November 27, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Frugal



Mustard jeans outfits so far

I know, I know. You're probably sick of seeing these mustard jeans and I have to admit, I am too! Sometimes I daydream about what it would be like to have something new to wear every single day because fashion blogging would be so much easier if that were the case. But I can't imagine living that life (I'm crazy amounts of frugal, don't like things to go unused and could never get past the guilt), so on this website you get to see these jeans and other favorites on repeat often. ;-) As much as I've already worn them, I couldn't resist pairing them with a favorite polka dot shirt from a couple years ago. I love navy and mustard together, and I wore this outfit last week to shoot two segments on Great Day St. Louis (airing soon). If you could wear something brand new everyday, would you? Or do you prefer re-wearing old favorites?

Navy blazer: Gap, $75 (similar)
Shirt: J.Crew, $45
Jeans: UnionBay c/o Kohl's, $23 (similarsimilarsimilarsimilarsimilar)
Shoes: c/o Nine West, $62
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $79

91 comments:

  1. love this color combination and I do prefer old favorites!

    amy
    Leopard and Lillies

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  2. Maybe to events.. like dresses.. I would like to wear different all the time.. but don't you fall in love with clothes... because I know I do.. I'll never take back some of my great finds at Anthropologie that were on sale.. I'll re-wear them forever!

    www.blondeebrittany.blogspot.ca

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  3. I just got a pair of mustard jeans from Forever 21. The jeans there at the moment they are fitting me so well! I paid just £11.65 for them, they are called essential skinny twill pants in mustard...hoping my cost per wear will be as good as yours. I'm thinking of pairing mine with a white and navy striped top, brown boots and gold jewellery. Thanks for the round up of what to wear with mustard jeans, don't stop wearing them...!

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  4. Hi J!!!... This is my first time commenting in your blog. I follow you from Norway and you have very good ideas here. I do love the combination of mustard trousers and black polka dot, but I guess what I don't love that much about the outfit is the tank top you wore underneath, maybe a black one would give this outfit a little bit more elegance, tucking the shirt and adding a nice belt. Also i would wear darker shoes, probably black and would wear this outfit for a meeting with clients or for after work drinks. Anyway, this is just my opinion (maybe suggestion), but kudos to you for putting this outfit together... very classy :)

    Cheers!

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  5. I still love those pants! I'm a really bad re-wearer (as in I do it wayyyy too frequently). Although I'd love new clothes, I'd probably just do the same thing with them.

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  6. I think I'm so used to be frugal at this point I would have a hard time wastefully wearing something new each day!  

    Although I have seen those pants on the blog a lot, every time I think they're such a great versatile color denim.  Eight great outfits, why haven't I bought them yet? Ha. 

    Michelle
    kiwilace.blogspot.com

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  7. That's a good question.  I think I will always want new things all the time to wear, but being frugal myself, I like to re-work and remix old favorites.  Great looks with the mustard jeans!  Heather

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  8. I'm also very frugal so I re-wear my basica a LOT. I like it that way though, b/c it makes purchasing something to really think about and not just buy whatever seems cool at that moment.I love your mustard skinnies! WIshing I had a few more pairs now that winter is here and my dresses and skirts are just not warm enough!

    www.beautyandbows.com

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  9. "Sometimes I daydream about what it would be like to have something new to wear every single day...".

    Wow, seriously? Did you not learn anything in Africa? What a waste:(

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  10.  Wow, seriously? Did you never learn how to pick up intonation online?

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  11. Ooo this is one of the best questions that have been raised in a long time. In my fantasy world, there would be a place that would allow you to borrow clothes the same way you borrow library books. That way, I'd be able to try every trend once, but still get to keep the things I love. Think sisterhood of the traveling pants, jackets, shoes, dresses, .... you get it :)

    Kate @ A Journey in Style

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  12. The top left picture of the White shirt with Black polka dots paired with the cardigan and belt is my favorite with these jeans.  I always re-work/wear my clothes.  No money to purchase new and I have to get good use out of what I do purchase.  I am always looking for new ways to wear things so they don't look the same.

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  13. Getting dressed in something new every day just sounds like a lot of work. At least with my favorites, I can just throw on stuff that I know works together. I love nice clothes, but I don't want to spend forever trying to figure out what to put on in the mornings. That's why I actually like seeing you use the same pieces over again. That way I can put a little bit different spin on the stuff I wear all the same.

