"You love vintage Too? Well, coo coo ca choo!"

A combination more typical, American and comfortable than PB and J is women and clothes. And for the past two years it's been all about vintage clothes.

And finding this combination of estrogen and antique in my backyard was a welcome surprise today. But you have to follow the clues to find the hidden treasures and fellow hunters here.

Take the Urban Snob's page on Facebook, it lead me to an ad for an open house sale by Pampered Peacock Vintage. And I mean open house in the most literal sense.

Tucked away in a narrow and creepy side street, Pampered Peacock Vintage is everything the name says it is. As soon as you walk through the brightly painted Tiffany Blue door you're greeted by the smells of Chloe and Channel No. 5. The walls are peachy-brown, with gold-accented lighting. It's warm, eclectic and extremely stylish without trying.

Six pair of eyes look up from their jewel encrusted smartphones long enough to give a quick evaluation of the "new comer." I obviously stumbled upon a tight-knit and cautious vintage fashion community.

I searched the eyes, finding not one familiar pair, except for the woman who opened the door for me. The owner, Cachet. I've met her before during my frequent kickboxing workouts. I never took the time to actually talk to her, judging her before I met her.

Thinking of my pre-judgement, I quickly smile and say a bright: "Hello."

She quickly evaluates my attire, vintage Romantic-Equestrian, and gives me the "I remember you, but I don't know if I like you" hug. But still, it's a welcome and she remains hospitable by asking if I'd like Naughty Cider.

I agree, take the glass, sip and begin to carefully peruse the vintage goods. Hello, polyester, rayon and ultra-suede! The familiars I find every week in my favorite thrift stores.

The clothes were selected carefully. There’s not stitch out of place or trace of a stain. The clothes range from early 40s to late 70s, and all inspire the over-priced and cheaply made clothes you find everywhere.

This vintage lover is a kindred spirit, as well as her friends. Each were clothed, colored and coiffed in vintage refinery. They’re a pleasant surprise. I've obviously stumbled upon a secret vintage community. And it makes me happy.

But my time with this tight-nit and well-dressed phenoms was short lived. Responsibilities and the real world need to be dealt with. But, just as I found the cookie crumbs that lead me to this community, I know that it will lead me back to them. I’ll let you know what I find.

Thrifted D.I.Y.: Alterations

To be original, you have to go back to the origin.  And, if you need to, improve or alter it to suit your individual taste.

Take this shirt for example.  It's a beautiful cream frilly shirt with princess sleeves. 

I love everything but those sleeves.  Soooo, I ripped them out with my seam ripper, folded the edge down, ironed it and bonded it with my stitch witchery.


I tried it on again and it was boxy, so I sewed in a tuck right under the armpit to give it an hourglass figure.

Next on the list is this Black lace dress I purchased for $1 at Volunteers of America.  Very billowy...very 70s...very big...and may be very time consuming.

It's proof that not everything can be solved with my nimble fingers, sewing kit and stitch witchery! But, I found a local seamstress who I hope can help alter this into a multi-purpose LBD. Wish me luck!

Lastly, I'll be leaving Blogger for Wordpress and Tumblr. PLEASE check me out!

As always....Happy Thrifting! 

Man, Oh Mannequin!

I finally have it!

The one 'THING' that will take my blog away from amature to the professional.

A dress form...aka a mannequin sans appendages!

A friend is a craigslist aficionado  found it and about 10 others for $50 a piece which is a lot so I said no.  But, two weeks later the seller slashed the price in half and here 'she' is!  ;D

She's about a size 6 and an instant mind opener.  It didn't take me long to come up with today's very conservative outfit.  It's definitely not going on my favorite thrifted list, but at least you can get an idea of how I'll use the mannequin.

I can't wait for the heming, altering and styling that's to come!

Thrift Gold Mine: Volunteer of America's 10 for $10

Volunteers of America is one thrifted store that is undervalued and unappreciated.  It's my little secret weapon for jewelry.

I went there last Thursday after the post work traffic and after my migraine/allergy/body ache tri-fecta subsided.  The stores weekly 10 for $10 sale was exactly what the fashion doctor ordered.

First this rainbow spaghetti strapped dress with only the "union made" tags attached.  I would say it's early 60s...

Then this royal blue midi shirt dress that's clearly from the 70s.

This mint green shirt dress. It's missing a belt and is extremely boxy without it; luckily I have several brown braided belts.  I also tucked the dress into a printed skirt that has tiered teal green border.  (That picture will be in an upcoming post!  ;) )

This black dress doesn't look like anything special at first glance, in fact it looks 2 sizes too big but somehow it fits! Its a typical 70s party dress, a-line skirt, elastic in the waist to cinch and billowy up top. But, I know something you don't know...the lace hits my chest so perfectly that I called a professional seamstress to have a fitting done asap!

