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!

My Thrifty Style - Brown Is the New Black

Every year there's a new color...this Spring it was soft colors like pale pink, rose, peach and pale neutrals.  While this summer it's all about punchy bright colors like coral, cobalt blue and various neons.  And every year everyone says black is in...Black never goes out of style...Black goes with everything.  It's a classic.

Just like everyone else, I used to own so many black articles of clothing people used to ask if I was from NYC.  Now I say Brown is in.  I'm kind of obsessed with converting and transforming myself and my closet with this earthy color.

Yes, black it can be chic.  But an all black outfit is harsh and doesn't fit the feminine look I'm going for.  So, I opt to trade out some black accessories uch as a belt for a brown suede with gold detailing.  It nips in my waist and is kind of quirky curve ball.  Love it!

I want to celebrate my womanly form and express my chicness is softer ways.  So brown it is.  What I've been doing is slowly styling items with brown; slowly fazing black out.  Now I have more brown purses, accessories and shoes than before and they come in a various shades of brown...cognac, auburn, mahogany,  etc.

Maybe I love brown because it compliments and warms my own shade of brown, a mix of sepia and sienna...or maybe its more of a dark cognac.
Whatever the official shade, this earthy color is bees knees to me.

Thrift...For Your Wallets Sake

Since I've rediscovered my love for thrifting and rekindled my talent for finding the fashion needle in the uninspiring haystack. I've been trying fruitlessly, to encourage my fashion forward girlfriends to join me, and what I got what this…

Aren't you worried someone will consider you CHEAP?!

Cheap? CHEAP?! I don't know if they've been looking at the news, reading the papers, checking their bank accounts or empty gas tanks. But, the economy isn't in a better place. Gas is going up, along with food,
clothing, electronics, and anything that's driven by a big gas guzzling truck.

So in the spirit of being frugal, economical, prudent, cheap…and parsimonious (;-)), here are my top five list of why it's important to thrift:

Thrift Store Prices Don't Change with the Price of Gas or Oil…YAY!!!
Because people donate goods sold in thrift stores are sifted through by volunteers. Since there's no one on the payroll, prices don't have the gas or labor tied to them.

No Coupon, Text Message or Code Needed to Enjoy Discounts
Most thrift stores, like my favorites Community Aid and Salvation Army, offer 50% off every day (depending on the designated tag color). And of course there's Wacky Wednesday where the entire store is half-off, except collectables or extremely new items.

Thrift Stores Change with the Seasons
People have to remember, thrift stores are still retailers. They know you're most likely not going to buy a $2.99 cable knit sweater instead of a lace cami in the beginning of summer. Thrift stores are marketing to you the consumer, just like any other store. So when you come in that sweater will be rows away, while the tanks and shorts will be some of the first rows you see.

Access to VERY Deeply Discounted Vintage Items
Thrift stores are a fantastic way to add individual style to your wardrobe and set yourself apart. No one is going to style pieces you buy the same way. Especially if you deliberately, but successfully, search for brands
that don't exist anymore, like me!

Thrift Stores are Inspirational
You may be surrounded by odd smells and you may sneeze every time you shift a hanger, but for those of us who don't live in New York, Boston, Philadelphia or some other metropolitan city, we need inspiration! Take the items below...

The dress is imply 70s; what some call a Midi (not really full-length, not short, just in the middle).  It fits perfectly at the smallest part of my waist and flares out at the bottom.  As soon as I saw this, I stood in awe. I pictured this cool rosie color against my milk chocolate skin and I thought, rose bush. I needed something green…leafy green so I when I found this cloisonné necklace I knew my vision was meant to be.

After those two significant purchases, everything else fell into place easily. The earrings were free, something I found in my mother's jewelry box, the cognac belt from Goodwill broke up the dress and the cognac wedges complimented everything nicely. What a pretty rose bush I made!

As always…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!!!



My Holy Trinity of Thrift Stores

If you love to shop like me, then you know that shopping for authentic, mint-condition vintage is work!

Coordinating your wardrobe and transforming your closet to accommodate your evolving taste in clothes, shoes and accessories isn’t easy and you have to be prepared.  I mean the kind of preparaed that takes packing food in your car, also some baby wipes and hand sanitizer in your cross-body satchel!

I'm a Thrift Road Warrior, with only three stores to choose from...My Thrifty Holy Trinity are so reliable and easy on my wallet...I would lay my right hand on the Bible and swear by them!  Here’s a nice run down of my loves:

• Community Aid
It has everything a thrift store should: easily accessible location, big parking lot, 50% off sales almost  every day, large quantities of gently discounted but high quality goods…and the best Wacky Wednesday in town.

I’ve garnered the most inspiration, clothes and shoes from this one store. There’s never a day when I go to “browse,” that I don’t find some piece that would suit my flourishing throwback Spring wardrobe perfectly.  Just this last Wednesday I acquired these lovelies...

Authentic 70s Party Dress for $1.00...AND it's in perfect condition

Cream Floral Blouse from Foxcroft for $1.50

Sheer Black and White Blouse from H&M - $2.00



Sheer Cream Blouse for $1.50

•Salvation Army

The second most important store to me is the Salvation Army that’s 2 miles away from my abode. It’s filled with goodies as soon as you enter and it’s the place where if I go looking for something specific whether it be a brown braided belt, cross-body satchel or floral skirt, I will go home victorious.

And, not only does it have the second largest amount of skirts and dresses out of the three, it carries accessories that aren’t locked behind a glass case.

