Greetings and Classy Outfit

Hello Everyone!

My name is Adriana and I am so excited to be joining the team here on a Pinch of Classy.

So I have a fun little Outfit Of The Day post for y’all (I think Leah is calling it a ‘Classy Garb’ post) but first I wanna take a little bit of your time to introduce myself a little. (My bio would be pages long if I tried to fit it all on that thing :P)

My bio is kinda more the bare bones about me but I’m gonna throw in a couple more fun details. I am the oldest of 8 kids and I’m overly obsessed with the color orange and the use of smiley emoji's whenever I can. I am known to be quite the girly girl. (Though I have my moments where I’m not.) and I love to dress up in my most classy outfits whenever I get the chance.

I love to be an encouragement to people and help them as much as I can. I am also a Junior Youth Leader at my Youth Group (meaning I help plan the outreach events to bring the youth of the community to our church) and I plan to attend Briercrest College for Youth Ministries.

So there you have it! A bit more about me (besides what's on my bio :P) and now it’s time to get serious and get right into this post! Yay :)

 

For Sundays I love to dress up. On Sundays is usually when I will wear a skirt or dress.

Yeah so my sister jumped in the one picture :P

 So this outfit is probably my favorite outfit of all time. It is an outfit I can also wear year round and one of my few outfits that looks great with my awesome 5 inch heels.

Since I don't have much money to spend on clothes you can probably count that it was cheap. Proof that modest clothing can be purchased at very cheap prices. (Except for the jacket. That was more on the expensive end but it is my moms that I 'borrow'...almost every day.)

I also like to do a little bit of makeup for thing like church or events that require me to dress up. For my makeup I just use Mascara and my all time favorite tinted mint lip gloss. Throw in the super easy hairstyle known as a bun it looks super cute!

So here is a quick recap as to what pieces make up my outfit (and where I purchased them)

 The jacket was purchased from a store called 'Ricki's'

The dress was purchased from Walmart

The leggings were purchased at Value Village. (Not sure they have that in the states but its a second hand store :P)

The shoes were purchased along with the necklace at Ardene

The mascara brand is L'Oreal (Miss Manga I believe it is called) and the lip gloss I found at Bath and Bodyworks

So, yeah. That's my outfit :) Hope you liked it!

Look forward to posting in the future,

 

Pearls, Denim & Floral Leggings {classygarb + review}

"Well blow me away, is this an actual outfit post on APOC? *insert gasp*"

 Yes, I'm fully aware of the fact I haven't done any classygarb posts for quite a while now. *sigh* To be honest, half the time when I put together an outfit I like I'm just not in the mood to want to take any pictures. I know, I know, I'm a despicable human being.

Hopefully you can forgive me?

I hope so, because I have some cool stuff to show you ladies today.

I have the pleasure of getting to introduce to y'all two awesome businesses - ShinyGirlDesigns and Apostolic Clothing! One's a high-quality hand crafted jewelry shop, and the other is a modest, feminine clothing line! Both are reputable businesses with a lot to offer. And both sent me cool items to review!

 

 

From Apostolic Clothing, a-line knee-length denim skirt.

 
 

And from ShinyGirlDesigns, a lovely lavender pearl infinity wrap necklace.
 

 

 

So this is my first attempt at incorporating leggings into an outfit modestly. I've actually never even owned any until just a week ago when I bought three pairs from Forever 21. I had this thought that floral leggings would look really fun and quirky with a mid-length skirt, especially if the skirt were denim. I mean it's like combining two things that don't really match but....they kinda do?? I mean, maybe I just have a weird sense of style, but I feel like they match.

 

As to shoes, I would've worn my grey bohemian moccasins but it's not really the season for wintry boots yet. And then I saw my handy-dandy cowboy boots - voila!

 

So I feel like this outfit is a mish-mash of sorts, but I have to say I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out. It's like a quasi-western, quasi-boho, almost-a-teensy-bit-of-formal-trying-to-sneak-in collage.

 

It's colorful. And it feels very me.

 

Ugh, blurry photos ftw. This is what happens when you try to get pictures in FL humidity.

 

 

I really like this skirt. It's a fantastic length, and the A-line design provides a lot of freedom movement-wise. I don't know about y'all, but trying to find a decent skirt that isn't wayyyy too short is always a struggle for me. Especially since I'm tall. What might fit a friend who's average height comes up being disastrously short on me. So, when I find a skirt that actually fits me right it's almost euphoric. *cue happy dance*

 

I also really like the stitching. It's got a little pizazz. And yes, the pockets are actually functional.
The denim material is well-constructed and sturdy.

My only complaint? The waist is too big on me. Blame it on my figure, maybe. But it fits everywhere except my waist. I'd prefer for it to sit on my natural waist, but it ends up resting on my hips and even there it's a bit loose. I wouldn't want to size down, though, because then it might not fit anywhere but the waist.

Belts to the rescue!

 

 I have no idea what kind of pose this was supposed to be. Or what was up with the facial expression. Haha I'm such a model.....notttttt.

 Oh, hi there!

"I've got enough caffeine in me to last for years! Whoooo!"

