Thrifty Thursday: Village Discount, Unique & Junior League!

It's that time again! I hit up three different thrift stores over the past few weeks and raked in some goodies! I also stopped by Crossroads Trading Company to unload a few things that I no longer needed/wanted (in order to fund my thrift addiction and other expeditions). Without further ado, let's get to it...

I*N*S*I*G*H*T (per the tag) = $2.50 at half off Monday at Unique.

This cute little light weight blazer, although a size 8, will be perfect for summer with my white jeans or a nice skirt.

100% Silk Casual Corner Blouse = $1.50 at half off Monday at Unique.

Given my love for stripes, I couldn't pass on this sweet little number. This can be dressed up with nice slacks and a blazer/added under a suit or dressed down with jeans, a denim jacket and some cute black leather moto boots/brown leather engineer boots.

(Can't make out the name on the tag) Dress = $3.00 at half off Monday at Unique.

Though I can't place the decade, there was no way I was leaving Unique without this vintage and COMPLETELY sheer gorgeous dress. It's so feminine (and a little tight) and delicate and just awesome! I'll mos def have to wear some kind of slip or something because like I said, it's completely sheer from the rooter to the tooter.

Ilie Wacs Blazer = $2.50 at half off Monday at Unique.

This can't be anything but vintage 80's awesomeness! As soon as I laid eyes on this blazer it was on and poppington! Though the sleeves are a bit short for me, I am still going to rock this like no one's business...yes indeed. Oh, and this blazer and the dress are made with good ol home grown labor.

100% Silk Joseph A Cardigan = $2.00 at half off Monday at Unique.

This cute chunky cardi was one of those right on time finds. My closet/rack are in dire need of warm threads for the sub-zero Chicago temps ahead, and this 100% silk (yep!) is sure to keep me nice and toasty.

Amber Sun Collection Knit Sweater = $3.00 at half off Monday at Unique.

Purple + Chunky Knit = Win...right? Yeah it does until you wash it and it gets lint on EVERYTHING! That's my fault though for not explicitly following the care instructions on the tag. Otherwise, I love this sweater. It mostly comes to my wrist and is nice and snuggly. Oh, and I LOVE purple.

Steve & Barry's Faux Sherpa and Denim Jacket = $3.50 at half off Monday at Unique.

Absolutely none of my fellow thrifters liked this jacket, but I did not and do not care, I love it! Denim and faux sherpa...what's not to love? Actually, I didn't love the way it smelled after I washed it. This thing smelled worse after I washed it than it did before and it also made everything else I washed it with smell awful too. I rewashed everything with double the detergent and a good measure of baking soda and peroxide and that did the trick.

H&M Black Blazer = $2.95 at Village Discount

After weeks of hunting I finally found the perfect black blazer! This beauty made my day, I may have shed a tear when I found it, lol. Bonus? It's machine washable, BAM!

(No Tag) B/W Marled Sweater = $2.50 at Junior League Thrift Store.

I have a love/hate relationship with this sweater. I love the fit, color and warmth of this sweater but I hate that it's itchy, hairy and it sheds on EVERYTHING! It's like a dog, lol. Very similar to the Joseph A cardi in terms of color, but that's where the similarities end. With a long sleeved undershirt, this promises to be a winter staple for me.

British Crown Colony 100% Silk Blouse = $5.00 at Junior League Thrift Store.

Oh.Em.Gee. I cannot tell you how much I LOVE this vintage blouse! 100% sheer ivory silk, fits like a dream, slit tail back, hi/low cut hem...LOVES IT! The label on this blouse intrigued me, so I did a little research (Googled it) and found these interesting tidbits.

Magenta Foxcroft Blouse = $3.25 at Junior League Thrift Store.

My homegirl Naimah actually brought this hot magenta number to my attention. I wasn't going to get it at first, but in the end I did...and I'm glad I did. I love the color and think it will look amazing with my navy blue blazer. It fits well and it's wrinkle free...always a bonus.

French Blue Eddie Bauer Blouse = $3.50 Junior League Thrift Store.

Last but not least, a French Blue Eddie Bauer blouse. This is another of my fave colors and a wardrobe essential IMO. This blouse can also be dressed up or down same as the striped and magenta blouses.


Whew, that does it for this week's edition of Thrifty Thursday. I did pretty well once again and am, for the most part, very pleased with my finds. Have you gone thrifting lately? Find anything good? Let a sistah know!

The Rundown: New Year's Eve (the movie) & Other Things

How you dewin'?





Don't you just love Wendy? I do, lol. Anyway, I'm better than good and working on GREAT and I hope all you loyal readers are doing the same :-)


Last week and the weekend were sooo fun and busy for me! I went to the Refinery29 and TopShop Chicago holiday shopping party last Tuesday, a People Magazine premiere for New year's Eve on Thursday and out thrifting/craft supply gathering/partying/clubbing with my girls on Saturday. By the time Sunday rolled around, I was exhausted, lol.


