Sunday, November 18, 2012

Thrifting Tips: Taming the fashion

Often people complain they don't know how to mix thrift or vintage into their wardrobe without looking costume-y. 

Here are some tips inspired from the outfit at the left.  And, yes, I've worn it out in public.  Last time it was to Target on a Friday afternoon and no one looked at me like I was confused about which century it was.
  • To keep an outfit balanced and realistic, surround bright colors with neutral colors.  

  • Mix bold, vintage silhouettes (such as high waisted pants) with modern shapes (such as high-low tops).
  • Contrast, contrast, contrast! I can't stress this enough. Different textures, shapes, eras keep an outfit feeling fresh.  When in doubt, add an of-the-moment accessory, such as statement boots or a day clutch.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Daytime Disco

Check out these

high-waited, wide-legged, yellow polyester pants

I purchased at St. Vincent De Paul in Newport.

The pants are actually 1/2 of a suit, but wearing both pieces together would look costume-y.
Seriously, I considered wearing the entire suit for Halloween as
"the (wo) man with the yellow hat" from Curious George.

Yellow Suit: $7.99 at St. Vincent De Paul in Newport, Kentucky.

Gray High-Low Sweater: Old Navy, winter 2011, $5.
As you can see, this outfit is very slouchy.  To counteract that,
I've put my hair up in a ballerina bun, added disco-worthy heels, and a

short pearl necklace.

  This is one of my favorite necklaces.  I get compliments on it every time I wear it: I still have
never seen anything similar.  Purchased for $4 at Blackberry Exchange in Columbia, Missouri.
(Shop online at Blackberry Exchange here)
When I came across these pants, I immediately thought of my mom. 
In the seventies, she made her own pair of red polyester pants. 
If I remember correctly they were flairs.  I still think this look reads very seventies.
Shout out to Rose!

Homage paid to the original disco queen!

With wide-leg pants, wearing heels help elongate the legs. 
I went for my sliver, snake skin, peep-toes. Disco never dies!

Happy thrifting from Cincinnati!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Fixing Thrifted Items: The Jewelry Box

So the truth is that I found this jewelry box at a garage sale 

when I was in 4th or 5th grade. 
 As you can see, it has the artistic touch of a 5th grader. 
Not that that's a bad thing, I was simply ready for a more mature, and of course thrifty, approach.

 I decided the most effective, in terms of time, cost and aesthetic,
was to paint the wooden jewelry box.

The first step was removing all the stickers and magazine cut-outs.
 As you can see, for the most part, the decorations were easily removed. 
I dipped a cotton ball in some nail polish remover and took off the rest.
 I used a pure white craft paint that I've had for at least 4 years.  It cost me $4 from Michaels.
A basic acrylic paint would cover better, but cost slightly more.
 After one coat of paint.
 After two coats... the finished product! A beautiful, "new" jewelry box.
 I love the high contrast of the orange and white.

An easy, pretty and affordable fix for a useful item. 
The total cost would be 10 dollars in you didn't have an items on hand.
(nail polish= $3, craft paint=$4,  used jewelry box=$3).

Bonne Nuit!