Thrift Store Score: Seeing Red

This edition of #ThriftStoreScore features red, red, and red! Finally, I got rid of 98% of the red remnants that were left remaining in my hair (by stepping into my makeshift chemistry lab and mixing 7th Stage with 30 Volume, plus going over that with an Ash & 20 Volume), yet I find myself in red once again! 

I’ve mentioned before how much red I used to wear when I first began picking out my own clothes as a little girl, so much so that my uncles nicknamed me “Blood”. Here we are 30+ years later and I still have a thing for the color red….

Today’s look is a mixed print toss salad, all ingredients came together per my desire to wear this newly thrifted midi skirt. Now, the skirt actually came with a matching blazer, but that was just too easy to wear! Actually, I have no interest in wearing the two together at this time-LOL! 

As you can see I added stripes and flowers to the polka dot dance, and hit the door. For more episodes of #ThriftStoreScore, please click here and scroll down ;)

Do share: Are you a mixed print lover like me, especially in bold brights or do you steer clear of the mix-up and prefer neutral tones? Inquiring minds want to know :)
Until next time Style Lovers!

Sunnies: TJMAXX | Stripe sweater: Ellen Tracy (worn here) | Floral peplum: Forever 21 (worn here) | Polka dot midi skirt: Vintage, thrifted
Red gladiators: Ross Dress for Less (worn here) | Bag: Kate Spade

Thrift Store Score: Plaid & Stripes

Plaid has been a staple of the Fall season for years. It transcends the “trend” category, and rests comfortably as a solid Fall fashion “classic”. I often style my plaid pieces in a feminine way, click here and here for examples. When I spotted this dress at a suburban thrift shop while traveling this summer, I knew that I simply had to add it to my collection.
Now by itself, it may not look like much; But after it has been embellished, “My Oh My”!

So one evening as we prepared to get ready for an engagement, SoCal temperatures dipped into the 70’s. I was ecstatic with the cool-down (we’ve had a mega-mild Fall season so far) and immediately headed to my wardrobe to see what concoction I could pull together, in the name of “Fall Fashion”. Wahlah, herein lies the final result.
For the night air I wore my red blazer on, and once we arrived to our destination I wore it draped over my shoulders.

I love the bright tomato hue of this blazer! However, I must say, the true star of this installment of #ThriftStoreScore is my dress, which I purchased for a whopping 97 cents!!! Click here for previous ThriftStoreScore posts, and scroll down.

Call it Plaid, or call it Tartan, this pattern is here to stay and I love it!

Wool Blazer: Vintage, thrifted (also worn here)

Pinstripe Blouse: Vintage, thrifted (worn here)

Plaid Dress: Vintage, thrifted

Belt: Kate Spade (worn here)

Tote: Coach (see here and here)

Leather stilettos: Victoria’s Secret Online Store

P.S. My apologies for the dim pictures, we had the worst lighting (I don't use a fancy camera as of yet) and it was already dark outside :(

Thrift Store Score: Minty Fresh

Happy FRI-YAY beauties!!!! Today's #ThriftStoreScore features a gorgeous mint, eyelet, vintage dress! Can you imagine that it was specially marked for $5?! I smiled in total disbelief!

The design and color are simply spectacular, I WILL wear this dress to death!!!

When it came to deciding what to wear it with, I had a number of options in mind from my wardrobe. I look forward to experimenting with all of the possibilities that I originally came up with in the future, or shall I say, in the near future ;) 
For this time around however, I decided to go for Team Monochrome.

You can't tell now, but the original size of the dress was a bit too large on me. I took it to a friend to have it altered. She always does an amazing job ;)

I wore the entire look as styled here to a seminar, and I got so many compliments! 

The deets:
Sunnies-Betsey Johnson
Dress, earrings, and ring-Vintage,thrifted
Handbag- Kate Spade (worn here)
Sandals- Via Spiga (worn here)

Thank you for stopping by! Please do tell,  how would you style this dress? Team Monochrome or Team Contrast?!

