LIVING NAUTICAL: iPhone outfit post

LIVING NAUTICAL

iPhone Outfit Post

I'm addicted to nautical (year round, really) but I've kind of been LIVING it this summer. I live on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan in Grand Haven, Michigan, so it's pretty fitting. However, there were so many summer and spring trends I wanted to try--from Aztec to kimonos. No matter what is going on around me, I'm inherently attracted to the feeling of nautical ensembles in the summer. I do love classic--white, navy, crisp red. Camel or nude shoes. Gold jewelry. That's my basic recipe!

This entire outfit (Merona navy/white chevron inspired striped dress and Pendeleton red cotton blazer, as well as white and brown leather Guess handbag) was thrifted, with exception of the nude pumps.

I've also seen nautical done nicely with black and hot pink in the mix, or even lemon yellow. What's your favorite? Check out the montage below for a few inspiring ideas to try out before summer ends!

Click the image to go directly to the source pin on Pinterest!

  

Getting back to my roots: Adventures in Styling!

This picture is about two days after my last appointment!

GETTING BACK TO MY ROOTS: Adventures in styling!

I will admit it; I'm not one to change my hair drastically. The most dramatic cut I've ever received was merely "medium" length long hair with layers; the most dramatic color was probably hot pink as a teenager and dark brown in my early twenties (which I deeply regretted as I attempted to get back to my natural color).

Being a pale and natural blonde with very "cool" coloring, my hair is extremely ashy.  Therefore, any sort of golden or yellow tones in my hair isn't good for me at all...it makes my complexion ruddy and in general, just looks terrible on me! Often times, lowlights will wash out and my hair will retain the red dye, which really contributes to brassiness. Even using Clairol Shimmer Lights (bluing shampoo), and products similar to it, can't always keep the golden out of my hair if I'm treating it with color.

I've learned my lesson on the overall dye, but in years past I've still been a big fan of highlights and lowlights.  For the most part, though I've switched stylists a few times, I've had pretty good experiences...until....the terrible color fiasco I had last year.

I had returned to a stylist who had previously colored my hair without too many issues, but it was a very bad experience. Though I realize that mistakes happen (and I was very polite during the incident) I was left with botched and bleeding streaks, brassy color, and honestly, almost completely rust colored bangs! Needless to say, I was petrified. I washed my hair and toned it repeatedly to try and remedy the issue, but it was still "yellow"--and I knew I needed to connect with a stylist who would consistently give me natural looking results without damaging my hair, and help me return to my true, ashen blonde state.

That's where my stylist Michelle comes in! She was actually did a great job with my hair many years ago, before she moved to California for a while. I'm so glad to say that we've reconnected now that she returned to Michigan, and you can find Michelle these days at Pier 232 Salon and Day Spa in Grand Haven! She is a color instructor for L'Oreal professional, and she was very careful to color and condition my hair with ammonia free products and toners, helping me to return to a more natural state. This last session, she cut and lightened my hair with some nice bright highlights, and also toned with blue to combat those brassy tones that always try and sneak in.

I'm feeling brave these days with Michelle, so more dramatic color may be on the way for me as the months progress (I feel much safer trying this with her, haha!). I can honestly say that my post isn't compensated in any way--I just wanted to share Michelle's skill with my blog readers and recommend her especially to those who have found their hair damaged by a not-so-hot or repeated coloring. I often get messages, questions or comments about my hair (thank you thank you!) so here's the scoop!

P.S.--Pier 232 doesn't skimp on style, but it's a thrifty option, as well! =)

MEET MICHELLE! Michelle is an experienced stylist (who happens to be adorable) with expertise in hair health, color and cut/style. She uses ammonia free products and took great care to correct the color issues my hair was having without damage. She's also flexible, easy to talk to, and spoils you--check out this picture of me sipping a glass of wine at my last appointment! ;)

You can find her at Pier 232  in Grand Haven, Michigan! 

Call (616) 844-4000 to set up an appointment!

Bathroom Makeover: Final Pics!

BATHROOM MAKEOVER!

I'm excited to announce the final pics from my bathroom makeover, sponsored by Holland Rescue Mission and Lakeshore Rescue Mission Thrift!

I love the way it turned out; though it was a simple and quick makeover, my bathroom went from being a hodge-podge, mismatched space to being much more pulled together. The yellow, black and white seemed very fresh to me, and I was pleased to do the entire project for less than $50!

BEFORE AND AFTER

I was INSTANTLY enamored with this adorable vintage fixture in an orange "creamsicle" shade...it seemed to compliment the rest of the color scheme well, and it casts a mellow light on the bathroom at night, perfect for a lengthy bubble bath! ;) $6.99 was the "damage", if you can call it that...




I fashioned a nice new shower curtain out of a bit of scrap fabric I found at Lakeshore Rescue Mission Thrift; it was a nice heavy polyester/cotton blend in just the right shade of grey.
It was literally the perfect size; I simply hemmed both ends and cut slits for the shower curtain rings, and paired it with a new liner for a few bucks. Voila!

