Faux leather and lace

Every few days, seasons, years, whatever.... I have a new favorite type of fabric I love to wear.  For awhile now it has been lace and faux leather.  I love the cute, femininity of lace and the rough and tuff edge look of faux leather/real authentic leather.  Together it makes an awesome combination. (black on black on black, of course!)

I picked up this lace-front top with a faux leather collar at Target.  Target is always collaborating with different designers and the designer they have featured there at this time is Prabal Gurung.   Prabal Gurung was born in Singapore, raised in Nepal, and now resides in the lovely NYC.  He launched his  first collection under his own name during NYFW in 2009.  He is known for big celebrities wearing his designs like the beautiful Zoe Saldana, Demi Moore, and our first lady Michelle Obama.  I love how his collection range from dark tones to bright colors and always make a statement!

There are many ways you can put together this black lace front top.  You can pair it with a pair of liquid black leggings or even dark denim jeans (high waisted, skinny, whatever fits your style) wedges, booties, ANYTHING.  You can even go wild with accessories.  Maybe add a solid gold or silver collar necklace, or even spiked accessories to give it even more of an edge.  Check out his collection at Target here!

Here are some pieces from the Spring 2013 collection:

And here is a video of Prabal Gurung's Spring 2013 line.  Enjoy.

xo.

You can see me now.

Camo is one of the most popular trends right now and personally I love it!  

I picked up this lovely camo jacket (that I've been searching for, for forever!) in the men's section at the local Salvation Army in my town for $5! (See, I told you that you can find awesome treasures in the men section)

I love how camo is so versatile and I can either dress it up.....

or dress it more casual with a pair of leggings, a denim top, and studded boots!

xo.

What I'm wearing (top outfit): Dress from H&M | Wedges from Target

What I'm wearing (bottom outfit): Denim top thrifted | Leggings from JCPenny | studded boots from F21 | cross ring from F21

You're the b-b-b-bomb.

Happy Saturday everyone!  This week has been a hectic one for me but that didn't stop me from posting my favorite thrift find of the week. (I wish I could say it's been hectic because of NYFW but yeah, no).  Here is the vintage leather bomber jacket I found and absolutely love!

I added a few pins to add a touch of my own style. (also thinking about adding a couple of patches)

What I am wearing: Thrifted vintage leather bomber jacket | Tank top from H&M | Tights from a halloween store | Pins from H&M and thrifted | Boots from Cotton On

xo!

Introduction To: Favorite thrift find of the week.

Happy February!  Every Saturday is going to be dedicated to my favorite thrift find of the week.  So yeah, I can't believe January has came and left and now February is here which means one more month 'til Spring! (Which is my favorite season btw).

This Harley Davidson tee was by far my favorite find of the week.  I purchased it at Lovely Ladies Consignment Shop.  It was originally $7.99 but I got it for $4 on their 50% off day and it fits perfectly!

 

Once it gets warmer out in New York, I am definitely going to wear this outfit out.  Maybe pair it with a faux leather jacket, high waisted shorts, and sterling silver jewelry.

What I am wearing: Thrifted Harley Davidson tee | Tights from Walmart | Studded boots from F21

 Have a great weekend everyone!

xo.

But, I'm more of a Shock Top kind of gal.

Ever go thrift shopping, see an item, stop (actually walk quickly towards it), and think to yourself, "I MUST HAVE THAT ITEM"?  That's how I felt when I saw this sweatshirt straight out of the men's department.

I mean, this is definitely something I wouldn't wear, but it definitely is something I would sell.  Be on the look out for my upcoming shop.  Link will be posted on one of my future blogs!

xo.

HALF OFF WEDNESDAYS!!!!

My favorite day of the week because I get to thrift at the local Salvation Army and get half price off on almost all the sweet items I find. (I get a call from my mother around 9am and she says, "Up early to go thrifting?". She knows me too well).

Just adventuring around the entire store searching for some treasures.

    
Here are the great finds I came home with:

  Jacobs By Marc Jacobs camo pants (from the mens section) to add to my upcoming shop to sell.  (Be on the look out for it)

Some awesome American pride tees!  

