Tag: thrifty style
Exploring South Dakota’s Black Hills
Thanks to the South Dakota Department of Tourism for sponsoring this post. I’m excited to share part 1 of my recent cross-country road trip with you!
Leaving Home
Arriving at the Badlands as the sun turned the rock formations to gold was therapeutic, to end a long day’s journey with such a beautiful destination.
History of the Badlands
I picked up all the brochures about the Badlands because the history of the place is so interesting. The Lakota Sioux and the French settlers both called the place the Badlands in their respective languages. After driving through the flat expanse of South Dakota, to find this serene change in the cartography is stirring. It’s been described as otherworldly, and I have to agree. There’s plenty of history within the Black Hills region as a whole as well. The South Dakota Board of Tourism can help you plan a history-rich visit.
The following day we saw Mount Rushmore, which is a must see if you’re in the area, but there’s also so much more to the Black Hills region. Other destinations the area include Devils Tower and more. We had so much ground to cover on the journey we could only spend one night, but there was absolutely more to see so take your time in the Badlands region.
Dog Friendly Badlands, South Dakota
Bringing a dog? Perry was allowed on the trails with us, which isn’t the case at all National Parks. But keep pets leashed at all times! You can see the sign in the photo warning about rattlesnakes. I did observe a few places that looked like a place a rattlesnake would like to live. We were happy to find plenty of dog friendly choices for places to stay as well. This link has a dog friendly itinerary for the Black Hills and more info on places to stay.
Like these pics? Follow me on Instagram for more!
Fourth of July in the Black Hills
If you want to do something incredibly memorable for Independence Day this year, I found out by peeking at the event calendar that the Black Hills Rodeo is held that weekend, complete with a fireworks show. It says that most of the little towns in the area have their own Fourth of July festivals, which sounds so quaintly full of Americana I want to drive right back for it!
Save money on National Parks entry fees
One of the appealing things about vacationing in the Black Hills is the amount of memorable activities to do on a budget. If Badlands National Park (where all these photos were taken) is on your itinerary, you can save with an annual pass. We bought the America the Beautiful pass at the park gate, because we knew that would be seeing more parks on the journey. If you’re traveling with an American citizen who is over 62, they qualify for a lifetime pass to all the National Parks for only $10, so make sure to take advantage of that! We met quite a few retired folks on the journey who had the senior pass. There are also free passes available for U.S. Military, individuals with disabilities and 4th grade students.
I’m definitely yearning to see more of the beautiful United States now. Stay tuned for more about my cross country trip.
What to Wear – Get the Look
How to Try Spring Style Trends on a Budget
Tweed, Pink, Plaid and Pleats
With pleats in style for spring last year, they’re back again but lighter and airier. Think a delicate few pleats in flowing fabrics. Not gonna lie, I’m not really into this 70s/90s thing fashion has going on right now but I can work with a pleat here or there.
How to try a style trend on a budget
This outfit is a great example of how you can incorporate a trend seamlessly into your look, without needing to buy an entirely new outfit. In general, trend pieces are not where you want to spend a lot of money, because you likely won’t be wearing them for many seasons. Yes, things do come back into style eventually but only after you’ve finally given those items away. It’s practically a scientific law. Just ask my choker collection, which went MIA just in time for the Great Choker Revival of 2016.
I picked up this skirt last spring when pleats were everywhere, just so I could try the trend. I hadn’t worn pleats since…I don’t know, 2003? The tweed jacket and plaid scarf are items of classic style and good quality. Admittedly, I did not splurge on them as they were given to me secondhand. But they are items I would say you could spend on if you wanted. The designer purse was a splurge (A similar one here is a majorly discounted), the necklace a vintage heirloom and the cowgirl booties and tights were just things I had in my closet.
So the takeaway here is: Save on trendy items + Splurge on quality classics + Combine them into outfits that are the perfect mix of staples you can wear again and on-trend pieces that won’t destroy your clothing budget.
Then you can throw your scarf in the air without a care in the world!
These photos were taken by Mo Ashley. They have a lovely early spring, Secret Garden-inspired aesthetic that I’m really enjoying. It reminds me of my Secret Garden Literary Scarf. For more of her work, see these earlier posts I did with her on my favorite ever Anthropologie dress, transitional season style and subtle colors.
What are you looking forward to this spring?
For more spring inspiration, take a peek at my Style Inspirations board on Pinterest.
For immediate shopping ideas to create your own look, start here:
