real simple



you know, sorting through piles of junk isn't everyones idea of fun but persistence can pay off.







take this skirt for example.
the j. peterman company - $3
i wish i knew the jaunty storyline that went with this skirt.












the skirt includes beautiful, box pleating, gorgeous, heavy linen fabric and deep pockets

paired with a crisp white shirt
leopard cardigan
black kitten heels

some days it's just real simple

today i need to not over think everything and keep it as simple as i can.

xo
janet

this outfit would def qualify for a $10 fashion challenge because the shirt and sweater were a gift but i think that may be cheating so i didn't.

51 comments

  1. Great combination, esp. with the lovely cardigan. You need to be pencil slim to carry off box pleats, and you do!

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  2. Utterly stunning. I would snap that up in two minutes flat. I love your clean simple style, can you rustle up a capsule collection? I'll buy every piece. The skirt is just utterly utterly perfect.

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  3. You look beautiful, Janet. You're so right, having a restricted budget is no excuse for not looking your best, in fact I think having limited finances enables us to dress more thoughtfully and creatively. x

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  4. 99 cent Donald Pliner shoes from thrift store last weekend. Alas the Cole Haan's were $6.
    ***************************
    Money ruins many landscapes.

    Poverty cycle improves many landscapes.

    And doesn't it seem beautiful gardens created in the poverty cycle have owners knowing how to have fun?

    A penny saved is a plant bought. So, I've been junking for decades.

    Garden & Be Well, XO T

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  5. That is a gorgeous outfit! I love that old Peterman catalog, and every once in a while I'll see something in a thrift store from them, but often the style is overwhelmingly 80s or 90s. I just realized when I googled them that they are still in business!

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  6. Beautifully feminine - I especially like the pockets. One of your best outfits ever Janet,I love it.

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  7. I love that skirt on you! You find the best things.

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  8. What a lovely silhouette, kind of casual classic Dior. Love how you paired the skirt with the leopard cardigan, beautiful!

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  9. very sweet! looks so Springy and warm there!!

    xojoan

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  10. I love what one can do with creativity and imagination and less money. My friend Ali dresses exclusively from thrifting and is the best dressed woman I know. I used to indulge in an occasional Faconable shirt. One day she complimented one of mine and the next time we met she had on an identical crisp, white shirt. Goodwill - $3. I have never looked at those shirts the same way again. Nor have I wasted any more money on them. I have changed my entire attitude about pre-owned things and I feel so much better about how I live.

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  11. What a great classic look. Where do you find our best buys? I just love your thrifty outfits.
    Traci

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  12. Wow Janet, such a great look, I would do it in a
    minute, love the white shirt and the overall simplicity of it. How do you get clean well fitting white shirt in a thrift store is beyond me. I cannot find a good one in retail stores! Love the cardi with it and jealous of your weather.

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  13. I love this. I don't think it's cheating to call it a $10 fashion challenge.
    That's it I've decided to set aside some time for thrifting, it must be thrilling when you find these things!

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  14. I love the whole outfit. You look fabulous!

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  15. Everything looks good on you Janet! The combination of the skirt & blouse have a vintage feel to it. I really like it. It makes you look very elegant.

    Happy day!

    Madelief x

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  16. This look is the "YOU" that I like the best . . . simple, classy, chic.

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  17. I LOVE this outfit on you, Janet. You look like a movie star from the 40s.

    Sue
    xo

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  18. Wonderful outfit! It suits you perfectly. I used to love the J. Peterman catalogs - such fun to read the stories that accompanied each piece. It really does look warm and springlike where you are. I'm jealous!

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  19. Janet: Love your "new" outfit and your delightful attitude! I've been thrifting it seems all my life but basically for used items, like furniture, housewares, pictures, etc. Since I've been following your blog, I've begun to look at the clothes, too. And I am happy to report that I have found some really nice things as well. Just last weekend I discovered a "Fossil" handbag for 8.00$ that my friend said usually sells for over 100.$! Also some nice tops/jackets for little cash from Talbots, Coldwater Creek, etc.

    Thanks for the encouragement.
    Regards,
    jean

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  20. Nothing in this world could ever look as fresh and crisp as khaki and white. Period.
    I love how chic this looks on you...you knock out!