Now onto the blazers. These two were a serious steal. The first is a perfect condition, black polyester jacket with sateen finish by David Benjamin (whose clothing can be found on ebay).

Then there's this perfect fire engine red Pendelton blazer, which should go for about $250.  And look at those beautiful buttons!

And of course I also found some skirts to add to mystery growing skirt collection. LOL. First this scarlet red midi-maxi skirt that has the most peculiar, but flattering, upside-down handkerchief design at the waist.

And second skirt is out of my fashion comfort zone because of the fruit/flower pattern all over the skirt. I know, it's too sweet. Too flowery...too pink. But I loved how it sits on the curves of my body. I'll make it work somehow. ;D

Lastly, this navy blue blouse by Woolco. It's bright and simple; absolutely perfect shirt to pair with a snazzy skirt.

That's it. I know you only see 9 pieces but the 10th was a tan slip. Thanks to Volunteers or America for your super thrifty sales and divine jewelry.

I hole you guys enjoyed my first Dollar Day haul.  I know I did.  ;D

Keep on thrifting!

Favorite Thrifted Outfits of the Week

I have been thanking the fashion "gods" for that 10 for $10 sale at Volunteers of America.  Some of the pieces I found blended perfectly with some thrifted pieces I bought when I first started, but couldn't find pieces to create the "look" I was going for.
First up...

This is a crazy pair, and this is why: The satiny shirt...it's a nightie that I plucked from the middle of the women's short sleeve shirt section at the Salvation Army.  It has this killer v-neck that would normally be inappropriate for work, but has a gorgeous lace embroidery to make it sexy and fitting for the workplace.  The skirt is from my most recent "Stitch Witchery" fun, and makes a great skirt, unfortunately it wrinkles too easily...*sigh*

This outfit is "Accidental Inappropriate Work Attire Gone from Wrong to Ohhhhhh SO Right."  It started out with that top...well you may know it as the mint green dress from the 10 for $10 post.  I don't know what I was trying to do that morning by wearing the cream slip and the dress with a brown braided belt.  Fashion luck would have it and I was finishing up making that skirt smaller...the mint green "top" actually matches the dark hunter green border on the tiers of the skirt...the shoes were in the trunk of my car!



I call this My 70s Summer. I wore it with a neutral cardigan that matched the shoes making this perfect for business casual and change into strappy gold high heels to match the long gold chain (sorry...you can't see it)




That's all I have my Fashionables!

Thrifted D.I.Y.: Clean Your Baubles with Household Products!

If you've spent time in a thrift store, you know how dirty your hands can become very very quickly.  So I get why some shy away from jewelry.  It has laid on or been inserted into someone's skin and most lack shine.  I have a simple solution.

You need:
Microwaveable cereal bowl
Aluminium foil
Scissors
1 tbps table salt
1 tbps baking soda
1 tbps dish detergent
1 cup hot water

This is a super simple recipe. Microwave the hot water on high for 2 minutes, cut the aluminium foil so that it covers the bottom of the bowl and then place it there. Pour the hot water in the bowl, then add the jewelry. Promptly pour the last three ingredients on top of the jewelry. Give it a stir with the measuring spoon. Allow the jewelry to sit in the mixture for 10-15 minutes. Pat dry. I did this twice because thrifted jewelry can be very grimy. I would say it worked out very well!

I just picked up some mint jewelry so I'll be at all of this again!  :D

Thrifted D.I.Y. - Hem It Up!

I don't know if you've noticed, but I've been spending more time fixing my thrifted goodies and less time...ahem, hoarding. ;)

And, I have this sneaky little suspicion that I'm missing out on some great finds. But common sense says I can't keep buying more skirts if I already have a stockpile of beauties that aren't hemmed.

So the solution: Ultra light Stitch Witchery...aka Instant Hem. It's super easy to use and ultra effective.
For this thrifty D.I.Y. I started with the cranberry skirt below that needed 4" cut off, plus an additional inch for the hem.

I simply cut the skirt to the desired lenghth, ironed the inch wide hem, placed the stitch witch in the crease of the ironed hem, turned the skirt inside-out, placed a wet cloth over the section I wanted to hem, and held the iron (on the wool setting) for 10 seconds. And, voila!

It worked so well I hemmed this perky green but shapeless frock below to a very flattering skirt that's above knee-length. And this almost-maxi black and cream polka-dot number that turned into a very flirty addition to my closet. ;D

More stitch- witched skirts to come! Til next time, Keep on Thrifting!

