Tuesday, August 30, 2016

How to Build an Arm Party

How to build an arm party is so fun and easy!  I used to just wear one bracelet at a time until my friend Jill got ahold of me.  Now I can't just wear one! Some people feel intimidated at the idea of building an arm party, so I thought I'd give a simple step by step process.

First, you need to start with one statement piece.  It can be something large, sparkly or colorful! 
How to build an arm party


Next, add some simple, neutral bangles.
How to build an arm party


I always like to throw in some sparkle if I don't already have any!
How to build an arm party
This little sparkly bracelet is the Noonday Collection Glimmer Bracelet - it is perfect on its own or with an arm party!

Here are some of the arm parties I've built recently.  I hope they give you some inspiration!
How to build an arm party
The blue cuff is Noonday Collection Captivate Cuff

How to build an arm party

How to build an arm party

How to build an arm party
The linked bracelet is the Noonday Collection Linked Horn Bracelet

How to build an arm party

How to build an arm party

Sometimes I even like to make an arm party with my watch!
How to build an arm party

Have fun and don't worry about following "rules!"  Really anything goes!

Sunday, August 28, 2016

What I Wore on my Mother/Daughter Getaway Weekend

What I wore on my mother/daughter getaway weekend!  This was such a fun weekend.  For 6 years now, my mom and her 3 friends have had a getaway weekend with them and their daughters.  They have been friends for 40+ years and all of us daughters have known each other since birth!  I think it's pretty fantastic that we are all still friends after 40 years!

We have so much fun on these getaways - eating, shopping, swimming and playing games.  This year we decided to bring the first 3rd generation girls along!  My 10 year old and my friend's 11 year old joined us and they had such a blast being with the "ladies."

Anyhoo, on to what I wore!  The first day we went shopping in Gruene and I wore this off the shoulder white lace top and cutoffs that I got at a fun little boutique in Hot Springs, Arkansas!

This top is the perfect way to showcase these fabulous Noonday Collection Nebula Earrings


We didn't plan it, but my daughter and I ended up matching!

We ate so much Mexican food for lunch that we weren't even hungry for dinner, so we stayed home and played games in our pj's.  And let's be honest, we ate some snacks, too!

The plan for the next day was to swim in the pool at our VRBO home.  Unfortunately, there were some major issues with the pool and we never got to swim the entire time!
So gross, right???

Well you know what that meant???  We were forced to go to brunch and shop some more! As a result of the Mexican food and snacks, I needed something super comfy to wear.  I chose another Hot Springs boutique dress (I really hit the jackpot there this summer!). Yes it has pockets!

And really, how adorable is this Elaine Turner cork crossbody?  I also love to throw in a little leopard with my floral!

Right???

We managed to rally and work up enough appetite to go out for dinner this night.  I chose this super comfy, but adorable Le Boutique off the shoulder dress.  It's seriously so comfy - it's the softest, lightest knit fabric!
And these shoes???  I mean, I had to get these Via Spiga beauties when I found them at Nordstrom Rack!

I was also really loving the arm party I created using the Noonday Collection bangles and this gorgeous turquoise bracelet made by my friend Maria at Neonamber Jewels.
(disregard my hand injury - there was an incident with the corner of a table)

We found this cool wall at the parking lot where we went to dinner and I figured any fashion blogger worth her salt would take some pics in front of it!

I really love these cobalt Kendra Scott earrings and this Noonday Collection Modern Leather Tote!



We had such a fabulous time and I'm sad it's over!








Thursday, August 25, 2016

Thrifty Thursday - Muumuu Style Refashion

Thrifty Thursday - muumuu style refashion. Everyone loves a good muumuu right???

Thrifty Thursday - Muumuu style refashion

Well, maybe not. I have to admit, after I took this pic, I totally wore this around the house for the rest of the evening.  I mean, it's so comfy.  But, that's not as much fun as a refashion!  So the next day I got to work.  The first thing I did was cut off the bottom ruffle. I thought I might take in the sides to make it fit better, but then I got a better idea - create a waist with elastic!  I turned it inside out and pinned elastic to the waist like so
Thrifty Thursday - Muumuu style refashion


Then I just sewed the elastic on!  After that I reattached the ruffle and took out the sleeves. I was able to pull down the ruffle on top to make it off the shoulder!  I ended up taking in the sides a couple inches just on the top portion above the elastic. And voila!

Thrifty Thursday - Muumuu style refashion
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Thrifty Thursday - Muumuu style refashion


Thrifty Thursday - Muumuu style refashion

I couldn't resist a closeup of this Noonday Collection beauty!

I love a good Before/After!
Thrifty Thursday - Muumuu style refashion

I'm headed to a girls getaway weekend and I'm so excited!  Keep an eye out for a post of what I wore!








