Alexander McQueen DIY Butterfly Sweatshirt

These sweatshirts make being lazy look great! I think the whole comfortable cute thing is working in our favor this season. A huge trend I am seeing right now is patches !! patches !! patches !! The Alexander McQueen Sweater at $1,075 is screaming to be DIY'd.

The cute butterflies are right here Amazon here. Once you get your sweatshirt, a handful of patches, and an iron you will have all you need to make this sweatshirt that's stylish and comfy.

Alexander McQueen embroidered top, Butterfly iron patch, J Crew floral print top, Brown Bear, Sweatshirt, Vintage top, Bow Sweater, Embroidered Sweater, Feather top

Check out these 18 Purse Essentials for Everyday Needs. Make your life easier!

I hope you enjoy! Share your butterfly sweatshirts if you make them. Hit me up with your color combos!

Before I go! Have you been trying to achieve financial independence? 

Proofreaders consistently make up to $65 an hour and are able to work anywhere in the world. I’ve been following Caitlin’s money earning journey for years and she is the creator of Proofread Anywhere. Leverage skills that you already have by starting a proofreading business! The handy webinar will quickly let you know if Proofreading is the right direction for you.

My Go-To Resources

Trim – Bill Negotiator Will negotiate bills with credit card companies and potentially get them lowered. Trim will also ensure that your subscriptions are cancelled across all your accounts. This is a full money-saving system for free. Tryout the Trim Bill Negotiator today and see how much you could be saving! 8 Million dollars was saved for users last year alone.

Rakuten Coupons deals and cash back. When you’re shopping online if you aren’t stacking your savings, you’re losing serious money. Get rebates from 1%-20%+ on thousands of stores and get $10.00 for signing up. 

Ibotta! I save on all my staples from eggs, to paper towels, to coffee and even uber rides! With Ibotta you just snap a picture of your shopping receipt and match it with current deals available online. Get $10 just for signing up.

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Fall is Nearing

Outfit Details:
tights: Nordstrom / boots: Vera Wang Lavender Collection / necklace: Thrifted / earrings: Forever21

I feel Fall. Yesterday I wrapped myself up in a sweater and scarf and walked outside and realized it was still 80 degrees.

This morning it was misting and cool can't wait for the best seasons to begin!

I can't get over a wedge boot with leggings so comfy, what's your guilty outfit combo?

A Bit Of Summer Rock and Roll Outfit

Dolce Gabbana Lace Bow tee, $215 / J Brand super skinny jeans, $170 / Black Wedge Sneaker, / Opening Ceremony shoulder bag / 

Rose jewelry / Clip on earrings, $13

When you magically have just about everything on hand in your closet.  I think that D&G shirt is just screaming for a DIY.  I definitely find my healed Coach sneakers to be slimming, comfortable and cute.  I always have really great luck with my Coach shoe and their durability as well.

Sammydress Wholesale Clothing Review

Outfit Details:
blouse and skirt: Sammydress / earrings: Handmade / shoes: Giani Bernini from Macy's

Have you heard of Sammydress? It's a wholesale China based clothing oasis, and I'm obsessed with their super cheap prices and awesome quality.

I ordered 3 dress, 4 blouses, 3 t-shirts, 4 necklaces, and 5 pairs of earrings for 88 bucks with shipping.

The quality of the material was been great, and nothing has been itchy or scratchy at all. (Any and all subsequent orders have been just as high quality as the first.)

Be mindful, some of the models are teeny tiny. If you are taller than 5'3 like me, I suggest to be  extra mindful of the skirt and dress lengths! Reviews are your friend, read what other people experienced when they ordered the same item to save yourself from frustration.

Shipping can take a little longer, but it's totally worth it. Check out the 'Expedited shipping', depending on current specials, 'expedited' can be cheaper than 'standard'.

I would also bet that I have seen Betsey Johnson earrings listed for $3 and various other familiar looking items for much cheaper. Many items seem as if they are overstocked luxury brands minus the tags. 

They have perfect customer service too, once something was out of stock so it didn't ship, I was promptly refunded and they go through paypal.

I was always terrified of these sites in the past... feeling that I would get clothes fit for baby dolls or something with mulch in it haha.  If you are going to use a wholesale site I absolutely recommend sammydress.com and with my link get up to 50% off new items!

It's fun to look through literally 1000s of dresses for inspiration, so I at least suggest that.

If you are interested Sammydress's mid-year sale is on now, feel free to use the affiliate link provided.

I can seriously spend hours and hours and hours scrolling through all the awesome clothes available... make sure and watch the clock! Ha.

Before I go! Have you been trying to achieve financial independence? 

Proofread Anywhere was created by the extraordinary Caitlin Pyle and it could be the solution you are looking for.

Proofreaders consistently make up to $65 an hour and are able to work anywhere in the world. I’ve been following Caitlin’s money earning journey for years and she is the creator of Proofread Anywhere. Four years ago when she bought her first house with her earnings, I was enthralled with how she did it. It was all through proofreading, and she teaches us her exact ways.