 

A thrifted glass globe, dollar store flowers (hint: snip your faux flowers and rearrange them for an upgraded look in vases or floral arrangements), secondhand mock rosemary plant and thrifted frames are gracing the "throne", so to speak...haha!

PUT A (thrifted) BIRD ON IT!




I replaced many containers around the room with thrifted glass decanters and jars (the blue you see above is mouthwash, and I added a vintage shot glass for swishing as well), and it felt so much more fancy. It's always nice to recycle the unsightly plastic packaging.



I was really inspired by the yellow and grey chevron on my Pinterest inspiration board for the makeover.
I found this print online and just popped it into a thrifted frame!

The chevron stag head is sandwiched between two secondhand frames showcasing a few "powder room" inspired shots of my favorite starlet, Marilyn Monroe.

A much cleaner, less cluttered sinktop...

I like that the mirror is reflecting the zebra print curtain... :) This mirror was inspired by this pin--I loved the vintage, atomic design. This piece was new, but clearanced at Family Dollar for only 10 dollars.

 

I gave up my hanging tools for this little chevron lined basket (also a new but clearanced item marked $5 at Meijer) and I'm currently hiding it away. So far, I don't mind having to dig it out to style my hair...

The shelf storage looks SO much better when hid by this sheer zebra print curtain (plus a tension road, a purchase totaling $8)!

This little tray was shown above; it was also inspired by a Pinterest pin on my inspiration board!

Overall, this makeover project went incredibly smoothly and was VERY inexpensive. I really love the process of pinning and looking for secondhand or thrifted substitutions. Not only is it eco-conscious, but it is incredibly wallet friendly! When you shop non-profit thrift stores like those from Holland Rescue Mission, you can also feel fantastic about every penny going to a great cause.

Have a super week and stay tuned for more "March Magic" in my next series, 

coming this week at Thrift Trick!

7 Dollar Stripes & Plaid

7 DOLLAR STRIPES & PLAID

Dress: $5 at Lakeshore Rescue Mission Thrift, Grand Haven, MI
Cropped Jacket: $2 at Hope's Outlet, Grand Haven, MI

And look what I found outside, for FREE....

SOME SUNSHINE, YIPPEE!!!!









These little rhinestone pins pop into my outfits from time to time....Check them out here as Blinged Out Mock Cufflinks, here as a Collar Centerpiece and also as 
decorative pins on Rolled Jeans!

Thrift Review: My First Impression of Second Impression

THRIFT REVIEW:
My First Impression of Second Impression



5 out of 5 Thrift Chicks

Approaching this two story business transformed from an antique brick home on Fulton street in downtown Grand Haven, Michigan, my first impression was already a good one...I knew from the ivy growing up the side of the building and the creaking front door that I was going to love it! 

Many a time, Second Impression had been recommended to me. I must admit, I don't always spend much time in consignment stores because I don't always love the prices as much as I love the merchandise.  However, upon entering the front door of Second Impression, I was already in love with the shabby chic, Victorian melange of eclectic fixtures, shoes, jewelry and clothes.

Second Impression does have items that are reasonably priced, and they also run tag sales on their merchandise. For a "nickle-and-dimer" like me, it's good to know that prices are negotiable--which is a big plus!

The fantastic thing about Second Impression is the two stories of the home that are CHOCK full of well sorted, sized and categorized clothes and shoes--all of which are in very good condition. This is a place that you can go to with a certain item in mind--and find several of them in good shape, with differing sizes. Upon my first visit, I hoped to find a moto style jacket and a pair of genuine leather short high heeled boots, and I met that goal. 

Items are sorted by color, design, function AND size--which I absolutely love. I can also say for the plus size ladies out there  that I noticed there were a really wonderful selection of smart pant suits, beautiful dresses, blouses and other selections for sizes all the way up to 20 and above.

Did I mention you can bring your clothes in for trade? The best part about Second Impression is the fact that you can bring selected clothing in for either cash or store credit, though at the moment I hear that their surplus is rather full and they are only accepting selective items.

Also worth mentioning is the men's clothing section, located in its own separate room upstairs, complete with casual and formal wear as well as coats and shoes.

 

 

 

Looking for a faux or real fur? Second Impression has you covered.

The magical upstairs houses formal wear in all sizes and a downright fairy-tale-like dressing room with a chandelier and vintage dressing mirror.

 

     

All photos (c) Pineapple Chantal Photography

Overall, my first experience with Second Impression was really wonderful--I absolutely loved the ambiance and the employee working was kind enough to stay open late for me, as I didn't realize my "in-the-thrifting-zone" meandering had taken me almost a half hour past closing time!!!

I've since returned and I plan on doing so often--I'd encourage the same to you! I'm giving Second Impression five out of five thrift chicks!

Second Impression

310 Fulton St

Grand Haven, MI 49417

(616) 846-7377