#unique thrift

[tikora-ragin]

[internationalsadgirl]

Today I found a few shirts, just like ones you wear. I felt pathetic, but I bought them. Not so it'll be like you're here with me, But I'm an artist We like to take things from other people and make it our own. I dunno, I probably shouldn't have done that. It's not like you're gonna see it, though. You'll never know. Secretly, I wish you could see me now. I started dressing more to your liking. I've lost some weight. I've grown more comfortable in my skin. When I was on my way to the checkout, I went by the homegoods. I saw a couple of smiley face mugs, just like the ones above your bed. I also came across a portrait. That's something we used to do together; Look for the oddest portraits. I always hung them up on your side of the bed. Along with the note you made me the second time we hung out. "Hello, my name is Ace. Hello, my name is Ace. How are you? How are you? Fine, thank you". So proper. And it made me remember so many things I had pushed to the back of my mind. It tore me down. Well, seems like it's gonna be another day of crying in the thrift store.

Unique

[thrifthard]

Dress Brand: New York & Company Purchased: Unique Thrift (Chicago, IL) Price: $10?

Shoes Brand: Sofft Purchased: Crossroads Trading Co. (Chicago, IL) Price: I forget

Purse Brand: Betseyville Purchased: Buffalo Exchange (Chicago, IL) Price: $13?

Cropped Trench Brand: B's Closet Purchased: Crossroads Trading Co. (Oakland, CA) Price: I forget

All other items purchased new.

Not a good shot of the purse (hell, you've seen that before and will see it again) or the trench, which is hanging over my cubicle wall. But it seemed wrong not to mention them when both were in fact thrifted. Ooh, and the tights were purchased on crazy sale for $3.

Photo courtesy of Jen Lindner.

[stamponstyle]

Ask Olisi Friday's: Frugal Shopping Spots

Hello Stampees!  It's that time of the week!  That's right, Ask Olisi Friday's is here!  This question comes from Linda in Arlington, VA.

What places would you recommend I shop for myself without breaking my wallet?

Linda, you sound like a girl after my own heart.  I love to shop, but I also enjoy being frugal.  It is possible to do both.  I'm a firm believer that you can look like a million bucks without spending it! I'm going to provide you with my top three favorite places to shop on a budget.  I will also give recommendations as to what each store is good for.

H&M - I practically live in this store.  I appreciate how H&M has mastered the art of mixing trendy and classic pieces for a fraction of the price.  Check out one of my favorites from the Conscious Collection below, which features chemical free organic cotton, that is very chic and budget friendly.  Check out the rest of the collection here!  H&M also has great trendy accessories on a dime.

The Gap - T-Shirt?  Jeans?  Yeah?  This is the place to go.  I know of many people that feel that they have to spend a ton of money on jeans, but I love Gap jeans.  They have good fits for almost anyone and most pairs are less than $80!  A good investment that doesn't necessarily feel like one.

Zara - I have absolutely fallen in love with a lot of Zara shoes lately.  They have a good collection and a lot of their shoes are leather.  I find you can always find some cheap shoes, but they tend to look like it too.  Zara is a good place to go to find a nice leather pump or sandal without having to spend Choo or Louboutin money!!!

H&M Lace Skirt - $14.95

GAP Skinny Jean - $69.95

Zara Pink Cap Toe - $89.90

Also I love shopping thrift, vintage and consignment stores.  If you're up for the task, you can find some very good ones in the DMV area.  Here are a few of my favorites:  Unique Thrift, Junction and Clothes Encounters of a Second Kind. Another good tip is to do some online shopping with designer discount sites like: Ruelala, Ideeli and Hautelook to name a few.  Oh and did I almost forget to mention TJ Maxx and Marshalls?!?! You'll be surprised at some of the designer gems you can cop there.  So don't fret my lady!  There is plenty of shopping for you to do on a budget.  If you're looking for more ideas, please come join SOS and B Dexterous for our Style & Swap Fashion event on May 5, 2012.  You can register for free right here on my site. ---->

Linda, I hope I was able to send you in the right direction on your frugal shopping journey.  Please keep me posted.  If you would like a more detailed report customized for you, please reach me at [email protected].

I pronounce you STAMPED Linda, now share the love!

If you're reading this and would like to have a question featured on Ask Olisi Friday's, please email me at [email protected]!

Until next time my loves!  XOXO!