Fifty Thrifty

Every year, around this time, my best friend Jackie and I make a massive thrifting journey. We wake up fairly early and go to the best secret spots outside the city.

This time though I gave myself a budget because one of my goals in 2014 is to be smarter about money, saving, and being more aware of my spending happens. Hence this idea of "Fifty Thrifty!"

Armed with $50, my camera, and a plan - we set out on our adventure! (note - not everything pictured are things I bought. Inspired Thrifting Eye Candy.)

4 hours, 3 stores, and 2 very stuffed bags later I came up in the world. (As did Jackie - it was a good hunting day) Now, not only did I find some great items for myself but also came across amazing pieces I can sell. (You know, make that money back) AND I still have $3.76 left of my original $50. 

Not bad.

 

  

*Label Mates -

LOOK AT LABELS! I can't stress this enough. If you see an item in great or even fairly good condition check the label to see if it's a super nice brand. Case in point - I found this Pendleton Blazer for $10 and usually they could run at least $45-60 at high end Thrift stores.

 

*Another example - This label just looked mad fancy and cool to me, so I picked it up. Then I googled the brand and found out these jackets can run for $700 - $1,500 full retail! Which means I can sell this bad boy for a very pretty pretty penny.

*What2Wear - I think I've touched on the subject of what you should wear when you going thrifting before but just a reminder here you go:

A sweatshirt/baggy/or cozy shirt that is easy to take off & on.

Tank top under shirt so you can keep that on while trying things on too.

Leggings (That way you don't need to take them off when you try pants on)

Comfy shoes that are easy to take off & on. (Don't forget socks!)

NO accessories! Do not be distracted by that stuff. Notice - no earrings, necklaces, bracelets or rings.

        

The sweatshirt (gift from my mommy - Christmas. As you may know I LOVE skulls.)

Leggings (Target) x Converse

Flannel (Goodwill) x Jean Jacket (Goodwill)

Tank Top (underneath - H&M)

inspired thrifting: antiques vs thrifiting

As promised I am posting the photos from the antiques shops I went to with my sister when I was down in Olympia. Now let it be know there is a differences between vintage, thrifing and antiquing. People could argue that they are all the same but a true guttersnipe knows the differences.

For example my sister is a black belt in all three. I on the other hand am not. I am still trying to master vintage shopping and antiquing. I think I've broke down vintage vs thrifting before but too lazy to search my database (a.k.a the blog.) For right now I am going to tackle antiquing vs thrifting.

I like to think that one starts off as a thrifter and you work your way to antiquing. Shopping for antiques you need a good eye. You are basically searching for items that you can purchase, hold on to, and wait for their value to increase over time.

While thrifting is mostly about clothes. Antiquing is for pricey knick knacks, furniture, classic items from decades ago and house items. The two go hand and hand. Both art forms, both about the hunt, but you need to be in two different mind frames when you tackle either. That's why there are thrift stores and antique stores. Antique stores are usually more pricey.

Finder's Keepers

      

     

The Line-Up

Now today I went to goodwill with j.mean and her co-worker from work. I was going to do a NYLON challenge because I haven't done one in awhile but realized I only have the November issue and November is pretty much over so I'll wait. Plus, I didn't like any of the trends they were highlighting in this month's issue. However I did see a pattern while shopping; lines & stripes.

A striped shirt is a good basic to have in your closet. They can be dressed up, a great staple piece, preppy, and a hint of french.

     

      

Sequin details

     

front       &      back

      

 

         

inspired thrifting

Slept in yesterday. Wasn't feeling well, so I went trolling through my tumblr and came across this video of Travis and Joshua. The two guys behind my absolute favorite fashion blog Street Etiquette.

Put This is On is one of my favorite fashion blogs as well, I can find Jesse Thorn a little strange and slightly off putting. BUT that's not the point... The point is I watched this video and was inspired to call up my girl j.mena and do some shopping of my own. 

Thrifiting is all about the hunt and the find.  

First up: crushed velvet shoes and dress

sheer & floral

fur jacket

I love thrifting for a lot of reasons. 

One happens to be the awesome collection of labels.

Heaters 

crazy "stamp" label

Pastel blazer/80's prom dress 

gold watch/wrist game on lock 

Found a lot of what I am calling "Supreme" florals 

Then this gem!

(Sending to someone...)