thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Adventures in Thrifting Part 10: Shades of Blue, Big Earrings & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #224

May 25, 2021 / 62 Comments
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

I haven’t been thrift shopping in a few weeks, but I have a pile of really cute dresses that I picked up the last time I made my thrift shop rounds. I was waiting for the weather to warm up a bit before going bare legged and it finally has so I can wear my new preloved summer dresses now.

I am all about loose flowing lightweight dresses when the weather starts to get warm. They are so comfortable for all day wear. And when I am just hanging around at home, which I usually am, I can remove my bra and let the girls swing free underneath and no one can really even notice. That is some serious boho hippie vibes, in my opinion, when you let the boobies breathe and move around freely beneath any loose fitting dress.

This chambray dress is made out of the softest cotton fabric ever. But I didn’t really need yet another chambray dress. It was the brightly colored floral embroidery and buttons that sold me. Also, I can’t seem to train my brain to understand that after losing some weight, I do wear a smaller size than I did 30 pounds ago. Nope. I can’t seem to get it through my head and so I keep buying things in sizes 2XL and 3XL.

This dress is a brand I have never heard of before (Simply Basics) and it is a size 2XL. It is a tad big on me, but the loose style allows me some freedom when it comes to fit. I added this chambray sequined jacket on top to give a little bit more shape to the dress, but I liked the dress just fine without the jacket, too.

thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

I don’t know if you recall this sequined jacket from a previous post. I had purchased it back in November for a Thrifty Six theme of preloved sequins and sparkles. Sometimes when I purchase an item for a specific style challenge, I struggle with finding more ways to style those pieces. And as much as I love having a gigantic wardrobe, I do still want to make the most of what I have. So I was really excited about how well this fun jacket paired with this dress.

And then there are the sandals. The fun yellow sandals that I found at the end of last summer at TJ Maxx. They are by Marc Fisher whose sandals retail around the $80 range. I picked these up on clearance for $10 and I have to say the comfort level is worth every penny of the regular retail price. This was the first time I have styled them and I kept them on my feet all day long and walked a lot while wearing them. Not a blister or any rubbing on the toes as often happens with shoes of this style.

thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

But the very best part of this outfit is my earrings. These are the third and final pair that I received from sweet Sharon of Big Earrings. These are the Mystique earrings by Tagua by Soraya Cedeño which is an eco-friendly and sustainable fair trade handmade jewelry brand. The colorful beads are crafted from slices of the tagua nut which grows on a palm tree found primarily in the rainforests of Ecuador. The pieces are hand carved and colored with organic vegetable dyes. The colors in the earrings and the way the tagua nut is so shiny paired so perfectly with the colorful buttons on this dress.

You can see how I styled my other pairs of Big Earrings here and here.

thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, thrifted fashion, chambray dress, chambray sequined jacket, summer style, Big Earrings, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

I really felt super sunshiny and joyful in this outfit. Bright colors and whimsical details always have a magical way of boosting my mood. And that is how we can really make our wardrobes work for us. When what we wear can bring us so much joy, why are we not always aiming to create our happiest outfits?

Does your clothing bring you joy?

Featured Favorites

Reader Favorite (Most Clicked)

Amy of Amy’s Creative Pursuits shared her post, Our Smoky Mountains Vacation-Day 2: Rainbow Falls. The last trip I took before the world locked down was to the Smoky Mountains, but I just did some driving around then. I would love to go hike some of these trails that Amy shared in this post. Such a beautiful place.

Amy's Creative Pursuits
Amy of Amy’s Creative Pursuits

Fashion Favorite

Kathrine of Kathrine Eldridge Wardrobe Stylist shared her post, How to Revamp Your Summer Style with Curateur, featuring the wonderful items she received in her monthly subscription box including this amazing black floral kimono. Go check out her post for details on the other items she received.

Kathrine Eldridge Wardrobe Stylist
Kathrine of Kathrine Eldridge Wardrobe Stylist

Non-Fashion Favorite

Ashley of Le Stylo Rouge shared her post, Extra LSR: Why Instagram Sucks. I have had this exact topic on my list of content ideas for months now but I never have gotten around to writing it. I don’t think I will now because Ashely summed it up perfectly! And to those of you who share your love with me on Instagram, I apologize for my lack of engaging in return. I really just despise that platform so very much for basically all of the reasons stated in Ashley’s post. Go have a read if you haven’t already!

