shopping in my closet...february

 Well who would have thought we would still be living with this virus? It's been about a year and although we have learned a lot about safety precautions, most of us are not back to "normal". I'm not sure things will ever go back to what they were before.

Many of us are still staying in and trying to be careful with not only our health but our finances. All the more reason to continue shopping in my closet. I actually enjoy it! I like to be inspired by looking at my favorite catalogs online then digging through my closet to recreate the looks.

Inspiration outfit from the Sundance catalog.

This inspiration from the catalog

blouse $118.00

jeans $98.00

blouse TJ Maxx $12.99

jeans Goodwill $6.99 

I added layers of silver and turquoise bracelets, beaded earrings, a necklace and chunky silver rings all found at various flea markets.

And a pair of cute braided vegan leather sandals bought on sale.

So for a quick recap...

Sundance outfit $216.00

Shop in my closet outfit $19.98 

I'm sure we are all living and coping with this pandemic in different ways. I'm fortunate that I am able to remain at hope. I truly don't mind being home at all. This is my happy place and I feel quite content. I hope that you are all doing well and finding the best possible ways to handle life right now.

Sending my love, positivity and prayers out into the world.

shopping in my closet...july

 Living in Florida can, in a lot of ways, feel like Groundhog Day. Now that we are living in quarantine, it's even more so!

Part of me can't believe that's it July. I thought it might be a good idea to go shopping in my closet again. It's a good way to revisit my wardrobe and get organized.

Inspiration outfit from the Sundance catalog.

This inspiration outfit from the catalog

dress $148.00

belt $110.00

jewelry $98 earrings, $250 cuff, $198 necklace

shoes $135.00

dress Marshalls $19.99

belt thrift shop $2.99

earrings Goodwill $2.00

beaded cuff thrift shop $5.00

necklace (gift) $0.00

sandals Dollar General $5.00

So here is a quick recap...

Sundance outfit $939.00

Shop in my closet outfit $34.98

Now there is no doubt that the quality of the catalog items are impeccable, but I am more than thrilled to be able to replicate the look by shopping in my closet.

And let's be honest, I'm not going anywhere! It's not everyday that I even get properly dressed. But it is nice to spruce up every once in awhile. I like to feel girly.

No surprise there!

I do hope you are all fairing well. It's a scary time so I want you to take care of yourself. Both mentally and physically.

shopping in my closet...april

Can you believe April finally decided to arrive! My heavens it's been a tough go for our precious world.

Since we're all social isolating, I've decided to spend more time in my closet. I've been getting a lot of donations ready.

Now I'm ready for another shop in my closet.

 

Inspiration outfit

from the Sundance catalog.

 



I am a homebody anyway,

but I haven't left the house

since all of this started.

 

This inspiration outfit from the catalog

top $38.00

pants $88.00

 

 

I have been adding more graphic tees to my wardrobe lately. I have found some really pretty and interesting ones at thrift shops.

 

thrift shop tee $4.99

striped beach slacks $4.99

these adorable sandals

came from Goodwill $3.99

 

So here is a quick recap...

 

Sundance outfit $126.00

Shop in my closet outfit $13.97

(And mine includes shoes!)

 

 

I am sure we are all dealing with so much stress

and worry in our own ways. 

 

None of us are able to get out, let alone go shopping in this scary economy, so why not shop in your closet!

 

This is one small way you can keep busy, get creative and sort out some great donations! You know when this is all over, there will be a lot of people in need. Let's do our part.

it's here!

Isn't it an awesome feeling when you order something online and it exceeds your expectations!!!

I am thrilled!

I wrote a post not so long ago about gardening inside when the weather is too inclement to be outdoors. I shared my love of working with succulents.

So I went on Amazon and ordered some succulent cuttings from a couple of different companies.

The first to arrive was from

THE NEXT GARDENER

 

This was the first of my orders to arrive.

Beautifully packaged in this little box...

 

 

I removed the fluffy cotton and I saw

these perfectly preserved little gems...

 

 

The description read "no two alike" and it was true. I ordered 10 cuttings and there were actually 11 and 3 had pups!

 

 

 I already have some cuttings and

I want to make something special.

 

 

Using a small vintage wooden box and some tiny terra cotta pots, I decided to make a little succulent "window box".

 

 

The cuttings have already hardened over

and are ready to plant in my cactus soil mix.

