Married, With In-laws

Once a month, usually on a Saturday, Stephen and I go to visit his father, my father-in-law. These sojourns are not at all burdensome. It’s always nice to get out and spend some time with Stephen (plus it will usually involve a stop by the mall).  Dad is one of the nicest men you’d ever want to meet. He’s always got a great story or joke to tell. He’s a highly decorated WWII veteran and a genius on top of that. No kidding.  Stephen assures me however, that dad’s genius does not extend into women’s fashion. 

     So that brings me to my dilemma.  The weekends are the only time I get to wear my “fun” clothes.  At times I’d really like to wear my mended boyfriend jeans on my visits to Dad, because they’re cute and comfy. But Dad is the product of a different era, the Great Depression.  If I were to wear torn and patched jeans, he’d think we’d fallen on hard times or at least look like we had. So, I’m usually compelled to wear something I think he’ll “understand”.  Don’t get me wrong, Dad is quite appreciative of a good-looking woman, he just doesn’t get it when it comes to women’s  fashion.  I usually solve my dilemma by wearing something in a red, white and blue combo (what vet can’t appreciate that?) and it’s one of my fun favorites. But this trip I decided to change it up a bit. I exchanged red, white and blue for polka dots and neon psychedelic stripes.  I’m not sure if Dad understood it, I’m not even sure if I understood it, but there you have it.

      Oh! one more dilemma. I've had a slight mishap with my left leg. It's a little bruised and the ankle is swollen, so I'm trying to conceal that fact by wearing leggings with my dress. I think I may have ended up drawing even more attention to the leg. So please excuse any fat ankle shots you may see in the next few posts.

Scarlett polka dot dress: thrifted
No Boundaries leggings via Walmart
Gap T-strap sandals: I've had these forever!
Monet bracelet: thrifted
Vintage scarf/headband: thrifted $1!



See what I mean about the fat left leg?

















As usual this trip involved a visit to the mall.
Guess what's in the bag? I'll tell you in the next few
posts.


Hey, come on over to Monday Mingle, Thrifters Anonymous and Visible Monday (you can't miss me in this dress!)


Until then, happy dressing,
Sincerely,
Styleagent909

Junking With My Boo

There’s nothing like doing something you love with someone you love. That’s exactly what I did this weekend. Actually I’ve had somewhat of an extended weekend which was icing on the cake. Stephen and I both love to go junking  I mean antiquing. We go to places where they turn their noses up at you, because they think you can’t afford anything in their store, and to places that flat out sell junk.  As you can probably guess, my favorite is the place that has pure junk.  This kind of place puts my treasure hunting ability to the test.

     Getting to these places is half the fun.  I do feel sorry for Stephen though because these endeavors will usually involve him having to quickly swerve off the road so I can get a few photos,  look at some long forgotten building or some flora and fauna up close. He says he feels like Ricky Ricardo sometimes. Thank you Honey. This post is for you. So, here’s a few snippets from my weekend of junking with my  boo.

These are prices a girl can live with!

 I'll never buy a new kitchen gadget again.

We usually pass on the 8 tracks and vinyls, but we do load up on VHS tapes  and books (we don't have cable or satellite).

Only 273 more shopping days until Christmas!

I love old buildings and Virginia has plenty.

I think buying secondhand is buying American, don't you?

We got lucky.

Found a few treasures, some books,  a vintage scale, a handmade tool and VHS tapes. Life is good.

Until next post,

Sincerely,

Styleagent909

Farm Fresh

 

The route I take to work is quite scenic. This is a little abandoned barn I pass by every day. There's many charming places like this, but this is one of  my favorites.  Remember a few posts back I wanted to sell seafood by the sea when I saw an old seafood truck for sale? Well, this little barn makes me want to be a farmer.  It should be easy. I spent the first 8 years of my life on a farm. I even know how to milk a cow (bet you didn't know that about me!)
     What do you think of when you hear the word "farm"? I think of cows and chickens. And when I think of those two animals, I think milk and eggs. And what's a farm without a farmer? All those things inspired my outfit. The yellow yolk of an egg, the white creaminess of milk, the redness of the barn, the plaid shirt and denim overalls a farmer would wear (they really do dress like that here).
     Pretty soon the farmers market will be open and there will be produce, home baked goodies, crafts, potted herbs and lovely brown eggs for sale. All of it farm fresh.

Farming digs:
Jones New York  plaid jacket: thrifted
DIY scarf blouse
Hydraulic denim skirt: thrifted
No name white bag: thrifted
1.4.3. Girl rubber boots via Belk clearance



With a little TLC this place will be in tip top shape!

Daffodils are growing everywhere along the roadside.

