Shopping

May 9, 2013

Thrift Scores Linkup

April was a light thrifting month for me. I was crazy busy and didn’t go out a whole lot, and I’ve been trying to cut back on shopping — even when I do it with a small budget.

That said, the things I did find are already in steady rotation in my closet — confirmation that they were good buys and a reminder that quality is more important than quantity. Here are my finds:

City DKNY Blazer

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Found at: Alexis Suitcase. I love blazers, but I’m very particular about how they fit. Most of the ones I’ve owned just didn’t fit right. This one, however, fits like a glove. It has a single button and the fabric has a slight stretch that makes it hug my hips unlike any blazer I’ve ever worn. I’ve already worn it a bunch of times. You may recognize it from my turn on the red carpet at the 42 movie premiere. On that occasion, I wore it with my next find…

Gaiam Maxi Dress

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Found at: Alexis Suitcase. Of late, I have become a huge fan of maxi dresses. Slip them on with some cute shoes, and you’re done. And with a change of accessories, a different jacket or top, shoes, etc., you can wear them a million different ways. This thing is so ridiculously comfortable that it feels like wearing pajamas. Seriously, I need to go to the Gaiam website and find it in a bunch of other colors. It’s that awesome.

Michael Kors One-Sleeve Top

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Found at: Alexis Suitcase. You can never go wrong with a black top, and I love the one-sleeve detail on this one. It fits really well and still has enough coverage that I won’t feel half-naked or unsupported.

Ralph Lauren Tie-Neck top

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Found at: Alexis Suitcase. This top looks simple, but the top silhouette of it is asymmetrical and really unique. It’s hard to describe, but it’s the perfect complement to a pencil skirt in almost any color and can be dressed up or down.

Vintage Floral Dress

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Found at: Goodwill. I picked this up off the rack and was tempted to put it down, but something made me take it to the fitting room. I’m really glad I did. I LOVE the fit and flare silhouette and even the drop waist (which I usually hate on my body). I also love the bow details in the back. I’ll have to do some altering to the back straps because I’m so busty, but I can’t wait to wear it this spring and summer.

Max & Cleo Dress

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Found at: Goodwill. This dress is a size…small! Can you believe that? When you do a lot of thrifting, you eventually learn to spot things that will fit your body, regardless of the size on the tag. I knew that this quality stretch fabric would fit, and though it’s a tiny bit snug in the bodice, it looks intentional and has a pinup quality to it.

Ann Taylor Purse

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Found at: Goodwill. I generally don’t look at a lot of accessories when I’m thrift shopping, and I really don’t know why. I’ve been trying to do more of that, because I really don’t need any more clothes. I’ve also found myself wearing the same accessories and purses over and over again, so I’m trying to find some variety. I love this small purple suede clutch. The color is one of those neutral purples that doesn’t have too much red or too much blue, so I can use it with a lot of other colors.

Marc Jacobs wedges

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Found at: Goodwill. Usually, my Goodwill separates luxury brands and marks them up a bit from other shoes. For example, while you’d pay $5.95 for your average pair of shoes, ones from BCBG or Prada (gasp!) might run you between $20 and $50. So imagine my surprise that these Marc Jacobs wedges were sitting with all the other shoes for less than $6! They’re not exactly my size, but I snatched them up anyway knowing that I can eventually re-sell them.

That’s all I bought for the entire month of April, and I have yet to go thrifting in May. What are your favorite finds?

If you want to do some online thrifting of your own, head over to the Green & Gorgeous shop, where I’ve recently listed a bunch of new items!

