Kohl's fall shopping trip

Shopping at Kohl's is a pretty easy trip for me, because I can make a bee line
 for the few brands the store carries that I like, and that generally fit me
Most of the things in this post are from Lauren Conrad or Candie's
 This trip, I found some really pretty blouses and tops

For starters, this ruffly red number with a lace yolk.  Oh-la-la!

If you are not sure about this much red,

  the same blouse looks very different in a dainty teal and pink floral print

I love the details on this next blouse.  A 70's style choker neck, and tiered 3/4 bell sleeves

in this season's creamy Ballet Slipper pink-I'm in!

The bell sleeve rules again this fall

I saw several different incarnations

all with a somewhat Boho or retro 70's feel

This next top is in olive with lace detailing

Until recently, I would not have put "olive" and "lace" in the same sentence

But now, here they are together, and looking pretty mainstream

The same goes for "sheer" and "plaid".  Together?

  But I have to say, I kind of like it!

You probably know, I'm a fan of bows

The bows at the elbow (ha-ha) make this vertically striped blouse extra-special

  I also love a heart print, and I think this wrap style peplum blouse

 in white with black hearts is adorable! 

Here's a nice take on the plaid trend, in pink on a tunic style shirt

 The color, and the sheer roll sleeves add a feminine touch  

More of that 70's vibe, with this ribbed knit striped polo neck top 

A little bling added to sweat shirt grey sweater knit,

this one from Juicy Couture

I couldn't get through this post without showing some luxurious velvet

on items as diverse as a lace trimmed camisole,

and a cute little mini back pack!

Not a lot intrigued me in the other departments, but there were a few things to note

This jacket strikes me as a great transitional piece for fall, and would look great belted

And this copper metallic pleated midi skirt has some amazing

mixing and pairing possibilities

Hope you're finding pieces you love this season 

to round out your fall wardrobe!

Beautiful embroidery

Embroidery and all sorts of embellishments have been popular through the summer,

and the trend seems to be picking up even more steam for fall and winter

Opulence knows no season!

I love embroidery for the way it adds detail and texture to any piece,

dressy or casual, and make it feel so special

For this first outfit, I choose a deep coral peasant style blouse

 with contrasting white embroidery, and paired it with a full white midi skirt

I accessorized with a tan box clutch and matching braided belt and silver tone swirl earrings

Braided strap cork platform wedges to finish

In the next outfit, I paired a full black skirt with a dramatic floral embroidered hem,

 with a ruffled slit sleeve blouse

This blouse is an unusual cut, with more ruffles in the back!

I chose a red quilted clutch and dainty gold tone jewelry to accessorize, 

with black suede lace up wedge sandals to complete the look

Lastly, a more casual monochrome look

Tone on tone embroidered blouse with bell sleeves and a ruffled hem

paired with denim crops

Embroidery and ruffles in all three outfits, they seem to go well together!

Tan lace up wedges with a seldom used floral print shoulder bag,

and a floral print neck scarf, gold tone hoops and a name bracelet to finish

Linking up with Patti at Not Dead Yet Style.

My first trip to the Dollar Tree Store

I discovered the Dollar Tree Store

and here are my first purchases!

I know it's hard to believe that anyone in the US
 has not poked their head into a Dollar Tree Store,

but this was my first time.  Of course I had heard of it, but never stopped in.

I have to say, I would probably would not have gone in
 if I hadn't gotten a call from my doctor's office, telling me she was running behind
 due to a morning emergency.  I found myself with  nearly an hour to spend
 sitting in a waiting room, or finding something to do in the immediate area.
  So, mildly curious about the Dollar Tree Store
and practically in the parking lot already, I went in to explore.
Here's what I found.

Currently, there is a large section of back-to-school supplies in the front,
with a section of Halloween themed items being unpacked
and ready to move into the top spot.
I understand the store carries a lot of merchandise for seasonal decoration,
and getting there early for each upcoming holiday or season insures the best selection.
Apparently, things move fast for one dollar!

There is a mind boggling array of paper party supplies in every color of the rainbow,

and a great selection of licensed party goods for children's events. 

There are lots of baby shower party items and gift decorations, too.

I loved the large selection of greeting cards for one dollar, and two for a dollar,

this is just one small section.

The store is a great place for wrapping supplies as well,

with a whole wall just for gift bags!

I found these sections the most interesting to me,

since I send a lot of cards, write a lot of notes and wrap a lot of gifts!

This is also a great source for craft and DIY supplies.

The ceramic tableware was basic, but colorful

There was cute stemware, and special occasion dishes and glassware.

I spent less than twenty dollars

and got some basic household goods that would have cost more

 at my regular shopping spots

(only one impulse buy)

This is only the tip of the iceberg, there were aisles I didn't even go down.

There were a lot of cheap plastic toys and household items that I don't buy.

There were cosmetics and cleaning products, some recognizable brands, and some not.

And food, (lots of junk food).

Shopping these items would take a little research, and a lot of label reading.

In general, it was a fun experience, and I'm glad I stopped in. 

I can see myself shopping there and saving some dollars in the future! 

Crochet

I only own a few pieces of crochet clothing for warm summer weather
and they all seem to have a bit of a Boho vibe

Of course, all kinds of crocheted and knitted items are wildly popular for fall and winter
 The desire for cozy sweaters, warm knitted dresses, and cold weather accessories
like scarves, hats and gloves are just around the corner

But for now,  I'll take you back to August for this first outfit  

Navy blue spaghetti strap top with scalloped edges
 and a bright band of multi-color zig-zags at the hem

 worn with a full navy blue crinkle cotton skirt
Even though it's two pieces, it has the look of a dress 

I chose gold accents for my shoes and jewelry

and my much loved vintage 60's orange clutch for another pop of color!

The next outfit is a remix of two pieces I wore earlier this summer

After this wear, they will be packed away until next spring

A 70's-esque oversized graphic flower choker tunic

with a tiered ivory crochet skirt

Worn with pale pink ankle strap wedges

and a pink ring handle bag, with gold tone jewelry

The last outfit consists of an ecru crochet dress worn under a denim jacket

with rose embroidery

  Accessorized with a mini saddle bag

 small tassel earrings, and geometric blue stone bracelet

Tan suede lace up wedges to finish  the look

Linking up with Patti at Visible Monday

 (and praying for the safety of all those who were in the path of Irma!)