I think there's just enough room for a cow and a couple of chickens in this little barn. I'll get eggs, milk, butter and cream. What more do I need?

You didn't expect me to wear my cute wedges out here did you? I use these boots for slogging around in the yard.

Farm fresh eggs I get from a coworker. I always recycle the cartons.

Yes, I've got milk!

See you all tonight at Monday Mingle, Visible Monday and Thrifters Anonymous


Until next post, happy dressing,
                Sincerely,
              Styleagent909

Quest for the Yellow Wedge

Mudd Platform Wedge Espadrille

My quest for the yellow wedge has been going on for some months now. It's been in the back of my mind like a faintly glowing ember. I knew I would want a pair this spring and summer to wear with other bright colors and my nautical inspired outfits. Thankfully, there's plenty of choices out there.  I looked at a few sites online, added several options to my shopping cart, perused store displays, even tried a few styles on. For various reasons, I didn't get any of them. I'm reluctant to buy online because I really like to try things on first before purchasing. Some styles were just too high and I felt like I would fall  and break my neck. Other styles seemed like they should be reserved for when I'm 70 or 80 years old. I felt some of the prices were out of proportion to the quality and materials used for the shoe (should a strip of cotton cloth and some raffia cost $100?) You might recall from one of my previous posts that I love shoes and ideally would prefer leather, but for a shoe I expect to wear for a short season or two, I'll compromise on materials.
     Don't ask me why, but on Monday the glowing ember became a raging wildfire in my brain! I had to have my yellow wedges that day.  I decided to take a look in Kohl's, a store I don't usually visit. Then it happened, I spotted my yellow wedges. The feeling I got was just like a scene in a movie when the clouds part, the sun shines through and two long lost lovers go racing toward each other in slow motion. I knew instantly these were the ones. Yes, they're faux leather, but I can live with that. They look and feel reasonably well made. Admittedly, if I'd seen these online first, I wouldn't have chosen them, they definitely look better on and in person.
     For a mere $39.89  the wildfire in my brain has been reduced to a fuzzy warm feeling. Mission accomplished. What have you been on a quest for?

SOME TOP CONTENDERS

 Montego Bay cork wedge via Payless $24.99

Not enough yellow and they felt kind of cheap.

Via Neroli Fun Wedge via Belk  $55.30
Nice, but I was afraid of getting the fabric dirty.

Michael Kors via Zappos.com $472

A little too high and a little too pricey.

Naya Eternal $145 via Zappos.com

Just the right height and they're leather!

I'm going to keep my eye on these and wait for them to go on sale.




Until next post, happy dressing,
Sincerely,
Style Agent 909

Shop Like a (Thrifty) Fashion Editor, Part 1

One of my favorite magazines,  InStyle, has a feature called “Shop Like a Fashion Editor”. Being the fashionista you are, you may already be familiar with it, but for those of you who aren’t, here’s a short explanation. Three editors are given a budget of $400, $2,000 and $4,000 respectively. Each editor in turn shares what has “inspired” them and then goes about finding key clothing pieces within their budget. This is an ongoing thing lasting 4 months or so. The funds are spread accordingly, ie: approximately $100 of the $400 budget gets spent per month. Great! But what if  a lady only has say…$200 budgeted for clothes this season, then what?

     Well, I decided to one-up them (or maybe one- down). I’m going to do the same thing with half of what their lowest budget is. That’s right, $200 over 4 months (approximately $50 a month).

     What inspired me? COLOR! It’s everywhere.  Have a look see at what I got this month!

 Jones New York skirt: $4.49
I can see myself mixing this piece with other patterns and I love the way it swishes and swings when I walk. Flattering A-line cut. A winner!

Susan Graver cover-up: $4.49
More color, more pattern mixing. This piece is made of sheer fabric with a subtle dot pattern. It's rather long and has no buttons, so I'm thinking it was actually made as some sort of swim suit cover. I'm going to wear it tied in the front as pictured here, maybe over a tank.

Soma tiered dress: $6.99
The tag on this dress says it's a Maxi. Well, that's not how it fits me! It hits mid shin. No worries though; I still like it. And I know just what I'm going to pair it with.

Bandolino faded denim coulottes: $4.49
For when I can't decide between pants, shorts, or a skirt.

Cato skirt: $4.49
What can I say? More color, more print. How would this look with the sheer orange blouse shown above?

Ella Moss tank: $4.49
Black and white; Always right. This is one of those items that doesn't seem very impressive on the hanger, but once you put it on looks dyn-o-mite!

Michel Clo purse by Cloetta: $5.99

Born floral sandals: $2.99

Silver Bracelet: $9.95
Superb quality on the purse. It's hand crafted in Italy. It even had a little certificate left inside. A keeper for years to come. You can't beat Born when it comes to comfy shoes. Aren't the flowers just adorable? This bracelet was a bit more than I like to spend for such things at the thrift store, but the original price tag says $54.00. I just couldn't pass it up!

