Hipsters have been called the modern day hippies; they don’t want to conform to mainstream fashion or culture, and are creating an alternative culture that many young people identify with. When you boil it down, it’s all about being a unique individual and not letting society dictate how you should present yourself. Ironically, the hipster look is becoming more and more popular and is well on its way to becoming the mainstream fashion that it originally was meant to counteract. If you haven’t yet converted to a full-blown hipster but want to step up your hipster fashion game, read on for some style tips.

The Background

Hipsters don’t follow trends (except for the ones they’ve started). So vintage clothing stores should be your first stop if you want to hop on this bandwagon. Hipster style is pulled from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, with maybe a few modern pieces mixed in. Vintage boutiques specialize in the styles of yesteryear which makes them easier places to shop for the look you want. Think: retro inspired polka dot dresses and old-school suspenders. If you find them to be too pricey, try hitting the second-hand stores. You’ll have to do a little more digging to find vintage pieces, but they’re usually at a more budget- friendly price.  

The Clothes

The idea behind hipster style is that it’s effortless, not something you obsess over. Carefree and casual is what you’re going for. Let’s start with pants: you can’t dress like a hipster without a pair (or five) of skinny pants.  Color doesn’t really matter, but at least one black pair is a must and you should always throw in a pair of distressed jeans. T-shirts are a safe bet if they’re old and have rips in them, or feature vintage cartoon characters. Basic white tees are great too because you can layer them under a flannel shirt (plaid or checkered shirts are encouraged) or a funky military-style jacket.

For women, your pants should be high-waisted and worn with a belt.  And we’re not talking a subtle belt—big, bright-colored belts are perfect for the hipster look.  Cut-off denim shorts are popular with this crowd as well. Just wear them the same as you would your skinny jeans and complete the look with a pair of old Converse or boots.  The more worn-looking your shoes, the better.  

The Accessories

Now that you’ve got the clothes figured out, it’s time to accessorize and pull it all together.  When shopping for accessories, the main thing to keep in mind is that you don’t want something that looks brand new. You’re aiming for a secondhand or DIY aesthetic for the most part.

First, start with glasses. Have you ever noticed that a large number of hipsters wear glasses?  It’s rarely because their eyes require glasses, and more often they’re worn to complete an overall style.  Oversized, thick-rimmed glasses are the best way to go. Get yourself a pair with non-prescription frames and you’re ready to rock the look.  Or, if you actually do need them for your vision, then by all means get a prescription pair that compliments your hipster wardrobe.  

Finding a few retro necklaces or unique watches are another thing you’ll want to add to your collection. Pick out something not too trendy, like a retro watch with a digital clock face. In addition to shiny accessories, scarves with a plaid or checkered print are an important layer to add in the cooler months. They add style without looking overdone. And of course you’ll need a hipster hat to top off your look. A common choice is the fedora, worn at just the right angle. Slouchy beanies are also pretty common in the hipster fashion universe, but berets or wide-brimmed hats work well too. And for the final touch, you need a cool vintage bag. Try to find something that exudes a boho or 60’s vibe, perhaps an old messenger bag—just something that ties into your retro style.  

Now that you look the part, don’t forget to act it. There are no strict hipster rules you absolutely have to follow, but just remember that the whole point is to be the opposite of mainstream culture. Trust that your laid-back hipster attitude will pull that “I-didn’t-try-too-hard” outfit all together in the end.

One way I try and save is by shopping consignment sales.  I love the ones that we have in our town semi-annually.  They’re great fun but there are only two a year, we have to get up very early, bring our game faces, and fight the crowds.  While I love the challenge and embrace it I also like to shop slowly, at my own pace. …at home in my pjs.

Swap.com contacted me to partner with them for this post and I jokingly told them later that I wish I hadn’t heard of them because I’m now addicted.  I spent some time browsing their site seeing if they had any good brands (and they did!), seeing if shipping was outrageous (it wasn’t!), and to see if they had anything in the styles I like (they did!).  I’m happy to report back to you that Swap.com has a lot of great clothes at affordable prices.  Not all the clothes are in like-new condition but they list every flaw and price them accordingly.  I love that!  I can even buy affordable play clothes from the comfort of my living room in my “play clothes.”

