Thrifty Thursday: It's Been a While

Now that I have a job again with a regular income I can do things that I haven't been able to do for awhile, like thrifting.  Luckily for me my workplace is a short walk from two thrift stores.  I checked out the first one, Restyle for Ryther, last Friday and bought this belt and the two books.  Then I went over to the Ballard Buffalo Exchange and found this great dress and these perfect Fall flats.  My red flats finally died all of the way so I needed some new ones anyway.  I managed to get all of these great items for just $30 total!  And I'm not sure if I told you about this chair yet.  I wanted to get a comfortable chair to put in front of my computer because my swivel desk chair bothered my scoliosis.  I had a budget of $50 to spend and wasn't sure if I would be able to find anything for that.  I saw this gorgeous floral wingback chair at Value Village and instantly fell in love.  I checked the price, sure it would cost too much, and found out that it only cost $7!  I bought it right away and have loved it ever since.

I can never pass up a Dean Koontz book I haven't read and don't own yet.  And check out the gorgeous details on the flats!

Here are some similar products to what I bought, on Amazon.  These are affiliate links.

Room Tour: My Handmade Shelf

I made this wood shelf in one of my many wood shop classes in high school.  Fun fact: I love using power tools.  I finally put it up in my room and loaded it up with a tiny part of my increasing collection of handmade jewelry and jewelry displays.  I made all of the jewelry in this photo except for the earrings on the picture frame display.  The simple instructions for making this picture frame display can be found at the end of this post.  The necklace on the left will hopefully be heading to a local shop soon.  The jewelry display on the right was a thrift store find and the teacup and blue deer were scored at yard sales.  The deer was originally a bright brass color that didn't work for me, so I painted it with nail polish, Wet 'n' Wild in 218A I Need a Refresh-Mint.  I love how it turned out and it's such a unique ring/bracelet holder.

I have more room tour pictures to share with you in the coming weeks.  I've lived in this room for almost two years now, so I thought it was about time I showed it to you guys.

Friday Fashion: Red and Black

This outfit is completely thrifted and gifted.

 

Top: Goodwill, jeans and flats: Crossroads Trading Co., tanktop: gift from my grandma

These jeans are super comfortable.  It feels like wearing pajamas and I love it!  And these flats are slowly falling apart but they've already lasted me over two years and that's pretty good considering the fact that they cost me $15.

Friday Fashion: Studded Peplum Top and Floral Jeans

top and shoes: Crossroads Trading Co., jeans: 10DollarMall.com, necklace: hand-me-down from my mom

I've been looking for the perfect peplum top for about a year and I finally found it!  It was just $8 at Crossroads Trading Co.  It fits me perfectly and is the perfect balance of cute and tough.  I wore it with my awesome floral jeans, which I got for just $5!  Seriously check out 10DollarMall.com (not an affiliate link).  They have some really cool stuff, all for below $10.  I have bought quite of bit of clothing from them including a pair of purple feather print jeans, a blue and black houndstooth pattern motorcycle jacket style hoodie, and some jeweled skull flats.  I have loved everything I bought from them and the sizing is very accurate.  These are my favorite jeans because every time I wear them I get a ton of compliments on them.  The day I wore this outfit, one of the girls in my house told me she wants me to redo her entire wardrobe.  Now that's a compliment!  My mom gave me this necklace ages ago because she never wore it, and I hadn't worn it yet, because I never wear gold-toned jewelry (I prefer silver-toned jewelry) but I think it went really well with this outfit.  It's so cool.  In case you can't tell it's a zipper.

Most importantly this outfit was super comfortable while looking awesome, so I felt extra confident all day.  I think I've mentioned it before but these jeans are as comfortable as pajama pants. 

What awesome outfits have you been wearing lately?  What item of clothing have you been hunting for for ages?  (I have a few.  Right now they're black-and-white striped skinny jeans, camo skinny jeans, and a black faux leather jacket.)

Happening Lately

I had a movie night on Friday with my friend who I hadn't been able to hang out with for over a year.  It was tons of fun.  We stopped and got gluten-free pizza and gluten-free pita bread with spinach artichoke dip.  The pita bread tasted better without the dip.  I would eat it all by itself.  The dip was waaaaay too garlicy.  We watched a super old movie called Clan of the Cave Bear and also Whip It.  Then I stayed the night at her house and we went to Goodwill in the morning.  I found a great floral print fedora and the orange Converse (although not actually Converse brand but they look like them) that I have been searching thrift stores for for three years! Score :)  Also on Friday my hula hoop arrived in the mail.  I bought weighted hula hoop on eBay and it came in segments that I had to connect to put it together.  Putting it together was a workout all in itself!  I hula hooped outside while reading my book on Saturday.

my newest hat

Then on Sunday I went to see The Hangover 3, complete with snuck in snacks.  The snacks cost $5 at Safeway and would have cost $20 or more at the theater.  The Hangover 3 was hilarious.  I loved it and laughed almost the whole time.  If you liked the first two, you will like it.  Ignore the negative reviews.  And if you see it, make sure that you stay for the extra part after the end credits start to roll.  It's hilarious and you do not want to miss it.  Trust me.  After the movie I went to Joann Fabrics and finally completed my Buttonquest.  I don't think I shared, but I got a custom Etsy order for three button necklaces with different colored buttons.  (my first custom Etsy order!!!)  I could only find a black button online, but had no luck finding a green one or a purple one.  I tried three or four stores unsuccessfully, then finally found them at Joann Fabrics, which was a huge relief.  I have almost completed all three necklaces now.  I just have to wait for the charms I ordered to arrive in the mail.  Then I went and bought a plastic laundry hamper because I have a fabric one from when I first started college and it's beginning to fall apart.

the two completed custom necklaces

So I've been pretty busy enjoying life and the lovely summery weather.  I hope your weekends were wonderful too.

Nifty Thrifty Thursday

Just so you know, this probably isn't going to become a weekly post series, because I don't thrift weekly.  This is on top of my dresser right now (in real life right now there are more shells and feathers and rocks that I added yesterday).

When you make jewelry faster than you sell it, you have to have a place to put it.  And if you make minimum wage, you might have to get creative.  Everything on top of my dresser (aside from the jewelry, which I either made or bought) is something I made, thrifted, was gifted, or purchased inexpensively (aside from the copper colored jewelry holder in the center on the right side, which I bought on eBay).  I made the picture frame jewelry holder from a Dollar Tree picture frame.  I made the wine bottle jewelry holder from a sparkling cider bottle my mom gave me and some wire that I bought on sale at the art supply store.  I made the two small blue clay dishes in art school in high school.  I also made the box on top of the wooden jewelry box on the right in high school art class.  I just hot glued together some cool tiles.  (I'll show you it and the clay dishes in greater detail in another post later on.)  The biggest wooden jewelry box, wooden mushroom, and little blue owl were all gifts.  The little jewelry box on top of the smaller wooden jewelry box is one I've had since I was a little kid.  All of the other dishes were thrifted, all for less than $5 each.  My latest finds are the oval sectioned dish with the gold handles and a white saucer with a black bird track pattern.  I'll dedicate an entire post at a later date to the cool patterned dishes I've thrifted, but not today.  I also have some other thrifted teacups that live on my shelf.  Some people might think this looks tacky or cluttered, but I love it (even more now that I have my shells, stones, and feathers).  My decorating sense is definitely eclectic.  (and soon there will be more proof when I share my ever-growing wall of art)

Where to Shop in Seattle: Assistance League Thrift Store

My bus goes past this thrift store every day on my way to work and every day on my way home, and you guys know how much I love thrifting, so it was really only a matter of time until I checked it out.  I stopped by for the first time two weeks ago on Thursday, which is the last day of my work week.  Unfortunately that day they had to close early because one of the volunteers who work there wasn't able to come in.  I did have enough time to find and try on a really cute blazer which fit me perfectly, so I bought it.

I went back to the thrift store last week, again on Thursday.  I asked the lady working there that day if I could take some photos for my blog.  She let me take some photos and then she shared information with me about the wonderful organization that runs the thrift store.  The thrift store is called Bargain Fair Thrift Shop.  It is located in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle at 1415 N 45th St
Seattle, WA 98103.  It is run by volunteers who work for The Assistance League of Seattle.  (The Assistance League has branches in many other major U.S. cities.)  The Assistance League is a really great organization.  The Seattle branch of this organization provides new school clothes for underprivileged children, provides enrichment scholarships for kids who couldn't otherwise afford extracurricular classes, and awards community college scholarships to adults who may not qualify for traditional scholarships.

And if a great cause isn't enough to convince you to shop there, maybe the great prices will.  When I was there they were having a half off sale on all of the black clothing or clothing that had any black in it.  But enough words, it's picture time!

so many lovely teacups and saucers!

This dress is so pretty!

racks of clothing just waiting to be browsed for treasures

a pretty good selection of dishes and vases

And now I would like to share with you all of the things that I bought.  Keep in mind that I hadn't thrifted for quite a few months while I was sick and not working, so I had to make up for all of those months without any thrifting.

I bought two jewelry boxes, a gold-rimmed saucer, a flower print mug, a little dish for jewelry, a pretty orange top

a ring holder, a cookbook for G, next year's winter coat, a Forever 21 floral top, a black lace top,

a black dress, a ruffly grey dress, and a floral scarf, all for the grand total of $57!

So if you live in Seattle or are planning to visit Seattle, you should definitely visit Bargain Fair Thrift Shop.  There is lots of vintage clothing, modern clothing, and housewares, all for unbelievably great prices.

Friday Fashion: New Stuff

It's been a while since I've shared the new things I've bought and thrifted. Besides these things, I've also thrifted 4 pairs of jeans and bought a pair of leggings.  These things were accumulated over the last 4 or 5 months.

brand new faux leather jacket from Wish

Converse brand jacket from Buffalo Exchange.  It's actually a dark gray but the picture isn't so accurate.

It's difficult to tell from this picture, but this is a knit beanie with a bill
to keep the rain off my glasses. I bought it brand new from Wish. 

I thrifted the combat boots from Buffalo Exchange, the flats from Crossroads Trading Co., and the Converse from Goodwill.  The boots are Bamboo brand and the flats are Ruby and Bloom.

I purchased all of these rings for less than $5 each online,

except for the robot, which I bought from Wish.

 

I bought this hat from Wish.

 

I bought this hat at Wish too.

 

I bought this scarf online for less than $5.

Friday Fashion: New Shoes

I hung out with my friend Marie the other day.  We went to all the thrift stores on the Ave, because I needed to find some plain colored sneakers and flats.  I ended up buying patterned sneakers, but they aren't nearly as clashy as my rainbow plaid sneakers.  Also, they're awesome and brand new looking so it's cool.  My rainbow plaid Airwalks somehow have an orange stain on the toe that I cannot get off no matter how hard I try.  Also I have no idea how I got an orange stain on them.  I didn't rub Cheetos all over my shoes or anything.  I also bought some really cool boots.  I saw them last time I was at Crossroads Trading Company, but I didn't buy them.  After not buying them, I repeatedly wished that I had.  They were still there this time, at least two weeks later, so I tried them on and they fit perfectly and I bought them.  We also went to this amazing store that sells vintage and things by local artists, and YOU GUYS, if you're ever in Seattle, you need to go to this store!  It is the best store ever and the owner is the nicest lady.  I might be able to sell some of my own jewelry there, which would be pretty much the coolest thing ever.  The store is called Valley of the Roses Boutique.  I commented to Marie that I loved this one pair of shoes (bright orange heels with orange and white striped bows on the toes) and the owner told me that if I wanted to buy them, she would put them on sale for me.  Talk about customer service!  They were way too small for me though, because I have big feet, so big that G likes to call me Bigfoot.  Anyway, here is the outfit that I wore for thrifting.

