For those who believe clothing should be an expression of ourselves, but not 0ur value (mind over price tag), who aren't afraid to shake up an office casual day or who want to let their hair down on the weekends.

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Wednesday

Recreate: Native American Inspired Designs

I wore the following thrift store find to work a couple of days ago. It's a colorful Native American inspired sweater that's great to throw over a tee and wear with jeans. The next day I opened February's Lucky magazine and saw a page devoted to this type of fashion. Of course, everything was about $80-$390 more expensive. I have been wanting to incorporate more of this style in my wardrobe for some time now, so for me it's more than a trend.

sweater $5



It also goes to show you what you can find if you have an idea of what you're looking for. All of these clothes aren't going to miraculously appear at the first thrift store you go in; but if you're patient, you will find them.

I have found the comfy cardigan and small decorative belts below as well.


Less than $10 cardigan


Belts less than $3

Saturday

Re-evaluate: Dress For Your Personality Type

Since I was a teenager people have told me “only you can wear something like that.” Now that I think about it, maybe they were right. Because the clothes I choose fit my personality. If you have a sense of whom you are style wise, it makes it easier to find a hidden gem in the clearance section or in an overstuffed bin. You cease to be distracted by all the other clothing that surrounds you. And when you see something special, you’ll smile, raise it up in the air and say to yourself “that’s so me.”

Here’s my evaluation of 4 personality types:

The Sensor: is affected by her environment. She chooses clothes that fit her mood. She prefers a traditional, straight-edge silhouette that could range from mod to preppy, a reliable name brand or vintage that is timeless. She likes the Brontë sisters and thinks Jane Austen is too romantic. She listens to Rilo Kiley, Nina Simone and Death Cab for Cutie. Dreams of owning a bakery and taking her dog to work everyday.


The Feeler: her smile is her signature. She is goofy and a little hippie-ish. She takes style risks, but only if they reflect who she is on the inside. She loves embroidery, ruffles and anything sparkly. She’ll tell you that her entire outfit costs 15 bucks. She likes independent films and documentaries. She listens to all types of music in every language possible. Dreams of quitting 9 to 5 job and becoming an artist.


The Thinker: her soul is in her eyes. She watches Current TV, reads Maureen Dowd’s column and bookmarks the Huffington Post. She loves layering (tees, sweaters, scarves, whatever) and owns a ton of ballet flats. Her style is practical, cozy and comfortable. She is budget conscious, but puts emphasis on quality as well. She listens to Cat Power, Jill Scott and Radiohead (preferably The Bends). Dreams of being the next Christiane Amanpour.


The Perceiver: is mysterious. You don’t know what she is thinking, but she can tell what you're thinking. She is edgy and likes bold fashion choices. She can accessorize with the best of them (vintage brooches, Native American belts and any type of hat). Name your price, but she’ll haggle with you. She listens to Hendrix, The Stones, Bowie, MGMT, Outkast and yes, Dolly Parton. Dreams of taking a year off to go traveling.

To come, we'll take a look at 4 different style types (urban, country, european and island) and mix them together with each personality type.

Reinvention: Bridesmaid Dress Role Reversal

I found this green pleated chiffon dress at the thrift store. Originally, it had a skinny belt tied around the waist and a shawl, but that wasn’t working for me. So I tied the shawl around my waist as a cummerbund, made the skinny belt into a bow instead and pinned it to the shawl. And now in the back, I have a little ruffle train. I’m so excited to wear this.

Before, After, Back

Friday

Reinvention: Nightgown to Miami Beach Dress

So I’d been looking for a cute short white dress for a long time. Eying a couple online at JCrew, but hesitant about the cost. I happened across this nightgown in a thrift shop. It’s made with embroidered cotton and has these fabulous embellishments at the top. If I put a white tank top or a low-neck cotton tee underneath plus short slip, I’m ready for a walk down the boardwalk. But the kicker…I found this aqua leather embroidered belt for $2.50. It’s a beauty. And in January, I will be heading off to Miami with my $5 cotton dress, my $2.50 belt and my strappy flowered sandals from Anthropologie.


Monday

New York Times: Poland Embraces Second-Hand Clothes

The youth of Poland have taken to the thrift stores to reclaim style.

Read more…

About me:

< I believe that fashion should be inexpensive, and we should reuse pieces that are still intact and in line with whom we are.

< The clothes I select are stylish, but practical and sometimes a little quirky.

< I been a thrift/vintage store shopper since the days of MTV's House of Style with Todd Oldham.

< I rocked a pair of Pumas at my prom.

< A college professor told me that I have an eye for color.

< I found that teal dress for $12 at a vintage store.

< When I need inspiration, I listen to Incubus.

< When I need to dance, I listen to Gwen, Kylie, Amerie and MIA.

< I like the practical romance of French films.

< I've taken an airplane lesson and jumped out of a plane, but not at the same time.

< Every year I take a trip to see my two favorite basketball players play on the road in a different city.

< I want to try living in another country for a while.

< I love my Prius.

< I invest in wind energy.

< I'd like to leave here knowing that I made things a little better.