The Sapphire Bee Giveaway!

This week, you have a chance to win a $20 store credit to online jewelry and accessory company The Sapphire Bee! How cute are some of these vintage-inspired, quirky pieces? To enter, all you have to do is:

1) Be a reader of Coffee and Cardigans (via GFC/RSS/Bloglovin'/Social media)

2) Visit The Sapphire Bee and leave a comment telling us which item you'd pick if you won

For a bonus entry or (three):

3) Like Coffee and Cardigans on Facebook and leave an additional comment

4) Like The Sapphire Bee on Facebook and leave an additional comment
5) Follow @coffeeandcardis and @thesapphirebee on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway. Leave a comment with the URL to your tweet.

This giveaway is now closed.

Minty fresh

Outfit details: Blouse and bandeau via Buffalo Exchange ($14), vintage skirt via Etsy ($9),
and thrifted ALDO heels ($5)

I think that mint has become my favorite color this season. That's probably why I fell in love with this vintage skirt the first time I saw in Lori's Etsy shop. I ended up hemming it quite a bit to fit properly, but it was well worth the effort, since this skirt has already become a new favorite. If the color wasn't enough, the pockets had me sold.

I wore this outfit last week, keeping it simple with a sheer polka dot blouse and my thrifted ALDO heels - still blown away that I got these for less than $5. As the weather gets warmer, I am leaning towards simpler, light garb. Summer is just a few weeks away - fifteen days to be exact, but who's counting? If you happen to find where the time has been slipping away to, please let me know. Also, keep an eye out for a giveaway coming up later this week!

I'm also linking up this week with Transatlantic Blonde for What I Wore Wednesday!

A thrifty Memorial Day

Outfit details: Thrifted chambray blouse, thrifted Style & Co pants, thrifted vintage heels, and thrifted necklace

I knew the day would come that I would debut an outfit that came entirely from the thrift store. It just so happens to also be Memorial Day. Hence the red, white, and blue photo theme that honestly didn't happen on purpose. I picked up these white skinny jeans at a local Goodwill last week on a whim. Beyond the classic tee, I had never owned anything white out of simple fear. I can't seem to keep pens, highlights, tomato sauce, salad dressing, or "insert other staining substance here" away from myself when I'm wearing white. So these pants certainty make me a walking accident waiting to happen.

The long weekend has been a dream - too easy to enjoy, and over too quick. But what else is new? I spent a majority of it with close friends, with homework, laundry, and cleaning thrown in between. I don't think I even changed out of my jeans the entire weekend. See you guys, I'm a boring person on my days off. Boring and predictable.

I hope everyone is enjoying their Memorial Day in the very best way possible. This is a special day to so many people, myself included. Thank you to those who have served our country. Happy Memorial Day!

Completing the look

Outfit details: Thrifted vintage top, Old Navy jeans, Forever 21 belt, Target wedges, gifted earrings, and pendant c/o The Sapphire Bee

It's true that jewelry can be tricky for me. It's also true that accessories can pull an entire look together. This peacock pendant is the perfect example. I fussed around with this outfit all morning. Something about it felt incomplete. Until my fast-thinking best friend suggested something to contrast the orange silk blouse. Turns out, the necklace did the trick.

<

This darling pendant comes handmade with love from jewelry company The Sapphire Bee. I love its vintage charm and subtle sparkle from the rhinestone embellishments. The Sapphire Bee carries a seriously adorable selection of jewelry and accessories. Anything from vintage-inspired to those quirky, one-of-a-kind pieces. All of the jewelry is handmade by owner Brittany Michelle, so the love and time that goes into each piece is obvious.

As a special treat, The Sapphire Bee is offering Coffee and Cardigans readers 15% off their entire purchase with coupon code COFFEE15 until June 8th! A big thank you to The Sapphire Bee for sharing a few of her darling pieces and spoiling C&C readers! Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Changing for the better

Outfit details: Updated vintage dress (original), thrifted Forever 21 jean jacket, thrifted ALDO heels, and Forever 21 belt.

Recognize this dress? To be honest, I barely remember the long, frilly mess that it use to be when I brought it home from the thrift store a few weeks ago. I broke out the sewing machine this last weekend and got to work. This is the finished product, sans shoulder pads, neck ruffle, long sleeves, and about six inches of fabric at the bottom. Sometimes change is a good thing.