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  14. I could always go with something new, but there is something to be said for a tried and true oldie!
    Kristin

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  15. I'm actually doing a blog series right now called The Closet Project (http://editbylauren.com/the-closet-project-week-1/), where I am vowing to not buy anything new, but instead create outfits with what I already own.....it's been SUPER hard to work with what I have during this awesome shopping season! : )  But definitely a good lesson about how to be frugal and creative. Love coming here for all the inspiration!

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  16. Every time you wear these mustard jeans it just makes me want them more.

    But I, too, am frugal and have too many clothes already.  It's closet a mixing winter for me!

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  17. I have a bunch of clothes I wear rarely, because I need them for events for politics and they really just don't fit into my daily lifestyle right now! It's like I get a brand new wardrobe to play with when I'm going to events, which is really nice to have because it gives me a nice confidence boost before going into the fray. I stock up on dresses during the big sale seasons (hello, 200$ dress for 20$!).

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  18. Wow! You have used them a lot! I love that you do multiple use wear on your pieces. It's much more realistic and it's fun to see how many different styles you can come up with. Like you,  I keep dreaming for a day when I have dispensable cash laying around ;)

    http://fashionedible.blogspot.com

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  19. i like this polka dot look!

    http://theworkette.blogspot.com/

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  20. It would be "la bella vita" if it were possible to wear something new every single day, but I'm with you on this one - it'd be wasteful and I probably wouldn't enjoy it because I'd feel guilty about all the other things I could be doing with that money. Plus, I still love some pieces that I bought five years ago! I'd be sad not to wear them ever again.

    www.whenwewander.blogspot.com

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  21. nothing wrong with that. you're getting good use of the jeans. work it, flaunt it, show it. who cares what people think! I still need to buy a pair of those too! :-)

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  22. Not sure where the disconnect is, because that's exactly my point in this post. Wearing something new everyday would be EASY. But I can never bring myself to do it for moral and frugal reasons. 

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  23. Thanks Maria, the shirt is actually a light navy color though (not black)!

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  24. Thanks Victoria!! I have never been one to care too much what others think, however, there is a lot of pressure being a fashion blogger to have something new every single day. I feel like I'm always re-wearing the same stuff and that it is boring - if only I would accept the freebies offered to me or go shopping more often, then my blog would be more popular. But I'm also one to never let peer pressure get to me, so frugal I have always been and frugal I will always stay. :-)

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  25. Yes! Exactly my sentiments. I hate feeling wasteful, and old favorites have a nice familiarity to them.

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  26. I think it's awesome that you wear them so much! I think it's important to get as much use out of your clothes as possible - they're like investments.

    I love the way you wear your blazers, but I have been unsuccessful in finding ones I really love (they are so expensive!). I finally purchased a Banana Republic blazer on sale (I would link it, but it's sold out), but I'm thinking about returning it because it's so long - I worry I look like I'm from the 90s! How would you recommend wearing a longer-style blazer? (It fits properly, it's just the style of the blazer for it to be longer).

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  27. one of the reasons i love your blog is because you AREN'T constantly buying/wearing new things, but instead showing us how to style different looks with what you have!  so, no, i'm not sick of the mustard jeans--i love seeing all of the different looks!  :)

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  28. Check out this post with 10 outfits using a black boyfriend blazer, which should be about the same length as your blazer? Hopefully this helps! http://www.jseverydayfashion.com/2011/01/flashback-friday-black-boyfriend-blazer.html

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  29. oh man, I would love it to wear just a few favorite items everyday on repeat.  When you wear something you love you just feel better about the day!  I have Black skinny jeans, boots, and a chambray top that would be my go-to outfit every. single. day. if it was socially acceptable :)

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  30. Love polka dots. Not sure if I could want to wear something new everyday. I like that you show things that you have worn before because that's reality. I like how you mix it up and show different combinations.

    Agi:)

    vodkainfusedlemonade.wordpress.com

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  31. You wear your mustard jeans so well I finally caved and bought a pair myself. :)  I prefer to wear things about 3 times and then never wear them again for at least several years, except for a good cardi, which can tolerate endless use and combinations.  Anyway, that would be how I'd do it in my perfect world.

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  32. Don't stop wearing this jeans. It looks faboulous on you!

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  33. Haha love it Amanda! I love repeating outfits, too!

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  34. It's too bad that you have to use something good (like J's willingness to go serve in Africa) into something to bash her.  If you're concerned about waste, stop wasting time leaving negative comments, and go serve somewhere yourself.  Then you can nitpick all your own words and actions to make sure they aren't "wasteful".