This gig is obviously for a very specific type of person who LOVES to correct grammar, hates when authors use a comma splice, or makes note of spelling mistakes on a restaurant menu… it takes a certain “eagle eye” ability to be good at proofreading!

Now, how much can you make as a proofreader? Well, since I’ve been a Caitlin fan for a long time I happen to have a couple friends who are in that industry, and it turns out — quite a lot! There are some proofreaders earning over $40,000 working for themselves and loving their jobs. Completely free of office walls.

Leverage skills that you already have by starting a proofreading business! The handy webinar will quickly let you know if Proofreading is the right direction for you.

Ready to start your journey? Get free access to the Master Class Proofread Anywhere Webinar run by Caitlin by registering now. It’s a free way to see if proofreading is right for you.

My Go-To Resources

Trim – Bill Negotiator Will negotiate bills with credit card companies and potentially get them lowered. Trim will also ensure that your subscriptions are cancelled across all your accounts. This is a full money-saving system for free. Tryout the Trim Bill Negotiator today and see how much you could be saving! 8 Million dollars was saved for users last year alone.

Ebates Coupons deals and cash back. When you’re shopping online if you aren’t stacking your savings, you’re losing serious money. Get rebates from 1%-20%+ on thousands of stores and get $10.00 for signing up. I won’t shop without Ebates.

Ibotta! I save on all my staples from eggs, to paper towels, to coffee and even uber rides! With Ibotta you just snap a picture of your shopping receipt and match it with current deals available online. Get $10 just for signing up through The Rising Damsel. Redeem your first $10 by verifying a purchase from any of their stores. It’s an obsession. 

Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing to earn money blogging. There are tons of ways to make money on your blog. If you want to make money by promoting an affiliate, you need Michelle’s course Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing. It was an invaluable resource to me despite 1,000+ hours of research on how to earn. The money didn’t actually start coming in till I took this course. Save yourself from frustration, Michelle has it figured out for us!

Orange Polka Dot Dress

Outfit Details

dress: Anthropologie / shoes: Coach / earrings: Target

This orange dress was an unexpected find. Have you tried a color you were previously not fond of only to fall in love with it? I'm definitely experiencing that with orange.

Did you know that Anthropologie gives 15% off during your birthday month? I look forward to my coupon every year and it's easy to sign up on their website.

Buttons Up The Front Skirt DIY

My first thrift store revamp.  Basically, I cut the elastic out of my parachute skirt and used a fitted skirt as a guide.

I didn't want to get too crazy so I added an elastic band.  The buttons on the original skirt ran up the back of the skirt.  Seeing as I am a huge button fanatic I changed them to the front.

Seriously have had this project on my mind for the last year.  Feels great to have something accomplished and wearable... even if the buttons are off ... my patience factor and sewing don't get along.

What are your favorite clothes to refashion? So far I am sticking to skirts and straight lines.

Not Envious Gorgeous Green Outfit

Outfit Details

dress: Tulle from ModCloth / belt and shoes: Forever21 / tights: TjMaxx

I hope that everyone is having a beautiful start to the week!

How do you feel about dyed lace? I'm loving it.

Summer is Now Outfit

Outfit Details:

tank top: Talbots / jeans: Holding Horses from Anthropologie / shoes: Madden Girl from TjMaxx / bracelets: NYandCo

A little Summer outfit made for grass rolling. 

A little Heart

Outfit Details:

scarf: handmade / jeans: BDG / shirt: Mango / sweater: Talbots / shoes: Coach / brooch: handmade

For this all you need is some polymer clay and a cookie cutter.

Roll out your clay. I wanted a substantial heart, something more for jackets and sweaters. 

I rolled the clay out to approximately 3/8th of an inch thick.

Bake according to the directions.

Let your heart cool down.

Paint it up however you please.... glitter? splatter? pick your fancy!

Glaze and add a pin back.

How many of you are going to go through your cookie cutter drawer now to see what else you can make?  I foresee this brooch as a year round obsession.

Hearts On Your Sweater and in Your Mind

 Outfit Details:

shoes: Forever 21 / jeans: BDG from Urban Outfitters / sweater: Talbots / blouse: TjMaxx

This has got to be one of my favorite outfits ever. You can add a surprise pop by layering with something unexpected.

A Plaided Dress

Outfit Details
dress: Talbots /shoes: Forever21 / tights: DKNY / earrings / Forever21 / necklace: Hermes

I love Talbots This love affair started about 2 years back when I had literally no summer clothes and I saw a 60% off sign in a window.

Their clothes are so classy, and absolutely one of the best brand for well made items.  I have never been disappointed with fit, or style or wear-ability.  I had my eye on this dress for around 3 months, but with a $200.00 price tag it was out of my budget.  Well patience pays off!  I snagged this dress for $40.00 during their 80% of sale items sale, which is still going on mind you.