Here’s what I found on my first (of many) shopping trips:

Check out this Hartstrings skirt!  It was on sale for $3.50 (originally $48!).  I saved 93% off the retail price.  That’s a great brand and an unbelievable price if you ask me!

These Bermuda shorts from Carter’s were listed as good condition but they looked absolutely perfect to me (and I’m picky!).

I found another pair of shorts and was about to check out when I saw that they had a toy section.  I’m not one who loves to have a lot of toys but I wanted to see what they had.  They had a lot of character items, some toys were even brand new, and some that really caught my eye.  Check this out, a My Fair Lady Barbie doll from 1995!

I love My Fair Lady (who doesn’t?) and my daughter is loving Barbies right now.  Modest Barbie, a chance to introduce my daughter to My Fair Lady, and a birthday gift for my soon to be 5 year old? Win-win-win! Oh, and I price matched the doll on Amazon before I bought it and it was $25 cheaper here.  No brainer.

Here’s what my shopping cart looked like.  Easy peasy.

The clothes have now arrived and they are perfect.  Look at that detail on the Heartstrings’ skirt.  Beautiful!  These are clothes my daughter can easily throw into her summer rotation and they were so cheap!

Here’s the doll!  I just love it and can’t wait to show it to my daughter.

If you love adorable and affordable kid’s clothes you should definitely check out Swap.com!

I don’t know about you but I dread working out.  It’s not so much the excising that bothers me but the getting ready to go part.  I never know what to wear!  My sweatpants have seen better days.  I happen to be in the minority of women in the US who choose not to wear leggings so that knocks out 99% of the pants on the market.  Sigh.  Enough excuses, I’ve set off to find 5 attractive work out clothes for women who want to feel confident in what they’re wearing and comfortable too.  Here are my favorite choices from this morning’s internet scrolling.

• 1. NYFifth.com is a supplier for activewear and headwear and I have been surprised by their affordable prices!  It’s been a while since I’ve bought work out clothes but many of the pieces I found were under $20.  They have hundreds of name brands…and they also do screen printing and embroidery!  I am loving these shorts from Champion.  Navy, tagless, 5 inch inseam, and they are only $9.31 (as low as $8.46 if you buy several).

• 2. NYFifth Apparel also has this Sport-Tek Dry Mesh Shirt that would be great for working out and staying cool.  It looks good enough to just wear for a play date at the park.

• 3. My holey socks had to go and these cheery socks from Under Armour might even make working out fun…maybe.  I love the tight band that goes around the middle of the foot.  I think all socks should be made with that.  It’s so comforting.  These are $14.00 from Amazon.

• 4. This Raglan Tee looks comfy enough to wear on a hike or watch the big game in.  This comes in a wide variety of colors and sizes and prices begin at $9.70 on Amazon.

• 5. If you’re like me and hate working out when it’s cold out, here is a beautiful hoodie that will eliminate that excuse.  It’s colorful, cute, and will keep you warm while you warm up!  It also comes in many sizes and colors.  Prices start at $14.55 on Amazon.

What about you?  What are your favorite work out clothes or accessories?

Today is National Polka Dot Day!  Disney’s famous and fabulous Minnie Mouse has sported polka dots for years and now you can too!  Here are my favorite polka dot clothes, party supplies, accessories, and home supplies.  I hope you love them as much as I do.  Happy National Polka Dot Day!!

