Mad for plaid refashion

This was originally a shirtdress, vintage early 1990s. I tried it on at Goodwill and when the bodice was clearly insufficient to contain my chestal region, I nearly put it back. 

Then I reconsidered its positive points: Yellow, plaid, full skirt, $5.99. 

So, I bought it. The lady at the cash register eyed it, commenting: "That's sure a lot of plaid." 

Yes. Yes, it is. 

But after I completed a lazy refashion (cut it off right above the elastic waistline), I was thrilled with the result. Among my recent thrifts, this skirt has garnered the most attention (mostly positive). 

Black T-shirt | thrifted

Yellow necklace | thrifted

Refashioned plaid skirt | thrifted

Boots  | Payless

The '80s called ...

 

... and they want their clothes back. But they can't have them, because I really like this outfit.

Teal blazer | Clearance, Francesca's

Polka-dot peplum top | Thrifted, Goodwill

Belt | From Lily

Pants | Thrifted, Goodwill

Boots (not pictured) | Clearance, 6pm.com

iPhone | $20, after rebates/upgrades from Verizon

I made a wonderful discovery a few weeks ago. There's a pretty well-stocked Goodwill just a 5-minute drive from my office ... and they have 10 for $10 special once a month. 

Really, how could I not head over there during my lunch hour? It would be fiscally irresponsible.

Conductor pants

I call these my conductor pants, and while I question how flattering they are, they're so comfortable, I don't stress about it. 

Brielle, at least, isn't embarrassed to be seen with me ...

Pants | Dress Barn via Goodwill

T-shirt | Target via Goodwill

Boots | Sam and Libby via 6pm.com

Necklace | Target {clearance}

{This isn't the greatest photo ever, but since my photographer was running out the door for work, I'll take what I can get.}

If this is how 2013 starts, I can't wait to see where it goes

During this last month of not-blogging, I've been thinking about what it is that draws me to style. 

(OK, when I say style, I don't mean Style in the high-fashion, couture sense. I mean it it the I-live-in-Nebraska-and-have-two-kids-and-a-budget sense.)

Really, I think it's because style is art that you wear. I like art in traditional forms — paintings, sculptures, architecture — but I'm also a fan of not collecting a bunch of stuff. 

So for me, style is a perfect blend between art and functionality. Clothes, shoes, purses, jewelry — these are all things I can use on a regular basis. If it pleases my eye, I have the ability to enjoy it through my whole day. 

Case in point: 

Fluevog Queen Transcendent | Elizabeth

Now, if you read this blog, you'll know I love to thrift and bargain-shop the majority of my wardrobe. I estimate that on average, I've paid about a quarter of the original price for most of what's in my closet and drawers (and, um, piled in heaps of unfolded laundry ...).

These shoes are NOT thrifted. But I was in the market for something to commemorate the arrival of a glorious time — the first time in over three years that I'm not 1) pregnant, 2) postpartum or 3) nursing full-time. 

So I found these shoes and I bought them and I love them and they make me feel like an evil queen in a Disney movie (but only in the best possible way). 

They also bring into clearer focus my feelings about style. When I wear the Elizabeths, I find myself stopping throughout my work day to admire them, as I would a painting I found striking. 

•••

So what can you expect from Kirkhaven in 2013? 

Thrifted goodness — absolutely! 

Fashion tips with office supplies — yes!

Cute pictures of E and B — do you even have to ask? 

More Fluevogs — hopefully!

Above all, what I'd like to deliver in 2013 is authentic style. 

I like what I like. 

I wear what I like. 

I'll share it with you. 

Happy New Year!