Thrift Finds: Retro Charm

E here, I picked up this adorable little number for just $7.99 at Goodwill the other day. Funny story; my husband came in and asked "where did that come from?" I replied that "I just bought it at Goodwill today. Isn't it darling?" Of course my husband, (being the man that he is,) remarked that it looks like something that you would see someone in Florida wearing." I didn't know if I should take this as a compliment, or as a playful jab. That's the thing though, fashion is a means of personal expression and others might not always get it. After all, you know how guys are! Mine isn't exactly the most stylish. [Sorry honey but it's true!]

What I love about this dress is the retro charm. There's something about the whimsical tropical print that just caught my eye. It immediately stood out to me on the rack. For me, thrifting is like treasure hunting. I look for things that are unique, and that stand out. 

Take this dress for example, I absolutely love the detailed print. Its fun yet flirty, making it the perfect summer dress. That's the beauty of thrifting, you never know what great pieces you might stumble upon. 

Doesn't the purse go with the dress just perfectly? That was my first thought as soon as I saw it. In true blogger form, I was already planning outfits in my head!

I normally don't go for small bags, but its always good to have a purse in every shape and size for any occasion. This one will be perfect for travel and those days when I just don't feel like lugging a big, heavy bag around.  [I feel like this is a problem that all stylish females struggle with! style versus practicality.....size versus versatility, etc.]

That's the beauty of thrift shopping, you can walk away with several purses (designer even) for relatively cheap. I've built up quite a collection of wallets, clutches, and purses over the years from great brands such as Coach, Betsey Johnson, Dooney and Bourke, Kate Spade, just to name a few. Well that's all the time we have for today. Happy thrifting!

-E

Thrift Haul: Goodwill

 

E here, I thought that it would be fun to do a thrift haul since I talk a lot about the great deals that I find at Goodwill. Along with my blogger bestie Sara, we spent an entire afternoon tackling one rack at a time with one of our good friends who is also an avid thrifter. Between the three of us, we managed to fill one shopping cart. It was a good trip for all of us! Without any further adieu, here is the second half of the thrift haul, (Sara posted the first half on her blog.) I've attached the link to her blog at the end of this post.

 

My Tips:

1.) Avoid the "fashion focus" section because it tends to be overpriced. You can still find great designer/brand name labels in the rest of the store.
2.) Find out what the color tag special for the day is, (or the manager's special,) because you can get a better deal on those items than others. [i.e. pink tags for 50%, or green tags for a $1.29 on Monday's.] 3.) Grab everything that catches your eye because you can always make your final selections later. There's no guarantee that if you don't grab an item, you can find it later! Trust me, I've passed on an item and regretted it later.
4.) Finally, avoid lines at the fitting room by trying on what you can in front of a mirror. This means dressing appropriately (wear a tank/shirt so that you can slip on other clothes, jeans/pants, and shoes that are easy to take on and off.)

 

Pictured from the back left; green blouse: Mossimo $4.99, black peplum: Philip Lim $4.99, sequin dot blouse: Merona $5.99, pink sleeveless blouse: Xhiliration $3.99, tye-dye tank: Soprano $4.99, print tee: With A Tourist $3.99, Sam Edelman flats $3.99 (the only item from Value Village).

I really scored on these flats. This is the third pair of Sam Edelman's that I've thrifted! Talk about good luck!

 

 

I love all the details on this tank from the rhinestones and pearls, right down to the flower. Typically I don't go for pink, but every girl loves a little sparkle right? Its definitely one of the more feminine and flirty items that I picked up on this trip.

 

 

What's great about this blouse is the dimension. As I mentioned in the haul, this is another brand new Target brand item. All in all, I walked away with four brand new Target tops. Not bad! Well thanks for stopping by, if you'd like to hear about the haul from Sara's perspective and see what great items she got, here is the link to her blog The Blonde Squad. Remember the first half of the haul video is on her page if you want to see it from the beginning.

