Rethink: Buying Distressed Jeans

Why? Why? Why do you need to buy $75 - $200 jeans with holes already in them? My mom would say that doesn't make sense, and I agree with her about this one. When your jeans get old, they get holes. Don't throw them away. Keep them for the summertime when you could use a breeze to keep you cool.

Look those store's jeans have a hole near the pocket and a hole at the knee. Take a look at my jeans. They, too, have a hole near the pocket and a hole at the knee. Man-created holes no less. Not some machine making, trying to be cool holes. No reason to buy new ones, just kept the old ones and love them as they are. Keep money in your banking account while keeping the environment clean.

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.

Rendezvous: Thrift Store Dress Meets Take Home Chef

What to wear when going to a book signing of an extremely cute chef who makes the most delicious cupcakes? Maybe something new… Nope. How about a long, thrift-store-bought tunic that I turned into a dress by ironing up the sides with seam tape. I love the Moroccan feel of this piece. It’s comfortably exotic, but not luxurious. For $5, how could it be? The neckline embellishments are not overly done. It’s perfect for a daytime stroll or watching your favorite TV chef make some amazing tasting pizza in person. (Notice how I wasn't letting go of that cupcake in my hand.)

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.