Le Stylo Rouge
Le Stylo Rouge

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

*Joining these Link Parties.

Outfit Details: Dress and Jacket-Thrifted / Earrings-Big Earrings / Shoes-Marc Fisher (TJ Maxx)

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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62 Comments

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 25, 2021 at 10:20 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Anna! All of those things, the silhouette and the volume of the dress plus all the fun pops of color really made me super happy and smiley all day in this outfit. I hope you have a wonderful week!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Kellyann Rohr

    May 25, 2021 at 10:06 am Reply

    It is hard to wrap your head around your new size, but girl, you need to! 30 pounds is a significant weight loss and I’ll bet you need lots of things that actually fit your new frame. When I was a WW leader I’d always tell my members to get rid of clothes that no longer fit (aka the mini mall in their closet).
    I’m with you about the flowy dresses though – they are my jam this time of year especially!
    xo,
    Kellyann

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 25, 2021 at 10:18 am Reply

      Thanks, Kellyann! I definitely need to organize the mini mall inside my closet room so I can more readily find the things that do fit! But with the way my weight has fluctuated over the years, I think I will still keep a variety of sizes. I actually don’t have a problem buying the correct size in pants as the weight comes off, it’s just tops and dresses always stump me because even as I shrink, my boobs (and shoulders) do not! I think even at my tiniest, a million years ago when I wore a size 2 or 4 in bottoms, I still needed a 10 or 12 in tops and jackets to accommodate the boobs and shoulders. So I feel like I will always be in the land of extra large when it comes to fitting my top half. But it’s all good with flowy summer dresses! Have a fabulous day, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Mica

    May 25, 2021 at 10:36 am Reply

    That is scuh a cute dress and I like how you accessorised it with the yellow shoes and the fun colourful earrings – nice compliments to the embroidery on the dress! 🙂 And of course I love relaxed dresses like this for hot summer days! 🙂

    Thanks for the link up 🙂

    Hope you are having a nice week 🙂

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 25, 2021 at 1:02 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Mica! This dress really does have an amplified cuteness factor, doesn’t it?! This is one of my favorite styles of dresses for hanging around the house on warm days. Comfortable and cute…my favorite combination! I hope your week is going well so far!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 25, 2021 at 12:57 pm Reply

      Thank you so much, Kathrine! I couldn’t believe that these sandals were only $10 either! It was an absolute steal. And I have been wanting some fun yellow sandals. I have another pair that are a little dressier from Old Navy, but I think I will get much more wear from these. It was my pleasure to feature your post! Have a wonderful day.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 25, 2021 at 12:54 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Jennifer! The brand tag resembled something that would be carried by KMart or JCPenney or some department store like that. I am glad that you recognized it! I could have researched it a bit but I was feeling too lazy. Haha. But for the thrift shop price of $6, it is a great dress, for sure! I hope you are having a wonderful week!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Amy Johnson

    May 25, 2021 at 12:04 pm Reply

    Oh wow! How exciting to be most clicked! That doesn’t happen to me too often. I love your dress! What a find. I can’t believe you’re wearing 2XL. I would think you would drown in that size. But I know what you mean, I always buy a medium no matter how much weight I gain or lose. Whenever I buy a large I end up regretting it, and a small is always a little too snug in spots. it’s so funny. Thanks for the party.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 25, 2021 at 12:41 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Amy! It is really hard to tell what size people are through photographs. I often get shocked responses that I wear XL or 2XL. But I have really broad shoulders and really big boobs so no matter how much weight I lose, the smallest I will ever be on top is a large. Even when I was ridiculously thin back in my 20’s, I wore a size 2 or 4 on the bottom but still needed a 10 or 12 in tops and dresses to accommodate my top heavy frame. But I never get too caught up about the size of my clothes as long as they fit properly even though I continue to err on the side of too large! I hope you have a fabulous day, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Suzy

