ootd – the Spiff

Styling Help: Maxi Skirt & Jacket

April 10, 2018 No Comments

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{Skirt} dreams really do come true.

For years I’ve tried to pull off a tulle skirt (as evidenced by this failed attempt in 2014). The thing with these skirts? You don’t want to look too young, too costume-y, too much like a ballerina or too little of a girl playing dress up (let’s be real, there’s a little bit of that look going on).

When I found this beautiful leather jacket, I knew I could balance out it’s short/tight look with a big ole’ skirt. Amazon for the win: Wedding Planning WDPL Women’s Long Tutu Tulle Skirt A Line Floor Length Skirts

But what about accessories?

The neckline of this jacket rules out a necklace – it would be too hard/awkward looking to try to work one with the way the lapels fall. And since I was wearing my hair up and am currently obsessed with all things earrings – I knew I wanted something sparkly hanging off my lobes.

Enter: New York & Company in West Town Mall.

They really have fantastic accessories and they’re ALWAYS on sale. On the day I went shopping it was a buy one get TWO free sale. So I got these gorgeous earrings, the bracelet (pictured) and other gold bracelets for later use – all for right under $30. That’s a deal.

I’m proud of myself for venturing out of what could have been my comfort zone of silver jewelry and instead going for some rose gold. It was hard, and I almost changed it at the last minute, but that pop of pink against the navy and gray, really added something special to the whole look. And surprisingly I’ve already wanted to reach for all my jewelry a second time so I know it won’t go unused this spring/summer.

Thanks for hanging in the blog over the past week and a half – I was having behind the scenes technical hiccups that prevented me from being able to get in and add new posts. But we’re up and running again, so check back tomorrow for more content!

Spiffy, style, west town mall

The Perfect Pants to Wear Jean Shopping

November 3, 2017 No Comments

ootd, track pants, athleisure, nike shirt, jean jacket, mom life outfit, mom blog, knoxville fashion, west town mall, knoxville fashion, knoxville fashion blogger

Pants | Shirt | Jacket | Shoes

Scientific facts about track pants.

Have I ever mentioned how loosely I use the phrase “scientific facts”? No? Okay. Just bare that in mind.

Someone once asked me what is the one thing that I can’t resist the urge to buy. I stood there knowing that there’s something like that but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Then I walked into my closet and saw about 13 pairs of black pants. And still, nothing came to mind. Huh. Oh well I guess we’ll never know.

Meanwhile, how about these black track pants!?

They’re comfy and baggy and…(brace yourself for another scientific fact) they are the perfect pants to wear when going jean shopping.

It was a hypothesis a couple hours ago, it’s now a FACT. As I was leaving the house to do the dreaded task of finding the exact jeans I had in my head (oh what fun), I came close to donning my regular pair of black workout tights then realized pealing them off and on would not be a welcome addition to my afternoon. Track pants are the answer!

They slide off an on so quickly and when you pair them with a work out shirt they’re sooo very comfy. Oh but don’t leave the house in just that…throw on a structured jacket over the whole thing to appear more polished and purposeful and, heck, just do it so you feel ready to take on the jeans section.

Update on the jeans: I found a pair very close to what I was looking for, for $14. YEAH. That’s why you want to keep reading this blog.

I’ve linked to everything I’m wearing up there – most of which you can find at JCP in West Town Mall!!

Fashion, Spiffy, west town mall

Cheap + Tight: How I Made it Work Anyway

February 22, 2017 2 Comments

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Shop this look: Skirt | Similar Sweater | Booties

Do you remember what Forever21 was like in 2008?

It had a sparkly floor, clothing racks as far as the eye could see and a jewelry section with a giant chandelier. I would often drive three hours just to be there and gaze at all the beauty. Then I could scoop up whatever I wanted, because it was so dang cheap!

There were so many great tops and jackets (OH THE JACKETS!!).

So what’s changed?

Probably (honestly) me. I’ve watched my taste shift from trendy and cheap to craving more classic and sturdy. Like needing fiber for my closet. Good thing that doesn’t sound like I’m getting older!

Forever21 has changed too, but only because that’s the nature of their business. They’re here to provide us trends. And it seems the trend is now to wear shirts that stop half way down your torso. Yay.

I still wander in there.

I made myself a promise (you were there, it’s in a blog post somewhere) that I would always shop at Forever21 no matter my age. Because the jewelry is great. I often snag pieces that look like they came from J. Crew for less than $10.

Or hey, this skirt! It was $8.

And while it is tight (like TOO MUCH INFORMATION tight) I rose to the style challenge and made it work…for a Sunday morning…at Church!