    J, I love this blog because you do feature a pair of pants 12 times.   I mean, when I buy a pair of pants, I wear them once a week.  I appreciate a more realistic/frugal approach to fashion for those of us who don't do fashion for a living. 

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  35. A lot of my favorite outfits of yours consist of those mustard jeans! They look absolutely amazing. I love to see all of the combinations you come up with in these :)

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  36.  I actually have to agree on the shoes - I'd wear your gray boots have on in one of the pictures below. You can pull off any look and look great, but I think with the gray boots this outfit would be my favorite yet of the mustard jeans! I want a pair but have obscenely muscular calves, so skinnies look weird on me.

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  37. I love that you wear these jeans often. It shows how versatile the right pieces can be. For me, it's a pair of red skinny jeans. They go with almost everything in my closet.

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  38. You have no idea how timely this is!  I have been searching high and low for a navy polka dot blouse which I saw on Pinterest and have found absolutely nothing acceptable!  THANK YOU!!!!

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  39. This has to be my favourite colour combination with your mustard pants. That's what's fun about style, the chance to mix it up!

     the blackbird blogging.

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  40. I love that you rewear your items. I haven't tired of seeing these mustatrd pants eithers. Actually makes me want a pair for myself.

    xo,
    Tiffany
    http://shoeschampagne.blogspot.com

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  41. Megan, the funny thing is I was thinking about Africa when I wrote this post. :-) It's also interesting that bloggers who are wearing (no joke) a new designer purse 7 days a week are not called out. I've come to understand that by speaking up and identifying myself as someone who cares has put a target on my back. Bloggers with new designer stuff everyday are okay, because they have never indicated that they care. But I have, so now I will be held to that standard. Which I'm totally okay with. You guys keep me honest and I like that. :-)

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  42. Love this new outfit with the mustard jeans! I think its great that you can find so many new ways to wear them :) and the navy polka dot shirt is a classic!

    http://designerinteal.blogspot.com

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  43. I def dream of the day when I can wear new clothes every day! But I do hVe old favorites I love too much to part with!

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  44. I just bought mustard skinnys at a great small business boutique sale on Sat and I was searching your website for ideas and with this post you did all the work for me, thx! I am glad to see you wear a favorite like this again and again in different ways

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  45. I feel best when wearing something new, so, new everyday would be fine with me!

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  46. I agree. J, repeating outfits is probably one of the primary reasons people love your blog & identify with you.

    As for personally repeating outfits, I like a mix of both. If I'm going out, ideally, I don't want to repeat an outfit.  But then there are some outfits that just fit so amazingly well compared to other outfits that they deserve a repeat. As far as casual/every day stuff, I can't fathom never repeating an outfit because my bedroom would just explode with clutter from all the clothes I have. Plus there's nothing like a perfectly worn in sweater.

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  47. People always say to me that they never see me wear the same thing twice & that I must spend a fortune on clothes. The truth

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  48. Heather @ ThisLifeIsYoursNovember 27, 2012 at 3:03 PM

    love it, i wore navy polka dots today too!!

    check out how i wore it...
    www.ThisLifeIsYours.com
    xo - heather

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  49. Great post, J! I really love those mustard jeans on you.  I actually hit up Kohl's to try and find a pair for myself, but I couldn't find them =(  I really love how you styled all those outfits, my favorite look is actually the very last one on the right! I guess people tend to re-wear pieces because of comfort? If I could have a choice, I'd wear brand new pieces, as long as they were comfortable =)

    http://sensiblestylista.blogspot.com/

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  50. As a stay at home mom of two small children who LOVES fashion, I love the fact that you wear the same jeans over and over! Because no matter how many times you wear them, it never looks the same to me! This is something that I try to achieve, since I still want to look nice but have to keep the spending in check. Thank you for inspiring me to challenge my closet and get the best out of my wardrobe.

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  51. That's just how it goes.  Keep doing what you're doing.  "Never grow weary in doing good."  You add a little bit of joy to my life each day, and I'm sure others feel the same.  

    Can't wait to see you on Great Day St. Louis...that's where I live!  

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  52. I'm a dedicated daily reader (although I never comment!), but on this I just had to say that's what I love about you! It's so refreshing and *awesome* to see a fashion blogger that deals with a reality budget and wears attainable pieces! And I don't think I'll ever get tired of the mustard jeans (c; Fantastic as always, J! 

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  53. Love the blazer and how you get the most out of one pair of jeans!

