Time Travel

 I love this dress. I bought it the other day at a store called Crossroads, which is basically an upscale second-hand and outlet store. I got this beautiful day dress for $20. It's so soft and light, perfect for a heat wave like the one we're having in California. I matched it with some vintage-style drown t-strap pumps from Ross, $23, and a bright red headband (Target, $6) and matching lipstick (Revlon, drugstore, $7).

The earrings I'm wearing are adorable gold and red anchors. They're actually hanging from my second piercing, and the black circle you see is my first. I don't know much about these earrings, unfortunately. I found them in a box of jewelry my grandmother left behind when she moved. Very retro.

Dressing Up WIth Menswear

A blazer can make any look instantly go from casual to sophisticated. Dressy, but not too fancy, a blazer in a classic black or a flirty pastel turns a summery day outfit into a perfect look for a night on the town. The trick is to find a fit that works for you. The more tailored to your shape, the better.
This floral tank was a major steal at only $3 from WalMart. The blazer was $20 at Target, and the bag is an old bowling ball bag I picked up at a thrift store for $4. I'm also wearing dark high-waisted cigarette jeans from Urban Outfitters, the most expensive article of clothing at $58. Not usually a big spender, I love these jeans because of how comfortable and long they are.

Thrift Find #2

I got this blue checked silk skirt for $4. It feels wonderfully floaty and light, and it has a perfect cut with a high zippered waist and a mid-calf length. The brand of this one is Campus Casuals of California, and despite my research, I was unable to find out how old it is, though my guess would be around the 70s. The shirt is a black Zenana Outfitters top I got at a store in the mall called De Masque for $10. The lipstick I'm wearing is my favorite, Revlon 007 In The Red. It's bright, it's not too warm or cool, and it instantly classes up any look. Plus, it lasts all day and is only $6 or $7, depending on where you get it.

Thrift Find #1

I picked up this cute vintage-esque dress at the local thrift store for just a few bucks. I love it because it's modern enough to be stylish, but it's also got that old Hollywood feel to it. In order to bring out the retro, I added a black fascinator I got at Urban Outfitters. It's a headband rather than a clip, which is fortunate for me because things don't stick well in my hair if I have to fuss with them.

Mixing Patterns

There's a rule that says stick to one bold piece and work around it. A lot of times that means people are afraid to mix it up with different patterns simultaneously. Never fear! Here's how to mix patterns like a pro.

First, modify your rule. You don't want more than one patterned piece at a time if the patterns compete. What that means is don't do two animal prints, or many different floral pieces. Both prints are equally attention-getting, so someone looking at them would be constantly distracted by everything going on. Also, even if the patterns aren't similar, you have to be careful about images that are so bright they compete similarly. Bright orange plaid doesn't usually go with electric blue polka dots!

Second, pick accessories and other elements to unify your patterns. In my outfit, I chose a black bowler hat to play on the parisienne look of the shirt. Because the shirt is more understated, I was able to shock with a bright flowery mini. Here's the look:

  I'm wearing a black bowler hat I picked up at Target ($17), a 3/4 sleeve black-and-white BDG tee from Urban Outfitters (on sale for $10!), and an Xhilaration skirt, also from Target ($15).

For a look like this, I would keep make-up and jewelry to a minimum. Bright make-up and bold accessories are similar to patterns themselves; too much can be overwhelming.





Happy mixing! I'd love to see the results!

Gone Thrifting

I've found internet once again, but I'm not able to get my pictures off my camera at the moment.

Today I went thrift shopping, and I bought two skirts, a dress, a jacket, and a bag. I'd love to take some pictures, but I have a very limited wardrobe as I'm on vacation. Stay tuned for that! I have a lot of great things to share when I get back on Monday.

Hello, I didn't disappear off the face of the planet; I just have limited internet access.

I made 20 more flowers using the instructions I posted earlier. Super fun! I put them in a green bottle as a bouquet. I'll post pics when I can!