Budget Betty Draper (Look for Less)

I love a good theme ike nothing else. I love coming up with costumes and searching for just the right items. So, imagine my excitement when we were invited to a Mad Men themed party! We went to Florida last week so I was able to hit the stores and thrift shops to find the details to complete my Betty Draper outfit! To go completely vintage would have cost a fortune, but I think I did an alright job without breaking the bank!
Here was my inspiration...

 And here's what I came up with... my dress is actually the pink flowered version of this dress, but I couldn't find a photo of it anywhere!

 Breakdown: Dress (Taylor Dresses): Originally $130, I for $28, Shoes (Madden Girl, from Endless.com, which has since merged with Amazon.com): $20, Hat (Jeanne Simmons Accessories): $36, admittedly more than I wanted to spend, but I loooove it, Earrings & bracelet (similar yard sale finds) $1.50 and $1.00 respectively, Necklace (Kohls): $4.00, Gloves (CVS spa gloves): $2.50.

Ta-da! So, how do you think I did?

Warm House, Warm Heart

Amidst tornado warnings, family and friends gathered for our housewarming last evening. While I'm bummed that my outdoor "Olmstead Homestead"/Country Chic theme couldn't really be translated inside (the burlap table runner idea I found on Pinterest was a little toooo country-smelling for indoors), we had a lovely time with good food and great people! I can't think everyone enough for coming!
Here are a few pics from the party... I didn't take many because I was too busy chatting, and clearly my camera was not on the right setting, but oh wells...

First of all, can we talk about this amazing cake, made by my good friend's husband? It tasted as amazing as it looked!

Photo Credit: Josh Drown

Mike, The (blurry) Grillin' King!

 

Homemade Salsa.... drool worthy!

 

Live performance by Viv & Av, The Homestead Singing Duo

 

Prepped for an outdoor evening, but it was not to be!

And check out this awesome housewarming gift painted by our friend Brian! 

You can check other art here