Tag: bluegrits

Three Ways to Wear the Deals You Got at Gabe’s

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One thing I absolutely LOVE is a good deal–I mean, who doesn’t?! *wink* So, when I went shopping at the grand opening of Gabe’s in Johnson City, Tennessee, I was in heaven! There were so many fabulous items for fabulous prices that it was hard to choose which items I wanted to add to my wardrobe. Honestly, I would have added SO many more; however, I kept myself on a budget just to see what all I could get *wink*

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For just $50, I walked away with three of the items in this blog post–a blazer, printed shorts, and a Vince Camuto blouse (originally $129–got it for $24.99). AHH! I still cannot believe I got a Vince Camuto blouse for over $100 off! 

Now, without further ado, let’s take a look at three ways to wear the deals you can get at Gabe’s! It’s “unbelievable!” See what I did there *wink, wink* *nudge, nudge*

Look 1:

Wild Card

professional pattern-clasher

One thing I love about discount department stores like Gabe’s is there is such a wild variety of clothes–patterns, styles, brands, etc. It makes it SO EASY to find and put together wild-card outfits like this one. Even if a piece you love is a season behind, you can easily mix it with new items or items you already own to create a funky outfit that fits your awesome fashion sense! It’s all about wearing the ensemble with confidence!

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Jacket: Gabe’s (Johnson City)

Tank: Express 

Shorts: Gabe’s (Johnson City)

Wedges: Lucky Brand, Belk 

Handbag: Issac Mizarhi, Gabe’s (Johnson City)

Earrings: BluGertrude, Deep South Pout (Starkville, MS)

Bracelet: Deep South Pout

Look 2: 

College Casual

Being in college, I have had to learn how to blend casual and comfort with cute and dressy. So, for this look, I combined a super soft Explore Downtown Johnson City graphic tee (get your own here!) with printed shorts + wedges and layered accessories to create a college-town look with a dressier vibe. 

TIP: The key to mastering College Casual is accessorizing. A little arm candy can go a LONG way when trying to step-up the look of a basic, comfy outfit.

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Tee: Explore Downtown Johnson City

Shorts: Gabe’s (Johnson City)

Wedges: Blowfish, Marshall’s (Bristol, TN)

Arm candy: BlueGrits, Etsy

Sunglasses: Ralph by Ralph Lauren, Sunglasses Hut

Look 3:

Red-Hot Night Out

My initial thought when I spotted this fabulously flowy top on the rack at Gabe’s was I would wear the blouse with skinny jeans and probably boots; however, once I decided it was meant to be mine *wink* and I brought it home…I had another idea. Now, wearing this blouse with black shorts is NOT rocket science; however, it gives the blouse a whole new look. Instead of the blouse being sexy, it is now more sassy and fun–like for a red-hot, girls’ night out *wink*

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Blouse: Vince Camuto, Gabe’s (Johnson City)

Shorts: Target

Heels: Jessica Simpson, Belk

Necklace: BluKatDesign, Etsy

Bracelets: BlueGrits, Etsy

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Weekly Whistle: Head-to-Toe Blush | Monochromatic Pastel

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Just like Audrey Hepburn, I, too, believe in pink.

Pink is such a ladylike color that can capture the attention of any bystander in such an elegant yet sexy way. It is a subtle wow-factor and showcases strength, style and a little bit of sass *wink*

When I was younger, I was never a huge fan of pink because in my stubborn tomboy ways, I was convinced that pink was a “weak” color because only “girly girls” wore pink; however, as I have gotten older, I have realized that pink is anything but weak–it is strength. Pink possesses a special power unlike any other color. It has the ability to make people smile and feel happy even on the darkest of days + it can be classy, sexy and professional all at the same time.

So, for this week’s fabulous Weekly Whistle, I want to show off a sweet head-to-toe blush ensemble + give y’all a few tips on how YOU can pull off such a look! Let’s get to it *wink*

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Blouse: Forever 21

Skirt: Forever 21

Heels: Jessica Simpson, Belk

Necklace: BluKatDesign

Bracelet: BlueGrits

Earrings: BluGertrude

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Weekly Whistle: Vintage-Inspired Trendy Outfits from Forever 21

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Trends…trends…trends–they come…they go…they repeat, just like history!

So, how does a fashionista keep up with the trends while still having her own unique style? Well–let me answer that for you *wink*

On a recent trip to the mall, I went into Forever 21 just to browse. While shopping around, I stumbled upon some vintage-inspired pieces that I just had to have. The following four items were being considered as hot “new” trends when, in fact, the styles are anything but new *wink* The colors, the necklines, the buttons, the everything are little repeats of pivotal trends from the 60s and 70s.  