-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

What I Thrifted: Loading Up On the Basics

 

Whenever I go thrifting I always try to pick pieces that are unique and will build to my existing wardrobe. The whole point of thrifting is to look for great deals on clothes, shoes, and accessories that would otherwise be expensive. When thrifting it's important to keep in mind that you pick items that compliment what you already own. You will notice that I use the term "compliment" quite often on this blog. The reason that I emphasize choosing items that are "complimentary" is because you want to buy things that you will get maximum use value out of. For instance, you will notice that all of the items pictured here are tanks. Tanks serve as a great base for layering in any outfit which is why I was tried to look for a good selection of different styles.

Price Breakdown:  Goodwill

1. *Limited ruffle tank: $7.99 - $4.00

2. Forever 21 floral tank: $3.99

3. *Calvin Klein tank: $4.99 - $2.50

4. Cyrus black and white tank: $4.99

*All of the starred items were colored tags that were on sale for 50% off that day. As I mentioned in a previous post, you should always try to find the color tag item that's on sale that day because you will save a few extra bucks.

 

On this shopping trip I determined that I was only going to look for tanks because I needed them to build up my wardrobe for layering with jeans and skirts. When shopping for tanks to layer under other items, you want to look for styles and fits that will go with a wide array of clothes. Personally, I look for patterns and textures that are interesting and would look good with a cardigan or trench coat. In my previous post you'll notice that I'm wearing the ruffle Limited tank pictured above with a polka dot trench coat. In sum, once you have some good pieces to build a foundation for layering upon, feel free to mix patterns and textures and see what looks good on you. The thing that I love most about my thrifted wardrobe is the freedom to experiment with different styles.

These two basic staples will be a great addition to my wardrobe because floral and stripes go with practically anything. The floral top will look cute with shorts and skirts in the spring and summer, and will serve as a good base for layering the rest of the year. The stripe piece is a gem because it's classy and retro looking. You can't go wrong with black and white, and the shoulder bow really tops off the retro chic look. Well that's all for now. If you want to hear more style tips and see what I thrifted this week check back soon. Happy thrifting!

-E

What I Bought: Tips for Success

 

 

 

 

E here, as you have probably realized by now I am quite the avid thrifter and I take pride in my thrifting abilities. Like other thriftnistas, I have a knack for scoring great brands for cheap; whether its by means of thrifting, or selling and buying clothes at recycled clothing stores, or simply on a clearance rack at a retail store. Almost 85% of my wardrobe is thrifted, or I bought it at 50% - 75 %  off in a store. While most people are deterred by the thought of rummaging through racks of other people's used clothing, I look at it as the thrill of the hunt!

 

 

Everything you see pictured was: a) bought as a result of selling/trading @ Crossroads Trading Co, b) thrifted from my local Goodwill. Total cost? I only had to pay for about $35 worth of the Crossroads trade(s) (I sold at 2 separate locations.) As for the Goodwill items I got several of the items on the green tag special which was $1.29 (I will discuss how to shop Goodwill tag specials later in this post,) for a grand total of about $40. [The Goodwill total also includes housewares not pictured.]

 

Price breakdown of traded/thrifted items: 

Crossroads Trading Co.

1. Gap trench coat: $20

2. Beige Gap jacket*: originally $18.50, 50% off - $9.25

3. Express motorcycle jacket: $27.50

4.Steve Madden boots: $22.50

5. BCBG Generation dress: $16.50

6. Nautical sweater: $12.50


 

 



I absolutely love the details of this jacket; from the zippered sleeves to the zippered chest, and the detailing of the white collar flaps, the overall look is sleek and polished - giving the classic motorcycle style a modern makeover. Express tends to put out fairly high quality clothing, and this monochromatic motorcycle jacket is a good example. I was ecstatic when I saw it, and couldn't believe that no one had snatched it up yet! Just my luck I guess. I think out of all my loot, this jacket was my by far my favorite find.



