Todays OTHER outfit- Plaid dress

This dress has nothing to do with fashion and everything to do with my own style. I simply adore these kinds of things. I got it for $2.50 at the Salvation Army on my big fall wardrobe spree last week, and I know it will get lots of use.

Tonight I'm going to a very glamorous event at the historical Greenwood Schoolhouse for a Preschool Co-op meeting. I know you think that's lame, but I'm pretty sure there will be cookies and my friends are pretty fun, so, bite me. Mom's can be cool. ;)

I kept the ensemble simple- toughing it up with my vintage biker belt and my studded gladiators. Trying out the top-knot thing, but will probably take it out in the car. I just have a hard time with my face with my hair back.

Todays outfit- Vintage denim jumper!

Ok, it's breezy, so I paired this recent find with tights and found myself loving the results! I found this jumper at a thrift store about a half an hour away. It was pants- but, yikes, it wasn't flattering. I hacked the legs off, as I am prone to doing.

Its funny, I thought I still had grey cotton tights- my favorite. But, I guess I finally got rid of them- they were full of holes. Anyone know where to get nubby cotton tights? I can't live without them. They've been the basis of many a fall and winter outfit since I was 15.

I wore this totally non-trendy blouse to give this outfit a bit of maturity.

The tights were too much, so I ended up taking off the tights and putting on my newly thrifted oxfords instead.


I have to be honest with myself- I love this little jumper. It's soft as can be, and on-trend, or, was this summer. But, it doesn't really suit me. I take a lot of chances on thrift clothes, but since I'm over 3o, I have to be careful to choose things that work for me. The things that don't, well- I can pass on. If anyone loves this jumper- which is probably a size 4 or 2- I will sell it for $10 (postage paid in continental US). I may start an Etsy store with all the finds I come across that DON'T fit or work on me due to my body type or my elderly state. (lol....I'm 32) More pictures available if you are interested!

Todays outfit- Vintage mod strawberry dress

I blogged about this one before- but I like it some much better with heels instead of my studded gladiators!! I felt super cute.

Todays outfit- Teal romper

This was the long sleeved jumper I hacked, hemmed, and thought about trashing. I threw it on today with my Born t-straps, brown leather belt from Target, a self made necklace and bracelet, and boom- done. Not too shabby.

My fall wardrobe...

A few years back my husband and I did something called the Compact. The idea was to only buy used for one year. This includes almost everything outside of food, underwear and toilet paper. So, if you, say, need a lamp- you buy a used lamp. If you want a book- find it used. Now of course, you can't buy used light bulbs, used cooking oil, etc. You get the idea.

We found that almost everything we wanted could be found second hand, and started to believe in a sort of thrift-karma. What I needed- I found. Even what I wanted- showed up where I looked. I used the example on our old blog, Changing Rhythm, of the time I needed a pastry blender for a recipe. I walked into the thrift store and what was right on top of a basket by the door- pastry blender. It happened all the time and made the Compact easy for us.

Well, like I've said before- our budget is slim. No credit cards, limited amount of cash coming into our single income household- this makes for a very tight clothing budget, if any. The kids take priority as far as new shoes, and new clothes. I do find a lot of the girl's dresses used, but kids shoes just do not hold up, so we used most of our money for clothing on new shoes for them.

For a long time, I was on this anti-materialist rampage and chided myself for placing so much importance in my clothing. But, I've come to realize- I just love it. It's fun- and there are ways to keep it financial feasible.

Every month, if we can, Matt and I give ourselves $100 spending money. This means, I use the cash for a coffee, magazines, new lipstick, and of course, clothes. Some months we can't use it- it's just too tight- but this month, I went shopping with cash in hand, searching for my fall clothes.

