Recap: Plaid Skirt IV - The A-line

The final example in the thrift store plaid skirt series is the A-line.

The A-line skirt is my favorite because it floats away from the body and moves when you walk. I choose a maroon henley shirt for the top of this outfit. You could wear anything from a tank top underneath it to a thicker cotton crew neck shirt depending on the weather. I took the "Prague' scarf and tied it around the waist because the colors in it closely match the colors in the skirt.

Those are all the types of skirts that I have in my closet. I'll probably have to wait a little longer before I can even think about wearing that green ski cap.

Recap: Plaid Skirt III - The Pleated

Apologies for the delay between posts. I think I've successfully recovered from my allergies, but now have moved on to packing up my belongings for a more spacious yet cheaper environment. It's highly possible that things with get off kilter here, but I'll try my best.

Thrift store skirt number three is a pleated skirt. Here's the deal with this type of skirt. It may come off looking like a high school uniform no matter how hard you try. Blue and red are my two favorite colors, so I enjoy wearing them together. I'm thinking choosing age appropriate accessories is your best way to handle the pleated skirt. I attached a knitted wool flower pin for something unique and different. Maybe you could put a belt on the outside of the sweater or add a few beaded necklaces as well. There comes a time in every woman's life when you have to leave Gossip Girl behind for Working Girl.

Off to put more stuff in boxes.

Recap II: 4 Plaid Skirts - The Pencil

I have discovered that a sinus cold mixed with nighttime is pretty much my kryptonite and leaves me very disabled. Fall, non-pollinated, cool air, I'm impatiently waiting your arrival.

So the next plaid thrift store find is a pencil skirt. This one has a split at the front. Sometimes this can be a little awkward depending on where it hits you, but it provides legroom if you're working at a desk all day. With this skirt, you could play up the gray tones with accessories since brown is its main color. And if you want to throw some brown back in, you could where some tall brown boots.

Resting: Back this weekend

Posts will continue on Sunday as I am battling a cold this week.

Recap: 4 Plaid Skirt Types - The Short

This is the start of a four post series on plaid skirts. Usually you can find them at pretty cheap prices at the thrift store.

The short plaid skirt is probably best worn at the beginning of the "change" as I like to call it. When you walk outside and the air seems to smell different and the streets are quite because people are inside their homes watching football games.

Since it's not that chilly outside, you could go with a thinner t-shirt and put on a nice jacket over the top. I like the maroon scarf with it because it brings out the subtle maroon lines in the plaid.

A word of caution for sensitive skin types, these skirts can cause itching. If you can find one with lining that's a bonus. Otherwise, you might have to put on some pantyhose or some light shorts underneath. No one wants red thighs at the end of the day.

Renewal: In September it Begins Again

I have always had a fond affection for this time of the year. As a kid, I actually enjoyed going back to school. At the end of August, the gigantic September issues of fashion magazines begin to hit the newsstands. You might even see the first sweater of the new fall season displayed in the stores. I celebrate my New Year at the beginning of September.

I'd like to start to show you some fall items now. Richer colors like this maroon and dark green paisley dress that I bought for $5. This dress you could throw on a tight fitting light t-shirt underneath and wear with a pair of brown tall boots. I do love paisley, but you've always got to be aware of the right color combination and size. You don't want to look like you're wearing giant amoebas or something. (Ah, Biology 101)

Refresher: Quick Guide to Thrift Store Shopping

Before You Go
1. Know what you want – What’s your style? Classic. Hipster. Bohemian. Keep photos of your favorite looks so you know what to search for and aren’t overwhelmed by the sheer volume of clothes when you enter a store. If you know where to start, it’s easier to get to the finish line.

2. Do Your Research – I start with Yelp.com. I do a search for thrift stores in the area and read the recommendations especially when I’m on the road.


On Location
3. Have an open mind – I noticed a vest that looked pretty cool inside out, so I’m going to wear it that way. Who cares? Make your own rules. At least this time I won’t have to worry about my neighbor in the next cubicle over wearing the same thing like the department store dress that we both own.

4. Discretion - This is the hardest part. Whatever you pick up, ask yourself where are you going to wear this item and what do you have to go with it. Take the time to look for flaws. When everything seems so inexpensive, it’s easy to forget about the quality of the items. Before you head to checkout, go through what you plan to buy again and determine do you really want it.


After You’ve Gone
5. Don’t give up – if you didn’t find anything at one store. Try another. Try the same store another time. I found excellent things at a store I swore I wouldn’t return to because I didn’t see anything the first time.

6. Celebrate your success, cut your loses – Try your items on in the comfort of your own home. Figure out what will go with this shirt or those pants or your favorite shoes. Don’t force it. If it doesn’t work, think about re-donating it or giving it to someone else.

Revealing: Non-Scandalous Peephole Dress

This great little thrift store dress can morph into a summer to fall outfit. It's light enough for the summer but in the fall you could wear it with navy blue tights and a pair of brown to light brown boots. For those slightly chilly days, you can also throw on a dark denim jacket.

The peephole at the top is a cute accent. I think it makes wearing a necklace with this dress a moot point. The colorful rope belt I also purchased at a thrift store. I can't remember how much I paid for these items, but it couldn't be more than $10.

Not too long before end of summer sales and fall clothes make their way onto the racks. With multi-seasonal clothes, you can beat others to the punch.