Fancy Pants

American Apparel t-shirt, thrifted pants and flats,
Gap denim jacket, Forever 21 earrings

I like to think of these as my "Audrey Hepburn" pants. I feel dressed up and glamourous even I wear them with a t-shirt and denim jacket. Red shoes and elegant earrings definitely help, too. I'd been searching for the perfect pair of black high-waisted crop pants for awhile and was so happy to find a perfect-fitting pair at Savers for $7. Come to think of it, these flats are from Savers, too. If you haven't been there yet, I highly recommend it. I usually recommend Savers to new thrifters here in Austin because it's so organized and clean. Some people even consider it to be the department store of thrift stores. I don't know how much I agree with that, but just know that it's almost always my first stop when I thrift. If you're interested in checking it out, read my post about thrifting at Savers that I wrote a couple of months ago.

Mint Green

Lulu*s dress from the TxSC clothing swap, Forever 21 earrings, Banana Republic flats

Today is my day off! I have so many errands that I've been avoiding, but I'm hoping to be super productive today. Even if I don't get everything done, at least I'll make a dent in my long list.

One of the things I need to do ASAP is buy a new computer. I'm currently using Matt's computer because my last three computers died. It all started in December when I dropped the HP laptop I'd had for over three years and completely broke the screen. I borrowed Matt's mini laptop for about a month, but then one day, the operating system was gone. I have no idea what I did wrong. Matt was nice enough to let me borrow his old laptop from a couple of years ago, but it's on the brink of death. It's no wonder he's freaking out that I've been using his computer lately.

At first, I was just planning to buy a low-cost PC laptop, but the more I think about it, I really want a MacBook. Unfortunately, that's about twice as much as I can really afford. I guess that's what credit cards are for, right?

Modern Dorothy

Forever 21 earrings, thrifted blouse from Goodwill, thrifted pants and shoes from Savers

I didn't actually wear these red heels with this outfit. Instead, I was wearing a pair of red leather flats that I bought on Saturday during the Texas Style Council thrifting session at Savers. I've been wearing them for the last two days because they're so comfortable and hello, they're RED! Here's an Instagram of what they look like...followed by the reason why they aren't in my outfit photos.

I was at work when I realized the bottom part of the heel was breaking off. It didn't affect my walking that much, but I was very aware that one of my legs was about a half-inch shorter than the other. I'm really in love with these flats, so I decided to take them to the Austin Shoe Hospital. I had a pair of vintage boots from Ebay fixed up there about a year ago and they came back looking brand-spanking-new. In the end, I'll be paying $30 to improve these flats that only cost me $4. It might sound silly, but I think it's going to be worth it. Once the whole bottom part of the show is reinforced, they'll be as good as new.

By the way, I've been getting really into Instagram lately. Follow me @nataliebgarza to stay up-to-date on the not-so-exciting things that happen in my life. You never know when another one of my shoes might break down on me.

Mixed Feelings

Banana Republic top and flats, Gap cardigan and skirt, vintage pearls found
by my step-mom at an estate sale

I've been dealing with a lot of feelings lately. I haven't had a day off from either of my jobs since February 14 and I think it's starting to get to me. Honestly, I don't think I can do it much longer. Luckily, I have this weekend off for the Texas Style Council and I couldn't be more excited. I don't know if I'm more excited to have three days off in a row or to be attending such an amazing event. All I know is that I can't wait to meet and talk with some of my favorite bloggers. Fortunately, my excitement for this weekend is totally overpowering my feelings of being overworked. I'll worry about that next week.

Medium Rare

Gap jacket, Old Navy dress, Zara flats, Forever 21 earrings

I've really got to stop wearing so much pink. I can only imagine how boring my outfits are getting for y'all. "Really? Pink again, Natalie?" It's the fourth post in a row I've worn something pink, but I'm putting a stop to this madness.

I think it's time to move on to another color obsession. Got any suggestions? I'm leaning towards sea foam green or bright blue. Really, anything that isn't pink will do. Here's my new rule of thumb when it comes to wearing pink: the amount I wear should be equivalent to how I like my steak --medium rare. Just enough pink, but not too much and certainly not everyday. With that being said, I'll still wear pink occasionally. And I could go for a steak about now.

Sorry for those of you who are vegetarians. I like love meat.

