Thrift Store Steals: Almost Famous Cords

Thirft store steals!

I love thrift shopping. I'm totally and completely one of "those people". In all seriousness why should I spend 48 bucks for a dress at retail, maybe 28 at an (always fabulous) outlet mall when I can probably find something equally amazing, equally name brand for less than 10 bucks. I love me some thrift shop *channels Macklemore*. Moving on, I went to my local Goodwill and scored some awesome things. Enter red pants.

I got these little beauties for 3.49. Half off, blue tag color of the week. Originally 6.99.

Almost Famous ultra skinny skinnies. I grabbed them thinking "hmmm, they look awful close to being a little too tiny", which almost never happens, however they were pleasantly stretchy so I gave them a go. They are made of some awesome super tiny corduroy that feels like the velveteen rabbit. 

Of course, as I tried on my purchase(s, more Thrift Store Steals to come!) a mini-photoshoot ensued with the help of my new LG G Stylo and my new selfie stick.

5 Ways to Rock Colored Pants

What do I add to a statement piece? Why, a few more statement pieces of course! I threw on my go-to easy dress up sweater, a silver -knit crewneck from Rue21. My silver pointy toe flats and a time turner complete this "coffee date and errands" look.

These were practically painted on, I thought a loose flowy top would pair well and stave off some of the harlot vibe. I chose a breezy batwing tunic I got last spring for $2 at Rue21. I don't know if you can tell but I love that store. Olive green wedges from shoedazzle.com.

Valentine's date night outfit anyone? Black ruffle off-the-shoulder crop and black wedges from shoedazzle.com. Feminine with a little edge, a fab pop of color and practically begs you to shrug on your black leather bomber. Add red lips to complete the look. 

Buttoned up doesn't have to be boring. With my classic adulty George dress shirt under a half sleeve button up cardi, I'm respectable yet fabulous. My office/drinks after work ensemble features my new favorite shoes: my Mossimo from Target black suede booties. Comfortable enough to wear all day. 

You always have the option to down play and go about your day as Casual AF Girl. Beat up brown leather biker boots, socks that I'm pretty sure belong to my brother and a lived in tee from high school (repping SHHS! Go Huskies!) compete to be the most casual. However be warned, this outfit is most likely NSFW. 

Overall, I love these pants. Awesome and astonishingly versatile pants that I am so glad I had the privilege to add to my collection.

If You Like It Then You Should Have Put A Blazer On It

I am all about the blazers. Not the team, you silly, get your head outta the NBA and focus! If you have not been introduced to a blazer yet, please run to your nearest clothing retailer and purchase one immediately. Blazers are, to me, a thing akin to magic. They transform any outfit as no other outerwear can with such surpassing grace and versatility.

I chose to model two of my blazers which look similar but hold a different quality. One being a faded black cotton blend, casual, near distressed, lovely. The other a true black, poly blend, very fitted and much more a dressy addition than the other...also lovely.

We are all familiar with the standard blazer outfit: faux suit, very profesh.

I, however, wanted to really show how you can wear a blazer with dern near anything and look absolutely excellent while at it. Adding a blazer to my outfits never fails to make me feel more put together, which in turn boosts my confidence. It's an additional plus that they do wonders for the silhouette.

1. Make a baby-doll dress a grown-up-doll dress.

 Helps transition strappy items into multi-seasonal wear. 

2. Instantly add some ka-dazzle to anything you put on.

 3. I personally love this outfit and will definitely be using this combination as soon as the seasons change.

 4. Turn that clearance bodycon dress hanging in the back of your closet into something remotely acceptable as day-wear.

 5. Wear that odd, too-big top under and feel comfy and chic.

 Okay, maybe not so chic.

6. I love this look. I think it's so much cleaner and complete with the blazer.

 This combo will definitely be added to my library.

7. Plus up "this old thing".

 8. Make an honest woman out of your former ho skirt.

 9.Because when you're cool AF.

 10. Winter is coming...but fall is coming first!

Blazers are an awesome way to add layers without bulking up. Tell me you can't see yourself sipping a pumpkin pie latte in this.

11. Make even the most casual outfit "extra".

 12. Plus up any of your basic girl summer fashion and extend the wearability of almost any of your favorite outfits.

What I Wore

Day off outfit. I love the casual peplum tank, it's so versatile. The asymmetrical hem makes it flirty and fun. These jeans are actually longer, I've done an inverted cuff to get them at the ankle pant length. I love that length with sandals like these-simple, timeless and multi-functional (I need a new pair this spring).  And this bag-this bag is fabulous! It is admittedly a touch large for my tiny frame, but nonetheless, awesome. It fits my laptop, wallet, phone, diapers, wipes and two extra outfits! Not too dressy, but also not too casual. Good to run errands, hang with friends, looking put together and still comfortable. For wishy-washy weather like it was today, I keep my tried and true purple cardigan handy.   

Head to Head

Palazzo pants vs. Harem pants

What's the big deal? What's the difference anyway and why do you care?
The essential differences between the two are: a) how wide is that leg? and b) how low is that crotch?

Palazzo pants are a woman's loose,wide legged pant. Generally in looser, flowy material they breathe comfort for Spring. The full coverage of a pant with fabric that keeps your legs cool and has an elastic waistband? And they can be dressed up?

And they can be worn with practically any shoe? Yes please.

As compared to a return offender on the trend lists: the Harem pant.

Harem pants are full, loose-fitting pants that gather around the lower leg and ankle. While also generally made of softy material, Harem pants are old favorites of both sexes. You may remember them like this from the 1980's:

Or, depending on your age and other...determining factors (I'm sorry, but you should know who MC Hammer is) you may more readily recognize the resurgence of the trend via the Biebs:

Thank. You. Canada. Eh? Well, it looks as though the trend is definitely here, leftover simmering from 2014, waiting to die. My issue with the Harem pant is that they do not much accommodate for those with large calves, and the silhouette is terrible! I do not like them, Sam I Am. Now, that being said. would the Harem perchance be acceptable in a casual, lounging situation, at home with wine and Netflix? Perchance. However, palazzo pants are not without their fair share of failures

Sorry, but no.

In my opinion, palazzo pants come out of top as their versatility reigns supreme. Harem pants are another trend cycle that we'll bring back in another 25 years. No matter how hard the Biebs is trying to hustle up that profit from his Harem pants brand.

Which do you prefer? Palazzo or Harem? Either way, a truly confident woman can rock a paper bag.

Style guides to help you flaunt your look here for the palazzo and here for the Harem.

Note: This post was inspired by the boyfriend of a freind of mine who was talking about the leather accented, black Harem pants we saw a young man walking around in.