Women’s Polka Dot Chiffon Top $6.87 + Free Shipping

Polka Dot Dress $37.99 + Free Shipping

Polka Dot Shirt $14.99 + Free Shipping

Vintage Polka Dot Dress $31.99 + Free Shipping

Ruffled Polka Dot Shirt $23.99 + Free Shipping

Polka Dot Hoodie $27.80 + Free Shipping

Minnie Mouse Tote Bag (also available in black) $19.99 + Free Shipping

Minnie Mouse Polka Dot Suitcase $84.99 + Free Shipping

Polka Dot Cat Eye Sunglasses $9.99 + Free Shipping

Polka Dot Fabric Button Earrings $7.50 + $2.50 Shipping

Gold Polka Dot Art Print $18.00 + Free Shipping

iPhone 6s Polka Dot Case $7.85 + Free Shipping

Polka Dot Balloons $2.34 + Free Shipping

Polka Dot Party Hats $2.29 + Free Shipping

Polka Dot Table Cover $3.19 + Free Shipping

Polka Dot Dinner Plates $2.29 + Free Shipping

Polka Dot Measuring Cup Set $13.33 + Free Shipping

Last but not least, the classic children’s book, Rootie Kazooti, who features Polka Dotty.  We love this book!

I have a love/hate relationship with my ongoing desire for sleep. For those who don’t know, I’m narcoleptic. I can’t even vaguely remember what it’s like to not be tired; I just have varying degrees of sleepiness. They range from “man, I could sure use a three hour nap right now” feelings to “I haven’t slept in three straight days and I can’t hold my eyelids open” feelings. Some days I think jokes about my sleepiness are funny and other times downright cruel. Just ask my husband. Sorry Sweetie, for all those times I have snapped at you undeservedly. Today, I’m feeling like sleepiness can be a humorous thing.

Here is my novelty gift list for people who love sleep.  My non-novelty gifts would include my favorite nap blanket,  fluffy pillows, soft sheets, and my dream – a babysitter who will wake your kids up and take them someplace so you can sleep in.  Sigh.  Anyway, here are my 15 gifts for people who love sleep.

1. Sleeping Panda decal for laptops, windows, etc. – $6.49 Amazon.

2. When you need to tell the world exactly how you feel.  I’d Rather Be Sleeping window cling – $3.99 Amazon.

3. A shirt I could wear everyday.  Need More Sleep Tee – $18.90 Amazon.

4. Or this one.  This Girl Needs a Nap Tee – $15.74 Amazon.

5. Here’s a guy’s version.  I Need a Nap Shirt – $14.00 Amazon.

6. Can’t leave the babies out.  Need More Sleep baby romper – $14.50 Amazon.

7. Love this mug! I Think I Need to Have A Sleep – $14.99 Amazon.  One of my favorites is one that my friend bought me in college that says, “My tired and I want a cookie.”

8. This is a cute one too!  Let’s Sleep mug – $15.89 Amazon.

9. You Need More Sleep – Advice From Cats book.  So much adorableness! – $7.94 Amazon.

10.  The picture says it all.  Sleeping Girl laptop case – $21 Amazon.

11. Perfect for a little shut eye.  Pirate Sleep Mask – $12.18 Amazon.

12. Ha! Namast’ay in Bed pillow – $8.89 Amazon.

13. Yup! I Like to Party tee – $18.00 Amazon.

14. One more t-shirt for good measure! Drink Coffee, Create, & Sleep tee. – $14.99 Amazon.

15. Okay, this last one is a little off topic but when I stumbled upon it I thought it was too fun not to include.  I’m thinking this would make a great white elephant gift for Christmas!  Nicolas Cage Pillowcase $10.14 Amazon.

Right now, Amazon has a HUGE Columbia Outerwear Sale, with prices marked as low as 80% off!  You can get some very low prices on women’s Columbia jackets and vests, starting as low as $7.90.

For example, this Columbia Women’s Benton Springs Full-Zip Jacket (above) is just $14.90 in select sizes and colors. This jacket is regularly sells for $60.

Another example is this Columbia Women’s Arch Cape III Vest on sale for only $11.99 in select sizes and colors, regularly $60.

These are just a couple examples of the many fabulous deals you can get while supplies last. There are many styles to choose from, and prices vary by size. You’ll have to browse to find what you’re looking for.  Happy shopping!

The long standing fashion rule states that you shouldn’t wear white clothes or shoes before Memorial Day and after Labor Day has been around for hundreds of years.  My grandmother still follows this rule to this day.  I used to comply but I just like wearing white too much!  Besides, here in NC September doesn’t really feel like fall at all.

Where did this tradition come from?