    Monica from Fashion Koketi 

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  54. I love this look J! It's probably my favorite of the bunch. I also love how you take pieces in your wardrobe and re-work them into new outfits with new pieces. It gets my mind working into how I can do the same. Plus, that's how we can get the most for our money, and we SHOULD be wearing pieces until they get too worn. I can't tell you how many items in my closet still have tags on them... no good!

    - Courtney Cartier
    www.415bond.blogspot.com

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  55. I love seeing the same items over and over, it just goes to show how versatile your clothing is!  I appreciate it as well, because it helps me create new looks!  I always look to you for inspiration.

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  56. While I would love to wear a new outfit everyday - thats not possible! So - its nice to have inspiration from people like you who help me make old pieces seem new again by reinventing them based on current trends. Thanks for providing the style and creativity I lack!

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  57. One of the reasons I love your blog is because you DO wear the same things often. That's reality-and there is no shame in it. You help me to think of how I can mix up what I already have.

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  58. I am so happy to see you wearing the same items in different ways - it is so helpful to me!  I keep hoping your good sensibilities will rub off on me!

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  59. Honestly, I dont know how you do it! But you do - make every outfit look totally new!

    xo, Courtneygirlavantgarde.com

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  60. I am not sick of them, I love them!  You look adorable in every outfit.

    creamyclothes.blogspot.com

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  61. Honestly, I think it's super refreshing to see you utilize the same items in different ways! It gives me hope and confidence everyday when I look at my closet and hope to do the same! Keep doing what you're doing girl! You're fabulous! 

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  62. I love revisiting old outfits and using different pieces multiple times... for some reason it just feels good and very self assured. And I'm still loving those mustard pants of yours so don't quit wearing them! :)

    Cassiethriftthick.blogspot.com 

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  63. I really like wearing my favorite clothes again. I think it makes so much more sense. There are  many people with so little and it seems so excessive not to re-wear things. I enjoy your blog because you mix things and make new outfits and you shop sensibly!

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  64. I like the mustard jeans, but it seems like you have been a bit obsessed with them. I do like this outfit too, but maybe pairing a nude or navy tank top under the sheer top? The white is a bit distracting. But I LOVE that top, I wish I would have scooped it up myself!

    -AJ
    FitTravelerAJ.blogspot.com

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  65. I definitely go through moments where I want to wear a new outfit everyday, and other times when I re-wear a favourite to death.  All in all, there are some wardrobe pieces that I wear more than others, which I think would happen even if I had the privilege of wearing a new outfit everyday.

    coverupchic.blogspot.ca

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  66. I really can't say anything on this, because I've been obsessed with a long sleeve mustard cardigan which I wear as often as I can.  Actually, I do tend to favor certain items - like that cardigan, a pair of teal and a pair of red cords, a cream blouse, a navy pencil skirt, etc.  I reach for these items every week.  Nothing wrong with a little obsession. 

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  67.  I love the look of navy and mustard together, and I never would have known burgundy and mustard look great together too if I hadn't stumbled across your blog!

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  68. I really love the look of these jeans. I recently purchased a pair of mustard cords so will definitely be using this as inspiration. I could only wish I had an unlimited budget for clothing shopping but I barely wear all the clothes I do have since I tend to gravitate towards the same outfits or pieces. Starting a blog has inspired me to shop my closet more but I am still guilty of wearing the same five pieces over and over again until they start to fall apart. Bigger budget will never change that.

    Taima
    www.taimata.com

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  69. Here's a picture of this shirt with a white cami underneath! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=525934097432331&set=a.324855397540203.100240.120030604689351&type=3&theater

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  70. I like to think "real" people wear their clothes multiple times. That's what I have to do and one of the things I love most about your blog is how you keep it "real" for "everyday" people.  While I don't own mustard jeans, I love seeing all the different ways you wear yours and coordinate them.  It gives me ideas on how to wear and use different colors that I have it my wardrobe multiple ways.  THANK YOU for what you do and please keep blogging.  I look forward to reading your blog "everyday!" : )

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  71. In case my admiration for you weren't already excessive enough, this has taken it to an entirely new level... J, you are fabulous. (Hopefully this comes off as flattering and not creepy.)

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  72. This made me laugh and I appreciate it. Thanks Kate.

