Magical Worlds At Allsorts Challenge

Hello and welcome! It's time for a new theme at Allsorts challenge where Tracy it hosting this week. She chose the theme of "Magical Worlds", one of my favorites for sure and a perfect chance to get out some of my new Lavinia stamps. Not that I need an excuse but even though I've been making several cards with them I still struggle with creating scenes for the beautiful fairies and don't use them as much as I should.

Please note, this post does include some affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links, as always this is at no cost to you. Thanks so much for your support.

We do have a prize this week, a beautiful Lavinia fairy stamp from the Allsorts box of prizes that Brenda will send as soon as she can get to the post office. Hope you can join us for your chance to win!

This quarantine life hasn't only gotten me to subscribe to a Misfits Market produce delivery service and and a subscription to  Mrs. Meyers cleaning supplies, but I've also decided to order a few new Lavinia stamps last month. 

So for this card my inspiration came from the sentiment and I chose mostly green inks and dancing fairies. I've used Lavinia's Fairy Chain stamp before but all other stamps are new to me and they are all by Lavinia (Celetial Tree, Lunar Buds, Forest So Green and Moon.)My card base is my usual Bristol Vellum. 

I started out by adding a circle to mask the moon, then used Cracked Pistachio, Evergreen Bough and Chipped Sapphire Distress inks/oxides. A hand cut mask was used to mimic some hills in this magical forest of  "Lunar Buds".

After my background was inked, I stamped the moon inside the masked circle and the lunar buds using Hickory Smoke Distress Oxide ink and then stamped the Celestial Tree, the Fairy Chain and sentiment using Versafine Clair Nocturne ink. Before mounting onto the white card base, I ran the Chipped Sapphire inkpad along the edge, dabbed off the excess ink with a paper because somehow it always ends up smearing on my white card stock if I skip this step.

Lavinia Fairy Chain // Lavinia Celestial Tree //  Lunar Buds // Forest So Green // Cracked Pistachio Distress Oxide Ink // Evergreen Bough Distress Oxide Ink // Chipped Sapphire Distress Ink (I don't have this color in Oxides) // Hickory Smoke Distress Oxide Ink // Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink // Bristol Vellum Paper // Ranger Ink Blending Tool // Stamp Platform - mine is no longer available, this is a similar option // Clear Stamp Blocks

Related Products:

I'm linking up with these blogs:
Lavinia World Challenges - Use Traditional Stamps // Crafty Gals Corner - For the Ladies // Double D Challenges - Beginning with M (Moon and Masking) // Mod Squad - Nature Scenes // Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes // Crafty Sentiment Designs - Anything Goes // Lemon Shortbread - Anything Goes // Incy Wincy Designs - Anything Goes //
Dare to Share // Inspire Me Mondays // Little Cottage Linkup // Love Your Creativity // Handmade Monday // Anything Goes with your Hosts (Mondays) // Craftastic Monday // Beautifully Made // The Happy Now // Hearth and Soul (starts Monday night) // Party In Your Pj's // Wonderful Wednesday // Welcome Wednesdays




Thanks so much for visiting!!

Fashion Over Forty: White Denim and Pink for Spring and Summer

It's Friday already that means I have another outfit post to share today. Last week I mentioned that I'll be sharing another styling idea for this new henley top. I love to be able to mix and match my clothes, and I think that's the case with most things from my closet.


Please note, this post does include some affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links, as always this is at no cost to you. Thanks so much for your support.



For today's outfit post I paired my new pink henley top with white crop jeans. I wasn't always a fan of white jeans but in the recent years they've been growing on me. They are actually so easy to care for, since they are white, bleach can be added to the wash to keep them white.

In case you missed my last two fashion posts, this is a new linen top I recently purchased from LOFT. I ordered XS instead of what I should have - Petite Small - and it is a looser fit on me. Even after washing (and hoping it would shrink some and it did) it's still fits a little loosely. If you're interested in purchasing this top, I'd suggest staying with your regular size. It's been restocked in all regular sizes and you can get it at 60% off when you use code FRESH.  On a side note, I wish I had used a steamer after washing and drying it, but I used a regular iron and didn't realize it was still wrinkled. 

