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.

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.

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.

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.

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.