Same Old Pieces - New Outfit!

What I'm Wearing

White Button Down - Victoria's Secret / Magenta Sweater - Wet Seal / Necklace - Nordstroms

A girl's closet is her best store - especially if she's on a budget.  I was looking through my hangers and hangers of clothing this morning, trying to see everything through a new lens.  And ta da!  A new outfit was born!  I usually wear this sweater with a tank top underneath, but I think it looks cut with a button down.  There's good proportions between the sleeves and the material of the sweater.  Also something fun and young with my professional top.  In love!

Have you rediscovered your closet lately?

Do More of What Makes You Happy - Phone Background

Free Phone Background!  

Open this link on your phone, snag the image and enjoy!

Sassy Shoes

Some days, you just have to pull out your sassy shoes and strut your stuff.  I found these magenta, suede pumps at JC Penney about 3 years ago on super, super clearance.  Guess how much they were.  Seriously, guess!  Only $11.  Oh yes, only eleven American dollars.  They are only 2 1/2 inches high (perfect for 5'10" me) and wonderfully padded.  The magenta is the perfect pop of color without being overwhelming.  Plus, magenta works in every season!

Do you have your own sassy shoes?  Tell me about them!

Knitted Infinity Scarf

What I'm Wearing

Cardigan - Gap / White Tank Top - Banana Republic / Awesome Scarf - The Creative Cubby

I knitted this infinity scarf the other night and I'm still so obsessed with it.  I mean, really, I made it!

I can't bring myself to buy knitted scarves.  Knitting may seem intimidating, but once you get the general gist of the motions and proper tensions, it's one of the easiest crafts to pick up.  Plus, you can make unique, personalized fashion accessories for fall and winter.

Want to give it a try?  Check out my tutorial over at The Creative Cubby for this Knitted Infinity Scarf.

Fashion Find: Tusk Donington Wallet

 Rue La La has some truly amazing deals.  If you've never heard of Rue La La, that's a shame.  In my humble opinion, it is the best website to find stellar deals on fashion pieces - from shoes to luggage, from dresses to occasional housewares.  Previously, I showed you a watch that I found there.  Today, I share with you my beautiful Tusk Donington Wallet. 

 Originally $108, the wallet was offered for $34.90.  Lucky for me, I had a $30 shop credit from the "Shipping Catastrophe of 2013".  My watch shipment was delayed due to poor weather the weekend before Christmas.  To make amends, Rue La La offered me some free money.  Woot Woot!  Thank you, Mother Nature.

I've never owed a wallet that was REAL leather.  It has that glorious real leather smell.  I keep opening and closing it just so I can smell the amazingness.

I love that Rue La La makes quality affordable.  Now I have this pretty grown up wallet that I schlep everywhere with me. Maybe one day my wardrobe will match.  :)

Preppy Friday

It's Friday and I simply can't bring myself to get too casual in the office.  After a really hard week, all I wanted to do was strap on my Converse shoes and a hoodie.  Instead, I opted for preppy casual and comfy.

What I'm Wearing:

Sweater and Bracelets - Brooks Brothers

I have second day, lazy hair going on today.  My only saving grace is the wave twist on the front.  I don't know where I learned this or why I started doing it, but I've found that it really works for my face shape.

Essentially, I just grab the front portion of my hair and pull it back as if I was going to pin it back.  Then, I twist in one direction, allowing the center of the twist to follow to one side.  When it is twisted to my satisfaction, I hold the end of the twist flat against the top of my head and push it a smidge forward - just to give it a little lift.  No Snooki bumps here.  Use bobby pins to secure.

  I pulled the rest of my hair into a ponytail - and ta-da!  I somewhat look put together.  Fridays are all about finishing the week out strong, right?  Ha - sure.  

Here's hoping my preppy outfit gives me the pep in my step to make it through the rest of the week!  (Just a few more hours!)

How to Roll Your Sleeves

Recently, I switched "real person" jobs from a semi-professional dress environment to a jeans environment.  While this may seem like every person's dream, it has posed a slight issue for the financially challenged.  How do I dress down my professional pieces for my new workplace without having to buy a ton of clothing?  Sure, I could show up in my fancy skirts and blouses but 1) Who really wants to hear "Why are you all dressed up today" every.damn.day? and 2) Come on, it's a JEANS environment... which. is. awwwwwesoooooome!

Thankfully, I came across this tip from The College Prepster and it has revolutionized and revitalized my wardrobe.  Now I can wear all of my button-down blouses (estimated at 12-15 shirts) with my jeans without looking overly done up.  BONUS!  I can wear my button-downs comfortably in summer.  Woot woot!

What I'm Wearing:

Top - Victoria's Secret / Jeans - Royal Blue / Belt - Banana Republic / Watch - La Mer Collections (via Rue La La)

I do have to say, above anything, the best part about this tip is that the rolled sleeve doesn't get too tight or bulky.  It's comfortable, stylish and super easy.  Give it a try!

Rue La La

Have you heard of Rue La La?

It's a fashion deals website.

Correction - it is THE fashion deals website.

Real name brands are discounted for warehouse clearing.

Let me tell you, the brands you will find are numerous and well known.

We're also not talking about the reject items.

These are good, beautiful pieces that you would want at full price.

Except you don't have pay full price.

Check out this watch I got for only $40.  

I'm in love and obsessed with it.  You can find fabulous deals like this daily.

Just sign up for Rue La La.

Don't forget to download the app!

Show me the deals you get by using #jenevansblog

on Twitter and Instagram.

ManiMonday #1

I'm dedicating my first ever ManiMonday to my favorite nail polish of all time:  Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure.

Confession: I am terrible at painting my own nails.  I don't understand why I have to do so many coats, not to mention I don't have the patience to let them all dry in between.  They always end up with bubbles, smears or wrinkles... or all three.

I found the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure collection at Walgreens and instantly fell in love.  Two coats and I'm done!  It really couldn't be much easier.  Plus, there's a rainbow of colors to choose from.  My favorites are Golden Rule (above) and Back to the Fuchsia.  Now there's no excuse for me to have naked nails.

Do you have a favorite nail color brand?