And I rest my case *wink* These ensembles are from the 70s. Pay close attention to the green skirt on the left, the socks with heels, and the button details on the skirts on the far right. See the resemblance? Oh, how I do love fashion history :)

Now, before I go off on a fashion history lecture *wink* let’s take a look at this week’s Weekly Whistle which includes two–YES, TWO–fabulous outfits *wink*

Look 1:

When I first tried this look on together, I thought it looked like something a modern Nancy Drew would wear. What do y’all think? *wink*

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Blouse: Forever 21 | Skirt: Forever 21 | Necklace: BluKatDesign  | Bracelet: BlueGrits  | Clutch: Kate Spade | Heels: BCBG | Glasses: prescription *wink*

Look 2:

This look gives a more 1970s feel with the colors and boho vibe of the blouse + the skirt reminds me SO much of the green skirt pictured in the vintage picture!

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Blouse: Forever 21 | Skirt: Forever 21 | Boots: Bedstu, The Gypsy Spur | Bracelet: vintage

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What’s your favorite era in fashion? Start a chat by commenting on this post or by liking the VIP on Facebook here!

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Weekly Whistle: Emerald n’ Gold

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Last week on Weekly Whistle, I chatted about how rust and emerald have always been my color sweethearts. If you missed the post, check it out here–you don’t want to be behind *wink* 

Taking a little bit of inspiration from last week’s throwbacks + a fabulous necklace I just finished making, I decided this week’s outfit of the week should be all about gold and emerald! Oh…there is just something about how emerald pairs so elegantly with rich hues like rust and different metallics. I remember several years ago, I had this fabulous emerald dress, and I wore it with practically with everything under the sun *wink* Hm…I wonder where that post is on the blog? *stalking myself* HERE WE GO! 

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Ahh–this brings back sweet memories! This was when I was living in Birmingham and working with the Outlet Shops of Grand River for events and the Grand Haul Girl video series! Check out the post here.

Seeing this dress again makes me feel like I might have to dust it off for some future closet-shopping blogs, but I digress *wink*

Let’s get back to this week’s Weekly Whistle *wink* Check it out below:

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Sweater: Express

Skirt: Forever 21

Heels: Belk

Earrings: handmade, BluKatDesign

Necklace: handmade, BlueGrits

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To see another way I wore this necklace, please visit VIP Blue here!

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Letter From the Editor: Winsome Easel Calligraphy Workshop

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Last weekend, I attended my first ever calligraphy class at Reclaimed Inspired Goods in downtown Johnson City with Winsome Workshop by Winsome Easel owner Kristin Hornstein. It was so much fun, and I have practiced almost everyday since! Oh–y’all! Kristin has given me the technique + confidence to better my calligraphy while also developing my own unique style. I cannot wait until Winsome Workshop comes back to Johnson City because I will definitely be checking my calendar to attend *wink*

Day 1 of calligraphy. I wrote one of my favorite Hemingway quotes--"Write hard and clear about what hurts."
Day 1 of calligraphy. I wrote one of my favorite Hemingway quotes–“Write hard and clear about what hurts.”
Day 2--I played around with this quote I found on Pinterest. Still a little shaky in technique but practice makes perfect *wink*
Day 2–I played around with this quote I found on Pinterest. Still a little shaky in technique, but practice makes perfect *wink*
Day 3--Playing around with different fonts and decorative ideas.
Day 3–Playing around with different fonts and decorative ideas.
Day 4--I quite like the way this doodle worked out! Such a simple quote with great meaning! Still have a little work to do on my writing though *wink*
Day 4–I quite like the way this doodle worked out! Such a simple quote with great meaning! Still have a little work to do on my writing though *wink*

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Check out all the awesome things Kristin does on Winsome Easel. Y’all, her work is breathtaking! Also, look to see if she has a workshop coming up near you *wink* Click here.

Also over the weekend…

I created and listed some new handmade goodies in my Etsy shop. Check out some of my favorites below!

You won’t have to look beyond this upcycled 1970s necklace for the perfect gift for the VIP in your life *wink*. Click the photo to view the listing photos + learn more about the one-of-a-kind vintage dream.
Hello, color! Think of the looks you’ll get when wearing these eye-catching, handmade beauties! Buy NOW by clicking the image.
Don’t miss out on this OOAK bracelet with vintage fabric fringe. To avoid disappointment, be sure to order NOW! :) Click the image to shop.

Now…the VIP needs YOUR help!

As I am looking to expand and better my Etsy shop, I want to know what YOU want to see! More upcycled/vintage necklaces, specific colors, different stones, etc etc. Please comment on blog post or email here.

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn