Bandeau - Appropriate or not?

So in the past few years Bandeau's have become more and more popular in fashion. 

I remember my mom bought me my first bandeau like 5 years ago (before they were popular) from this really random store and I remember saying "Mom. That is so weird, why wouldn't I just wear a cami?" 

I live to bite my tongue on that one. It came in handy so often even before it was 'trending'. 

It was great when I wanted to cover up but was already wearing a strappy tee or a strapless top. 

Now Bandaus are worn under sheer shirts, high waisted shorts, high waisted skirt, even as bathing suit tops!

Top: $19 Riverisland

Skirt: $74 GeneralPants

Flats: $14 Myhotshoes 

So I came across a super cute bathing suit top that is originally from Target but I found it at my local thrift store (tags still attached) for $2 (originally 17). 

It was a L but I am one to never shy away from what the size label says so I tried it on. 

It was super cute and gave great coverage -- if you know what I mean ;)

So here is my question to you all. Is it okay to wear this bathing suit top with a high skirt and a cardigan or is it inappropriate?

Apologies for low quality picture taking abilities. My macbook can only do so much!

I personally think it is 100% okay but then again I wear a lot of things that most people probably wouldn't imagine wearing even in a dream. 

It almost is like a 'bustier' top -- which by the way are SO IN right now.

shoplesnouvelles.com

http://lusttforlife.com/

So what are your thoughts, yes or no? If yes, what kind of settings would make it appropriate/inappropriate

Click here to leave a comment.

Zig Zag Pop

Hello beauties :) 

These pictures were actually taken in December believe it or not

 by Arlina Rose Photography

Extreme Close Up :)

When I originally found this dress it was a little too long and a wee bit big but the price tag was just right! So I snatched up this vintage find by All That Jazz from my local Goodwill.

I found the adorable blue Rocket Dog shoes at a Goodwill during one of my trips to Texas! 

I absolutely love the texture and patterns that this outfit brings, it is so fun and makes me feel like a rule breaker.

Dress: $7 All That Jazz @ Goodwill

Shoes: $9 Rocket Dog @ Goodwill

The Daily {New Feature}

Finally there is Instagram for Droid!!

Since I am doing posts every Wednesday 

I will be snapping pics {of the other days of the week} with instagram everyday!

Follow me!!

Username: Kaylasjoy

{Preview of what outfit posts will look like on instagram}

also expect to see random artsy pictures & food deliciousness

Hope to see you via instagram :)

Versatility

I am finally home sweet home and looking forward to the 15 thrift stores my town has to offer. 

To start off this amazing trip home I just got notified that I have been nominated for the Versatile Blogger Awards by Vicky from Octoberchic.com

Thank you so much, I feel so honored and I am smiling like a school girl!

The VB Awards ask that I share 7 Fun Facts about myself 

as well as provide a list of 15 wonderful blogs that I swoon over.

Kayla Facts-O-Fun:

1. I think the prices at Goodwill are horribly expensive

 and only go when there are sales. 

2. I have a strange obsession with carrots

 and eat probably an entire bag every day. 

3. I have Celiac Disease 

(apparently Miley Cyrus does too - anyone else read the yahoo article on it?)

4. I absolutely HATE shopping for jeans & shorts

5. I am a somewhat fitness junkie and love working out and eating clean

6. I love Jesus Christ

7. I used to want to be a Pastry Chef -- Oh the irony.

Swoon Worthy Blogs

(the first 11 will be fashion, last 5 will be random assortment)
I couldn't pick just 15!

New Dress a Day
I probably owe all of my 'blog' success to this girl. She got me hooked on thrift shopping and showing that you can still look great without breaking the bank. Constantly wowing me with new creations, I will always love this blog.

A Beautiful Mess

Lovely fashion, DIY, baking, craft, funky blog of LIFE! 

I aspire to be like her.

Lust for Life

Olivia has captured the perfect way to wear feminine, lacy, and high heels

Restyle. Restore. Rejoice

Francesca is a fellow budget friendly fashionista!

I know her personally and she is great with DIY & Fashion projects!

Sea of Shoes

Sea. Of. Shoes -- need I say more?

The Glamourai

This blog is where I drool over $400 clothing delicacies. 

Kelly Framel provides a blog that is like

 flipping through a gorgeous magazine of fashion wonder. 

This Time Tomorrow

Krystal shows how to do fierce, untraditional business wear. 

She also puts together everyday outfits that are fantastic!

These Days

Jade is a sewing goddess! 

She sews a lot of her clothes and they always look stunning and flawless

5 Inch and Up

Beautiful outfit updates 

that make me wish I didn't hate spending a lot of money.

Always providing inspiration to fellow fashion fans.

Cupcakes and Cashmere

With home, how to's, fashion and DIY what else could you want?

Such a deliciously perfect blog.

Fashion Toast

Beautiful outfits always

Beccasfitlife

Becca is an amazing inspiration for working out and lifting!

Riiaeatsright

This girl knows her stuff! 

She makes awesome vegan recipe's and is a health enthusiast!

She also takes awesome pics of her meals that look pro.

Nom Nom Nom Paleo

Delicious, healthy, and amazing recipes

Healthful Pursuit

If you have any food allergies or food specifications, this lady has a recipe for you that you are going to love.

The Clothes Make The Girl

Delicious recipes that feed the soul, and don't fight the pant size

I was so shocked when I found out I had been nominated, and it honestly meant the world and a half to me. 

