Reasoning: When to Stay and When to Go

I had a few thrift stores on my list to check out while I was in Vancouver. At first glance when you enter a store, you probably know your chances of finding something right away. Each store that I entered, I didn't have a good feeling because their selection was so thin. So if you get this type of vibe, don't hang around for too long struggling to find something. Especially, if you're on vacation. Your time is valuable. Some times it's worth rummaging around a store for a while and other times it's better to move on and enjoy your day. I did find this top at the Salvation Army for $5, but that was it. However, I did get some priceless vacation photos, which you can see here.

Re-do II: New Kate Spade Bag for Fall

Handbags tend to change with the coming seasons, so I'm not so surprised that they end up in thrift stores. Brown, worn leather is so hard for me to resist. I love the look of natural aging. It says, "I love this, and I don't intend on letting it go without a fight."

This bag that will replace my summer fling with something hopefully more long lasting is Kate Spade and cost $20. See how the leather is cut in a zigzag up top? It's like a cute, but expensive lunch bag.

I'm looking forward to spending more quality time with it in the Fall. Now, I just have to break the news to my other handbag.

But before that, off to the great Northwest.

Reconcile: Too Long Tunic Becomes Short Top

This $4 top was a long tunic, but I decided to cut it and make it short top. At the bottom, I added red and gold ribbon to help cover up the hem. What drew me to this at the thrift store, was the tiny pearl beads sewn in the middle of the flowers. So intricate and delicate. I didn't think the maker's hard work should go to waste.

The necklace I bought at a thrift store for $6. It reminds me of the big bobble ones that J Crew had been selling earlier this year. I had been looking for something similar ever since I first saw them. The ribbon is velvet, which I think adds a nice texture change when paired with the silk top.

All I have to do now is put on some dark skinny jeans, and I'm good to go.

Reminiscent: Things That Remind Me of Other Things

These $4 shorts are just cute. There's really not much else to say. This thrift store pair of rainbow short shorts remind me of 70s. In fact, I know the perfect Victoria's Secret soft tee to go with them.

Speaking of Victoria, which is also the name of the Canadian hometown of one of my favorite basketball players, which is a ferry ride away from Vancouver where I'll be visiting next week. (What a transition.) I have a short list of thrift stores to visit while I'm there, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the Canadians do it. As always, I'll post anything good that I come across and update my trusty trip blog.

Reuse: Plastic Bags for Good(s)

Today, I thought I would show you some storage ideas that are handy if you have to store out of season clothes, find a place for accessories or gather things together for a move. Don't worry. I haven't run out of clothes just yet.

Plastic bags that pillows are contained in are great for packing sweaters in the summer and shorts and tees in the winter. You can also use the ones for sheets as a home for unruly belts that end up of the floor or scarves that roam about your place.

The plastic case above that once contained chocolates now contains my glass beads I bought in Prague. (Note: I love to say, "I bought these in Praa..gue." Makes me feel more worldly.) It keeps them protected and from being lost.

So the next time you buy bedding or something in a plastic container, think of other options instead of tossing the packaging in the garbage.

Refute: Two Wrongs Make a Right

Exhibit A - thrift store shirt. I purchased said item for $3. When I arrived at my residence, I realized that it had two ink stains by the embroidery in the middle of the shirt. Yes, I was negligent, but what is even more thoughtless, is the idea that someone would give this lovely shirt away without even thinking of a solution to fix it. In the fabric trim section, which is now becoming my favorite shopping aisle, I found this rose ribbon and simply tacked it on covering up the imperfection. Was Jane Doe wrong for tossing this shirt aside? The compliments I received at work would conclude, yes.

Exhibit B - thrift store jeans. Earlier in one of my blog posts, I said that I couldn't find jeans at a thrift store. I would like to strike that from my record because I found these Gap jeans for $8. I'm coveting wide leg jeans at the moment, and these jeans are nicely constructed with wide cuffs at the bottom. I love the way they swish when I walk, and they're not overly done like bell bottoms. I was wrong.

A top for $3 and jeans for $8 equal the right combination for me.

Resonating: Dress of Past and Present

My favorite word in the English language is "extraordinary." When used together separately, "extra" and "ordinary", they mean incredibly plain. However, when the two words are combined, it means incredibly unique.

That's why I like this thrift store dress that I purchased for $6. It's got a slightly vintage feel in the way it's cut at the top (the boatneck and the sleeves), but the color is very modern. I don't think the dress would have fit in any past era because the print is too futuristic. The tones pop out at you when you look at it.

It reminds me of one of my favorite Walt Whitman quotes, "Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself, I am large, I contain multitudes."

Remix: Matching is Optional

Sometimes rules are made to be manipulated. In elementary school, I wore a black tennis shoe on one foot with a white sock and a white tennis shoe with a black sock on the other. Funny how I thought I was so cutting edge. However, I am proud that in my youth I thought somewhat out the box.

I love watching What Not to Wear on TLC. At times I find myself amazed at what things people think don't go together. Pink and brown? Yes, you can wear it. Wearing black with brown? It's possible. A print blouse with a non-solid jacket. Tricky, but it can work.

The ruffle striped blouse above I purchased at a thrift store for $3. The ribbon plaid belt I purchased at another for $.99. The colors look like they're in the same family, so why not put them together? The different pattern on the belt actually helps it stand out more. Admit it, you're a little visually intrigued.

Mix and matching is definitely okay. Just try not to look too much like a disheveled elementary school student.