“You love vintage too? Well, coo coo ca choo!”

A combination more typical, American and comfortable than PB and J is women and clothes. And for the past two years it’s been all about vintage clothes.

And finding this combination of estrogen and antique in my backyard was a welcome surprise today. But you have to follow the clues to find the hidden treasures and fellow hunters here.

Take the Urban Snob’s page on Facebook, it lead me to an ad for an open house sale by Pampered Peacock Vintage. And I mean open house in the most literal sense.

Tucked away in a narrow and creepy side street, Pampered Peacock Vintage is everything the name says it is. As soon as you walk through the brightly painted Tiffany Blue door you’re greeted by the smells of Chloe and Channel No. 5. The walls are peachy-brown, with gold-accented lighting. It’s warm, eclectic and extremely stylish without trying.

Six pair of eyes look up from their jewel encrusted smartphones long enough to give a quick evaluation of the “new comer.” I obviously stumbled upon a tight-knit and cautious vintage fashion community.

I searched the eyes, finding not one familiar pair, except for the woman who opened the door for me. The owner, Cachet. I’ve met her before during my frequent kickboxing workouts. I never took the time to actually talk to her, judging her before I met her.

Thinking of my pre-judgement, I quickly smile and say a bright: “Hello.”

She quickly evaluates my attire, vintage Romantic-Equestrian, and gives me the “I remember you, but I don’t know if I like you” hug. But still, it’s a welcome and she remains hospitable by asking if I’d like Naughty Cider.

I agree, take the glass, sip and begin to carefully peruse the vintage goods. Hello, polyester, rayon and ultra-suede! The familiars I find every week in my favorite thrift stores.

The clothes were selected carefully. There’s not stitch out of place or trace of a stain. The clothes range from early 40s to late 70s, and all inspire the over-priced and cheaply made clothes you find everywhere.

This vintage lover is a kindred spirit, as well as her friends. Each were clothed, colored and coiffed in vintage refinery. They’re a pleasant surprise. I’ve obviously stumbled upon a secret vintage community. And it makes me happy.

But my time with this tight-nit and well-dressed phenoms was short lived. Responsibilities and the real world need to be dealt with. But, just as I found the cookie crumbs that lead me to this community, I know that it will lead me back to them. I’ll let you know what I find.

Thrifters Creed

Irreverent and slightly jaded
I pluck treasures midst the cast-offs and faded
Imagine a blank canvas destined to be painted
In patterns and styles mall rats consider outdated

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Thrifter on the hunt of a well crafted past
I’ll resew and patch history to make it last
Pay homage to a long last craft
Laying a vintage foundation many call vast

 

I stalk the ailes for vintage treasures
Style and quality is beyond measure
Repurpose the worn and weathered
And develop a personal style that’s untethered

 

Every morning awake and rejoice
Another day to give the castoffs a new voice
A little bit of vintage daily
I do it by choice

And many will question what I do
Wonder why sift through the dirt, when I can buy new
I ask: “Why do what’s expected of you?
Thrifting isn’t a fad to me, it’s for the well-styled few”

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Evolution of (Partially) Thrifted Outfit

There are times I have to remind myself that I don’t have to be the perfect example of a well stocked vintage closet. Plus, it’s summer and who wants to wear polyester in the heat…Phew!

So begins my journey to create something perfect for the season but thrifted too…

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It’s the perfect mix of summer staples: The medium blue chambray, the stripes, the above the knee black skirt and to add some edge, black sandles. It was perfect…until I washed the skirt, when it’s supposed to be dry cleaned!

It took me 2 months to find another black skirt to do it justice.

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I found this drab, almost midi, but yet not maxi black skirt at Goodwill for $3. It’s the perfect replacement.

I used some stitch witchery and bought some new buttons…

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And a found a lighter shirt at Old Navy…

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And created a lighter, much chicer, version of the one I partially destroyed (also too hot for the season).

Much better!

Stay Thrifty my Loves!

Thrifted D.I.Y.: Dye, DYE; DYE!

Recycle!

Repurpose!

Reuse!

This post is about one thing.  It’s about an idea, a need and a skirt.  This skirt:

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Which looked like it belongs on one of those disney teen television shows…something a nearly 30 year old woman should stay far away from.
So I dyed it with a mixture of forest green, navy and black and it came out this merky eggplant. Thankfully the flower pattern remained. And I now call it my: Thrifty Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil…

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It’s everything I needed this $1 skirt to be: simple, versatile, perfect for fall and flattering A-line skirt. For a total of $3 ($1 for the skirt and $2 for the dye).