Such a perfect material though to wear on a hot day!

Henley Linen Top

              >>>>>Sale Alert: 60% off "Made for Summer" Styles at LOFT! Use Code: FRESH

Windy day along the river..

These crop jeans are from LOFT but a few years old. For an updated look I like these chewed hem jeans also from LOFT but they are more of an ankle lengths. These white crop jeans from American Eagle have good reviews and they come in regular, short and tall lengths. Zappos also has a good selection of white jeans with free shipping and return shipping. When ordering pants online, always check the inseam so you know what lengths you are getting.

Tip: Nude underwear (your shade of nude) is a must when wearing white jeans otherwise they will be seen through the pants.

White Crop Jeans from American Eagle

I love the patterned bags from Sakroots when paired with solid colors. This bag I've had for a few years. The exact style of my bag no longer available, but this crossbody bag is very similar. My current favorite is this crossbody bag in the "multi peace birds" print. I also really love the small satchel I linked below, but find crossbody bags more practical. Such a pretty print and straw combination for summer! 

 

1. Sakroots Flat Crossbody (this is the same print as my bag in the pictures, but slightly different style)
2. Sakroots Crossbody Bag (I ordered this one when it was on sale)
3. Sakroots Small Straw Satchel (I love this one as well but crossbody bags are my go-to bags)

For shoes I'm wearing chunky heel slides I've had for a while as well, but not worn too much as they aren't the most comfortable shoes. I prefer my chunky heel sandals from Natural Soul (purchased at   Kohl's a couple of years ago)  much more but I thought I'd better wear these on occasion since they are taking up room in the closet.

As always, thanks so much for stopping by today! 

Btw, you can also find me here:

Pinterest // Instagram // Facebook

You can also use the "follow by email" function on the blog's sidebar to receive a notification when a new post goes live.


I'm linking up with these wonderful blogs.
Friday: Fancy Friday hosted by Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style // Lizzie in Lace // A Little Bit of Everything // A Fireman’s Wife // Shelbee on the Edge // 

Sunday: Style Splash linkup

Monday: Away From Blue // The Queen In Between (first Monday) // Claire Justine Creative Mondays // Glass of Glam // Mutton Style // Inspire Me Monday // Ageless Style Linkup (1st Monday) // Hello Monday // Random-osity Good, Random, Fun //

Tuesday: The Fashion Canvas // Shelbee On the Edge Spread the Kindness // I Do deClaire // Elegantly Dressed and Stylish // Myriad Musings // Jenerally Informed Happy Now Blog Link // Style Splash linkup //

Wednesday: What's Up Wednesday? (last wed. of month) // The Queen in Between Style Six // Straight A Style // Jersey Girl, Texan Heart // Fashion Frenzy at Seeking Sunshine and Rosy Outlook // Is This Mutton? Wow on Wednesday // Effortlessly Sophisticated // Wonderful Wednesday

Thursday: Fashion Files at Doused in Pink and Curly Crafty Mom // Elegance and Mommyhood // High Latitude Style // A Labour of Life // Mummabstylish // Thirty Minus One // Mutton Style // Thursday Favorite Things

Misfits Market: My First Box Arrived

Happy Wednesday!

With the way life is currently, I have cut my grocery shopping trips in half (at least). When I recently came across a blogging friend's post, where she talked about the Misfits Market box she received, I remembered seeing ads of this service popping up on my facebook several months ago but never really had given it any extra thoughts back then. Well, this current situation was the perfect reason for me to give it a try, since we all like to eat vegetables with our meals and all four of us are willing to try any vegetables and always prefer fresh over frozen.

About Misfits Market

At Misfits Market you can choose a weekly or every other week delivery, and you can choose a small box - the Mischief or a large box, the Madness.

The Mischief: You will receive 10-13 lbs of organic produce, enough for a small household of up to 2 people. This box is $22.
The Madness: You will receive 18-22 lbs of organic produce, enough for up to 5 people. This box is $35.

