Thrift store Top Redo

So my love for thrifting has hit a new threshold. I purchased something I liked so much that I decided to spend the time to alter it. I don't really sew (I can make pillows, etc) so this was a bit of an intimidating process but I'm so happy with the result!

I have seen several of these make-over posts (NDAD anyone?) and they look so simple. But here was the reality for me: it took three tries and about two hours for me to get this shirt how I wanted it! This vintage top had barely there sleeves and was an XL originally. I carefully took in the shoulders, sleeves and sides.

Not as simple as I would have liked, but worth it. Here's the finished product! [I love the jelly-bean pattern]

Latest Treasures & Some Tips

I still haven't decided if our local thrift store is just that awesome, if I have a keen sense for treasure hunting, or if I'm just an impulsive buyer, but E and I headed to the thrift store this weekend and I came home again with a cartful. (This is one good thing that comes from having to bring cash...I'm limited to what I've taken with me)

I was looking particularly for good, but cute walking shoes, and dresses.

I came across these Land's End shoes that were in perfect condition (I'm really picky about thrifting shoes). But there wasn't even slight wear to the soles! They're perfect for long days of walking in NYC or Milan.

$4

boho maxi dress

$6

Melange tunic

$4

H&M striped top

$3

drapey short sleeve sweater

$5

E ran to school while I started shopping and when he took longer than planned, I started scouring aisles I wasn't planning to. I found a pair of Lucky jeans in new condition, just my size!

$12.50

gap skinny jeans in Navy

$6

and this adorable braided belt with the tags still on! (I've been looking for an excuse to get one. $3 was the perfect excuse!)

We also got E two tweed blazers for $10 and $4.

Total: $65

I found a few things too great to pass up, but they didn't work for me, so they're up for sale on my eBay account.

Then on Sunday Brook stopped by with a couple of her finds to try on. This amazing maxi dress and adorable pink Anthropologie dress. (She gave me these both for free, but I know the Anthro dress was $4)

I'm going to reiterate my #1 thrifting tip from Brook: wear a tank top and leggings (with a sweater or jacket over that) when you're thrifting. Many stores don't have dressing rooms, or there are long lines. I tried on probably 30 items in addition to what I actually purchased in a matter of a few minutes, because what I was wearing was modest enough to throw anything on quickly. (it sounds like it might be embarrassing or intimidating, but everyone does it!) And it lowers the surprised factor when you get home.

Tip #2 Be patient! Maybe this goes without saying, but I probably look through 50-100 items for every one amazing find I pull out. It takes a lot of persistence and patience to really find something at a thrift store.

Now I want to hear your thrifting stories, and finds! Do you thrift too?

Thrifted Challenge complete

I had a lot of fun putting together outfits the past few weeks. Getting up earlier in the morning gives me time to think about what I could wear before standing in front of my closet for 5 minutes drawing a blank.

Thrifted: Ann Taylor Loft cardigan

(boring)

(there is so much awkwardness that happens before an acceptable picture. You can tell the days in which I only had time for 3 shots before getting to work.)

Thrifted: Seychelles shoes and teal belt

Thrifted: Ann Taylor jacket, handbag, gold bow shoes

Thrifted: polka dot top and cropped pants

But I've gotten several compliments lately that I've become 'more adventurous' and fun, so thats encouraging. and I've worn every newly purchased piece at least once!

Thrifted: H&M marching band blazer

Thrifted: red belt and Seychelles shoes

Thrifted: gray belt

I feel like I've now got so many thrifted items in my wardrobe that it doesn't matter what I put together, it's almost certain that at least one item will have been thrifted! I am going to try to start tagging my photos in Flickr so I can easily track how I wear different pieces

My favorites are the marching band blazer and skirt outfit, and the ruffle dress with teal cardigan ensemble.

It is SO easy to get into a rut with pieces you regularly wear (this teal top go with those gray pants) over and over. So my next personal style challenge is to not repeat an outfit I've already worn (ever) in the next month!

If you'd like, follow along on Flickr, or my new Style Tumblr.

thifting obsession

Friends, I cannot stop my latest addiction.

Brook and I hit up our favorite thrift store again on Saturday and I spent every dollar in my wallet. Four hours later I was treasure hunted out, but check out my latest scores:

a dress by Mustard Seed.

i love the zipper, gathered waistline and the rolled up sleeves.

Kenneth Cole blazer that is a tad big, but I might wear Kendi style with either the sleeves rolled up, or scrunched.

H&M blazer. This kind of reminds me of a marching band uniform. Which is awesome because I didn't go to a real school and never could be that nerd-tastic until now.

this Ann Taylor Loft cropped blazer (I supplied the vintage gold button)

a Poetry tunic

belt with an awesome buckle

and my fav: a beautiful soft leather Sigrid Olsen handbag in perfect condition.

I've always been the kind of girl who buys a $30 purse, uses it every day for a year and throws it away for a new one. I'm just not a purse person.

But I can already tell after using this purse, that I'll never buy a really cheap one again.

Some thrifting notes:

The disadvantage of the particular store we visit is that there are no fitting rooms.

So our #1 rule is to dress in flip-flops, leggings, and a tank top.

Rule #2 is to look out for items to re-sell, to make up some of the money I spent on myself.

Whatever I buy that I don't like, doesn't fit or doesn't work for whatever reason I've put up for sale on my eBay account, with a few other trinkets.