instagram @gussied

Stay tuned for more causal looks!

A Free Refashion!

A free refashion is just what I needed this week!  Not long ago, my church had a clothing swap.  We all brought clothes that, for various reasons, we didn't need anymore.  Then we all went through them and took home what we wanted.  It was so much fun!  It was quite funny because one lady and I went home with almost all of each others' clothes!  I did end up bringing home this dress as well.

I debated about what I should do with this beauty.  Ultimately, I decided to try a dress.  If that didn't work I could always cut it off and make a skirt.  I also knew that I wanted to turn it around backwards so the buttons were in the back.

The first things that needed to go were that collar and the sleeves! 

Then the pockets

After that I just took in the sides a couple inches, cut off about 8 inches and hemmed!  

This dress screams for layers!

Where am I looking here?  No idea.

Which of the 3 looks is your favorite?

Before and After

LulaRoe Lots of Ways

LulaRoe lots of ways!  I know, I know.  I held out a long time.  I really didn't want to jump on the LulaRoe bandwagon.  But...I came across a LulaRoe booth at our local town square festival and I was intrigued.  I found this fun Cassie skirt and thought I'd give it a try!  Well, I liked it so much that I bought another one later.  And then a Julia and a Sarah.  

I've had fun styling these pieces different ways, so I thought I'd put together a post showing some of what I've come up with!

Cassie skirt:

 Causal and comfy with a half tucked tee, slip on sneakers and beads. Waistband worn at the waist for an at the knee/slightly below the knee length.

Dressed up with a white oxford and heels.  Worn higher for an above the knee pencil skirt look

Casual and warm with an oversized sweater, chambray shirt and booties

Another layered look with a different Cassie

With a nice tee, beads and flats

Knotted chambray and booties

I like to mix my LulaRoe skirts with other brands for a unique look!

I have been wanting a Sarah cardigan, so when my friend had a Facebook show and I saw this pink one I knew I wanted it!  I was so excited to find this Julia at her show, too, because it looks perfect with the Sarah!!!

The Julia dress is cute on its own, too!

Have you tried LulaRoe?  What's your favorite combo?

One Tee, 4 Ways

One tee 4 ways is a post I just did on Instagram.  I found this super fun hand screen-printed tee shirt company in Austin and just had to snag this Texas Mama tee! You can see all of their fun tees on etsy - MamaBirdandCo
Check out my IG post for a chance to win a free tee from them.  The contest ends Monday, October 31!

1. For cool Fall days with cords and a utility jacket.

2. Another pants and jacket look - this time with printed floral pants and a grey jacket.

3. A cooler and dressier look with a tulle skirt and pearls

4. Casual chic - knotted with a pencil skirt and duster cardi

Which way is your favorite?  How would you wear it?  Remember to hop over to my Instagram page (link in the sidebar) to enter to win a free tee of your very own!

How to Dress for Fall in Warm Weather

How to dress for Fall in warm weather is something we address every year here in Texas.  We certainly don't get sweater, boot or scarf weather in September or October!  In fact, it's been in the 90's for most of October.  This week we've been down in the 80's, which has been nice, but still too warm for typical Fall clothing.  However, nobody really wants to keep wearing their summer clothes until Thanksgiving, so here are some good options for staying relatively cool, but still looking Fall-ish.

Shorts - shorts don't necessarily scream summer if you pair them with long sleeves or a vest.

Off the shoulder tops are also a great way to stay cool!

Skirts - skirts are another great way to stay cool, but look seasonal.  This corduroy skirt is a Fall color and fabric, but worn with bare legs it's not hot!  

Skirt is Target
Bag is Noonday Collection and is on sale for almost half price right now!!!

Dresses - dresses are the ultimate versatile piece, in my opinion!  They can be worn alone (like when it's hot in the Fall) and then worn with other layers when it is cold. Stick with Fall colors like olive and you are set!

Dress is Maurices

I just had to showcase these Noonday Collection beauties

I especially love dresses with booties in the Fall.  It's too warm for riding boots or over-the-knee boots, but booties are perfect!

Dress is Goodnight Macaroon

Dress is Gray Monroe

So we've done shorts with long sleeves.  How about jeans with sleeveless?  Yes!

What's your favorite way to stay cool, but dress for Fall?