Here was my wish list:

booties- heeled or flat, whatever came to me first
oxfords-brown or black
a well-made vest
anything with cabbage roses on it- either a dress or blouse
skinny jeans
bold wool blazers
a nice, neat navy blue cardigan
white oxford shirts
sort sort of chain accessories- either necklaces, or a belt
a red belt



I went to Ross on monday, looking primarily for boots, but was disappointed (as usual) in their selection in my size (which is 9). I did find a red sash belt and a pair of well-priced skinny jeans- amounting together at about $25. Then, I found a perfect Navy blue cardigan at Costco for $15.

At Target, I was lured in by grey suede booties- I usually do not buy shoes unless they are either very cheap (used, excellent condition and under $10) or very good quality, well made shoes that are a bit of an investment (between $100 and $300). No in-between. But, we have not been able to spend that much lately, and, frankly, I just really dig these boots.

I already posted about the shirts my dad gave me- filling my need for white oxford shirts at zero dollars.

The local thrift store had an amazingly perfect red wool blazer with good buttons for 50 cents, as well as a tiny flowered dress that fits me like a glove. Total of one dollar.


I got the chance on Tuesday to go to the Salvation Army in Auburn, on the way to town. In ten minutes I finished my fall shopping. I found a green and black hounds-tooth blazer/coat for $6. Patent leather oxfords for $2.50 (they are PERFECT on me....perfect). A pristine velvet vest by Liz Claiborne for $2.50, a cabbage rose dress for $3, a vintage plaid shirt dress for $6, a gold chain belt for $3, and a white studded belt for $1.


There were a couple things I purchased here and there, eating up my $100. But, I'm quite pleased with what I have! I did a ton of hemming and sewing yesterday, finalizing the pieces I got and placing then ready to wear in my closet. Yay!!!!

Thrift karma strikes again!! Let the outfits start flowing!!!

A load of new shirts at my disposal!

The last post was yesterdays outfit- I'm catching up!!

I benefited from my dad's sudden inspiration to downsize. He had about 2 or 3 dozen shirts made for him in Taiwan when he used to travel for work. He's now retired, and he and my mom are trying to move to a smaller house. So....guess who gets all those great custom made shirts?

ME!! I didn't take them all, but I did take about 10 of them. My dads pretty thin- tall, but thin, and these, for some reason are particularly small shirts. Good news for me!

This shirt I'm wearing today was one of the ones I considered not taking, but at the last minute I got sucked into the pink and grey thing, and took it! I'm wearing it today with a thrifted belt that's white, studded with big silver studs, and my new (yes, not used!) gray suede booties from Target!!

I have no face on- I've yet to shower, so I didn't bother with makeup. Hence the lack of facial exposure. With skin like mine, full face no-makeup shots are not too flattering, so, I looked away. Very dramatic, don't you think?

Refusing to wear shorts and a tank!

I put on leggings and a 3/4 length shirt today, it was a tad cool- at least in the morning, and I'm SO tired of shorts.

Luna Chix leggings from Nordstrom rack a few years back- no clue how much they were. The top is Old Navy, from a few years ago, as well. Since this is essentially the laziest outfit in the world, I decided to wear my Anne Klein heeled sandals, just to look like I made an effort!


Add in my normal cuff bracelet, my beaded bangle and my trade bead necklace and you have me, on a lazy Tuesday morning.

I did do some playing around- I bought a belt at Ross on Monday and wanted to try it with this vintage black and white dress. I already had the leggings on, and was too lazy to take them off. But it's not really a bad thing- looks kind of cute. I think I may ask my mom to hem this dress- I think it would be more modern if it were knee length?
A word about my camera and my awful photos. My husband has now told me that he's going to teach me to use his Nikon D300. He's still appalled at my pictures! (frankly, he's right) I've been nervous to even touch his camera as it seems very heavy and complicated and, well, expensive. In the meantime I'm switching over to a different small camera for the next couple days- I hope it works better!!!

Day full of errands

I had to go into town today- which means driving about an hour to the near metropolis where I could hit Costco, Target and a handful of other places. Where I live there is a grocery store, the wonderful Thrift Store, a Napa auto parts and a few bars famous for less than sophisticated reasons. I love it up here, and don't mind the drive at all. Especially the drive home- back into the cool and quiet.

