Showing posts with label thrift store. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thrift store. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Bandeau - Appropriate or not?

So in the past few years Bandeau's have become more and more popular in fashion. 

I remember my mom bought me my first bandeau like 5 years ago (before they were popular) from this really random store and I remember saying "Mom. That is so weird, why wouldn't I just wear a cami?" 

I live to bite my tongue on that one. It came in handy so often even before it was 'trending'. 

It was great when I wanted to cover up but was already wearing a strappy tee or a strapless top. 

Now Bandaus are worn under sheer shirts, high waisted shorts, high waisted skirt, even as bathing suit tops!

Top: $19 Riverisland
Skirt: $74 GeneralPants
Flats: $14 Myhotshoes 



So I came across a super cute bathing suit top that is originally from Target but I found it at my local thrift store (tags still attached) for $2 (originally 17). 

It was a L but I am one to never shy away from what the size label says so I tried it on. 

It was super cute and gave great coverage -- if you know what I mean ;)

So here is my question to you all. Is it okay to wear this bathing suit top with a high skirt and a cardigan or is it inappropriate?


Apologies for low quality picture taking abilities. My macbook can only do so much!


I personally think it is 100% okay but then again I wear a lot of things that most people probably wouldn't imagine wearing even in a dream. 

It almost is like a 'bustier' top -- which by the way are SO IN right now.

shoplesnouvelles.com

http://lusttforlife.com/


So what are your thoughts, yes or no? If yes, what kind of settings would make it appropriate/inappropriate

Click here to leave a comment.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Lucky Little Lady

The weather has been absolutely fantastic lately!
Cool mornings, Toasty Afternoons and Warm nights :) 
My Favorite!


I think out of every backdrop I have used.. this one is my favorite! 
It is in our downtown and it is just... perfect. 
I love the color of the bricks and the lighting and just everything all together :)


I was feeling a lot better this week so I actually got ready! 
Don't think I forgot about Here and Wow -- My health is my main focus right now... I guess you could say its my Here and Now.. (Get it??)



So in todays outfit I am wearing a A-Line Shirt from Cotton On  for $10
(Love this store! It is so affordable and adorable!!)
-x-
A cute cream and orange purse -- I wish I could say where this is from but I can't!
I have no idea! It was a free purse with a purchase of make-up but I cannot remember what one and there is no label on it!
 (AHEM, terrible marketing strategy -- If you are going to make a amazing bag put your information on it so I can purchase more from you!!)
-x-
My skirt is a somewhat DIY- I got it from a local thrift store for around $5 and cut off around 4ish inches :) 
-x-
My belt is from JCPenny it came with a blouse I bought a few years back. I actually ended up never wearing the shirt but I ALWAYS use the belt.
  Some people mistake it for a weight lifting belt... I keep that in my car though ;)
-x-
I like to call my footwear Horse Shoes because the U cut and the buckle just always remind me of horse back riding. 

I got them from Savers for $8 -- They are originally from Lucky!

I guess I just got LUCKY with that find ;)

I also bought the awesome tribal necklace at Savers for $5!! 
It makes me feel like a warlord in the native lands.
-x-x-

Until next time (which will hopefully be sooner than later)
xoxo-K


Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Turn a XL into a XS in Seconds!

One of my favorite tricks in the book is buying every size. 

To me, sizes don't define me. 

I can wear everything from a XS-XL. 

The trick is how you wear it!


This dress is from Rue 21 and is a XL.

But you wouldn't guess that on first glance right?

Check this out:

You can make two cute darts in the back using safety pins!

This is how I borrow my friends clothing, my moms or when I just MUST have a dress even though it doesn't fit. 

Safety Pin darts are easy and quick!

All you have to do is inside out your shirt or dress. Pinch two sections near the waist line and pin!

Inside it back out and there you have it! Try it on and edit it accordingly!

((If you have more time and own the dress *the one I am wearing I am borrowing* you can sew the darts in so they are forever!))

Hope this encourages you to look past your size range in the stores this summer :)


Saturday, July 7, 2012

Learn to Thrift!


So today there was a 50% off sale at Goodwill!
I thought I would share what I brought into the dressing room and why.
I will be listing the prices as if they were 50% off.

((everything posted below, I did not buy, They were all a wee bit big on me *tear*))

I will post later what I did buy though :P

Lets start with handbags!





Tan/Gold Chain Clutch: $2.00






White/Tan: $3.50

These two purses stood out to me out of the huge pile of handbags because:
1. I love clutches
2. They were in excellent shape, no tears, scratches, pen marks, ripps.
3. They are very modern and classic & would last a really long time in my wardrobe. 
4. Their hues go well with everything! Brown, Black, All the  colors of the rainbow (maybe not grey).

So why didn't I buy them? Because.. I already have 3 brown clutches and 3 other colored ones.. I need to practice self control!

