A Thrifty Eye for the Trendy Buy
Happy February! Even though it’s the shortest month of the year, it doesn’t have to be short on style. I’m excited to lean into thoughts of warmer days ahead and refresh my wardrobe with pieces that inspire creativity and new styling moments.
Poet Blouse: A poet blouse is one of my favorite ways to add volume, movement, and a touch of romance to an outfit. Its versatility makes it easy to dress up or down, depending on your mood or the silhouettes you’re working with. I’ve been especially inspired by the menswear poet blouse from the recent AW26 Valette Studio runway which was sculptural yet soft, and a perfect elevated take on a wardrobe classic. I have a few styles in my own closet, from oversized to more fitted versions, that I’ll be styling throughout the month.
Statement Reds: Valentine’s Day is probably inspiring this color trend, but bold reds are a great shade to style year-round. They add energy, personality and interest to any look. Whether incorporated through a cardigan or smaller accessories, red is a great shade to give your outfit a unique touch. I’ll be reaching for my vintage black letterman cardigan with red accents, similar to the Italian street style inspiration above.
Belt Bags: Hands free accessories are always a win, and belt bags offer both practicality and an opportunity to add dimension to an outfit. Whether in nylon or leather, they’re easy to layer and style. This month, I’ll be experimenting with fun prints and colors. The MM6 belt bag in the inspiration above especially caught my eye, from the pink hue to the wraparound strap design. It perfectly balances fashion and function, giving the accessory a modern and polished feel.
Lace Up Shoes: Lace up shoes, from boots to sneakers, are very much on my radar. I love the subtle texture and detail they bring to even the simplest outfit, and their staying power over the decades makes them a reliable wardrobe investment. The pair featured above from the Bianca Saunders AW25 runway offers such a unique point of view on this trend. The juxtaposition of the lace up, square toe silhouette and greenish-blue color makes this such an interesting shoe!
Bermuda Shorts: Bermuda shorts are trending for spring, and while I didn’t think they would work for my petite frame, I am wanting to give them a try. I love the different proportions they bring to an outfit and how well they show off socks and shoes. I’m thinking of pairing mine with a blazer for a look that feels polished yet relaxed.
Check out some outfit inspiration below and follow the link in this post to shop my recommendations from new to second hand gems.
Let the ruffle blouse take center stage by pairing it with simple leggings, clean sneakers, and a playful bag. Add unique earrings for a touch of personality, and top the look with a baseball hat to keep the overall vibe relaxed and effortlessly casual.
Pair a bold red cardigan with a fun leopard‑print track pant for a striking, unexpected juxtaposition. Elevate the look with dressy dangle earrings and a faux‑fur vest, adding dimension and texture. To keep the overall vibe balanced in sporty meets dressy, finish the outfit with a sleek crossbody bag and chunky loafers that ground the look while keeping it modern.
Grab a colorful belt bag and use it as a way to cinch the waist while adding flair and shape to your outfit. It’s an effortless styling tool that brings both function and personality to a look. Pair it with jeans and a trendy top for a casual, modern feel, or use it to break up layers for a more intentional, fashion‑forward silhouette.
An all‑black outfit is an effortless go‑to, especially when you’re incorporating new trends into your wardrobe. The monochromatic palette adds confidence and creates a streamlined canvas that makes trying something new feel wearable and timeless. It’s a great way to let the silhouette and details of a trend, like lace‑up boots, stand out while still feeling cohesive across seasons.
Last but not least, the Bermuda short. For this look, I leaned into layered styling by mixing tailored elements, like the blazer, with more casual pieces, including a graphic T‑shirt and an oversized bag. The shorts also provide the perfect opportunity to highlight fun, slouchy socks, so I paired them with a cozy option from UGG to add texture and personality.
Shop My Recommendations Here Happy February! Even though it’s the shortest month of the year, it doesn’t have to be short on style. I’m excited to lean into thoughts of warmer days ahead and refresh
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Happy Black Friday! Below are some of my favorite deals of the day on products I love and plan to gift this year. Happy shopping! Purchasing from the links below earn me a small commission.
Last minute Amazon finds you can still get before the festive day! Purchasing from the links below earn me a small commission. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Buying from the links below earn me a small commission Day 1: Day 2: Day 3:
All items below are favorites of my husband and products we use and re-order often! Purchasing from the links below does earn me a small commission. Thank you for supporting my blog by purchasing through
Shop my favorite Amazon fall fashion finds below to add to cart this Prime Day. Purchasing from my links earn me a small commission. Thank you for supporting my blog by purchasing through my links!
The Classic White Silky Grandma Blouse I have quite a few of these silky blouses in my closet. I got several of them through Etsy a few years ago when I worked on a production