If there was one saying while, I was getting my on B.A. in Fashion Merchandising at CSULA that continued to mean something throughout my life was “Never Buy Retail”! It doesn’t mean don’t buy retail it means don’t buy items at a retail price if you can help it.

One of the main goals of Every Day Style is to look fashionable affordable. The easiest way to do that is to wait until an item you like is marked down on sale then buy it. If you have trouble remembering what you mentally note when you’re shopping or browsing physically either put it on your wish list or save it on the site you shop on regularly with the favorites feature.

The I’ve chosen to show you was one I saw at TJ Maxx and liked because of its uniqueness. Once it went on sale, I snagged it!

I’m not sure if my passion for Western Style started when I first made Rae Drummond‘s (The Pioneer Woman) dressing and mac & cheese the first time for Thanksgiving or when I bought my Vintage brown cowboy boots for four dollars at Daniel Freeman Thrift Auxiliary in Inglewood California, but I do know it’s definitely a fashion inspiration now. I even learned the line dance for the song Boots on the Ground this summer! Recently, I’ve also become a big fan of the Western TV shows Justified and Deadwood and the movie Eddington ranks as one of the best modern Western movies I’ve ever seen.

As far as wearing Western gear as an Every Day Style I’ve found it’s best to incorporate touches of it into an outfit so you won’t look too costumey. You could change up a Canadian Tuxedo (denim shirt plus jeans)with a removable, girly collar or add cowboy boots to a white button down shirt and a pair of cuffed wide leg jeans.

one of the best places to find cool Western gear is Boot Barn (https://www.bootbarn.com),but if they’re out of your price range, you can also find Western style clothing at your local Goodwill, TJ Maxx.

Western Gear to Look For:

*cowboy boots and hats

*gingham shirts, skirts, and dresses

*bolo ties

*tiered midi and maxi skirts, and dresses

*denim jackets, vests, jeans, skirts, and shorts

• Fanny pack, also called “belt bags, waist bags hip packs, and bun bags”
• The Fanny pack is both “functional and retro”
• Popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s they were originally popularized by Melba Stone in 1962 for skiers and other “outdoor enthusiasts” before becoming a trend in the ‘80s when the fitness trend required an easy way to carry essentials.
• Fanny packs came back into popularity during the 2010s and was often worn across the chest.
• Today they’re a streetwear staple, and high fashion accessory, among brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Prada.

*History: Pappagallo is a woman’s clothing line founded in Beverly Hills, California by fashion designer Donald Pliner.

*Style: “Classic, whimsical and artful”.

*Genre: Preppy Sportswear (I.e., tops, dresses, pants, and jumpsuits).

*Sold by ThredUP.com. I bought this pair on 5/13/21 for $9.99)

*Wish List: 3/4 sleeve pink print tunic top ($11.99) and Tropical Print cocktail dress ($18.99)

The look I’m feeling right now are “jewelry stacks”. They can dress up anything!

While working on my first book, my three blogs, day jobs at a retail store on the weekends, and an elementary school as a special education instructional assistant for LAUSD in Los Angeles, California during the week, I contemplated what I would need while shopping for clothes in 2025 that would make me feel attractive and comfortable on a daily basis when I’m out and about.

Most of the designers and companies I’ve listed fit my existing aesthetic and the every day philosophy of upstyling mainstream and secondhand clothes and accessories for an eclectic and unique signature.

My style inspirational icons were Jenna Lyons, Carine Roitfeld, Sarah Jessica Parker, Tracee Ellis Ross, Frida Kahlo, Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel.

The books I’m reading now that have inspired me are The Paradise, Pat In The City, Selected Poems and Letters of Emily Dickinson, The Collected Short Stories of Dorothy Parker, Holy Bible, How to Raise a Reader, Aphrochic, The Wizard of Oz.

