FASHION SHOW RECAP: What a night!

FASHION SHOW RECAP: What a night!

I can't say it enough. SATURDAY. NIGHT. WAS. AWESOME.

Everything was amazing! The Watermark 920 staff knocked another beautiful event out of the park and everyone involved was so fantastic! In fact, I'm going to quote myself from Facebook on Sunday to include my official "thanks" below. But before I do that, check out this montage of my favorite photos from the event!

  

  

VIEW MY WHOLE ALBUM ON FACEBOOK HERE!

Also check out all the outfits and photography coverage from "A TINY PLACE" photography here!

There were truly so many people to thank for helping the event turn out to be absolutely fabulous!

There are so many people to thank for the AMAZING success of the fashion show! Watermark 920 staff did an absolutely stunning job on decorating for the event, and the catering by Fatty Lumpkins Sandwich Shack was delicious. We also thank Drip Drop Drink LLC for the great coffee bar! I could never have dreamed up this fun event without our amazing sponsorHope's Outlet Ministries and also the incredible brain power and allover talent of my partner Shredd Spread (aka Lou Jeannot). He personally selected our band, the Delta Decalactones (featuring Mux Rec band members), who gave an amazing and fluid performance NONSTOP the entire evening! I can't forget help from cosmetologist Cecelia Ceceelectra Hughes who also provided much support as well as models from her talent agency with her partner Laura Robertson of Ce'Ela Models and Talent! I also thank the wonderful Nuvo College of Cosmetology who arrived early to help style our show! Last but VERY NOT LEAST, our spectacularly beautiful models who put in many hours selecting clothes and interacting together to create a WONDERFUL show that not only presented a showcase of impressive fashion, but also raised lots of resources and funds for our sponsor and Muskegon area families in need this Christmas season. THANK YOU ALL!

Growing Up Thrifted: An interview with Ann Tabor

GROWING UP THRIFTED:

An interview with Ann Tabor

Since her teenage years, Ann Tabor's parents (Tim and Kathy Tabor of Hope's Outlet) have owned a thrift store. As you likely may know from my blog, Hope's is one of my very favorite local thrift stores and also the sponsor for the Thrift Trick Fashion Show and Clothing Drive! Beyond having quite the eye for fashion herself and working hard as a full time senior student of the nursing program at GVSU, Ann is also a model for the fashion show. Recently, when Ann stopped over with some items for me to alter with my sewing machine, I nabbed the opportunity for a quick interview. I thought my readers might enjoy hearing Ann's thoughts on "growing up thrifted" and how that has inspired her fashion sense and life in general. Read on below to hear all about it!

Did you "rebel" against the idea of thrift store shopping because your parents owned a thrift store?

Ann: "It's kind of weird. Before we owned a thrift store, I was literally embarrassed to go into them. And there were times in my life when I had to--it was what we could afford! But once we OWNED them, I thought--"OK, I get why people do this". I guess I felt relieved because I had an excuse to be there. Then when I was 15 or 16 I went the total opposite of how I had felt before. I went kind of crazy--I was really into the vintage and weird. I had this big vintage yellow skirt with huge red ladybugs on it. I wore a red shirt and crazy big beads with it. I've toned it down now to just a few crazy pieces."

What was the craziest thing you've ever seen donated to Hope's Outlet?

Ann: "Outside of cool vintage pieces, we've had people donate BOATS. A straight up speedboat. Even broken down cars."

Do you feel that growing up around thrifted clothes has helped to develop your sense of fashion and style?

Ann: "I think it has! It's exposed me to all kinds of crazy wardrobe options--and it's allowed me to experiment with things. What amount of vintage can I handle? I also appreciate the nice Gap clothes that come in. WOW-bargain. I began to appreciate ugly hipster sweaters and the right mix of crazy." (Laughs all around).

What is your typical "go-to" outfit?

Ann: "Skinny jeans and a flowy top. It could be cotton or lace or tie-up. Generally just skinny jeans with some interesting top! And flats. I'm not usually too creative with my hair. If it's not in a ponytail, it's down. " 

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For the record, despite proclaiming non-creativity with her hair, Ann's red locks are pretty stunning! Thank you, Ann, for taking the time to answer my questions for the blog. And for your participation in the fashion show!

See Ann rocking some great looks on December 8th at Watermark 920 in Muskegon at the Thrift Trick Fashion Show and Clothing Drive! Remember, you can get free tickets at any Hope's Outlet just by bringing in a clothing donation. They will also be available for sale at the event.

Menswear: It's so feminine

  

MENSWEAR: It's so feminine.

