It’s such a gloomy day I thought I would brighten it up by wearing something with a little color in it.

I picked my new Dana Buchman top I got at Kohl’s for $5, which was 90 percent off the original price. I paired it with gray pinstripe pants, but what really makes the outfit pop are my green earring and green patent shoes.

I’m hoping that for Thanksgiving this weather will pass and the sun will shine.  If not though I will continue to wear outfits with a little color. I may need something to brighten my day if I plan on tackling any shopping on Black Friday too. Although there is not many things I need to rush out and get, there are a few things that will be reasonably priced that would make nice gifts.

I know many of you look forward for the advertisements to come out on Thanksgiving, but you can get a head start by  checking out this Black Friday site. The ads are already online.

Do you have the shopping spirit? Do you plan to hit the stores on Black Friday or do you do most of your shopping online?

During the past week I’ve talked about how to wear prints. Mostly I wore tops with solid color pants, but today I decided to do the opposite. I picked a modern print skirt and paired it with my  lime green top. I accessorized with a black belt with silver buckle, silver earrings and silver bracelet.

I got the skirt about a month ago from a friend’s mother. She was giving away a bunch of her clothes and I just happened to find a few pieces I liked. I ended up with this skirt, another skirt and a leopard print rain coat. Like always once I wear them I will be sure and show you.

There is something exciting about getting new clothes, especially when it’s free. For those of us who live on a limited income finding bargains is a great thing.  Last year a group of women in the River Bend  got together and held a clothing exchange.

So what exactly is a clothing exchange? Basically it’s a chance to raid the contents of another woman’s closet and take what you want, plus it gives the other woman a chance to get rid of clothes she doesn’t plan on wearing again.

Also don’t worry about feeling selfish; getting rid of your clothes and exchanging them for someone else’s not only benefits you, but it you can also helps raise funds that will support an organization. Yes you can do it as a fundraiser. All the clothing that isn’t exchanged can be donated to an charitable organization. A entry can also be charged and the money donated as well. ($5 to $10 is usually a good price.)

Want to host one well here’s how. The number of women you invite and the amount of clothing collected will determine the location – home versus public venue.

One thing to remember is that let the women you invite know straight up what type of clothes and sizes you would like to see  brought. Yes, the clothing should be wearable and not clothing that would pop up at a rummage sale because they are something that’s been stored in a closet the past two to three decades. Clothes should also be in good condition, i.e. no stains or  holes.

Collect items prior to the event and set it up like a boutique. Organize by type, style, size and season. Use racks and folding tables.  Also ask women to give accessorizes as well for a complete look.

Once you’ve got all the items and information on the exchange put together make sure you send out invitations to all those that donated with the date, time and location. Be sure to include what organization will benefit from the fundraiser. The remaining clothing can go to one while the fee goes to another.

The next time you go through your closet and pull out items you no longer wear, remember there are probably a few friends who will.  The same goes for them.  So would you take part in a clothing exchange?

One of the reasons I like fall is because I get to wear boots. I’m not one who follows the rules too much, but in footwear fashion I do. Once Labor Day strikes I put away my sandals and open-toed shoes during the daytime and crossover to a more covered look. I have eight pair of boots in a variety of colors — black, brown, tan and gray — and enjoy pairing them with Capri’s, skirts and dresses to extend my summer wardrobe throughout the year.

Footwear is a pretty important aspect of one’s overall dressing persona. I feel shoes must complement the attire and be in accordance with the environment. As example for me would be that last week I covered Alton Fire Department training on structural collapses and walking around in heels wouldn’t have worked so I wore flats.

This weekend I cleaned out and rearranged my closet and as I did I came across a few items I wanted to wear and knew how “kickin’” they would be paired with boots.  Check out my past three days of “bootie.”

No. 1 Circles — I got this gray ombre patterned top this past summer on clearance from Lane Bryant ($19.99,) the dark denim capris I bought up at a yard sale brand new for $2 and the boots were gifted.

No. 2 Paisley Pretty — This gray, black and red paisley print top came from Cato clearance two summers ago, the denim skirt I got when Value City was still in town and the knee-high boots are new. I got them at Kohl’s on sale for $21.99 (originally $89.99.) The boots were marked down to $31.99 and I also had a $10 coupon. Gotta love a coupon!

