Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Getting Fit
So, since it is a new year I decided to join a gym, me and about 500 other people in my area. Most of my work out clothing are short that are either unflattering or uncomfortable. I went to my local thrift shop to look for some new used threads, but I had no luck. Most of the work out pants I found were too small for me. I need something larger to fit my bum. So I will keep looking, and for now will used what I have and make the most of it. I will NOT crack and go to a regular store to find work out clothing. Wish me luck!!!
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Dare to Wear
 |
| J. Crew |
<--Here is one great example.
I may never have put this outfit together myself, but I can tell you I love that skirt. And she looks so comfortable. It is interesting to see the slender pencil skirt, with a brightly, what seems to be beaded, oversized shirt. I would totally wear it and it is giving me great ideas for future thrifting finds.
 |
| J. Crew |
Here is another outfit-->
Who ever thought anyone could pull off this jean shirt, and a pearly white sequin pencil skirt. She is also wearing what seems to be floral print shoes. I just can get over how cute she looks. She is even wearing a baseball cap!
J. Crew props to you in putting together some amazing outfits, and giving us some inspiration for future looks.
Friday, January 4, 2013
The Skirt
Let's face it skirts are in right now. And oh how the skirt has transformed. Whether the style or length, the skirt changes with each generation.
You can find just about any of these style skirts on the runway still today.
Here are two beautiful skirts by...
DOLCE & GABBANA
I loved Dolce & Gabbana's runway show at Fashion Week. They did great job modernizing vintage lines. Especially the skirts. Everything looked comfortable, colorful, with a feminine cut. I am going to do my best to search the thrifts stores in hopes of mimicking the same style.
Sadly, as I go through the stores I mostly see...
The Mini Skirt
What percentage of woman can actually pull this skirt off??? I used to work for a banquet hall and I can't tell you how many high schoolers, of all sizes, tried to pull this style skirt off. All they did the whole night was pull the skirt down, because it kept riding up.
I prefer something like this....
The Pencil Skirt
How much more beautiful is this skirt??? I have a curvy body and I am inspired by Marilyn's fashion sense.
A few days ago I visited a thrift store called Savers, and I found the perfect pencil skirt. It is navy blue, and fits me just below the rib cage, to just below my knees. I cannot wait to wear this out. I am still searching for the perfect shirt to match this beautiful skirt.
Pencil Skirt $4 Savers
Promise me one thing. Find a skirt that fits you, that is comfortable, and that you love, AND WEAR IT! Who cares if it isn't in style. What is important is that you like it. I found mine at a thrift store. Who knows what you could find!
POST YOUR FINDS! :-)
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Loving me some blues
Here are 2 awesome blue dresses I got from goodwill. They are both @$3 each. I added a belt since both dresses are pretty plain. I love wearing leggings with the brighter blue dress. It is so comfortable. The second dress I wear with my cowboy boots, and I usually throw on a grey cardi with a brown belt. It has a little country flair.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Thirteen Tips & Tricks
I am new to thrifting. But here is what I have learned over the past few months. If you have any tips or tricks to share please send them my way!
1. GET A GOODWILL CARD.
When you use your Goodwill card you get 5% off of every $20 spent.
On the 15th of every month there are In-Store scratch-offs worth 15%, 20%, or 25% off
25% off birthday coupon
10% discount for students on saturdays
2. Have an OPEN mind: any piece of clothing, accessory or house hold item that can be fitted to your taste.
Consider shortening a hem, adding a broach or a belt. Even layering can improve a piece of clothing.
Accessories can be taken apart. You can add a chain, or add a clip or pin to transform the object.
Paint is your friend, most house hold items can be transformed with a bit of paint or stain.
3. Look at lots of pictures!
I spend a lot of my computer time on pinterest. You can limit what you see to just fashion (or what ever your heart desires) I love looking at photos of matched up outfits, it gives me great ideas to take with me to the thrift store. You can also look at magazines. For house hold items I like to look at DIY magazines, or how to magazines.
4. Don't get stolen away by how inexpensive things might be. There is no need to go in a buy out the whole store in one visit. Although a good item might not be there tomorrow that doesn't mean you have to buy it then, come into the store with what you have in mind and don't get it in less you love it (#1 girls shopping rule!)
5. Find out when your thrift store puts out new inventory. Sometimes they will let you browse the bins before they are put on display.
6. DIG there are many hidden treasures at any thrift store. Don't just skim over things, pull them out and have a good look at them.
7. Go often. I know this sounds like a crazy thing to tell any woman who loves to shop but if there is something you are looking for keep checking back. Thrift stores get new stuff every day. And will put out discount bins, with items priced down even more. Note: Don't go out of your way to make it to the thrift store every day, but if you work or live near one it doesn't hurt to just stop in.)
8. Dress to try on...not all thrift stores have dressing rooms. Assume you might have to try clothing on over your own clothes. I've seen women wear skirts so that they can try on pants underneath. I recommend wearing yoga pants, a tank with a hoodie.