Let's start with what I wore to the People Magazine premiere party for the new film New Year's Eve...

FOTN (face of the night) = Make Up For Ever Water Proof Eyebrow Corrector in "No 4 Dark Brown Black" (LOVE this stuff, full review to come soon), Mabelline Bronze Glitz Eyeshadow Trio, Mabelline EyeStudio Master Drama Cream Pencil in "Midnight Master" (last blogged about here, full review to come soon), L'Oreal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lashes in "Blackest Black" (tweeted about the fawesomeness of this mascara, full review to come soon) and Lancome Paris Color Design Cream Lipstick in "Front Page" (fave lippy, soon to be blogged about).

Outfit Deets:


Earrings = F21
Bracelets = F21 & Old Navy
Rings = eBay (seen here) & Charlotte Russe
Necklace = Unique Thrift Store
Scarf = Dollar Tree
Orange Cardi = Alloy
Leopard print blouse = Unique Thrift Store (seen here)
Black Leather Belt = Gap
Dark Brown Super Skinny Twill Pants = Delia's
Brown Booties = Kohl's (seen here)
Leopard Print Satchel = Alloy (seen here)
Black Leather Jacket = Wilson's


I really liked this outfit for a casual night out. I wound up wearing a different coat though because it was freezing that night. Now on to the movie...


NYE is a feel good family oriented film (rated PG-13) directed by Gary Marshall. The ensemble cast features the likes of Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Michelle Pfeiffer, Halle Berry, Ashton Kutcher, Common, Zac Effron, Sarah Jessica Parker and many many more of Hollywood's elite. Now, you would think that with a cast like that the movie would be a hit right? Wrong! This movie was snore city! Both me and my girl Kristena fell asleep during the movie. What's more, when leaving the theater and talking to other movie patrons, we discovered many of them fell asleep too. Not a good sign. I just have to say that the acting was bad, the script was worse and the overall flow of the movie was like a clogged drain. I'm so glad we saw this movie for free. The People Magazine swagg bag provided very little icing on the cake. Here's what it contained...

In the bag: An issue of People Mag, sample of Halle Berry's perfume "Halle", a bar of Dove soap, a sample of Taster's Choice instant coffee and various coupons (not pictured). Very underwhelming.

Not much to be excited about right? I didn't think so either. The perfume smelled good though. Here's a pic of me and the girls...

L-R: Liesbeth, Ericka, Kristena and Moi. Naimah couldn't make it.

We were happy to be out of that theater, lol.


The movie was Thursday. On Saturday I went with my homegirl Naimah to the fabric store for some crafting supplies. I picked up some buttons...

I saw some earrings just like this in the thrift store today (blog to come on Thursday) for $10. These buttons were marked for $1.75 but after 50% off and 9.5% sales tax, they were a whopping 95 cents. I'm planning a sweet DIY earring project for these babies. My one regret from Saturday's thrifting adventure was not buying this beautiful piece of awesomeness right here...

It physically hurt me not to buy this vintage sequined blouse, my goodness it was beautiful! It cost $40 and I just wasn't prepared to spend that kind of money on one item. I'm now stalking it until the price is reduced. I hope no one steals it from me.


After the adventures in thrifting, my homegirl and I grabbed some pre-party food at nasty ass Taco Hell. I don't usually eat garbage, but I was STARVING. Good thing we went there too because I found something in the restroom...

Yep, it was my lucky day, lol. I wish it had been a $50 instead. After Taco Hell, we both had to rush home and prepare for the night's festivities: a holiday party and a night of house music at Output Lounge. I only have one picture from the fray...

This was me in a cab on the way to the club from the wack holiday party. No offense to my homegirl or her people who threw the party, lol. It wasn't my type of party though. At the club I had a Long Island Iced Tea (after the Bailey's spiked hot cocoa I'd had at the party) and proceeded to get it in on the dance floor until my knees ached and my legs quaked. It was a great night.


And that was my end of the week/weekend rundown. How  was your weekend? Have you started your rotation on the holiday party circuit yet? Let a sistah know!

Thrifty Thursday: The Unique Edition

Another Thursday, another thrift store :-)

So on Monday of this week, my homegirl and I hit up Unique Thrift Store for their half off Monday special. I'd been to this thrift store a time or two before, but I never really thought much of it. This time however, I went with a more open mind and a goal. I had my heart set on some cute chunky sweaters, a vintage jumpsuit and maybe some blouses. I soooo scored some really cute pieces! First of all, I was up in the place acting like a mini June Ambrose styling people on the spot and giving advice and I squealed with delight every time I found a great piece. It was really quite hilarious, lol. Sadly, I didn't find my vintage jumpsuit but I did find these beauties...

