Strangled by a Scarecrow

A Goodwill shopping trip unearthed multiple pieces including a men's plaid button down 3x shirt for 1 quarter! My first intent was to give it to my dad to wear for outside/farm work [but it was way too large]. Plan B - make a hot pad...then I realized I should utilize the entire shirt for a single project, rather than sewing multiple hot pads of the same pattern. Plan C - make a scarf!!

I want to incorporate the functions of the shirt into the scarf. To do so, I included exposed pockets, buttons, and the cuffs. 

The cuffs are buttoned and sewn shut for a finished look.

Two panels were cut from the shirt [one including the buttons, the other including button holes] and sewn together on one side.  The opposite is buttoned as it would be as a shirt. 

Shirt - Scarf

This complete look only cost 25c!! 

My loving aunt made a joke saying "you look like you're being strangled by a scarecrow" 

haha Great Humor! 

Oh Brother, New Sewing Projects!

My latest hobby? Sewing! I absolutely love sewing with my Brother sewing machine. It was a recent birthday gift and I have not been able to stop the pedal! 

It's been a while since I have sewn [took a sewing class in high school] so I want to start out with basic sewing projects. My first projects include sewing hot pads. The hot pads pictured below are made from material purchased at Walmart and are filled with cotton batting. 

Practice makes perfect! 

I am in love with owls and they happen to be one of the Kappa [my sorority] symbols. The adorable feathered creatures inspired these decorative pillows. Aren't they a hoot?

I cut and used old decorative pillows from my bedroom to construct this little hoot. The original decorative pillows for my room were made out of napkins and place mats I purchased at the local Dollar Store. Napkins + Place mats = Decorative Pillows =   A Cut Owl Pillow!

I cut the material and left the edges raw for a rustic and natural look. 

The second pillow is quite startled to see you!

This little guy is made from material remnants. His eyes and a beak made out of felt and button embellishments.

Thank you for supporting Java Journal. Hope you enjoyed this post :)

Happy Sewing & God Bless!

Warm & Fashionable Layers

As winter progresses the temperature decreases! Its that time of year to bundle up in layers. Forget bulky and uncomfortable layering -stay warm and fashionable with these Goodwill looks!

                                            

This brown knit wrap sweater is one of my favorite fall/winter pieces in my closet. I love pairing it with brown leggings and cowgirl boots - they're the perfect composition for studying in the library and looking fashionable without sacrificing comfort. Pictured above, the wrap sweater is paired with a brown long sleeve shirt and creme scarf. The creme scarf sets off the creme tones in the sweater. I recently purchased these bracelets from Goodwill. The turquoise, caramel, and pumpkins tones add a simple pop of color. Afraid of color? - Add a bracelet with the same coloring such as the bracelet pictured below. The different shades of brown and black compliment the brown tones in the sweater.

                     

Goodwill Fashion

Brown Long Sleeve Top $1.38

Brown Knit Sweater 25c [steal!]

Bracelets $1.38

Scarf  free gift

Total {$3.01} 

Where else can you beat that price?!

I am a fan of neutral tones [who says neutral has to be boring?] Pictured above is a taupe Merona jacket paired with a light violet cashmere sweater. The ensemble is accented with a canvas belt that is included in the previous post. To top it off - literally - is a creme scarf with a beautiful creased pattern. Pair with fitted khakis or skinny jeans and leather boots!

Like to accessorize? Add this! The gold chain and establishments compliment the belt and the shades of purple floral mirrors the light violet sweater. 

Goodwill Fashion

Jacket 25c

Cashmere Sweater 25c

Canvas Belt $1.38 

Scarf FREE with a purchase of shoes

Necklace $1.38

{Total $3.26}

Leather is in! This leather jacket screams fashion forward and will never look outdated because of it classy muted burgundy red color. This color of leather is best paired with a silver hinged cuff and chain necklace as pictured above. The jacket is layered with a brown crew neck sweater too add an additional warm yet fashionable layer. 

The hinged cuff has an interesting leaf pattern - makes a beautiful cuff for fall. 

The silver chain necklace enhances the edgy aura of the leather jacket.

Goodwill Fashion

Jacket   25c

Sweater    25c

Bangle  $3.38

Necklace  $3.38

{Total - $7.26}

Happy New Year & God Bless

-L

Belt it Out

 Purchased this nude and desert brown canvas belt with leather and brass accents from Goodwill for $1.38. 

I love the texture and neutral tones! 

1 canvas belt + Khaki Skirt =  3 ways!

Floral Print

I paired the belt with a khaki skirt because the tones compliment each other so well. My goal is to accent the shirt, not overwhelm it. The top is a simple pearl snap button down with delicate turquoise and desert brown floral accents that compliment the dessert brown tones in the belt.

Goodwill Fashion

Top Aeropostale $3.38

Skirt  $3.38

Belt  $1.38

{$8.14}

Argyle Print

The 2nd top is an argyle print cashmere sweater. Similar to the floral print top, the creme, dessert brown, and nude tones in the top reflect the same tones in the belt. The argyle's diagonal lines create an interesting contrast with the horizontal lines on the belt. 

Goodwill Fashion

Top New York & Co $3.38

Skirt $3.38

Belt $1.38

{$8.14}

Stripes 

Pairing the canvas belt with a striped top proposed a little more difficulty. I do not want to create a clash of lines between the belt and top. This blue button down has fine white piping that does not over power the horizontal lines in the belt. The light blue shade compliments the creme and desert brown shades in the belt. 