Now I usually have fantastic success at the skirt/dresses rack at Goodwill in particular, but today I only found one that tickled my fancy!

$3.00 Originally from Forever 21

This caught my eye because of the color! I am a sucker for this tuscan orange! 
It was in great condition with no stains, pulls, snags, pills & the zipper worked. 

Main reason I didn't buy it: It was too big in the waist, and a little too long!


Moving onto tops!

A quick tip when looking for tops is to conserve your time by knowing what fabrics to eye for. I don't want family reunion matching t-shirt fabric, I want nice, soft, dressy materials. 

So to go through racks quickly I eye through the rack until I see a non-t-shirt fabric and then I look (I repeat this throughout the whole rack!)

$2.00 Originally from Banana Republic

I loved this shirt! I just needed to be my size. I would have loved to pair this shirt with the skirt above! That would have been a fantastic work outfit!

$1.50 Vintage

Now normally I would not have grabbed this, but it reminded me of something I would find at Urban Outfitters or Free People. 

It had that 'hippie-allnatural' vibe. 

I didn't buy it because.. I personally cannot pull off that look. 


$3.00 Originally from Forever 21

I thought this would look great with a bandeau, a bathing suit top or with a classic tank underneath. 

I was really surprised by the quality of this shirt, there was no snags or stains. Which is very difficult when looking for dainty white shirts at the thrift store. 

$.200 Vintage-ey

I always grab the silk tops. If there are no stains and it is my size.. its going into my basket. That is that. 

The reason: They are perfect for pairing with a nice skirt for a professional polished look. 

You can also pair them with jeans or shorts and twirl a knot in the front. 

The reason I didn't purchase this: the length was not complimentary and was not the correct cut to be able to tie it in the front. 


$1.50 Vintage-ey

I grabbed this for two reasons;
1. Scallop Cut Neckline & Arms. SO CUTE
2. The fabric quality & color (it was the silky fabric I was talking about)

I didn't buy it though because the arms were a little too loosey goosey for me. 

Footwear!!
Shoes are where it is at ladies. Never ever leave the thrift store before looking at the shoe rack! 

Many women buy shoes, find that they are uncomfortable for their foot and then get rid of them. 

Perks of buying shoes at a thrift store:
1. Broken In
2. Just because they hurt THAT persons feet does not mean it will hurt yours
-everyone has different feet & different irritation zones-
3. Amazing brands for INSANELY cheaper.
It's like Macy's clearance rack great grand children. That is how low the price is. 


$4.00  Cole Haan (HELLO ITALY!)

I grabbed these the second I saw them I LOVE these types of shoes. They are able to be worn with EVERYTHING (almost) && they are so comfy!

The reason I didn't buy these: They were a size 8.. and I am a 6.5 :( 

I was devastated to say the least. 



 So this is just an idea of what my thrifting adventures look like. I hope you all see that I grab everything I think I might like. I don't look at sizes because sometimes a bigger size ends up looking better! 


I grab a whole bunch of items and then have a fashion show in the dressing room :) 


The thrift store is full of amazing brands and quality clothes. I hope that the fact that they used to sit in someone else's closet does not freak you out too much! 


I highly encourage you to take a hour or two and look for your buried treasure :)


Another fun thing to do in the thrift store is to grab 1 or 2 completely ridiculous items, either a wedding dress, a terrible bridesmaid dress from the 80's or whatever else makes you giggle and try it on! Have fun with your shopping time & don't take yourself to seriously!



Saturday, June 30, 2012

American Pride

In the spirit of Fourth Of July...
 I wanted to share with everyone a way to wear our countries 'colors' 
without feeling like a American flag. 

First off, if you are going to wear red and blue.. don't wear white. 

Secondly add in a non patriotic color. Today - I chose brown :)


Sleeveless Blouse: $5 at Curio
I got it for free because I had store credit! Woohoo! 

Navy Skirt: $4 at Goodwill 
Also used here

Belt: $1 at Valley Care Thrift Store
I use this belt ALL the time. It's like the perfect 'grab and go' waist belt!

Shoes: $45 (originally $100) TJ Maxx
also worn herehere and here

I love this outfit because although it is a bold red and blue, I can wear it without feeling ridiculous. Because lets be honest.. only Katy Perry can pull of a actual american flag outfit.


Monday, June 25, 2012

Thrifty Finds

So usually I only go to Goodwill when they are having a 50% off sale.
 (yes I am THAT cheap) 

BUT the other day was a exception.. due to the fact that well I was bored and felt like getting clothes.
 Judge all you want :D

So I go this haul for $53 (I also bought a movie and a brotank...) 

So if you do Kayla's Shopping Math

$53 / 13 Items = $4 per item! 

If I had bought all this on a sale day... My total would have been around $23 and $1.79 per item. 



Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Zig Zag Pop

Hello beauties :) 

These pictures were actually taken in December believe it or not



Extreme Close Up :)

When I originally found this dress it was a little too long and a wee bit big but the price tag was just right! So I snatched up this vintage find by All That Jazz from my local Goodwill.


I found the adorable blue Rocket Dog shoes at a Goodwill during one of my trips to Texas! 

I absolutely love the texture and patterns that this outfit brings, it is so fun and makes me feel like a rule breaker.

Dress: $7 All That Jazz @ Goodwill
Shoes: $9 Rocket Dog @ Goodwill





Thursday, June 7, 2012

All The Blues

I usually gravitate towards more fall colors but as of late I am ALL about color! 

I chose to wear two blues (so out of my comfort zone) & pair it with a bold snakeskin red purse. 

This extremely colorful outfit was paired with my favorite TJ Maxx find, my nude Adrienne Vittadini heels!



Pastel Shirt: $3 Valley Care Thrift Store
(this is actually a staple item in my closet right now)

Navy Skirt: $4 Goodwill

Red Snakeskin Clutch: ~$3 at Curio 
I got it for free because I had store credit!

Shoes: $45 (originally $100) TJ Maxx
also worn here and here

Monday, June 4, 2012

Oh Joe!

I went into our goodwill today to introduce the wonderful world of thrifting to my friend Tiffany (she wanted some high waisted shorts). 

I came across these Joe's!!! 
I was devastated when they were a little to big on me but wow what a great purchase someone will be making soon. 

That is what I love about thrift stores, they are full of treasures! You can find quality clothing for such a discount! 

It takes a little hunting but nothing comes easy in life right?

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

The Frill of It All

When I saw this hanging up.. as a skirt I thought to myself NO WAY. 
But then I decided to hike up and wear it as a dress :)









 Dress/Skirt: Thrifted 
Belt: Thrifted (probably my favorite belt)
Red Necklace: Walmart (I KNOW crazy!!! I love finds like that)
Shoes: Urban Outfitters Clearance $9

Its crazy over here in Kayla-World! 
Finals are next week & I am going to make it my mission to hit up Savers one last time :)

Tomorrow I have a interview for a internship next semester -- cross-your fingers!

Thanks for reading xoxo!

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Oh Vicky Dangerous

A little over a week ago I got to participate in another Riley and the Roxies video! 

This video had the largest cast yet & it was such a blast styling and participating in the video!



Yours Truly


In this particular video I was solely responsible for my costume and Ms. Vicky Dangerous!

The other outfits were a collaborated effort & a mix of closets
and a large variety of second-hand stores. 

Below is a collage of the characters, their costumes and some fun facts about the outfits :)


For some Behind - The - Scenes:





Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Aztec Accessories: DailyBuzz Style 9x9


A special thanks to the lovely people at Accessorize who made this style challenge possible, and are the sponsors of this post.
 To check out their complete line of jewelry, please visit: http://us.accessorize.com/.


When I first saw this necklace I knew EXACTLY what I was going to pair with it. 

I had just purchased a tribal patterned tank and this rustic maroon floor length maxi dress at Savers a little bit ago. 
 I had an inkling that this WAS the look I wanted to showcase this necklace.

It all started with a necklace:




Which inspired me to pair it with this shirt:


Which led to feeling like a Aztec Princess:


Put on some heels to polish the look:


And escorted me straight into fashion heaven!

The patterns on the necklace and blouse 
reminded me of ancient pottery bowls and vases.


Necklace: C/O Accesorize.com    Shirt: Caribou NY @ Savers $5
Skir: Vintage D'Knits @ Savers $3


Thank you again to Accessorize.com and DailyBuzz Style for choosing Here and Wow for the 9x9 Style Challenge.





Sunday, April 15, 2012

Recap: Thrift Spring Break Challenge

Doing this challenge has been exciting, cold, and a way to be more adventurous. 

I usually steer towards the autumn colors; tuscan orange, maroons, olive and forest greens.

Doing this challenge I tried to be more open to vibrant colors and various patterns. 

I also HAD to hunt. 

I just unpacked and placed some of my finds in my drawers. 
These are some pieces I didn't share with you all yet :)


Most of them are skirts and shirts -- perfect for this spring and summer weather 
that is coming our way!

If I could have changed one thing about the past week it would have been the weather. 
All of the clothes I thrifted in sunny warm Texas were not helpful in dressing me
 for the cold rainy California I came home to.

All in all, it was a fun experience and I cannot wait to wear all the new garments :)

Saturday, April 14, 2012

'Treaded' Last Day

Today is my last day of my 
'Thrift or Go Naked' Spring Break Challenge

Tomorrow I will do a mini recap of pro/cons of the challenge and what not :)

Today I did some final thrifting and got some great pieces all for a grand total of $28


Vest: Wrangler $3
Orange Blouse: New Look thrifted for $10 (its so incredibly silky)
Scarf: given by friend (used in prior posts)

Tread Sole Boots: Nine West $15