Salmon Ruffles: Clearanced, Gifted and Thrifted

SALMON RUFFLES

Today in the blog I have something clearanced, something thrifted, and something gifted. Can you guess which is which?

OUTFIT DETAILS: Merona tulle dress,  gold cardigan, brown tights and boots, gold accessories, gold Michael Kors crossbody purse, manicure done with L.A. Colors nail polish in yellow, silver and blue.

Gold, Green and Black Caviar Mani

GOLD, GREEN AND BLACK CAVIAR MANI

I'm certainly no nail art master, and often times, my nail painting is lazy at best--defined by a few messy coats with not enough drying time in between! I often peruse the internet though, coveting fancy and flawlessly painted nails at some of my favorite DIY sites, including "Fuck Yeah Nail Art" ('scuse the language, m'aam), Katrina's Nail Blog, Miss LadyFinger and also "Nailed It".

IF you are misled by the idea that you can't have pretty nails because you can't afford expensive polish, than by all means, allow me to dispel that myth with one of my very few-and-far-between nail art features!

The reason why I am posting this is to show what can be done with inexpensive items! 

What I used on my nails:  

-Base coat of black Sally Girl mini nail polish (under one dollar).

-"Globs" (technical terms only, here, please) of both Nail Pops in mint green and Nutra Nail in gold. Purchased on clearance, collectively, for $3.

-Wet n' Wild Clear Coat, purchased for one dollar.

-Donna Michelle caviar Nail art "mini bottles"--for one dollar at Dollar Tree, I purchased one pack, which contained about eight mini pots of micro steel balls in different colors, and gold was amongst them! 

Basically, I just put one coat of black on my nails (I even did my toes to match!), allowed it to dry, and then sort of "globbed" on both the gold and mint green. Before those layers were totally dry, I took my clear brush, dipped it into a pile of the caviar beads, and "pressed" them into little clumps in the middle of my nails. Once that top layer was dry, I followed up with a layer of clear to finish.

What I like about this mani: It's very forgiving, which is good for people who are extremely "un-precise", as I am. Also, if you are not the best at waiting for the layers to dry, smudge marks are hidden amongst the globs and beads quite well. Not that--ahem--I would know anything about that.

Go ahead, get your fancy mani on, for around six dollars!

Snow for a Minute: Layers and Print

SNOW FOR A MINUTE: Layers and Print

It really was a gorgeous morning here in West Michigan. I must admit--even though I usually curse the snow each year, it's nice to see a little of it piling up! Even though it was quickly melting away as I was snapping my pictures this morning, it was nice to get a little sparkly dusting and a few snow photos.

When it comes to winter fashion, I've never been one to throw on a huge puffy Northface coat. I love layering not only for its functionality but also its style, so while downy parkas might be more practical for frigid weather, you'll usually find me in crazy getups like this vintage Pleather crop jacket (from Hope's Outlet) with multiple layered pieces underneath.

Everything with the exception of boots was thrifted in the pictures shown. The jeans I am wearing were originally wide leg and I altered them to taper with my sewing machine--a very easy project. Gloves, hat and accessories are all thrifted. 

What do you think about rolling your jeans and showing a touch of ankle with your boots during winter time? I love it. Winter hat plus aviators = instant style!

Looking for more layering ideas? 

Don't forget to check out my new "Party In Your Parka" winter style pinboard!

I'll be pinning fun winter fashion there for the next month while I prepare for the SUPER FUN Party In Your Parka event...Michigan's OFFICIAL 176th birthday! If you're not sure what to wear to stay warm AND be stylish, check it out.

Are you a vendor interested in bringing your products or business name to the Party In Your Parka event? Booths start at the affordable price of $50! Make sure to get your space before availability becomes  limited!  
Please contact Chantal Johnson madeinthemitten.donor.sponsor@gmail.com  

Build me up...Buttercup and snakeskin!

BUTTERCUP, GOLD AND SNAKESKIN

I wore this outfit on Friday night (hence the indoor night time pictures!) and there's something I just LOVE about the color and texture palette, so had to share some inspiration with you all! The pattern below is from a thrifted and vintage blouse I was wearing with a buttercup vintage and thrifted cardigan as well. The dark fitted jeans are Merona and were a new purchase a few years ago, and the 5 inch snakeskin heels with gold are Guess...another new purchase recently from T.J. Maxx. (Mommy bought them for me! Haha!)

Are you as much in love with this combo as I am? What can you build in your own closet that fits this color and texture scheme?

Don't forget--if you're the type who struggles with the age old question of "what to wear"...I'm giving away a shopping consultation, free makeover AND a free thrifted outfit as a precursor to the official Thrift Trick Fashion Show and Clothing Drive! Check the linked blog post and the Thrift Trick Facebook page for more info!