Second Helpings

Here's the second round of leftover outfits photos.

Leftovers

Here is the first installment of outfit photos that didn't originally make the cut for one reason or another.

Be Sure to Wear Some Flowers in Your Hair

Dress: Old Navy, thrifted, $4 // Sweater: Thrifted, $2 // Belt: Thrifted, $1 // Shoes: Plato's Closet, $6 // Scarf: Courtesy of LOFT

Bon Voyage! I'm off to San Francisco for a long weekend to visit family. I'm leaving my laptop behind but have scheduled some posts with "leftover" outfit photos that I didn't use because of a funny facial expression, less than ideal lighting or a sub-par outfit. When I return next week, I will share photos from the trip!

On Second Thought

Shirt: Liberty of London for Target, $6 // Jeans: Guess via TJMaxx, $28 // Ring: Courtesy of Lucky Style Spotter // Shoes: Target, $15

I didn't really like this baggy Liberty of London for Target shirt the first few times I saw it. On sale for $6, it looked a little better. I'm still not in love, but it's an easy throw-on-over-jeans-and-go kind of top, and a nice punchy print is fun every so often.

Flower Child

Dress: Vintage, courtesy of Dirty Betty Vintage // Necklace: Vintage via antique mall, $8 // Shoes: RJ Girl via Piperlime, $55

I felt sweet, simple and delightfully hippie-ish in this outfit. It was just right for the summery day. Though the transition from cool, rainy spring days to full-on heat was quite quick, I'm enjoying the sunny warmth. Another thing I'm loving? These shoes. I hope you're not getting sick of them because I'm sure not.

Dirty Betty Vintage

I'm happy to introduce my first official sponsor, Dirty Betty Vintage. Not only does this Etsy shop have a lot of fabulous (and affordable) vintage finds, it's based in the Kansas City area.

Beerfest!

Romper: Target, $20 // Necklace: Nomads (local shop), $10 // Hat: Payless // Shoes: RJ Girl via Piperlime, $55

On Saturday, my boyfriend and I attended KC Beerfest. The event sounded amazing in theory. Pay an entry fee and spend the afternoon sampling microbrews. In reality, it was super crowded and sunburn-inducing, and most of the beer ran out early on. To be fair, it was for a good cause, and Kansas City's own Boulevard Brewing Company kept the beer flowing till the end. Also, we had our picture taken by a whopping three different publications. Either it was a very well-documented event, or we were lookin' good. So at least we have that.

Update: Here is one of the pictures taken of us. I believe I was asked awhile back to show a picture of my boyfriend, so here you go. I have not forgotten about Answers Part II. It has just taken me an absurdly long time to get them posted for some reason!

Source: inkkc.com

A Wise Investment

Dress: Zoe D. via Plato's Closet, $6 // Socks: Courtesy of We Love Colors // Shoes: RJ Girl via Piperlime, $55 // Earrings: Courtesy of Early Jewelry

Since missing out on the coveted Cynthia Vincent for Target wedges, I've been on a relentless hunt for the perfect pair of brown leather strappy platform wedges. This pursuit got me thinking about my approach to shopping. Because I buy things on super sale or at thrift stores, I just take what I can get. While I have a lot of clothes, I'm still missing certain key pieces. Long story short: I spent a bit more money on these shoes than I typically would. I'm pleased with my decision, though. They are comfortable, good quality and will go with so much.

I know $55 isn't that much for a pair of shoes, but the truth is, I bought another pair of shoes this week for $50. While I'm feeling a tad guilty, I think they were a smart choice as well, and I can't wait to share them with you. My thrifty ways are definitely not changing, but I do believe in paying a bit more for quality every once in awhile. The best possible scenario: when you find just what you're looking for at a thrift store. But sometimes you just have to go after what you want instead of waiting for it to come to you.

His Father's Eyes

Top: Thrifted, $1 // Pants: H&M, $20 // Earrings: Forever 21, $8 // Shoes: Payless

Since getting my pixie cut, several people have made Mia Farrow (circa Rosemary's Baby) references. In this '60s top, I feel like I actually look the part today. I haven't seen that movie since I was a kid. I should really watch it again.

Source: etonline.com

The rainy weather has made it difficult to be a good blogger the past couple of days. I had a post written in my head yesterday and then couldn't even get an adequate picture taken. Today, I clearly went for a super simple, no-fuss outfit. But, I'm feeling good about this weekend: I have new shoes coming in the mail tomorrow, and summery weather is on the horizon!

Weardrobe Spotlight Blogger of the Day

A big thank you to Weardrobe for featuring me as today's Spotlight Blogger!

