Zebra Stripe Gum

Hooray! I benefited greatly from Dan's mid-week doctor's appointment...his early arrival home meant Thursday outfit photos! It was absolutely gorgeous out today, but don't let the sunshine (or photo number five) fool you - it was only 27 degrees out when we shot these.  Despite the great amount of snow, we decided to shoot on the golf course again.  When I first brought this dress home from the thrift store a few weeks ago and showed it to my parents, their reaction was pretty discouraging, so I had put off wearing it for fear it was just a hideous mistake purchase.  Have you ever had one of those moments of regret when you bring something home and try and it on and everything just looks wrong?

Anyway, I was feeling bold today, so I got it back out and began to build an outfit.  It's a simple shift dress, which is not very flattering on me usually, but the belt around the waist helped give it more structure and the jacket helped keep me from looking like an autumnal-colored piece of zebra stripe gum.

I'd also like to take a moment to reflect on my first month of shopping strictly second hand for my clothing.  The most difficult part so far has been determining what my wardrobe is lacking (a mid-calf length tan or charcoal winter coat, oxfords, the perfect pair of pleated pants, a brown hat, etc.) and having to rely on a thrift store to supply me with said items.  It's definitely challenging, but shopping this way has been paying off.  I've been able to save more money, and Dan and I rarely ever go to the mall, thus deleting our previous mall rat status.  Hoping for better thrifting luck this weekend!

Photos by Dan.

Dress: Thrifted.

Jacket: Gap (high school).

Brown Braided Belt: Thrifted.

Locket: My mom's growing up.

Brown leather purse: Banana Republic (last summer).

Brown sweater tights: JC Penny.

Brown leather boots that you can barely see: Etsy.