    May 25, 2021 at 1:22 pm Reply

    Oh how I giggled reading about you taking off your bra and letting your boobies hang loose LOL!!! I often do the exact same thing however, my boobies are distinctly smaller than yours so they probably don’t hang loose so much LOL (I’m only jealous he he he). Love the outfit, Shelbee. Even though the dress is too big, it’s perfect for the warmer weather. And the shoes…what a great find in TJ Maxx!! I adore that store. In the UK it’s called TK Maxx. Sadly it’s not in Portugal but hopefully it will be one day!!
    Hugs
    Suzy xx

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 25, 2021 at 2:20 pm Reply

      Ha, thanks, Suzy! I am glad to give you a chuckle today! Boobs and boobs jokes are kind of funny! But seriously, I hit a point in the late afternoons when I became way too aware of the existence of my bra. It’s like I don’t notice it all day and then suddenly, I can feel it squeezing and constricting and touching my skin in all the places and I can’t get the darn thing off fast enough! I went to TJ Maxx again yesterday because I needed some new underwear and I ended up with 2 new dresses, two pairs of sleep shorts, and a tie dye hoodie as well! I hope you are having a lovely week!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 25, 2021 at 2:14 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Mireille! I just read your Adventures in Thrifting post yesterday and realized that I haven’t posted one in a while! I love seeing all the fun thrift shop finds that others share, too!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Ellie

    May 25, 2021 at 2:02 pm Reply

    What a great find this dress was and loving the sandals! I agree that quality shoes are worth every penny and isn’t isn’t it wonderful to find them at such an amazing price!!

    Enjoyed reading your favorite non-fashion post as well. I too have been taking a few steps back from instagram, there are only so many hours in the day and I decided that I enjoy the blogging platform so much more and find instagram so impersonal and not really worth my time.

    Ellie
    Ellibelle’s Corner

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 25, 2021 at 2:13 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Ellie! I have such a tremendous shoe addiction that I never like to spend too much money on any one pair so it is so great when I find good quality footwear on super duper clearance! Oh, I am so over the whole social media thing, not just Instagram. I have always preferred the blog platform over all others and will continue focusing there. I honestly think that social media is going to come to a burning death soon so I am glad that I never really got to o sucked into it all.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Renee Open

    May 25, 2021 at 3:17 pm Reply

    Agreed! I can’t stand sharing on instagram. I like parusing the zodiac and political memes others share, but the platform – for my purposes – is … not my favorite.

    Super cute jumper! Comfy for warm Spring days <3

    Have a lovely day dear and thank you for the link up!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 25, 2021 at 5:23 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Renee! I honestly cannot stand any social media platforms! I tolerate them and use them only for minimal marketing purposes. I prefer the plain old website blogging platform to say what I want to say! I hope all of social media dies a burning death. Ha. I hope you are having an amazing week!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Nora Minassian

    May 25, 2021 at 3:39 pm Reply

    Such a cute and comfy dress Shelbee and I love your yellow sandals as a pop of color. By the way love the “taking your bra off and letting your boobs go free” bit…LOL. I think we can all relate to that one!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 25, 2021 at 5:21 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Nora! Seriously, I don’t think our boobs were meant to confined with such vigor! They need some breathing room and freedom to move! Ans so I love my loose fitting clothing for that purpose. Ha. Have a great day!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Christina Morley

    May 25, 2021 at 3:51 pm Reply

    A loose-fitting dress in summer is great and being able to go without a bra, even better! I love those yellow sandals. What a great buy! And, the people making the eco-friendly earrings are so clever. Thanks for hosting! Enjoy your warmer weather!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 25, 2021 at 5:19 pm Reply

      Thank you so much, Tina! Going braless is such a luxury and I think we all need to do it more! I am all about the eco-friendly jewelry and accessories that are available these days, too. Have a great day!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Michelle

    May 25, 2021 at 5:16 pm Reply

    Oh Shelbee, I love this adorable dress on you! Such a cute outfit! And I’m very partial to yellow and blue together. The yellow sandals are a great choice. Also? I’m all about letting the girls swing free. A roomy dress is just the thing!