 

As to the necklace, it's quite charming. A simplistic, yet very elegant design. Then again, pearls are always classy. Or, so they say down in the South, anyways.

 

Nah, it's not just a southern thing. Pearls are timeless class. 

 

 

This is a piece of minimalistic grace. It's light and dainty, so you almost forget you're wearing it.

Mysti, one of the creators and artisans of ShinyGirlDesigns, actually took the time to handwrite an informative note about the design aspects of this necklace, also including background information on the business which she and her mother run together. (How neat is that, a mother/daughter jewelry business?)

 

A quote from Mysti's letter: "Finally, the technical aspects of this piece. The pearls are dyed, freshwater pearls. The chain and wire are both sterling silver. And of course, the piece is handmade."

 

I think it's a lovely piece. Professional-level quality, feminine and classic.

 

 

Top: Coldwater Creek
Belt: hand-me-down
Skirt: Apostolic Clothing (find it here)
Leggings: Forever 21
Necklace: ShinyGirlDesigns (find it here)

////

What do you think of this look? Is this leggings/cowboy boots/skirt combination a yay or nay?

Note: I was provided these items from Apostolic Clothing and ShinyGirlDesigns in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed remain mine and mine alone.

JLR Designs Wearable Art! {review}

 

Are you an artsy sort of girl? Do you like accessories that are different than 'what you see in the stores?'

 

Then JLR Designs is just the shop for you! I was sent an elegant fabric pendant necklace a while back (sadly I've let things slip with this blog and gotten too wrapped up in other life affairs to actually get to this post - apologies!) and this is one of the most artsy - and original - pendants I've seen.

 

 

It's pretty big, and wears like a slightly longer-length choker. Definitely a statement piece.

The construction of the entire necklace is very solid. The pendant itself is semi-heavy, which I like because sometimes some necklaces are so light that you forget you're wearing them.

 

I love the combination of gray soft jersey-type material with the black lace overlay. Very subtle and classic.

 

 

(Never mind my chipped nail polish. I'm a country girl - nail polish and I don't work together very well. Between washing dishes and digging/weeding in the garden with my bare hands, well...)

 

Elegant. Sophisticated. Unique.

 

 This would be perfect paired with a red solid-print blouse and black skirt. Throw in some heels or ballet flats and voila - the makings of a stunningly classy ensemble!

 

I love that this is homemade, and how professionally it was put together. The pendant's construction is flawless. Everything feels like quality material.

 

Overall, I like this necklace a lot and you are encouraged to check out JLR Designs for yourself!

 

Have a blessed day!

Note: I was provided this item in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed remain mine and mine alone.

 

Hattie Olivia Earrings {review}

 

"This is the day that the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!"

 

Good afternoon ladies! On this beautiful spring day I'm pleased to bring you another product review. Shirley from Hattie Olivia Designs generously sent three pairs of her gorgeous, bohemian/Victorian inspired handmade earrings.

 

I absolutely love her style. The boho-Victorian mashup is so fabulous and unique! Positively delightful!

So, in order of the photos listed, let's take a closer look.

 

The earrings pictured above are the copper and turquoise chandelier earrings.

One thing I really like about these is the color combination. Very sophisticated and classy! Turquoise is my favorite color. And they match amazingly with any dark blue hues in my closet. The chandelier pieces are so intricate and ornate and I love the little sparkly copper beads. So far I've worn these to a retro party and church and felt absolutely fabulous with them on.

 

This pair, the blue crystals and antique gold, was the set that initially drew my attention on the Hattie Olivia Etsy page. I just love the feather pieces and Native-American inspired look! And these are a nice length, too. I've worn them to a baseball game so far for a chic, boho flair.

 

Finally, we have the gemstone chandelier earrings . These are lovely as well, and I think the purple and teal really sets them off. Very charming!

 

All three pairs seem to be made well and are pretty solid. I'm not worried about them falling apart anytime soon!

 

Overall, I recommend Hattie Olivia Designs 200%. Double thumbs up! All the pieces on the Etsy page are so darling and also reasonably priced for the quality you get. You should definitely check it out for yourself!

 

 

Note: I was provided these items from Hattie Olivia Designs in exchange for my honest opinion.

Dabble Designs Owl Earrings {review}

 

Good afternoon ladies!

 

Aren't these earrings adorable? A month or so ago I was sent them to review from Katie at Dabble Designs.

 

They're 100% sterling silver, and quite small. The owl design is so intricate and darling!

I'm a major owl lover so naturally these earrings caught my attention. And they're itty-bitty, so if I wanted to just throw a subtle touch to my outfit they'd be perfect.

 

 

The perfect pair of unique mini studs! They're very easy to wear.

I see no cons to these earrings except that you might be able to lose the backs because they're just so tiny. But that could also happen with larger studs as well, so nothing can be helped there really. You just have to make sure you put this pair in a place in your jewelry box where they won't get tucked away and forgotten!

 

Overall, I like these earrings a lot. Personally I might prefer them a little bigger, if I were to design them, simply so you can see the owl better, but that's just me.  I'm the kind of girl who loves big hoops and long danglies. But studs have their occasion, and let's be honest, for practicality's sake you just can't go around scrubbing tubs and doing laundry in big clunky earrings!

