When it comes to picking out home stuff, I’m all about it ’bout it, but when it comes to picking out fashion stuff- I’m out of my league. I only shop for new clothes a couple of times a year, and you could fit all of my jewelry into small, metal-lidded mason jar. (See- I told you. #HomeStuff) 😉
My friend, Katy, on the other hand- she’s reeeeeally good at pulling together outfits….and on the cheap, too. I met her at TJ Maxx recently, and man it was fun to watch her in action! The goal that day: help me find a fun, dressy-casual outfit.
She ended up centering my outfit around a $35 (Nine West) blushy champagne-colored blazer. (It was originally priced at $119) It’s not something that I would have ever picked out myself, but I was open to trying on anything she handed me that day. I really just wanted to have fun with my friend, and I had no doubt she’d pick me a winner! 🙂
Once she had picked out the blazer, Katy went on the hunt for a top for me to wear underneath it. A few minutes later, she handed me a $10 striped tank that, again, I would have never picked up on my own, but once I tried it on with the blazer I was sold! (It was originally priced at $18)
We hit the shoe aisle next, in search of the perfect pretty shoes to go with my two new tops. I’m a tennie/sandal girl all the way, but once again, Katy handed me a $30 pair a high-ish heels (originally priced at $79.99) that went perfect with the blazer and tank top. And the best part, they were SUPER comfortable. (Which I never would have known because I wouldn’t have even tried them on- ha!)
Katy suggested pairing my new duds with a pair of my skinny jeans and a big ol’ strand of (faux) pearls, and here’s how it all ended up looking together:
Pretty fun, huh? When it comes to Fall clothing, I’m such a jeans and long-sleeve t-shirt or plaid button-up over a tank top kinda girl most of the time, but I needed something professional-meets-peppy, and I feel really smiley in the those pieces that I normally would have blasted past on my way to the home goods section- LOL!
Katy put together a blazer-inspired outfit for herself that day too, and would you believe the whole thing only cost $52!
Yep. $6 shoes, $8 jeans, $8 tank top, $20 blazer, $2 earrings and an $8 necklace. Every time I see her I make her give me the cost breakdown on what she’s wearing. It’s so intriguing to me! She really has a gift for finding great outfits at great bargains. Her favorite go-to shops are TJ Maxx, Plato’s Closet (a consignment store) and Cato, and I will definitely be tagging along with her the next time she feels like playing dress up! 😀
Katy leads worship with her boyfriend Matt at our church’s Pike Road location, so one of these days I’m hoping to share a video featuring another one of her Gifts, too. She’s such an inspiring gal, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to e-introduce you to her here today! (She blogged about blazers today too, if you’d like to swing by her place for a visit! KatyBlogs.com)
As for me, I’m officially obsessed with purchasing a few more bargain-priced blazers now because I like how versatile and arm cover-uppy they are. This is the first one I’ve ever owned, but I’m thinking I “need” a gray one now. What about you? Are you a blazer girl? If so, what are some of your favorite colors to wear and pair?
Looking good! I love the big ole pearl necklace. Gotta find me one of those!
I love blazers. I just started stocking up on them again. 🙂 Love the color of yours 🙂
You look adorable! Love your blog, by the way!
You look so pretty in that. I confess to being a tshirt and jeans girl too even though I do own all the other stuff. It seems hard to be at home doing projects and switch to some cute outfit like that. Dressing cute is the one thing I miss about working outside the home.
I agree Stacey, switching IS tough! (#IHeartPJs) My blazer outfits will probably only see the light of day on special occasions and at church! 😀
You look absolutely, positively beautiful!!! Love the entire outfit!!!
It never hurts to enlist the help of a friend! I often do the same when it comes to wardrobe.
OMGosh! How cute are you?! Your friend too!!!
I have always wanted to have someone shop with/for me like that!
I was just talking to my daughter the other day about such talents. She has a gift for knowing all about food and flavors and such that go well together.
I so admire these gifts in people and appreciate them even more when they are willing to share their talents with others.
Enjoy the new outfit!