Thriftily Outfitted: Week 1

Hello fabbies! I may have topped myself already!

I've been so excited to share what I've styled for this week, but I held off so I can try something new. Instead of rushing a "outfit of the day" post everyday, I'll be posting them once a week. It will save me time, allow for thought provoking and visually pleasing content, and the addition of more articles about my thrifting adventures.
The Thrifty Run-Down
What we have in this weeks collection...Monday: red and white animal print skirt and frilly 50s inspired sweater.  Tuesday: a gauzy, semi-sheer pink blouse paired with a nautical skirt for a look made for the 70s.  Wednesday: a peridot green dress from a big name brand that has a drop waist and soft polo collar that screams 20s and...Thursday: a navy mini polka-dotted skirt from the 90s coupled with a blouse from the 80s!

Main Attraction
My gams! (FYI: Retro speak for legs. ;D) I can't get enough of them, and working at a conservative and fashion illiterate environment won't ever stop me.

Red, White and Cute All Over

1970s Thrift Done Right

Green with Thrift Envy

Button me Up and call me Thrifty

Please leave a comment. I'd love to hear from my readers. Enjoy!!!



Thrifty Date Night

I've always been the type of woman to take the "bull by the horns," but never until this week did I ask a guy out on a date!  He's super shy, so I figured dinner at low-key and laid back diner was the way to go, and a movie afterward. 

Shy guy+simple date=FLORALS!!!  I had to keep the outfit floral, shapely, and flirty.  Starting from top to bottom:

This floral shirt has a cream background with red blossoms and brown leaves all over.  It's light polyester fabric, long sleves and colors make it easy to wear this fall too.  ;)

Brand: College Town - $1.49 (Salvation Army)

I had to pick up the red blossoms with this scarlett red and brown leather purse.  The brand is called Leaders in Leather, from Paraguay, and they hand etch all of their goods.  

Brand: Leaders in Leather - $1.99 (Community Aid)

I found these precious cloisonne earrings in my mothers jewelry box and I always passed them up for hoops, dangly earrings or other accessories that I was used to wearing.  These earrings perfectly match my outfit, without trying.  They're delicate and perfect for spring.

Cloisonne earrings (Free)

I snagged this bracelet on one of my "Thrifty Inspiration" trips to my favorite stores...in other words, I didn't mean to buy this bracelet, but it wanted me to.  What kind of thrifty fashionista would I be if I didn't take this dear home?  ;)

Peachy Pearl Bracelet: $.99 Salvation Army

This outfit was everything I've been trying to do for my Spring thrift collection.  It was light, airy, form fitting and had plenty of texture.  It's everything I'm trying to do for Spring.  It was perfect...And hopefully lucky!  ;)

Til next time...Happy Thrifting!!!

Can You Dig This Bunny At Her Gig?

Can you dig the mixture of pulsating color and retro texture?  Can you dig the A line dress that is neither too long nor too short…it’s just right?  Can you dig this assemble created by this blossoming thrift stylist/blogger?

I definitely did! When I finally gathered the pieces to this ensemble, I felt like a transfixed suburbanite transformed into a little caposhi dudette (=cool chick). At least that’s how I felt yesterday. What makes it even better, it’s my 1st all thrifted outfit!

The dress is an authentic vintage piece of 70s history. And, even more rare, it’s in perfect condition! I didn’t have to mend a single stitch. I wish I could tell you the brand, but the “label” (a piece of ribbon stitched with the brand) is curled up from old age. But, the Union Made tag is in-tact. It’s a vibrant Cerise (thanks Neckties.com) and looks as if it was dyed yesterday, with a cloth belt in the same color.

I paired it with light brown sugar colored leather and cork wedges (Community Aid -$4.50), a cute but basic addition. The cognac braided belt (Goodwill -$2) adds some texture, draws attention to the smallest part of my waist, and breaks up the dresses strong color.

The faux jade necklace (Salvation Army -$3.99) is my 2nd favorite thrifted piece and my wild card. It doesn’t seem like it would be matched, but if you take a closer look the “jade” is intermingled with a heavy white bead, etched in gold rose that is painted in with such a close shade of Cerise that it makes the necklace an unpredictable, but obvious choice.
Til I catch you on the thrifty flip-side…Happy Thrifting!!!

Ladies and Gentlemen...Welcome Aboard!

I meant to go nautical and went flight attendent instead yesterday.  Overall, I'm proud of the ensemble.  It's quite charming and interchangeable!   I plan to wear the shirt with dark denim jeggings, snake skin open-toed flats and something in Cobalt blue (one of summers hot colors) will brighten it up. 