Now, it’s your turn

What have you found while thrifting lately? Leave a link to your latest thrifting haul, whether you found clothes, furniture or any other treasure. You can even link to an outfit post if it contains thrifted items. Put it in the linky below so we can all swoon over the great deals you scored! All I ask is that you link back here so others can find the linky. If you like buttons, you can grab this one and add it to your post or your sidebar:

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March 31, 2013

Thrift Scores Linkup

March was an awesome month for thrifting for me. I tried a couple of stores I’d never shopped before instead of going to the same Goodwill week after week, and it paid off. Without further adieu, my finds:

Vintage Morgan Miller blazer

I fell in love with this double-breasted blazer the very second I saw it on the rack. The four buttons start just under the bust for a gorgeous, cinched waist look. I’m just trying to decide on the perfect bottoms for it. Found at: Salvation Army Thrift Store for $9.99

Vintage Louis Feraud dress

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This dress represents everything I love about vintage, but have always been afraid to try. I love the pattern, the overlapping bodice, the buttons, all of it. And get this: It was made in West Germany — which no longer exists. I can’t wait to wear it! Found at: Salvation Army Thrift Store for $3.50

Vintage Alain Toussaint denim dress & Calvin Klein belt

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I was a little wary about this dress, but once I tried it on, I had to have it. It is relatively heavy, so I’ll have to wear it on a cool day, and the elastic waist requires a belt. This thick Calvin Klein belt was the perfect addition, though I already have a couple of others that would work too. Found at: Salvation Army Thrift Store for $12.99 (dress) and $2.99 (belt)

Vintage Jon Roberts romper

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In recent weeks, I’ve been looking at a lot of pinup images, and this romper feels perfect for a pinup photo shoot, complete with bold red lips and a fabulous retro hair style. Found at: Salvation Army Thrift Store for $6.99

Ana striped maxi dress

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Aside from all my vintage goodies, I found a couple of items that will be heavy in my wardrobe rotation this spring and summer, and this dress is one of them. In fact, I’ve already worn it. The fabric is so soft, it feels like I’m wearing pajamas. It’s a Petite XL, so it’s a little shorter than your typical maxi dress, but I actually like the length. Found at: Goodwill for $2.97

One-sleeve slouch dress

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This is the other dress that I know will get a lot of wear. It has one shoulder and slouch pockets, and get this: It’s a medium. I originally picked it up with the intention to sell it, but it actually fit me beautifully Found at: Goodwill for $2.97

Striped lace top

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I always have my eye out for stripes as I’m combing thrift store racks, and I loved the funky off-center placement of the lace on this one. Found at: Goodwill for $4.94

Candies high-waisted skirt

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Another thing I always look for while thrifting is anything with a high waist. I have a high waist, and I know this is a silhouette that works for my body type. I love the pattern on this skirt and the fact that it flares from the waist. Found at: Goodwill for $2.47

H&M Mock Turtleneck

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I found this top at a store I will be frequenting because they have days when everything is on sale for 99 cents! What?! The overall quality of the clothes isn’t as nice as some of the other stores I’ve shopped, but they have a LOT of vintage, and the idea that I can score some of it for less than a dollar is too enticing to pass up. Found at: Metro Thrift Store for $1.99

Vintage Calvin Klein Denim Shirt

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My long-sleeved chambray top has been my best friend of late, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to add a sleeveless version to my wardrobe. I can wear this in countless ways. Found at: Salvation Army Thrift Store for $2

NY & Co. High Waist Jeans

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These look a bit like mom jeans, but with the right top and the right shoes, the high-waist silhouette is super flattering. Found at: Salvation Army Thrift Store for $3.50

Tommy Hilfiger denim shorts

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I’ve been looking for a pair of denim shorts to distress for months, and while I’m not sure I want to cut these up, I do think I’m going to do something cool with fabric paint. Maybe polka dots or a hand-drawn ornate pattern. Found at: Salvation Army Thrift Store for $2

Nine West booties

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My Salvation Army store has several glass cases in the center where they keep some of the really great quality stuff. These boots were in the case and brand new! I paid more for these than anything else, but it was totally worth it. They are gorgeous and super comfortable — a high compliment coming from someone whose feet are just complete averse to heels. Also, they look good with everything Found at: Salvation Army Thrift Store for $19.99

Plenty By Tracy Reese Boots

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Yet another pair of boots, equally as fabulous though not as comfortable. These leather boots originally cost at least 10 times what I paid for them, so I couldn’t pass them up. I haven’t decided if I’m going to keep them or sell them yet. Time will tell Found at: Goodwill for $16.91

If you want to do some online thrifting of your own, head over to the Green & Gorgeous shop, where I’ve recently listed a bunch of new items in sizes from 12-18 and L to 1X and XXL!