Gracey from Fashion For Giants asked about adjusting and changing the sleeves of a garment. I'll be sure to post a slightly more in depth how-to next week, but my method was fairly simple. I picked a top with a similar desired sleeve length and laid it over the top of the dress for measurement, made a mark, did my cutting and sewed a new hem into the sleeve. Quite easy, but using another garment to measure out your desired length is a great trick for sleeves, skirts, pants, etc.

I think this dress is my favorite sewing project to date. I paired it with a thrifted denim jacket and heels (ALDO brand, thrifted for $5) for a day of classes and meetings. But I can't wait to remix it for the coming months. Is it too early to be thinking about fall outfits? Because I am aching to wear this little number with a pair of tights, boots, and cardigan.

Chambray, skirts, and sunshine

Outfit details: Thrifted blouse, Forever21 skirt, thrifted necklace, and Steve Madden Boots

There is something about a chambray shirt and a full skirt that feels perfect for spring. Epsically if said skirt has polka dots. I picked this skirt up for around $13 at Forever21 last month. And it was perfect for my latest outfit inspiration. I had been dying to try this combination for a while now, after I stumbled across this look inspired by this look on Pinterest.

I wore this outfit last week, but for some reason, it is just now making it to the blog. The days seem to be flying by right now. Even this weekend was a blur. I spent most of it sewing and spending time with friends, but as the college term wraps up - three weeks until summer! - my free time is dwindling. Even this post will have to be a quick one.

I'm excited to be a guest blogger this week over at Breakfast With Tiffany. Tiffany was sweet enough to feature me in her "Meet a Friend" series. Be sure to check out the feature and Tiffany's wonderful blog! I'm also linking up today with Colorblind for a round of Thrifters Anonymous. Because it's true. I have an addition. Wishing everyone a happy week!

Campus casual

Outfit details: Nordstrom tank, Target cardigan, Old Navy denim, Forever21 belt, and Target sandals

Do you ever have those days that require jeans? Those days you just need to be comfortable? As the college term is winding down, I find myself reaching more and more for my favorite denim. Yesterday was one of those days. It didn't have to be flattering or perfect, or special, it just had to be comfortable. A tank, my favorite skinny jeans, and a comfortable cardigan. My version of the "college uniform" that is usually built upon yoga pants and sweatshirts.

Keely from Casual Chic Kiki made a great point: even the best style bloggers don't get dressed up every day. We all need our lazy days, our t-shirt and jean days. Blogging a casual outfit or two reminds me of that. What is your go-to outfit on those days when comfort is the only thing that matters?

Weekend DIY: gray 80's dress

Today I wanted to share my latest vintage store find. This gray dress came home with me last weekend for $16 from an antique store in downtown Salem, Oregon. I loved the darling print, the red contrast stitching, and the endless potential this little frock presents for my next sewing project. Here is my plan for transforming this thrifted treasure:

- Cutting out the ridiculous shoulder pads
- Creating a shorter, cuffed sleeve
- Altering the high neckline
- Bringing up the hemline to at least knee-length

Voila! My sewing project for the weekend. Have you ever revived or recycled a vintage piece?

Hello green shorts

Outfit details: Thrifted H&M top (similar), thrifted vintage shorts, Forever21 belt, and Target wedges (similar)

What a weekend! I spent the past few days back in my hometown with family for Mother's Day, temperatures hit the high eighties, and I wore heels with shorts for the first time in my life. I picked up these teal green shorts at a thrift store not too long ago and love their zany, vintage charm. It was enough to convince me to pair them with a pair of black suede wedges from Target, tackling a trend I NEVER thought I would dare to try. Much like the sheer top trend.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week! I can't believe how quickly things are flying by!

The highest form of flattery

Outfit details: Target tee, DIY maxi skirt (similar), thrifted Old Navy denim jacket (similar), Target wedges, and vintage chain necklace.

They say imitation is one of the highest forms of flattery. Which is oh so true in this case, since today's outfit inspiration came directly from the lovely Kendi. When I saw her colored maxi and denim jacket combination, I knew it was a look I would have to try for myself. One coral maxi skirt plus a white tee plus a pair of wedges, and I was in business. I am linking up for another round of inspiration with Simply Sarah today!

