Redbook New Spring Outfit Day 20

left photo credit: Chris Eckert/Studio D via Redbookmag.com

well, there's really no way you can mess this one up. no fuss. super simple. just how i like it. 

a discount thief Facebook fan asked a question recently about how to wear shorts when you're over 40. you have to take into consideration a number of things (and i didn't have time to go into all of them right then), so i googled and found a blog that caters to the 'fashionable over 40' audience. i didn't agree with the majority of the advice in the article - which i disclosed when sharing it - and told the person to take the tips that work best for her and use them. 

she responded saying she didn't agree with many of the tips either, as the article failed to talk about what styles work best for certain body types and it didn't acknowledge that some women have great looking legs at 40 and may feel comfortable showing them. 

since i'm no body image expert, i can't address the first part, but i can identify with the latter. i talked about it here the very first time i wore these for the challenge. 

would i wear shorts any shorter than these? absolutely not.

would i wear a midriff top with these shorts? hell no.

it has nothing at all to do with "age appropriate" and everything to do with what makes me comfortable. 

women who are heavier in the bust are told to wear things that draw attention away from the girls. women who carry weight in the midsection are told to wear things that cinch them in a little higher than their natural waist. all of this advice is based on what's most flattering and is totally relevant regardless of age. 

try on different styles and colors. take pictures of yourself. if you like what you see - go for it.

and it doesn't hurt to take along that honest friend who doesn't have a problem letting you know you look a hot mess!

stop worrying about age appropriate. 

my answer to how to wear shorts over 40? confidently.

Day 20 gets a thumbs up.

Redbook New Spring Outfit Day 19

left photo credit: Chris Eckert/Studio D via Redbookmag.com

this will be my next Saturday-errand-doing outfit. i fell in love the minute i put it on. it's the epitome of easy style and comfort. two of my favorite things. 

of course, i made substitutions. now that i think about it, i've really been neglecting the wedges lately. they just haven't worked for me these past few outfits. my animal print flats make this look fun and feasible for a day of being on your feet. unless you're one of those people who prefer wearing heels all day every day. i'm not that girl. 

i saw a nice pair of kelly green skinny jeans in Ross last week. they were tempting, but i didn't succumb. if i do wind up getting a pair in the future, that's the color i want. for now, i'm sticking with what i have on here. 

Day 19 gets a thumbs up. 

Redbook New Spring Outfit Day 18

left photo credit: Chris Eckert/Studio D via Redbookmag.com

today calls for another utilitarian jacket substitution. on a whim, i threw on the aqua colored tank i swapped along with the silver necklace. i have to honestly say i like the unexpected color peeping through around the neckline. the only problem is that the tank is a bit long, so i had to make sure it was pulled down and smoothed out before we snapped the picture. for that reason, i'm not sure i'd be able to wear it like this in real life. 

i wore my bold shoe instead of wedges because they look better with this dress. i've gotten pretty good at breaking the rules and doing my own thing with this challenge!

Redbook's jersey dress is from Express, $70. mine is a $9.99 steal from Ross. if you have a Ross Dress for Less in your area, i beg you to go check it out. it's where i go for tops and dresses.

my version of Day 18 gets a thumbs up.

Redbook New Spring Outfit Day 17

left photo credit: Chris Eckert/Studio D via Redbookmag.com

Redbook sneaked this belt in because it surely isn't the same modern cool belt they've been using. sorry. i had to point that out...attention to detail is one of my strengths. 

this is a fun, easy take on color blocking. the combinations in both outfits work really well together. not something i would've dreamed up, but i can dig it. the more i look at the tunic, the more i wonder how it would actually look on me. when i first started the challenge it wasn't one of my favorite pieces, but it's growing on me. maybe because in this outfit it's being worn like it should - simply as a tunic. no extra layering and such.

i decided against wearing the necklace this time around. seems like it would be too busy for this casual look.

one thing i can say being halfway through the challenge is i have a different outlook on matching and what colors "go" together. this outfit proves (almost) nothing is off limits.