Now, it’s your turn

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March 22, 2013

Lala-Oopsy: Mermaids and a Movie

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My daughter is a bit of a doll fanatic. She genuinely enjoys dressing them up and playing make-believe — and she probably gets it from me. Playing with dolls is one of our favorite things to do together. Which means that she absolutely loves the Lala-Oopsy doll line. She practically begged for one for Christmas, and since she received that one, she’s been asking for some friends for that doll.

When Walmart asked if we’d like to review the new Lala-Oopsy mermaid dolls, it was a no-brainer to say yes. Clearly, my daughter agreed.

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These dolls have cute names like and come with mermaid and underwater themed accessories, including a star pouch that my daughter couldn’t get enough of. If the great time she had interacting with the dolls is any indication, they’d make an awesome Easter gift for any little girl.

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With the new mermaid dolls come a brand new movie that brings the characters to life: Lala-Oopsies: A Sew Magical Tale, available only at Walmart for just under $10. (aff) From the description:

On islands that float on strawberry milk rivers, surrounded by tall mushroom trees, live the whimsical Lala-Oopsies princess ballerinas, fairies and mermaids. Join them as they embark on a fantastical journey to save their precious homes when the strawberry milk, which powers Lala-Oopsies Land, suddenly stops flowing.

We received the dolls, but haven’t seen the DVD yet. My daughter is itching to watch it, and I have a feeling this is a film that will be watched over and over again.

Do your kids like dolls? What are their favorites, and how do you feel about movies starring their favorite toy characters?

DISCLOSURE: As a participant in the Walmart Moms Program, I’ve received product and compensation for my time and efforts in creating this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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March 15, 2013

Bissell DeepClean Premier Carpet Cleaner Review

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The biggest bane of my existence as a renter is carpet. As in wall-to-wall carpet in nearly every room. We got lucky in this apartment because there is some hard floor in the entryway, kitchen and dining room, but everything else has carpet, including the living room. We went for months using a weak vacuum that didn’t do a very good job of picking up anything, but we finally invested in a quality vacuum a few months back. Things were better, but sometimes, vacuuming alone just isn’t enough. Sometimes, you just need something more powerful.

Enter the Bissell DeepClean Premier Carpet Cleaner, provided by Walmart, much to my and my husband’s glee (aff). Because if you’re going to have wall-to-wall carpet, there’s nothing better than being able to deep clean it whenever you want, without having to hire a professional or rent a machine that has been used to clean countless other dirty carpets. Here’s what our living room looked like before using the DeepClean:

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My hubby went the extra mile by moving all the furniture so we could get every corner and crevice. Also, I think he actually took pleasure in cleaning the carpet with this machine:

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The verdict? This thing is awesome!

As a family, we take off our shoes at the door to avoid tracking extra dirt and Lord knows what else through the house. But here’s the thing: Sometimes we forget. We also have a dog who occasionally will get excited and tinkle on the carpet. No amount of spot cleaning could make me feel like the carpet was truly clean after one of his accidents.

So while the water wasn’t nearly as dirty as I expected when my husband was done cleaning the living room carpet, it carpet looked and felt worlds better. And it confirmed that leaving our shoes at the door is a good habit, because the water wasn’t as gross as I anticipated it would be. Here’s what the water looked like right at the end of the job:

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Honestly, not that bad. But it certainly got out a lot of dirt that we couldn’t see with the naked eye or pick up with just the suction of a vacuum.

We’re actually looking forward to putting the DeepClean to work in our bedroom and on the area rug in the dining room. My only complaint is that the ingredients aren’t listed on the cleaning solution. It is labeled as having an “Earth friendly formula” with no heavy metals, phosphates or dyes, but that still doesn’t tell me what IS in the formula. It did have a nice fragrance and my sensitive nose didn’t detect any powerful chemical odors, so that’s a good thing.

