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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Refinish: Rags to Riches

Mending battered things that are already in your closet is an even better way to help out of the environment and cut down on excess expenditures.

I purchased this top at a thrift store over four years ago. Originally, it was a dress. I can't remember exactly why I cut it, but I'm sure I had my reasons. I would tell myself that wearing it without a hem sewn made it look more natural. However, no seam tends to unequal unraveling thus relegating the shirt to the bottom of a drawer somewhere inside my closet.

I saw some purple pompom trim at the fabric store and thought it would help make the top okay for public viewing. I hemmed the shirt bottom using seam tape (one of the greatest inventions ever) and used the tape again to attach the trim to the bottom. No needle required. Ready, set, iron.

Now I don't have to worry about it falling apart anymore, and I can restore it to its rightful place with the rest of my wardrobe.

Regard: Cotton Candy Striped Skirt

Whomever handmade this skirt, I want to commend them for their ability to look at fabric and piece it together so well. The way the vertical lines at the bottom play off the horizontal lines throughout the body makes this skirt. It’s unique, but it doesn’t scream “look at me.” More like “you think I’m cute, don’t you?” Its hues remind me of cotton candy. And to think it only cost me $4, which probably is the going rate for cotton candy these days. So to you, thank you. I hope you’ve continued to create more things.

Recreate: One Vest, Many Styles

1. Thrift Store Vest - $2.99

a. Outdoors b. Country c. Urban/European

I. sandals II. suede boots III. Converse IV. leather boots

So you're not ready to own an entire wardrobe of thrift store clothes yet. That's fine. Every thing I owned isn't used. I'm tall making pants hard to find and shoes nearly impossible. Someone donating an item and you purchasing said item saves a garment from years in a landfill. That makes a difference.

A basic denim vest provides great versatility allowing you to mold it to your personal style. In the examples, I only changed the bottom half of the outfit. The vest, tank top and scarf remain the same.

Outdoors - You like to spend time with mother nature usually at the beach or in the mountains. You want your clothes to be lightweight and not constricting. You could easily throw on a pair of shorts or short skirt and sandals, and you're out the door ready for your next adventure.

Country - You don't mind time in the great outdoors, but you also don't mind being inside watching a Reese Witherspoon movie (Legally Blonde, Sweet Home Alabama, Walk the Line). You want your clothes to be something feminine that you don't mind getting dirty. You could wear a ruffle skirt along with boots to show off your southern charm.

Urban - If you're spending time outside, it's usually because you have to get to somewhere inside. You want your clothes to be classic, but a little unique. You would put on a basic black trouser for something simple, but leave your shoes to say what you're really like. My choice Converse.

European - I don't have what I need to show you for an outfit with a European flair. I would take the urban look, change out the black trousers and replace them with black skinny jeans. Then add the leather boots on top. Magnifique.

The great thing about fashion is you could be anyone of these different styles any day you wanted, and it all started with a $3 thrift store vest. Go forth and browse!

And yes, I have seen all those Reese Witherspoon movies. What can I say? I'm a little bit Country and a little bit Rock N Roll.

Remember: A Little Means A Lot

It's not a surprise that I like scarves. They can do so much for you. Hide things that you don't want to be seen. Show things off that you don't want to hide. You can wear them in your hair, around your neck, at your waist, on top of a coat, inside of a coat...well, I think you get the point. There's so many different uses for such a small piece of fabric. The three scarves pictured I found at thrift stores, so make sure you don't skip over looking for accessories. Because a little piece of material can make a difference in changing a Plain Jane black and white outfit into something more fun.

Resemble: J Crew Inspired, Thrift Store Bought

All the items combined in this outfit cost less than $15. I was obsessed with this one J Crew outfit that featured a tie and a sweater vest, so I was thrilled when I stopped into a thrift store and found a tie, vest and belt. Finally, something to work with. The white shirt and skirt I had picked up some time ago. The hardest thing about putting it together was learning how to tie a Windsor knot. I'm still not sure if that's right.

Breakdown
tie - $1.59
vest - $2.99
belt - $1.99
skirt - $2.99
shirt - $2.99

Off to Los Angeles. I have a few stores on my list to check out while I'm there. I'll update my trip blog when I get back.

Relativity: Pretty vs. Not So Pretty

There are two types of thrift store blouses in the world - the pretty and the not so pretty. I like them both. Take the first one. It's fun and a bit whimsical. I put it on and things start to look a little brighter. The second one is different. It's what I like to call on the verge of ugliness. You're not sure what to think about it when you see it from afar. Then you start to look closer and discover the beauty of it. Why it could possibly be a rose garden? I've gotten compliments on both at work. More so on the second one because I think you have to stop and consider what is exactly going on there. I've had these for well over a year. I probably didn't pay more than $4 for them.

Redefine: Tunic or Beach Cover Up? You decide.

There's so much going on with this tunic up top that you wouldn't want to pair it with a lot down below. In fact, you could wear nothing with it down below like a beach cover up. Beneath the sheer fabric, one still could see the cute bathing suit underneath. Perfect for the afternoon/evening when everything is a bit more calmer. Then if you're off to dinner, throw on a skirt, wrap a belt around your waist and slip on some sandals. I can't remember its exact cost. Probably somewhere between $2-$6. Try to look for pieces with multiple purposes that you could easily dress up or dress down so you won't have to go looking for something else and spend/consume more than you need to.

Reconnaissance: Sweaters in the Summertime

It's 90 degrees outside, and I'm in a thrift store looking at sweaters. I'm not crazy. You'll never know when you're going to find a diamond in the rough. This sweater I bought for $4. It's unlike anything I've seen before, and it was made in Romania. Maybe it's not the season for it, but people clear out their wardrobes at all times during the year. So while you're out at a thrift store, take a look at all the different departments. Save yourself the hassle of buying things in season when they cost more money and start planning early for the future.

Revival: Picking Up Other's Pieces

A $2 ruffle blouse adds a little pizazz to this tan shift dress from the Gap. I don't know if the spaghetti-looking stain on it was the cause of the previous owner discarding it, but it was nothing a toothbrush and some detergent couldn't solve. Do people really get rid of things because of small imperfections? Why not take the time to figure out a solution or embrace the flaws? I don't get rid of my holely jeans unless my underwear starts showing, and I'm happy I saved this blouse because I need something to wear to work yesterday.