Shopapalooza

Top I got from Goodwill for about $3 paired with a pair of linen pants from victoriassecret.com.  My hair is a wash and go (really wet and go b/c I didn't wash with anything) using whipped Shea butter as my leave in. 

Hello there lovelies~ 

I hope that everyone is having a wonderful weekend!  Last weekend I decided to have myself a little shopping spree.  Why, you ask....because I like clothes, no special occasion.  Anyhoo, as many of you know I am all about thrifting these days, so, I had a shopping spree at Goodwill.  And boy did I rack up!  I bought....brace yourself.....2 blazers, 1 skirt, 3 tops, 2 sweaters, 1 little jacket, 2 dresses and a pair of jeans all for less than $50.  WHAT?!?!  I was so excited.

My thrifted buys and Miles.  From left to right, top row:  I got this cute floral dress, this little jacket (Ann Taylor) and the shirt underneath, this dress which I'll need to take the sleeves in a bit and pair with a belt and this linen blazer.  Bottom row: I got two green sweaters (one long sleeved (Banana Republic) and one short sleeved), this blue/white pin striped blazer, this weird striped zip up shirt (not sure yet what I'll wear it with), these jeans (The Limited) which are too big but so comfy and this paisley skirt (Liz Claiborne) that I LOVE.

 

I am still pretty new to the thrifting game, but I'm catching on quickly.  I have been a thrifter for about 1 year now.  Since my first wonderful thrifting experience I have bought clothes out of a regular retail store only once that I can remember.  Crazy, once in a year.  Unfortunately, I have yet to begin thrifting for shoes so I still pay real money for those, but I'm growing and learning.  I highly recommend that everyone get on this thrift train.  For any novice thrifters I have a few pieces of advice.....

1. Go with a buddy or two, preferably someone who thrifts a lot- sifting through all those clothes at a thrift shop in search of that one magical piece can be quite overwhelming, especially if you are not used to it.  So, get you some help.  Have a friend go with you so that you each can be on the lookout for cute buys for yourself and each other.
2. Be open minded- what is cute on the body is not always cute on the rack.  If you see something that is kind of cute, but not quite there try it on anyway.  You may be surprised how differently a piece of clothing can look on a body than it does on the hanger.  Clothes are an awesome way to express yourself and to have fun while you do it.  So, step out of your box for a piece or two and you'll be amazed at how moving from your comfort zone builds confidence and helps to free you.
3. Size doesn't matter- If you see something cute, but it's not your size try it anyway.  If something isn't quite your size this gives you the opportunity to get creative.  Perhaps you can adjust it yourself with a quick sew job (or take it someplace to be altered) or even better, maybe you can temporarily alter it in order to make it fit.  For shirts, jackets, skirts and slacks that are too large try adding a belt or scarf.  For tops that are too large try adding a safety pin covered by a cute brooch or flower.  For tops and jackets that are too small try layering so that buttoning/zipping isn't necessary.  For bottoms that are too small let them out (if they are way too small leave them in the store).  Just get creative with it.
4. Find inspiration- before going thrifting I recommend that you visit some youtube channels or blogs dedicated to thrifting to get inspiration (check out the "my thrifted closet" link on my blog list to the right).  Seeing all of the cute finds that other people get from thrift stores really motivates you to get out there and give it a go.  It is also fun to find a look from a celeb that you would like to recreate and see if you can find the right pieces to do so at the thrift store
5. Have fun!!- shopping should always be a fun and pleasurable experience.  If you get frustrated or angry just stop and go back another time.  Remember, the clothes you wear do not define the person you are.  If you aren't enjoying creating new outfits and extending your wardrobe then just stop!

So, that's all I have for today.  I hope that everyone has a wonderful and safe weekend.

Tootles for now!