 

So, these are quite perfect for everyday activities, or just about anything really.  Oh-so-cute! And silver matches with everything so it's a win/win there also.

 

Find Dabble Designs on Etsy, or visit the website here! 

Also, why not like DD on Facebook?

 

Blessings,

Note: I was provided this item from Dabble Designs in exchange for my honest review.

Beautifly Natural Jewelry {review}

 

 

"I saw a chance to reuse butterflies that had naturally expired at a local conservatory and I approached the manager with my proposition of making jewelry out of the wings. I made a few sample products and then was asked to begin a business selling the newly made butterfly jewelry within the conservatory's gift shop. The natural jewelry was very well received and I was able to set up a studio.
I am very excited about the business that unexpectedly became a reality in my life. I am thankful for all the opportunities that have allowed me to come this far. But most importantly I am delighted to be able to share these beautiful creatures in a creative way that can be admired and enjoyed for years to come." -Bethany, shop owner, maker & designer

 

 

We have a very unique review today from Beautifly Natural Jewelry - a shop on Etsy that offers laminated butterfly wing earrings and nature-themed accessories!

 

I don't know about y'all, but I'm an avid lover of the great outdoors, fresh air and all the beautiful creatures which God has placed on this earth for us to enjoy and protect. Butterflies have always been fascinating insects to me, with their dainty, frail forms and intricate wing designs.

 

So the concept of getting to actually wear earrings made from real butterfly wings really intrigued me.

 

 

I was sent two different pairs to review. This first one is from a Sulphur butterfly. You can find/purchase them here.

 

The wings are about an inch or so long.

 

I love the bright yellows in this pair. So lovely and full of sunshine!

 

 

This second pair is my favorite. They're Paper Kite wings and roughly double the size of the Sulphurs above. I love this length, and translucent colors. Find these earrings here.

 

 

What I love about these earrings is how, when you run your fingers over the laminated material, you can actually feel the veins of the wings - this is the real deal.

Both pairs are so unique and original - naturally.

 

 

They're very, very lightweight so they won't drag your earlobes down at all. In fact, you almost forget you're wearing them.

 

 Overall, I think this shop - and the products it offers - is awesome. I love how different and original the jewelry is. These are definitely earrings I will wear! I give both pairs a double thumbs-up, and that goes for the rest of Beautifly Natural Jewelry, too. Working with Bethany was a pleasure!

 

You should definitely check out her work. And like her Facebook page!

 

What do y'all think? Which is your favorite pair?

 

 

Note: I was provided these items from Beautifly Natural Jewelry in exchange for my honest opinion.

 

One More Jewelry/Accessory Haul!

 

Hey ladies! Today I've got a bunch of neat product reviews for y'all.

First we have an ADORABLE necklace from Frida & Marilyn .

 

 

 

This necklace was created using recycled and vintage materials. I really like that factor.

It is really very much my style, the retro look. Plus, I appreciate resourcefulness.

 

This is a beautiful piece. I adore it. It's been a main accessory in my outfits lately ever since it arrived in the mail.

 

And, of course, the packaging was adorbs.

 

 

I haven't worn many loooong necklaces like this before, but this sort matches with most anything and as I said before I just loved it as soon as I laid eyes on it. It's so me!

 

It's so unique. Even the chain suspending the pendant is beautifully original.

 

Overall, I have NO complaints and I absolutely love Leyla's (the shop owner) work! You should definitely check out her shop.

 

 

Next up, another adorrrrable piece of jewelry - a pair of earrings from Miss Frosting.

 

 

First of all, the packaging! Once again, just too cute not to get a picture of.

 

I just love these earrings. To me they have a semi-retro look. Very classy and elegant. I love wearing them!

 

They're very lightweight and I forget I even have them on, sometimes!

 

 

The length is perfect. Not too long, but not too short either.

 

Overall, I give these earrings two thumbs up! They're super stylish and cute, and I've enjoyed wearing them all over the place. They're already a stable in my wardrobe!

(Go check out the Miss Frosting store right now!!)

 

 

 

And here we have a lovely hat from SavannahWillow.

I know the pictures aren't very good. But I still love wearing this hat nonetheless. I've always liked hats, anyway. Something about them is just so incredibly classy.

 

 

 

Hats can spruce up just about any outfit. It's a shame that many women don't wear them anymore like they used to.

 

Anyhow, I really like this hat. It's black, so it matches with everything, and black is inherently classy in my opinion, anyway.

 

(Excuse my goofy posing. I'm not very photogenic...haha.)

Anyhoo, Savannah Willow has a number of other vintage items similar to this hat. You should take a look!

 

 

Now. I  know this particular review is long-overdue, especially considering that I was sent this pair of boots several months ago.

They're from Bete Noire Vintage . I think they are simply adorable, but the problem? My feet are, as always, too big. >_<

 

I will give them to a friend with smaller feet. But it was disappointing because these are just so unique and I would certainly have worn them if I could've.

 

Well, that wraps up today'spost!

Hope all you lovely people enjoyed!

 

Blessings,