Tahari blazer: $5.99
With so much color going on, I thought a little neutrality was in order. Enter this fabulous blazer. The small beige and white stripes make it ripe for pattern mixing. I'm gonna get some mileage out of this one.


Total Spent: $49.87
$150.13 remaining 

 Until next post, happy dressing,

Sincerely,

Style Agent 909

Double-Take Tuesday: That Green Skirt Again?!

 Hello Everybody Everywear, Everywhere.

      I’m glad the EBEW challenge is today, because it coincides perfectly with the featured green Double -Take Tuesday item. Forgive me for kind of piggy-backing off yesterday’s post in which I happen to be wearing the same outfit. Yesterday’s post was about print mixing. Today’s post is all about the skirt.  I wore it in “Sheila Sells Seafood by the Sea”. Remember I said it may turn up again? Well, here it is!

     This skirt is fast becoming a favorite of mine. It’s comfy, goes with a million things in my closet and the A-line cut is easy on the figure. I especially like the color, which I would describe as a kelly green. It’s a chameleon; preppy at times, fresh and playful at others.

     You know I picked one up for you too while I was thrifting right? Right. (see bottom of page) I’m excited to offer this piece for a couple of reasons. One, it’s a wrap skirt, so it’ll accommodate multiple sizes (30”-35” waist). See the buttons in front? That’s how it’s adjusted. Two, if you’re a fan of vintage pieces, this one’s for you. Ever heard of a brand called “Lombardi”? I tried it on and it basically hangs similar to the one I’m wearing and the two front pockets are a cute touch. By the way, it’s 29 ½” long and in excellent condition. You’re gonna love it! Can’t wait to see how you style it!
     Have a look at the previous Double-Take Tuesday winner here.

Here’s how to make it yours:

Between 3/13/12 to midnight 3/19/12 EST,

1)      Leave a comment here telling me how you plan to style it.

2)      Follow Style Agent 909 on Facebook, Blog Lovin’,Google or Twitter ( I just set them up). That’s it! I’ll notify to lucky lady who gets it.

For those of you unfamiliar with Double-Take Tuesday, here's what it's all about: 

This is where I feature an item worn two ways. Then I offer up one same or similar item for you to claim. You never know what the featured item may be, what color or size. Heck, I don't even know! It all depends on what I find on my thrifting adventures.

 My green skirt

Left:  Liz Claiborne sweater and denim shirt, Sag Harbor skirt, Xhilaration wedgies, Vintage Etienne Aigner purse: all thirfted

Right: A.M.I blouse, thrifted. Scarf via Target. Rocket Dog floral heels via Belk. Thrifted bracelet.

  Your green skirt

Hey Carsedra, you're the lucky lady! Picked by Random.org

So You Think You Can Mix Prints?

…well, I sure gave it a go Saturday. My two objectives for that day were to indulge in a little retail therapy via the Goodwill and to get a massage. If you’ve done any amount of thrifting you know to wear clothing that you can easily try things on top of and under. That meant a skirt and light blouse for me. The weather was beautiful and I felt springy. I ask you, what’s springier than a bright kelly green and florals when it comes to clothes? But florals where? On my shoes or on my blouse? Both! I thought. So I piled it all on.

      I actually bought the skirt and blouse last fall (at a thrift store of course) in anticipation of wearing them this season. I had no idea if green or florals would be “in”, nor did I care. I just liked the two. I’ve worn the skirt before in this post.  The shoes are a recent purchase that almost didn’t happen. The sales person talked me into them. He said they were going fast and that this pair was the last in my size (they always say that!). I decided it was better to get them than to be kicking myself later for not doing so and having to order them online. I’m happy I bought them. They’re fun as all get out and comfy to wear.

     I added the black and white polka dot scarf at the last minute, just for a little extra print clash. It all came together nicely, or not so nicely, which is good right? Voila, my version of print mixing.

Pssssst….Did I mention that when I went thrifting I picked up something for you too? Yep, I sure did. Do you like my skirt? (hint, hint). Be sure to check back tomorrow for Double-Take Tuesday and a slice of spring. From now on, the featured item is going to be up for grabs for a whole week, so everybody gets a chance. Random.org will decide who gets it. 

I'm mingling at Mom Trends tonight

Prim, Pretty, Pastel, Pleats, Please!

     …wow, try saying that 10 times fast!