Day 17 gets a thumbs up.

money-saving style | bringing neon back

if you were following @discountthief on twitter, you're aware i was tweeting anonymously before launching the blog. i actually made a connection with people and they had no idea who i was. my avatar was a woman sitting on a bench in the mall buried underneath a pile of shopping bags. 

during that time, i was exploring the fashion/style blogging space. i don't remember where i found her, but i came across J9Style. she'd commented on a blog i was browsing which led to me clicking and going over to her blog. one post was all it took to realize we had something in common - affordable personal style.

she photographed a casual Friday outfit and i was like, "hey...i'm gonna recreate this!". 

what caught my eye was J9's gold necklace and striped shirt. something i had, but had never thought of wearing together. 

the following weekend, i spotted this in the window of Loft:

short sleeve sweater | $49.50 ; similar trouser jeans | $59.99 TOTAL = $109.49

the jeans on the toeless lady are no longer available and i can't find my note with the price. the similar pair happens to be on sale now, but were regularly $69.50. 

taking inspiration from J9 and Loft, this is what i came up with: 

can you guess the total price of my outfit?

top | 5.99 (Ross)

earrings & necklace | (my stash)

jeans | 9.99

shoes | 17.99

TOTAL = $33.97

i could possibly get three outfits for the price of Loft's one. that's my idea of money-saving style. 

as much as i'd like to wear the gold necklace with this top, i doubt i will because it's 100% rayon. it's likely to get snagged. and even at $5.99, i don't want to take a chance and ruin it. 

the first time i got a taste of neons was back in the 80s. remember that?! the bright (sometimes blinding!) colors have made a comeback and these stripes let me get in on the trend without going overboard. 

i have a weekday brunch event coming up next month and this is what i'm going to wear. it's such a relief to have an outfit picked out in advance. 

do you see yourself wearing the 2012 neon trend?

money-saving style | multi-strand necklace

ready for a break from the Redbook New Spring Outfit Challenge? i could use one. 

accessories are the perfect way to change up an outfit. adding a colorful necklace can be the finishing touch that takes a bland shirt over the top (yes...that pun was intended!).

while browsing RedbookMag.com, i came across their 50 Under $50 Frugal Finds for Spring slideshow. this was the first item featured:

photo credit: Greg Marino/Studio D via redbookmag.com

it's on sale at meetmark.com for $28 - was $36 when Redbook introduced it. that's a really good price, but guess what?? i have a similar one that cost about a third of that amount:

i'd been wanting a necklace with this blue turquoisey kind of color. when i saw that pretty clearance sticker, i scooped it up. was $19.99, now $9.98. thank you, Target!

and since the price tag is still attached, it's safe to assume i haven't worn it yet. however, i came across another blogger's outfit that inspired a recreation post. sit tight...you'll see it in action before the end of summer.

what's your favorite way to accessorize?

Redbook New Spring Outfit Day 16

left photo credit: Chris Eckert/Studio D via Redbookmag.com

i'm diggin' this. would dig it even more if i had my black blazer from JCP!

this outfit makes sense. it's practical. 

let's start with the necklace. ordinarily, my mild to moderate OCD would not let me wear one with this top. why? because the jewelry is built in. adding one seems like overkill. this proves otherwise. at least for me. i'm liking how this challenge is opening my eyes to seeing things differently. 

i really should not ever stand in my closet again for hours and say i have nothing to wear. 

this outfit could take me so many places. luncheons, mixers with friends, and even to church. i'm looking forward to wearing this one out and about. 

Day 16 gets a thumbs up.

do you like dressing up your jeans with a blazer?

Redbook New Spring Outfit Day 15

photo credit: Chris Eckert/Studio D via Redbookmag.com

instead of forcing an outfit that would never see the light of day, i decided to just show you Redbook's Day 15 Outfit all by itself. that's only fair. and it keeps me from having to give a thumbs down to whatever i would've put together.

i would categorize this look as preppy. and even though i don't have any pieces to pull this off, i would actually wear it. out of all the layered outfits Redbook has done, this one is my favorite. 

Day 15 get s a thumbs up. 

what do you think?

Redbook New Spring Outfit Day 14

remember when we first started and i told you i swapped out some things for a couple of Redbook's essentials? well here's what they look like when worn all together in one outfit:

left photo credit: Chris Eckert/Studio D via Redbookmag.com

the utilitarian jacket just won't work. so in it's place, i allotted myself this aqua tank, silver necklace, and silver flip flops. i think that's a pretty even exchange.

i could see myself wearing this in real life. it's comfortable, colorful, and functional. a relaxed alternative to when i wore them here. this challenge is definitely making me want to wear more shorts. we'll see...

Day 14 gets a thumbs up.