This outfit is mostly thrifted/free.

I won the arrow necklace in a blog giveaway, bought the deer necklace for cheap off eBay,
made the earrings, and got the bracelet from the Oregon Coast years ago.

And here are the shoes I bought.

Studded straps are one of my favorite shoe features.
These cost me $15 at Crossroads Trading Company.
They are just like new. I don't think they were actually worn.

These work as neutrals.  Even though they have a print, it's subtle.
I really like the not-quite-glitter not-quite-sequins.
For some reason I was very drawn to shiny shoes that day.
These cost me $10 at Goodwill and they are pretty much brand new.

Friday Fashion: Guess the Dress Edition

I told you I would do this post today, so I am. Two posts in one day for you. I haven't been this generous in a while.  Yesterday, and by yesterday, I of course mean Wednesday, I went to thrift stores on The Ave and tried on some clothes. And I took pictures of everything, because most of it was really cute and it was so hard to choose and I was curious what you guys would think that I got.  Okay, so I will tell you that I got the jeans.  They're so awesome, how could I not?!  And I also got two dresses.  But which ones do you think I bought?  I'm just curious to see what you think I would get based on my style that I've shared on here in the past.  So without further ado, here are the pictures.  (And I'll tell you which ones I bought next Friday, after you've had plenty of time to guess.)



Dress number one has an elastic waist which you might
remember is a thing that I am not particularly fond of.



But the back has a cut-out and is quite unique
with the top of the back being fluttery.



And just look at this adorable owl print!



Dress 2 is a high-low dress which is something I'm still making my mind up about.
It is light blue with a hot pink zigzag pattern.
It's kind of see-through but would be fine if I wore something under it.
It's kind of shapeless, but would look fine with a belted waist.

Dress 3 has a really cute sweetheart cut top.
It also has a really twirly skirt in a flower print.

Dress 4 has ruffles and polka dots, is a
bright color, and has pockets.
Not only are there pockets, but they're really cool pockets.
It also has a very twirly skirt.

Dress 5 has a purple, pink, and white bird print on a black background.
It also has a very twirly skirt.



close up of the bird print

Dress 6 has more of an old-fashioned print with lots of ruffles and lace.
However the skirt is fantastically twirly and the neckline is higher
so I wouldn't have to worry that people could see down my top when I bend over.

Dress 7 also has a lot of great ruffles.
It also has a lower neckline than I'm used to.
And it's mostly black.

Dress 8 definitely had the most comfortable fabric,
sort of a lightweight sweatshirt material.
It has a pattern of blue and pink splotches,
which kind of reminds me of watercolors.



The back has two straps across, which made it confusing to put on.
It is also the only one that isn't sleeveless.

So which dresses do you think I bought? Tell me in the comments below.  I bought two dresses, and I was looking for more dresses that I could wear for everyday.  That is your clue.  There is one more clue in yesterday's blog post, if you can find it.

And here are the pants I bought.  I love them a ton.  I showed them to G when I Skyped with him yesterday and he thought the pattern was weird, but he liked the tightness and the thigh cuts, which is exactly what I expected.  They're brand new Hot Topic brand and I got a great deal on them at Buffalo Exchange.  They still had the original tags and the size sticker on the leg.



forgot to turn off the flash but whatever, I do what I want



Taking pictures of my new pants is higher priority than making the bed.

I really like how they look with my green scribble shirt, as well as how they look with the red zebra print shirt.  But they would also look good with lots of my other shirts.  So there you have it.  Make sure to guess the dresses, and I'll tell you which ones I bought next Friday.