Casa Maclia knit sweater - $2.50

This cute little number is a black knit with washed gold thread and mesh embroidered cocktail glasses. My homegirl hated it upon first glance, but was converted when I tried it on. I knew it was a keeper the moment I laid my eyes on it :-) 

Jones Wear tweed blazer - $4.25

I looooove this beautiful fuchsia/multi Chanel-esque blazer! I mean LOVE! The collar, lapels and sleeves have a frayed/unfinished hem and the fuchsia satin inner lining pleases me greatly...greatly I say! And even though it's a petite (le sigh) there's no way I couldn't take it home with me. 

New York & Co Argyle sweater - $3.50

I will always love Argyle print everything, it is a classic preppy look that will never go out of style (for me anyway). Though the lighting is horrid, this cream sweater is fab.

Tally-Ho plaid cardi - $2.50

Another picture with bad lighting, but don't be fooled, this Scottish-esque plaid cardi is sooo fantastic! It has beautiful gold buttons with a lion crest that just makes it look so rich to me. Not money rich, but culture rich. 
 

Eddie Bauer crochet sweater - $2.50

At first, I wasn't sure about this horizontal striped sweater because sometimes certain stripes make me look wider than I am. I stuck this baby in my cart anyway so I could try it on and guess what? It looks awesome on me! Oh, it feels good on too, nice and soft.

Nancy Bolen for City Girl vintage denim vest - $1.50

This cute little vintage denim vest gave me sooo much life! When I saw it on the hanger I knew right away it was mine. Everything about it is AMAZING! The buttons are white plastic with silvertone and rhinestone accents, the collar is trimmed in a silver and white snake print, the embroidery work is done in a beautiful silver thread and it has silvertone plastic studs and rhinestones. FABULOUS I tell you!

R (that's all the tag says) tweed blazer - $3.50

Again with the Chanel-esque tweed blazers. I tell you I just can't get enough of them, I just can't, lol. Though the light washes it out, this beauty is black and oatmeal with a gorgeous lace trim all over. It even has the spare button still attached to it. I'm probably going to swap out the plain plastic buttons for something more fabulous though.

Allison Taylor Woman 100% silk leopard print blouse - $1.50

There was no way I was leaving that store without this light as air 100% SILK LEOPARD PRINT BLOUSE. This blouse is some of everything I live for, I mean come on! 100% silk and leopard print for $1.50? You already know, lol. 

Christopher & Banks knit cardi - $2.50

Now I know this is a bold piece that not everyone will like but I don't care if no one else likes it, I freaking love it! This cardi fits like a dream and it is seriously cute on me. 

Sole' (tag says handmade) crochet sweater - $3

This is another piece my homegirl hated on the hanger but wound up liking when I tried it on. I had no doubts about this sweater's potential when I found it on the rack, I knew it was going to be a winner...and it is. It looks great on me. It'll look even better with some skinny jeans and boots or loafers. Or even a black leather mini skirt. Or black leather pants. Yep.

Maggy London 100% silk cropped blazer - $1.50

I'm still smiling about this little number. I am becoming a grade A thrifter, just stupid good, lol. This 100% silk, cropped, 3/4 sleeve, multi-print gorgeous piece of goodness was one of the highlights of my thrift haul at an unbelievable $1.50. I mean, look at it. You probably can't tell from the picture, but it is dreamy. Loves it!

Unknown designer blouse - $1.50

 

This blouse caught my eye because it reminded me of mudcloth prints for some reason. Though it's a few sizes too big for me and has horrid shoulder pads, I love it dearly. I'm thinking this is handmade because it has no type of tag whatsoever. It could be satin, silk or polyester...I really don't know as I'm not a textile expert. All I know is I love it.

Summit Hill crochet cardi - $2

Here's another button front cardi I just couldn't say no to. This one also has beautiful gold buttons done in an intricate twist pattern. The cardi sports faux pockets and is a tight crochet with dark blue trim all around.

Mossimo modern trench coat (not sure if that's what it is but that's what I'm calling it) - $4.50

Oh how I struggled with my decision about this coat! When I saw the color I wanted it bad. Unforyunately, it was a little big on me and I noticed a missing button...so I put it down. But since it was half off I thought, why not. Then I noticed a stain on the sleeve...so I put it down again. Then I realized that I have no Cobalt blue in my closet since I returned those beautiful Cobalt blue Chinese Laundry pumps seen here. So I picked it back up, put it back in my cart and the rest...you already know. I plan to switch out the buttons and have the coat tailored to fit. A bit much for a $4.50 coat probably, but you do things when you're in love...with Cobalt blue. 

Brass and black bead earrings  - $5

Last but certainly not least, I present the cuter than cute brass and black bead stud/elongated arrowhead earrings. Just look at the engraving on these babies, don't you just love it? I certainly do! These caught my eye after I'd already checked out and was ready to leave...but I had to have them!





This was an EPIC thrift haul IMO, I did soooo well despite not finding my vintage jumpsuit. Good thing I'm going thrifting again next week :-)




Have you been thrifting lately? Find anything good? Let a sistah know!