Have you ever been pleasantly surprised by a brand you previously viewed as "mom-ish" or out of your age range?

Not So Uggly

Outfit Details

jacket: TRF part of Zara / skirt: Thrifted / t-shirt: Mango / boots: Uggs / necklace: Handmade

I never ever ever thought I would buy a pair of Uggs.... adamantly refused as a matter of fact.  Until I saw these.  I actually found them a year ago but at $350.00.  I wasn't that into them.  I just found them at Nordstroms Rack for $180.00.  My mom told me if I didn't buy  myself a treat once in a while that working would seem pointless, since I normally save every cent.  I gritted my teeth and brought them to the register.  DING DING they rang up at $120.00 I was so beyond stoked.  The leather is so soft and they really are quite comfortable.  What item do you have in your closet that was a total surprise at the register? 

The Blood Brothers

Outfit Details:
jeans: lux from Urban Outfitter / shoes: Target / shirt: Blood Brothers band t / sweater: Talbots / scarf: hand made

I def needed a little recovery time this week.  I feel like half the nation is sick.  I am definitely a little behind in chores now though!! Sometimes I think it would be sooo beneficial to have a maid come in like once a month.  Does anyone have some extra help?  It's so crazy how messy a house can get, I mean I live alone how is this tornado possible?!

Spotted Tights and Rose Brooch Outfit

Outfit Detail

boots: Vera Wang Lavender Collection / brooch: H&M / sweater: Talbots / tights: Nordstroms / shorts: Esprit

I am really into wearing shorts this winter for some reason. You would think that it would be colder, but really it's not. I mean depending on your pant's fabric when it hits your legs BURRRRRR anyways? Might as well leave your legs out and not get a shock of freeze randomly. Are you doing anything out of the norm this winter? Oh man anyone getting super excited that its staying light out a little longer each night?! I definitely am!

My Shoes Say RAWR

Outfit Details

shoes: Cooperative from Urbn / shirt: MNG by Mango / skirt: Sparkle&Fade / belt: Urbn / scarf: Xhilaration

Woo!! I have been such a huge fan of online shopping lately....I haven't been leaving my house much with the busy schedule.  I only found these lovely shoes because Urban Outfitters offered free shipping on orders over $50.00!  So I got the skirt, the shoes, a t shirt, and a top for $52.00.  Usually I don't recommend buying extras to hit the free shipping price, but in this case it was literally spend an extra $3.00 to save $8.00.  I am terrible at math but it was more than worth it with these finds!

How many awesome things have you found by accident in order to save money?

Crystallized Embroidered Brooch

Outfit Details
shoes: Target / skirt: Target / tights & scarf: TjMaxx / shirt: Mango / brooch: handmade

 

My little pin is hand embroidered. It's one of my favorite handmade pieces!! This was my attempt at pretty little crystals.

In case all your lovelies are out tomorrow, I hope that you have a happy safe New Years. Don't forget to call a cab!

Tuck and Pin

Outfit Details:

skirt: Express / shoes: Target / tights: Marshalls / sweater: Talbots / blouse: Target / earrings: Forever21/ tank top: Nordstroms

I am a huge fan of the pattern on this blouse.  See the little bow on top?  Feels a little vintage.  I have been trying to buy more patterned tops... seems like a losing battle.  Anyone else feel like a lot of patterns either look cheap or just plain unclassy?  Any and all suggestions for some places to shop I would love to hear.

Haven't really worn make up in about a week.  Felt good to get some red on my lips again, thought it would perk up my mood.  Tough week.  So very thankful for all you ladies and your beautiful blogs to keep my thoughts partially occupied.  

Lookin Blue

Outfit Details:
shirt: Nordstroms / skirt: Target / leggings: Nordstroms / shoes: Ash / necklace: Handmade

Well look at that it's already Friday!  How the heck did that happen?  The skirt I am wearing was literally $5.00.  I sure do love a good deal!  How was everyone's week?  I can't wait to check out what you have been up to.

Black, Brown and Juicy

Outfit Details
dress: Juicy Couture / tights and shirt: Nordstrom / boots: thrifted

When I was young I never would wear black and brown together... FAUX PAS!   Now I totally embrace it.  What do you guys think about the color combination?  I think it's awesome that people are mixing and matching patterns.  What's your favorite "faux pas"?

Birds fly pink sweater

Outfit Details:
dress: Target / tights: Ross / sweater: TjMaxx / boots: Ash / necklace and bracelet: Hermes inherited  / brooch: diy

I love pink and black.  Love Love Love.  What is your favorite color combination?

Had a slightly disappointing day today; no jury duty.  Ha!  Seems silly but I am seriously the biggest crime show buff ever.  They are my bread and butter.  I had all these dreams accumulating in my brain last night about being apart of a Law and Order scene.  My dreams were completely squashed when I made the call to see if my number was pulled.... total sadness struck when I heard the words "no jurors needed".  How rude!  I guess I will have to wait till next year to live out my fantasies.