Pocketful of Joules

Before I fully dive into 2024, I like to take a moment to look back at the previous year. For this post, specifically, my favorite outfits.

Over the years, my style has certainly evolved (if you’re curious, check out the My Style Evolution posts — so far I have early years, 20’s and 30’s). And now that I’m in my mid-40’s, I’m still figuring out what best fits the “me” of the moment.

Looking through my 2023 outfits, here are 10 that feel 100% me. I’m a big fan of whimsical, fun floral patterns, and bright colors. I typically prefer natural materials, like cotton and linen, however the magpie in me also loves velvet, sequins and tulle! For my silhouettes, I like a nice fit-and-flare with a fitted waistline and a flowy skirt.

Also, the majority of the items in each outfit are all secondhand. In fact, I counted 23 items that I purchased secondhand and 6 items I purchased new. (Items purchased from retail stores: outfit 1 dress, outfit 1 shoes, outfit 2 boots, outfit 6 sandals, outfit 8 dress, outfit 10 jacket).

Looking forward to 2024, I’m hoping to hone in even more on outfits that help me feel happy, fun and confident. In fact, I did a little Covid-induced Poshmark shopping that may have a couple more interesting tulle skirts making their way to my door now…

I didn’t plan on any blog posts this week while I’m vegging on the couch and eating all the Christmas cookies. However, I just did a little online shopping at the Athleta sale and wanted to share it while it was still going on and fully stocked!

Right now, the Athleta Semi-Annual Sale has items at up to 60% off and I also found an online code that gave me an extra 20% off of everything. I love Athleta and live in the items I’ve purchased over the years as both my loungewear (all telework days) and my workout wear (hiking and biking and everything else). The items are a little pricey, but they typically have great sales and they last for years and years, while still looking brand new!

When you’re shopping, be sure to pay attention to items that are marked “Semi-Annual Sale! Price as Marked” and those that say “Semi-Annual Sale! Final Sale. Price as Marked.” If you are unsure of your sizing or if you don’t know if you’ll love the item, don’t get stuck with those marked final sale – make an informed decision!

Here’s what I ordered:

Cozy Karma Hoodie Sweatshirt in Spiced Cabernet – $109 marked down to $69.99 (and then 20% off). Link: https://shopstyle.it/l/b6a46. I like my hoodies oversized, so I ordered this in an XL.

Retroplush Revive Hoodie Sweatshirt in Clover Berry – $99 marked down to $59.99 (and then 20% off). Link: https://shopstyle.it/l/b6a7a. I also ordered this one in an XL.

For the two hoodies, they are both regular sale items (not final sale). So, I’m most likely going to pick my favorite and return the other one.

Elation V-Neck Built-In Bra Tank D-DD in Acacia Olive – $64 marked down to $29.99 (and then 20% off). Link: https://shopstyle.it/l/b6a7k. For their fitted items, the large fits me best. I LOVE it when they are made for larger cup sizes too — so they will fit in both the body and the knockers.

Nighttime Bliss Sleep Tee – purchased both Black and Deep Burgandy – $39 marked down to $9.97 each (and then 20% off). Link: https://shopstyle.it/l/b6a8R. Note, these are final sale! I went with an XL on these too because I hate fitted tops when I’m trying to sleep.

I ordered a total of 5 items, which had the retail total of $350. After the Semi-Annual sale and an extra 20% off coupon I found online (I used Mary20), my total after tax and free shipping was: $152.57!

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With Christmas falling on a Monday, I feel like next week basically doesn’t exist on my calendar. I’ve taken off work and I’ve taken off blogging and I intend to be a big lazy butt at home with my kiddo for the week. So, this will be your last blog post of 2023 and honestly, it’s kind of a light one.

I was PLANNING on at least one or two more fabulous holiday outfits to add to this post, but I tested positive for Covid last weekend and this week has been spent in my house wearing pajamas.

Before I got struck down with the fever, chills and body aches, I did have the opportunity to get a little festive:

I thrifted this sequined tank top to wear to the Taylor Swift Eras tour, but it was pulled out of my closet again and paired with my blue velvet skirt and a cardigan for a fun and festive work look. I actually attended a networking event that morning with the dress code “holiday sparkles”, so this worked out wonderfully.

I met up with my friend for an evening holiday market, so this was sparkly, festive AND warm for walking around outside. I actually also wore this skirt to the Taylor Swift Eras tour. Since then, I’ve ripped out the baggy elastic waistband and replaced it with tighter elastic so it fits much better. It was sparkly perfection with a lightweight black sweater, denim jacket, tights and boots.

It was “Ugly Sweater Day” at work and I don’t have one, so I decided to go with a festive sweatshirt instead. It worked. And I already owned it, so I didn’t waste any money on something I would barely wear.

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This one needed a video, rather than a photo, because a photo just doesn’t do these sparkles any justice! For this year’s work holiday party, I topped a sequined maxi skirt with a thrifted velvet tank top and beaded cardigan. It was a nice and comfortable outfit that was totally country club appropriate.

Happy Holidays and I’ll be back in 2024!