Right: Salvation Army (mens section)
Left: Lovely Ladies Consignment Shop (Today they started their 50% off Wednesdays as well)

I cannot wait to put an outfit together with that blouse! And you can never have enough black purses.

AND NEW BOOTS!! Too excited.  As if I even needed to add more shoes to my already overflowing collection.  And like I said in my previous post, do not be afraid to try on and purchase shoes!  You can always clean them, change the soles, and the laces.

Here is a close up of what I wore today on this gloomy/rainy/foggy day.

Black checkered top: Thrifted

Faux leather knee leggings: JCPenny

Spiked toe combat boots: F21

Rings: H&M and a local flea market

Hope you take out some time on your Wednesdays and see what goodies you can find for 50% off! 

xo.

MY PERSONAL THRIFTING TIPS/TRICKS/TECHNIQUES

I know how overwhelming thrifting can be.  Racks upon racks upon racks and shelves upon shelves full of items.  DON'T PANIC! I'm here to help.

• Be patient.  That awesome item won't be at the first rack you go to.  Take your time and dig throughout the entire store.  You're bound to find something you like.  Even bring a friend along to ease the anxiety.
• Shop with an open mind.  Just because you like mini dresses and that awesome floral print dress goes down to your ankles, you can always alter the dress to that mini dress you like or even a hi-low dress.  Even denim jeans!  I for one don't wear denim jeans but I look in that section in hope to find a pair that fit me to make into HIGH WAISTED DENIM SHORTS!
• Do you really need it?  Just because it's inexpensive and you have twenty dollars to spend, that doesn't mean you have to spend it all.  Go in there with a plan with what you need at that moment. (my own advice that I should take)
• CHECK THE ITEM BEFORE YOU PURCHASE IT.  I put that in caps because you do not want to know how many times I have came home with an item because "OHMAHGAH IT'S $2" and then there was a gnarly stain on the collar or something. CHECK, CHECK, CHECK! for holes, stains, missing buttons, broken zippers, etc. (unless you're sewing savvy and know how to fix it yourself)
• Go into the Men's section.  No really, do it.  I can't tell you how many awesome oversized sweaters, flannels, and vintage tees I have found.  
• Don't skip the small stuff.  Before you put your thrift shopping to an end, check the purse rack and the jewelry counter.
• The shoe rack is cool. Seriously.  I know some people don't like that fact that someone else has worn the shoe before, but you can always clean them/spray them/change the sole and shoe laces/etc.
• Read signs/Ask an associate.  On certain days some items are half off, or the whole entire store is half off.  (depending on the thrift store)
• Bring cash.  Not all thrift store accept a debit card.  (been there, done that)
• Don't get discouraged.  I know how it feels to leave empty handed but don't worry, people are always donating clothes and thrift stores restock their racks about 2-3 times a week!

I hope this helps you on your next thrifting adventure!

xo.

Too many shoes, too little space.

LITERALLY!

Today is my day off from work so what better way to occupy my time by rearranging my room and organizing all the shoes I own.  As you can tell, I love black shoes.  All black everything (along with spikes,studs,floral/animal prints, and glitter) .  These are only half the shoes I own/wear. (I have some shoes that I haven't even worn yet, oops!).  They are either scattered across my bedroom floor, closet shelf, or the bottom of my closet.  When it comes to shoes, I usually buy on the clearance rack or thrift them.  I am in desperate need of a shoe rack, or bigger room.


Here are two of my most recent purchases (from the clearance section) that I absolutely love!

(and my new healing tattoo)

Top: Studded heel boots- f21
Bottom: Studded toe combat boots- f21 xo.

First Post!

Hello everyone, welcome to my first fashion blog ever!  I am a 23 year old thrifter residing in Upstate, NY.  (when I say thrifter, I mean thrifting addict).  I have been thrifting for as long as I can remember.  I started thrifting heavily when I was the age of 18.  There is nothing better than finding an awesome, inexpensive piece and putting it together as if you bought it at retail price.  Thrifting isn't a hobby for me, it's a way of life!   My blog will consists of sweet finds I get my hands on, outfit of the day(s), d.i.y projects, and other little fashion goodies.  I hope with my blog that I inspire you in many ways (one way being thrift stores being your first place to shop).  You won't believe how much you can buy with a twenty dollar bill.