    Michelle
    https://mybijoulifeonline.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 25, 2021 at 5:35 pm Reply

      Hehe, thanks so much, Michelle! I have always loved yellow and blue together, too. It is a like a bright sunshiny sky! And I am just about at that point in the day when I will be releasing the girls! But first, I need to run to the grocery store and pick up the kids from school. And I am just not comfortable doing either of those things braless. Have a fabulous day!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Joanne

    May 25, 2021 at 7:26 pm Reply

    I rarely wear dresses; even in summer! I don’t know why but I am trying to break that habit and add in some dresses and skirts. You look fabulous and comfy.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 26, 2021 at 11:50 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Joanne! I am picturing you in tee shirt style dresses of any length. The shorter ones are always good over leggings, too, if you want some extra coverage. But I do love a comfy maxi dress in tee shirt material for summer chilling!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Rena

    May 25, 2021 at 9:02 pm Reply

    Shelbee,

    You absolutely do look super sunshiny and joyful in this outfit. And I totally get the desire to be able to go sans bra and let the girls do as they will. I also really liked the Le Stylo Rogue post regarding Instagram and all the points she made. I’ve got a post in development about IG and I’ll probably reference that post.

    Rena
    http://www.finewhateverblog.com

  • Darlene

    May 25, 2021 at 9:32 pm Reply

    I’m with you and Ashley re IG. I just can’t get into it. It’s so self-aggrandizing! I know, that’s the whole point. BUT…Anyway, my friend, you definitely MUST buy smaller sizes! 30 pounds is incredible, especially if you feel great at this weight. Your dress still works, however, cause, as you say, this style should be loose and free–like your boobs! Lol!

    xx Darlene

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 26, 2021 at 10:33 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Darlene! I honestly cannot stand any social media platforms these days. I merely use them because it seems like a necessary evil in the world of blogging. But I don’t pay much attention to any of it anymore. I do have to train my brain to understand that I am smaller now than a year ago! It is really just dresses and tops that I can’t get right. I have sized way down in bottoms, but these boobs don’t shrink and neither do my shoulders so I will always be a large or x-large anyway. But I always find ways to make my too big clothing work!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Sheila (of Ephemera)

    May 26, 2021 at 12:37 am Reply

    My grandmother called those “day dresses” and I’m fairly certain they were exactly how you’re wearing it: braless and utterly comfortable!

    I also have to remind myself to remix “special” items into my wardrobe – we get stuck in a rut with unique items sometimes.

    Hope you’re having a good week, my friend!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 26, 2021 at 10:24 am Reply

      Right, Debbie?! It is the most glorious feeling to free the girls at the end of the day! I was walking around yesterday in wide legged trousers and a sports bra because it was terribly hot and humid and my kids were getting so mad at me. One kept telling me to put on a shirt and I was like no way kid (who was currently topless telling me to put on a shirt), I don’t play by these double standard rules! Haha.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 26, 2021 at 10:22 am Reply

      I love that, Cheryl! But oh my gosh, I just discovered how wonderful lightweight breezy wide legged elastic waistband pants are, too! I just picked up some of the cutest pairs! I just need to photograph them now.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • jess jannenga

    May 26, 2021 at 1:44 pm Reply

    Hi friend!
    I love how the earrings go with the embroidery of the dress, and the flowy tiered style is certainly trending right now! Love the blue with those fabulous sandals. Yellow just is such a happy shade. I had to laugh as I always wanted “hippie boobs” ( small boobs that look great in tank tops with out a bra) so I know what you’re saying!
    Have a great week!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegntlydressedandstylish.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 26, 2021 at 2:31 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Jess! I have always wanted hippie boobs, too! The kind that stay nice and perky without a bra and look fabulous in tank tops! But that’s never gonna happen for me, so I will stick with my loose flowy dresses for the braless days! Have a wonderful day, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom

    May 26, 2021 at 9:33 pm Reply

    Blue is my favorite color in the summer… and, I agree with dresses in the summer being a good idea as it gets SO humid here and everything gets so sticky! Those yellow shoes are so pretty against the blue! I have SO much blue in my closet for the summer, that I really should get some yellow sandals!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 27, 2021 at 9:52 am Reply

      Thank you so much, Carrie. I have always loved blue and yellow together. It is so cheerful, it reminds me of a sunshiny sky! I can’t believe that you don’t already have yellow sandals! You definitely need a pair!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

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