No. 3 Gray Matter — I’ve had this gray patterned dress for years. During my “closet cleansing” I decided it would look great with my gray over-the-knee boots and simple black cardigan.

I “jazzed” up each outfit with jewelry I already own.

Boots are in essentially in every woman’s wardrobe.They can be worn with styles from casual to formal and even those who really don’t like to put them on own at least one pair for when it snows.

Prints and patterns make fashion fun. These clothes can make a true fashion statement and are great conversation starters.

Three days this week (actually four if you count Wednesday’s outfit, but I already showed it to you) I’ve worn pants and printed tops. The key to wearing patterns is to balance things out. If you wear a busy top, pair it with neural pants or skirt (I picked pants) and accessorize.

Here are my three looks:

No. 1 Circle Around — I wore a white, satin blouse with black circle. I got this fun top at Cato several years ago. I paired it with a black tank underneath, black pinstripe pants and a gray wrap sweater. I accessorized with a silver chain and a of course a circle pendant.

No. 2 Pretty Python — I don’t even remember where I got this python printed top, but I love it. I decided to tone it down a little with a black cotton vest, black pants and black boots. I wore a heavy silver chain to balance out the pattern in the top around my neck.

No. 3 Polka Dot Me — I got this top during my recent trip to Kansas City. It’s a Bisou Bisou top that I picked up for $1.48 and the Veteran’s thrift shop. I thought it would look great with my navy blue tank and tan pants.  I’m wearing my tri-color (black, blue and gray) Vera Wang flats I got at Kohls last fall at 80 percent off for $11.99. My accessories include two necklaces I picked up at a yard sale and thrift store, totaling $1. My bracelets are Jewels by Park Lane.

Really anyone can wear prints, no matter your size. The key is knowing your body type and what looks best on you. I always add something neutral to any outfit in which I wear prints.

Other ways to bring prints into your wardrobe is through accessories. Shoes with prints and patterns are a fun way to dress up any outfit. A great handbag with a unique pattern looks great too.

Here are a few tips on what not to do: only wear one print at a time, never head to toe and never wear printed accessories when wearing clothes in busy prints or patterns

Have fun wearing your prints and patterns and remember not to overdo it.

Often times we face the dilemma of having to pack away a summer dress when the temperature drops. Well there are ways to extend your wardrobe with a some simple styling tricks and a few additions.  Once you do this you’ll be sure and wear your outfit throughout the season.

This week I had to return a pair of tights I purchased from Kohls. There was nothing wrong with them, just after getting them home I decided I didn’t like them. Anyway I took the money I was refunded – $15.10 -and turned right around and spent it in the store again. Actually I spent .12 cents less.

I was able to get  a Dana Buchman print blouse at 90 percent off, which made it $5 and a  Sag Harbor dress at 80 percent off , so the cost was only $8.80.  I wore my new dress today. Although it’s more of a summer one, I decided I could transition it for fall.

I really like the pattern on this piece. The black and white palm print reminds me of a South Carolina breeze. I think maybe it’s because I just finished ready to of Mary Kay Andrews novels Hissy Fit and Deep Dish. (If you’ve not read anything by her I suggest you do.)  She really brings the southern charm and this is what I thought about when I saw this dress.

I decided to wear a chocolate ribbed turtleneck, black tights and brown boots. I accessorized it with a wood and bead necklace and brown and black weaved belt. I also wore my $1 denim jacket again that I got from a yard sale.

Other ways to transition a summer dresses for fall is to add opaque tights, long sleeve blouses,  sweaters, ankle strap heels or boots.

So what do you think? I guess you can say I’m leaving my “palm print” on style.

I had intended before I left town this past weekend to share with you some outfits I have recently worn. Anyway I decided I would go ahead and show you what I’ve been wearing the past week.

These first three pics were my weekend wear for my first few days off in November. As you can see I definitely had the casual attire going on, which is something I don’t do very often. When I do I still like to look good.

No. 1 A Little Off – I adore these off-white pants I’ve had for a few years. They look good with a black ribbed turtleneck, denim jacket (yard sale $1) and my coach sneakers (resale $8). I also decided a chocolate wool hat and a flowered necklace would go great too.

No. 2 True Blue – Well I found this really nice navy lounging outfit for $7 at a resale shop. It’s from Chico’s traveler’s line, so I know I got a good deal because the set usually retails for around $60 per item. I wore a pair of DKNY slip-ons that I picked up at a yard sale for $2 several years ago.