I wore my thrifted Wrangler shirt, with sleeves rolled up. I tucked it into some very high-waisted jeans. This was a bit of a risk and these pictures are ATROCIOUS! But, I think I looked pretty good. I put on the belt I got from my mom and my Born t-strap heels. I was in a hurry while taking these, and couldn't check to see what I was actually taking. Sorry!


Also pictured is Scarlet, my #3, the only one who's too young for school (other than preschool...which starts in 2 weeks). She's quite cheeky and drives me looney. :)

So lazy, this is some sort of mild coma

I am seriously dragging today. It's been a lame week. Just stupid grown-up stuff getting me down. Stuff like being broke (end of the pay period BLOWS), having neighbors feuding (like the McCoys and Hatfields....seriously), and sick kids. I feel a serious amount of "ugh".

So, I've done nothing today. Really- NOTHING. I decided to play with the camera at least and post. Yesterday I couldn't because of a situation with my internet provider...more lameness.

I'm wearing entirely free or cheaply thrifted items. The shirt and shorts- together come in at 50 cents. The shoes- stole from my mom yesterday after about a year of teasing her about not wearing them (she's an Imelda, for sure). The belt- also snagged from mom (who has an enormous amount of belts I may keep begging off her).


The bag was a great find for 50 cents last week! It's super floppy, soft, thick leather. Lots of roomy pockets, chunky, smooth zippers. It's so good.



The necklace is the one I won from Sugar Rock Catwalk, by Possible New York. I'll say it again- it's not something I would have gravitated towards, but oh my GOSH! I wear this thing so much! It's so, so good to try something you wouldn't usually pick. I love this necklace.

Todays outfit- wardrobe assistance from my 3 year old.

Today has been another hot day without much going on. It's sort of strange having two of my kids in school-having only one kid home during the day is nice. I got lots of house-wifery done that I was procrastinating on, and got to have a nice little sit-down lunch with her. She even helped me pick my clothes for the day.

Scarlet rummaged through my tank top drawer and decided to pull out the nautical tank top I thrifted then chopped last month, and I agreed.

I started it with my thrifted green linen blazer, just for giggles, but got too hot after a while and had to ditch it.

The shorts are Levi's cut-off I made earlier in the summer. The shoes are my Anne Klein sandals- I love them. My gypsy earrings and tiny bead necklaces are also happening today.


I think I found a place to take pictures that would allow me to get better shots- IF I can get the self-timer to focus!!!

Mr. Jesse was also helping me with these pictures:

ETA:

I'm adding to this post. I like this shirt a lot- but it just DOENS'T look good on me. As you could see from my swimsuit shots, I...uh...don't have much of a waist. I never have, even at 15! I'm cool with it, but I have to be careful to not emphasize my lack of hips. And lack of bust.

Anyway- I've been watching a silly amount of What Not to Wear and one bit of advice keeps popping into my head- "Don't cover your crotch- it ruins the leg-line".

Point taken.


I chopped the tank- and I think (though I was posing weird) it IS much better. Maybe Stacy and Keaton know what they're talking about? (though I'm sure they wouldn't approve of my $2 weekly budget on clothing)

Coincidentally, I also chopped my bangs- though I thought I wanted to wear them longer- I just couldn't stand them in my eyes.

Two ways to do this dress

I tend to like what I like. When thrifting, I grab anything that catches my eye, despite the shape, cut or even size.

This dress jumped out at me- I love toile in home decor, so why not wear it, right? I got it at the Goodwill, grumbling at having to pay a ghastly amount of money for it ($5, I think....gasp!), but was glad to own it, anyway.

I have numerous ideas of how to wear this- especially when it turns cooler and layering can happen comfortably. I see boots, assorted jackets, tights, etc.

For now, it's still too warm to do much over this or under it. I do love the full skirt and the blousy top.

