Country Look with a little Bling

This year, there's a trend emerged that I like to call "Blingin' Grandpa."  

It also could be referred to as Blingin' J.Crew…or, really whatever you would like to call it, but I'm digging it!

This is look [J.Crew, Gap, Ann Taylor] is not my normal style, so I wasn't comfortable investing a lot of money into items just for one look, but I really, really liked it and wanted to see if I could recreate.

My first stop was our local Goodwill, where I was able to score this plaid button-down from the men's section.  

I already had the vest, jeans, necklace and boots.

I really wanted my "Blingin' Grandpa" look to be cozy, so opting for an oversized shirt from the men's section completed my vision!  For me, this outfit is just enough 'me' with the bling, but I could still hang with Jimmy and his other farm buddies without looking totally over-the-top and out of place.  

Shirt:  

Mine (Goodwill w/no label) - $3.29

label replica here, bargain replica here

Replica options are women's cut tops.  If you're wanting something more comfy looking, opt for a men's button-down.

Vest:  

Athletic Works from Walmart (have had for years)

$34.99 replica, $25.00 replica in Tall

Jeans:  

iJeans by Buffalo - paid $4.00 in store

buy here

Boots:  

BCBG Generation Croc Embossed Knee-High (old)

replica here, replica here, replica here, true replica here, true replica here 

If you're looking closely at the photos and wondering what I have in my hand or why it looks like I'm pointing at the camera, I am.  This was my first time to try out my tripod and SLR Nikon Wireless Remote and, yes, I have a long ways to go before my selfies look natural :)

This shirt was also from our local Goodwill, but is a JCP Worthington.  

replica here

"See you really can look divine on a dime!"

Goodwill Goddess: Biker Chic

Channeling my inner biker-babe!

Take each ends of your pashmina scarf

Criss-cross each end and pull down!

Shirt - Goodwill Men's Section - $3.29

Leggings - H&M

Tunic Undershirt - Goodwill

Scarf - Kohls - shop here 

Studded Combat Boots - Charlotte Russe - $20.00

similar here, similar here

Hunter-Hype vs. Bargain Boot {Exact Replica}

During this fall/winter fashion season the European Hunter Boots have emerged.  

Really, they're just the new Ugg boot, but for rain.  

They're all over the fashion blogs, Instagram, and being touted about in almost every fashion magazine.

Trends something that will rise and then fade.  And if it has a label on it, you're only paying for the label, not for the style.  I've learned to taylor my closet after fun, feel-good, and classic attire that won't ever go out of style, but as my social newsfeeds were blowing up with picture of ladies paring the Hunter rain boots with career wear and Saturday attire, I started to covet and want a pair for myself. 

In my mind, I was paring these boots (navy in color) with various outfits in my closet that I felt weren't 'complete' without them, but these boots run at a minimum of $140 (+ tax & shipping) for women's sizes, so for me, they were going to require a real justification of use. 

Once I pulled out those outfits, put them on, and put my computer with a blown up picture of the boots down by my feet [yes, laugh - I did this] all the outfits I pulled out were casual and my week is generally not filled with casual attire.  If I'm going to a deposition, I am dressed to the nines.  Not because I have to be [yes, I need to represent a professional look], but because I love utilizing my closet…and I'm not sure the suit-wearing lawyers would take me seriously if I walked into a deposition in rain boots. When I am not out taking down a deposition, I am home working on a transcript, or at the farm with my husband and I wouldn't dare risk stepping in cow crud after laying down that kind of cash.  Water hose or not, my $15.00 Gabes leopard print boots will do!  

Feeling the reality of the cost, matched with the minimal wear opportunities, I just knew I could find a replica somewhere and I did!

{read to the bottom for shipping/coupon codes}

Bargain Brand:  Shiekh Shoes - click here - $26.99

Hunter Wellington Boots - original site/click here - $140.00

{Available in Grey, Black & Navy}

The only difference is the bargain brand doesn't have the Hunter label!

I personally have not tried on the Hunter Boot brand, but I hear they run really big.  If you think they're true to size, they're more than likely not…plus, they only come in whole sizes.  I wear a 9.5 in women's shoes and I purchased a 9 - which fit perfectly - in the bargain boot.  It is a wider boot, so you'll want to go down at least a 1/2 size from what you normally wear because of the width.  

I really, really wanted the 'glossy' look and the bargain boot is more of a matte boot.  

I did find the pair with chain embelisments on the same site, though.  

I will warn you, if you order these, ORDER TRUE TO SIZE.   

I ordered these too to see if I like them better than the Hunter replicas and I should have gotten a 10, rather than a 9, because they are very narrow.

I'm just sticking with the Hunter replicas and sending these back…although they are a great deal!

