OOTD: Olive in the Garden

I've been looking for a pair of wooden-soled clogs for months now, and I finally found a pair at Goodwill selling for less than a third of their original price. Don't worry, I understand that they're super impractical, but all of my shoes are made for walking up and down the hills of Seattle, so I figured it was time to treat myself to a wild pair of heels. I bought this dress because it has a similar cut as the dress I wore to my sister's graduation. I love the way it hangs and it's super comfortable. I've worn it to work, on dates, and just lounging around the house.

DIY: Chokers

I love the choker trend! It's so much fun, super cute, and, most importantly, incredibly easy. I've seen bloggers share chokers with a double (or even triple!) digit price tag. In true Broke & Fabulous form, I headed down to my favorite fabric store to pick up the materials to recreate some of the same looks at a fraction of the price.

Silver faux leather cord (inspired by Kenneth Jay Lane)

- Cord: $2.43 a yard
- Hook and eye: $0.13 ($1.79 per pack of 14)
- Thread: $0.11 ($2.69 for 24 spools)
Total price: $2.67

All you have to do with this is sew the hook and eye onto each end of the cord so it clasps shut!

Velvet locket choker (inspired by Dannijo)

- Velvet: $2.43 per yard
- Locket: $0.75 ($2.99 for 4)
- Hook and eye: $0.13 ($1.79 per pack of 14)
- Thread: $0.11 ($2.69 for 24 spools)
- Jewelry wire cutter: $6.99
Total price: $10.41

Step 1: sew the hook and eye onto each end of the ribbon.

Step 2: use the wire cutters to open the round bail (the part of the pendant that goes over the chain of a necklace). Poke the bail through the velvet. Thread the locket back onto the bail. Use the wire cutters to securely close the bail again.

Floral embroidered choker (inspired by Vanessa Mooney)

- Ribbon: $2.43 a yard
- Hook and eye: $0.13 ($1.79 per pack of 14)
- Thread: $0.11 ($2.69 for 24 spools)

This is another simple one: just sew the hook and eye onto each end of the ribbon.

Gold end wrap choker (inspired by Humble Chic)

- Braided cord: $1.76 ($0.88 per yard)
- Thread: $0.11 ($2.69 for 24 spools)
- Thin copper wire: $6.99
Total cost: $8.86

Wrap the wire around each end of the cord.

Check out these other choker tutorials by We Made It, Fancy Made, High on DIY, and A Pair and a Spare. Or, simply tie a ribbon around your neck like I've done on at least one occasion (realistically, more like eight or nine times).

OOTD: Too Hot

I love going home for the weekend because I make my photographer sister take pictures of me. It was so unbearably hot in Bend the weekend I was home that I couldn't even stand to wear this lace kimono for the longer than the length of this shoot! I usually feel self-conscious in this color (maybe I have witch undertones?), but it matches this top so I decided to put aside my self-judgements and rock it anyway.

OOTD: Kiss, Kiss

I've been looking for a pair of bottoms like these since I was in middle school. What's so special about this black mini skirt, you ask? It's actually a skort! Plus, I found it at Goodwill, so it was $6. I know a lot of people shop at thrift stores like Goodwill and Value Village for older, more "retro" pieces, but I've actually had a lot of luck finding really inexpensive versions of the modern pieces I'm lusting after. It can be pretty hit or miss, though, so be patient with the thrift shopping experience.

OOTD: Lace & Leather

I bought this dress at Nordstrom Rack as something to wear to work at my new job at the Flagship Nordstrom in downtown Seattle. The irony that I now receive a discount at Nordstrom Rack is not lost on me. I've been looking for an interesting twist on a lace dress (my last attempted purchase is for sale on my Poshmark because it ended up being way too small), and the ruffles on the top definitely fulfill the interesting aspect. I wore it over a longer white dress instead of the shift it came with to give it the cool layered look.

OOTD: Faux Sure

I've owned every piece in this look for quite a while. I've actually had this necklace since I was 16, though this is only my third time ever wearing it. When I was getting ready for my friend's birthday, though, I looked in my closet and the outfit kind of just came together. I love when that happens: it just goes to show that you can make old pieces feel like new again by pairing them in a way you never have before.