The easiest way to wear it is all alone, which I don't have pictured (more on my stupid camera below). But the next way is belted with a summery jacket.


Here I tried it with my vintage bamboo belt and my Born t-straps. The blazer, though it was too hot to put on, is actually seersucker. It's 3/4 length sleeve and was thrifted as my usual place for the usual price of a quarter. A good investment, I think- now I just need cooler weather to use it in.

Next, I paired the dress with tougher accessories. My thrifted 80's belt, that I use at least 3 times a week, my cheapie Wal Mart gladiators that I wear ad-nauseum, and my ripped-up, patched up vintage jacket. The sunglasses are Ralph Lauren, bought at Nordstrom rack for $26.


I am currently trying to find a better way to take my pictures that will show the clothes better. I struggle to get my camera to focus indoors, and outdoors it's fussy too. I'm working on it...

Like wearing pajamas

Except much more chic, I think. I love this romper! I wore it so much at first I actually took a break from wearing it. It's I ♥ Ronson, and I just love it! I'm wearing my newly thrifted belt, my studded gladiators, Marjorie Baer earrings (from Nordstrom Rack- $14.99), and my typical silver and turquoise cuffs.

I have dreams of wearing this romper with heeled booties (which I don't actually own), black patterned pantyhose, and a blazer. Come on, fall!!

A day at the river- transformed into...

something I could actually wear to dinner?

I'll admit I've had an attitude about the whole crisp-white-shirt-thing. I just have found them stiff and fussy and too business-like for my style. But, I keep seeing so many cute ways to add them into a wardrobe, I had to get one to try it.

So, today, on my weekly visit to my local thrift gold mine, I found one. I also picked up a nice little black leather belt and a great brown leather bag!

I got home from the river (I had to change out of the red skirt/dress once I got invited to go to the river - it doens't work with my bathingsuit), and started to try things on.

I was pleasantly surprised at how the white shirt changed what I was already wearing!! i was wearing this:


under this:
(a grubby dirt-friendly dress from Kohls I only wear camping, or for yard work)

Add the white shirt, though, and a belt and you have this:


Ok- I'm impressed! I think this shirt will see a lot of use. I spent $2.98 total on the bag, the shirt, the belt and a wonderfully worn mens flannel for fall. All paid for with change I found on the floor of my car- as per usual.

And by the way, I love my bathing suit. Thank you, Gap, for making me the perfect suit. I live in this thing, living so close to rivers and lakes.

More skirt-as-dress action

Its going to be hot today, despite my longing for coolness. So, I took out this thrifted skirt that never sees the light of day and put it on as a dress. This is the best thing ever- so easy. Excuse the no-makeup face. It's too hot.

My vintage bamboo Neiman Marcus belt is doing the cinching, and on the feet is my work-horse Josef Siebels.

Thai Fisherman Pants

It's super nice out today. I'm a little bored- I've been here or at my moms house (a few miles away) all weekend. So, I'm wishing I could bust out of here and do something with the kids. Maybe I will- there's plenty of money-free things to do around here. Though, I would love to go to Starbucks or the new Dutch Brothers Coffee...but the nearest cost place is over 45 minutes away. *sigh* I guess I can make my own and just hang out today.


I keep pulling out fun outfits to style up, but ultimately, I'm home all day- watering plants, doing crafts with the kids, folding laundry. I really don't need heels today. I'm wearing one of many pairs of Thai fisherman pants I have. They are one size fits all- unisex pant I get from eBay. They come in every color and a couple different kinds of fabric. This pair is my favorite, color-wise, but my least favorite, fit-wise. They are all slouchy and sort of subjective in shape, but these are bulky. They are made of what looks like flour-sack material. Most of mine are thin, cotton linen-typed pants with tiny pinstripes. Eh, but I love the orange!

This grey and white striped shirt is my favorite right now. So light and airy. I'm wearing Keen flats- very comfortable. The necklaces are tiny Christmas beads I strung all together randomly-I think I've been wearing necklaces like these since I was 10.