Redbook New Spring Outfit Day 13

none of the pieces i chose would have worked to recreate Redbook's outfit for today. so using two out of the three, i came up with this:

left photo credit: Chris Eckert/Studio D via Redbookmag.com

my mild to moderate OCD would never let me layer like the inspiration outfit. not even on a good day. just looking at it makes me twitch. 

taking into consideration how thin the model is, this doesn't look bad on her. but i can't imagine a woman with the least bit of curves being able to wear this. 

i feel frumpy. with no definition. maybe belting the dress would have made it not-so-boxy with the cardigan.

Day 13 gets a thumbs down.

Redbook New Spring Outfit Day 12

left photo credit: Chris Eckert/Studio D via Redbookmag.com

1. let me start off by saying: i would iron the shirt before wearing it with this skirt. 

2. this is a safe way for me to mix patterns. i'm not ready to dive off the deep end in that area - yet.

this ensemble is representative of spring to me. even though Redbook's skirt is neutral, the bold blue shoe brings the outfit to life.

i'm loving the fact that my dotted skirt is also on point with the pastel trend. and i didn't have to go out and splurge to participate!

i've found that throughout this challenge, the outfits i like best are those i would never have dreamed of wearing otherwise. the simple white tee wouldn't have been dressy enough (wrinkled or not) and my bold shoe fill-in certainly wouldn't have made the cut with this skirt. 

all this time i've been thinking my personal style was a little edgy. maybe in some areas, but not all of them. or perhaps, this is about as funky as it should get when wearing this kind of look. 

what do you think?!

oh...one last thing. if you put together an outfit as a result of something you've seen during Redbook's 30 Days of New Spring Outfits - be sure to let me know so i can give you a shout out!

Redbook New Spring Outfit Day 11

left photo credit: Chris Eckert/Studio D via Redbookmag.com 

this is pretty much how my outfits look during the fall/winter. spring - not so much. 

Redbook added the blazer over the hoodie and that just wouldn't work this time of year. 

it's no secret starting with a white tee and jeans as your foundation gives you an endless number of outfit options. add a scarf, take off the jacket, change into heels, layer your necklaces...i could go on and on and on.

when you take time to survey your closet and look for inspiration, it makes answering the question, "What am I going to wear?!" so much easier.

Redbook New Spring Outfit Day 10

left photo credit: Chris Eckert/Studio D via Redbookmag.com 

pullover sweaters aren't an option for me in the winter, so putting one on in the spring is definitely out of the question. the cardigan is pushing it, but it's what i chose in place of Redbook's sweater. 

this outfit does absolutely nothing for me. my favorite thing about it: the animal print flats. this is the second pair i've gotten from New York & Co. the first ones cost $5 and i finally had to lay them to rest last year. it was time. they'd seen much better days. i was elated when i found these for 40% off - got em for $18. 

there's no need to drag this one out. 

Day 10 gets a thumbs down. 

do you like the cardigan and shorts look for yourself?

Redbook New Spring Outfit Day 9

left photo credit: Chris Eckert/Studio D via Redbookmag.com 

cropped pants were #11 on Redbook's list. theirs cost $138. 

mine are from New York & Co. and i wore these quite a bit when i worked in an office environment. they're perfect for switching up the usual jeans on casual Friday. i have no idea how much they cost, but i guarantee you it was a tiny small fraction of $138.

i can't remember the last time i've worn something tucked in so i felt kind of uncomfortable. perhaps because the waist was a little snug! i contemplated wearing my tunic alternative on the outside, but decided to go ahead and take one for the team. 

this outfit doesn't work for me. i can't put my finger on exactly why. i might think otherwise if i had a real blazer and different shoes. i'm just not feeling it as is. 

Day 9 gets a thumbs down. 

Redbook New Spring Outfit Day 8

confession: i used to have an LBD. guess i hit a growth spurt and it couldn't keep up. i passed it on down to The Girl. maybe i'll entertain myself one day and try it on with my handy dandy muffin top reducer. 

left photo credit: Chris Eckert/Studio D via Redbookmag.com

until then, let me introduce you to the LBM. Long Black Maxi.

there's a story behind this dress (including how much i paid for it). you can read all about it here. 

i had to think long and hard about what substitution i would make for the LBD. it wasn't like i had alot of options. i don't even own a black skirt and the only other black dress i have is a maternity one from ten years ago. why am i still holding on to it?! it was a gift. maybe i'll find a way to repurpose it.

because of the way the top of the dress is made - that scrunching effect that stops right underneath my girls - i had to wear the belt higher up. i'm lovin' it! the $4 belt makes all the difference here.

i wore this to breakfast with a friend on Sunday and i'm sitting here wishing i'd put the belt on. only problem is that i don't try the challenge outfits on before posting them for you. i never know what it's going to look like until it's photographed the day of.