But I am happy I found the time to even put together an outfit post this week! Between three midterms, classes, and work, I have been feeling the heat this week. Of course, college is a stressful time, but there is a point that I've realized I have signed myself up for too many responsibilities. It's a humbling relization. I'm no Wonder Woman... no matter how hot I might look in a skin-tight red, white, and blue bodysuit. Kidding, of course!

A quick note about maxi skirts. Or this one, in particular. I put together this skirt about a month ago, one boring Saturday afternoon. The color looks more red in these photos than the coral tone that it is in real life. It's one of the only sewing projects that I have actually kept... And worn. For some reason, styling maxi skirts has been a challenge. Or rather, trying to find a variety to the way I can style them. Any suggestions?

Always weekend casual

Outfit details Sheer tank and bandeau top via Buffalo Exchange, Levi's boyfriend jeans (old), wedges via TJ Maxx, and gifted earrings

Until this weekend, I thought sheer tops were out of my comfort zone. We've seen bloggers like Tieka and Kirstin pull it off effortlessly. So when I stumbled across this vintage-inspired polka dot tank at our local Buffalo Exchange, I was ready to take the plunge. This was a casual look for the weekend, slouchy boyfriend jeans and neon pink nail polish included.

Besides leaving my sartorial comfort zone, this weekend was spent enjoying the beautiful spring weather and friends. I also got to work on several projects I cannot wait to share here on Coffee and Cardigans. I'll be sharing the details later this week, along with the winners of the Turner and Pooch giveaway - so stay tuned!

Moral of the story? I am slowly falling in love with the sheer top trend, as risque as it might feel. Have you ever tried a trend that pushed you out of your comfort zone?

A place called Pinterest

Outfit details: Forever21 sweater and skirt, DIY ballet flats, and thrifted necklace

There are a million and one different places to find inspiration for outfits, hair and beauty ideas, decor, do-it-yourself projects, and the list could go on. And then there is Pinterest. I could throw away hours each day to scrolling through virtual pinboards. Yesterday's outfit was a result of "pinspiration!" I fell in love with this look, which originally came from blogger Annie of The Other Side of Gray, and I knew I had to recreate it.

I picked up this stripped pencil skirt from Forever21 a while back for dirt cheap - like most things at Forever21. The sweater too. Turns out, they were the perfect pair to recreate my Pinterest look. Add in my nude flats and a chunky necklace, and I had a simple variation of Annie's lovely look sans a bright neon color.

I am also linking up today with Simply Sarah for her first round of Pin-Off Be sure to look at some of the other Pinterest inspired outfits today at sarahsavvystyle.blogspot.com! Do you ever find outfit inspiration on Pinterest?

Personal style in retrospective

Has anyone ever asked you to describe your personal style? Would you be able to? I thought I could, until someone actually asked me to do so. I thought about this blog, about the many outfit pictures I’ve shared. But it didn’t give me the words I needed to describe my personal fashion choices. In the last six years, my wardrobe changed quicker than I could keep track of. Which makes the task of pinpointing my personal style difficult.

In retrospective, my personal style has changed drastically over the years. I am almost glad I didn't own a camera or understand the concept of blogging back then. Some of my clothing choices needed go somewhere far away and die. Of course, I am resurrecting them now with embarrassing photos.  I wore Aeropostale tee shirts, light-wash jeans, and flip-flops religiously during high school. It wasn't until junior year, as my pudgy teen body started to change, that I really began to care how I was dressing.

I started college two years ago, and from there, I traded my trusty GLO jeans for dark-washed skinnies and my flip flops for ballet flats and boots. Dresses and skirts found their way into my wardrobe. I had grown into a women with the confidence to take pride in her appearance. And I've never believed in sweatpants and UGGs outside of the house.

I have come a long way from my religious wearing of flared jeans, flip flops and baby-doll tops. These days, I look for pieces in feminine, figure-flattering styles. I live in a simplistic wardrobe built around basics and tend to focus on classic, versatile items that double for comfort. I'm also a sucker for simple accessories - long necklaces, belts, and classic wedges. That's Callie - circa 2012 - in a nutshell.

But then again, in the next two years, I’ll be leaving college behind and entering the professional work place. Which means another wardrobe shift in an entirely different direction. It's up to you guys to keep me away from white flip flops though, okay?

How has your personal style changed over the years? What do you think when you look back at old photos?