Honestly, we love the DeepClean Premier, and it will go a long way toward making our home feel a lot cleaner. It is priced at $188.92 and you can get it at Walmart.

DISCLOSURE: As a participant in the Walmart Moms Program, I’ve received product and compensation for my time and efforts in creating this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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March 8, 2013

Empowering Women Together: A Reason to Shop

Every once in while, a cause comes along that makes you want to shop, and today, on International Women’s Day, I have a great one. Yesterday, Walmart launched Empowering Women Together, a section that offers goods from small businesses owned by women around the world. In other words, each purchase you make helps a woman somewhere in the world feed herself and her family, which in turn helps to uplift her community and empowers her to do everything of which she is capable.

These are women who have faced challenges like poverty, lack of education, domestic abuse and physical limitations. These women come from countries like Rwanda, where economic opportunities are scarce, and who would otherwise never be able to reach American shoppers.

I can get behind that 100%.

Of course, it helps that the products are beautiful, and more than worth buying. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Women’s Tiered Convertible Dress / 2. African Patterned Wristlet / 3. Recycled Rice Bag Quilted iPad Case / 4. Paper Mache 10″ Vase / 5. 18 x 18 Reversible Decorative Pillow / 6. 3-Piece Woven Chevron Bangles Bracelet Set / 7. Fair Trade & Organic Coffee and Chocolate Gift Set / 8. Handpainted Card and Beaded Earring Set (aff)

At the moment, you can purchase more than 200 items from 19 businesses in 9 countries. However, this will eventually be part of a larger project, Store for Good, which will help connect shoppers with products that do good for others, themselves or the environment.

Would you look at me strange if I jump up and say Hallelujah? These are the types of projects I want to see big businesses take on more often. Bringing products like these to consumers who otherwise might never consider buying them is the only way, in my opinion, to demonstrate why these products matter.

DISCLOSURE: As a participant in the Walmart Moms Program, I’ve received compensation for my time and efforts in creating this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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March 4, 2013

Shop My Closet: The Store is Up!

Remember last week, I said that I was planning to open an online store to sell all the clothes that can no longer fit me? Well, I put in some overtime this past weekend to make that happen. Yes, I work for myself, but I usually don’t work on the weekend, so it was overtime.

Anyway, without further adieu, the store is open!

At the moment, there are more than 20 items purged from my closet and my mom’s closet, all in great condition, and some new with tags and new without tags (as in tags taken off, but never worn). You’ll find sizes from 14 to 20, XL/1X to XXL/2X.

I’ll soon be adding shoes and accessories to the store as well, and I’ll continue to add clothing as I continue to lose weight or as I find thrifted items I believe you all would like. I still have another bag of items to go through and decide what to sell, so keep checking back if you don’t see anything that works for you right now.

While all items are pre-owned, some are new with tags and new without tags. I have indicated the condition of every item and provided photos of front, back and tags. I tried to keep the prices reasonable, and I’ll be using the U.S. Post Office for shipping. I will ship to anywhere in the U.S. or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

If you have questions about any of the items, just fill out the contact form in the store and I’ll get back to you ASAP!

Browse the store, look around, and let me know what you think!

AND…I have another announcement:

Just call me your personal shopper

In other news, I have also decided to start offering another service: Personal shopping, with a focus on thrifting.

I’ve had a TON of people complain to me about the quality and/or lack of thrift stores in their area, and I wanted to do something to help.

Do you love thrift store shopping, but are disappointed by the quality of stores in your area? Do you want to thrift but don’t have access to any stores? If you need someone to go thrifting for you for general clothing, shoes and accessories or to find specific items in a specific size, contact me with your request and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Be sure to include your approximate budget and clothing and/or shoe sizes, and let me get to work finding you some thrifted treasures!