I decided to subscribe to the Madness box for our family of four, delivered every two weeks at the moment.



This service is not yet available in the whole US, they currently deliver to all zip codes* in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, Ohio, West Virginia, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee. If your state is not on this list they recommend you to join the wait list and you’ll be the first to know when they come to your area.

(*Due to carrier limitations in some coastal areas of Massachusetts, they cannot currently deliver to Nantucket Island or Martha's Vineyard.)


Taken from their website:
"We’re a subscription box of sometimes funny-looking fruits and vegetables making it easy and affordable for all of us to eat healthy. We are dedicated to breaking the cycle of food waste by helping delicious food find a good home. Your home.

All of the produce in your  Misfits Market box is certified organic and non-GMO, sourced from hand-picked farms and partners in our region and across the Americas. This means that they avoid using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, are prohibited from using genetic engineering or genetically modified organisms, and, according to the USDA, "rely on natural substances and physical, mechanical, or biologically based farming methods to the fullest extent possible."

What I Received In My First Box:

28 small-ish Golden Potatoes
2 bunches of Celery Stalks with Leaves
1 Butternut Squash
6 Apples
6 Oranges
4 Zucchini
4 Beets
1 Bunch of Cilantro
1 Bunch of Curly Parsley
6 Limes
4 Mangos
2 Bunches of Collard Greens
2 Bunches of Spring Onions
5 Cucumbers

I received the box last week Thursday (5/21) and most of the produce has now been used.

Here are some ways I used or plan on using them:

• With 2 Zucchini I made Sauteed Garlic Parmesan Zucchini (minus the parmesan because I ran out!) as a side to baked chicken and potatoes from the misfits box.

• With one bunch of Collard Greens I made Pasta with Collard Greens and Red Onions. (This is a great option for a meatless dish.)

• With the second bunch of Collard Greens and the other 2 Zucchini I made a side dish of Collard Greens and Onions following the recipe above (minus the pasta) and added the Zucchini (sliced).

• With 4 of the limes I made Lime Bars. The remaining two Limes are being used to add to water for a little flavor.

• The mangoes, oranges and apples were eaten fresh. 

• Some of the cucumbers and green onions were used to make a tomato and cucumber salad. (No recipe link, I make mine with a simple dressing of vinegar, dill and salt) Some were used to add to sandwiches. 

• With the beet roots I plan on making beet chips.

• The celery stalks were eaten fresh as a healthy snack and I also froze a few to use in soup.

• The butternut squash will be cut in half and roasted in the oven on a rainy day. 

Unfortunately I don't think I have a use for cilantro and parsley. I'm growing parsley in my garden but will put both of these in the freezer for now.

What I was A Little Disappointed About:

• I signed up for Wednesday delivery, but my box didn't arrive until Thursday. 
• One orange had to be thrown out after a few days as it was spoilt.
• The celery looked a little sad, but I think that's the nature of celery after cutting. It looses its moisture. I received the tip to submerge it in cold water for a little while and it will get its crispiness back. It worked out great and it wasn't really a disappointment but I wanted to include here as it was my first thought when seeing it in the box.

Final Verdict and Thoughts:

I was happy with my box. Everything we ate had great flavor! 

Receiving a random mix of produce gave me the opportunity to look for some new recipes to try, like the beet chips,collard greens pasta and lime bars. (I'm not usually one to randomly try new things, so this was perfect for me!)

As these are fresh fruits and veggies without preservatives, many things in the box will need to be eaten within a week or even sooner. I am sure that orange I had to throw out was fine on the day it arrived and the next day, so I will need to be sure to inspect everything better upon arrival so the things needed to be eaten first will in fact be eaten first. I do recommend this service but if you're looking for perfect produce then it might not be for you. 

While I do not receive a commission or free produce for doing this post, Misfits Market does give every subscriber a referral code that can be shared with friends who in return will be able to receive their first box at 25% off, and I too will receive 25% off a future box. 

To receive 25% off your first box, you can copy and use this code: COOKWME-TT0TPG. Once you are subscribed to the service, you too will receive a referral code to share with your friends.