Don't you agree? I love it so, and I sometimes forget about the great collection of ties, suit vests and sweater vest that I have tucked away in my closet. Today it just felt right to pull them out and put a little something together (naturally the tie and blouse are thrifted, along with cap from Old Navy--it's literally about 8 years old!), Gap pin stripe suit vest (a clearance item), thrifted skinny jeans and also thrifted heels (red suede Nine West platform heels).

If you love women in menswear you won't want to miss the inspiring "Women in Menswear" pinboard I've created on Pinterest for your menswear outfit building enjoyment! CHECK IT OUT HERE! I couldn't forget about some of my favorite "mens style" icons like Diane Keaton!

In other news, I've been behind in blog entries due to an absolute mad rush of preparation for the Thrift Trick Fashion Show. It's hard to believe our dress rehearsal is schedule for only a few days away! I'll be posting lots of content so don't forget to keep up. 

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Click here to follow!

   

{Rocking Menswear}  |  {Altering Clothes for Fashion Show}  |  {Guinea Pig Photo Bomb}

Golden Nuggets: What I've learned from a lifetime of thrifting

PSSSSSST.....the entire outfit above (from head to toe) was thrifted for about ten dollars.

GOLDEN NUGGETS: What I've learned from a lifetime of thrifting...

Jesus lacquered on to wood slabs…murderous porcelain clowns…three hundred dollar designer hand bags and tons of fabulous dresses….these are amongst the treasures too numerous to recant that I have encountered in a lifetime of thrifting!

I’ve loved it all; from housewares to shoes.  In my twenties, I was notoriously kitschy—ridiculous vintage prints, wacky posters, shirts with howling wolves. (Wait—that sounds like me in my thirties?) Well, it’s true. I’m still drawn to the fascinating entertainment value of goofy paintings and loud prints. I have, however, gotten much smarter about my thrifting as I’ve matured, and today I’d like to share some of those lessons with you!

·     Try it on. Admittedly—I almost NEVER do this with dresses, because I just KNOW when they will/won’t fit me. That said, when it comes to shirts, blazers, pants or shoes, it absolutely makes NO sense not to try it on before buying. Nearly every thrift store I’ve ever been to has a dressing room. Don’t be a wuss. Just do it. Three dollars wasted, even if it is ONLY three dollar wasted, is…well, three dollars wasted.

·       Take time to dig. It’s why I find good stuff. People ask me all the time, “HOW did you find that? UGH! I want to come shopping with you!” “Well,” I tell them, “Come along next Saturday and wear comfortable shoes. Eat a turkey sandwich beforehand and make sure you grab a strong cup of coffee on the way.” J  Perhaps I’m exaggerating a bit, but FREQUENT and THOROUGH perusing is exactly how I find my items.

·        Don’t be afraid of a little grunge. Sometimes I hear my friends say that they don’t care for stores that seem unorganized or dirty (this happens in the thrift world quite often). I get it…I love things to be clean and aesthetically pleasing as well. Yet, I’ve grown to appreciate the smell of a little grungy rummage shop because what I smell when I enter is a DEAL. Pretty=markup on prices. Deal with it!

·         Junk for Jesus. I’m actually not kidding! Regardless of your spiritual beliefs, mission thrifts like St. Vincent De Paul’s, Rescue Mission shops and ministry thrift stores are historically cheaper than corporate or independently owned shops. Also, they are most likely not for profit and their proceeds will go to noble causes like feeding those in need, etc.

·         If it’s broken, leave it behind. If I had a nickel for every broken item or artifact in disrepair I’ve “rescued” over the years…I could have paid for the garbage bags I’ve used clearing them out of my house. Unless it’s an item with patina or character that you love and will immediately find a niche on display at your home…leave it. You’ll never get around to fixing it. Trust me—I know.

·         Talk to people. Talk to cashiers and other folks who are thrifting/hunting to find out where their favorite digging spots are. You will uncover some valuable insight, I promise!

·         Ask about deals and don’t be afraid to negotiate. Learn to dicker and deal. Unless it is a corporation (and even then you can sometimes negotiate), a little haggling can go a long way.  My favorite spots usually have great prices…but when I see imperfections or an opportunity to reduce the price further, I take it! Gather your guts and make a deal…you’ll feel all powerful and smart afterwards!

·         Ask when new items are put out. Many employees will let you know how their inner system works (“We usually put new clothes out on Tuesdays”, etc.)

·         DO be a "brand whore". I won't often pay much for brand new things because, well...I'm cheap. However, I'm no fool. I fully understand the difference between a quality tailored jacket and a mass produced rag.  Do get to know quality brands and look for them. I own Vera Wang, Kate Spade, Coach, Micheal Kors, etc....because I thrifted carefully for those items. And I paid pennies.