The Emily Post site says,

In the nineteen 00s, 10s and 20s… the summer season was bracketed by Memorial Day and Labor Day. Society flocked en masse from town house to seaside “cottage” or mountain “cabin” to escape the heat. City clothes were left behind in exchange for lighter, whiter, summer costumes. Come fall and the return to the city, summer clothes were put away and more formal city clothes donned once more.

Mental Floss says there were class distinctions behind this rule.

The wives of the super-rich ruled high society with an iron fist after the Civil War. As more and more people became millionaires, though, it was difficult to tell the difference between old money, respectable families, and those who only had vulgar new money. By the 1880s, in order to tell who was acceptable and who wasn’t, the women who were already “in” felt it necessary to create dozens of fashion rules that everyone in the know had to follow.  Not wearing white outside the summer months was another one of these silly rules.

Whatever the reason it started I don’t think it’s important to continue.  The takeaway fashion rule, in my opinion, is wear what’s seasonably sensible.

If you’re going to wear white, I suggest grabbing a pack of U by Kotex® Lightdays® Liners to keep you fully fashionable!  Visit #bringcomfyback, where you can upload your own #bringcomfyback selfie to get a $1 off coupon and enter to win some amazing prizes.

From left to right and top to bottom (sort of):

• Double Button Swimsuit ($39.00 now $24.79 plus 20% with coupon code JJMAY20)
• Iris Blue Round Sunglasses ($14.00 now $5.99 plus 20% with coupon code JJMAY20)
• Blossom Swimsuit ($39.00 plus 20% with coupon code JJMAY20)
• Cutest On The Coast Straw Hat ($16.95 now $8.99)
• Coral Round Sunglasses ($14.00 plus 20% with coupon code JJMAY20)
• Daisy Swim Hat ($18.00 plus 20% with coupon code JJMAY20)
• Polka Dot Heart ($16.88 now $8.44)
• Ivory Poppy Swimsuit ($39.00 now $23.99 plus 20% with coupon code JJMAY20)
• Colorblock Swimsuit ($39.00 plus 20% with coupon code JJMAY20)
• Daisy Bikini ($39.00 plus 20% with coupon code JJMAY20)
• Pola Dot Bow Flip Flops ($14.95 now $7.19)
• Blossom Striped Bikini ( $39.00 now $24.79plus 20% with coupon code JJMAY20)
• Geo Print Swimsuit ($39.00 plus 20% with coupon code JJMAY20)
• Art Deco Darling Striped Swimsuit ($42.00 now $28.39 plus 20% with coupon code JJMAY20)
• Watermelon Pink Striped Sunglasses ($10.95 now $5.48)

Disclosure, affiliate links have been used in this post.

Do you love a great pair of boots but hate the hefty price tag that comes with them?  I know I do!  That’s why I was excited when a friend shared with me a deal that she found today.  Patti from Shore Savings with Patti bought a pair of boots for only $15 and with 4 out of 5 stars!

Here’s the scoop, Amazon has seven different shades of boots for under $20 shipped!!

Go here and check out the shades for yourself: Top Moda Women Land-57 Boots.  They’re beautiful – I want to buy more than one pair!

Formal dresses are fabulous,  right?  I love occasions when I get to wear one!  It’s fun to get gussied up and step into the role of a princess for one night.

Curve-hugging dresses are great to show off your hour glass figure but no woman wants to show off her panty line.  No woman!  Did you see Jennifer Aniston’s oscar look?  She was stunning!  Did you see her panty line?  Nope because she’s classy.  I have a feeling that many Hollywood greats know a little something about going commando.

If you’re contemplating what to wear under your next formal Cottonelle has a suggestion for you!  Combine Cottonelle Clean Ripple toilet paper with Cottonelle’s Flushable Cleaning Cloths for a confident clean.  That way, no matter what dress you are wearing, people will notice you and not your panty lines.

While supplies last you can go to Cottonelle’s website and get your own #GoCommando free sample.  You can even dare your friend to Go Commando with you, and they will get a free sample too!

Have you ever wore a dress that caused you to #GoCommando?