Chels Wears: Big Red

Top: Dollar General | Pants & Bracelet: WalMart | Shoes: UrbanOG | Bag: New York & Co. | Necklace: Handmade

While going through the photos for this post, all that kept running through my mind was the cheer at the beginning of the original Bring It On movie. You know, "I'm sexy, I'm cute, I'm popular to boot...blah blah blah...call me Big Red...blah blah blah...I'm. Still. Big. Red. I sizzle, I scourch, but now I pass the torch..."

You know it and are probably singing along so I won't go on. Any way, I dyed my hair red recently and these are the first outfit photos to show them off, plus the shoes, purse and location, everything kinda screams big red here. I really hope you guys are getting this movie reference, but just incase you aren't here's a clip from Bring It On, because really up to this point if you don't have a clue what I mean, I'm sure you're lost and thinking I'm crazy.

Moving on...for me, this outfit is pretty plain, but sometimes I like to let my accessories do the talking. I just got these shoes after allowing myself to splurge a little since I haven't really shopped since moving to Erie. What!? A couple online purchases here and there, yes, but nothing drastic. I have yet to step foot in the mall, or even a Goodwill up here...who am I? These shoes are my newest loves. They're from UrbanOG, which if you haven't checked out their selection yet, you're missing out. Also, since this is the debut for this bag too, you should know that it was a Christmas gift from MJ. So is the necklace actually, but I've shown it here before. MJ is fabulous and I love that he knows my style so well. He actually took these photos too, also a first. He's really good at the positioning me part when needed, but really needs to work on the standing still until the camera has finished taking the picture thing haha. There were a lot of blurry pictures to sort through on this one, but it was a fun time overall and he'll get better with practice!

Fashion Week: Meet Danielle of Goodwillista!

We're halfway through Fashion Week! I hope you are all enjoying it so fair and are being inspired to refresh your wardrobe through these lovely ladies and our giveaway! Today's featured fashion blogger is Danielle of Goodwillista!

I'm so excited to have Danielle on my blog today because she is just a little ray of sunshine! Every time I visit her blog, I am so inspired but her outfits and her positive outlook on life. I feel like I've been following along with her blog from the day she started it and it has been a joy to see her blog grow because if anyone deserves some recognition, it's this girl! Danielle is a southern girl and that charm just shines through her writing and (more obviously) her great smile. And she is also one of the thriftiest ladies I know, hence her blog name. I'm always so impressed by how little she spends on an outfit but how fabulous she always looks. She was even super thrifty with her wedding and all the details of it blow my mind. Luckily for us, she always shares some great thrifting tips too! Enjoy!

All photos provided by Danielle.

How would you define your style?

I always struggle with this question! I would say that I'm a touch of girly mixed with simplicity.

Where are your favorite places to shop?

Goodwill, Plato's Closet, Old Navy, and Kohl's

What are some of your favorite pieces or go-to pieces in your closet?

My lace blouse, coral blazer, lace dress, cognac boots, and my newest love, my fur vest. 

Where does the inspiration for your outfits come from?

Most of the time I just wear what I like and feel good in, but I definitely get a lot of inspiration from Pinterest and other bloggers. When I'm feeling stumped on a new way to wear something, I'll go to Pinterest and search the item I want to wear or I'll go stalk a blogger who I know has a similar item!

If someone asked you for style advice, what would you tell them?

Dress in way that makes you feel confident in your own skin! You can try wearing all the trends in the world, but if you don't feel comfortable in them, they're pointless! My best days are days when I'm wearing an outfit that I am completely in love with. If you don't feel like you in something, I say get rid of it.

When and why did you start fashion blogging?

I started blogging the summer of 2012 after realizing a trend going on… Someone would tell me that they loved my shirt/pants/scarf/etc., and naturally I’m one of those people who has to tell you where I got it, so I’d tell them, “Goodwill!” and they were always in shock! So, I decided to start a blog to inspire others that you can still look great without spending a fortune!