By the way, you can always unsubscribe from this service if you no longer want to receive a box, and you can also skip a delivery or pause the delivery. You can read all FAQ on their site HERE.

As always, thank  you so much for visiting! 

Linking up with these wonderful blogs.
Hello Monday // Random-osity Good, Random, Fun // Little Cottage Linkup // Anything Goes with your Hosts (Mondays) // Love your Creativity Link Party // Hearth and Soul (starts Monday night) // The Happy Now // Tuesdays With a Twist // Myriad Musings // Tuesday Turn About  // Effortlessly Sophisticated // Wonderful Wednesday // Classy Flamingos // Welcome Wednesdays // What's Up Wednesday? // Little Things Thursday // Thursday Favorite Things // Slices of Life (Encouraging Hearts and Home) // Fridays at the Fire Station // Shelbee on the Edge // A Little Bit of Everything // Dare to Share //

Dots, Stripes and/or Gingham for Allsorts Challenge

I am back today with my card for our new theme at Allsorts challenge. Mervi is hosting this week and she chose theme of "Gingham, Stripes or Dots". Some of my favorite patterns and they are always a nice addition on cards. Hope you can join us this week!


Please note, this post does include some affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links, as always this is at no cost to you. Thanks so much for your support.

This cute image is one from Penny Black (No. 4137K), and old wood mounted stamp, unfortunately I cannot find a link to it anywhere at the moment - not even eBay. Just some simple pencil coloring done here using Faber Castell Polychromos pencils.

The banner is from the Penny Black set Let's Go Wild stamped with one of the blue Distress inks (I didn't pay attention which one I had so I can't tell you for sure what color it was) and the sentiments are from the Penny Black set Snippets. I brushed some clear Wink of Stella glitter over the balloons, flowers and party hat to make them sparkle. The striped paper border came from and old Stampin Up stamp kit (Paper Pumpkin). 

Related Products:

I can't believe the glitter is actually visible this time, not always easy to capture on camera.

Penny Black 4137K (retired and no longer available) // Penny Black Let's Go Wild // Penny Black Snippets // Versafine Ink // Faber Castell Polychromos Pencils // Blue Distress Ink // 

Thanks so much for visiting! Hope to see you joining us at Allsorts challenge this week!

I'm linking up with these blogs:

Crafty Catz  - Spots or Stripes // Cute Card Thursday - Critters // Sweet Stampers - Animals // WaterCooler Wednesday - Masculine // Double D Challenges - Something beginning with M (Mice) //Path of Positivity - Furry Friends // The Happy Now Link Up

Fashion Over Forty: Straight Crop Jeans with New Henley Top

It's Friday already and time for a new outfit post. Last Friday I shared a mini try on session of some new clothes and a pair of shoes I ordered, and I thought it would be fun to style them in different ways. In today's post I'm wearing the Henley Top in the pretty color Rosy Bloom with straight crop jeans and striped ballet flats.

As mentioned in last week's post, I want to try coming up with a few different outfit options with the clothes I purchased, mixing them up with things already in my closet, so next week I will share another post where I style this top in a different way. I am waiting to receive different sizes on two other items I purchased, and hopefully those will fit me better, so I can do a styling series with them as well.


Please note, this post does include some affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links, as always this is at no cost to you. Thanks so much for your support.

Btw, this  Henley top has been restocked in all regular sizes and you can get it at  60% off and Free Shipping with code ALLIN (ends May 23rd).

The only new item here is the top from LOFT, everything else is old, especially these crop jeans I've had for years! These are by Silver jeans, found at Gordman's a few years ago. Some styles from this brand are available at Macy's, Maurices and even Amazon.  These jeans are the Suki Superstretch Midrise Capri, but on my short legs they fit like a crop style. In case you're wondering what the difference is: true capri pants end at the widest part of your calf, while crop pants are a little bit longer and end a few inches above your ankle.

So many newly hatched geese at the lake! Ok, maybe they aren't exactly newly hatched anymore, but it was fun to see all the goose families gather around. Here are just two families, but they were spread out all over this area. So cute!!