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  73. Although I'm not (fortunately) at the poverty level myself, even those women who ARE............ (and I've visited clients who are so poor;  and who live so remotely up in these Allegheny Mountains - which are part of the Appalachian Mountain Range - that I had to, amazingly, climb UP through thick, forested land to even get TO an almost-hidden front door)............ have their own *daydreams*, too............ i.e., daydreams that are sometimes beyond the Essential Basics of food/shelter/clothing/health care.    (Daydreams that are VERY similar to, "Sometimes I daydream about what it would be like to have something new to wear every single day, because fashion blogging would be so much easier if that were the case"!!)    

    Maybe what I'm trying to say is that............ even the very most-impoverished women in Appalachia or over in Africa............ also have their daydreams, too............ i.e., just as we, (as their fellow women), do.    And THEIR specific daydreams~~just like OUR specific daydreams~~are not, frankly, always entirely realistic either;  but their and our daydreams, if MODIFIED............ *can* often become real............ e.g., just as (some of, but not all of) my own daydreams have - with hard work - become genuinely real, throughout my own Lifetime!!

    Henry David Thoreau said, "Friends.... they are  *k.i.n.d.*  to each other's hopes and they  *c.h.e.r.i.s.h.*  each other's dreams."    For the word "Friends," I think you could also meaningfully SUBSTITUTE the words............ "The Worldwide Sisterhood Of Women," too!!    *Y.O.U.*, J., are kind to your READERS' and to your CLIENTS' fashion hopes............ and you also cherish your READERS' and your CLIENTS' fashion dreams, too!!   

    'Great outfit today:  *w.o.n.d.e.r.f.u.l.*  blogpost about being frugal............ (and also GREAT Blog/Facebook Readers' Comments, too)!!

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  74. I'm torn, something new would be great since I'm still slowly trying to get rid of my clothes from high school. But I think I'd miss my favorites if I wore something new every day. And I still really like those mustard jeans.
    kendrrat
    kendrrat.blogspot.com

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  75. Love those mustard jeans...looking adorable!

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  76. It takes creativity, courage and planning to rewear clothes like everyday women. It would be easy, like a store mannequin, to wear whatever anyone gives you or sponsors, but it would also be less real. Good on you!

    Could you try a navy tank under that shirt sometime? That tank is very noticeable on camera, like a big bra strap taking away from a classy dress.

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  77. This outfit is great! Rock those mustard jeans and don't be sorry. The only thing I wish you did was wear a dark camisole underneath, instead of the white one. Overall, I think the look would be super polished with this addition! 

    Love your blog!

    D

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  78. Love love love this! might be one of my new faves!
    work-it-blog.blogspot.com

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  79. I'm loving this outfit! I may have to try this tomorrow :)

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  80. I got mustard jeans today because of you! Can't wait to wear them! :)

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  81. Keep wearing the mustard jeans! I'm a new following and the first thing I did was go buy those exact jeans and they are my favorite purchase of the fall.  I can't wear them enough,so I love seeing all the ways you style them.  Love you're blog! 

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  82. LOVE how you show us how to use a basic and pair it with a dozen other looks.  REALLY helps me get out of my fashion rut.  Thanks for all you do!  

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  83. I LOVE that you show multiple outfits with the same pieces. That is the #1 reason I follow your blog, and that your style is similar to mine. I am super frugal as well. I love knowing that I won't be wasting my money on a pair of colored jeans because I have seen how many different ways you can wear them  :) 

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  84. I like the mustard jeans! They are stylish, yet not too harsh for those who are more conservative. Also, I just saw a similar polka blouse online at Charlotte Russe.

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  85. Still love the mustard pants! They look great and they're super versatile :)

    XO Nat
    [nat in love]

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  86. I find myself gravitating towards my closet favorites regardless of new items being there.  Something about the comfort and fit of favorite pieces!  I love to shop but I would rather have my favorites on rotation than a new piece everyday (my bank account loves it too)!

    http://thethreadaffect.com

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  87. I've really been considering purchasing a pair of mustard colored jeans and after seeing a girl walk into the store I work at dressed adorably in mustard jeans and then this post... I think that's all the convincing I need! :)

    Anestazia
    http://yourworkistodiscoveryourworld.blogspot.com/
    http://www.pinterest.com/abrace04/

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  88. I would absolutely wear something new every day if I could. I avoid repeats for as long as possible, remix my wardrobe as much as I can, and yes, when I have spare money or gift cards or whatnot, chances are I'll buy something wardrobe-related. I love clothes and I love novelty. I get so sick of pieces when I wear them again and again, it's like I never want to see them again!

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  89. I would love to wear this black doted blazer . its awesome

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