Something Creepy This Way Comes: Weird Stuff I Saw at the Thrift Store

SOMETHING CREEPY THIS WAY COMES:
Weird Stuff I Saw at the Thrift Store

The other day I stopped in to one of my favorite thrift store haunts with a few things on my shopping list. 

     This was not one of the things on my list.

     My brain came to a screeching halt. Was this pantyhose covered, Idaho-Russet resembling lump in gathered stonewashed stretchpants a doll baby? Why did it have only a few curly strands of Cabbage Patch kid hair? What would it look like if I were to turn it over?

I never did summon the courage, because I was pretty damn sure I was going to see this:

Creepy dolls seem to be the number one scariest thing I run in to regularly while thrifting. Here's a few examples from the past (click the image to visit):

   

What weird stuff have you seen at the thrift store lately?

  

My 1920's Hair Inspiration for the Lumber Baron's Ball!

Image courtesy of Arabia Weddings

My 1920's Hair Inspiration for the Lumber Baron's Ball!

So...what was trending for 1920's hair? Well, definitely shorter 'dos: bobs, finger waves and closely coiffed hairstyles were all the rage.

  

Images courtesy of  Best of Hairstyles, Hair Archive and Wikipedia

But, what to do if you have longer hair like me? 

You have a few options:

1) Rock a cloche or similiar period hat! Tuck hair underneath and allow some curls to pop out.

2) Fake a bob. It's easier than you think; check out this article on Elle for directions on how to do it in six easy steps.

3) No matter your length, curl and adorn. Add waves and beautiful accessories to your hair to transform any length 'do into a respectable 1920's statement!

Check back with me soon as I have an accessory DIY, as well as "trial run", planned for my Lumber Baron's Ball hairstyle!

How to Style Your Kimono Into Fall: Thrifted Fashion

How to Style Your Kimono Into Fall: Thrifted Fashion

Confession: the piece I'm wearing above isn't a real "kimono"--in the sense that I thrifted it for $1 as a sheer seperate that was paired with a dress about five sizes too big for me! Basically, it was a perfect "kimono-inspired" piece, which was EXACTLY what I was looking for! In fact, that same day, I bought another floral "kimono" just like it at Use it Again Thrift Shop in Muskegon, Michigan.

Unfortunately, my dedication to finding a second-hand piece rather than rushing out to buy a brand new item came a little later than this spring/summer trend began, but that wasn't of much concern to me--I knew I could easily style it into fall!

For those of you who might have a kimono in your summer wardrobe, have no fear--you can transition this item in to your autumn rotation easily! Tips are bulleted below!

• Pair your kimono with a longer item with more coverage, such as a long maxi dress (as I did)
• Use a belt or other items to add extra layers (such as scarves, hats, etc.) to create texture and warmth
• Try pairing your kimono with jeans and boots rather than shorts and sandals
• Pair a kimono with a long sleeved shirt and a heavier bib necklace for an autumnal "boho" look
• If you want to keep the shorts with your kimono, add tights and boots or closed toed shoes like Oxfords or flats
• Add your kimono under a fur vest or another warm piece to add depth, length and warmth to your existing outfit

Looking for more tips on how to work your summer wardrobe in to fall? Check out this video from stylist Lindsey Albanese on EOnline.  Also, as this article from FashionMagazine.com states, it's really just about "adding on" to your staple pieces until you have a weather appropriate ensemble!

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!

  

All The Pretty Colors: Street Fashion in Grand Rapids, Michigan

ALL THE PRETTY COLORS:
Street Fashion in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Meet Briana! I ran in to Briana at a heavy/sludge/punk show in Grand Rapids, Michigan (I was there to enjoy the music and take pictures--see some of my photography from that night here!). I noticed her sitting on a bench, waiting for the show to start, and loved her colorful ensemble and brown eyes. Naturally, I had to inquire whether or not she liked to thrift. To my delight, she told me that everything she was wearing was second-hand, and the rest is history!

Today in street fashion, what you can learn from Briana!

Take risks

Try floor length dresses with boots 

(combat, granny, high heeled, cowboy)

Combine mustard yellow with floral print (it works!) as Briana did with the scarf in her hair

Add structure with a belt

Be natural and beautiful

 

Thirteen Dollars at Seconds on Third: A Thrift Store Review

SECONDS ON THIRD:

A thrift store review

I had such a lovely fourth of July up north in the Black Lake/Rogers City/Onaway area. (Check out a photo album of shots I posted from over the weekend at my photography page here!). One of the highlights of my weekend was stopping in to Seconds on Third (what a cute name, right?), a local Roger's City thrift store and non-profit on Third street whose proceeds go to the most excellent cause: Shelter Inc. in Alpena. What does Shelter Inc. do? They provide counseling, shelter and rehab services of all kinds for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault. They use the money from their thrift stores to fund everything from one on one therapy to operating their safe house for clients.