As mentioned in the try on session post, I purchased this top in regular size (vs my usual petite) and how the fit is a little bit loose on me (as you can see here) but that I was thinking it will shrink some in the wash. After wearing it on this day I did wash it but it didn't shrink, so I threw it in the dryer and I think it fits me a little bit better now. I will know for sure after taking pictures for next week's fashion post.

By the way, this Henley top has been restocked in all regular sizes. It runs true to size. Slightly see through like most linen summer tops, but not to where you will need to wear a cami under it. Washing in cold water and lay flat or hang to dry is recommended to prevent shrinking.

                     >>>>>>>> Sale Alert: Use Code ALLIN for free shipping and 60% off your LOFT order (ends Saturday May 23rd)

My navy and white striped canvas  ballet flats were purchased at Kohl's a couple of years ago and are no longer available. Although not the same, these from DSW would be a similar option. I also like these canvas wedge pumps  and  these wedge espadrilles, but they are pricey. 

Crossbody bags are usually my go-to bags, especially a neutral color like this one. This specific bag is by Nine West (old), I like this crossbody bag as an alternative option.

Shop Today's Look:

  

Henley Linen Top (LOFT) -Use Code ALLIN FOR 60% off and Free Shipping (ends may 23rd)

Crop/Capri Jeans options HERE (Macys), HERE (Maurices) and HERE (Amazon)

Shoe Options:

(these are all from DSW)

Wedge Espadrilles // Striped Ballet Flat // Canvas Wedge Pump 

I love spring! I'm sharing a few spring pictures as well... this is my favorite time of the year! Before the mosquitos come out in full force along with the high humidity.

These eastern redbud trees are so pretty! I finally planted one in my backyard a few weeks ago and hopefully it will survive! Unfortunately we had an italian plum tree and an apple tree that didn't make it, so I am hoping by planting a regular flowering tree without fruits we'll have more luck.

These families of Canadian geese were spread out all over the area. They are here from spring to fall.

This guy camouflaged himself so well. I almost missed him, but my husband with his 20/20 vision spied him right away and captured this picture.

As always, thank you so much for visiting!

Next week on Wednesday I plan on sharing a review of my first Misfits Market box I received in the mail yesterday,  hope you'll stop by to check it out :-)

If you would like to give this service a try, you can use this code COOKWME-TT0TPG to get 25% off your first box. Misfits Market is a subscription service for organic fruits and veggies (weekly or every 2 weeks) and you can read more about it here on their site. 

Btw, you can also find me here:
Pinterest // Instagram // Facebook

You can also use the "follow by email" function on the blog's sidebar to receive a notification when a new post goes live.


I'm linking up with these wonderful blogs.
Friday: Lizzie in Lace // A Little Bit of Everything // A Fireman’s Wife // Shelbee on the Edge // Della Devoted //

Sunday: Style Splash linkup

Monday: Away From Blue // The Queen In Between (first Monday) // Claire Justine Creative Mondays // Glass of Glam // Mutton Style // Inspire Me Monday

Tuesday: The Fashion Canvas // Shelbee On the Edge Spread the Kindness // I Do deClaire // Elegantly Dressed and Stylish // Myriad Musings // Jenerally Informed Happy Now Blog Link // Style Splash linkup //

Wednesday: What's Up Wednesday? (last wed. of month) // The Queen in Between Style Six // Straight A Style // Jersey Girl, Texan Heart // Fashion Frenzy at Seeking Sunshine and Rosy Outlook // Is This Mutton? Wow on Wednesday // Effortlessly Sophisticated //

Thursday: Fashion Files at Doused in Pink and Curly Crafty Mom // Elegance and Mommyhood // High Latitude Style // A Labour of Life // Mummabstylish // Thirty Minus One // Mutton Style // Thursday Favorite Things

Reminder Post for Penny Black and More - For Boys or Men

Good morning! It's time for the Penny Black and More midmonth reminder post where this month it's all about Men and Boys. We have some great prizes on offer from Penny Black and Blade Rubber Craft so hope you can find some time to join us if you haven't already and remember you may enter up to 3 creations for more chances to win. Traditional stamping is required as the focal point point but you can use any brand of stamps!


