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!

Adoration

There is nothing that prepares you for the adoration of a baby.

In all my adult life, I’ve been praised for things I’ve done, accomplishments, achievements. I’ve never, however, been awarded simply for being alive.

That’s what a baby does for you. When I’m nursing Brielle or changing her diaper, smoothing back her crazy curls or rubbing lotion into her soft, chubby arms, she looks up at me with complete amazement.

And then she smiles that sweet, sweet little grin … well, that’s love, pure and simple. It doesn’t matter to her what I look like (or smell like), if I make enough money or keep an immaculate home. All that matters is that I’m her mommy and I’m with her.

To be present is enough to gain my daughter’s complete devotion.

{Photo courtesy of K Giese Photography. Be sure to check out Krista's beautiful photos – I'm sure you'll see some familiar faces!}

Just right quick

Does anybody else say that? "I'll be there, just right quick?" No? Am I the only ungrammatical one in the bunch?

Hmmm.

Anyway, I just had to post this just right quick: I won a $100 Amazon gift card from Ashley at Money Saving Mom by participating in her Pin-A-Thon!

Seriously, I'm so excited! (And thank you, Ashley!)

I recently started entering blog giveaways after being inspired by reading about other moms' success with them. And though I don't believe in "luck", I am not usually the person who wins things.

Then I discovered blogs that list low-entry giveaways, like Tight Wad in Utah and Oh So Savvy Mom (usually under 200 entries). Most nights, once Evangeline is asleep and I'm cuddling with Brielle, I spend about 30 minutes to an hour entering these giveaways. Our budget is tight, as I'm sure many households are with young children, so to satisfy my shopping cravings, I get my retail therapy by entering contests.

Even without winning today, I'd probably keep on entering, but now that I've had a taste of success, I'm sure my efforts will be renewed.

I had to share, just right quick. And may the odds be ever in your favor.

Denim + colorblocked

I think working in downtown Lincoln has made me a little more adventurous in my wardrobe choices. 

Granted, I rarely see anyone who doesn't work with me, but I'd like to think I'd fit in with the trendy Haymarket crowd. Or at least not stick out like a complete out-of-towner ... 

Colorblocked jersey dress - Delia's - thrifted

Denim blazer - LOFT - thrifted

Gray booties - Sam and Libby - 6pm.com

Evangeline's PJs were a big sister gift, and speaking of being a big girl, when did her legs get so long? 

She's a total mushpot these days, giving hugs and kisses out like she invented them.

You won't hear me complaining ...