Have a wonderful weekend! Joi

Fall Fashion Faceoff Winner; Stretch Your Fashion Budget

It was a somewhat dismal day several months ago. I had slammed my hand into a car door (need I specify unintentionally) and finally, yes finally, I was coping with bearable, steady pain (versus the unbearable pain that caused me to request that my hand be amputated). I'm quite sure I was thinking: 'Could this day get any worse"?! Well, imagine my delightful surprise when Kelly Augustine contacted me to let me know that I had won her #fffaceoff challenge! The grand prize was a $100 gift card!!! What would I do with $100?!

Initially I planned to treat myself to something to something special. I had a few sites bookmarked and all I needed to do was to press the "purchase" button. What happened? The bargainista within me screamed in outrage- LOL! I literally could not take the plunge. Don't get me wrong, I DO treat myself, but I decided to shift gears. I wanted to show my readers how far a $100 fashion budget can go. Below are the purchases that I made.  I actually just wrapped it up. Bargain shopping takes time :)

In a nutshell, here's what I got:

Prefer a detailed rundown? No worries, scroll on :)

1. Ralph Lauren boots = $39.00 TJMaxx (worn here)

2. Pink vintage blouse; Wool/angora olive skirt = $5.00 Thrifted (worn here)

3. Banana Republic white button-up; Black & white Sunny Leigh skirt = $12.00 Thrifted (worn here)

4.White vintage doctor's bag = $9.95 Thrifted

5. Gold vintage handbag = $8.00 Thrifted

6. Vintage evening gown = $7.00 Thrifted

7. Purple evening skirt;Bonus it has an attached black petticoat = $8.00 Thrifted

8. Tahari aviator sunnies = $14.99 Marshalls

Each item purchased resonates with my personal style, and was on my radar to "Look For". 

My tips for bargain shopping:

• Be patient (It takes time to find the right item at the right price)
• Look for well-made pieces (Sure $10 is a great price, but will the item withstand the washing machine or one wear?)
• Conquer fear of thrift shops (Not all are bad and there are spectacular finds)
• Know brands with a solid reputation for quality clothing (This way you'll know whether or not the price truly is a good deal)
• Try to think outside the box (For example: I'm planning to wear this evening skirt casually)
• Peruse clearance racks (Especially final markdowns)
• Buy pieces that you absolutely can fit now, and know for sure that you will wear, i.e. have a plan in mind
• You can't go wrong with classic styles (You can always add trendy accessories to bring the look current)

I'd like to sincerely thank Kelly for selecting me as the winner of the #FFFaceoff! I know that I will treasure these items in the years to come!

Xx

Have a great weekend everyone & thanks for stopping by!

Thrift Store Score: Blue Chevron Peplum

Hello there! Can you believe that we are 7 days into the month of March already? 2014 is well under way! 
Today's Thrift Store Score features this blue number that I nabbed from a thrift shop in a small town (sometimes those have the best finds). 

It was custom made using a neat pattern, for someone or by someone just about my size. The zipper indicates that it is older, perhaps early 1980's. I don't usually go for 80's style, but I liked the colors and the pattern. 

The peplum detailing in the front sealed the deal.

Following my usual motto: "Add Hat When Possible", I topped this look with a blue vintage velvet turban-style hat.

It's nice to welcome the sun back, as we have had several days of rain and flooding. 

I'm actually happy that it rained, and so is the vegetation which now looks radiantly green!

Hat-Vintage,thrifted

Sunnies- Betsey Johnson

Earrings- Betsey Johnson

Dress- Thrifted

Boots- Ralph Lauren

Handbag- Coach, also worn here (Limited Edition)

Have a wonderful weekend & thanks for stopping by!

Xx

Introducing Thrift Store Score: Olive & Pink

Hey there! As a confessed thrifter, I decided to introduce a new feature on the blog: "Thrift Store Score". 
"Thrift Store Score" will feature some of the outstanding finds that I have obtained while thrift store shopping. The reasons vary as to why, and what I consider to be an outstanding score. 

Some background info: Why do I thrift?
I've thought long and hard as to why I enjoy thrifting so much. There are several main reasons:

I prefer vintage pieces not only because I like the style, but also the fact that they are not easily obtained. That means I won't see several people wearing the same exact pieces that I have. Personally, I do not like to wear or purchase pieces that are extremely accessible. I like possessing rare clothing, and thrifting helps me to accomplish that. Also, vintage pieces hold history. I am fascinated in wonderment about who made the item, in what places has it been, and who was it's original owner.