Layla, you look beautiful! I’m like you–I do not have that talent of pulling outfits together. We all need a Katy in our lives! 🙂
But what I love most is hearing that you talented, beautiful girls are more than ‘just’ that….you are daughters of Christ. THAT is what makes you truly beautiful!
Thanks for sharing.
love,
Christie
Layla…you are the whole package. You always look beautiful. Covered in paint and spackel, or or decked out you are perfect inside and out. Love the outfit. Like you though, I love the hunt for home goodies wayyyyyy more than an outfit. You friend is great at finding style and price. Luv her! hehe enjoy your new outfit. Hugs.
P.S. those shoes rock.
SO BEAUTIFUL!! You always look beautiful Layla because I really like your usual style but it’s nice to dress up a little bit too! Doesn’t it feel good? I really like the final touch you added with the strand of pearls. I never would have thought of that. Gotta go get me some! And yes, I am a blazer girl all the way. Or a jean jacket girl 🙂
You looking smashing! Go girls!
You always look simple yet put together I think. I love your jean and plaid/checked button up look on you. What I would wear if I could fit the top around the “ahems” 🙂 You do look great in this outfit and it looks “you”. I always think though–how hard is it to look good in anything when you look like Layla–trim, not nearly her age, so pretty, smiles, and a big heart that shines through in all her pics!
I just started becoming obsessed with blazers recently! they’re so versatile and comfortable
LOVE IT!!! Really enjoyed seeing this type of post from you, too. TJ Maxx is great for bargain clothes shopping and both y’alls outfits are super chic.
Layla, I have always thought you are beautiful, but you look absolutely glowing in the colors Katy chose for you! I’m fashion challenged too, always too busy creating something to look in a mirror. Lol.
Beautiful…..and I need a Katy in my life for shopping! I do have a blushy blazer and I am going to be looking for a striped top! So cute. Love your blog!
Had I known what y’all were doing I would so have crashed the party. I HATE shopping for clothes and always (in my head) I am 5’9 with super long legs rather than 5’almost 2 with super short legs. Those 2 require totally different looks apparently. 🙂 Katy!! Help!!!
You look mahvelous, dahling! Even though you’ve never worn a blazer before, it totally looks like “you”! Your friend is a genious. I wish I lived nearby ‘cuz I’d love to see if she could work her magic on a plus sized girl…
Both outfits are awesome. I definitely do NOT have that gift, I always leave TJ Maxx/Ross/Marshalls super frustrated.
I’m an elementary music teacher, and if I change out the jeans for a fabric that’s one step up toward professional, I would rock this every day. Layers are king in most public school buildings, because heating & cooling is powerful, yet random.
I call 2 blazers my own. They are black ( for evening events ) and a white one ( more casual and made of corduroy).
I like to comebine them with tops and blouses. and they match to every color. I love blod colors like pink, red, green or blue. And I like waering them with high heels.
LG
christiane
Your entire outfit is adorable. So is Katy’s. I really love your necklace.
Ummmmmmmmmmmm….. Kayla…. You always look like a living doll… BUT WOW…… These pics look like they came out of a fashion mag!!! We never see you “Dressed” up!! LOL… Love following your blog… and your new neighborhood rocks!!!! Do you have an event or a photo shoot for your new duds??!! LOL… SERIOUSLY…. tooooo cute.. NOW, I am off to check out KatyBlogs!!! 🙂
Layla . . . .you look GORGEOUS! Love the whole outfit . . . . sometimes we need someone to take us out of our comfort zone . . . . and TJ Maxx is THE place to do it . . . . have fun!
“arm cover-uppy” is my new FAVE! You look wonderful, and Katy always looks so cute on stage…not that I pay attention to that once she opens her mouth!
And I’m with you…BLAZER NATION!!!!!!!!!!!
Can I borrow Katy for a day? I’m a jeans and fleece kind of girl and would have reacted exactly like you and passed right by that blazer. You look so casually chic, and totally didn’t break the bank. I’m inspired!
glad your friend took you shopping. I, too, am fashion-challenged. You look beautiful and adorable!!!
You look amazing in those colors! So cute!