9. Don't be fooled by the label. If you are going to the thrift store to try on clothes you don't always have to shop by size. Over the years clothing sizes have changed significantly. For example I am a size 10-12, I've found dresses 2-4 sizes smaller that fit me. It works the same in the opposite direction. You might be a size medium, but you find most of the large or x-large fit you better.
10. In the mood to try a new fashion? Thrift stores are great for it! I pay about $2-$3 for shirts, and about $4 for pants. The next time you go into a thrift store why not try something different, saves you from committing too much to one trend.
11. Bring cash, assume the thrift store doesn't accept credit or debit cards. Goodwill does, and the Salvation army I go to does as well. Just don't get stuck in line with something you love an find out you have to use cash, it might not be there when you make it back with the green.
12. Take your time. I usually spend at least 30 minutes when I visit the thrift store. The stores can be fairly large and they are always packed with goodies. Be prepared to spend more time then you think, you never know what you will find.
13. Be KIND to the staff. Some thrift stores are run by volunteers. They are there making you experience possible. Be kind and always say PLEASE and THANK YOU!
1. GET A GOODWILL CARD.
When you use your Goodwill card you get 5% off of every $20 spent.
On the 15th of every month there are In-Store scratch-offs worth 15%, 20%, or 25% off
25% off birthday coupon
10% discount for students on saturdays
2. Have an OPEN mind: any piece of clothing, accessory or house hold item that can be fitted to your taste.
Consider shortening a hem, adding a broach or a belt. Even layering can improve a piece of clothing.
Accessories can be taken apart. You can add a chain, or add a clip or pin to transform the object.
Paint is your friend, most house hold items can be transformed with a bit of paint or stain.
3. Look at lots of pictures!
I spend a lot of my computer time on pinterest. You can limit what you see to just fashion (or what ever your heart desires) I love looking at photos of matched up outfits, it gives me great ideas to take with me to the thrift store. You can also look at magazines. For house hold items I like to look at DIY magazines, or how to magazines.
4. Don't get stolen away by how inexpensive things might be. There is no need to go in a buy out the whole store in one visit. Although a good item might not be there tomorrow that doesn't mean you have to buy it then, come into the store with what you have in mind and don't get it in less you love it (#1 girls shopping rule!)
5. Find out when your thrift store puts out new inventory. Sometimes they will let you browse the bins before they are put on display.
6. DIG there are many hidden treasures at any thrift store. Don't just skim over things, pull them out and have a good look at them.
7. Go often. I know this sounds like a crazy thing to tell any woman who loves to shop but if there is something you are looking for keep checking back. Thrift stores get new stuff every day. And will put out discount bins, with items priced down even more. Note: Don't go out of your way to make it to the thrift store every day, but if you work or live near one it doesn't hurt to just stop in.)
8. Dress to try on...not all thrift stores have dressing rooms. Assume you might have to try clothing on over your own clothes. I've seen women wear skirts so that they can try on pants underneath. I recommend wearing yoga pants, a tank with a hoodie.
9. Don't be fooled by the label. If you are going to the thrift store to try on clothes you don't always have to shop by size. Over the years clothing sizes have changed significantly. For example I am a size 10-12, I've found dresses 2-4 sizes smaller that fit me. It works the same in the opposite direction. You might be a size medium, but you find most of the large or x-large fit you better.
10. In the mood to try a new fashion? Thrift stores are great for it! I pay about $2-$3 for shirts, and about $4 for pants. The next time you go into a thrift store why not try something different, saves you from committing too much to one trend.
11. Bring cash, assume the thrift store doesn't accept credit or debit cards. Goodwill does, and the Salvation army I go to does as well. Just don't get stuck in line with something you love an find out you have to use cash, it might not be there when you make it back with the green.
12. Take your time. I usually spend at least 30 minutes when I visit the thrift store. The stores can be fairly large and they are always packed with goodies. Be prepared to spend more time then you think, you never know what you will find.
13. Be KIND to the staff. Some thrift stores are run by volunteers. They are there making you experience possible. Be kind and always say PLEASE and THANK YOU!
The Awkwardly Green Dress
http://www.glamour.com/fashion/fashion-news
According to Glamour magazine Emerald Green is the Top Color for 2013. I can't help but think of the movie The Wizard of Oz, and the beautiful emerald palace. However, this is a particular color green, so it will be interesting to see how many people will pull this off. Here is a photo of a dress I got from the thrift store a few months ago. Apparently I am ahead of the curve color wise for 2013. I titled this posting The Awkwardly Green Dress because when I first got the dress no one had hope for it. NO ONE LIKED THE COLOR. Which is laughable considering Glamours posting of 2013's top color for the year.
When I saw this dress at Salvation Army I just had to have it. My friend who was shopping with me was hesitant. The dress was a bit too long, reaching closer to half calf. When I got it hope I played with the hem, and brought it up to just below the knee. I added a belt, and it was like a whole new dress. I love the dark grey buttons up the front and the 3/4 length sleeves. I keep the buttons open, however I could always button the buttons all up, especially to keep warm for the winter. Mostly I wear it will black leggings and short brown boots. I also have a pretty blue scarf with detail of the same color green.
Dress $4 (Salvation Army), Belt $1 (Goodwill)
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