How has your style grown or changed since you began fashion blogging?

I'm definitely more aware of trends now. I also learned the power of remixing my closet. I now try to find many different ways to wear different pieces in my closet! (I have a link up each month called Many Days, Many Ways ... come check it out!)

What advice do you have for bloggers just starting out?

Just be yourself! Don't worry about what other's may think about your writing, iphone pictures, or wrinkly shirt. I've figured out that most people don't even notice, and readers will stick around simply for YOU.

Goodwillista | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Bloglovin

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Chels Wears: Double DIY

Chambray & Leggings: JCPenney's | Shirt: Mumford & Sons | Boots: Voltage | Scarf: DIY | Headband: Rue 21

Leg Warmers: DIY | Purse: Target | Bracelets & Owl Ring: Charlotte Russe

First things first, yes, I am wearing leggings for pants...again. I cannot help it you guys, they are just so comfy and they fit under boots so well. Next, you might be wondering why I often have my hair up in my Chels Wears posts. Well, if you'd guess, a) I'm lazy, b) I didn't wash my hair this day, or c) I currently hate the length of my hair, as any of your reasons why this must be, then you're correct, but mostly C. After drastically cutting my hair, I'm in between the lengths I actually like which are shoulder length and mid-back length. So in about two to three more inches, it'll be perfect and will be worn down more, just you wait.

Now onto the double DIY...the leg warmers and the scarf were made about ten minutes before I left the house for my night job at Family Video. I got the idea for the leg warmers from Pinterest (surprise) and made them (and a few other pairs) by cutting off the sleeves of some old sweaters my mom had in her closet that neither of us wanted to actually wear. And the scarf is made from a cowl neck shirt dress that I was going to donate to Goodwill. Originally I planned to just cut off the cowl neck and use that as an infinity  scarf, but it wasn't big enough for my taste, so I cut off the sleeves and used the actual dress half of it. Simply sewed up the frayed edge so there would be a smooth edge the whole way around and voila! I'm planning on making this a fringe scarf eventually since I'm in love with all things fringe and it'll make it a more unique element, but for now and for the limited time I had to do this, I like it. What do you guys think?

If you recall, this is not the first time that I've cut something up and sewed it really fast before walking out the door in it. Honestly, I've been doing this since about the 7th grade. I just know that if I'm not going to wear an item of clothing the way it was intended, I might as well try it a different way. So far I think it's worked out pretty well. And this totally makes me a fashion designer, right!? haha

Two link-ups this week - be sure to check out H&K Style Journey and Because Shanna Said So.

Chels Wears: Thrifted Michael Kors

Glasses: Rue21 | Amour Earrings: Urban Outfitters | Ring: Charlotte Russe

Shirt: H&M | Pants: Michael Kors | Vest: New York & Company

Shoes: Target

I think it's safe to say that Michael Kors is my favorite designer. I'm sure that he's a common name to come from most fashionistas of my time and anyone who has ever watched Project Runway. I love that his designs look luxe but can be very everyday kind of wear. I love that he makes clothes for the working woman and that he makes her look classy in and out of the office. So when I found these Michael Kors "walking pants" with the tags still on them in my size at a nearby Goodwill, I was over the moon with excitement. (In that same trip I found a brand new Vera Wang skirt, too. Jack. Pot.)

I'm certain I've already worn them too many times to count, they are just so comfy and chic and they are perfect for a job that has me moving around a lot. The high-waisted trend is slowly taking over my life and I will forever love neon and a well structured vest, so this one is an A+ in my book. Speaking of A+ these shoes are the ones I bought for my Masters graduation ceremony, because in the store they looked more green and I wanted green shoes for Point Park's colors but I'm okay with them clearly being blue in natural lighting. Also, A+ worthy, these pictures were taken outside of the Ellwood City Public Library, which I think is my favorite place in town. I'm a nerd, I know. Oh, and happy back to school to all my alma maters, Lincoln, Seton Hill and Point Park!