Welcome back to Thrifty Thursday, where you find tips on how to live YOUR classy life – on a budget!

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season (and everyday life, in general), it can be really hard to stay organized. One place that get’s easily disorganized is the office. (This is THE one place I have to keep organized – being that I spend so much time in there.)

A good way to have an office space that you love is to find pieces that are fun and classy too. (Your environment should compliment your personality; just like your clothes should represent who YOU are.)

One major piece that was a must-have, for me, was a sturdy bookshelf. (I’m a book lover; what you see below is nothing!) But I didn’t want just any bookshelf – it had to be pretty – not boxy or bulky. I also didn’t want to spend a ton of money on new storage…

You know that frustration you get when you have a specific item in mind, but you just can’t find it? That’s what I was experiencing, until… I looked at what I already had. My baker’s rack was right there all along! It had just the right colors, decorative scroll design, shelving and that classy touch that I was seeking. Who knew?

So, here’s my baker’s rack-turned-bookshelf. (That I also happened to purchase from Craigslist  - so it’s a bonus savings – for it’s original purpose and re-purpose!)

My baker’s-rack-turned-office-bookshelf

Note: This would have made a classy work desk as well, if I didn’t use up so much space when working! What do you think?

Stay Classy!
~A.C. Taylor

P.S. If you’d like assistance rethinking a space, contact me, I may be able to help!

Welcome back to Tips Tuesday, where you get easy tips for living your classiest life!

One of my favorite accessories for the cold winter months is the scarf. And, if you’re like me, you want a variety of classy ways to wear your scarves.

Here’s a quick and cute video I came across that shows 25 ways to tie a scarf.

Which one is your favorite? I’m partial to the European Loop.

Stay Classy!
~A.C. Taylor

In light of the tragedy that has occurred at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, I wanted to share a story that shows us a way to live each day to its fullest.

Be happy, hug your friends and loved ones, and stay classy my friends.

~A.C. Taylor

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.

Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.. The students responded with a unanimous ‘yes.’

The professor then produced two beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.The students laughed.

‘Now,’ said the professor as the laughter subsided, ‘I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things—-your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions—-and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else—-the small stuff.

‘If you put the sand into the jar first,’ he continued, ‘there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and mow the lawn.

Take care of the golf balls first—-the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented. The professor smiled and said, ‘I’m glad you asked.’ The beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of beers with a friend.

Hey there!

Welcome back to Shoes Sunday — where we talk about anything and everything shoe related.

I thought you might appreciate today’s post, being that it’s a giveaway and all…

The fabulous Country Outfitter is giving away a pair of Lucchese cowgirl boots on Monday, December 17th! (Hint: That means you can still enter today.)

Click the image below to jump over to the giveaway. Good luck!

Stay Classy!
~A.C. Taylor 

Happy Friday!

Welcome back to Fun Friday, where we end the work week with a little bit of fun! I’ve been on an outfits kick all week, so I thought I’d share an outfit I wore to a business casual meeting.

Casual Friday / Business Casual outfit: jeans, denim top, coral cable knit, navy & cream flats and accessories.

This type of outfit can be worn for:

• casual Friday
• a business casual meeting with clients
• Sunday brunch… and more!

So, what do you think? What are some of your favorite ways to wear jeans at the office?

Have a great weekend, and remember,

Stay Classy!
~A.C. Taylor 

By the way: If you need an honest review of an outfit for an upcoming event, or in general, check out my Virtual Outfit Review.