Last weekend I visited one of the local Goodwills and found:
1 dotted wool sweater
2 men's shirts
2 knit sweaters
1 pair of Eddie Bauer flannel-lined boyfriend jeans
= $22
This bout of thrifting came from watching my coworkers drop money on full price outfits at work. I LOVE THE THRIFT.
All you need is love, lipstick and nylons.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Cheese and Beer Country
There are decent Goodwills in Chicagoan suburbia, but Wisconsin beats all when it comes to resale. There stores are bigger and better, probably because they're not newly developed and entirely urbanized. My family usually makes a beeline for their neighborhood GW or St. Vincent DePaul. This lovely place has just relocated because of all the stufffff they have *excited face* so usually we go here first.
Oh the things I found:
L.L.Bean zip sweatshirt $3.99
Nine West dress $24.99
Two light sweaters for fall $5/ea
Josephine Chaus zip sweater $5.99
Liz Claiborn handbag for school $9.99
The next stop wall GW.......the things I found:
Ralph Lauren button boyfriend sweater $4.99
JH Collectibles pencil skirt $3.99
Apt. 9 overcoat $6.99
Gray flared shirt for work $4.99
Worthington white blouse $3.99
My grand total at St. Vinnie's was a whooping $56 because of the Nine West dress and the Liz handbag.
My grand total at GW was the best: $24.
The show-stealer was the JH collectibles skirt. These are usually $50 a piece, but for a mere $4 and a good fit, it was so worth it.
GRAND TOTAL SPENT: $80 on 10 pieces, averaging around $8/ea.
Oh the things I found:
L.L.Bean zip sweatshirt $3.99
Nine West dress $24.99
Two light sweaters for fall $5/ea
Josephine Chaus zip sweater $5.99
Liz Claiborn handbag for school $9.99
The next stop wall GW.......the things I found:
Ralph Lauren button boyfriend sweater $4.99
JH Collectibles pencil skirt $3.99
Apt. 9 overcoat $6.99
Gray flared shirt for work $4.99
Worthington white blouse $3.99
My grand total at St. Vinnie's was a whooping $56 because of the Nine West dress and the Liz handbag.
My grand total at GW was the best: $24.
The show-stealer was the JH collectibles skirt. These are usually $50 a piece, but for a mere $4 and a good fit, it was so worth it.
GRAND TOTAL SPENT: $80 on 10 pieces, averaging around $8/ea.
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| Liz handbag, sweaters galore |
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| JH skirt, Nine West dress, oh and 99cent little beady earrings in between! |
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| Perfect Fit! |
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| Love it! |
A change of pace
Just like the mind and the season changes, so does my blog. The summer has been full of museums, friends and fun! Like always, I could not compete with my promised challenge of 50 days of the 50s, but my hairstyles are ever-vintage-y puff, and my yearnings are still for those pencil skirts and pumps. I have decided to bring in the fall with my old obsession of thrifting!
Thrifting: the art of finding expensive things cheap; going green the real way; recycling the many things that we Americans need to get rid of; rummaging through a dusty store to find the treasures you can triumph-dance about, etc.
My family raised me to participate in thrifting and I have continued to thrift in my college years- even more so recently, limited by the college budget.
So I declare this page to be the property of resale, the gloatings of a treasure-hunter and my personal way of rebelling against our consumer-consumed society!
Thrifting: the art of finding expensive things cheap; going green the real way; recycling the many things that we Americans need to get rid of; rummaging through a dusty store to find the treasures you can triumph-dance about, etc.
My family raised me to participate in thrifting and I have continued to thrift in my college years- even more so recently, limited by the college budget.
So I declare this page to be the property of resale, the gloatings of a treasure-hunter and my personal way of rebelling against our consumer-consumed society!
Friday, June 17, 2011
50/50s: Day Two- Pre-Ann Date Night!
Last night my honey and I went out to eat, then stayed in for a movie. Because it's pre-anniversary night, I thought I would app it up a bit in this cotton, form-fitting dress with the stretch denim middle. I had to wear a silk slip underneath because my lines were showing, it was so tight! This is as close to a wiggle dress I own, and could probably easily qualify for one. Because it was a casual outting I paired the outfit with flats. My hair was crazily curled. Fun and comfortable! The criss-cross in the front and the peep hole in the back are adorable.
Beauty tip: I have just discovered the loveliness of exfoliating! I use Suave's apricot body scrub ($1) and the rough side of my puff ($2) in the shower. If you take some time a buff out your legs, arms, and booty, then lotion them up after your shower, the results are spectacular! Super smooth skin...I can not stop rubbing my legs together! Marvelous!
