I almost never wear white or cream. Black, black, and more black for me. It hides my lumps and bumps and it’s easy (albeit boring) to mix and match. Then Kelli Nicole told me that she wears white/cream when photographing because it reflects back on the couple and helps light up their faces. Why didn’t I think of this? So I searched the thrift store for a white/cream sweater that I could photograph in during spring and fall while in Dallas.
I didn’t try this one one before I bought it, and I might have skipped it if I had realized where the pockets are, but I love the neckline and it’s incredibly soft. I don’t wear brown and cream often, but I think it’s a good combination for my skin tone and I’d like to invest in more pieces like this!
Cream sweater – $5
Tan tank top – $4
Belt-$4
Jeans – $3.50
Earrings and ring-The earrings were a very generous gift from a friend, the ring was purchased from an antique dealer in Italy (I wore it on my wedding day!)
Shoes – $6Total Cost of My Thrifted Items: $22.50
Dirty belt! I’ll get some cleaner and clean it off one of these days.
I was looking at my last fashionably modest post and realized how strikingly different the two outfits are!
January 28th, 2011 on 8:38 am
I love this look! Comfy without being frumpy. That’s an awesome belt too. You look great!
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January 28th, 2011 on 8:42 am
It’s so true that we almost never see you in white, but it’s a great color for you!
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January 28th, 2011 on 8:51 am
This color combo is great on you - especially with the dark hair. You look like you feel great in it too! The button detail on the shoes is adorable. Well done, you.
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January 28th, 2011 on 8:55 am
I have been loving these thrift store finds and am so proud of your for making some wardrobe changes within budget.
A hint for the pockets and jacket/sweater pockets in general… Putting your hands in pockets only draws attention to them and removing them from the sweater may leave a funny “spot” on the front. To solve the problem take some similar colored thread and loosely sew then shut from the back. It will keep them trim and in line with the sweater. Not putting your hands in them will also help to keep the sweater from bagging forward. I frequently leave things like jacket pockets shut for this very reason.
Also-try a little tooth paste or window cleaner on the back of the belt buckle. If it cleans without removing the finish or discoloring move to the front and give it a little scrub with a soft toothbrush. There may be no need for a special cleaner.
I love the joy on your face in these photos. Great outfit-Great shoes!
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January 28th, 2011 on 8:57 am
Umm, can you please take me shopping with you? I can’t believe you can get so many cute things at a thrift store!!
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January 28th, 2011 on 9:02 am
White and cream and brown DO look great on you! You look like you’re glowing! I do think black tends to make us look pale and tired looking… If I wear a black dress or top, I always make sure to loop a fun, colorful scarf around my neck.
Question: Does Kelly where white to weddings too, or just for informal photo sessions? I always thought that photographers tried to wear gray/black so that they didn’t stick out like sore thumbs (particularly if the wedding they are shooting also has a videographer). Just curious!
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Jenna Reply:
January 28th, 2011 at 9:14 am
Black for weddings. You don’t want to compete with the bride!
If you want to reflect light back on the couple at a wedding, just find a guest in a white dress shirt.
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January 28th, 2011 on 9:02 am
That outfit looks great on you! The colors are fantastic, it’s very flattering and it looks casual without being frumpy- something I struggle with all the time.
Would you consider writing a ‘thrifting tips’ post? I’ve tried thrifting but I’m always so overwhelmed with the racks and racks of clothes. I never have a plan of attack that works
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Jenna Reply:
January 28th, 2011 at 9:14 am
I’m not sure that I feel like I’m really that great at it (I found a really good store, which helps) but yeah I’d be up for writing a post!
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January 28th, 2011 on 9:03 am
You might consider stitching the pockets closed or just not using them. If they get stretched out and saggy it would detract from the look.
(Actually, my Nana ALWAYS sewed shut the pockets on jackets to keep that from happening and keep them look tailored and sharp.)
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January 28th, 2011 on 9:04 am
PS: One of the few things I can’t buy at thrift stores are shoes. I wish I could… but I just can’t make myself! And there are so many great shoes out there. GRRR.
I LOVE those shoes
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January 28th, 2011 on 9:04 am
This last picture of you is absolutely gorgeous. You really should start wearing these colors, because with your darker hair, they really make your eyes and pretty smile pop!
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January 28th, 2011 on 9:21 am
Very cute! These pictures make me want to go belt shopping.
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January 28th, 2011 on 9:25 am
You look positively lovely, great outfit!
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Sophia Reply:
January 28th, 2011 at 9:49 am
Not related at all, but hi kaitlyn! Good to see you
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January 28th, 2011 on 9:27 am
Oh Jenna, I have rediscovered brown in my own wardrobe. I think with blue eyes, brown & white clothes can make the eyes pop!