      On occasion I’ll find myself in a particularly prim, ladylike mood, which will inevitably lead me to don a pleated skirt. The outfit I’m wearing today is similar in color scheme to this one. I just wanted to go with pastels and neutrals, no pops of color (unless the rose counts), no blaring accents; just muted and simple.  How fortunate for me that pleats are "in" this season, but really, did they ever go "out"? I've been wearing them since I was a child. I'm sure I'll be wearing them in 2032 when they're fashionable again (for the umpteenth time).

     This will most likely be my work gear for tomorrow but depending on the weather, I may have to change the bottom. Speaking of weather, I really wanted to take these pics outside, but the sun just wouldn't cooperate! It was playing peek-a-boo in and out the clouds every few minute, so I finally gave up and resorted to "studio" pics. 

     So tell me, what item(s) have you been sporting all these years, that now all of a sudden is the "it" item to wear?

pssst...I finally set up my facebook page. Look for and like 'Style Agent 909'. See you there!

Chambray shirt: thrifted
New York and Co. vest: on clearance $7.00 !
skirt: thrifted
Candies platform pumps: thrifted
Rose pin: I've had it forever!

Thrift factor = 83%

 Remnants of winter are still hanging on.
It's really pretty back here once it's all lush and green.

Double-Take Tuesday: The Quintessential Spring/Summer Piece

Double-Take Tuesday

This is where I feature an item worn two ways. Then I offer up one same or similar item for you to claim. You never know what the featured item may be, what color or size. Heck, I don't even know! It all depends on what I find on my thrifting adventures. If you want it for yourself, email me at styleagent909@gmail.com. First come, first serve.

Update: The featured item on subsequent Double-Take Tuesdays will be available for a week. If more than one person is interested in the item, I'll let Random.org  decide who gets it. Thanks for your interest and keep checking back for more great items!

     Hey all, welcome back to another Double-take Tuesday. Today’s featured item is the quintessential summer piece. The item you’ll be wearing next year and for years to come. It’s a piece you can use to dress up your boyfriends; boyfriend jeans that is. You need this! Ok, so you peeked at the pics below. It’s a white blazer. The one I’m wearing is a crisp, linen number from Banana Republic (love their stuff!). Needless to say, there’s a million ways to wear this, these are just two ways I like to sport mine.  

     I sure hope you ladies like Ann Taylor, because that’s who made your white blazer. Yep, if there’s one thing I’ve learned about Virginians since moving here, it’s that they adore Ann Taylor. This little lovely came from the Goodwill, but guess what? It’s brand spankin’ new. The tags are still attached. It was originally $130.00. Outrageous! It’s a size 8. I sure wish that was my size because I’d be wearing it myself; never mind the fact that I already have like it. lol!  Once you receive it, I'd sure love a pic of how you styled it so I can update this post with it. Good Luck.

Psssst....check out this post of the Bajan Beauty at Curves and Confidence. I love how she's wearing her white blazer!

Left:
Banana Republic blazer: thrifted
Naked Zebra blouse: thrifted
Tommy Bahama skirt: thrifted
Franco Sarto metallic gold heels: thrifted
Shades and necklace: thrifted

Right:
Banana Repbulic blazer: thrifted
Izod stripped sweater: thrifted
Eddie Bauer boyfriend jeans: in store
Xhilaration red wedgies: thrifted
Merona watch: thrifted
Necklace: thrifted

 Ann Taylor Loft blazer, size 8
Claimed!
Have a look at the lucky winner below
Stay tuned for the next DTT
You never know what it might be! 





Congratulations Marlene! Enjoy!

Tribal, Take Two: What I Roar to "The Lion King"

     I'm so diggin' the spring "tribal" trend. When I go to the thrift stores, my eyes immediately settle on anything that could be remotely interpreted as tribal. Hence, the jacket I'm wearing in this post. I've had two occasions to wear it. Once last weekend and today when my dear dear husband took me to see The Lion King. I know, I know. It's been out for years. I've seen the movie but never really had a chance to see the play.
     I kind of had the idea that everyone would show up in animal print. So, I wanted to be a little different, but still in keeping with the theme of the event. Well, to my surprise there was hardly an animal print to be seen! Funny how things sometimes turn out entirely different from what we predict. Well, I'm still glad I wore what I did. For some reason it just wouldn't have seemed right to wear pastels or polka dots, you know what I mean?
     Hope you're having a great weekend. I'm off to enjoy what remains of mine, but stay tuned because Double-Take Tuesday is just around the corner and have I ever got something in store for you!

New Identity jacket: thrifted
New York and Co. blouse: thrifted
Beaded belt: thrifted
Hydraulic denim skirt: thrifted
Lucky Brand boots via Dillard's
Necklaces and bracelets: thrifted

Thrift factor = 83%

 Until next post, happy dressing,

Sincerely,
Style Agent 909