Thrift Addict

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Leather & Lace

As we all know, one day you're in, and the next day you're writing a memoir of your 5 minutes of fame.

For those of us that prefer to look the part, even if we're not exactly Heidi Klum status yet, I have found some amazing ways to partake in the latest trend, pairing leather with lace. There's something delicious about the combination of the tough leather with the sweet lace, and it can be worn at any size for any setting.

Sugar + Spice

(Any everything nice)

Sugar

White Long Sleeved Lace Top: $9.90

Floral Lace Trapeze Top; $9.50

Lace Inset Pull Over; $22.50

Lace Wrap Dress with sleeves: $40.29

Jancy Lace Dress: $20.00

Lace Pleated Skirt: $16.00

Spice

Olsenboye Faux Leather Shorts: $10.00

AGB Petite Cap Sleeve Dress: $13.99

Faux Leather Pocket Boyfriend Cardigan: $35.00

Olive & Oak Leatherette Tee: $34.99

Hidden Zip Faux Leather Jacket: $44.99

Petite Faux Leather Shorts: $16.00

Friday, January 27, 2012

Products & Provisions

Good afternoon lovelies! Thankfully my laptop is now in working condition again, so back to our regularly-scheduled fashion rendezvous.

Products & Provisions

Elemis Skin Care

Free product reviews

Lip Gloss: $24

The lip gloss definitely moisturizes, but it doesn't last as long as my Burt's Bees lip balm. It's a good product, but not one I'd willingly spend $24 on.

Fresh Skin Makeup-Away Wipes: $16

These wipes take away my makeup beautifully and don't make my skin feel greasy or dry afterwards. A pack comes with plenty, so you won't be running out a week after you buy one. I definitely recommend this for everyone; the wipes are gentle, smell nice, and work wonderfully.

Tired Eyes Soothing Rescue: $30

This beautiful little serum works very well from what I've seen of it so far. This past week has been a hectic one and I haven't gotten as much sleep as night as I should have. Every night I've been putting the serum under my eyes and on the corners and I've woken up looking far less tired than I have other sleepless nights. I recommend this, ESPECIALLY for college students who still want to look somewhat rested the next day!

Those are the only 3 I've tried so far. Next week I will hopefully have more reviews for you on the other products that came in the set.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Promised Prizes

Good evening lovelies! As we all know, when it rains, it pours. Relationship ends, job doesn't accept you, car needs to be fixed, etc, but despite the pouring, there's always a silver lining to every cloud.

My silver lining is a slightly silly one; winning free hair care and facial products from Lucky magazine. Every month I enter the contests for every single prize. I won Rusk hair care from the September issue (Cue Anna Wintour cameo) and I recently won a whole skin care line from the December issue.

I enter the giveaways and sweepstakes all the time because, well, why not? They're free and only take a minute of my time. Even if I don't win, nothing was lost, save for a bit of my day. If I win, then I have enough hair care and skin care to last me over a year. One last thing I have to worry about. Score!

When I called Lucky to ask them a question about what I had won, the girl who works for the magazine told me that she never ever enters those contests. I asked "Why not?" she said "Well, I'll never win."

Just think though, even if there's no chance you'll win, what if you do?

You might open up an email to see this:

Monday, January 16, 2012

The Endless Debate

Hello lovelies! Not to worry, I'm not talking about politics on a budget today, I'm talking about an interesting conversation I had this morning that I've been having ever since I went in to fashion nearly 6 years ago: materialistic vs. realistic.

I understand not everyone understands the fashion industry in the same way, and that's good; if we all were experts of the same thing that would be really boring. Frustration though always seems to ensue whenever friends and I get on to the subject. "I don't participate in fashion" a friend once told me. I couldn't help but recite the scene from "The Devil Wears Prada" where Meryl Streep verbally knocked the heels off of Anne Hathaway's character by explaining how by her "not participating in fashion" she is actually a big part of the fashion cycle.

The Devil Wears Prada

My conversations with friends as of late though have been more along the lines of "I don't like the materialistic aspects of fashion", which I can understand. It has become less about morals and more about selling to meet the goal, no matter the destruction along the way. I stand firm when I say that I will always be a REAListic fashion blogger as opposed to a MATERIAListic one.

Is that dress in the window at Nordstrom's beautiful? Of course, but will it work with my lifestyle? Will it work with my wardrobe? Will it meet both my style needs as well as my wallet's needs? If not, then don't convince yourself you can afford it if you cut here and scrimp there. With every single purchase I want you to ask yourself whether you're being REAListic or MATERIAListic. If you already have 20 pairs of earrings in a similar style, you don't need a 21st pair. Even if it's only $1, save it and spend it on something REAListic; like a pair of jeweled flats that work with every outfit for work AND play.

It is important to understand the cycle that retailers and consumers are constantly swept up in, but also remember that treating yourself every now and again is just as necessary as leaving that 21st pair of earrings right where it is.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Mood: Versace meets Blue Ivy

Mood: Versace meets Blue Ivy by urbanmonologue featuring white gold jewelry

In celebration of Beyonce's latest hit, her baby Blue Ivy, and just feeling a darker winter mood coupled with seeing Versace's H&M pieces sprinkled throughout the internet, I decided to create a party look that could very easily go from the office to a party with just switching out a piece or two. Instead of wearing a sweater, I love the idea of wearing a lacy, see-through shirt over a leather bodycon dress. Layering with lace is making a huge wave right now for all style tribes, so this particular outfit might not be your favorite, but it's a fun trend to try once you find the color combination and proportions that work for you and your lifestyle.

While I am a Thrift Addict, I used these pieces simply to show inspiration. I would never own a $1000+ dress, so do not fret, I am only showing these pieces to act as muses. Maybe there is a shop down the street from you that has a faux leather dress for less than $50 that looks amazing on you? Get it! Don't be afraid to try new things and draw inspiration from what's around; just make sure you shop wisely!

Monday, January 9, 2012

Plaid Promises: $50 or Less

Hey lovelies, despite the pretty weather outside right now, it's still winter, which means that plaid is still in VERY high fashion. Tonight, I want to bring you a few pieces that are just right for your wallet and will be sure to brighten your winter mood, if the warmer weather hasn't already.

Plaid for the perfect price

$50 or Less

Fleece-lined skinny pants: $38.00

Considering the fact that red pants are a major trend right now, this is the perfect purchase since plaid never goes out of style, and you're hitting on a trend right now that you can wear again and again.