No. 3 Layered Chic - I wore lots of layers for an outdoor party I attended. I paired jeans with a tank, chocolate turtleneck and a tunic I’ve had for 20 years along with suede fringed boots I picked up on clearance two winters ago for $5.

No. 4 Pink Power - It’s a power suit with a twist. I picked out a hot pink mock, sleeveless turtleneck I’ve had for years and paired it with a black blazer and striped skirt I got at a yard sale this summer for $1. I wore my faux pearls with my new Jewels by Park Lane necklace, which I bought with hostess credits I had from a recent party.

No. 5 Seeing Red – My long brown plaid skirt paired nicely with my brown velvet coat, brown belt and boots. I wore a red T-shirt (I usually wear a red ribbed turtleneck, but it was one of those days that it was way to hot.) to give the outfit some pop and I decided that by wearing my copper faux pearls doubled and twisted it would giver the outfit a more elegant look.

No. 6 Purple Pizzazz – I paired this purple, gray and black tunic with gray tights and gray thigh-high suede boots. I wore purple and black crystal jewelry to add that extra pizzazz

In almost every outfit I’ve showed you I’ve managed to strike a bargain. There is something about finding a good deal on something I will actually wear that makes me feel good. I don’t like to buy something if I don’t intend to wear it. I mean it may be a Marc Jacobs dress, but if it’s not my style I’m not going to spend money on it.

All it really takes to find something stylish is a little luck. You just have to be in the right shop and the right time. Going to yard sales, thrift stores and resales shops can be a daunting task, but if you’re lucky enough it pays off when you find a great piece.

During my trip out of town I did manage to find a few good buys and once I wear them I’ll be sure and post the pics.

Today I followed my “animal instinct” and wore several items I recently got back from being tailored at By Design in Alton.

I had a pair of black pants that were a little to short if I wore any shoe with a heel so I had them cut off and a cuff put on. I also had my sweater collar redone. The thread around the collar was unraveling and I liked the black cardigan and really didn’t want to part with it so I had it fixed.  I wore them with my cheetah top I picked up from  Burlington Coat Factory last year, a pair of black tights and my Vera Wang heels.

I’ve decided that I have pants that I really like, but they are shorter than I want. I think now I will just have them cut off into shorts or capris. I get to keep something I like and it’s being green.

There are many ways to repurpose your clothes. Get out the scissors and shorten a hemline, take off a sleeve or change a collar by adding something new. You can try it yourself or take it to someone like Lillian Bates at By Design (or any other tailor or seamstress) and have the job done.

Just remember, once it’s gone, it’s gone so be careful not to take off something you can’t put back. Removing or adding something completely transforms your look and really who doesn’t like a new look?

I decided to put on my second “new pair of shoes”  today

I paired the Coach sneakers ($8 at resale shop) with a brown pair of pants and  brown tank, a multi-colored  metallic belt from Kohl’s ($5 on clearance,) a denim jacket I picked it up a month ago at a yard sale for $1,  a scarf I got it several years ago for $1 and my Coach handbag I got this summer at a yard sale for $3.

I love finding good deals. There is something about finding an item you like and getting a good price on top of it.

I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween. I did for the most part. I ended up getting sick and went home early after I got all dressed up. I really wanted to stay out with my friends too.

My day was spent at two parades – Wood River and Alton. I took my niece and nephew to Wood River’s, which they really enjoyed (they got two buckets full of candy) and I went with friends to Alton and of course watched the Marching 100.

I didn’t get any candy at either one, but I did score some good treats in downtown Wood River.  I picked a spot close to Riverbend Resale to watch the parade and as we waited for it to arrive my niece and I decided to do the “girly” thing and shop. I didn’t plan on it, but I spotted a nice handbag in the window that I thought would be great for my Halloween costume. While inside I also found two great pair of shoes.

Here are the pics of my “treats,” including one of me in costume.

Can you guess who I am?( You will get extra bonus points if you do.)

Here’s a close up of my new bag. Cost $7

I found a pair of brand new Isaac Mizrahi Mary Janes for $6.50 and a pair of Coach sneakers for $8.

Here’s a pic of me wearing my new two-toned shoes with a black and off-white plaid shirt and black pants and accessorized with a large necklace, oversized ring and bracelet.

Let me know what you  think.