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March 1, 2013

Thrift Scores Linkup

Since I’ll be sharing my thrifted finds on a monthly basis, I thought it would be fun to do a linky where other bloggers could share their awesome thrifted finds too. So if you love thrifting as much as I do, please share your latest blog posts about thrifting at the bottom of this post.

In February, I really didn’t do a whole lot of thrifting. Not at stores, anyway. I shopped at my favorite consignment store once, mostly because I was taking items to consign as I again purged my closet of clothes that are (already) too big. The rest of these pieces came from my mother’s closet as SHE was purging. Thank you Mommy!

Here’s what I found:

Tommy Hilfiger trench coat

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I got this at the beginning of the month, and I’ve already gotten lots of wear out of it. It’s pretty heavy, so it works even on cold days, and it’s a Large, so it should still fit next year. It was 50% off, to boot! Found at: Alexis Suitcase consignment

Black side-ruched sheath dress

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Do you have any idea how hard it is to take a decent picture of a black dress? I couldn’t get a good pic, but there is some lovely ruching on the left side (right in the photo). I bought this on a day when I had no intention of shopping at all, but I saw it, and it spoke to me. The fit is awesome! Found at: Alexis Suitcase consignment

Banana Republic cross-front dress

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My husband laughed when I told him I feel like Michelle Obama in this dress. The silhouette just looks like something she’d wear. And there’s a bonus: I can wear it without a bra (gasp!). For a busty woman like myself, that’s a pretty darn big deal! Found at: Alexis Suitcase consignment

White full maxi skirt

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This skirt is loaded with fabric and really heavy — which is among the reasons I love it. The photo doesn’t do it justice. My mother had this for years and never wore it, so I was only too happy to take it off her hands. This will likely make an outfit appearance soon. *wink* Found at: My mother’s closet

Sundress with removable straps

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I couldn’t believe my mother was getting rid of this, but the more I looked at it, the more I realized she’d probably never wear it unless she wore a jacket or cardigan over it. And she’d say it’s too short — which made it perfect for me The straps can be removed to make it strapless, and the top has great structure. Found at: My mother’s closet

Black linen blazer

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I already have plans for this baby! The single button falls a little low for me, because I have a really high waist, so I may move it and create a new button hole. Haven’t decided for sure yet. But since I just got rid of my old black blazer because it was waaay too big, this was right on time. Found at: My mother’s closet

Route 66 gray silk tunic

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I believe my mom got this at Kmart years ago, so I was surprised to see that it’s made of 100% silk. Regardless, the fit is really flattering, and the top looks like a shirtdress. I’m trying to think of a creative way to style it. Found at: My mother’s closet

Gold chain box purse

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I can only chance a guess at how old this purse is, but I love it! The strap is long enough to wear it as a crossbody bag if I so choose, and it is the perfect way to glam up an otherwise mundane outfit. Found at: My mother’s closet

Speaking of purging

I’ve been going through clothing sizes faster than I can keep up, and the consignment store will only take so much of it off my hands. So…I’m planning to open an online store to sell those clothes (and maybe shoes). It will take a while (like a week or two) for me to get everything set up and uploaded, but I’m excited about passing my stuff on to other people who can love and wear it. I’ll let everyone know as soon as the store is up and running.

Now, it’s your turn

Also linking up with: Thrifters Anonymous

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February 11, 2013

Thrifting Haul: January

Suffice it to say that I love thrifting, and I try to do it whenever I can. This usually ends up being Wednesdays while I wait for my daughter to get out of gymnastics class, because there’s a Goodwill right across the street Each month, I’ll sum up all the items I’ve found thrifting. I’ve been meaning to post this since the end of January, but better late than never, right? Look for my next thrifting post at the end of February.

