Plaid Plaid Plaid

Each year I've written at least one post about wearing plaid and how much I love it. Last year, I recieved this plaid Luisa Brini poncho as a gift. I've worn it several times throughout the cold days, but this is the first time I actually incorporated it into an outfit.

I paired it with a vintage Express sweater tunic that I found at Family Thrift Center in Arlington and chelsea style booties.

Poncho: Luisa Brini - Gifted

Sweater: Vintage Express via thrifted - $5

Jeans: Cotton On - $25

Booties: Gap - $35

I think I'll incorporate this poncho with more outfits instead of just wearing it with whatever, like I have been. 

-A.

Dressing Conservatively

Last week I had the opportunity to help with a St. John Knits runway show. I had to dress in all black (extremely common) and consevatevely. I'm not one to usually show a lot of skin, but it was still a challenge to look conservative yet youthful. 

I almost wore a dress, but if you've ever worked backstage at a runway show, you know it's not always the best idea. I decided to go with loose fitting slacks and a silk Escada blouse that I found brand new with tags at the thrift store!!!

On the tags it says Margaretha Ley and I'm not sure if it's something different from other Escada pieces. I have a few pieces without her name or at least I don't think so. I know that she has passed, but by from the Neiman Marcus tags and style of the blouse, I'm pretty sure it's not vintage. Let me know if you have any info! 

Blouse: Escada via Family Thrift Center (McCart Location) - $7

Slacks: Borrowed From my mom! :D

Purse: Faux Chanel via Random thrift store - $1

Shoes: Forever 21 - $15

I love that blouse is sleeveless and has a scoop neck, so I wasn't completely covered up. I would say the look was tasteful without aging myself. Funnily enough, later that day someone asked me if I was still in high school. I'll take that compliment! 

-A.

SaveSave

4th of July in Austin Pt. 1

Hi!! I'm so behind on all my OOTDs! Lots of lack of inspiration, work, thrifting, and travel for this girl.

As I sit here waiting to board my flight,  I felt the need/inspiration to get back to sharing my outfits with you. I also have a few fun ideas how to make random thrifted items look a bit more stylish.

For 4th of July weekend, I headed out to Austin to visit my best friends. On my journey there, I wanted to look decent, but still be comfortable.

I opted with this really random Japan souvenir tee that I found at the thrift store and wore it with that denim skirt that I've been wearing pretty often. I bought my tee in my recent trip to the Family Thrift Outlet.

How to make a basic tee look cool:

Roll up the sleeves for a more modern look. Add fun accessories. Try wearing it with a skirt or printed pants to keep the look more interesting.

It was a great outfit choice because I was stuck in traffic for what felt like forever and I didn't even have to change when we went out that evening.

Japan Tee - Family Thrift Outlet$2

Forever 21 skirt - $20 (similar)

Lace up gladiator sandals - Topshop via Trunk Club $45

Vintage purse - Family Thrift Outlet $2

I tried adding a bit of a boho vibe to this look, and I think it was successful! I also think that the tee doesn't look as plain as it did on the hanger at the thrift store.

What do you think?

-A.

Rainy Days

Lately I've been trying to stay away from my usual grey and black ensembles. The last rainy day we had, I decided to wear this cool olive bomber jacket. I've been wearing a lot of olive btw. I contemplated wearing a grey tee with it, but decided to wear a white one for contrast.

Jacket: Loft via Thrifted -$2

Tee: Cato - Super Old!

Jeans: Frame Denim

Loafers: Dolce Vita via Bloomingdales's Outlet - $9

Trying to get out of my comfort zone with clothes is a lot trickier than I thought. I'm still trying to figure out my style. Sometimes I miss wearing vintage due to the simplicity. However, it's nice to get out of my comfort zone.

-A.

Too Cheap Blondes Event - Family Thrift Center Outlet

I got an invitation from Jen and Pippa over at Too Cheap Blondes to a thrift blogger shopping meet up at one of the Family Thrift Center Outlets.

I obviously didn't hesitate to go since I got to do my shopping after hours and everything was $2. Yes, EVERYTHING! Also, everything is freshly stocked on Thursdays.

The event was held at the Ft. Worth location. There is another outlet in Plano.

I was bummed that I showed up late due to work scheduling and traffic, so I didn't get to mingle with everyone as much as I liked to have. That didn't stop me from finding some great pieces though.

They have a super large selection of dresses, tops, pants, skirts, shoes, handbags, kids clothing, and men's clothing. No home decor or books, just clothes!

I happened to find 10 pieces of clothing, but mostly for my mom. I haven't been in a shopping mode for myself. I've been mainly shopping for others these days.

Here are some of my favorite scores from the event!

1. Sundance Fortuna Dress

The lace on this dress is incredible! Not to mention the rich dark brown color.  I didn't hesitate taking this dress since I know Sundance is the pricer side. It's kinda like Anthropologie meets Free People. I knew my mom would love it and she did. This dress originally retailed for $128, so I saved $126. You can actually still buy the dress from Sundance for $99.

Photo Credit: Sundance

2. Ralph Lauren Black Label Blazer

Bummed that this jacket is at the cleaners and didn't get a photo of it. However, it's just a black blazer with a slight peplum on the back. It's a gorgeous piece and these blazers usually run around $870 - $1200.

3. Silk Pinstripe Dress

                                                

This dress isn't anything fancy, but it made me think of 3.1 Phillip Lim. He always does cool things with pinstripes.

4. Free People Blouse

                                         

I absolutely love Free People!! I only buy it when I find it on sale or at Marshalls/TJ Maxx. I just can't justify spending around $100 for a casual blouse when I know I can find it cheaper. 

Not only did I leave with these great pieces, but I also won this Tory Burch Mini Ella Tote! How awesome is that? These nylon totes retail around $200 - $250.

I will definitely be back and hope to find more!

-A.