You look adorable and so comfortable in front of the camera. Glad you stretched your comfort zone to share and inspire us in (yet again) another way 🙂
She should totally start a blog detailing all of her bargain finds- both of your outfits are super impressive!
I have a couple of J Crew blazers but definitely do not wear them enough. Thanks for posting this though because you’ve inspired me to break them outta the closet!
You are a “fashionista” , lookin’ good! Katy did a great job styling you, but how hard could that be, really?!! You would look good in a paper bag! 🙂 Wish there was help out there for a plus sized, barely petite height, out of shape, graying almost 60-yr. old! I hate to look sloppy, makes me look like I don’t care about myself, but all the “fashion” I find does just that. I want stylish, casual clothes, similar to what you got, but can’t pay a fortune, what with retirement looming on the horizon. Anyone, anyone? Knock-knock!! Hear our cry!!
I was just thinking yesterday how my outfit needed a blazer with it. I am going to have to go on hunt for one now. I always feel like I am going to be overspending when I find them.
I think I sure could use a friend like Katy about now 🙂 Your new look is sweet!
You both look adorable!
you ladies look amazing. love the shoes!
I love the outfit Katy pulled together for you.It looks great and hers does as well.
I love the versatility of blazers. My favorite is my two toned grey hounds tooth for for Fall .It can be dressed up or down(as with most) Usually I like to wear it with riding boots,jeans and a long sleeved T-shirt.
Penny
Nice job! You gals look like models in a catalog! I LOVE TJMaxx myself…and I, too, am no good at pairing anything more “formal” than t-shirts and yoga pants since I work from home. 🙂
I used to be a blazer girl, wore them all the time when I was in the work force. They’ve changed w/ the times, being more lightweight and casual than in ‘those’ days. I don’t currrently own one, but haven’t found one that really fits well for a good price.
I’d love to do heels again, but I don’t think I could wear them for more than an hour or two at a shot. I have very high arches, and most sandle-y heels simply don’t have enough arch support.
Cute outfit! Happy shopping. 😉
I don’t even own ONE!! But I will now! You look adorable!
oh man, i also need a budget friendly fashion intervention. so happy you have a dear friend who enjoys playing dress up! you both rock your outfits!
I have always loved the look of a blazer with jeans…You and Katy are so beautiful and seriously you two look like you just stepped off the runway at a chic fashion show….It is so wonderful to have a friend that can help you with fashion…and at a bargain….Again, you two look fantastic!
I used to be a blazer girl, they kinda went away for awhile. I think they are making a come back, they are classic. Grey would be beautiful on you:) Nothing like a cutesy scarf along with it!!! Nothing like a cute “T” a pair of jeans and a blazer to dress ya right up. And HEY you look adorable in those skinny jeans pretty girl!!!
You look great in that outfit and so does your friend but when you are as pretty as you two you would look good in anything!
LOVE! I’m becoming a hard core sucker for blazers around here, too. Layla – I TOTALLY hear you, home design, got it. Me design, working on it 😉
You both look amazing!! I LOVE blazers! all colors, patterns, textures. So easy to get a polished look for every season! H&M has a ton of blazers for pretty good prices too!
What an absolutely perfect outfit Layla – you look great! Of course you’re cute enough that you could make a hospital gown look good! Hope you and Kevin have a great weekend!!
You looked grreeaattt!!!!. I am definitely a blazer in the fall girl. I also love blazer with scarf and skinny jeans and riding boots. That is my go to Fall outfit.
Ooh! I love the idea of pairing jeans, a blazer, and riding boots! Thanks, Nicola! 😀
Lovely! Maybe she could open the Southern version of Style Fix. I realize I would be a challenge but it’s been over 2 months since I signed up and saw others on FB say the same thing. She would probably have more than she could do! Looking forward to the Market at the Chapel!
Oh, I love these outfits. Great job, Katy!
I’m more of a cardigan girl, I have one in every color of the rainbow… I feel like blazers are too constricting… And fancy. I always feel like I’m trying too hard. You two both look totally natural in yours!
Katy’s shoes are too. die. for. I cannot believe she got them for $6!!! OMG.