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| I don't remember where I got these pieces...but I'm sure they were a bargain! The flats are from Target. |
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
50/50s: Day One
Now this happened a couple days ago last week when I went to work. I wanted to try out these mary-jane's (which didn't last long at all- still working on necessary ball padding), and the dress and pearls together for a vintage look. This is probably leaning more towards the 1940s fashion, but still qualifies in my book!
I tried to do victory curls but my layers are too short, so I just do my twists.
I tried to do victory curls but my layers are too short, so I just do my twists.
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| Shoes (5.99) and dress (6.99) compliments to Goodwill |
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
school is old school
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| Victory curls, in anticipation of my victory over Spring Term papers! |
The Road Block was amazing, the Blacktop Barons gave it there all. The cars are simply impressive, very well done, looking like they just pulled out of a driveway from the 50s with Susie Homemaker waving her scarf from the passenger's side. It made me want to learn more about cars so I'm not subject to such androcentrism!
After tomorrow, I will unofficially be on my last term of college. The next day that will cause a bit of anxiety will be next week, as me and my honey turn one! I'm in the dark as to how we are going to celebrate, but I can say that I have tried suggestions, such as going to see the Flat Cats or go to the Brauerhouse, going to Chicago, etc. He has to work late, but we are hoping he can switch with someone else. *fingers crossed*
Until later!!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Pictures
The honey is late so I have time to post some pictures before we leave!
Forgive my poor picture-taking skills, I'll get the hang of it soon! Well, I'm off to enjoy this very hot day *sprays sunscreen all over* and I wish you all a very splendid weekend! :)
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| The sandals (5.99) |
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| The tied top (3.99) with skort |
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| The bouffant hair, headband, popped collar and hoops! |
Forgive my poor picture-taking skills, I'll get the hang of it soon! Well, I'm off to enjoy this very hot day *sprays sunscreen all over* and I wish you all a very splendid weekend! :)
Friday, June 3, 2011
Black Top Baron's Road Block!
Here it is folks! Tomorrow I will roast my buns off @ the car show in Yorktown with my honey. We are venturing there and then we are invited to the musical after party.
Naturally, I spent the past two days pondering what I should wear. In a previous post I was determined to create those sailor shorts with overalls, but as I predicted, school got in the way of the creativity. I went to my favorite store (hint: rhymes with "Goodthrill")and picked up two dresses, two pairs of shoes, three tops, one capris, hoops and a necklace. All for a mere $38 dollars! Working in a department store really brings out the thrift in me when I got to the clearance rack and see a shirt that's priced at two digits. Power to the thrifters!
One of the tops I got (for 3.99) was a tank blouse with tiny red and white checkers. It's actually a maternity top, so I have the extra fabric to tie it up with.
I already had tight black capris and a higher-rising black skort, so I debated between the two. The forecast is in the 80s, so I'm leaning towards the skort. I'm going to be on my feet for the whole day, so I'm wearing the pair of white sandals that I bought for 5.99.
I didn't know what to do with my hair- the ongoing question: the HAAAIR?!- so I surfed the net and found that I liked the "bouffant" style; no need for curlers (thank god!), just need to tease the hell out of the crown area, twist it up in the back, and stick a headband close to the front of the hairline. Tah-dah! Instant 50s, and no sweaty neck tomorrow!
Liquid Eyeliner will make a dashing appearance, as will the Red Polish. They get along quite well, as you can image.
Pictures will be soon posted, I promise!
Naturally, I spent the past two days pondering what I should wear. In a previous post I was determined to create those sailor shorts with overalls, but as I predicted, school got in the way of the creativity. I went to my favorite store (hint: rhymes with "Goodthrill")and picked up two dresses, two pairs of shoes, three tops, one capris, hoops and a necklace. All for a mere $38 dollars! Working in a department store really brings out the thrift in me when I got to the clearance rack and see a shirt that's priced at two digits. Power to the thrifters!
One of the tops I got (for 3.99) was a tank blouse with tiny red and white checkers. It's actually a maternity top, so I have the extra fabric to tie it up with.
I already had tight black capris and a higher-rising black skort, so I debated between the two. The forecast is in the 80s, so I'm leaning towards the skort. I'm going to be on my feet for the whole day, so I'm wearing the pair of white sandals that I bought for 5.99.
