Little Venturing Librarian

One thing that I love to do when thrifting, is find clothing pieces that I can put together with clothes that I already own and create a cute, trendy outfit. In June I found the cutest vintage Wrangler shirt with small cowboys all over it. At the same Goodwill, I found a gorgeous rust colored dress. I paired the top with the skirt and threw on my Twisted X cowboy books and an adorable fall outfit was born!  

When packing for road trips or flights, I try to make the most out of the space in my suitcase. I take a few outfits that I can mix and match, layers for the changing weather and I pack one or two nice outfits for going out and shoes that I can travel and hike in. I wear the outfit that takes up the most space in my suitcase to and from the airport to save packing space! Recently, I found the cutest Thirty One bag at the Goodwill. It's a canvas bag with mesh pockets on the outside of the bag. It also has shoulder straps that makes it easy to tote around. I pack it in the bottom of my suitcase and when I get to my travel destination, I unpack it and put all of my toiletries and makeup in it so I can carry it to the bathroom or showers/bathhouses when camping. It is so handy because i'm not having to dig through my luggage to find things.

As an avid outdoors gal, I am always trying to find good deals on versatile clothing to wear when hiking and camping. Smartwool and Lululemon are hands down my favorite brands. I have a variety of Lululemon leggings, tanks and sports bras that I can mix and match. When it gets cool on the trail, I throw on a Smartwool sweater. If it’s really cold, Smartwool long underwear under my leggings! Below are some outfits I pairs together while camping at Yellowstone National Park. Like my outfit? Click the link below to shop Lululemon.  http://tinyurl.com/y4znc7nq

Setting goals and making a plan to achieve them is definitely one of my strong suits. Social media can be very opaque. Full of motivational quotes, photos of nature and pictures of us living our best life. There are not many of us who knows what goes on in our friends lives outside of the image portrayed on social media. I’m not one to talk about my personal life outside of posting pretty/positive things in social media. For example...I was in a car wreck in June and got a concussion. My car ended up being totaled. The other person was completely fine. I walked away with a minor concussion, some airbag burns and bruises. It was so scary though. Curse being vertically challenged and blind spots. So it was a surprise a week later when I finally told some of my best friends. Sorry Crystal, Rachel, Emma, Sarah and Ashley!  This post is about going for it. Things that’s been going on in my life that’s very important to me and not posted on social media.   So here it goes. E

I have been a Stitch Fix supporter for the last couple of years! As an educator, I love the idea of having outfits personally styled for work and play. Most of the clothes I receive in my fixes can be worn to work or out to dinner with friends. The only downfall for me is the price. I have never kept all five items that I have received in one fix, I just cant afford that monthly. But I usually keep 2-3 items! Whats great about Stitch Fix is that you can personalize your box to fit your style, budget and even how often you want to receive a fix! For me, I schedule on an as needed basis. I always get lots of compliments on my Stitch Fix clothes and it's been a great way to freshen up my wardrobe after losing a few pounds. Want to give Stitch Fix a try?!? Click here! If you use my link above, I will receive a $25 credit for every friend who checks out from their first Fix and you’ll get $25 credit too!

In case you haven't noticed by now, I have a thing for lace and polka dots. There is just something about the girly lace details and fun prints that draw me in. My good friend gave me a gift card to a local boutique for my birthday and it had been burning a hole in my pocket ever since!  I recently visited The Addition at F. Rees Boutique in Mt. Airy, NC and found the cutest BB Dakota Dress! It has flirty buttons on the front along the neckline. The fitted waist gives a very flattering look. This dress is adorable and perfect for spring and summer events! Wearing a size 0 for reference One of my favorite clothing stores is Altd. State. The store itself is gorgeous inside with their glamorous lighting and cozy dressing rooms. On my last visit I found the prettiest lace dress. Usually I steer away from light yellow, but I had to try it on anyway. It was too pretty to pass up. Once I tried it on, I knew it would be going home with me. I already have so many events I

I'm a firm believer that things happen for a reason. So when I crossed paths with Cozy Calla Lily Boutique on Instagram, I had to check out the boutique. The owners were super nice and invited me to come in and checkout their shop. Naturally, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to support a new and local boutique and play dress up! Cozy Calla Lily is located in the heart of Greensboro, North Carolina and conveniently near I-40. The first time I visited the boutique, I left with three shirts, a skirt and earrings! Everything in the shop is so pretty and they have sizes for everyone! Check out some of my favorite looks blow! Can't make it to the boutique? You can shop online. Links to the items will be listed under the photos below. Gathered sleeve cropped blouse (Size small): $20.99 Polka dot button down mid skirt (Size small) $39.99 Purchase this top  here! Purchase the skirt  here! Crinkle woven top with lace (Size small): $41.99 Purchase this adora

When I was a kid, I lived and rompers and jumpers so I was pretty stoked with they came back into style a couple of years ago. Rompers are one article of clothing that I am always on the lookout for when I am on my thrifting adventures. What I love about rompers is that they are flattering. I have a short torso, so I feel like they make me look taller. Plus they are practical for gals on the go like me! If you absolutely want to make my day, give me a romper with pockets! I got lucky on some recent trips to my local thrift stores and found two gorgeous rompers pictured below. Both can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Romper: Charlotte Russe (Size xs) Thrift Store: Plato's Closet of Winston-Salem Photo: Ariel Perez Photography Romper: She & Sky (Size xs) Thrift Store: Uptown Cheapskate of Winston-Salem Photo: Decoro Images Photography

