I go to local thrift stores (primarily non-profit) and usually bring home a large quantity of department store and designer clothing and shoes by spending only $30-$45 and a few hours looking for fashion items to be worn with my existing wardrobe.


The goal is to is to inform women of the fashion affordability of shopping at thrift stores, the benefit of donating, and how these organizations help disadvantaged, recovering and abused men, women and children.

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Oh what a Harlem Night!

I was invited to a "Harlem Nights" party on Saturday. For those who do not know what that is - it's a themed party based on the movie Harlem Nights that starred Eddie Murphy, Redd Foxx, Richard Pryor, among other notable African-American actors and actresses. The movie was based on the 1920's Harlem Renaissance (funny movie - Google it!).

I knew it wasn't going to be easy to find a dress for my current figure (which I'm not too proud of) - but I made an online catalog search and found the perfect dress on K.Jordan.com - so I ordered two sizes and paid $30 for express mail to get this dress on time for the party.

The dress was beautiful - yet disappointing. My normal size was too snug and short for my taste (a bit above the knee), but the size up was three inches longer - yet a bit too roomy in the bust (had to wear a push-up bra and lace top slip). With only two days left before the party - I wore the larger dress.

Those who know me personally are aware that I wear my hair naturally. Due to the rainy weather and the theme - I decided to buy a wig to fit with the 1920's theme. When my son saw me in the full outfit - he didn't recognize me (no glasses and a longer, straight hair).

I showed this picture to my mom and she had to do a double-take!
I didn't like the dress on me - but it worked out for the event. I spent $90 ($60 + $30 S/H) for a dress that I'll probably never wear again.

Thrift Store Fashion Find 2.21.15

This Foundry thrift store find was a pure fluke! I went there to look for something - actually anything for a party I was attending that night. I found nothing for the party, however I found some great spring and summer pieces at wonderful prices. I didn't realize until I got in line to check out that everything I bought were Yellow and White and Orange ticketed - except two (blue ticket) items. They were either 25% (orange), 50% (yellow) or 80% (white) off the ticketed price.

I bought...

1 Heirloom Cardigan Sweater - $0.60 (White Ticket)
1 Pair of Ponte Knit Pants - $1.49 (Orange Ticket)
1 Halter Maxi Dress $3.50 (Yellow Ticket)
1 Button-front Print Dress - $1.40 (White Ticket)
1 Leather-illusion Tank Top - $1.00 (Yellow Ticket)
1 Linen Drawstring Maxi Skirt - $4.99 (Blue Ticket)
1 Floral A-Line Skirt - $1.00 (Yellow Ticket)
1 Pair Mid-heel Metallic Pumps - $1.99 (Blue Ticket)

Grand total - $17.57

I love that halter maxi dress! It's something different for me.

Two outfits right there!

Should have tried these on before I bought them - oh well!

Outfit of the week 2.22.15

This week's outfit is mostly old clothes along with a thrift find.

The poly knit black a-line skirt with the white chevron stitching and the sleeveless mock sweater and the red pat-leather pump were old staples from my closet. I really should get rid of them - but somehow it never dawn on me to do so.

The red wool sweater jacket was a great thrift store find. I thought it was the best find of 2015 until I went shopping yesterday. The large black bag was actually given to me by a co-worker who died recently. I will always cherish it.

This is a great winter-to-spring transition outfit.

Fashion Mantra #2








Size Means Nothing.
Fit is everything.

Monday, February 16, 2015

Fashion mantras women should Live By...


Image result for free clip art confident woman shopping



Mantra #1


CONFIDENCE
is the hottest accessory you can own


Outfit of the week 2.15.15

This week's outfit is a combo of retail, online and thrift store finds.

The black kitten heels is a retail purchase from two years ago. The red, sleeveless, wool turtleneck and black, wide leg, cuff pants are thrift store finds. The bell sleeve herringbone coat with faux fur was a Groupon purchase.

The entire outfit costed me about $100! The coat was about $60, and the shoes $30. The sweater and pants was probably $5.00 or less each.