Outfit:

Free People Songbird Sweater (ebay.com), $30.00 (orginally $98), Joie maroon pants (hand-me-down),  Clarks boots (postmark.com), $85.00 SPLURGE ALERT, scarf (gifted)

OK – so this is not my cheapest outfit ever, but the sweater and shoes are staples for the winter.  I recently got hooked on a website called poshmark.com.  It’s a consignment site where you can post all of the things you want to sell from your closet and scroll through millions of other people’s closets.  I’ll admit…it’s addicting.  Pretty much anything that you could ever want is stored on this site, which can be overwhelming if you don’t have a specific focus.

I was on a mission to find a waterproof, cute boot that would be super comfortable to walk around in through all conditions!  I came across these Clarks and they had never been worn!  They were originally marked at $160, and advertised as $100.  I negotiated it down to $85.  Still pricey, but I thought they were a good deal!

They are lined in fur and I love that I can trudge through puddles with no fear!  Waterproof for the win!

Occasion: Gun Control March

It was a powerful experience to be a part of the Gun Control march in Montpelier and part of a nationwide event.  Youth eloquently and assertively spoke in front of thousands saying, “Enough is enough!”.  Gun control is something that I believe in strongly, but I don’t like that people are scapegoating mental health.  Mental health is not the problem.  People struggling with mental health challenges are not more likely to hurt others, it is people who have violent and abusive backgrounds that should be denied access.  In general, I am against guns, especially powerful weapons like semi-automatics.  But this is not a mental health problem.  Ok, I spoke my “peace”.

It is amazing when people come together for such important causes.

Outfit:

h&m overalls (Goodwill, Burlington VT), $4.00, j.crew shirt (Second Time Around, Burlington VT), $12.00, Dolce Vita shoes (gifted), arrowhead necklace (forever21.com), $3.00

I had a long, tireless search for a flattering and affordable jumpsuit.  Many times these attached top/bottom outfits look like cotton pajama onesies.  They create the saggy butt effect, and they are REALLY hard to pull off!  When I saw these form fitted, jean h&m overalls at The Goodwill, I could not believe my luck!  They were exactly my size, in great condition, and the cost of an expensive cup of coffee.  Overall’s can look dated at times, but this cut with the skinny bottom is totally trendy and fun!  I am excited to try them with a crop top and sneaks in the summer!  Trouble, my friend Erin’s dog, makes an excellent accessory as well!

Goodwill usually leaves me drained with a headache from all the aisles and aisles of crapola, but this particular trip was totally worth the meticulous search!

Occasion: August First

August First is a big, open cafe with high ceilings and lots of natural light from the glass, auto garage-like walls.  I love the ambiance, but I’m not thrilled about their over-priced sandwiches and decent coffee.  However, there is one thing that makes me especially happy.  This Sesame Chicken Bowl with baked chicken, roasted broccoli & sweet potatoes, chickpeas, quinoa, walnuts, spinach, and sesame dressing is something to write home about.  It’s $11 (close to what I spent on my outfit), but it is a nice treat once in a while to fill my tummy with healthy goodness!  I would even say that the atmosphere here is so inviting and cozy that it’s worth spending a few dollars more than you would like to on the food!  They also have excellent baked goods!