I didn't know what to do with my hair- the ongoing question: the HAAAIR?!- so I surfed the net and found that I liked the "bouffant" style; no need for curlers (thank god!), just need to tease the hell out of the crown area, twist it up in the back, and stick a headband close to the front of the hairline. Tah-dah! Instant 50s, and no sweaty neck tomorrow!
Liquid Eyeliner will make a dashing appearance, as will the Red Polish. They get along quite well, as you can image.
Pictures will be soon posted, I promise!
Friday, May 27, 2011
50 Days of the 50s
Spring has sprung! In fact, summer break is almost upon us college kids. I'm always looking for things to do during the few free summer hours I have. I did some pondering and thought it would be fun to do a "challenge" of wearing something resembling the 50s vintage fashion 50 days (minimum) out of these three summer months. Ranging from full garb to an accessory, I think it's definitely plausible!
The results from this "challenge" (quotes are used to indicate easiness!) will be posted. Hooray for summer break!!!
The results from this "challenge" (quotes are used to indicate easiness!) will be posted. Hooray for summer break!!!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Taking off the work shoes...
Whew! Work really does a number on your feet! I'm so ready to kick off these commission flats and put on my dancing shoes...this Thursday! When my world looks gloomy I just start thinking about what to wear. It's a very good escape! :p
I would love to compare modern 50s fashion to actual, back in the day style. Those greaser gals of today are donning their hoops, but when I asked my Grandmother if this was accurate she says that tiny double pearl earrings were dashing for her! Looks like today's world once again put a spin on yesterday's world.
I would love to compare modern 50s fashion to actual, back in the day style. Those greaser gals of today are donning their hoops, but when I asked my Grandmother if this was accurate she says that tiny double pearl earrings were dashing for her! Looks like today's world once again put a spin on yesterday's world.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Vroom vroom!!
*coughs in exhaust* Warm weather is around the corner, and you know what that means! Yes, skirts and skirt-chasers are a given but car shows are coming soon to towns near you.
Once again, I would like to reiterated that I am no expert in cars (I am willing to learn....any takers?) but anything vintage is up my alley! Therefore, I do know how to dress for these occasions. ;)
The one I am currently most informed about is the Blacktop Barons and their annual Road Block car show. To top it off, the Hot Rod Hucksters will be playing at the after party! There's not a lot to read up on about this event, even the date is a bit skiddish but my understanding is it's gonna be Saturday, June 4th.
I have more or less promised to dress the part along side my Mr. Man. This leaves me several options: good girl, leggy girl,or just plain sassy!
My original thought was this- from Christina Aguilera's "Ain't No Other Man" music video when she's on the pool table:
Another one that's cute is the sassy greaser gal, with cuff capris and sunglasses:
And then there's the typical innocent sundress that you gotta love. I was hoping to be about to sew up option number 1, but perhaps I'll browse the internets to see if it's "reasonable" somewhere. I have a skirt version but I doubt that will work. Keep you updated!
Once again, I would like to reiterated that I am no expert in cars (I am willing to learn....any takers?) but anything vintage is up my alley! Therefore, I do know how to dress for these occasions. ;)
The one I am currently most informed about is the Blacktop Barons and their annual Road Block car show. To top it off, the Hot Rod Hucksters will be playing at the after party! There's not a lot to read up on about this event, even the date is a bit skiddish but my understanding is it's gonna be Saturday, June 4th.
I have more or less promised to dress the part along side my Mr. Man. This leaves me several options: good girl, leggy girl,or just plain sassy!
My original thought was this- from Christina Aguilera's "Ain't No Other Man" music video when she's on the pool table:
Another one that's cute is the sassy greaser gal, with cuff capris and sunglasses:
And then there's the typical innocent sundress that you gotta love. I was hoping to be about to sew up option number 1, but perhaps I'll browse the internets to see if it's "reasonable" somewhere. I have a skirt version but I doubt that will work. Keep you updated!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Rockin' the Billy
I am a newbie to the whole bar scene (relatively), so my tours of bars in the US have just begun! So far I have visited Saddle Up, Martyr's, and the Brauerhouse.
Saddle up was a country bar in the Naperville/Aurora area hosting line dancing lessons earlier in the evening. They apparently give these learners and regulars plenty of time to practice their skills, as this form of dancing continued throughout the majority of the night. My coworkers and I went there on St. Patty's, so a sea of green was to be seen. Popular music started later (11:00pm) and we danced a bit. I made the mistake of wearing unsupportive flats to work and not bringing a spare pair so discomfort plus fatigue added to my unimpression of this place. Might be back for some line dancing fun, picked up on a new radio station.