Here’s how I did it…

Knowing the length and straightness this skirt would bring to my frame; I knew it would need to be severely balanced out with some volume. Enter: this waterfall sweater that thankfully covers my bum. That made the skirt a little less sexy office assistant and a little more mother appropriate.

You know what else would work? This vest.

Because the skirt is so long, you want something that does cover your bum, but doesn’t go much longer past that. Too much length can drag your whole frame down.

To continue the volume up top, I went with a loose gray shirt. I tucked it in for a couple of inches just to define my waist. Again: it’s all about balance and I needed to balance all of that volume I had added with a defined waist. I didn’t want to get swallowed up!

In the spring this can also work with a shorter kimono and maybe some taupe booties instead of black. Just remember…Balance is key!

And know that 30 years from now you’ll still bump into me, shopping for cheap jewelry and possibly really tight skirts ;)

Fashion, Spiffy

The Best Kind of Love

February 14, 2017 No Comments

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Whether you’re excited about Valentine’s Day or not, you’ll appreciate this story…

Over the weekend I got to witness the beautiful way God works. In this case, it was in my brother’s life.

In 2009 he married a girl from South Carolina. She was an answer to his long-standing prayer for a wife. About a year or so after they were married, she found out she had cancer. This began a long battle, that they strongly fought together. Her faith grew, as did his and even mine as I watched them stand strong on the Word and overcome huge hurtles.

At this point, people usually say someone “lost” their battle with cancer. But I strongly disagree with that. The bible says faith pleases God, so I know Mishelle pleased God big time with her faith. Also, she won. Because, hello, she’s in heaven!

That was two and a half years ago. Throughout the past two years I know every moment wasn’t easy. But I’ve seen my brother stand strong in his relationship with God. In turn, God has blessed him richly.

Over the weekend, I got to see him marry a wonderful girl. The girl God has placed in his life is a direct result of him never wavering in his faith.

On Saturday night, they threw an engagement party that turned out to be their surprise wedding! It was so beautiful. I mean it, it was the most beautiful event I have ever been to ever, ever.

I wanted to share all of that with you on this Valentine’s Day because it’s a wonderful reminder, that we have someone who loves us so unconditionally. God has great plans for us. Even in the middle of trials, He’s telling us to just hold on because He sees what’s on the other side. He knows the good He has in store for us, we just need to trust His timing and not our own.

Just hold on.

After all of that, it seems silly to talk about my outfit. But I can’t end this post without mentioning it!

This skirt was from New York and Co. online. I ordered it (during a meeting – don’t tell anyone) on a Wednesday and was holding it by Thursday night. That’s FAST.

It was on sale – less than $30! And was exactly what I needed to wear because it turns out my child loves a good party under a tent and will run around all night long if he’s allowed to. A long dress that covers 1. My bum and 2. Comfortable shoes – was the absolute best option! Not to mention it’s gorgeous.

My brother took a picture from over the event with this drone, and you can pin point me and my skirt. So technically this thing can be seen from space!!

Here’s the skirt & similar top

Fashion, Spiffy, west town mall

Shop Your Closet for Holiday Looks

December 16, 2016 No Comments

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sparkle dress 3 — Hand on hip AT ALL TIMES

I have a resolution and I haven’t even eaten a single Christmas cookie. Although I can’t say I’ve laid off the egg nog – YUMMO!

My resolution at the start of December was to not buy a single new sequin. Not one little round disk sewed in multiples to any garment. I have so much I’ve accumulated through the years and really this is the only time of year I break any of it out.

Which means no one would remember any of it. And if I freshen it all up by wearing it differently, it’s like I have a whole new holiday closet.

Except for the fact that I’m writing it about it right now for all of you to read. Don’t tell anyone else, other than the five people you’ve shared this link with things like, “You have to check out this blog”, “the funniest thing I’ve read all year,” cozied up around it.

I bought this dress from Forever21 six years ago for the first corporate Christmas party I planned. It was perfect because it’s sleeveless, but has a great underlayer that makes it super comfortable to wear without revealing a lot. That underlayer is edged in lace scallops, if you look closely you can see it (sorry for the lack of close ups – how about this scenery, though, right!?)

Let’s talk about how you can translate this look in your own closet. The goal is to take a sequin dress down just a few notches so it doesn’t look like you’re headed to a evening party. A long cozy sweater like this or a dark jean jacket would also have the same effect.

I love mixing high and low pieces like this, to create a totally balanced look. Keep the jewelry quiet (I just added a necklace that was super fun and textured from The Limited).

What can you re-purpose in your own closet! It’s fun to shop what you have, especially pieces you haven’t pulled out since last December. Try it! It will save some cash too, which is always nice.

I hope this inspires you this Christmas. Here’s another totally flattering look for any parties you may have jammin’ this weekend.

Merry Christmas, Everybody!