Thrift store edition

I'm always impressed by great pieces that a blogger found "thrifting." I think it is partly because I am a huge proponent of recycling clothing. And who doesn't love a great price? But what is most impressive to me is that the individual needed to "find" that piece among all the other forgotten clothing, had to of course be able to fit the clothing, and most importantly, had to envision that piece with other items in her wardrobe.

One such source of inspiration is http://applesandpencilskirts.blogspot.com/ who frequents thrift stores and always seems to find great pieces to add to her collection. And so today, I decided to venture out to a new thrift store (not the one I live closest to -- where I never find anything!) I went there with a specific purpose: to hunt for great blazers, dresses, and skirts. I hit the jackpot!

My first find was very exciting --- a brand new with tags dark green blazer from BARNEYS NEW YORK! In my size! (The picture of the black blazer is very similar, but imagine it in dark green.) Since I will probably never own anything else new from that store, I grabbed it! I don't yet know how I will style it, but for $8, I am sure I will figure it out.  The next item I found was a wool pencil skirt from Ann Taylor. I don't own any wool pencil skirts, unless you count my J. Crew tweed skirt, and the reason is because I am reluctant to pay too much money for a skirt I will inevitably spend a lifetime dry cleaning. But for $7, that is not a problem. I love the color as it reminded me of the J. Crew Bright Dahlia color. The other photograph is the ACTUAL item I bought: a Juicy Couture herringbone blazer! I simply could not believe it was only $10 and it fit me perfectly. Love!

I also bought an adorable Old Navy floral dress that was brand new with tags.  (If I find a photo on the web later, I will post one as I am too lazy to take a real photo). So happy with my day! Two blazers, a skirt, and a (new) dress. Total shopping: $36!

Linen goodness (Banana Republic)

I have never been a big fan of linen until recently. It wrinkles easily and some blends can feel "scratchy." However, this year I am finding that the linen products from my favorite stores are changing my opinion. In my last post, I mentioned that I bought the voltage blue linen chambray shirt from Banana Republic. I had previously also bought these shirts from the same store.

The linen chambray shirt in Jade is just gorgeous! I also bought the striped khaki version of the shirt. I had to size up in this shirt due to tight fitting in the chest area but I love the way it looks both buttoned up and opened with a tank underneath. I can wear these with shorts or linen pants. I think linen can be worn in the spring and summer, and even for early fall.

Shopping the sale rack (@ Banana Republic & J Crew)

I made it to the mall last night with a little unexpected spending money and I perused the sale rack at J. Crew, which is STILL an extra 40 off sale prices. It is slim pickings but if you see something  you like that fits, you can't beat the price. I found a Lucille scalloped eyelet dress in my size and I ended up paying $45 for it.

Cute, right? The problem is I am not thrilled that it is a white dress. It looks terrific, but I just bought a similar white dress from J Crew, the back bow dress (see prior post). You will notice that in the same post I also bought a Lucille in green which I LOVE! I am thinking about doing something crazy -- dyeing it. I normally wouldn't mess with the original color of a J. Crew item, but I don't see myself wearing two white dresses very often. I'll post more on this if I decide to do it. Feel free to comment on your own dyeing experiences!

 

I also stopped by Banana Republic. I picked up the Aqua Station necklace for $23 on sale. It is sold out online and was the last one in the store so if you see one and like it, grab it. I also grabbed another chambray linen shirt in voltage blue. This was the only one in the store and it was in my size. For $25 I didn't think twice. Plus I had some rewards to spend so my total was $29.

Feeling CRAZY and DOTTY!

I was delighted to see that Old Navy - GAP - Banana Republic were ALL offering 30 off site-wide today. (Note to J. Crew: us loyal customers would LOVE such a promotion!).

Anyway, I made two purchases at Old Navy after being inspired by today's post on Shop With M's blog: (http://shopwithm.blogspot.com.es/).

I ordered the polka dot cardigan (white with black dots) and also the Polka Dot ruffle tank (white with black dots) for a total purchase of $18! Excited to receive them!

I also took advantage of the promotion on Banana's website, after spotting a pop-back of the Trina Turk Crazy Botanical Twist Strap Dress in my size. Total for dress with promotion: $45!

I hope everything fits!

Ivanka Trump shoes

Made my first Ivanka Trump shoe purchase today. I bought the "Halina Cork Platform Sandal" and I am happy to say that I got a great deal. They were on sale at Lord & Taylor for $55! Score!

These wedges are super comfortable and they (obviously) go with anything and everything. I am also proud of myself for paying CASH for them because I have recently started leaving my credit cards at home in order to let them breathe!

What I WANT Today

I've been dying to find the J. Crew Ram Necklace to buy and I recently learned that a fellow blogger is giving one away!! How amazing! Click the link to enter.

http://1moreshoppingblog.blogspot.ca/2012/07/j-crew-rams-head-necklace-summer.html

Old Navy & Target summer dress finds

I have taken a liking to light cotton summer dresses this summer, especially with NJ temps in the 90s for most of the last few weeks. I picked up these two from Old Navy for $15 each.

I picked up the green one today -- but I had to search as it is sold out in most store and online. I picked up the red and navy one before July 4, figuring it was a great dress for the holiday.

If you are looking for something similar, I posted about the pink/oatmeal version of this Mossimo for Target dress I bought in June, but I liked it so much I bought the gray/neon orange version. I recommend all of them for areas dealing with a heat wave! Great for around the house, errands, or as a swim coverup.