So many of these blogs are immensely successful and I look up to each individual blogger for inspiration and motivation. 

Through fashion and fitness these blogs provide a great encyclopedia for all of my inquiries. 

Rules When Awarded (if you want to):

1. Thank award-giver & link to them in post

2. Share 7 things about yourself

3. Pass this award along to 15 recently discovered blogs you enjoy

4. Contact the bloggers and let them know about the award.

The Choice to Pack Nothing

Thrift or Go Naked.

This Spring Break I am going to Texas and than visiting my home town. 

As I am beginning to pack and cannot think of what to bring 

(due to weather being so up and down.)

This lead to me thinking of a possibly horrible  awesome idea!!

What if I only pack things I NEED like my delicates, some shoes, pair of jeans, shorts, and a few basics. 

And everything I wear has to be thrifted during my trip?? 

This could be potentially dangerous seeing as sometimes I don't find anything when thrifting. 

What do you guys think??

I could blog all week about my finds/failures and give little pics of what is up!

Please leave a comment with your thoughts!! 

Dress for Four

So last weekend my mother came to visit and we spent the weekend in Los Angeles. 

What did we do you ask?

Thrifted!!

I made a list of some Thrift Stores all located near each other in LA and we spent hours looking through the racks! (so much fun)

This blue dress (originally from Forever 21) cost me $4!

I absolutely loved the fabric used and the color! 

Im still in shock that it was only $4!

We found such a awesome hotel in Los Angeles!

The Figueroa Hotel

It was so beautiful, I wanted to make it my apartment, the decor was absolutely stunning!

 The first night we experienced a luxurious dinner at Flemings.

1. The service was fantastic

2. They had a GF menu (yayyayayya!)

3. Their 'small platters' are definitely enough food for one person

4. This was a 'virgin' drink. 

It was such a great day/night spent with my momma :)

Thrifting for the Win! 

Paisley Paradise

This week is going to be hectic for me so I wanted to give you a fashion packed post today!

(because I may not post again for a few days.. maybe next Monday)

Style Tip: If the dress is long, make them shoes high! 

Skirt (made dress): BP Nordstrom Clearance $15

Vest: Target Super Clearance $3 (twas a XL)

Wedges: Love Culture ~$17

Elephant Necklace: Plato's Closet $8

Belt: Thrifted (used a plenty in past posts)

 Arlina Rose Photography

 Further exploration into my 'fashion tip'

The reason I say long dress = high shoes is because {being 5'2} when skirts, dresses, shorts etc. go past your knee you start to look very scrunched and overtaken by the item. 

Don't let your clothes wear you -- show them who is boss and work together :)

-x-x-x-

I absolutely love this outfit it is a go-to when I need to be semi-casual/dressy. 

Ps: can you imagine how long of a skirt this would have been on me! 

When I tried it on at Nordstrom as a dress one of the workers was flabbergasted by the fact that you could wear a skirt as a dress! 

I was taken-aback by the fact that she had never done it before!

Outfit Total: $43

Worn 5+ times

=$8.6 per wear

(it could actually be seen as cheaper considering I wear all the items with various other outfits!)

7 Dollar Victory

Shoes: Urban Outfitters Clearance $7

Top: Curio (vintage) Free due to store credit

Shorts: Wet Seal $.01 (I am serious)

Business Babes

On one of my previous posts I got a comment asking for some looks

 for the regular business day. 

I personally only own one or two pencil skirts and usually wear them to interviews and other business situations. 

BUT 

Refinery29 recently did an amazing article on how to spice things up in the office!

(why yes, Refinery29 is where the blog competition is where you can vote for me!)

I am going to share a few of their photo's 

and also include the link so you can read for yourself!

Here are 3 of the looks out of 8 that I found the most inspiring for a business setting. 

Similar Jacket: here and here

Similar Shoes: here and here

Similar purse: here

similar skirt: here

I really liked the pops of color!

For those working in the 9-5 that are realizing most of their wardrobe is blue, white and black my advice is to go out and buy a few bold colored business basics. 

Business Basic:

Classy Comfortable Heels

Coat

Pencil Skirt

Blouses

Pencil Skirts, Blouses, and Shoes are always in thrift stores. 

There are always pencil skirts that are bright colors, patterned, and all different lengths!

A really good blog that always wears amazing business appropriate clothing is: 

This Time Tomorrow

  

Shimmering Shoe Showdown

Shirt/Dress: Orig. Moda International; Bought at Curio (Size XXL) 

Remember my thrift tip: Don't be afraid to try on random sizes

Todays Feature: Shoe Showdown!

I decided to show you all how you can dress up/dress down a outfit just by a simple shoe change.

What one do you like better?

VS

VS 

Boots:  Ross        Wedges: Kohls; Candies

Accessories: 

Red Arrow Belt: Thrifted (.50)

Arrow-Head Earrings: Forever 21

There are actually both earrings in this one ear! 

Since my hair was all to one side 

I decided to only wear a stud on that side and double up the arrowheads!

Tights: Forever 21

I loved the way the tights glistened in this photo!

I absolutely adored wearing these tights! 

They were funky and out of my usual comfort zone! 

Consider that comfort zone broken;  2012 is all about dressing to please myself 

and to have fun with patterns and color!

(anyone willing to take this carefree clothing challenge with me?)