Please note, this post does include some affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links, as always this is at no cost to you. Thanks so much for your support.

I used a mix of two stamps to create this card, both are by Penny Black - The driving dog is from the set Hello Friend and then the tree scene is called Snow Blanket. Oh, and the birds and grass behind the hill are also from Penny Black from the set Nature's Friends. 

I started out by stamping the background scene using the stamp Snow Blanket which I've inked up with Distress markers and I used my stamp platform (similar options) for easy stamping. Next I used a stamp from the clear set Nature's Friends with Mowed Lawn distress ink to stamp a border of grass before I adhered the die cut hill. My stitched hill die is old from Whimsy Stamps, this set includes similar dies and is also available on Amazon (linked below).

The dog from the set Hello Friend has been stamped and heat embossed on watercolor paper then distress markers were used for coloring.  It's been fussy cut with my Cutterbee scissors then added to the card with foam tape. Sentiment is a sticker from Tim Holtz' Quotations sticker set. To finish off this card I stamped the birds from the set Nature's Friends.

I will be adding this card to a card base, but when I made it I was running low on the heavy weight paper I use for card bases, so I decided to wait until I was able to purchase more. I did get a chance to drive to Iowa and shop at Hobby Lobby and found some heavyweight white cardstock there, but that was after my card had been photographed. Who knew I'd ever run out of cardmaking supplies!!!

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my blog today! 

Linking up with these blogs:

2 Crafty Critter Crazies - Critters // Creative Craft Cottage Challenges - Masculine // Sweet Stampers  - Animals // Penny Black Saturday Challenge - PB Stamps // Fab n Funky - Handcolored Image // Simon Says Stamp- Animal Fun // Shopping Our Stash - Oh, the Places you'll go // Path of Positivity - Furry Friends // 

Loft and Nordstrom Mini Try On Session Plus Pre-Loved Pieces

Happy Friday! 

Today's post is longer than my usual posts with several  outfit photos (some previously shared) and two completely different fashion topics - a Mini Try-On Session from LOFT and Nordstrom and Some Favorite Pre-Loved Pieces.  

A few weeks ago I placed an order with Loft for some summer clothes and I also found a couple of things from the Nordstrom Sales section, and thought it would be fun to review these on my blog.

I actually wanted to share this review next week but decided to do so today, as I know how fast things can sell out, in case some of you are interested in adding one or two of these pieces to your closets. Then in the coming weeks I plan on styling each one of these items in different ways and mix them up with things already in my closet. 

Please note, this post does include some affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links, as always this is at no cost to you. Thanks so much for your support.

1. Mixed Media Shell in Tea Rose

Also wearing Riviera Crop Pants in Chambray.

 Mixed Media Tie Neck Top // Riviera Crop Pants // Sandals by Soul Naturalizer (old, purchased at Kohls)

As I mentioned in a recent post, I love to wear these types of tops on warm and sunny days. I made the mistake and ordered Petite XS when I should have ordered Petite Small. While it does look like it fits, it 's pulling across the chest area and I am currently waiting on the exchange item. 

Had I taken a look at the size chart  I wouldn't have to exchange. Loft's size chart is found on the right side of each item's page. Be sure to measure your bust size (what I failed to do before ordering!)

• Available in Regular and Petite.
• Front of the top is a flowy woven material and the back is made of a soft knit material (same pattern).
• Runs True to Size (sizing chart can be found on the right side on product page)
• Use Code SUNNY to get 50% off your purchase. This code ends 5/19
• Use Code ALLIN to take 60% off your purchase and receive FREE SHIPPING (ends May 23rd)

Mixed Media Tie Neck Top

2. Riviera Crop Pants in Chambray

Also wearing Mixed Media Shell in Tea Rose.

