Lacey Lou Freebush

Walking into Anthropologie, I always get the feeling of want and excitement seeing all the pretty designs but then the moment I look at the price tag, the item turns into fire — burning money through my teacher-salary-paycheck — and henceforth I put it down to prevent such a catastrophe.

I was prepared for this repetitive cycle again as I walked in the store last week. But lo and behold, I found this gorgeous lace overlay sheath dress that luckily did not become a fire but just a hot iron that barely singed the corners with the mere cost of $30. Yes, that was it. Weddings, garden parties, and date nights — watch out because this dress is coming for you.

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Why I love this dress:

– The flattering shape
– The subtle color underneath the lace
– The comfortable fit
– The modest hemline
– The versatility
(after the photo shoot I threw on my denim jacket and switched to sandals and ran some errands. Ha )

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Dress:
Wearing: Anthropologie {sold out 😦 } –> Found exact ones Ebay
or just check out Anthropologie’s other sale dresses 🙂

Shoes
Wearing: Thrifted from Crossroads
My Picks: ShopStyle $80 // Kate Spade $196

Bracelet — Rings — Watch
J. Crew // Vintage &  Rings & Tings // Michele

Clutch
Wearing: H&M $5 {sale!}

Earrings
Shimmer Rosette Drop Earrings c/o Benevolent Jewels

If you didn’t get the title of my post, click here! 😛

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Maximize the Maxi


I love adding pieces to my wardrobe that is easy to mix up and dress up for different occasions. It’s all about maximizing what you’ve got already, especially when you’re just starting out in the professional world.

Roe Boulevard was kind enough to let me try out their Remember Me Maxi Dress {50% off your purchase using the code LUCKY50} which I instantly knew had so many different possibilities. With just a change of the outerwear, you can go from a beach day, to a city stroll, or to a work day as easy as one, two, and THREE.

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Screen Shot 2014-05-18 at 8.33.03 PMJust add some delicate lace or crochet to the mix to bring out the girl in a casual outfit.

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Screen Shot 2014-05-18 at 8.33.09 PMFor an even more laid back look, just throw on a chambray and head out the door.

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Screen Shot 2014-05-18 at 8.33.14 PMYou can’t wear pajamas to work, but you can get pretty close by just throwing a soft blazer on top of a maxi!

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Dress
Remember Me Maxi Dress c/o Roe Boulevard
40% off your purchase using the code LUCKY40

Lace Top
Thrifted @ Crossroads
My Picks:

Chambray
Wearing: Madewell
My Picks: Old Navy $24  // J. Crew $78 [25% off right now using code PACKME] // ASOS $79

Blazer
Wearing: Anthropologie [Similar]

Cream heels (from third look)
Thrifted from Crossroads

Jewelry
1) Anthropologie
2) Rings & Tings // Wrenn Jewelry
3) Talbots

And lastly, because maxis has a tendency to hide the footwear, do take note of these perfect summer sandals 🙂

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I could hardly believe how comfy and cute these were! Yes, my jaw dropped. Yes, I keep raving about them. And yes, my feet are without a doubt happy.

Wedges
Yulia c/o Born Shoes

Have a spectacular Monday!

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”Lisa

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Tough Stuff

I may look like a girly girl on the outside, but deep down I’m a tough cookie with an attitude…at least that’s what my mom says. 😛

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I bet you can’t guess what that bracelet is made up of … the INNER TUBE OF A BICYCLE WHEEL.

Yes, you heard me, it’s made from a bicycle wheel. Urban Lace Jewelry thought of a way to turn trash into something absolutely gorgeous. With a variety of designs and sizes to fit your personal style, you can promote eco-friendly stylish jewelry.

{I’m wearing the Reflection in a size small}
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Pants
Wearing: Gap $70

Tee
Wearing: Gap $20

Vest
Wearing: Thrifted from Crossroads
My Picks: OASAP $31 // Lulu*s $49 // Macy’s $109

Necklace
Wearing: Talbots
My Pick: PiperLime $15

Bracelet
Reflection c/o Urban Lace

Shoes
Wearing: DSW
My Pick: Deb Shops $36.90

—-

For those who don’t believe my claim…

Ways I am more of a “Tough Cookie”
1. I have perfected the evil eye that gives my students the shiver from head to toe.
2. I’ve killed countless of cockroaches.
3. I can hold my bladder for up to 9 hours straight (I know, probably not a healthy thing)
4. I can craft for 8 hours straight while withstanding the pain of paper cuts and hot glue burns.

