Thrifted trousers, blouse, belt, and jacket; DKNY heels

Something about the pants I picked up during this Thrifting Adventure (TM) make me feel like a cross between a circus clown and that dancing cartoon cat from Paula Abdul’s “Opposites Attract” video.  But you know, in a good way.

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Moda Int’l sweater; thrifted pants; vintage bag; Nine West wedges

Lately I’ve been sticking to classic shapes in solid colors, like this cropped sweater and the banana-yellow pants I picked up on my last thrifting adventure. Nothing too complicated or over the top, just light, effortless, and easy. Wouldn’t it be nice if everything was this simple?

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YOU GUYS. You won’t believe this, but I finally got around to doing another video blog! It’s only been, what, a year since the last one?

So, recently I hit my new favorite thrift store intending to pick up one or two items. Riiiight. Being me, I managed to leave with TEN items–including two pairs of shoes, a dress, two blouses, and several pairs of pants–all for under 30 bucks. Watch and learn…

*Note: I recorded in portrait orientation because I’m not that bright sometimes, but have been too lazy busy to re-record. Lesson learned.

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Sometimes when I’m out shopping, I see things I like but can’t fit/can’t afford/have no business even looking at. Being the generous person that I am, I thought I’d share some of my favorite finds in hopes that these items find a good home!

This time around, I hit Atomic Number 10 (Style Tour stop #1!) in search of pants, shorts, and tops for my DIY collection:

I found a pair of Proenza-worthy ikat shorts (unfortunately too large for me) and a nice selection of floaty ’70s secretary blouses.

I’d love to see this bib dress taken up a few inches for a cute minidress, and the colors on this sheath are a perfect example of the color blocking trend.

I just KNEW I was going home with this Star Trek uniform-meets-YSL blouse, but it was a bit too big, and if those colorful heeled sandals are still there the next time stop in, I’ll consider it fate–even though they’re a size too big (they’re 8s).

I plan on getting this lace crop top as soon as I figure out what to do with it (unless someone else gets to it first), and a size medium someone needs to snatch up this dress if only for the poufy sleeved goodness.

Nothing I looked at was over $20, so if you see something you like, go for it!

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You’re not going to believe this, but I actually got around to doing a project for my DIY capsule collection! I decided to tackle a fairly easy task first: a crop top. Now, technically it only required extremely basic cutting and sewing but just humor me here, mmkay?

I found a cute little oxford shirt at Atomic Number 10 and decided it would make a perfect crop top. Here’s what I did:

1. Gather your materials.

I used a rotary cutter, but regular ol’ scissors work just fine.

2. Measure where you want the hem.

I decided the best length was between the 4th & 5th button, then used the ruler on the cutting mat to measure the length. To make sure it was (mostly) straight all the way across the hem, I used a pencil to mark the length on each side, then connected the marks.

3. Cut!

I used the pencil line as my guide, then added a 1/4 inch hidden stitched hem. I hand sewed it because I’m not clever enough to use my sewing machine.

Et voila! Pair with a high-waisted skirt or pair of pants so just a sliver of tummy shows, and you’re good to go!

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Every few months I do this weird thing where I decide on a certain “look” for the season: Disco Housewife, Downtown Powerbitch, Rocker Pageant Princess, etc. It rarely pans out (’cause really, who can afford a new wardrobe every few months?), but it’s fun to play around with these little capsule collections in my head.

This time around, I’m still loving the ’70s secretary look, and I feel like even if I can’t revamp my ENTIRE closet, I can still incorporate some of the elements of my little fantasy. I mean, retro styles are fairly easy to acquire with a little digging at thrift stores, and modernizing old clothes shouldn’t be that difficult. So I’m wondering…could I DIY my own capsule collection? 

Here’s what I’m thinking:

Then, once the elements are in place, add a few current accessories and the fun really begins!

DIY projects aren’t really my strong suit since they require things like WORK and PATIENCE, but I think I could try some of the simpler ideas and maybe call in the pros for the complicated stuff.

What do you think? Ever tried something similar?

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I’m still (barely) recovering from another fun yet exhausting weekend, including the second installation of Final Friday PopShop–this time, marked by a great crowd, creative vendors, blowing bubbles, free haircuts, a suspicious set of blond wigs making the rounds, and a homecoming-ish picture at the end of the night.

I also managed to stop by Goodwill to drop off a donation (and check to see if there was anything they needed me to buy–THERE WAS), try my first cassia hair treatment (not impressed), ruin my so-called healthy eating plan with a few cheese coneys (Gold Star, baby!), and hang out at MOTR to hear a friend speak at Teilen and take random pictures of my shoes.

How was your weekend?

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