Goodwill Fashion

Top by Express $4.38

Skirt $3.38

Belt $1.38

Too cold for a skirt? Pair all tops and belt with skinny jeans or khaki pants. :)

All clothing items were purchased at my local Goodwill! 

3 looks for $14.90! 

Hope you enjoyed this fashion update from Java Journal!

-L

Country Chic Christmas Gift

Check out this adorable Country Chic Christmas gift from my friend and sis Katie!

These Bell mason jars are full of goodies and treats for the last two weeks of our academic fall semester.

The first jar is filled appropriately for finals week.

Energy in a Jar

Energy bars, coffee, gum, oven roasted almonds, and more! 

The second jar is designated for after finals week when its time to relax and wind down.

Pampering in a Jar

What better way to pamper yourself than with a facial, mint lip balm, hand lotion [mine is Country Chic], and adorable fuzzy socks! 

Make it!

Mason Jar/Lid

Tissue Paper

Computer and Printer Paper

Tape

Tons of Goodies for any theme of jar!

The labels can be printed from your computer and taped in whatever fashion that meets your fancy.

Fill jar with fun and functional items.

Place tissue paper over the top opening of the jar and secure with lid.

Adorable and Affordable! 

Thanks Katie for this adorable gift! 

Peace on Earth Goodwill to Men

Deck the halls, warm up with hot cocoa, and pray for snow!

 'tis the Christmas Season

Ready or not Christmas is here! What better way to welcome the season than by setting up the tree? Every year I decorate a miniature Christmas tree for my bedroom. Naturally, it is decorated with cowgirl ornaments I have acquired over the years. The steal? I bought this little guy at Goodwill for less than $5! 

A 2 ft tree brand new averages $30  =  over $25 in savings! 

Pardon the quality of the photo - it does not do the tree justice [a new camera is on my wish list :) ].

               Dear Santa,

                       Please bring me a pair of pink paisley cowgirl boots. I've been an awfully good cowgirl.

                                                                                                              Sincerely,

                                                                                                                   L

Howdy Partner!

A must have wooden sign from the Festival of Trees

Retail isn't the best sale.

 Remember to support your local Goodwill this holiday season. You never know what you might find! 

Let's put the "Christ" in Christmas.

Have a blessed Merry Christmas!

Scarf, Sweater, and Skinny Jeans - it must be Autumn!

White Knit Sweater by Merona - Goodwill $3.38
Jeans - Goodwill $4.38
Nine West Scarf - Clearance Rack - less than $15
    Yes, I wear this scarf often. It's my favorite color and Nine West is definitely on my top brand list. :)
       

Fall Inspirations

 

 

 

Going Urban for our Country Men Keith and Jake

This past weekend my ladies and I jumped in a car and headed for Minneapolis!

 The occasion?   Jake Owen & Keith Urban Concert - they had no idea who or what was coming for them!

Cowgirl boots and all, we explored downtown Minneapolis, rocked/screamed/cried at the concert, and enjoyed  cafe's and downtown entertainment. After our many attempts to tweet, contact, find, and stalk Owen and Urban, we concluded the evening at our amazing hotel located directly across from the concert building [highly convenient].

Cheers to a weekend I will never forget and my sisters I love and will always remember! 

<3

Special thanks to the Sullivan Family for their Friday evening hospitality, gifts, and amazing road trip snacks!

Penny For Your Thoughts

This morning while walking out the door I FREAKED out, to say the least. I wasn't wearing anything from Goodwill. How does this happen?! Luckily, I remembered that morning I wore a sweater from Goodwill while doing my homework. whew! ...that counts right? Technically, only the girls living in my house saw it, but I'm saying it counts.


Wet Seal was having a buy one get one for a penny sale.
   This is my penny sweater!

Jeans, clearance rack at Charlotte Russe - $17

Scarf is by Nine West purchased from the clearance rack - $13


The Innovation -
 Inter-looping my necklace with the scarf.

What to Unearth for Autumn

It's starting to feel like Autumn! The leaves are changing and so is the weather, as hot humid days turn chilly and brisk. What better way to welcome Autumn than by unearthing your scarf collection.

From Top to Bottom!


Burnt Orange Top with Lace Pattern - $1.38 [Goodwill]
Skinny Jeans by Refuge - $4.38 [Goodwill]
Scarf - < $3  [remnant material from the fabric store]



Accessorized with a bronze and glass bead bracelet.
    $1.38 [Goodwill]








The floral and leaf print scarf contains all of my favorite colors related to Autumn :) I am in love with how perfectly these 2 pieces coordinate both via color palette and floral design.

Goodwill From Head to Toe

Welcoming the Weekend!

Top by Old Navy - $1.38-$3.38
Skirt - $1.38 - $3.38
Flip Flops - $4.38
--All Purchased at Goodwill!

Scarf - $3 from Walmart

A Kiss of Accessories

It is day 3 of classes and day 3 of my Goodwill school year challenge.

Take it from the top!

White Cotton Top - 25 c {Goodwill}
Brown Capris - Old Navy - Clearance Rack
Flip Flops - $4.38 {Goodwill}

Just a Kiss of Accessories <3









Necklace - Vintage with Colonial Porcelain Scene - $1.38 {Goodwill}

Bracelets - I made these bracelets after disassembling a necklace I purchased
at Goodwill for $1.38!

--I love reinventing!