 

 

It turned out perfectly!

 

 

I couldn't be happier with the finished project.

And I couldn't be happier with the order from

THE NEXT GARDENER.

If you're wanting to purchase the same items I ordered, simply click on the name above and it will take you to the Amazon link.

Happy gardening!!!





shopping in my closet

This addition of shopping in my closet is inspired by my upbringing in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia.

This inspiration image is from

the beautiful Sundance catalog...

 

My closet is filled with romantic style with a bit of southwestern flair. I love my old boots and touches of flannel. This look is the epitome of casual living with a very feminine touch.

 

Sundance catalog inspiration outfit

dress $138.00

boots $345.00

 

 

Funny thing, I have always worn this shirt with a belt and tights. But after seeing this catalog, I'm inspired to wear it in a much more feminine fashion. This long plaid shirt dress is comfortable, casual and all it needs is a bit of jewelry to make it more feminine.

 

thrift shop shirt dress $6.99

 

 

This outfit would not be complete without

my comfy old cowgirl boots...
 

flea market vintage leather boots $40.00

 

 

I'm really happy with the look!

Thank you Sundance for always being

a terrific source of inspiration!

 

 

So here is a quick recap...

 

Sundance outfit $438.00

Shop in my closet $46.99

 

...so "Take Me Home Country Roads"

I'm dressed and ready to watch my

WV Mountaineers play basketball!

Let's Go EERS!!!





shopping in my closet

For all the years I worked in television and for magazines, I always wanted to feature a segment or article about "shopping" in your own closet. I clearly have a signature look that has not changed in years. Some may think it's a little boring but it's me. But I do like to get inspired by looking at my favorite catalogs that come to the house. So I have decided to share a section of my blog about shopping in my closet armed with inspiration from my stash of favorite catalogs.

 

 

This inspiration outfit comes from the Sundance catalog. One of my absolute favorites. But it's not an inexpensive look.

For the outfit as it is seen in the picture...

top $98

jeans $118

belt $450

jewelry $3,540

hat $70

 

So I decided to shop in my closet for similar pieces. Keep in mind I love shopping in thrift shops, flea markets, sales and of course... discount box stores!

 

top J. Jill from a thrift shop $5

jeans Ruff Hewn on sale $35

 

 

belt thrift shop $3

 

 

jewelry cuff and 3 bracelets $50, 20, 15, 15

earrings on sale TJ Maxx $10

long multi-strand necklace thrift shop $35

silver Indian wedding necklace $750

(this was my splurge and I worked

all through college to pay for it!)

 

 

I wore a suede bootie with this look that I bought on sale at Target for $20. A similar pair at Sundance are $650.

 

 

So let's do some math...

Sundance outfit with jewelry  $4,926

without jewelry $1,386

 

Shopping in my closet

outfit with jewelry $953

without jewelry $63

 

 

I had to add a hat to the look and the closest thing I have is my in-laws  paternal grandfather's hat. It's even more special because it has sentimental meaning!

 

 

I hope you are inspired to take a shopping trip in your closet! My inspiration catalogs are Sundance,

J. Jill, Eileen Fisher and Garnet Hill.

Happy "shopping"!

 

 



picture time

I have been blessed to be able to share my passion for decorating, collecting, cooking and gardening through photographs on my blog and in numerous magazines. But I was recently asked to photograph a shop for an advertisement. It was a blast!!!

 

 

It was a bit of a challenge to incorporate all 30 vendor's wares into just a handful of images.

There are vintage coastal and nautical treasures...

 

Several vendors have unique mid-century modern

accessories and furniture.

 

Local artists also display their incredible works from paintings, photography, jewelry, glass and so much more!!!

 

BLESSED AND DISTRESSED VINTAGE

 

in Bradenton Florida. Click the name above to visit their Facebook page. It's a wonderful destination for a fun day of shopping and inspiration. Enjoy!

 



mercato

I discovered a wonderful shopping adventure. It's called the Venice Mercato...and it is amazing! If you love all things vintage with a coastal vibe, this is the place for you. I am approaching a year of being in my new surroundings and I am still nesting. I would like to share a few treasures I brought home from my shopping extravaganza...

 

 

 

I can't wait to go again!!! If you are ever in he area you should visit. 

CLICK HERE

to visit their Facebook page.

Enjoy...