·        Bring your pictures, check your Pinterest boards, mark your wish lists. Perusing secondhand with no goals is fun and a great way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon! However, if you are serious about building a great collection of any kind (particularly a wardrobe) go thrifting with GOALS in mind. Example: “I’m looking for a black blazer, short skirt with print, and a pair of nude heels”.  My thrift shopping experience got much smarter when I limited most of my purchases to “wish list” items. Otherwise, I found that I was notorious for coming home with repeat items that I ALREADY HAD IN MY CLOSET. Oh—you’re nodding your head now, right? Mmmhmmm.

Hope you've found these thrifting tips helpful! Don’t forget that if you live in the West Michigan area and you’d like a personal shopping trip and consultation, I’m giving one away with a makeoverand other prizes as a precursor to the awesome Thrift Trick Fashion Show and Clothes Drive in Muskegon, Michigan on December 8th, 2012!

Thrift Trick Makeover Giveaway! And a 2 second DIY tie belt!

THRIFT TRICK is giving away a MAKEOVER!!!

It’s so exciting! In honor of our up and coming fashion show on December 8^th, 2012 at Watermark 920 in Muskegon, I’m giving away a style makeover!

Together with our sponsor Hope’s Outlet and our lead cosmetologist and hair stylist for the show, Miss Cecelia Hughes, we are providing one lucky winner with the following prize package! It includes:

n   A guided shopping experience, consultation and free outfit! Our winner will receive a one-on-one THRIFT shopping session at one of three Hope’s Outlet locations and also ONE FREE OUTFIT! During this time we will learn about flattering items, dressing best for your figure and also tips on how to score the best thrifted items for your money!

n   A makeup and hair styling Our winner will also receive a haircut, hair and makeup styling and learn some new beauty tips and tricks.

n   A personal style shoot and a guest appearance in “Thrift Trick”! Receive a professional photography session and a guest appearance in the blog at www.ThriftTrick.com!

n   Be a guest of honor at our event! Last but not least, our winner will be a guest of honor and receive a free ticket to the fashion show event!

HERE’s HOW TO WIN!

1.    You must be an active attendant on the guest list at our official     event page. Click here to view the event and RSVP!

         https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/404557269613353/?fref=ts

2.    Become a fan of the Thrift Trick Facebook page at:

http://www.Facebook.com/ThriftTrick

3.    Leave a comment on the Facebook page letting me know why you’d like to be the contest winner!

Good luck to everyone…our winner will be selected at random on Tuesday, November 20^th, 2012 and must come to the Muskegon/Grand Haven area on an agreed upon date to recieve the prize! Can’t wait to meet our future winner…

NOW, ON TO THE 2 SECOND BELT DIY…

I love the bow belt look. Admittedly, a DIY leather bow belt is really no big deal; they are so easy to make! However, if you are even LAZIER than that, and want a quick fix, AND if you are tired of your old traditional belts lying around…well, this two second thrifted DIY is right up your alley!

WHAT I DID:

I scored a light pleather belt with a buckle for 50 cents at a thrift store! I simply snipped the buckle off and tied it around my waist instead!

The effect was a “bowish” knot, and it looked really cute over my sweater/vintage shift dress as well as my coat, which is getting TOO BIG for me…like all of my clothes!

Why not try “tying” some of your belts instead? I prefer this look with a trench.  A softer pleather belt provides the perfect “structure” in terms of holding you “in”, yet ties and knots well. 

Give it a shot!

By the way… At the moment, I am very busy organizing our fashion show details, but as soon as the event passes, I will be organizing a dress sale to clean out my closet from some of the items that are no longer fitting me! Stay tuned…

When the cat's away...

Josh, a volunteer model for the fashion show event, shops for an outfit after hours at Hope's Outlet on Washington Ave in Grand Haven, Michigan!

...THE MICE DO PLAY!

Wow, October has been tremendously stressful and busy. I've barely been blogging as I prepare for the fashion show in December! I'm craving an outfit shoot and just random fashion/thrift ranting in general, but I will likely continue a once or twice a week blogging entry habit as the show approaches and I have a tremendous amount of preparing to do!

CHECK OUT THE OFFICIAL FASHION SHOW EVENT PAGE (It's Saturday, December 8th at Watermark 920 in Muskegon, Mi) here:

THRIFT TRICK FASHION SHOW OFFICIAL EVENT PAGE

Also remember that you can receive a FREE ticket for the event simply by making a clothes donation to Hope's Outlet in one of three locations! Visit the Hope's Facebook page for address details.  Make sure to ask for a ticket if you are interested--they have arrived!

In the mean time, enjoy these after hours pics from Hope's Outlet in Grand Haven, Michigan! (That's my wild little red head riding a scooter around the clothing racks...thanks to owner Kathy Tabor for allowing him the privelage of being so entertained during our fitting session!)

Size 14 black leather pants from GAP...

wish they weren't too big for me! 

SEE YOU SOON!