Also wanted to say how much I love the accessories, which can probably stick with your wardrobe even after your weight loss endeavors! The brown shoes, jewelry, and even the belt (you could cut/tie/wrap it) are great investments.
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January 28th, 2011 on 9:39 am
I really, really, really like this outfit. It looks great on you. Great job!
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January 28th, 2011 on 9:40 am
Yeah. I’m with everyone else. Lighten up the wardrobe more! You look GLOWING in these photos! Lovely.
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January 28th, 2011 on 9:48 am
Yes - I’m loving this outfit! Love the shoes and the belted sweater. I’m so nervous to do the belted sweater thing. Will just have to try it because it looks so good on you. Great photos and that last picture is hot, hot, hot! Lookin’ good!
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January 28th, 2011 on 9:53 am
This outfit looks really great on you- the cream and the brown are really nice together.
I also just wanted to say that I’ve noticed something for the first time- in that twitpic you posted of having 3 days unwashed hair and loving it, with the darkness of the hair, the lightness of your eyes, and the serious face and cocked eyebrow I thought you looked kind of like Angelina Jolie. It was weird to see that resemblance pop out, because if you’re pictured from the side, or smiling, I don’t see it at all, but front facing serious face shots I’m struck by that resemblance…
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January 28th, 2011 on 10:07 am
That sweater just screams warm and comfort in this snowy winter. Those colors look good on you.
Also, I love those shoes. My next clothing purchases - nice black pants and brown pants (WITH POCKETS NOT FAKE POCKETS) and brown shoes.
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January 28th, 2011 on 10:20 am
I love the last picture! I think white looks really good on you.
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January 28th, 2011 on 10:34 am
You look so pretty! Did TH take these or are you getting really good at taking self-portraits? If you are we need a tutorial - my Hubby is awful with a camera.
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liz Reply:
January 28th, 2011 at 10:40 am
Actually I think I see a remote in your hand! Blog post!
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Jenna Reply:
January 28th, 2011 at 10:47 am
These are self portraits, hiding my hands in my pockets really helped. Do you have a remote? It’s really cheap and much easier!
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January 28th, 2011 on 10:47 am
I love this outfit. Who takes your pictures? This is such a great idea. I need to go thrifting more often.
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Jenna Reply:
January 28th, 2011 at 10:48 am
I took these, it just depends whether husband is home or not when I get dressed up. Good light really helps!
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January 28th, 2011 on 10:48 am
I love this outfit. Who takes your pictures? This is such a great idea. I need to go thrifting more often. WAIT… i just read the previous comment. ; ) Jealous of your remote…
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January 28th, 2011 on 11:03 am
Love this outfit, seriously. I love the gold/tan accents and I especially love the shoes. They are a perfect height — not too high, so you can wear them to meet pals or clients for lunch and look really put together but not completely flat and frumpy. You’re inspiring me to check out thrift stores.
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January 28th, 2011 on 11:07 am
I think this outfit looks GREAT — you really, really do need to wear more whites/colors. I complain to my husband all the time about how you always wear black and how boring it is; but of course he just looks at me like I’m crazy for caring about what a random blogger wears.
Also, I think this will look really good if you go blonde again as well — the belt seems just perfect for that.
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MrsW Reply:
January 28th, 2011 at 11:10 am
I just have to comment again and say that I love the way this works with your skin tone — I think it was said above but you really do look like you’re glowing!
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Jenna Reply:
January 28th, 2011 at 11:46 am
When I officially drop a size and these clothes no longer fit I’m going to avoid the black section and seek out the colors!
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January 28th, 2011 on 11:16 am
Beautiful Jenna! I love this outfit. ESP the shoes!
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January 28th, 2011 on 11:21 am
I think women with fair skin and blue eyes look beautiful in white. Your wedding photos were striking and I think this sweater shows that the color of your dress and shrug/wrap played a part in that. And the shoes? One word for that deal: jealous.
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January 28th, 2011 on 11:22 am
Super cute! This look is really lovely on you. You look great. I am so impressed with your thriftiness ;o)
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January 28th, 2011 on 11:27 am
I’ve been rocking a belt lately.
for the first time really ever.
& I like it.
so fun to see your little one on chat last night!
- Celina
read about my thoughts on Facebook UNFRIENDING Here
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January 28th, 2011 on 12:05 pm
Great selections. The colors work with your complexion. Good for you for daring to explore other options besides black. When I was your age, ahem, many centuries ago, I used to be afraid to wear black. Now I wear it and white since they are both great contrasts and bring out a rosy skin tone, which you have. Love the accessories, too. The ring is exquisite…..I agree with Lola, I couldn’t ever buy shoes at a thrift store…I’m just sayin, although the one’s you selected look like they are in excellent shape. Thanks for the great fashion show.