I had a chance to chat with store manager Renee Roeske, and I was interested in what type of demographic they served. Were many of the the clients female? "The shelter has only females living there," Renee said. "But they've helped males in the past, too--it's open to everyone. They've put male victims up in hotel rooms."  

The program is amazing full spectrum care for people of all sexes and ages. The thrift store's themselves double as locations for on site counseling, which is busy at some locations and a little more quiet at others. "We haven't had many individuals lately at the Roger's City store", Renee mentioned. "That's a good thing!"

Interested in donating? Do it here! Also check them out on Facebook!

 ON TO THE THRIFT STORE!

IT WAS AWESOME! FIVE STARS! Definitely stop by if you are in the Rogers City/Onaway area...I highly recommend it!

The first thing I noticed about the thrift store upon arrival was that it was clean, bright, and well organized. Though it was a small space, there was a really great collection of fun household items, jewelry, coats, women and men's apparell, furniture, shoes and other odds and ends.

EVERYTHING IN THE STORE WAS HALF OFF! That was music to my ears. I couldn't believe what I walked out of the store with for only thirteen collective dollars. See my treasusres below!

This cute floral chair was $2.50 cents the day that I arrived. I would have brought it home had I the vehicle to do so!

There were lots of clean, well sorted kid's clothes. 

Those plaid shorts were 25 cents (half off!)!

This super cute (and spotless) Calvin Klein trench was marked 6, so it would have been $3. Too bad it was a little big on me. The lady next to me mentioned that it would be worth buying to sell on Ebay, which I agree with! However, I'm into good thrift karma, so when something doesn't fit me...I leave it for the next lucky customer.

SO, WHAT DID I COME HOME WITH FOR THIRTEEN DOLLARS?

An adorable and perfectly fitting jean jacket, a cute pair of strappy bronze heels in perfect condition, a BRAND NEW pair of tan and brown suede Bass saddle shoes (that I was so excited about), three cute necklaces (including a fun gold and tiger eye bolo style strand) and a bronze studded strap bracelet.

OH! And a genuine leather tasseled shoulder bag, a genuine leather vest, and a genuine leather skirt that all fits me perfectly (Don't worry--I'm not wearing all the pieces together, haha!). Say what? Yeah. That's the kind of deal I'm talking about. Hands down the easiest thirteen dollars I've spent in a while!

____________________________________

P.O. Box 797

Alpena, MI 49707

Tel: (989) 356-2560

24-Hour Toll-free Crisis Line – 

(800) 396-9129

E-mail: ContactUs@shelterincalpena.org

Casual Vest with Heels: 100% Thrifted & Gifted

Casual Vest With Heels | 100% Thrifted (and gifted!)

I threw together this casual ensemble this weekend for a little Saturday outing; thrifting and then to Hudsonville's Pike 51 Microbrewery and Winery! The white sangria was delicious. ;) My favorite element of the outfit was the anklet; so delicate with a tapered leg and heels!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Grey oversized Hanes t-shirt (gifted) with my favorite little Gap vest--also a gift from my bestie-- (see it styled so many other ways, here!), paired with a thrifted pair of black jeans that I DIY'd into skinny cut. Also shown, silver necklace gifted to me last weekend by mom mom (which she purchased secondhand), paired with a secondhand vintage rhinestone anklet and thrifted black platform heels!

Ann Taylor watch, cute purple wallet and purply bead bracelet were all thrifted at Lakeshore Rescue Mission Thrift for $7 total. :)

 

Monchromopoly

MONCHROMOPOLY

It’s FINALLY summer!

So, WHY, when I’m supposed to be thinking of bright corals, rainbow popsicles and flirty summer dress patterns am I stuck in a cool and dark monochrome cave?

I’ve been there for a while…I mean, I’ve always loved black and white. 

However, I’ve been in a monochrome groove since at least spring, and it doesn’t look like anything will be changing soon. Although I love bright colors and patterns, I just can’t seem to stay away from the crisp, basic attraction of black and white, and I’m especially fond of pairing it with gold this season.

I’ve posted a few of my own outfits from this last year as well as some internet based monochrome eye candy for y’all—all pictures are linked to their original source.

Are you a big fan of basic black and white?

FROM THRIFT TRICK...

FROM THE INTERNET...