I don't kid when I say thrifting is an Art. It takes patience, skill, endurance, and a little bit of luck. Yesterday, Rebecca and I headed out for some much needed thrift store hunting. We both had an excellent time. After 6 hours, three thrift stores, 20 miles, and about $40 each, we both came away with about 7 items apiece. Not too shabby.
I am a big fan of altering jeans. I have what I assume is an all-too-common problem of having a hard time finding jeans that fit/look good. My hip-to-thigh ration seems to be off somehow. I can find jeans that fit my waist and hips, but they are really baggy around my thighs. Or if the jeans fit my thighs, I can't get them over my ample backside. And I like my ample backside, and baggy jeans do not accentuate my assests, so to speak. Therefore I've started finding jeans that fit, or are wide-legged, and taking them in at the thighs, or just pinning them down the shape of my leg and then sewing them up and cutting off the excess. It's worked quite well so far, and darker jeans hide my somewhat questionable sewing skills, so that helps. Perhaps in a later post, I'll show the step-by-step process...
I staged a little photo shoot with myself. I can't tell you how silly I felt trying to strike a pose in my bedroom. I have a whole new respect for the girls on America's Next Top Model! Fierce does not come easy! I think a tripod would help. It would give me some flexibility on location and lighting. But I'm happy enough with the photos below to post them on the internet, so I guess that says something. I tried to pair each of my new articles of clothing with other thrifted or discounted purchases.
Outfit on the Left: Blouse - Goodwill, Cardigan - Thrift World, Jeans - Thrift World, altered
Outfit on the Right: Dress - Goodwill, Headband - H & M, Boots - PetsMart (that's right, PetsMart!)
Outfit on the Left: Blouse - Goodwill, Cardigan - Vintage from Assistance League Thrift, Charcoal Trousers - New Lift Thrift / Outfit on the Right: Shell - Goodwill (Ann Taylor Loft $1.98!), Trouser Jeans - Thrift World, altered
Outfit on the Left: Sweater - Goodwill, Corduroy Pants - Mashall's
Outfit on the Right: Hoodie - Thrift World, Eyelet Blouse - Goodwill, Jeans - Kohls, altered
Outfit: Blazer - Thrift World, Blouse (J.Crew $3.95!) - Goodwill, Jeans - old pair with holes in the knee, altered
My thrift store advice is to take your time. In order to find the goods, you have to look through EVERYTHING! Some thrift stores are really well organized, but people will still throw stuff wherever they want. And always check the racks by the dressing room! The little animal print dress above was found there.
Don't forget to take a break and eat something. Keep yourself hydrated. This is a marathon, not a sprint!
You also have to keep an open mind. Some shirts may not look so good on their own, but would look great under a blazer or cardigan. Most fabrics can be dyed if the color isn't quite right. Seams can be taken in. Hems can be raised or lowered. A little imagination can go a long way.
2 comments:
Oh, you look fabulous!! Wonderful finds. Your altered jeans look really good - I wish it was just as easy to do that the opposite way (as in, take in the waist instead of the thighs) - I fear it wouldn't look as good as your alterations.
(ps, I love your Eiffel Tower lamp!)
OMG, you are SOOOOO CUTE! I can't stand it!!! Will you join me and Nick is a creepy three-way marriage? We can make it work. I'll even throw in an adorable baby for free. Thrift!
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