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January 28th, 2011 on 12:10 pm
I have to say that I have no idea why you don’t wear creams and browns more often! You look AMAZING in these pictures (although maybe it is just because you are so happy and glowing) but it is really flattering on you! I think it is a great look and the soft edges compliment you nicely! You can still mix in colors (like the pink bracelet you wore last time) to add even more pop! It is fun to see you trying new things with your wardrobe! I think this is a definite win!!
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January 28th, 2011 on 12:13 pm
You look great Jenna! The color combo really suits you. I wish I could go thrifting. Unfortunately, I have a bunch of hangup as to why I can’t. Maybe one of these days I will get over them.
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January 28th, 2011 on 12:23 pm
LOVE!!
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January 28th, 2011 on 12:36 pm
What’s wrong with the pockets?
I guess I like pockets so it doesn’t shock me. There is something comfy and casual about pockets that I like. Of course you can always follow all the great advice above to make them more discrete.
I love the lighter color on your skin tone. It could be pretty too with some turquoise or emerald top under the sweater. Even that pink/fushia top you had the other time. That’s the great thing with neutral top, you can always spruce them up with a brighter top under. Good investment I would think.
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January 28th, 2011 on 12:50 pm
The last photo is especially nice - almost like a professional headshot! I think the white even reflects on your own face and makes your complexion look nicer.
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January 28th, 2011 on 1:08 pm
Looks really cute!! Love it. You look great in those colors.
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January 28th, 2011 on 1:27 pm
Jenna, this outfit is FAB! You look amazing! Also, it was great to “meet” you last night on TinyChat. Can’t wait for the next one. I might muster up the courage to turn my camera on next time…
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January 28th, 2011 on 1:51 pm
Love, love this outfit!
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January 28th, 2011 on 2:22 pm
Different isn’t bad! I have never been able to do belts. Some one gave me a nice sweater for Christmas, with a belt to go over it… but I feel like it just points out how fat I am!
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January 28th, 2011 on 2:30 pm
Cute! I’m glad you tried out some more colorful pieces - I think you should do it more often! You look great!
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January 28th, 2011 on 4:50 pm
You look so pretty.
I will echo some of the other comments & say I wouldn’t use the pocket, but the whole outfit is nice. 
I know that you can use this method to clean sterling silver jewelry, I wonder if something similar could work on your belt?
http://www.ehow.com/how_2118645_clean-tarnish-sterling-silver.html
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January 28th, 2011 on 5:40 pm
I like the lighter colors it works with your darker hair!
Love the ring!
I live in black too and occasionally I will throw in navy or gray to mix it up.
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January 28th, 2011 on 7:22 pm
Adorable outfit! I wear a lot of creams and browns together because I too have a light skin tone but I also wear a lot of darker items because they tend to hide lumps and bumps (lol) better. It’s still nice you change it around every once in a while
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January 28th, 2011 on 7:26 pm
I just stumbled across your blog and LOVE it! I love finding fellow LDS bloggers. You are adorable!
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January 29th, 2011 on 10:40 am
So, Jenna, when you’re down to your goal weight, will you continue to thrift your clothes?! I’m SUPER impressed that you got so many awesome things for such awesome prices!!!
*sorry if you mentioned this somewhere else..I obviously missed it if you did!!*
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Jenna Reply:
January 29th, 2011 at 11:22 am
I think so, because it means I’ll be able to have a wardrobe with more pieces, for less! I’d definitely like to investing in some high quality new items though!
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January 29th, 2011 on 2:54 pm
These are such great thrift finds! I’m always weary of sweaters at the thrift store, but this one looks great.
You’re so photogenic, Jenna! I love this new “fashion” aspect of your blog!
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January 30th, 2011 on 7:45 pm
WOW you look amazing in this outfit! Love the belt. I never know how to pull it all together - you are so good at it.
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January 30th, 2011 on 11:42 pm
The outfit is very cute and very flattering!!:) As a up and coming photographer, I’ll have to keep that tip in mind! Thanks for sharing.
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January 30th, 2011 on 11:44 pm
ps, that last shot would be a great pr photo of you!
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February 1st, 2011 on 6:05 pm
I love this look on you. I really like the cohesion of the accessories. Do you know where your friend got those earrings? They’re so pretty!
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February 2nd, 2011 on 10:57 am
I’m way way way behind on my Reader, so I’m just getting to this, but I just had to chime in and say that I really like these colors on you. Your skin looks great, and I love the contrast with your hair. Love it!
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