For those of us in the US, this is a short work week due to the 4th of July, which means I’m dressing fairly casually all week long. I may just show-up in sweats by the end of the week. Just kidding, just kidding (sort-of). In keeping with the shortened theme of the week, I’m keeping this post short and sweet; the only thing I’m not planning on cutting short are my naps and thrift shopping this weekend…and probably my consumption of red, white, and blue themed snacks.
Top: Forever 21 ($20)
Skirt: Anthropologie via consignment ($16 marked down from $88)
Shoes: DSW ($11 marked down from approx $70)
Long necklace: made it! (Michael’s charm was a $1)
Snake necklace: Nadri via Nordstrom Rack ($14 marked down from $50)
Bracelet: made it!
Watch: gift
Fashion Huntress tips:
1) I can’t say it enough, readers. I basically live for all things denim. I’ve found that the quality at both Gap and Forever 21 cannot be beat in terms of washing and wearing their denim tops countless times. The only thing I’ve noticed with Gap is that many of my button downs have shrunk up in the dryer, so it might be best to line dry them (unless you don’t mind them shrinking a little). I have not had this experience with Forever 21 tops. I also love finding various shades and styles of denim tops via thrift stores. Head straight to the “button down” section (if there is one), and look through the “blues,” as that is often where denim is stocked. Because denim is so durable, I generally find the tops in great conditions with no holes or tears, but do make sure to look over the entire top prior to purchasing. There always seems to be an endless stock of button downs from places like Gap, Express, J Crew, and Forever 21 at thrift shops with the tops generally costing about $3-$6.
2) I’ve been reading a lot about purchasing discounted gift cards online. I’m intrigued by this concept, but have not yet tried any of the sites. A couple that I am aware of are: https://www.raise.com/ and http://www.cardpool.com/ . Both sites enable visitors to sell and buy gift cards at a discount and guarantee their cards. Discounts vary from about 5%-35% off the purchase price of the gift card, thus enabling visitors to save at least a few dollars on each card you purchase. I think this option might be good for people who tend to shop at some of the same stores fairly regularly; you can always keep purchased gift cards on hand and use them when you are sale shopping and save even more between the purchasing of the gift card and the sale prices.
Does anyone have experience with purchasing discounted gift cards online? How has your experience been? Do you have any tips? Thanks so much for stopping by readers! I appreciate it so much!
the fashion huntress 
Skirt is amazing and that necklace is great too
Such a gorgeous skirt!
-Alex of http://snippetswithalex.com
HAHA I’m wearing a denim/chambray shirt too (Old Navy clearance from a couple years ago) you can see it (sort of) on my instagram!! Great minds to buy alike!
Such a gorgeous skirt!
I’ve used cardpool.com before to both sell and buy discounted gift cards. The higher discounts always seem to be on cards I don’t want, but it’s still kind of nice to get a few extra $$ to Nordstrom’s for nothing. One thing–I wouldn’t recommend buying a discounted card to give to someone else because they scratch off the code on the back, and the cards often look a little beat up (or they have a Christmas theme when your friend’s birthday is in July).
That’s a great point- I didn’t even think of that! Thanks for sharing!! And a great tip about Nordstrom too 🙂 even a few $$ for free works, right?! xo
Love that skirt with those shoes! ❤
This whole outfit is amazing!! The skirt is dainty, and I love the fact that you paired with a shoe that reads a little masculine!
That’s exactly what I was thinking!! The shoe is a little unexpected, I think! Thanks for sharing :)! xo
Love the shoes & denim jacket!! Just got one from Topshop the other day 🙂
X jenna
What a gorgeous outfit! I love it! I love the blues and white design on the skirt, and the shoes are super fun.
I’m loving all the blue pieces! Perfect for this week!
I just love everything about this! Your clothes, your pose, your creativity. Groovy girl 😉 xxx
Oh, Melissa, another outfit I am falling in love with!!! I am going to start throwing out and getting new. YOU are my inspiration!!! Thank you SO much! Love, Amy
I love the pattern of the skirt! 🙂
I nominated you for the Fashionista Award! http://lifelovelindsey.wordpress.com/
~Lindsey~
Wow!! Thank you so much!! I really appreciate and love your blog!! Xo
Your welcome and thank you! I love your blog, too! 🙂
I am in love with the skirt it’s amazing x
Pretty outfit 🙂 xx
http://www.sweetcandydreamer.com
Loving the chambray shirt. Old Navy has some great button-ups too! I bought one with tiny polka dots on it last fall that I absolutely adore.
Ooo! I’ll have to look there- thanks!!
Love it 😀 the length and flair of that skirt is awesome!!
The skirt is amazing (how I love anthropologie!), but I love the details in your handmade jewelery! 😀
And I totally need a denim shirt… like stat!
-Rebecca
Idealism never goes out of fashion
http://mn2nz.wordpress.com
Wow Melissa you look stunning! I really love this skirt and looking at you I think I should wear more skirts at this upcoming Summer:)))
Gorgeous, gorgeous skirt and great styling to go with it. If anyone could make sweatpants look good, it would be you!!
that skirt is so pretty, I love it, looks great on you!
http://www.littleprettymess.com
Instagram @littleprettymess
https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/7279767
denim shirt is great!
Oh fun skirt!! Love the pattern and flare of it. I haven’t bought discounted gift cards but I keep reading about them. It sounds like it could be a great idea for stores that you frequent but something has held me back from doing it… Let me know if you do.
Xo, Jackie
http://www.stylemydreams.wordpress.com
Will do!! xo
LOVE LOVE the skirt!!!
Super cute!
Cute skirt! Love the look! Have a great “short” week and a happy 4th of July! xx..Cortneybre..
http://cortneybre.com
That skirt is amazing! I’ve been really impressed with the my denim button down by Lucky brand. I grabbed it at marshall’s and love it.
XO
PS. Girl I have a question for you! Can you shoot me an email- Katie@CharmingCityStyle.com 🙂
Hmm, I like Lucky a lot but don’t have a denim top (yet!), I’ll need to check them out!! xo
Adore this look !!! The skirt .. The boots .. All looks so great together !
Absolutely love this gorgs picture!
Thanks for the denim and card tips, all!! xo
But those shoes…that that skirt!!