Here’s what I found last month:

Ana striped sweater and high-waisted jeans

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Clearly, I didn’t waste any time wearing these. You might recognize them from my outfit of the day post a few weeks back. Super comfy! These are my current favorite jeans. Found at: Alexis Suitcase Consignment

Ann Taylor ruffled top

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I fell in love with the colors and patterns on this top as soon as I spotted it. The colors are more true to life in the detail image on the right. The fit is awesome, and it’s the type of piece I can layer now while it’s cold out, but is light enough to be a spring staple as well. I’ve already worn it twice since I bought it. Found at: Alexis Suitcase Consignment

American Eagle strapless dress

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This fits a little tight, but by the time it’s warm enough to wear it, it should fit perfectly, thanks to my continued weight loss with Shaklee 180. The fabric is gorgeous, and the fit, with a cinched waist and pleating for a subtle flair, made me feel like a pinup model. Found at: Uptown Cheapskate

American Eagle striped cardigan

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This looks really saggy on the hanger, but the fit is more curve-hugging than you’d expect. The stripes feel really preppy and unlike anything else I have in my closet, but the fact that it’s soft and comfy made it an easy choice. Found at: Uptown Cheapskate

Suzi Chin one-shoulder party dress

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This is a size 10, but it actually fits! This a bubble dress, meaning that there’s hidden elastic at the hem to make the skirt balloon outward when worn. I’m impatient for the day it’s warm enough to wear this. It will make a great date night outfit, and I may even pull it out on Valentine’s Day just because. The color looks crappy in this photo because of low light, but in real life, it’s more merlot than strawberry. Found at: Goodwill

Talbots black & white dress pants

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They don’t look like much when draped over a hanger, but they have a high waist and a pattern subtle enough to be dressed up or dressed down. Can’t wait to wear them! Found at: Goodwill

Tahari burgundy patterned dress pants

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This is another item in the “can’t fit yet” category at a size 10, but I’m confident they’ll fit in the coming months. The burgundy tone-on-tone pattern is gorgeous. The photo doesn’t do it justice. Found at: Goodwill

Benetton wool coat

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This item was the icing on the cake. I couldn’t believe I found this Italian wool coat by United Colors of Benetton for — wait for it — $8 dollars! The thrifting gods smiled on me that day Plus, I just bought a pair of camo skinnies that would be perfect with this with some neon shoes. Found at: Goodwill

Thrifting tip

I pass on a lot of things when I’m thrifting because of one simple rule: If I can’t envision an item in a specific outfit or styled a specific way with some other specific item (whether I already own it or not), I won’t buy it. Every single piece I bought is already part of an outfit in my mind or styled for some fictional future event. That way, when an opportunity arises, I’ll already have at least one idea for how to wear it. This helps me avoid buying stuff that I like, but would never actually wear.

What have you found on your recent thrifting trips? Do you have any rules even unspoken ones, that help guide you when you’re shopping secondhand? I’d love to hear them in the comments below!

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← Previous Posts

Shopping

City DKNY Blazer

Gaiam Maxi Dress

Michael Kors One-Sleeve Top

Ralph Lauren Tie-Neck top

Vintage Floral Dress

Max & Cleo Dress

Ann Taylor Purse

Marc Jacobs wedges

Now, it’s your turn

Vintage Morgan Miller blazer

Vintage Louis Feraud dress

Vintage Alain Toussaint denim dress & Calvin Klein belt

Vintage Jon Roberts romper

Ana striped maxi dress

One-sleeve slouch dress

Striped lace top

Candies high-waisted skirt

H&M Mock Turtleneck

Vintage Calvin Klein Denim Shirt

NY & Co. High Waist Jeans

Tommy Hilfiger denim shorts

Nine West booties

Plenty By Tracy Reese Boots

Now, it’s your turn

Just call me your personal shopper

Tommy Hilfiger trench coat

Black side-ruched sheath dress

Banana Republic cross-front dress

White full maxi skirt

Sundress with removable straps

Black linen blazer

Route 66 gray silk tunic

Gold chain box purse

Speaking of purging

Now, it’s your turn

Ana striped sweater and high-waisted jeans

Ann Taylor ruffled top

American Eagle strapless dress

American Eagle striped cardigan

Suzi Chin one-shoulder party dress

Talbots black & white dress pants

Tahari burgundy patterned dress pants

Benetton wool coat

Thrifting tip

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