My recent thrift store finds.

I have had some pretty extraordinary luck in thrifting lately. I now have a full time job, so I have been focusing on finding chic things that will fit into the constraints of my work dress code. I shouldn't really say constraints, as it's not that rigid for women, but I have to say withing dressy to business casual. When you think about it 40 hours seems like only a small portion of an entire week, but it really feels like most of my time is spent at work, so when I get home, I have no reason to change and nowhere to go, so I am feeling fashion deficient lately.

Anyways, enough of my blubbering, and on to my treasures!

[caption id="attachment_722" align="alignnone" width="490" caption="Silk/chiffon sheer leopard skirt, Miss Ruth's Time Bomb (vintage boutique), $14."][/caption]

Sadly, as awesome as this skirt is, it doesn't fit me. And it is badly damaged, but I am going to use it for my mannequin (who seems to fit it perfectly) for the purposes of pairing it with other items for etsy photographs. This skirt is definately old. I am thinking at LEAST 1960s era.

[caption id="attachment_723" align="alignnone" width="490" caption="Black denim vest, thrift store, $3. Printed maxi skirt, same thrift store $3."][/caption]

I found this black denim vest at the animal shelter thrift store for just $3. I'm beginning to have quite the vest collection! The maxi skirt buttons up all the way in the front and also cost $3 from the same thrift store. Here is a better shot:



I can wear it to the beach or to work. I like that kind of versatility.

[caption id="attachment_726" align="alignnone" width="490" caption="Lush red velvet skirt, $2, from a vintage boutique's bargain bin."][/caption]

I had hoped this awesome velvet skirt would fit me, but unfortunately it's a little too big. This one is probably going to find its way into my etsy store.



This is a better representation of the skirts color. Reminds me of red wine. (Yum.)

[caption id="attachment_728" align="alignnone" width="490" caption="Crazy tribal print maxi skirt, thrift store, $3."][/caption]

I am madly in love with this skirt. Of course, with my dumb luck, the first time I wore it I popped a button off of it, so I have to sew a new one on, but that's because I am not used to wearing maxi skirts and caught the hem when walking. Here's a closer look at the print:



Well, that's it for now. I have a batch of vintage jewelry to show off next time. Stay tuned, and let me know what you think of my finds with a comment!

6 Different Ways to Wear a Silky Nightgown (outside of the bedroom!)

Right now sheer and chiffon fabrics are showing up on runways and all over street fashion blogs. Several designers featured semi-sheer leopard designs in their runway shows at Fashion Week. (In fact, the pants from the Betsey Johnson show appear to be in the same exact print or fabric as the nightgown I am using). My favorite item of clothing is this semi-sheer leopard nightgown. Here are a few ways in which I put it to use.

Hope this inspires you!

 

#1. Loose, as is.



The first, and most obvious, way to wear an item like this is loose and flowy, perhaps with leather leggings or skinny jeans. It can also function as a dress.

 

#2. Swimsuit cover-up.

[caption id="attachment_484" align="alignnone" width="490" caption="The sunglasses are designer lookalikes that I got at a 99cent store in Las Vegas."][/caption]

I've clipped it in the back to give a more formfitting silhouette. Just throw it on with a pair of sunglasses and sandals and you're ready to go from the beach to the boardwalk! I wore this as my cover-up at the beach in Rhode Island and in Maryland, and I actually got quite a few compliments and people asking me where I got it.

 

#3. Belted, as a dress or tunic.

[caption id="attachment_485" align="alignnone" width="490" caption="The belt was around $9 from Body Central."][/caption]

Throw a belt on it, and it's instantly awesome.

 

#4. Tied or tucked, as a blouse.



I like to tie a knot on the side, but you could also just tuck the shirt into your pants or skirt. Long necklaces pair well with loose fitting blouses, so I've placed one on the dressform.

 

#5. With a vest.

[caption id="attachment_488" align="alignnone" width="490" caption="This is a $3 velvet GAP vest I got from the Salvation Army on 50% off day."][/caption]

Buttoned, or...



Unbuttoned, for a more Janis Joplin kinda look.

 

#6. With a blazer.



Here, I've paired it with my red velvet blazer that I got at a bag sale ($2 for a big paper grocery ball full). Looks pretty classy!

 

So, there's (at least) 6 ways to wear one top! Maximize your functionality, and also maximize your money!

The nightgown I used was around $3 or $4, and is by New York & Co.

Be sure to leave a comment and tell me what you think!!!

Yesterday's Outfit: I have a cold.

I am wearing a few-years-old leopard cardi from H&M that I bought from the H&M store in New York ($16?), a thrifted Express button up collared shirt ($3, CVAS Thrift Store), and thrifted Converse jeans ($6, Goodwill).

 

I have had a pretty bad cold for the past few days. Definitely not looking forward to going to work tomorrow. I decided to leave the house for the first time in two days today (well, yesterday now) to venture out to a thrift store... and was delighted to discover that they were having a bag sale! Fill a bag with clothing for $5. Not bad, but they seemed to be pretty well picked over as far as cool stuff goes, so I shared the bag with my sister. I got a seventies track sweater, which is pretty awesome. I am in need of funds, so I am debating whether or not to sell it.

I can't wait until it gets nicer outside! I can't seem to get any good pictures indoors. I live in a small, crowded house with poor lighting. Also, I always make a weird face when cameras flash. I can't explain it. I just look better sans flash.

I am considering doing prodect reviews for the blog. So, with that in mind, I bought a "ball" of that nifty lip balm by EOS that I saw on Michelle Phan's YouTube, and after only hours of possessing this awesome lip balm, my dog found it and chewed it up. He really loves lip balm. (If you want to try it I found it for sale in the checkout lanes of Wal*Mart.) So, I will have to buy another, since it smelled so good and my lips are hurtin' for balm. I hate winter! I also feel it necessary to express my dire need for a camera tripod. Where can I get a cheap one? Been scouring eBay.

Today I am hooked on the song Heads Will Roll by the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs.

My Fashion: Dali Art Gallery Exhibition

Getting dressed up for openings for the art gallery that I work for at college is a lot of fun. Not to say that the art is somehow less important. I really enjoy fine art, and this particular exhibition was a collection of Salvador Dali prints illustrating The Divine Comedy. Super cool. So here are some cool outfits from that night...

[caption id="attachment_149" align="alignnone" width="518" caption="Super cool vest and great maxi-dress."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_150" align="alignnone" width="550" caption="Gorgeous dresses!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_152" align="alignnone" width="302" caption="My outfit..."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_153" align="alignnone" width="396" caption="Weirdly lit face, and my outfit again."][/caption]

I am wearing:

Leopard print button up top, Burlington Coat Factory, $9 ish

Faux leather waist cinching belt, Body Central, $9

Vintage leather pencil skirt, thrifted, $2

Silver faux snakeskin platforms, Steve Madden, $3o

I can't resist Steve Madden shoes. Those were expensive, but I had to buy silver shoes for my friend's wedding when I was a bridesmaid. Love them though.