Hunter Wellington Glossy Boot - click here - $140.00

Shiekh Chain Bargain Boot - click here - $14.99

And, while I was browsing the site, I found these adorable little flats and had to have them!

I mean, I can't 'crown around the farm' in them, but for $12.00, you can't beat it! :)

Crown Flat - runs try to size/click here - $11.96

Things to know about rain boots before buying!

• Impressed by the bargain brand?  Before checking out make sure you check out their sale section, especially if you're looking for a TOMS replica shoe!  Then, add SHOES10 to the Promo Code section of your checkout to receive 10% off of your order.  If that doesn't work, try SPRING10.  Order $75.00+ worth of items from the site, you'll automatically receive free shipping! 
• If you're a size 7 women's you can actually wear a children's size 5 in the Hunter Boots.  You'll save $60.00 going that route, but be forewarned, they will probably hit at your mid-calf if you go the kids route!

• Along with the Hunter-hype, there's Hunter Welly socks.  These are just socks that you wear with and fold over your Hunter boots to keep the label visible.  They've just sewn the label into the sock.  Like the boots, they're outrageously priced, and you can get a variety of styles here on eBay for $19.00 vs. $50.00 for a pair of SOCKS!  UK & US Sizes are both offered through this eBay retailer.  
• For a budget babe, just go to your local thrift store, purchase a sweater, and cut the sleeves off.  They will serve as great knitted socks and add a stylish appearance to your bargain, or label boot look!
• Bargain brands or label brand rain boots will develop a 'worn' scuffed look.  You can get an expensive Hunter Boot Buffer Spray, or use Armor All Wipes or olive oil as cheap substitutes to keep your boots look squeaky clean!
• If you think these boots are going to keep your toesies warm like Uggs do, think again!  You're paying for the look and the label, not the warmth :)

Chic of the Week: Spiegel Feature

Every Friday, I am going to be posting a "Chic of the Week" which will detail online deals that I have found that are so chic, but are so cheap!  

If you're a new follower, have followed me before, or are a friend/acquaintance reading today, you'll soon realize that I love the Lord with all my heart, my husband second, our families third, but a great deal will always fall fourth!

Let's see which stores, designers, and discounts were featured in this week's

Chic of the Week

This week, I'm going to be featuring Spiegel.  

My plan is not to feature one brand or store in this weekly posting, but when browsing for deals and steals, I couldn't believe the quantity of quality items Spiegel currently has discounted!  

If you find something you like, always check for discounts or free shipping at RetailMeNot.com

Order on or before President's Day, Monday, February 17th for some extra deals!  This coupon is good from 2/10-2-17.

XXWLM6Q5 - COUPON FOR $10.00 OFF $50.00 OR MORE

Spiegel Madeline Coat by Newport News

Price:  $44.00 from $109.00

Size:  2-16 in both colors pictured

This coat would be perfect with winter white pants and gold or taupe heels, a black pencil skirt or sheath dress, or as pictured in the black on black & gold.  The look of the quality would be comparable to a Chanel timeless piece. 

Spiegel Deco Dress

Price:  $24.00 from $114.00

Size:  Black [2-16], Blue [8,10,14]

I can't believe this dress is $24.00!  It looks like it should be $300.00 and sold in some designer store or fancy boutique.  The blue is especially eye-catching!  Don't miss out on this deal...especially you pageant girls!  This would be a great interview dress, presentation dress, appearance dress, etc.

Spiegel Isabella Dress

Price:  $24.00 from $99.00

Size:  2-16 in both colors

Same thing as above!  This would be a great interview, appearance, presentation, work, church dress.  It's flirty and cute for a great price!

Spiegel Rebecca Tunic by Newport News

Price:  $19.00 from $134.00

Size:  XS-2X [Black], S-M [White]

Wow!  What a deal!  

This is also a timeless couture piece that would look great with jeans, dress pants, or belted with a skirt.  

Spiegel Peplum Hannah Top

Price:  $19.00 from $74.00

Size:  2-16 in all colors

Again, I just can't believe these prices for the quality!  

I've never seen a Spiegel item that wasn't made from high-quality fabrics.  This piece would be chic and wearable season after season.  The fabric is perfect for cold water washing at home too!

Spiegel Natalie Top by Newport News

Pricing:  $19.00 from $64.00

Size:  2-4 [Black & Purple], 4-16 [Red]

Pair either of these style tops above with this skirt below and create a complete look!

Spiegel Lauren Skirt by Newport News

Price:  $24.00 from $44.00

Size:  2-24W in both colors

Timeless pattern, durable quality, can't lose!

Spiegel Jasmine Jumpsuit 

Price:  $24.00 from $174.00

Size:  2-16 in all three colors

This would be perfect for a summer wedding and different from other items that may be worn, but still appropriate!  And, you can't beat the cost!