Day 8 gets a thumbs up. for sure. 

if you had to choose between an LBD or LBM - which would you pick?

Redbook New Spring Outfit Day 7

i have no idea how the far right photo got that size. The Girl is my photog and that's about all i can tell you.

here's one thing i do know: i certainly won't be nominated for any "Best Photo" awards. that's totally fine. doesn't bother me one bit.

left photo credit: Chris Eckert/Studio D via Redbookmag.com

ok...let me explain Day 7 to you.

when i was pulling together the pieces to use for the challenge, i told you i modified some stuff to suit the climate here in Texas. you'd drop dead if you left the house in a utilitarian jacket this time of year. so i swapped it accordingly:

• aqua tank
• silver necklace 
• silver flip-flops (purchased at the end of last summer for $5)

BTW - the flip-flops came from HEB. one of our grocery store chains in the area. i don't discriminate when  it comes to great steals. 

on the left i'm wearing the outfit with wedges like the inspiration photo. the fun size pic on the right shows what it looks like with flip-flops. super relaxed, but still put together. and the necklace adds just enough pizazz. 

Day 7 is a keeper. 

is it cool enough in the spring where you live to wear a utilitarian jacket like this one?

Redbook New Spring Outfit Day 6

thank you so much for reading and sharing the Redbook challenge. i'm enjoying your comments and learning a bit about your sense of personal style.

left photo credit: Chris Eckert/Studio D via Redbookmag.com 

what do you think about Day 6?

this gave me the opportunity to pull my dusty (as in gathering dust!) sparkly top from New York & Co out of the closet. bought it a long time ago on clearance. i've worn it, but it's not something i wear often. 

now i have an idea of how i can put a little bling into my daytime outfits. i'm kinda ol' school when it comes to that - shiny stuff is for night. that's so not the norm anymore. sequins see the light of day quite frequently these days. 

putting the gold necklace with a top that has silver sparkles isn't how i accessorize. i tend to play it safe and would avoid mixing metals in this instance. i like it though. it's a look i'll play around with and see what other combinations i can create. 

Day 6 gets a thumbs up. 

personal style | maxi thief

errands are my least favorite weekend task. even though i have the flexibility to get out and get things done during the week, sometimes Saturday is best. no matter how much i may dread it.

a few weeks ago, we had a little spring cool front. that lasted the morning of, mind you. when i got outside to leave, it was breezy with an overcast and i wasn't about to change out of this maxi. no way. not happening.

this $3 corduroy jacket is perfect for days like these. it's ultra-lightweight and moves with me so i don't feel all confined. 

the maxi with spaghetti straps is from Wet Seal. i'll never forget buying it. snatched it straight off the clearance rack. it was one of those end of season deals where you buy one clearance item and get another for a penny. those steals are never meant to be passed up.

this outfit took me from afternoon errands to an unexpected evening get-together at a friend's house.

you'll definitely see this dress again. and again. i had flip-flops on above, but i want to wear it with dressy sandals. that and different accessories is all it needs to take it up a notch.

Redbook New Spring Outfit Day 5

left photo credit: Chris Eckert/Studio D via Redbookmag.com 

do you wanna invite me somewhere?? because i'm dying to wear this out and about!

let me get personal for a minute. it has taken years - too many to count - for me to accept my legs. as such, exposing this much of them in public was a no-no. i'd been wearing clothes that were age appropriate. and since we're being all personal and stuff, the term "age appropriate" is starting to urk me a little bit. there has got to be a better way to convey its intended meaning. 

me and you both have a enough common sense to choose clothing that flatters us, makes us feel good, and suits our individual tastes. what i wear may not be the ideal outfit for the next person, but the age appropriate box should be destroyed. walking around looking like you just slid down a stripper pole isn't appropriate at any age. get my point?

here are my thoughts on the blazer: if it's hot enough for shorts, then it's not cold enough for a jacket. or at least one that's as heavy as this one appears to be. having said that, the blazer i've got my eye on would work because it's shorter and the sleeves stop just under the elbows.

dear JC Penney blazer gods: where has this been all my life?! get it in black. soon. please!

i'm going to assume forgetting the necklace was an oversight on Redbook's part. since my outfit is white on white, the gold accessory adds visual interest. plus - i'm a necklace addict so go figure. 

the modern cool belt was the only thing i had to buy for this challenge. cost - $3.90 from Agassi.

