Replacement: New bag for a new season

The last two weeks preparing for a 1-day event for work are now over. Back to worldly matters.

I don't like to spend a lot of money on handbags. I normally end up buying one for each new season and storing or donating the previous one.

Recently, I purchased this used bag online at Etsy for $30. It looks big enough to carry my magazines/books and day planner. It also has a latch on top which is important because I hate picking up smaller items that fall out of my bag.

It's colorful enough for both spring and summer. I guess we see how long this one lasts. However, I know a perfect place to put it once our public affair is over.

Rejuvenated: Light Brights

nnn Spring Time nnn

I'm so glad that Spring is here.

I love riding around on the highway with the windows cracked and some poppy rock song playing in the background. It means it's time to put away some of those grays and start taking out some of my favorite colors.

I found this panel skirt for $4.99. Cotton mixed with ribbon mixed with lace - it's quite an assembly. Combine that with a lacy tank top from The Gap and a $2 thrift store belt, and I ready to spring into action.

Reinvested: Separates Not Equal

I’ve been seeing all these cute girls in vests on the Madewell website since the beginning of Fall. How I envied them with their cotton tees, dark jeans and fitted vests looking so relaxed. Leave it to a thrift store to provide the perfect one.

Originally, this vest was a part of a 2-piece vest/skirt combination priced at $7.99. Would I buy this outfit for only the vest for $8? Yes. Would I buy it for half off during a sale? Double, yes.

The wool skirt doesn’t fit, so I’m donating it back to the thrift store. Maybe someone else can use a nice Herringbone skirt. The vest, however, is all mine.

Oh, and the belt, was $1. Take that girls.

Refreshing: Necessityisthemother

I'm going to broaden the horizons of this blog a little bit. Still focusing on reused/recycled items, but not just items I find from thrift and resale stores. Maybe a little music, too. iTunes downloads are after all good for the environment, as well as, purchasing used vinyl.

So I wanted to feature this designer on Etsy. Her name is Arielle. She finds terrific fabrics at thrift stores and repurposes them as these fabulous Pinafore dresses and skirts. I bought this one from her, and I can't wait to get it in the mail. She does do alterations if the one you love is not in your size.

This one just spoke to me. It's bright and cheery and a little bit whimsical.

Check out her shop necessityisthemother. She does great work.

Reinvention: Housecoat to Going Out Dress

Before / After

Could this blue embroidered housecoat work as a dress? I don’t know, but I’m certainly willing to try it out. It’s too pretty to be left inside all day. The Gap has a lot of long scarves in stock. I wanted to purchase about five of them, but with my 25% off coupon I bought two. This blue and beige one covers up the opening while adding a little bohemian flair. Can’t wait for warmer temperatures.

Reinvention: Granny Dress to Spring Fling Dress

One of my favorite things to do is to go rummaging in the housecoat/pajama section because you can find these wonderful polyester house dresses in an assortment of fun designs.

I like to put a belt around them and wear them as dresses. They are so lightweight and comfortable. All you have to do is put some sandals on, and you're ready to frolic around in 70 to 80 degree weather.

Grandma was always right about hand-me-downs.

You do have to be careful about runs in polyester. I have been terribly disappointed when picking up a dress with a fabulous print that had a run at the bottom or near the sleeve. So hold it up to the light and search meticulously.

This one was only $5. It has blue and purple tulips at the bottom. It sorta looks like a Monet painting.

Renewed: Sunny Delight

The color was what first attracted me to this sweater. It’s bright and playful. How could I possibly have a bad day wearing this? So I bought it for $3.99 and cut out the awful shoulder pads that were clearly cramping its style. I’m still deciding what to wear with it. Maybe some jeans, a white shirt and ballet flats will do the trick.

Recuperating: Back from vacation

I've been on vacation for the past week. You can read about it here if you like.

Here's a video from the Huffington Post website featuring Anna Sui, one of my all time favs, talking about vintage shopping to tide you over while I finish laundry and other post vacation errands.

Love some Sui!