Spiegel Cateye Vintage Sunglasses 

Price: $5.06 - $10.00

11 different pairs available

Cateye in both prescription frames and sunglasses are the 'in' style now for women!  Make sure you score with this deal because sunglasses is one of those things that you truly can wear year round!

Spiegel Vintage Round Thick Horn Style Sunglasses

Price: $2.50 - $10.00

Tortoise color available too.

ASOS Bow Gloves

Price:  $4.88

These gloves are adorable!  They remind me of the 'old days' where ladies wore short gloves with lace dresses.  Pair these gloves with the lace dress above!  Even if you don't wear them this year, get them for next at this rock bottom price!

Note:  No, I am not getting paid to do this feature for Spiegel, but as always, if they would like to pay up for the advertisement, I wouldn't turn them away!  Spiegel, if you read this and would like to do a partnership, or advertise here, I would gladly promote your well-made, unique, chic pieces!

$1.00 Valentine's Day Gift

Jimmy and I really don't do gifts....like ever.

That is not our love language; quality time and words of affirmation are.

With that being said, we live by the moto that if you really want something and it's not going to push us out of the budget, then buy it for yourself.

We're going skiing this weekend with my family and leaving tomorrow.  Last night while we were sitting in church, Jimmy leans over and whispers in my ear that he'll just buy me a lift ticket for Valentine's day, and really, that is fine with me.  Our money is combined, so the lift ticket would be bought anyway, but the fact that he knew he didn't have to go out and scour the aisles of department stores trying to find "the gift," just gives me one more reason to buy that watch I've been eyeing for a year :)

Valentine's Day is tomorrow and to us, that's just another stupid holiday to drain the bank account in an effort to keep up with the Jones,' but in this post you'll see that I utilized The Dollar Tree to create a unique gift that can be given, and re-given almost anytime of the year.  

Even though gift giving is not the norm for us, I had a plan and I waited all week for Thursday to roll around so I could go forward with my early Valentine's Day surprise.  My grand plan involved 75% execution outside and when I wok up to this gorgeous scene, I just had to shrugged off the disappointment and realize I could execute that part of my plan in better weather another time!

Even though we don't do gifts, I was walking down the candy aisle at our local Dollar Tree and a Valentine's Day gift idea was born!   I wanted to surprise Jimmy at work on Thursday by doing a little outdoor decorating and then deliver his gift inside.  The plan that was formulating gave me the perfect reason to head over and see him at work where he wouldn't suspect me at all!

Jimmy and I are self-proclaimed geeks and are always laughing at stupid things.  

We have inside jokes for days and can look at something, laugh, and know what the other one is thinking, look at them in the eye, replay the thought, and laugh again.  We're weird, we know.    

Below you'll see how you can create a really unique gift for $1.00 an item!

Find pieces that you can create a saying with, that serve as in inside joke, or a compliment you want to make.  

Print the sayings and find some card stock, or durable paper to back your saying/lines with.  

You'll also need tape and scissors - fancy and regular.

For this project I had a helper [Zeeker the Cat.]  He felt slighted.  I could tell.  

Take your sayings and glue them down on to your chosen color of card stock, or thick backing paper with a glue stick.  

This is not in the "instructions," but you know when you need something thick and sturdy to write on, hold something up, etc. you just grab what's on your coffee table or desk.  

This book was my material.

True.  Farm.  Wife.  Here.

[He's already studying up for his next year cattle herd plan]

I digress.  

I chose to cut out my sayings with regular scissors and then cut the backing paper/card stock with 'fancy cutters.'  These were purchased at The Dollar Tree years ago, or even at Target in their $1.00 front bins.

Zeekey Boy has a mustache too if you look  real close :)

After I was finished with my sayings, gluing them on to the backing, and then taping them onto the corresponding item, I was finished!  

This project took all of 10 minutes, excluding the shopping.  

This one's my favorite and it's the truth....I am BAZOOKA over Jimmy!

Now, to place it in a box for delivery.

You can use a box, a bag, a basket, whatever you choose!

The sayings I chose.  

Now a few of these - well, most probably - are pretty corny, but they're us!  

As I said before, this was going to be a surprise.  

I had today off and I traveled over to Pomeroy where Jimmy works to surprise him with this gift and my visit.

This was his excited and surprised face when he came into the patient room where I was waiting.  

Our visit lasted a total of 2 whole minutes, but it was the thought that counted!

It's the little things....

And from this famous Jimmy-camera-selfie, I think he was rather pleased!

Note:  This gift idea cost $13.00 (+ .06% sales tax), probably $3.00 in gas, and $0.00 in other supplies.  I just used what I had laying around my office.  And no, The Dollar Tree is not paying me to do this blog advertisement for them, but if they would like to (or strike up a partnership) then I'm all for it!  I shop there all the time!