We've all done it. Scrolled through Pinterest, looking a tons of pinned fitness routines, outfits, inspirational quotes, etc. Saved our favorites to our workout boards (Mines called "I work out!"...you know, LMFAO). But how many of us have fallen short when it comes to actually following through? You've pinned stuff, you have purchased awesome fitness clothing so you will look and feel your best when you do work out, but you never quite get there. *Coughs and raises hand.* Yes, it happens! Own it and move on. Maybe you haven't done everything on your Pinterest board. All it takes is getting up and doing something. Going for a walk or run, turning on some music and dancing for 20 minutes or catching a friends yoga class. You have to start somewhere! One of the easiest things for me to do is make a more conscious effort to get up and move at work. I have a standing desk, so i'm always moving if i'm in my office. But when i'm out in the Library, I s

I grew up taking dance classes so bodysuits have always been in my life. But I never really thought to wear them as part of an outfit.  Over the past couple of years they have definitely been trending, making their way back into the front line of fashion and into my closet.  What I love about bodysuits is that they are perfect for any season. You can pair them with jean shorts in the spring/summer or with jeans in the fall/winter. It can also be used to dress up or dress down a look! You can throw on a jacket over top if it's cold or if you are trying to dress it up for work or an event. The best part is that you don't have to worry about your shirt coming un-tucked! The bodysuit creates a very flattering look and gives your body shape.  I found my red bodysuit at TJ Maxx. It's a size small and it's almost too big, but they didn't have it in an XS and I loved the red SOOO I bought it.  Top (size xs) American Eagle, Pants (size 2) American Eagle, B

It's finally nice outside and I am home with the flu!  On the bright side, it has given me time to rest and reflect on some things.  Self-worth & Social Media: I have worked hard on myself over the past several months and I feel great. Not only have I made a mental transformation, but also a physical one. I finally feel like “me” again and it’s great to be back after feeling that way for a couple of years.  A couple of years of being very hard on myself. I am thankful for my family and friends who have ALWAYS supported me. For those who are truly happy for me when I am happy and who are there if I’m not.  My circle is small, so if I've let you in, it's because I trust you as a person and value your friendship. I've gotten to the point in my life where petty things don't bother me too much. But sometimes social media throws you for a loop. Like when someone who you considered a friend "unfollows" you on social media. I

Y’all. There is a new boutique store in Greensboro. It’s called Cozy Calla Lily. I stopped by on my way home from a conference and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! I met the owners, Melanie and Allen, both very nice and helpful. We chatted as I browsed thier amazing collection and Melanie got me set up with a fitting room, which is super cute by the way! I grabbed so many pretty things to try on and loved everything I put on! I didn’t get everything, but  I will definitely be going back for more later! I didn’t get this dress. But, not because I didn’t love it. It’s so pretty and looks very flattering on. You will need to size up because it runs a little small. I will be purchasing for summer! For reference I got a size medium in the dress. I have lots of cute stuff that I bought and can’t wait to post after I wear them! Lots of pastels, lace and polka dots! I also tried on these super cute jeans!! I didn’t get them but...they look good! Size 0 for reference

I went shopping at Bevello the other day with my sights set on the pink and red contrast trim sweater by Bolte. Unfortunately, it was sold out in my size. Lucky for me though, the shop had just put out some new sweaters and I spotted the distressed print sweater by Bolte in Lilac! The color is gorgeous and it also comes in light grey and light mint. I immediately grabbed a size xs and s of the lilac sweater and headed to my dressing room. Size xs: I really like the fit of this one. Better fit on a petite frame, but still plenty of room. I can not wait to style this with white jeans!  Size small: I liked it but the xs had more of a tailored fit, and was more flattering on me. This is the perfect piece for transitioning from Winter to Spring! Stay tuned for styling photos!  Go check this sweater out for your self. It's even prettier in person! Want to purchase? Shop here! Want more petite style inspo? Follow me on  Insta! xoxo ~Jenna

It's here...whether we like it or not. This day can be exciting or depressing depending on where you are at in life. Regardless, you need to love yourself and others! You don't need a man or woman to make your Valentines day special. Try to do something kind for someone today. One small act of kindness can go a long way. I love these printables from  https://www.blessingmanifesting.com  You can print them and hand them out to people or stick them on your mirror. This is a wonderful blog that promotes self love and care.  If you haven't checked them out do it right now! https://www.blessingmanifesting.com/ If you haven't already...follow me on Instagram! @littleventuringlibrarian Peace and love y'all! 

I am not one to talk about my personal life or insecurities, but here it goes. I recently lost 17 pounds and I'm feeling better than ever about myself. Was it easy??  No. It took a lot of dedication...BUT changing your eating habits can make a huge impact on your results.  I teach dance fitness classes and I've done Boot Camps before...but didn't change my bad habits, so I didn't see the results I wanted. Sick of not seeing results, I simply changed the way I ate. Now that I've dropped the pounds, I'm going to the gym to tone up.  "But you don't need to lose any weight!" I kept my feelings to myself because I didn't have a lot to lose compared to some, but being petite (standing at 5'2) those 17 extra pounds made a big difference. It was a terrible feeling.  Ladies....Guys.....You can do it!  If you are down on yourself about weight gain just remember, it can be done! Little changes can make a big difference. 1. Dri