Skirt: Community Aid - $1.50
Shirt - Community Aid - $1.50
Shoes - Nine West
Jewelry - Old Navy

I also shared this with my Trimirror app buddies who adored it.  Too bad I don't have a better camera so you can see how chic and expensive this outfit looks!  Ohhhh well!  On to my next post, til then....Happy Thrifting!

Fashion "Clutch"ed!

Remember this lovely clutch?!

Welllllll...It naturally went with this!

I found this dress at Ross for $14.99 and the pearls and shoes (Ross $22.99)

Once I saw this dress I grabbed this one and the next size up and ran to the dressing room.  It works pefectly, eh?!  The picture doesn't do the dress justice.  The color is brighter, more of a saffire blue, and twists at the bust.  It hits slightly above the knee, so I decided to wear this to work.

But, better yet...!





Skirt from the Salvation Army: $1.99!

 

The skirt is in perfect condition, a rare vintage gem!  It was meant to be paired with this seafoam top from NY and Company, faux pearls from a yard sale and my favorite taupe Jessica Simpson heels.

As you can tell, I dress for the job I was bred for...a fashion buyer!

Welcome to my closet!

I'm busy building the best closet of my life...
I'm more than a fashionista, more than a TJMaxinista...I'm the future of fashion on a dime...
I'm the sparkling example of a thirft shopper who knows the perfect find takes time...

A great sense of fashion isn't nature, it's nurtured, and my parents did a smashing job without even trying.  I had the "matching without trying" outfits, the jellies before they were popular; the shoe collection that could've fit more than one child.  I was bred to find the best pieces at a fraction of the price everyone else was paying.  And because of that, I was always the girl with the ripped, sequined, embroidered jeans before anyone else, even though I was plus-size.

My sense of fashion was cultivated by working in a plus-size clothing store and  rippened over the years after I shed over 90 pounds.  Now,when I see the potential in frocks others scoff at and create an outfit that would be in a fashion magazine...

So this is an invite to my closet!  WELCOME!...


Where I Shop: Thift shops like the Goodwill, Salvation Army, Community Aid and Volunteers of America, a pletora of Co-signment stores (that are all in a 5 mile radius), plus the discount stores like Marshalls, Ross, TJ Maxx, and sometimes from the generic mall/department stores if something is on sale. 

Where I Don't Shop:  Department stores and typical mall stores (unless I need a t-shirt for less than $5).  I actually hate department stores because they supply clothing and accessories that anyone can get.  And I don't want just anything that anyone can get, I want something that only I can get, only I have, only I can put an outfit a certain way.  Because I'm an only child and I'm greedy like that.  ;D


What I Bought (as of 4.18.11):


Goodwill: Straw purse with genuine leather handles and non-removable strap for $2.97!!!

 How perfect would this be with a royal blue sun dress, off-white cut out flats, simple and tortoise shell wrap around glasses?!  Unfortunately, I couldn't envision this outfit because the dress (to come in a different post) wasn't in my possession yet...I ended up giving this purse to one of my girlfriends...I wonder if she'd loan it back to me...


Community Aid: Crimson and cream knee length skirt for $1.99

When I passed this skirt I gave it a double take.  It's hard to see from the picture, but there are three different patterns.  Most of the skirt is covered in different sizes of cream hearts, while the underlying pattern is paisley which is only apparent where there's cream.  It also has pockets...(Ahem, SOOOOO 80s.).  It's the oddest skirt I've ever seen, but once on I knew it had to be mine.  It fits perfectly at my waist and flares out past my knees.  Of course, I started brainstorming outfit ideas and made plans to have the skirt shortened and have the pockets sewn shut.  (Watch out for a future blog post with the transformed skirt!)


 Community Aid: Vintage Cream ruffled shirt for $1.99!!!

 This shirt may take another blog entry to explore and explain.  It's quite a find for two reasons: 1) It's vintage.  I came to this conclusion when I was inspecting the inside of it for a tag and came upon a tiny, and very worn down, tag that said it was "Union made."  Hardly anything says that anymore, and if it does the tag isn't worn down.  2) It was in perfect condition.

Since a vintage and perfect shirt is RARE in a thrift store, I'm going to dig into the shirts past.  I have to know where this perfect little piece of fashion history came from!


So that's a little sneak peek into what I find fashionable.  Please check back to see how I transform that crazy heart covered skirt or what I pair with the vintage frock...and what did my friend wear with the adorable straw bag...Hmmm!  ;D

Til then...Happy Thrifting!!!