 Riviera Crop Pants // Mixed Media Tie Neck Top // Sandals by Soul Naturalizer (old, purchased at Kohls)

These Chambray crop pants I first noticed last year at the end of the season when there were only a few sizes left - not mine. When I saw that they brought them back again this year, I decided to order them. I think they are a great alternative to jeans or shorts  in the summer, especially for an event that calls for something other than jeans. These pants are made of a stretchy cotton material (97% cotton, 3% Spandex) and they run about 1 size too big. Here I am wearing Petite 0 but I am waiting to receive Petite 00. They do come with belt loops and I could have just used them with a belt, but according to other reviewers they do loosen up a bit with wear, so I wanted them to have a better fit to begin with. Plus exchanges and returns are currently free at LOFT. The sandals I'm wearing here are not ideal for these crop pants and I am currently looking for a neutral sandal with a (somewhat lower) block heel and thin straps. I do really like these sandals, but the heel is not really practical for my life style....

• Available in Regular, Petite, Plus, Modern and Curvy Fit
• Stretch Cotton
• Runs large  and does losen up a bit with wear (I exchanged for a smaller size)
• Crop fit, perfect for Summer
• Also available in a few other colors HERE
• Use code WANT at checkout to bring the price down to $25 (this only works on the pants)
• Use Code ALLIN to take 60% off your purchase and receive FREE SHIPPING (ends May 23rd)

Riviera Crop Pants

3. Henley Linen Tee in Rosy Bloom
Also wearing Old Navy Skinny Jeans - Similar (mine are from last year)

Henley Linen Tee // Skinny Jeans from Old Navy - Similar

This top is made of 100% linen so it will be the perfect top to wear on a hot summer day. As with most tops made of linen material it is slightly see through but not to the point where I would need to wear a cami underneath. I love the casual style of this top with the added button details and loose cap sleeves. 

Although available in Petite, I decided to order it in Regular XS for a looser fit (and in case it shrinks in the wash it will still fit me :) Speaking of wash, Linen needs to be washed with cold water and laid flat to dry. I would say it runs true to size - follow size chart. 

Henley Linen Tee

• Available in Regular, Petite and Plus
• 100% Linen
• Fits True to Size
• Laying Flat to Dry is recommended
• Currently marked down to $13.80 and Free Shipping with code ALLIN (ends May 23rd)

That was all I received from Loft, but I am still waiting on this blue dress and this blue cardigan. Due to the current situation, their shipping has been delayed and I did wait for about a month to receive the above items. The dress and cardigan were ordered a couple of weeks later and they have not yet shipped. Under normal circumstances Loft does ship quite quickly.

I also ordered two things from Nordstrom.

1. Cotton Knit Sweater by Madewell 
Also wearing Old Navy Skinny Jeans - Similar (mine are from last year)

Cotton Knit Sweater by Madewell  // Old Navy Skinny Jeans - Similar

This sweater is part of Nordstrom's current SALE. I think this dusty pink would be great not only for chilly spring days but also in fall with dark wash jeans. This sweater has an oversized fit and I'd say it runs one size too big. Based on the reviews I decided to order one size down, which is XXS and it still seems a little large because Petite sizing is not available. My daughter talked me into keeping it though....

• Casual Slouchy Fit
• I recommend going down one size
• 100% Cotton 
• Great for early spring and fall
• Now 60% off (was $89.50, now $35.80)

2. Caslon Low Heel Pumps

I also found these suede pumps in the sales section. I've been looking for some nude pumps with a lower heel and these did seem perfect. (Not sure I'd wear them with these crop pants though .... I purchased them for when I want to wear a dress as nude shoes visually lengthen your legs.)
I usually wear 7.5 to 8 (more often 8) but for whatever stupid reason I ordered 7.5 thinking they would otherwise come off the back, however with my wide feet they were too tight at the front. I've reordered in a size 8 and have returned these. They are also available in a pretty camel suede color, which is another great neutral. These pumps are marked down 60% from $89.95 to $35.98. Sizes are limited.

• Suede Leather Upper 
• Minimalist Look
• 1 1/4 Low Block Heel
• True to Size (if in between sizes go with the larger size esp. if you have wide feet)

(also wearing Riviera Crop Pants  and Mixed Media Tie Neck Top from LOFT)

Personally I think these crop pants need a higher heel...