Have I changed your opinion? 🙂

What makes you tough?

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In the World of J. Austen

I know what you’re thinking and the answer is NO, I did not actually wear this today to walk around town. We took family portraits over the holidays, so I thought I would share my look with you. I’m not really into the traditional studio family portraits, but hey, it’s an excuse to get all dressed up!

So let me tell you something about this dress…MY FAVORITE.
Every girl needs that dress, with a lace corset bodice and satin ribbon, that makes her feel like she’s the female lead character in a Jane Austen novel.

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Dress
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: Forever 21 $29.80 //  Tobi $58 $40 // ModCloth $99.99 // ASOS $281.31 $196.92

Necklace
Wearing: Talbots
My Picks: Forever 21 $10.80 // Macy’s $49.50

Shoes:
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: Old Navy $26.04 $25.00  // Urban Outfitters $70

—-

Now go find yourself that dress that makes you feel like Mr. Darcy could walk up to you at any moment and say…

“You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”

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Suave Muave

Let’s talk about this color muave. It’s elegant, feminine, classy, and yes, very suave.

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Blazer
Wearing: Anthroplogie ON SALE $138.95 $39.99

Lace Blouse
Wearing: Urban Outfitters
My Picks: Forever 21 $14.80 // Macy’s $34

Jeans
Wearing: Gap $69.95

Shoes
c/o Lulu*s $24
{Can I just say, that I’ve been looking for these shoes for awhile? It’s been hard to find them for a reasonable price but of course, Lulu’s got them! Super cute, right? And as for comfort….not too shabby! 🙂 }

Purse
Hand-me-down: Vintage Coach
{Has anyone taken a look at the new Coach line? I’m genuinely impressed. Previously, they have always been about the “C’s” and the bright colors, but now they’re bringing back the simple, classic, but modern look. Absolutely love!}

Sometimes you want to stand out, but not be a highlighter. I say, go for the softer shades like this mauve color to make a subtle statement. Contrast the soft color against neutral pieces and watch your outfit command attention without people going “Woah, where’s the new vocabulary word?” {Yes, kind of a lame teacher joke, but hopefully you understood my intent or at least got a good laugh at my expense.}

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Winter Lace

I’m all about the juxtaposition of putting cold weather together with lace, especially for the holiday season. Today’s Thrifty Thursday post is comprised of wonderful finds from our local Savers and Crossroads. Here’s my version of a casual holiday outfit.

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Dress: Thrifted – Similar // Boots: DSW – Similar  // Sweater: Thrifted – Similar // Scarf: P.O.K.O

Got a summer/spring dress that you still aren’t sick of wearing, despite the cold weather? THAT’S OK. Throw on a pair of black tights, a chunky sweater, a scarf, boots and you’re good to go!

And just to show you that I actually use the tips that I give out, here’s how I chose this dress.
1. Is this cute? DUH.
2. Will the shape fit and flatter my body type? Yes.
3. Good fabric/brand? Yes. It’s Ann Taylor.
4. Do I have other clothes to make this dress a multiple outfit phenomena? Yes.
5. Shall I buy it? YES.

Check out the other fellow Thrifty Thursday Bloggers out there. 🙂

Zhenya at Being Zhenya
Kristi of Alligator Toe
Miche at Buttons and Birdcages
Jackline at Sincerely Miss J
Martyna at Spoolish
Justine of The Two Cent Chic
Nout at Sandpaper Kisses

New Yorker Wanna-be

Today, I wore this outfit and a student came up to me and said that I looked like I was from New York. You may or may not agree, but I’ll take it.

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Trench: Thrifted –  Similar // Top: Urban – Similar // Jeans: Gap
 Shoes: Talbots – Similar

*Note: When your jacket is a little too big, roll up the sleeves, and use a costume pearl necklace around the two back buckle loops for a more tailored look. (Sorry, there’s no picture of it, but here’s an example from ConnnieTang)

So this is my first official Thrifty Thursday post! Some other bloggers graciously added me to their #ThriftStyleThursday crew. Hmm, I’m just realizing that the criteria was for the entire outfit to be thrifted. OOPS. At least I followed the thrifted coat theme. I’ll do better next time girls.

Zhenya at Being Zhenya
Kristi of Alligator Toe
Miche at Buttons and Birdcages
Jackline at Sincerely Miss J
Martyna at Spoolish
Justine of The Two Cent Chic
Nout at Sandpaper Kisses