I prefer not to spend a lot of money on quality clothing. Sometimes it is necessary, because I appreciate certain fits and cuts in my clothing, and at times that cannot be obtained on the cheap. But there are times when it is not necessary, and I can obtain the premium quality that I am looking for outside of high end retail stores. Additionally, as I mentioned previously, I prefer rare/hard to find clothing items.

I am thrilled by the hunt. In what way? Well, it is almost like a sport for me. I enjoy walking into a thrift store, sifting through what may seem to be piles of refuse, and finding a rare piece in the midst. It could be vintage, it could be brand new, it could be custom made. For one reason or another, it stands out to me as outstanding, and I feel a sense of victory in obtaining it-LOL!

For these reasons, and more, no matter what, I truly am a thrift store shopper for life.

On to today's Thrift Store Score:

This outfit is a Thrift Store Score as the entire ensemble (hat, blouse,skirt, shoes) cost less than $20.00!

Not only does the price make it outstanding, as I also appreciate the style, and durability of each piece.

Vintage Hat: Thrifted, Detroit

Vintage Blouse: Thrifted, Las Vegas

Wool & Mohair Skirt: Thrifted, Long Beach

Kitten Heel Sandals: Thrifted, Ann Arbor

Handbag: Michael Kors (worn here)

Jacket: Chadwicks (worn here and here)

Thank you for commenting and stopping by!
Joi

Thrifted Karen Kane Tee & Full Zara Skirt

So I decided to post this outfit, although in all honesty, I’m not entirely pleased with it. Why? In my opinion, it looks quite differently on camera than it does in person. Is that possible?

Here’s the look I was going for: chic, with an intentional messy pony.  What I felt it looked like on camera: Sloppy hair, and ill-fitting skirt L

Where did the disconnect occur? In the mirror I was totally pleased, and even received a number of compliments at the office. Has this ever happened to you?

 

Signed,

Disenchanted

 

My ensemble:

Karen Kane tee

Zara full skirt

Kelsi Dagger booties (also seen here)

Dooney & Bourke handbag

Mixed Prints & Pigtails

Its Friday everyone!! Let the cheering commence...I know I'm late, but I am in total disbelief that it is November already! Where has 2013 gone, and where was I? My goodness! Moving on...I've been consciously working to incorporate separates each week. I have a number of separates in my wardrobe, but I find that I do not wear them as frequently. It seems they are a challenge for me and oftentimes they end up being closet orphans.

I love the trend of mixing prints, so I paired these two pieces together. The skirt has a bold, vibrant print, while the shirt is more subtle. I book-ended using the same color necklace and boots.

Interestingly, both of these pieces are not a favorite of mine for one reason or another, but together this introduces a new favorite collaboration!

 How do you feel about mixed prints? If you like them, how do you mix it up?

 P.S. I was in a mood, and overly determined to carry this orange handbag...

What I Wore

Earrings: F21

Necklace: Precious stones (TJMaxx)

Blouse: Thrifted

Skirt: Larry Levine

Wood Bangles: Macy's

Boots: Steve Madden

Handbag: Kate Spade

Have a great weekend!

Blue Floral Print Midi Length Dress

Today's outfit post features a midi length floral dress with blues and purples. It's thrifted and vintage, but I am not sure how vintage? 70s or 80s, maybe? I'm leaning more toward 80s, it makes me think of Marianne's or Winkleman's...Does anybody remember shopping at those stores?! I'm aging myself...

This go round I paired it with a turquoise shrug.  Usually on warm days, I wear it as is, sleeveless. Today's fall temps hit 80 (Fahrenheit), and now that I am acclimated to warmer temps most of the time, 80 can feel a tad nippy in the shade! LOL!
I also rocked my new favorite shades from Heavenly Couture.

What I wore:

Shades: Heavenly Couture

Necklace & studs: H&M

Shrug: Calvin Klein

Dress: Thrifted & Vintage

Peep-toe pumps: Giani Bernini

Handbag: Coach