Another trench to add to my collection - check! The best part? Its hooded!



A girl can never have enough boots right? I agree!


 

One thing to keep in mind when shopping at recycled clothing stores like Buffalo Exchange or Crossroads Trading Co, is that there is always a markdown rack. Almost any store that you go into, whether its a department store, boutique, or a recycled clothing store will have a sale rack of items that are periodically marked down to make room for new arrivals, or items that are damaged/defective. I have found great deals this way because an item will be marked "as is" due to a snag, or scuff. This dress for example had a small stain on it, but nothing that a tide pen can't take out.
 

Goodwill

1. Betsey Johnson dress: $7.99

2.Forever 21 dress: $5.99

3. Vigoss jeans: $5.99

4. Beige Ann Taylor sweater: $7.99

5. Loft heart cardigan: $4.99

6. Forever 21 tank*: $5.99 - $1.29

7.Old Navy tank: $4.99

As I mentioned earlier in this post, Goodwill has weekly tag specials in which you can get items for half off, (or in this case for $1.29.) Unique to Goodwill stores, every day of the week is a color tag special (except for senior discount day) and "the manager's special" where a particular type of item is on sale (i.e. - 20% off jeans.) You can find out what the daily tag special is on the Goodwill website, or in store where it is posted on every other rack, and is also announced on the intercom.

 

 

 

I don't typically go for zippered dresses, but this Betsey Johnson dress was absolutely adorable and was such a great price that I couldn't pass it up!

 

 

 

 Hopefully, based on what you've seen here I can convince all of you thrifting skeptics out there that you can find quality, designer, brand name clothing for great low prices. Thanks for stopping by! Check back soon for more tips.

Happy thrifting!

-E

My First Post: Cheers to Reinvention!

 

 

E here, I am happy to announce that this is my first official blog post! I've been wanting to create a blog for quite some time now since one of my best friends Sara has her own life and style blog. Like me, she is quite the savvy thrifter and we have spent many days (countless hours) at Goodwill, Value Village, Buffalo Exchange,  estate sales, etc. searching for thrifted treasures. After all, that's what friends are for right?

 

 

Speaking of our thrifting adventures, both of us are appropriately wearing our fabulous finds from the 30th annual glitter sale that the local Seattle area Goodwill hosts. Every year in November, Goodwill sets aside designer clothing, shoes, handbags, and other accessories that are sparkly and glamorous for the event. The best thing about the event is that all the proceeds from the sale go to the job training and education programs so you won't think twice about leaving with several bags of designer items!

 

 

*All of the items I'm wearing are thrifted except for my sunglasses.

 

Thrifted items; Vest: K-I-K-I-T $13.99 (Goodwill,) denim shirt: Calson $1.29 (Goodwill,) skirt: Forever 21 $7.99 (Crossroads Trading Co,) boots: Emiko Kamishima $27 (Buffalo Exchange.) Non-thrifted items; sunglasses: Sperry $30 (Nordstrom Rack.)  

 

 

Sara is wearing the Juicy Couture loafers she got at the sale.

 

Below is the link to her blog the Blonde Squad, check it out if you have time.

theblondesquad.blogspot.com 

 

 

Tip: If you decide to check out the glitter sale next year I recommend going on Sunday because Saturday tends to be crazy. The sale lasts from 9AM-6PM, but you need to get in line early to get your number as it is your pass to get inside, as well as your jewelry counter number. My husband and I got there about 10 minutes before it opened and we were number 223/224!

 

This year I was on a mission to find fur jackets/vests (faux or real,) and handbags. I ended up scoring a faux fur vest $13.99, a leather and fur jacket $34.99, a Kate Spade purse $12.99, and a pair of silver BCBG loafers $5.99.
 

 
 

Well that's all for now. Thanks for stopping by! I hope you come back and visit soon.
-E