// #thriftstylethursday // Thrifting on Trend

Ok, so this week is a bit of a cheat for me. The main piece in my outfit was NOT thrifted... Phew! Glad I got that off my chest ;).

So, when I checked the theme for this week and saw that it was Thrifting on Trend, I thought, hum. Do I know what the current trends are? I don't often (read never) read fashion magazines (or any for that matter) so I headed over to Pinterest for a look at styles I'd been pinning and searched spring 2015's fashion trends. Here's what I learned: Black & White, Yellow, Gingham, All White, Shirt Dresses, and Sneakers are some of the main trends to look out for this spring. Well, fancy that! If you follow me on Instagram, then you'll know that I hit on 3 of those trends all in one go. So, I decided I'd use yesterday's look for today's post. Perfect! Another cheat? Nah.

First up: Black & White
I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm a big fan of black and white. It's simple, basic, but can also be bold and fun. The black and white of this dress was an easy yes, for me. It could be accessorized with bold punches of color, or with subtle blacks and browns as I did with my styling.

Next: Gingham
Gingham isn't a pattern I own, apart from this dress. So, hey! New trend for me (which we will be seeing more of in a few weeks here). It's a simple, basic pattern, which can be treated as a neutral depending on its size and color composition. Again, here, I let it be the main focus.

And last: Shirtdresses
I own 2 or 3 shirt dresses but don't often wear them as they aren't quite the right fit or I'm not convinced on how to style them. This one is an exception for sure. It's got a fit and flare shape, which is flattering, and stays nice and buttoned up without any weird gaping to show my undies. Definitely a fan.

The breakdown: So, as I confessed earlier, this dress is not thrifted. However, it was purchased at DEEP discount! Originally $138 at Anthropologie, I paid only $9.95. It was lucky timing, and thanks to a coworker who passed it my way as I was trying on clothes. Talk about building up good karma ;). Hopefully I'll be able to return the favor soon! The belt is thrifted and cost $2, my shoes are from Target and were around $25. The earrings I'm wearing were on sale for $2.50 and if you notice below, I had a couple extra thrifted items included in my look as well! For walking to and from work, I wore my swap meet Minnetonka moccasins that were free (just needed a good cleaning), and my thrifted sisal bag that cost around $5-$7. Overall, a very thrifty look! And incredibly on trend, which is not always the case ;).

Now be sure to head over and see what other trend spotting you can do by clicking on each lady's pic! Can't wait to see what they come up with. Lots of love and happy thrifting!

Peace,
Andrea

April Thrift Scores: Part II

I've been pretty lucky in my thrift scores this month. I've been trying to limit as much as possible as I've cleared out my wardrobe, and only choose items that I know will be super useful. I'm still bound to make a few impulse purchases, but I'm working on it ;). 

These first two tops are basics. An oversized black blouse and a J. Crew light blue button-up. I love tops like these (and the black one is replacing the smaller similar type blouse I got rid of recently) because I can wear them in a variety of ways simply by tucking, tying or leaving them open.

Those two along with this next one were 3 for $10. I really like this pattern, the gold buttons up the back, but the length bothers me a bit...I'll be adding something (probably one of my numerous lace trims!).

Next up is this black maxi dress and sandals. The dress will be taken in to be more fitted and shortened. And I may change the neckline. It was $3. The sandals are Born and so comfortable! They were $5 on half-off day.

This top was definitely an impulse buy...its made of a super stretchy thin fabric, but what sold me was the lace trim with a fringy edge. I totally bought it for that trim ;-p.

It along with these next two pieces were 3 for $10. And these next two pieces were an absolute steal at that price! This gray silk wrap top is so pretty and so me. I can't wait to wear it...tomorrow ;). The sandals I'm wearing are the other piece. They are Clarks Bendables wedges in nude and the most comfortable sandals/wedges I've ever worn. LOVE. 

Final pieces of wearables (minus jewelry) are this homemade black dress and the black platform sandals. The dress was only $3 and the sandals $2! I threw on the belt just because, but this dress will definitely need to be altered to fit. Love the little gold diamonds all over it!

Sparkly things are a must now and then, so this little mirror, bangle and earrings were just enough to fill the void ;). I paid $11 for all 3.

Just look at that floral engraving on the back! So pretty <3

And last, but not least, a random purchase that I just couldn't pass up! These are crocheted shade pulls that someone lovingly made, and though I will not use them as shade pulls, I felt I must buy them to use as something...any ideas, friends? Cause I got nothing. So far. Hard to pass up things that are handmade and looking for a second chance.

