// #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 I

Yeah, I know, we're like four days in and I'm posting about the month's thrift scores already. I just can't help it! I loved these finds so much, I just had to share...so, we'll call this post Part 1. ;)  My first thrift purchase of the month was actually a pair of running shorts that I nabbed for $3. But, I haven't gotten a pic yet, and wouldn't you know, they fall into the same color way as these next few items!!! Sometimes I just shop by color scheme (unconsciously...subconsciously? who knows?) and it works for me. Let's take a gander at what I found.

To start, I almost didn't grab this magenta top. And now, I'm soooo glad I did! It's a comfy rayon Gap slouchy T that is my favorite shade of pink. Love it! It was $4. The floral leggings are actually not thrifted, but were on clearance (+ an additional % off) at Anthropologie, and I just wanted them! They cost under $18 and are for working out...or lounging around the apartment ;). This silk skirt is an incredible shade of red-orange and only cost $3, AND is just my size. It will definitely work a bit better as I take on some rays (in safe dosages, of course) but I paired it with the t-shirt because it is the color combo of those running shorts I mentioned earlier! They're patterned and don't come across as loud, but super cute!

Ok. Now, this dress. What can I say? It's silk, to start...lining and all. It feels sooooo good! It's purple! One of my fave colors for special occasions. It's my size! It fits like a dream, and though not pictured here, has a deep V back which is uber flattering. It's Christian Siriano! How fun to find a new designer who has had such success after his debut on Project Runway a few years back! It was $25 and more than I normally spend on one item, but oh so worth it! Can't wait to wear this :)

What's funny about these next two, is that one fits in with the overall color scheme, and one doesn't. Guess which one I'm not loving...the one that doesn't! I don't know what it is, but even though the striped top is flattering, sitting next to all of that color isn't helping. The floral top is an XL and needs to be refashioned, but I'm thinking a cute summer tank top might be perfect. Both were $3 apiece.

That's the haul so far, though I'm not sure I'll be back thrifting for at least 2-3 more weeks. Trying to spread my trips out a bit more and buy less each time. I've got loads to donate and a refashion pile to still to work through, so I'm hoping to keep to my limits.

How about you? Thrifted anything you love recently? What have been your best scores? I'd love to hear your stories :)

Happy Thrifting!
Andrea

// #thriftstylethursday // Anthro-Inspired Color Pop

Thanks to Kristi of Delightfully Kristi this week for our theme: Color Pop! I've been itching to do a refashion, and in keeping with my resolutions for this year, I wanted to shop my refashion closet/pile for just the right piece! Weeeeell, let's just say I found something ;). Here's what I pulled out:

This is a MAJOR mistake, right? Stripes and floral all in one but not in a good way. It felt like a clown shirt...boxy and poofy armed. Yuck! But it's also the perfect piece for a transformation because who else would be crazy enough to pick this out at the thrift store? Amiright? I used this Anthro Cloth & Stone top (check the back view) as my inspiration for this piece.

First I removed the sleeves, cut off the cuffs, then opened them up along the seam and laid flat and ironed.

Next, I cut straight up the middle of the back, and unpicked the center 5-6 inches of gathered fabric along the top back below the collar...you know the section, it has a name I'm sure! I trimmed up one of the sleeves into a 6 inch strip long enough to reach from where I unpicked at the top all the way to the shirt hem. I had to stitch two pieces together to get a long enough section. Then I sewed the panel into the opening I'd made in the back, finished off all of my raw edges with zigzag stitches, pressed all of the seams and folded the top portion over on itself before topstitching it back into place.

Next, I took in the sides, cut off the excess and finished off the edges. I also finished off the hem to match where I inserted the panel, finished off the sleeves with two lines of topstitching and this back view shows the folded over section in the back of the top. Anything like the original inspiration?

It turned out to be the perfect top to throw on with my favorite (and only) distressed denim, and a pair of cobalt flats for around the house...I'm home with a sick little boy today, and this is comfortable but cute enough that I don't feel like a slob ;).

Can't wait to wear this out with leggings and flats come spring! Or with skinnies and booties for work...and maybe a belt when I feel like changing up the look of it. It's still floral and stripes all over, but way toned down and with a modern style, it totally works for me. Hope you like it as much as I do.

Felt good to be back with a refashion, and now I'm looking forward to seeing what all the other ladies came up with for Color Pop! Head on over with me :)

Peace,
Andrea