Martyr's is my all-time fave. It's a whole in the wall honky-tonk on the north side of Chicago that hosts the Big C Jamboree (questions about these awesome ppl? click here: http://bigcjamboree.blogspot.com/2009/04/big-c-jamboree-chicagos-original.html or here: http://www.rockabilly.net/articles/jamboree.shtml). Every first Thursday of the month the Big C brings in various 1950s rockabilly swing bands (also playing some variations on Johnny Cash- always a good sign in my book). In front of the stage the dance floor is loaded with people garbed in pencil skirts, maryjanes, victory curls, suspenders, you name it. Straight into the 50s, it's like paradise. You can't help but dance! Mr. Shoes (boyfriend) has some friends who are in a band (The Hot Rod Hucksters- check them out! http://bigcjamboree.blogspot.com/2009/04/big-c-jamboree-chicagos-original.html and they actually sound best live), which is how we came across the place. If you like your poison, there are two fabulous-looking bars in the place. Punkabillies are also to be scene, though not vary authentic or doin' the swing. We try to make it up there every month.
The Brauerhouse is in Lombard, and is an even smaller hole in a smaller wall. Apparently a part of a strip mall, they play to a more ROCKabilly crowd, combining harder rock and two strange burlesque girls named The VooDoo Dolls (I do not have a link for ya, but they are on fb). A bit more trashy, but also enjoyable. There are two bars, one with chandeliers and tvs showing actual old fashion burlesque shows (which i thought was cool).
Class is about start- tbc!
Saddle up was a country bar in the Naperville/Aurora area hosting line dancing lessons earlier in the evening. They apparently give these learners and regulars plenty of time to practice their skills, as this form of dancing continued throughout the majority of the night. My coworkers and I went there on St. Patty's, so a sea of green was to be seen. Popular music started later (11:00pm) and we danced a bit. I made the mistake of wearing unsupportive flats to work and not bringing a spare pair so discomfort plus fatigue added to my unimpression of this place. Might be back for some line dancing fun, picked up on a new radio station.
Martyr's is my all-time fave. It's a whole in the wall honky-tonk on the north side of Chicago that hosts the Big C Jamboree (questions about these awesome ppl? click here: http://bigcjamboree.blogspot.com/2009/04/big-c-jamboree-chicagos-original.html or here: http://www.rockabilly.net/articles/jamboree.shtml). Every first Thursday of the month the Big C brings in various 1950s rockabilly swing bands (also playing some variations on Johnny Cash- always a good sign in my book). In front of the stage the dance floor is loaded with people garbed in pencil skirts, maryjanes, victory curls, suspenders, you name it. Straight into the 50s, it's like paradise. You can't help but dance! Mr. Shoes (boyfriend) has some friends who are in a band (The Hot Rod Hucksters- check them out! http://bigcjamboree.blogspot.com/2009/04/big-c-jamboree-chicagos-original.html and they actually sound best live), which is how we came across the place. If you like your poison, there are two fabulous-looking bars in the place. Punkabillies are also to be scene, though not vary authentic or doin' the swing. We try to make it up there every month.
The Brauerhouse is in Lombard, and is an even smaller hole in a smaller wall. Apparently a part of a strip mall, they play to a more ROCKabilly crowd, combining harder rock and two strange burlesque girls named The VooDoo Dolls (I do not have a link for ya, but they are on fb). A bit more trashy, but also enjoyable. There are two bars, one with chandeliers and tvs showing actual old fashion burlesque shows (which i thought was cool).
Class is about start- tbc!
Day One
Alright. I have several ideas for this wee spot on the onlines.
1.) A showcase of vintage style and rockabilly tendencies.
2.) An exploration of culture in general.
3.) A review of books, films and visited honky-tonks.
4.) A research of wedding rituals within various cultures.
5.) Fluffy stuff.
It's between clothes, romance and culture, people. Leaning toward the vintage everything, revolving around the 1950s. Perhaps I will leave the culture for the next space.
1.) A showcase of vintage style and rockabilly tendencies.
2.) An exploration of culture in general.
3.) A review of books, films and visited honky-tonks.
4.) A research of wedding rituals within various cultures.
5.) Fluffy stuff.
It's between clothes, romance and culture, people. Leaning toward the vintage everything, revolving around the 1950s. Perhaps I will leave the culture for the next space.
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