Bright & Shiny

thrifted skirt, Forever 21 top, Old Navy sleeveless trench coat,
belt from Wish (closed), earrings from Target, Banana Republic flats

This outfit was my latest attempt at being more creative with the clothes already in my closet. I don't think I've ever thought to wear this top and skirt together before, but it just made sense while I was getting ready for work at 7 a.m. yesterday morning. It was slightly chilly outside, so I threw on this sleeveless trench coat for an extra layer. Finally, I added sparkly earrings and shoes and voila, I have a bright, springtime outfit!

Professional Ensemble

Forever 21 dress and necklace, Urban Outfitter tights, Banana Republic flats

This is the kind of outfit I wear to work at Alfred Angelo Bridal. I try to appear professional without looking like I'm trying too hard. It's difficult to find outfits like this among the colorful maxi skirts, thrifted blouses, and vintage dresses in my closet. One of the reasons I've been trying to clean out my closet is to really figure out my style. I have so many clothes stuffed in my closet and enough is enough. How can I know what I really like when I have so many options?

For example, I have so many skirts (short, midi, maxi, you name it) that I'm having to hang two on one hanger. That's not OK, especially because I really do have a lot of hangers. If I can't find more than two ways to wear a skirt with a top in my closet, it doesn't make the cut. Sayonara, skirt! It's harsh, but totally worth it.

How do you go about cleaning your closet?

Little Black Dress

Gap dress, Zara flats, Forever 21 necklace, vintage bracelets

When Matt saw my hair up like this, he asked me if I had any little fake birds to put in it. Normally, Matt doesn't have the best ideas when it comes to fashion and hair, but I realized it wasn't a half-bad idea. It might be kind of cute to pretend like my ballerina bun is a nest and put a little bird, a couple of tiny eggs, and a few twigs in it. I probably wouldn't wear it out because I'd get the "are you crazy?" stares, but it might be fun for a photo shoot or something.

This dress is the first purchase I've made using my employee discount.since I've been back at Gap. I held off for two weeks, but as soon as I saw this dress the morning we got it in the store, I knew I had to try it on. I really hoped it wouldn't look good, but of course, it fit wonderfully. It's the perfect go-to little black dress that can be dressed up or down. I love it so much that I wore it two days in a row after I bought it. And I'll probably wear it again this week!

My Latest Sewing Achievement

Forever 21 sweater and necklace, Gap jean jacket,
Old Navy pants, Banana Republic flats

I am so proud, y'all. I replaced the zipper on these black pants all by myself! The old zipper kept falling down and I was tired of flashing everyone, so I figured I should give it a shot. I briefly learned about zippers during my sewing lessons in October, but I wasn't sure I knew enough to do it myself. I've had these pants for over a year and they were only about $15, so I figured it wouldn't be that big a deal if I really screwed up. One of the things I've learned about sewing is to be confident and realize that it's not going to look absolutely perfect and factory made. It just needs to function. In this case, the zipper isn't perfectly aligned, but no one will ever notice. Now, it's like I have brand new pair of pants!

Yay or Nay?

sweater and earrings from Forever 21, Gap cordoury pants, Banana Republic flats,
Calvin Klein peacoat from Burlington Coat Factory

You know how sometimes you'll try something on and can't tell if you really like it? That's how I felt about this sweater. I haven't worn it since last winter, but I don't remember it being this oversized. It was so big that I didn't know what else to wear it with besides pants. Y'all know pants and jeans aren't my first choice, but I looked like a hobo when I wore it with a maxi skirt. After seeing these pictures, I think I've decided to get rid of it. If there's one thing (OK, I've learned many) about having this blog, it's that if I'm struggling with how to wear a certain clothing item, it probably isn't worth the trouble.

What do you think about this sweater? Is it a keeper or worth getting rid of?

Woes from the Worrywart

thrifted skirt and blouse from the Goodwill Blue Hanger outlet,
belt from the 2011 Texas Style Council clothing swap, Zara flats

It's really starting to hit me that very shortly, I'll no longer be a student. I can't help but feel antsy about the fact I don't have any real plans for January. Of course, I'll still be working at Cream Vintage, but only part-time. It feels like a strange time to be applying for jobs because I'm technically still in school until December 13 when I have to take my last and only final. Two days later, I'm going to Mexico for a week with Matt. Between recovering from Mexico (all-inclusive hotel = free drinks) and celebrating the holidays, I won't be available to start a new job until after Christmas. It's going to be hard to relax during my vacation because I'll be too busy freaking out about how I have nothing lined up. I'm even feeling guilty right now because I'm blogging instead of applying to jobs.

20 minutes later...

I just sent off another application! So, I take that last part about feeling guilty back. Now, it's time to stop worrying and start enjoying my break. Everything will all work out...right?