Exercise? I thought you said Accessorize!

Basic black. Black pants and top are just standard issue for any wardrobe but if we wore just black or black and white every day we (and everyone else) would be bored to death of our wardrobe! So, let's add a little color! Here is the basic black look without accessorizing at all. Now, I personally use jackets, cardigans, shrugs and other tops as accessories...along with jewelry and scarves.

Add a great jacket and necklace along with some other jewelry and you've certainly stepped it up a notch!

Now, a simple cardigan and you have a lovely relaxed style. (Ann Taylor Loft cardigan was $3! Score!!)

A different jacket and you change the look once again!

Go casual with a short sleeved blouse over the tee. This adds some funky color and texture to the look for just a couple dollars.

A different blouse. A black or even colorful belt or scarf would add even more dimension to this outfit for very little money.

Another cute jacket!

Basic black and white (which seems to be huge this season) with my white denim jacket. You can really dress this up or down just with jewelry, a belt, or scarf.


The moral to this story is that you can invest in basic, but classic, wardrobe pieces and then work with lesser expensive accessories to change up the look and expand the usefulness of those pieces. With the right accessories, you could wear those pants and tee every single day and no one would know. I don't advise it, but you get my point. If you are on a tight clothing budget, shop smarter getting the pieces that will last several seasons like a great pair of black and khaki slacks, a black skirt, navy skirt, etc. Whatever your "go to" pieces are, learn to work with them to change up the look through jackets and jewelry.


As you can see in the examples posted here, some jackets will make you appear thinner while others may not be as flattering. I always suggest taking your picture in an outfit rather than just looking in a mirror. Mirrors are so deceiving but photos never lie! Try it, you'll see!!


So, play with your clothes and let me know what you find! <3

Accept freebies!

Better than the thrift store is accepting clothing from people you know. I know for me, I have clothes that are perfectly good, only worn a couple of times and just don't fit anymore. Sometimes it's kind of sad and I would much prefer to see someone I know using it than to just donate it to be sold to people like us. For one thing, we know where it came from, not that that makes a whole lot of difference, but to some it may.


So, when someone offers you their clothing or it will go to Goodwill, accept it! I've taken bags of clothing from friends before and I may not care for everything in the bag, and that's ok. I can donate those things if I choose to. But there are usually some good pieces in there that I will love! Free is good!! I give clothes away all the time to friends that I know can wear them and some have even offered me money for them. I tell them "No, just pay it forward."


Today's fabulous gray pinstripe suit was a thrift store find that Mom bought years ago and just never wore because she retired from the corporate world shortly thereafter and had no reason to wear suits anymore. So, she gave it to me. I asked her if it was below $20, because that's my intention, ya know! She said, "Oh, I'm sure it was less than $10!" but she didn't recall the exact amount. So, my entire outfit was free to me today. I'm sure it was under $10 when purchased from the thrift store originally, so SCORE!


Great find, Mom!! And keep those freebies coming my way! <3