Same Jacket and Shoes - Two Different Ways

Hi everyone! I hope your first week of the year was marvelous! Mines has been really great so far and I am so excited to see what God will do in my life. I am learning to listen, embrace a quiet spirit, and accepting the change<3

This weekend I really flocked to a certain jacket and heels. My mom purchased a AEO moto jacket from Marshalls a few years ago for $15 dollars and it's been a huge staple in my closet. I purchased a pair of nude heels a few months back at the J.Crew Clearance Center in Lynchburg. 

As you all know, I haven't been buying clothes over the last few months. I promised myself that I would experiment with the clothing I already have. With the exception of 4 staple items from Gap, I successfully achieved just that. 

This weekend, I helped throw a bridal shower for a long time friend. I am incredibly happy for her and it was such a blessing to celebrate her. I decided to wear red to match the colors of bridal shower.

For the bridal shower, I paired the jacket and  heels with a striped shirt I purchased 3 or 4 years ago from Aeropostale and a Mario Serrani full skirt that I purchased from Marshalls last winter! I absolutely love this skirt. It fits well and doesn't swallow me hahaha. 

In addition, I wore my Ann Taylor Pearlized Crystal Statement Necklace , which I purchased last winter for super cheap (around 22 dollars). It is currently on sale for 50% off on the website. 

Today, I switched it up for church! I wore my chambray top from The Loft which I purchase two years ago, my American Eagle ripped jeggings which were a gift from my lovely sister:) In addition, I wore a cheetah print belt courtesy of my mother's closet. 

I really love how versatile this jacket and heels are! They really add style to anything you put on. In addition, these two outfits really manifest power of staple clothing items. All of these items (with the exception of the belt) were purchased over the span of 4 years and they can be worn many different ways and in many different occasions.  I am learning that I don't have to purchase clothes every month. My lifestyle has changed since I've been in graduate school and I no longer have a full-time job. In this season of my life, my personal style comes from utilizing what's around me and being creative. 

Thanks for stopping by and reading <3 

xoxo,

Tonyette

Get up, get dressed, embrace the random and live in purpose.

For the past three weeks, I've been battling a really icky and horrible sinus infection. As a result, I just felt like I've been put behind in my relationships, school work, and physical upkeep. I spent the past week, preparing for tests and papers and I literally felt uneasy. I became very overwhelmed by cracking open a school book or researching for my papers. I realized that I wasn't leaning into my purpose and not giving myself grace. 

My friend recently reminded me that we do have to take our crafts seriously in order to fully operate in them. Whether that entails studying for a test, training for a marathon, or working a carnival as outreach, we have to take fully embrace the purpose. Yesterday I was reminded that I can give myself grace as I embrace my purpose.

I woke up and immediately threw on an outfit because I didn't know if I would be meeting my mentor at a cafe that morning or if I would be relocating to study. My mentor held Bible study here at my place and I kept this outfit on. At the end of the study, she told me she liked my outfit and we randomly had a mini photoshoot outside of my living community. I wore the outfit because it made me feel good.  In the randomness of the "shoot" - I was reminded to seize opportunities and embrace the here and now. 

Outfit:

Levi's Jean Jacket

Top from Marshall's 

Skirt from Old Navy 

Heels from J.Crew

Earrings and Necklace from Target 

I'm totally embracing the randomness and the here and now. 

Remember, no matter what season you are in, you still have purpose <3

xoxo,

Tonyette

Outfit of the Day - Darling Edition :)

Hi everyone!

I hope you all are doing well! Just wanted to stop by with a quick OOTD for this beautiful Sunday afternoon.

I can't believe it is almost Fall! I absolutely LOVE this season and the weather. 

Last week a friend and I stumbled upon this beautiful consignment shop called Darling on the Downtown mall in Charlottesville. When I walked in - I was drawn by the layout of the store and just the beautiful, reaffirming sayings on the walls and the dressing room doors for every women to see. The owners are Linnea and Megan and they carefully pick their pieces to fit many different women. In addition, they sell the furniture which holds the clothes, as well as beautiful jewelry, soaps, cards from local artisans. 

All photos taken directly from ShopatDarling.com

This particular shop really sparked my interest in really sharpening my style and my sorta-kinda capsule wardrobe. I am currently in the process of rebuilding my wardrobe. I gave away almost all of my things. It really just hit me that I don't really have the comfort of excess clothing. In August, it felt right because I needed a fresh perspective that was free from clutter. That is still the case right now, but it is a little daunting to have to get creative with my clothes and not spend a lot. 

So when I found out about Darling, I definitely felt like I was at home. I love consignment shops and thrifting, but I really lost touch with it in the last three years. Since I am now rebuilding my closet, it want to carefully purchase things I like for great prices. Darling presented me with an opportunity to do so! 

I knew I needed more white/cream in my closet and I found J.Crew silk blouse for less than 12 dollars! I finally wore it today to church. I love the blouse, but I was having a mental block because I was freaking out about how many clothes I didn't have anymore :/ I decided to pair it with jeans, heels, and a blazer. I really received a lot of compliments and I thought it was really a blessing due to the fact that I didn't think I paired the shirt that well this morning. 

Here's a photo!

I paired the top with an Express blazer (purchased at Marshall's), Levi jeans (purchased at Marshall's) and J.Crew heels (purchased at J.Crew Clearance Center in Lynchburg  VA.) I am loving my new blouse and this will definitely be a staple for the Fall. 

Make sure you check out Darling's website which is full of updates, styling tips, and blog posts.

I also snapped this photo before leaving the store 

I truly believe this is fitting in how we can create beautiful things by exercising our creativity. 

xoxo, 

Tonyette

Having a Little Photo Shoot

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine asked if I'd be willing to take some photos for his friend, who is building his photographer's portfolio. I agreed and I was instructed to dress modern; "J.Crew." (J.Crew just so happens to be my favorite clothing store. Their pants and jeans fit me like no other! And the sales are so good!).

So I raided my closet, put something together (ironically, in this case, nothing I wore was from J.Crew), and we went to a quaint neighborhood downtown and snapped some photos.

It was really fun and a bit out of my comfort zone. It was really strange having so much attention on me. People driving or walking by would stare like, "What's going on here?" My appreciation for fashion bloggers and YouTube Vloggers just increased.

That being said, I definitely wouldn't mind doing it again! I got to meet new people and discovered a really nice, locally owned café. I need to visit the café again. Their tea selection is calling my name.

Ok, enough chit-chat. Here are my favorite photos. Cesar is a photographer! Make sure to look him up on his Instagram (@cesarcostaphotography). For any inquires, e-mail him at cesarcostaphotography@gmail.com.

Blazer: American Eagle (Thrifted) / Grey Tee: Target / Calf Hair Animal Print Belt: Brand Unknown (TJ Maxx, 3 years ago)/ White destroyed Skinny Jeans: (Aéropostale, 2013), Leopard Skimmer Flats: Steve Madden / Bag: Mulberry Roxanne / Aviators: Ray-Bans / Watch: Gifted / Rhinestone Link Bracelet: Brand Unknown (Dillard's)