Modern Day Retro Flair

E here, I don't know about you, but I've been spending a lot of time outside lately. The weather has been so beautiful that I decided to throw on a floppy hat and a darling sundress that I picked up at Goodwill recently. I wanted to wear something fun and flirty now that dress season is finally here.

What drew me to the dress was the retro charm. Its such a fun, lively print with its bold colors and retro inspired print.

 I feel as though I'm channeling Lana del Ray! 

Lana del Ray is one of my celebrity style icons. I love how she invokes retro glamour, but is still very cutting edge. Like Lana, I have an appreciation for vintage inspired glamour, red lipstick, and floppy hats!

Thrifted items; dress: Webster Miami for Target $7.99 (Goodwill,) cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft $7.99 (Goodwill,) purse: Etienne Aigner $6.99 (Goodwill,) flats: Sam Edelman $3.99 (Value Village.) Non-thrifted items; gold bracelet: Zara $16, sunglasses: Sperry Top Sider $30 (Nordstrom Rack,) hat: $9.99 (Fred Meyer,) necklace: Curfew: 5.99 (Fred Meyer.)

I absolutely love these Sam Edelman flats. I picked them up for the unbelievable low price of just $3.99 at Value Village! Talk about chic for cheap! They look good with just about everything from jeans to a dress like this. Style tip: pointy flats look good with everything, and instantly add a touch of chic to any ensemble. 

Nothing like a good book to read on a sunny day! If you like fashion and have an appreciation for people's eclectic collections and flea market treasures, then this is the book for you. Todd Selby is an amazing photographer and blogger who takes you inside the home of some of the world's most interesting people.

Gasworks Park is easily one of my favorite parks in the whole city because of the 360 degree panoramic views. No matter where you are in the park you will get a great view, and there is undoubtedly always something to see.

Gasworks is a beautiful place to view the Seattle skyline.

It's also a fun place to watch boats on Lake Union. In fact, every Tuesday there is a weekly regatta (boat race) which is quite the sight if you've never seen one before. 

If you like kite flying, then check out kite hill where you'll get a great view of the whole park and one of the best 360 degree views of the city. Well, adieu for now my friends, but please stop by again soon. I hope that you too find your own ray of sunshine when thrift shopping. Remember, you don't have to spend a lot of money to look like a million bucks. Happy Thursday! 

-E

Final Thrift Haul of 2013!

 

 

 

Pictured from right; purple cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft $7.99, booties: Sam Edelman $19.99, jacket: Calvin Klein $24.97, shoes: Merona $5.99, print blouse: $7.99.

 

E here, before we ring in the new year I had to do one last thrift haul. I know its long overdue, so its only fitting that I do it before the new year! All of the items in this haul I acquired from two different trips to Goodwill. As I have mentioned in previous thrift posts, shopping at Goodwill is hit or miss, but I have found that it is simply a matter of diligence. If you have the patience to take the time to look through racks and bins you can find great deals. For instance, some of the items that I found on this haul I merely spotted last minute. The Sam Edelman boots pictured below were sitting in a bin full of shoes as my friend and I were leaving the dressing room when they caught my eye. So you see, it is simply a matter of keeping your eyes peeled!

 

 

 

When it comes to shopping for shoes at thrift stores it is important to inspect them for any noticeable wear, damage, or flaws before buying them. The reason that I emphasize this is because some thrift stores have a strict "all sales are final policy." This is also typical of flea markets, estate sales, and garage sales where returning items is obviously impossible. I have never had any problems with shoes that I've purchased from sales or thrift stores, I simply say it out of caution.

 

 

 

What I love about these booties is that they are so versatile and look great with just about any outfit. Much to my husband's discord my boot collection continues to grow! I have never been a tennis shoe kind of girl, I have always preferred boots, flats, sandals, heels, etc. Personally, I find boots and flats to be far more comfortable and ascetically pleasing. Not to mention the fact that boots give me a bit of a lift! When you are shorter like myself, a heeled boot can give you a little extra height.

 

 

You may recognize this jacket as I have worn it several times already. A girl can never have enough jackets! The one below was a real gem to find as its vintage!

 

 

Blouse: Ann Taylor Loft $7.99, fur coat: Frederick & Nelson jacket: $12.99.

 

Well that's all I have for now, check back soon for thrifting tips and styling advice. Happy thrifting!

-E

Experimenting With Prints

 

E here, its been quite a few days since my last post. I don't know about you, but I've been pretty busy getting ready for the holidays. Its been all hustle and bustle at work, so trying to pick the right outfit to wear is difficult when your in a hurry. As I mentioned in a previous post, once you have figured out what styles and textures/prints look good on your body, knowing what to wear is a cinch. Here, I experimented with mixing two different prints. The scarf matches the jacket, and the animal print is black and white so it doesn't clash too much with the plaid.

 

 

 

 

Several of the items that I'm wearing I picked up on my last thrifting trip. Check back soon for the details. As you know, the title of my blog is "Elizabeth Reinvented" (with particular emphasis on the reinvention.) The great thing about thrifting is that you can take an item whether its the jacket that I'm wearing, or the boots, and make them your own, essentially reinventing them so to speak. I like to mix my thrifted items with my other clothes and create new, unique outfits. Most of the time when I tell people that the designer boots or jacket that I'm wearing I thrifted from Goodwill or got from selling clothes at Crossroads they don't believe me. That's the great thing about thrifting, no one can tell your thrifted clothes from your new clothes!

 

 

 

 

Thrifted items; green trench coat: Calvin Klein $24.97 (Goodwill,) animal print blouse: Ann Taylor Loft $7.99 (Goodwill,) boots: Sam Edelman $19.99, (Goodwill.) Non-thrifted items; jeans: Levi's $25 (JCPenny's,) plaid scarf: Softer Than Cashmere $4.99 (Fred Meyer.)

 

 

Out of all my recent thrift finds, I think these boots are my favorite! Talk about a steal! They go with just about anything, and they are incredibly comfy. The great thing about booties is that you can wear them with anything from jeans, to a skirt with tights, or a dress.

 

 

 

That's all for now. I hope you enjoy this festive time of year with your friends and family. Until next time.

-E