Monday, August 22, 2016

Goodwill Outlet

The Goodwill Outlet is where I like to find pieces to "refashion."  They charge $1.39/pound for clothing.  How awesome is that?  Yes there are some heinous pieces of clothing there.  But shockingly, you can find some good stuff, too!  I've bought Hanna Andersson and Mini Boden dresses in perfect condition for my daughters!  My favorite thing to look for there, though, is really old, really big dresses.  These are the most fun pieces to refashion!

Today my friend Debbie asked to join me on the expedition.  She's a master thrifter. Here we go!!!!!

The reject clothing from area Goodwill stores is dumped from trucks into these bins.  

Then you just dig and hope for the best!

My method is just to look for fabric or print that catches my eye.  Then I pull it out and evaluate if it will fit my daughters or me, or if it is big enough for me to refashion into something else.  

This was my haul being weighed.  I had 46 items and my total was $45.00!!!  Typically my cost is about $0.25-$0.50 per item.  This time it weighed a bit more than usual as I had 6 sweaters and a leather bomber jacket.


Aaaaaand I forgot to bring a basket or bag to carry it home!

I can't wait to get everything washed so I can show off my treasures!

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Instagram Roundup

Just a roundup of my Outfit of the Day looks on Instagram from this past week.


Went neutral with this CAbi top and pants.  These Traveler Pants are one of the most comfortable and versatile things I've ever had! I also love this Noonday Collection Modern Leather Tote! Oh, and I had to throw in my favorite neutral - LEOPARD! 

Noonday Collection necklace and bracelet.

Another fun CAbi top, thrifted Banana Republic skirt and rainboots from Nordstrom Rack.


Vintage Noonday bracelet and Elaine Turner cork bag

I love mixing prints like camo and leopard! Old Navy Cardi, Target top, Ross pants, Noonday Collection beaded bag

Boden necklace from years ago


I love a great swing dress!  Dress is TJmaxx, vest from Kohl's, clutch is Noonday Collection

I love an unexpected color mix like red and mint!  Necklaces are paper beads made in Uganda - Funky Fish Designs

My daughter thought my Chucks needed a feature!  I do love how they will go with most anything!


Another CAbi day!  Both the chambray top and ruffle skirt are CAbi. I love knotting my shirts lately - it gives a whole new look to an oufit! Bag is TJmaxx and shoes are Nordstrom Rack

Earrings are Noonday Collection (and on sale for $14.99!!!) and stacked bracelet is Charmed Stacks

This is one of my favorite dresses ever!  I love the bright pink, the floral pattern, and how comfy it is! I found it at a boutique in Hot Springs, Arkansas! Cork bag and heels are Elaine Turner

I hope you all have a lovely week!  


Friday, August 19, 2016

Fair Trade Friday - Noonday Collection

I wish I could say that everything I purchase is fair trade.  Unfortunately, that would not be the truth. However, I do love to purchase fair trade when I can.  I want to share with you some of the fair trade companies that I have used and love!  Today I'll be highlighting one of my very favorites, Noonday Collection.  In short, Noonday Collection creates a marketplace for artisans all over the world to sell their creations.  It not only provides opportunities for generations of skilled artisans to sell their pieces, but it also provides training for women who are rescued out of human trafficking so they have a skill and a dignified job! Noonday Collection specializes in amazing accessories such as jewelry, bags, scarves, etc.  Here are just a few of my favorite pieces and how I styled them, but be sure to check them out for yourself at www.noondaycollection.com/jilledwards (Jill is my close friend who is an ambassador)

Fringed Crescent earrings made in Haiti

Nairobi necklace made in Kenya

La Bella bag made in Peru

Modern Leather Tote made in India

Folktale Necklace made in India

Tamia Bib Necklace made in Ecuador
Wanderlust Bag made in India


And since those last 3 pieces were made in India, I want to share with you something that I think is so special! I met one of the lead designers for one of the Indian artisan groups!  She came to the States to collaborate with the Noonday design team and wanted to attend a trunk show while she was here.  She came to one of my friend Jill's trunk shows and I stopped by so I could meet her.  Isn't she stunning?
This is Nidhi, me and my daughter.  She spoke perfect English and was so much fun!


This is Pam, who hosted the trunk show, Jill, my ambassador, and Nidhi.

If you decide there is some Noonday that you just can't live without, shop via this link by August 22, and you'll support Pam's show!  bit.ly/PamFall2016  I'd love for her to have a wonderful trunk show since she hosted this lovely lady! Every time you make a purchase, you are affirming artisans like Nidhi and helping them to grow their businesses and support their families!

 

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