Faux Jade and Flower - $3.99

• Goodwill

It’s half the size of the other three stores in the area, there isn’t much in this store and the prices are close to co-signment store prices than a thrift store.  But, what my local Goodwill lacks quantity and low prices, it makes up with the quality of clothes and accessories.  Even though...I have nothing spectacular to share with all of you...nothing has been worth me buying.  Wah.  :(

But I have one gripe...Now I understand that thrift stores can only offer the quality and quantity that's donated. And, Goodwill has better stock thanks to partnerships with stores like Target, Gap and the Bon-Ton (department stores) for items that wouldn’t sell, unlike the other thrift stores. But, that doesn’t mean the prices should reflect that. The whole point of a thrift store is to offer deep discounts to reel in consumers and the proceeds go to charity.  If you want people to come in, you offer deep discounts, with additional percentages off without having to buy a discount card.

BlogThis!

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!

Monday, May 23, 2011

Rules to Thrift By

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It's easy to buy the recreation of a popular garment.  But, to find the original, the actual muse of the carbon copy, is a rare and awe-inspiring moment.  Once you've found that missing piece to your closet.  Once you realize that all of the sneezing, perusing and frustration was worth it, calm down.  I can see your eyes get wide with excitement.  I can see you clutching your "precious." And I can see you making a beeline to the nearest dressing room.

Yes, this could be the find of a lifetime, and at the price you may think it's worth making it work no matter what.  But, depending on the condition of the garment, it might not be.

There are some things you need to know before you take "precious" home. 

Garment MUST fit:  If it's slightly too big, enough that you'll need a tailor, then buy away.  But, never buy when it's too small.  It's best to take it to a professional. But, beware letting a dress out can be costly. Make sure the garment is worth it.

Condition: The garment should be almost perfect.  That means bypass the items with stains, holes and discoloration unless it can be altered or mended to hide the imperfection.  If not, put it down and walk away.

Accessorize, accessorize, accesorize: Start off in the accessories section.  You can't go wrong with thrifty jewelry or clutch, and they'll be the perfect fit every time. 
Special Note: If you want to save money on special occasion jewelry, broaches, revamped jewelry trends or real gold and silver check out the glass counter.  Every thrift store has one located next to the accessories.

When NOT to Buy: Yes, I'm encouraging you not to buy, only if you don't love your thrifty/vintage item.  Sometimes we tend to over-consume because the purchase is easy on the budget.  Then, 3 months later it's still hanging in the same spot.  So it ends up being a waste of money, energy and time.

I hope this helps some of you newbies!  Happy Thrifting!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Small-City Thrifters Unite!

The more I read some of these fantastic thrift and discount fashion blogs written by Metropolitan Fashion Amazonzians, the more I realize that we small city women need a voice.  We don't have access to big city thrift fashion like the DC Goodwill fashion blog.  We are smack dab in the middle, with access to malls where we have to hunt down trendy and cheaply made deals, hunting for the next carbon copy but cute outfit right next to girls half our age OR head to strip malls only to find robo-mom attire desired by...robo-moms.

But we thifters...we are rebels...

We crave a closet other women would drool over...

A closet that allows us to complie and create some of the most authentically thrown-together and chic outfits without having to haggle with a 17 year-old over a fitted red stripped t-shirt or stalk a mom through clothing isles who picked a dress that's too small for her, but would be perfection on you...

Yes, we thrifters, we crave, and are in desperate need of, a thrifty fashionable outlet...

Keep on Thrifting!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Mother: My best friend and fashion icon

(Due to many technical and comuputer errors...this post is late...better late than never I guess.)

On this Mother’s Day, I celebrate the woman who shaped everything I am now and will be in the future.




Even while toting me around, Mom still had a great sense of style

 As a girl, my mother would take me to the local Goodwill to shop for anything and everything.  I used to roam the isles holding my nose from the smell of moth balls, must and body odor, and sneezing from the dust.  I found the store disgusting.  I never understood why she frequented a place that made me itchy and had foul, weird looking clothes.  We weren’t “poor.”

Fast-forward 15 years and I see thrifts stores with the mature and fashionable eye my mother had.  What she saw in a skirt that was too big and misshapen, was a cute pencil skirt after some finagling with scissors
and her sewing machine.  Every piece of clothing had promise, and every household item could find a new home in ours or someone else’s once she repaired or polished it.  She had a gift and her wrestling me through those isles made me see what I could do with purchases like these…

Cream “Wedding” dress: $5.99, down to $2.99

I see this as someone’s wedding dress back in the 60s.  She had a shapely and toned body, bronzed skin and her hair was twisted up with hints of baby’s breath tucked in…And somehow this dress fits me perfectly for a halter.  It accentuates my toned shoulders and hits me at the smallest part of my waist.
I plan to do a 360.  I’ll dye it sapphire or royal blue.  I know I can’t keep the crocheted section from the dye, but some dye remover may help.

As for this dress...

Cream, purple and silver stripped 70s Disco dress: $7.99, down to $3.99

My mother would love this dress.  It's very 70s.  I would say this used to be a disco party dress.  Best thing about it is that it's perfect, except for the slight brown stain 4 inches down from the neckline.  So, I plan to create a slight deep v-neck to hide it.  I think this dress needs a v-neck...don't you?  ;)

So these two dresses and the skirt from my first post while be my spring D.I.Y. project.  I've never sewn before, so this should be an interesting experience.  But, I think my mother would be proud of my fashionable ambition.  I'll update the blog with the final pieces in a month...

As always...Happy Thrifting!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

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!