Simple Black

I love the simplicity of this outfit.  It perfectly suits my style.  The base is just a pair of black jeans and a sweatshirt/sweater.  I added a cute pair of loafers with bow detail, a little neck scarf from ebay and a pair of earrings I thrifted for only 69 cents.
This could absolutely be my daily "uniform". 

Have you ever asked yourself the question..."What pieces in my closet would I choose if I could only pick one top, one bottom, and one pair of shoes to wear for the rest of my life?  You know...a sort of if I were stranded on a desert island type question.
What items would you choose?

When I think of the answer to that question for myself and consider my fantasies of having the wardrobe of a minimalist.... I imagine how it would be to have just a few pieces of clothing reflective of what I'm wearing here.  A few pieces that I really love, feel good in, and could wear all the time.
Would I feel freedom in that choice?  Would I get bored?  Maybe I'll make it happen someday and find out.
I am pretty proud of myself for seriously cutting back on my thrifting.  My goal this year is to spend less than half of what I did last year.  So far so good!

 thrifted:
black jeans $3.49 Forever 21
top $2.99 August Silk
black/gold hoop earrings .69 cents

purse $8 Fossil
loafers $3.59 Anne Klein
~~~
scarf $1.80 via ebay

Casual Classic: Cardigan, Striped Tee, Print Scarf, Loafers

thrifted:
black jeans $3.49 Forever 21
striped tee $3.50 Merona
cardigan $6.99 gnu
black/gold hoop earrings .69 cents
loafers $3.59 Anne Klein
~~~
scarf $1.24 via ebay
purse $14.99 Koltov Collection via Ross

A Pop of Red

 thrifted:
jeans $3.49 Forever 21
striped long sleeved tee $?
scarf $1.19
loafers $3.59 Anne Klein
~~~
jacket = old

Thrifted Loafers + Ebay Scarf

 Ebay scarf $4.46

 thrifted loafers $3.59 Anne Klein

thrifted: loafers $2.50 Eddie Bauer,  cardigan  $5 Land's End

 

New Anne Klein Loafers and Ebay Scarf

 This is my second pair of new black loafers.  (My Stuart Weitzman loafers are here.)

And this is another of my new ebay scarves.  I love all the colors that will make it easy to mix and match with multiple tops.

thrifted:
black loafers $3.59 Anne Klein
cardigan $4 Land's End
jeans $5.59 Calvin Klein
~~~
scarf $1.69 via ebay

A New Spring/Summer Handbag

I was thrilled to find this handbag that will go with anything this spring/summer season.  I love the neutral colors and details... like the white tassel and gold accents.  

handbag $5.59 Aldo
white jeans $6.39 Miracle Body
cardigan $7 h.i.p.
scarf $4
earrings $1.39
shoes $6.50 Anne Klein

OOTD: Beige And White

 What can I say....I love a creamy colored, monochromatic outfit.

jeans $12.99 Gap
cream lace tiered sleeveless top $2 h.i.p
cardigan $7 Chico's

earrings $1.50
shoes $7.99 Anne Klein
~~~
shorter necklace with off white stones $3.39 via Fred Meyer
longer necklace $4.99 via Charming Charlie

Leopard and a Chunky Gold Chain

One of my favorite thrift finds is this Michael Kors silk leopard print blouse. It's just perfect for beginning the transition into fall. 
The chunky gold chain necklace is another of my favorite pieces.  It is substantial and makes a bit of a luxurious statement when paired with the silk blouse. 

blouse $9.58 Michael Kors
dark brown jeans $7.99 Chico's
chunky gold necklace $2.50
sandals $6.99 Anne Klein 

OOTD: Cobalt Blue and Black

This falls into my favorite outfit category.  I loved the colors, the fabric and length of the top, and the "just dressy enough for me" feel while being totally comfortable.

top $4.19 Susan Graver
pants $8.99 Anne Klein
cobalt/black necklace $2.29
black/gold hoop earrings .69 cents
~ ~ ~
purse $14.99 Koltov Collection via Ross
sandals $20 via Marshall's

Primary Colors

pants $8.99 Anne Klein
multicolored silk smock top $2.25 Talbots
red tank top
long gold chain necklace $4.99
flip flops $3.24 Macwell
~ ~ ~
red necklace w/earrings $6.99 via ebay 

Polka Dot Blouse

Pants $5.99 J.Crew
Blouse $7.19 Timing
Single Strand Pearl Necklace $1.99
Earrings
Purse $7.79 Liz Claiborne
Brown Sandals $6.99 Anne Klein
~ ~ ~
Gold Chain/Pearl Necklace $5.80 Forever 21

Off Days

Whether it's bad hair, an article of clothing you thought you liked, but didn't like the looks of it after seeing the photograph....or both (as in the case for all of mine below, ha).... we all have those days.  These are some of mine recently.

This was the only time I'd worn this top.  I thought I liked it until I saw the photos.  I'm re-donating this one.

Black/White Top $3.60 JM Collection

I did like how the sandals and purse both had white stitching on the black.  Didn't even notice that till I saw this photo.

 Again...I thought I loved this new shimmery gold and white cardigan...until I saw how shapeless it looks on.  I have other cardigans in a similar style that I like so maybe its the large stripes that I'm finding unflattering.  I'll give it another chance though and try it with some different pants and possibly tied it up to make it shorter. 

Gold/White Striped Cardigan $6.99 Inc.

Below is another top I've had for a while, but had never worn.  I expected to like this one, but am not thrilled with it.  I do like the fabric so I'm going to try it some day with navy pants and see if it works any better.

Geometric Print Top $7 Anne Klein (Can't believe I've had this since August 2013 and never worn it.  Maybe that's a sign that I'm not that crazy about it.)

RL has caused me to get behind on posting so I had these photos saved up from the past week or so.   I have an outfit coming up that I DO like though so I'll be happier to post those photos in a day or two.