This Is Why I Love Thrifting

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When Holly Golightly gets the "mad reds" she pops over to Tiffany's for some retail therapy. I don't have this kind of budget (although, neither did she) and there are no glam stores like that where I live, so I go thrifting. While I'm not quite ready to totally break up with the mall, I am very dedicated to thrifting. I hope to be doing many more posts on thrift store shopping on this blog-I truly love it! 

Here are my latest thrifting thrills:

For my momma

I don't just thrift for myself. Both my mom and my sister hate hate hate shopping, so I always keep an eye out for them. This is really fun because we all have different styles and body shapes. I feel like Stacy and Clinton when I snag items and outfits for my other family members: I have to remember their coloring, lifestyle, and best fit. It is challenging and very rewarding. Here is a fall/winter outfit I picked out for my mom. I would love to see it with heels or boots and a fun, colorful necklace. The nubby trim adds a lively touch. The skirt is from Old Navy ($1), the silky tank is from Talbots ($4), and the jacket is also from Talbots ($5).

for my sister

My younger sister has a narrow waist and long legs, so this A-line skirt style looks awesome on her. It also is really flattering in the *ahem* tushkin area. The shirt has a higher neckline and little ruffle details in the front. This kind of thing wouldn't work on me-adds way too much bulk to an area that has enough. On her, however, it is lovely. These items are really pretty, but not in my size or a style that looks great on me. I was glad to find them the right person. I would love to see her wear this with a cardigan and flats or even a fitted denim jacket and boots. The shirt is from the Gap ($1) and the skirt is a brand I don't recognize ($1). 

But let's not forget me (I'm no thrifting saint, after all)...

Remember that Target Missoni line? Yeah, the one that everyone freaked out about? I remember it-ruefully. I hesitated for 30 seconds and the entire stock sold out. I didn't really want to spend $40 on a cardigan (I'm cheap, remember?), but I did regret missing out on the fabulous Italian look. Well, I don't have to regret it anymore. It is mine for the sweet tune of $4. Victory!

Mine! Mine! Mine! Muahaha!

And as if I wasn't lucky enough, I found this clock:

Tick Tock

It is so cute and retro-fabulous (my sister forbid me from using this word, but I defy her with glee) and only $1.50. 

So yes, thrifting is wonderful. I find special treasures for a dime and truly relish the process. Just remember: don't keep all the awesomeness to yourself! Share the glory and the finds. 

Food Files: Slow Cooker

It was suggested to me by a smart lady that I should try a slow cooker. I have heard that this is basically the laziest cooking option available-you literally throw junk in a pot and ignore it all day. As one who gets grumbly in the kitchen, this is a fabulous option for me. I need food waiting when I get home from work. Some people can go a long stretch without eating or chow down on a cup of soup or bowl of cereal and call it a meal. I am not one of those people. I go from okay, to a little hungry, to a screaming, crying, shaking, absolute mess in about fifteen minutes. My special dude (this moniker is the closest male alternative that I could get to "special lady friend," which is what he calls me [Big Lebowski reference here]) knows to tread softly when I start complaining of hunger. On more than one occasion, he has asked me to please eat something dammit before daring to come over. I know I come by this honestly. My mom used to carry snacks around for my dad and my sister basically faints if she has less than three meals a day. Therefore-flourish of trumpets-solution:

Inadvertent outfit post: Sweater (Marc Jacobs-thrifted), Tank (J. Crew-outlet), Shorts (thrifted and hacked by moi), Shoes (Toms). You can't see it here, but I am wearing a gold pretzel necklace. Aren't you jealous?

Slouchy Polish

Yes, I am quite short. And these pants were already hemmed once! 

For the past three days, I have been at a training conference. Today, finally, was my first day in the office. I got my cubicle, started using Microsoft Calender like a real cool cat, and got terribly overwhelmed by the many new systems I have to learn in the next week.

My outfit, however, was not a concern today. It was comfortable and I felt polished. Don't you hate it when you work about the fit, style, or appropriateness of your outfit all day? These bad clothing days make me feel antsy and dumpy. This was not one of those days.

The outfit is nothing fancy, but I felt pretty in my tiered silky shirt, wide leg trousers, and pointy toed flats. I kept everything simple, but the fit felt good. I also united the outfit with accents of gold. There are gold details on my shoes, a gold belt, a gold necklace, and a gold bangle.

While my new desk chair may not be too comfy, at least my clothes were. Success!

These pictures were taken at the end of my day. Yay for hairspray. 

My tuckered out feet just couldn't handle heels again today.

A gift from my friend in celebration of my new job.

Outfit Details: Shirt-Ann Taylor via Gabriel Brothers, Cardigan-Target (Merona), Pants-Kohl's, Shoes-Nine West via Marshalls, Belt-Banana Republic Outlet, Necklace-Kate Spade (gift), Bangle-Kate Spade (gift)

Big Girl Outfit

I'm at the hotel, motel, um...conference center.

I am most comfortable in leggings, ballet flats, a long t-shirt, a denim jacket or cardigan, and my favorite pink scarf. Obviously, this uniform is not appropriate for work wear (for me, anyway). I have to class it up a bit.

I am still working on finding a professional look. Cardigans are my best friend as they are a quick cheat for a more colorful and interesting outfit. I've had this one since undergrad. It has served me well but is showing a bit of wear. I need to find some high-quality, yet affordable new cardi options for fall that can jazz up my work outfits.

Also, upon examination of this photo, I may need to buy my skirts in petite. I am 5'4" with short legs. I usually am just too tall for petite pants. However, I know skirts are more flattering on me when they fall just above the knee.

The challenge for me is to look professional, but not boring. I need more color and accessories I think to make this happen. Nothing crazy, just a little more fun.

Until I can wear leggings to work (which will be never), I want to slowly make some adjustments to my professional wardrobe that help me to feel fresh and confident.

Where do you like to shop for work wear?

Pretty OPI gel manicure. For the life of me, I can't remember the polish name.