Wardrobe Malfunctions

Dress: Forever 21, $19 // Belt: Came with a dress // Shoes: Vintage, thrifted, $2 // Ring: Gift // Earrings: Courtesy of Early Jewelry

Today was defined by items that are difficult to wear. I started with this kind of odd (but kind of cute?) trench coat dress. I'm not really sure if it's supposed to be worn as a dress or a jacket because the slit comes up super high. I decided to wear a nude slip underneath, only to discover that it rides up when I walk. I ended up pinning the dress shut while at work. Anyway, I wanted to cinch the dress with a gorgeous vintage leather flower belt. I've had it for a couple of years but can't, for the life of me, figure out how it works! It's strangely designed and just doesn't stay put. So after fumbling with that for awhile, I decided to take the easy way out and throw on some black and red accessories. My troubles only continued when I remembered this bow belt requires an office clip to stay on, and these sandals have issues, too. They should be incredibly comfortable (the straps are elastic and the soles are soft and flexible), but they're astoundingly narrow. Whew! Anyway, here's hoping for a fuss-free day tomorrow.

Secret Garden

Jacket: Vintage via Goodwill, $5 // Tank: Thrifted, $2 // Shorts: Thrifted and hemmed, $1 // Shoes: Pour la Victoire via Goodwill, $5

I was thrilled to find these high-waisted shorts at a thrift store recently. They are the prettiest shade of pink and are covered in sweet little polka dots. They were actually borderline comical at first, but after lopping off 6", they're just perfect.

I didn't realize this while wearing it, but this is a completely thrifted outfit. I love it when that happens!

The Blues

Shirt: Old Navy, $3 // Jacket: yesstyle.com, purchased with gift certificate from Weardrobe contest // Skirt: Forever 21, thrifted, $5 // Shoes: alice + olivia for Payless // Earrings: Forever 21, $8

This morning I dressed to reflect the cold, dark day with an outfit of blue, grey and black. To my delight, the afternoon was actually sunny and beautiful.

Rain On My Parade

Shirt: Forever 21, $3.50 // Blazer: Vintage Levi's, thrifted, $1.50 // Jeans: Guess via TJMaxx, $28 // Necklace: Local shop, $10 // Boots: Vintage Anne Klein via Wild Man Vintage, $15 // Sash: American Apparel, $13

Recently I feel like I've had a string of unsuccessful photo shoots. Either my outfit has been blah, or I've taken pictures too late in the day. Today, I was determined to change that! I got all dolled up in a cute dress and was ready to snap some shots at a totally reasonable hour, but my hopes were dashed! It was pouring down rain. Instead, here is a picture from yesterday that I wasn't planning to share. Better than nothing, I suppose. Truth be told, I'm not too upset. I love thunderstorms!

Back to Basics

Shirt: Old Navy, $15 // Sweater: Wild Man Vintage, $13 // Jeans: Courtesy of Fossil // Trench coat: Target kids section, $12 // Shoes: Seychelles, $23

After all that talk about my warm weather wardrobe, it was downright cold on Sunday! I layered on cozy classics and strolled downtown for pizza and a movie. Not the most exciting outfit, but it worked for me!

Kansas Couture Presents...

Since May is already here, a "spring must-haves" post seemed sort of like an after-thought, so here is my spring / summer warm-weather checklist. I used items from my own closet, so I wouldn't be tempted to buy anything new!

What do you love right now?

Happy Hour

Top: Ann Taylor Loft, secondhand, $15 // Jeans: Tilt via Plato's Closet, $18 // Scarf: Vintage, thrifted, $1 // Shoes: Ciao Bella via TJMaxx, $30

Even if I wear an outfit I love to work (which wasn't the case today), I always want to change as soon as I get home. Usually comfort is the priority, but a wardrobe change also serves as a nice transition from the office to whatever the evening may hold. This is what I threw on after hours today!

Night Vision

Shirt: Vintage Liz Claiborne, thrifted, $4 // Shorts: Insight, courtesy of 80s Purple gift card // Necklace: DIY // Boots: Vintage Anne Klein, $15

I got so caught up enjoying a Cinco de Mayo margarita that I didn't get a picture of today's outfit before dark. We tried a few snaps in night mode without much success. Instead, here's my outfit from last Saturday. This shot was also taken in the evening but with a slightly better result.

Short & Sweet

Body con dress (worn as shirt): H&M, $22 // Skirt: Target, $20 // Necklace: Fred Flare, $11 // Belt: Thrifted, $2 // Shoes: Payless

Now that the temperature is rising, I'm starting to realize how short some of my skirts are! Because I'm petite, I do prefer higher hemlines, but I have to keep it reasonable for work. I bought this floral number from Target a couple of months ago and had never worn it without tights. It wasn't till after my morning haziness subsided that I realized I was showing a little too much leg. Luckily, the elastic waist allowed me to yank it down a few inches till five. Then it went right back up.

Farm Fresh

Shirt: Vintage via Salvation Army, $3.50 // Skirt: Forever 21, $5 // Sash: American Apparel, $13 // Boots: alice + olivia for Payless

For a party in the country on Saturday, I wanted to wear something practical but still cute. I opted for a breezy floral button-up I found at our new Salvation Army, a full skirt for freedom of movement, flat boots for trudging through the woods and a head-wrap to cover my unwashed hair. Besides being a little chilly after the sun went down, it was just right. Hope you had a fun weekend!