Day 5 gets a thumbs up. 

how do you feel about 'showing some leg' during spring and summer?

Redbook New Spring Outfit Day 4

left photo credit: Chris Eckert/Studio D via Redbookmag.com

this is my kinda spring outfit. easy, feminine, and cool. 

i don't have a tunic so it took some time figuring out what to wear in its place. my $5 top is from Rue 21. the skirt is practically an antique (aka old as all get out) from New York & Co and one of my favorites to throw on for church. no ironing required. 

my shoe choice would be a strappy sandal over wedges, but i can live with this selection. 

Day 4 gets a thumbs up.

are you a fan of flowy skirts?!

Redbook New Spring Outfit Day 3

alrighty then. we're moving right along with the Redbook 30 Days of New Spring Outfits challenge:

left photo credit: Chris Eckert/Studio D via Redbookmag.com

today's combination is much better than Day 2 in my opinion, and i've worn this outfit (pre-challenge) a couple of times with different shoes. 

let's talk about my black blazer substitution. in outfit #1, i went with a black belted short sleeved top. this shrug is what i actually wear instead of a black blazer. it's one of those transitional pieces that can take me from fall to early spring.

classic bold low-heel pumps was one of the eight items Redbook suggested to buy. since i wanted to complete the challenge using nothing but things i already have, here's my version of the shoe:

a steal from TJ Maxx a couple of summers ago...can't remember the exact price, but i know i paid less than $40 for them. 

only three outfits in and i'm realizing how much i have in my closet to work with on a daily basis. not bad.

Day 3 gets a thumbs up.

what shoes of yours would you put in the classic bold category?

Redbook New Spring Outfit Day 2

time for outfit #2 in the Redbook 30 Days of New Spring Outfits series:

left photo credit: Chris Eckert/Studio D via Redbookmag.com

somebody somewhere is looking at this and loving it. not me. 

i wouldn't wear this in real life and can't even imagine a way to take the pieces used in this outfit and come up with something more doable. i guess i could lose the white tee and tie the sweater around my neck, but that makes no sense considering how warm spring tends to be. 

and speaking of the sweater - i just couldn't do it - not even for the purposes of taking this photo.

Day 2 gets a thumbs down. sorry.

what do you think?!

personal style challenge | Redbook Spring Fashion

with the exception of books, the majority of my reading is done online. especially magazines. i've been following Redbook on twitter after being interviewed for a feature in 2009 on finding a silver lining in the recession.

when they shared 30 Days of New Spring Outfits, Plus 20 Extras - i said to myself, "ohh snap...this might be my very first personal style challenge!".

here's the concept: Redbook polled hundreds of women and found that more than 60% had these items in their existing wardrobes:

1. black short-sleeved top
2. bootcut jeans
3. bright tank
4. little black dress
5. pullover sweater
6. jersey dress
7. big necklace
8. wedge sandals
9. white t-shirt
10. black flats
11. cropped pants
12. classic blazer
13. hoodie

confession: i'm probably the only woman on the planet who doesn't own a black blazer. go ahead. lock me up and throw away the key.

however, i do have the other twelve pieces. if not exact, some variation thereof. 

here's the twist: Redbook remixed the 13 essentials above and added eight new pieces to create a total of 50 outfits. they suggested you buy:

1. colorful jeans *(capris)
2. floaty patterned skirt
3. modern cool belt
4. shorts
5. utilitarian jacket *(flip-flops, silver necklace, colored tank)
6. flats with flair
7. silky tunic
8. classic bold shoes

*after looking at some of the pieces, it became clear i'd have to modify a few to make the outfits work for spring/summer in Texas. 

i only had to buy one thing! #3. it cost me $4.

here's the outfit for Day 1:

left photo credit: Chris Eckert/Studio D via Redbookmag.com

colored jeans were on my spring/summer wish list. i crossed them out and put color-blocked platforms in their place. my closet lacks colorful shoes. good thing wedges were on my list.

the belted top works for this look, but i've come to realize i need a black blazer. it's a wardrobe essential worth investing in.

never in a million years would i have come up with this outfit. now ask me if i'm gonna wear it? um...yeah! i really like it and have been wanting to experiment with color-blocking.

Day 1 gets a thumbs up.

would you have to shop if you were to take on this challenge?