    P.S. I need to not overthink today as well...so I won't if you won't. Deal?
    P.P.S. I won your Land's End dress...cannot wait to wear it!!!!

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  21. Stunning! I think this is my favorite outfit so far. I'm with you, lack of money is no excuse for dressing poorly.
    Style and/or good taste has nothing to do with wealth.
    If I saw you walking down the street, I would think you were royalty ;)
    Stop thinking! it usually doesn't help. Do you meditate? I try when I start running around in circles in my head. It helps.
    Have a wonderful day!
    Sincerely,
    Miranda
    SF Bay Area

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  22. Janet,
    You look terrific. I've been thinking about your weight loss post. You've always looked great, but your outfit today is elegant, simple and classic. Looks just right!

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  23. Lovely, ladylike and simple.
    You rock, Janet.
    xo, A

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  24. Absolutely lovely. You are absolutely classic.

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  25. Linen? I Love IT! I'd never take that skirt off, and wear it in the winter with some palazzo pants underneath, and maybe a bohemian belt on top. :D

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  26. I am blessed with awesome second hand stores like the Hospice thrift store, Cancer Society and Jr League thrift stores, where you can look like you stepped out of Vogue magazine or LLBean, for less than $10 for a dress, or $5 for slacks, blouses. Jr League tends to get upscale expensive clothes donated for sale. Have found some lovely linen skirts for $5, and Pendleton wool skirts for $7. Am so glad you noted your awesome buys.

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  27. Now the cute sweater really goes with that skirt. Love it . Smiles, Susie(She Junks)

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  28. Breath of fresh air.
    -Suzanne in Illinois

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  29. Great score on the J Peterman skirt. I like very much the simplicity of your choice of parings. Looks very feminine.

    BTW Jack Black has a new CD coming out soon...
    you might already know. I thought of you the instant I heard the news :)

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  30. One of my favorite looks - khaki and white...you look classic and chic!!

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  31. Love the entire look, but kudos to the person who gave you the leopard cardigan - I love it!

    Barbara

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  32. A beautiful skirt with deep pockets...sigh!

    You look fabulous!

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  33. janet....ditto to above comments. i adore your blog....you have style, class, and are one inspiring woman in so many ways. love the outfit!!!!
    monique

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  34. I love your entire outfit, Janet! The skirt is such a wonderful find...you do always find the most amazing items!

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  35. I adore this outfit. Simplicity at its best!

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  36. I am not surprised about your finds. I just want to know why your closets are not bulging! I am blessed/cursed with a few too many great thrift stores in the area and the uncanny ability to find something superb almost every time. So I have lovely clothes...but I have filled every closet in the house. And we have a lot of closets. Help!

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  37. anon - i'm hard at work putting together a closet post! glad you asked.

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  38. You remind me of Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday in this beautiful outfit. You look just like her in the scene where she's wearing a full circle skirt, white shirt and flats. Both of you have even rolled the sleeves the same way. As Leonardo Da Vinci said: Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication... Janelle McCulloch xx

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  39. You look gorgeous my friend!
    Happy Friday,
    T

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  40. Love that outfit. That is definitely something I would love to wear.

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  41. Janet...you look stunning as always! Isn't the J Peterman Co the one that the catalog used to be all water colored sketches in a small digest type catalog? Love your style...I just need to dig harder...I always seem to come away empty handed when it comes to finding clothes at thrift shops.
    xo
    annie

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  42. You look great, you are so right, you don't need to have a lot of cash to look good, but no matter what size you are or how much money you have it can't buy you style, class or taste! These skills need to be taught/learned, cultivated or inherited!

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  43. How flattering this outfit is! You have such a good eye for what is right on you. Nice to see all the greenery in the background, too, for all of us in NNE.

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  44. Great find and it looks wonderful on you. You're lucky to have a beautiful and terrifically-stocked Goodwill store there in Redlands. I was visiting in the area over the holidays and found a couple of neat things there myself... shop on!

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  45. You look like a LADY!
    Did you hear me sing that?
    pve

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  46. Love the skirt! Beautiful and classic.

    I got to meet the real J Peterman at one of his store opening in LA about 10 years ago. He was greeting people at the door. Sweet guy and charming. Looked nothing like the Seinfeld guy though..I didn't know they were still in business.

    Love your blog and you can make anything look lovely on you!

    Kim:)

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kindness is never out of style.

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