The stores, websites, designers, and fashion companies who’ve inspired me and influenced my buys are TJ Maxx (Anne Klein, Max Studio, DKNY, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, La Bagatelle, Vince Camuto, Hunter, Rachel Zoe, Cynthia Rowley, Levi’s, Zara, Ann Taylor, Penguin, Tommy Hilfiger), Target (Wild Fable, A New Day, Universal Thread, Who What Wear), Uniqlo (J.W. Anderson, Marimekko, Ines de la Fressange, Marni, Carine Roitfeld, Anna Sui), Thred Up (Uniqlo, H & M, Zara, Macy’s, J.Crew, Target collabs), H & M, Amazon, Marshall’s. Don’t think I’ve overlooked one of my favorites, Goodwill Industries Thrift Stores, either because the last time I visited the one on Crenshaw I found some great stuff, including a black and white short-sleeved Michael Kors sweater and a print Anne Klein dress.

Shoes:

a) loafer platforms (TJ Maxx) online

b) two-toned Chanel pumps (ThredUP)

Toppers (Shirts, Sweaters, etc.,):

a) purple/white l/s shirt (TJ Maxx)

b) brown/white floral sweater (TJ Maxx)

c) white/brown floral sweater (T J Maxx)

d) gray Hello Kitty tee (Amazon)

e) black/white top (TJ Maxx)

f) white/black Wicked tee (H & M)

g) brown/black striped top (Target)

h) purple velvet top (Target)

Skirts:

a) gray satin maxi skirt (H & M)

b) brown midi skirt (Target)

c) black midi skirt (Target)

d) green tiered boho skirt (Uniqlo)

Dresses:

a) floral print boho dress (TJ Maxx)

b) green print dress (ThredUP)

c) green combination dress (Uniqlo)

d) denim maxi dress (Amazon)

Other Clothes and Accessories:

a) black fleece-lined leggings (TJ Maxx)

b) brown plaid shacket (Marshall’s)

c) light blue Hello Kitty bag (ThredUP)

d) black/white teacher tote (TJ Maxx)

e) brown faux suede jacket (TJ Maxx)

f) black/white pant set (TJ Maxx)

Shopping for Christmas has never been easy, and some of us might’ve found it harder this year, with the onslaught of sales, plethora of merchandise, and skyrocketing prices. Fortunately, throughout the season, I’ve since purchased a host of great Xmas gifts, that’ll inspire and motivate you regardless of your budget or time constraints and I’m happy to share my list with you. Lastly, I would love it if it helps make your Christmas more joyous and less stressful. Consider it my Christmas present to you. Below is my lift a great gift ideas, accompanying photos and retail online and onsite locations.

1. Sock sets (Christmas themed, Winter or Fall themed)
2. Compression or warming socks
3. Pajama sets or bottoms (The Grinch or other Christmas or Holiday themed)
4. Robes
5. Tote bags
6. Hello Kitty Merch (Everyone from Five Below, Amazon, Ross Dress For Less, TJ Maxx, and Target has it)
7. Bluey Merch (The same as Hello Kitty, but also check The Dollar Tree)
8. “Wicked” Merch (Target, Amazon, and H & M)
9. Grinch Merch (TJ Maxx)
10. Makeup brush kits
11. Lip balm and lip color kits
12. Hair Accessories (Bows, clips, etc.,)
13. Knit scarf and hat sets
14. Knit designer scarves (I.e., Karl Lagerfeld, etc.,)
15. Christmas ornaments (I.e., Harry Potter or “A Christmas Story”)
16. Maxi silk-style skirts to wear with thick, cozy sweaters and coats
17. Puffy vests and coats
18. Christmas and holiday sweaters and sweatshirts
19. Christmas coffee cups and coffee, cocoa or tea sets
20. 2025 Calendars
21. Journal or Diary (Gratitude Journal)
22. Drawing kits
23. Traditional board games (Monopoly, Yahtzee, Scrabble)
24. Baking kits (Cookie cutters, etc.,)
25. Coffee syrups
26. Gift baskets
27. Books (Amazon, ThriftBooks, Goodwill, Target, Five Below-Wicked, One Hundred Years of Solitude, The Wizard of Oz)
28. Coloring and Activity Books (The Dollar Tree, Albertson’s)
29. Collector’s Magazines (Albertson’s, Von’s, etc.,)
30. School Supplies
31. Christmas jewelry
32. Bath salts and gift sets (Bath and Body Works)
33. Men’s’ wallets
34. Women’s wallets
35. Perfume or cologne
36. Shackets for men and women
37. Coatigans
38. Cardigan sweaters
39. Special edition See’s Candy
40. Pet toys and snacks