Some fall inpsirations from H&M magazine

I was just clicking through H&M's site, and found a couple looks I'd LOVE to mimic!

Now, H&M is not expensive- but I'd love to try to get close to these looks with either what I have or what I can forage in the thrift stores. I'll keep you posted.

The first is cool, because there are elements of dressiness, the grey t-shirt and the ripped jeans keep it practical for someone with my lifestyle. I will say- I hate the hat. Sorry. But the shrunken blazer (which I have)- the grey shirt (check!)- brilliant. The distressed grey skinny jeans? I may have to look for. And my eyes are open for some sort of chain embellishments. Very cool.


Next is a super layered earthy look. This is my favorite.
This is so, so good. I love the long shirt- the nubby tights, even the tall socks (or leg warmers, perhaps- whatever). This outfit totally resonates with me! I have the denim, I have the tights (they're holey, but fixable), and I have a nubby brown shawl sweater that I could layer under the jacket. I need a long shirt like this, though. It's probably feasable financially for me to get this very shirt if I wanted. After payday, of course. I wonder what shoes she wore here? Hmm....

I'll see how close I can come to these images. Thats a fun challenge!

I knew I could make the ugly dress work!

This is the dress I thifted yesterday in my fit of crankiness. It had these yucky sleeves, and a dowdy look to it, upon getting it home I had total buyers remorse.

To make it worse, I cut it. I wanted it shorter, but I rushed it and cut it WAY too short. Like- cheerleader skirt-short. I was so mad at myself.

So this morning, I was on the phone, screwing around and haphazardly re-sewed on the section I cut off. Then, on a whim, cut the sleeves off. I figured I'd probably have to throw it out anyway. Well- I came up with this:


And I'm quite please. It's sort of tiered, now- not well, mind you. But, it's so busy it looks fine, to me. I layered it over a sheer grey tank top I bought at Target like, 7 years ago or something. I belted it, and put on my gladiators and am feeling pretty good about it! It's like pajamas! And I was just weirdly attracted to it's rosey pattern.


I think a jean jacket and some motorcycle boots would be cool, too- if I still had my old boots!

Black vest back in the rotation

I bought this vest in 9th grade at a thrift store in Livermore, CA. I love, love loved it to death. I wore it alone- nothing under it with just about anything. It was even what I wore for my first drivers license photo!!

But, like other things, I had kids, and shelved it for several years.

I've been seeing so many cute vests around weardrobe and on other peoples blogs, I decided to give it a shot.

I can't wear it alone anymore- it's too short. I cannot bear my midriff- not out of modesty, believe me. I just cant. (three huge pregnancies...gravity...it's about physics) So, I'll try layering it!


I got these Gap pants a few weeks ago (thrifted, of course), and I'm sort of on the fence about them. They are a tad...preppy for me. But, I like how I wore them today. They have stripes...they just don't photograph well.

The tank top is from Target- I actually bought it new!! And the shoes are my Josef Seibels.

Completely cranky. I'll admit it.

No reason. Just cranky. I suspect my freaking hormones have something to do with it.

Took the kids into town (an hour away) for a doctors appointment, then lunch with daddy. We swung into the Salvation Army on the way home. This sounds funny, but it's usually too expensive for me to go there. There really is nothing under $3 and dresses are sometimes $10. To me, thats stretching it for used items.

But today is their 50% off sale! So, I gave it a shot. I was shocked that I spent $19- way over my weekly thrifting budget. To top it off, I got home and I'm second guessing my choices.

I bought two blazers that were on the dollar rack. One is thin, boxy, black linen. The other is a funny sort of denim with a funky button.

I bought 3 dresses. One, I feel was an excellent choice. The other is adorable and the other was a risk.

The first one fits like a glove, seems to be in perfect condition and will carry me into fall. The photo blows- you can't see the potential at all. (i'm cranky) It has these great big pockets on the sides, and some very cute, not frumpy pleats. It's very 80's inspired by 40's. (as opposed to just 80's)


The second. (growls) Completely cute. Fits me like a glove everywhere EXCEPT my stupid waist. The thing nearly bi-sects me. I'm not sure what to do. It's too freaking cute. Here's some webcam shots of it:
One with it untied...you can see the problem.