Shelbee's and Nancy's Goodbuy/Goodbye Series: 
All Things Pre-Loved

While I love shopping for new things, I have also dipped my toes into second hand shopping. My husband and I have been visiting thrift and antique stores ever since I moved to the states in the late 90's.. He's been a comic book collector pretty much his whole life and as you can imagine the classic comic books can only be found on the second hand market. I used to only look through their books, then began noticing other items (see that pretty blue sofa chair in the photos above? It was a Goodwill find from a few years ago and it's one of my favorite piece of furniture in the house). 

Then I started noticing their  handbags and found some great deals! On eBay I found two pairs of premium denim jeans for a fraction of the original cost. In fact, in the recent years there has been a movement going on about buying second hand due to the waste caused by the clothing industry. It might not surprise you to read, that the Fashion industry is one of the most wasteful industries in the world. So when you shop at second hand stores, you are not only saving money but most importantly you are also doing a small part to save the environment.

On the 15th of every month, Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge and Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style host a series on their blogs called Good Buy/Goobye. This month their theme is "All Things Pre-Loved". Readers are invited to submit photos and this time I decided to send a couple of them in, as I do love mixing old and new. You can read Nancy's post HERE and Shelbee's post HERE to find out which ones of their pre-loved pieces were Good Buys and which ones it's time to say Goodbye to. 

I've only been "Fashion Blogging" for a few months, but found several photos I've shared that include pre-loved items, and here are a few favorites: 

You can see the original post HERE. 

The saddle bag was a thrifted item. It was purchased in "like new" condition and has become one of my favorite bags to carry. I love the casual style and I love this cognac color which will go with almost anything in my closet. And you just cannot beat the price of around $6. Definitely a Good Buy and possibly my most used pre-loved piece.

You can see the original post HERE.

In this outfit I'm wearing a hand-me-down sweater from my dear sister and the handbag I found at Goodwill. 

Normally I can't stand wearing turtleneck sweaters. They have to be extremely comfortable (not too tight) and made of a soft, not scratchy material, otherwise it's just not happening! This turtleneck sweater is one that I can comfortably wear without feeling constricted. And I love the color!

This handbag was a Good Buy because the price was amazing and another color that will go with most pieces in my closet. While I normally carry a crossbody bag, I love having a structured handbag in my closet and I didn't have to pay a lot of money for it. 

You can see the original post HERE.

The thrifted item are the AG skinny jeans. They were purchased pre-owned from eBay at a great prize and have become a favorite pair of jeans. If there was one thing I could change about them it would be the rise. I didn't pay attention to the rise when I purchased them and these are a low rise, while I'd prefer a mid-rise. But I LOVE the fit, style and comfort so it's not a big deal to me. So this was another Good Buy.

You can see the original post HERE.

The pre-loved item in this look are the burgundy pumps. Another item I found at Goodwill in "like new" condition. These pumps are by Clarks and knowing the brand as making comfortable shoes, they had to come home with me since they were less than $10. Although I haven't gotten much wear out of them yet, I would say they were a Good Buy as well.

You can see the original post HERE.

The trench coat was another hand me down from my sister. While it isn't my "go-to" coat I love having one in my closet. And although I didn't technically pay for it, it is definitely falling into the keeper category, so a Good Buy.

You can see the original post HERE.

This Eddie Bauer Down Jacket is another pre-loved piece, found at Goodwill. Normally this jacket would cost over $200 but I paid $25 for mine. I didn't really need another winter coat but it came home with me anyway. 

The boots are another pre-loved item. They were my daughter's but she outgrew them quickly and since they are now my size I decided to keep them for myself.

You guessed it, they are both Good Buys.

Besides your local Goodwill and Consignment stores, you can find great deals at Poshmark and ThredUp, as well as eBay Fashion. I've only purchased pre loved items from Goodwill and eBay but with this stay at home order I recently browsed through Poshmark. It's definitely easier to look online especially when you know your favorite brands and sizes!

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