Hoping to avoid the thrift stores for the month of May, and focus on some refashions instead :) Me-Made-May is coming up! I'll post more about that soon. Hope you are well this lovely (but rather chilly here) weekend.

Peace,
Andrea

// #thriftstylethursday // Stripes

So, it's definitely NOT Thursday, but seeing as I've been wearing thrifted stripes for the past 4 days (not the same clothes each day, mind you) I figured it was high time I document with photos and post even if I'm tardy. 

By now you've already jumped around to see what all the other ladies were wearing, but I'll include the links at the end as usual, in case you're also running a few days late ;). 

This outfit is a favorite. There's an equation to a great outfit, in my opinion, and this is it: 

The bottoms can be any basic that fits AND flatters, the top should have some interest, and then the completer piece. It could be a denim jacket (this one is by Pilcro from Anthropologie), a cardigan, a cute blazer...tons of options! And this is by no means the only equation, but its hard to go wrong when you use it. Now, I wore this with my new Toms today, but for the pics, I threw on a pair of thrifted polka dot ballet flats.

Minimal make-up, a quick side braid and my vintage sisal market bag, and I ran some errands and fit in a bit of thrifting as well! Super easy, so comfy, and perfect for a spring Saturday. Apart from the denim jacket, everything else was thrifted. The t-shirt was an XL that I sized down, and I wear it weekly. The thrifted part of my outfit cost under $20 (the bag being the most expensive piece).

Here's a look at how I wear my thrifted stripes as shared on Instagram (notice it's the same top in both looks):

Click on the pics to hop over to see some more stripes!

Peace, Andrea

// #thriftstylethursday // Florals, Florals, Florals!

By choosing the theme "Bloom Where You Are Planted", Brittany of The B Life basically made my day. Hi, my name is Andrea, and I am a florals addict! I decided to make things simple today and chose my most favoritest-floral-vintage-thrifted find of all time (I know, the grammar, but it's ok).

I found this vintage floral top either in Queens or back home in the Michiana area (southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana). I tend to think it was probably at a Salvation Army out in Queens about 6 years ago. I shared this preview of today's post on Instagram 1. because I knew I'd be posting this later in the day and wanted to make up for it, and 2. because I don't often post outtakes and thought this one was fun without being embarrassing.

Let's talk about why I love this top. Yes, floral, but BLUE floral with the white background and vibrant green...just, yes. Also, vintage, with the collar/neckline combination. And the length of the top and the sleeves along with the loose fit...again, just, yes.

I decided to pair it with a refashioned, thrifted pair of high-waisted skinny jeans, thrifted leather loafers, and a necklace I picked up ages ago at Wal-Mart (of all places). This is my favorite 'uniform': blousy top, skinny jeans, comfy shoes, and one simple piece of jewelry.

It also brightened my mood a bit today as I have been on the verge of a headache, which makes me cranky. Florals will always make me happy :). And chocolate. Chocolate and florals. In that order.

Now if only I could find this same piece but longer, so I could belt it as a dress ;-p. A girl can dream!

Since I love a good floral so much, I thought I'd share a few of my other favorite thrifted (some refashioned) floral pieces I've posted about here on the blog!

This reversible mini is a favorite refashion and such a staple piece in my summer wardrobe!

Reversible Mini

Can you believe this dress? I picked it up last April and have yet to decide what I shall do with it...maybe I should model it and ask for your opinions?

Vintage Hawaiian Thrift Score

Another favorite refashion, and I love the pretty floral of this cropped cardigan.

Floral Cropped Cardigan

Here's another sweet vintage/handmade dress I thrifted, then tweaked by changing the neckline and length.

Vintage Pink & Blue Floral

I still have the whole bottom half of this floral robe-to-cropped-kimono refashion in my stash... (insert mischievous grin).

Cropped Floral Kimono

And here's a look from #thriftstylethursday this past fall! A skirt given to me for free at an antique shop when I made a prism purchase.

Pinspired Look

A very recent 'quick-fix' when all you need to do is unbutton a couple of buttons, fold under the collar, and belt an oversized dress to create a more flattering silhouette :).

Belt-It Refashion

Now make sure to check out what other lovely florals have been thrifted and styled today!!! Just click on the picture of each lady to see what they've come up with.

Peace,
Andrea