One with it tied. You can still see the problem.



I'm not ready to admit its too small- usually when the waist is too tight, it's too tight in the arms, the bust, etc. But its not!! It fits so cute. I'll see if my mom ca alter it somehow.

The third is made of cotton interlock- super soft. Very late 80's. I may have had a teacher who wore this. We'll see if I can make it work.


So, now I'm having coffee and biscotti and the kids are relatively quiet. I'm trying to un-crank myself.

I supposed if any of my readers are size 4-ish (like I am) but don't have a size 6 waist (like me)- I'd be willing to pass along the blue dress for karmas sake.

My very cool Esprit skirt

I think my first post included this skirt- but the outfit was one of those that felt cool in the morning, then, as the day wore on, felt icky. Does that ever happen to you?

Today's ensemble feels better. I put on a striped Gap shirt that I hacked the neck out of. (seeing a pattern? I hate crew neck...I always hack 'em) I used the belt I got at the thrift store last week, wore the cheapie studded gladiators and lots of jewelry.


I always wear the turquoise cuff- it's permanent regardless of the outfit. I've been wearing it for about 10 years now. On the other wrist is my turquoise necklace- the one I made and wear at least 3 times a week. Turquoise is expensive, but if you find good looking beads, just string them- it doesn't take any real talent, the stones do all the work.


On my neck is my Possible NY necklace I won- I posted about it here. My mom gave me some hoops that match.

Ok, back to real life. I have some serious room cleaning to do. My kids are as messy as I am. Speaking of the little monsters- one wanted to be on the blog today. I kinda thought I wouldn't do this, but I couldn't resist appeasing her.

This is Violet- who's usually dressed as a ballerina with a Unicorn horn or something. She's got style, for sure. Though, I actually try to keep my kids in utilitarian stuff-no elaborate outfits. I feel like they should be kids right now, not accessories to me. That being said, when they get older, they will be free to express themselves as they please, of course.

Lazy, hot, and bored

So, I decided to post what I was wearing regardless.

This was a pantsuit-thing. Waaaaay big and long on me, so, I chopped, and hemmed it into this. It's so breezy and comfy.

I can belt it, too- I just want to be cautious not to look too 1992 Soccer mom. It's a fine line. :) I'm positively goofy for belting thing lately. This belt is tiny, but it looks really old. I think it's a nice classic belt.

More blazer fun, and an ode to my favorite shirt.

So, you don't want to see my outfit today.

Yesterday was full of white-water rafting with the kids. We are lucky to live near the American River, that tumbles out of the Sierras within miles of our house. We are even luckier to personally know river guides who put together a cool little end-of-summer trip for my friends and our collective 12 kids. He's even the kids' bus driver (small town). So, I'm a bit sore and pooped.

The other night, when Matt was playing photographer, I made up a few outfits involving thrifted blazers.

I came up with this one. The blazer is vintage, I think- Sergio Valente!!! Its got a nice linen texture to it, and a dainty cut. So of course, I had to mix it with things that were totally different.


I already had the denim pencil skirt on from the green blazer outfit, but then I threw on this tie-dye shirt and a belt. The shoes came from my friend who got them passed down from her sister-in-law. Community shoes, really.

The shirt? Oh the shirt....


When I used to sell jewelry at the Peoples Mountain Market up here in the hills, my booth was next to a lady who sold such wonderful shirts. Her and her husband actually made shirts for the Grateful Dead in the 70's! They were so detailed and wonderfully dyed- no rainbows or blotchiness. Pure art.


She gave me a killer deal on this shirt- I think it was $12. I wore it a few times and remembered how much I hate t-shirt necks, so, I cut the neck out. Now it gets worn bi-weekly, at least. I love it.