Lastly, this shirt was boxy and had these hideous “Princess Bride” sleeves…

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So I cut off the sleeves and dyed it Taupe…

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And tuned it into a very 60s casual boho look. This is a huge step out of the jeans and heels box I like to check every dress down Friday. But I look forward to warm weather next year, or maybe I can find a long-sleeve shirt in a complimentary color.

So what do you all think? Comments and suggestions are appreciated!

When It Rains, I Thrift….Again!

There’s something about the tinkling or thunderous pounding of rain that makes people quarantine themselves until the wet plague is over.  While I…I welcome the rain.  Stick out my tongue at an oncoming shower, dance in it…and you better believe I’ll shop in it from now on!

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Either this is Ethnic print or a funky Chevron stripe…no matter, this is still chic for the fall. Same goes for the necklace which I thrifted this week as well.

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Yet another vintage goodie! This cashmere cardigan is a beautiful teal with textured gold buttons, by the brand “Mary Sachs” for Hadley. This brand was specially for the Harrisburg/Lancaster, Pa. area.

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Oooo! Another vintage sweater, this semi-sheer, mightnight blue one is from Pendleton.

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This light jacket or heavy cardigan (depending on how I style it) is made purely of wool by the brand Sparrow. Never heard of it…but it’s a gorgeous color and makes me feel like Little Red Riding Hood!

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Yes…another blazer! But, I’m honing in on the prep school vibe it’s sending me and I’ll be sewing a patch on!

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Finally, I only bought this shirt with my boyfriend in mind. I’m in love with the “boyfriend” look, especially with black leggings and these Ed Hardy brown knee-high rugby boots from Amazon!

That’s all I have for now my loves! I can’t wait to share how I styled these goodies!

As I always say…Keep it Thrifty!

Thrift Haul in Reverse!

Since I’m always showingh what I buy at thrift stores I figured I’d share what I’m giving away:

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My oh my has my style changed! I was practically living in the juniors section and New York and Company.

I’m proud that I’ve made a transformation…I prefer a slightly worn vintage wedge from Candies over a slinky black top from Penny’s; an obscure textured plum clutch over another black handbag. Sheesh! Now that I think about it, do I even wear black anymore?

What I’m rambling on about is that I’ve come a long way to this fashionable point. I know who I am and what I’m about and I’m confident about it.

30 here I come. ;D

When It Rains, I Thrift!

Has anyone else noticed that rain deters people from shopping?!  I did, and I used that to my advantage this weekend!

I scored some divine pieces this week on two of the nastiest rain-filled days:

Vintage vintage vintage! I can’t get enough and this perfect accordion pleated skirt has the Union Made tag and $1.50 price to prove it belonged in my closet.

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This roomy pintucked/crotched tunic was hidden amongst ratty white t-shirts. It had no stains, tears or tags! Perhaps another perfect vintage find?! Of course I can’t leave this garment in its prestine state, because white never stays ! I plan to dye this a dark royal blue with dye from Dharma Trading Company.

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Saw this and thought: Gold grommets! I plan to buy a 3/8th” grommet kit from the hardware store and line the lapel with them….soooo excited for this d.i.y.!

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The Navy is a part of the U.S. military, right?! Sooooo, I should be able to get away with this Nautical jacket in the fall. Especially if I wear all a tight black tank, black straight leg pants and a small gold clutch!

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I have looked for a wool pencil skirt in this color for so long…and I bought this one for $1.50! I think it could got very well with the tan jacket above.

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I can’t wait to rip apart, sew back together and dye my thifted pieces! As always: Keep it thrifty!

Three Thrifted Outfits Gone Right!

I haven’t had much access to things that inspire me like my favorite spot…

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And, thanks to the minor quake and two tropical storms that kept me inside and far away from my favorite thrift stores.  But, somehow I mustered up my imagination and styled these two mostly thrifted outfits:

The first I styled on a colorful whim after I spotted it nestled between some denim and floral dresses from the 90s. It’s absolutely hand made vintage perfection!  The cool jewel tones, cinched waistline, short sleeves make it appropriate for summer AND fall. Especially if I style it with a light weight cream turtleneck or long sleeve t-shirt, cream patterned tights and my cognac boots.

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This second outfit kind of embodies my style, which I call: Artisan. I wasn’t blessed with the ability to create through paint, brush, pencil and paper. But, I can conceive of an outfit and use my dress form as my canvas…molding an idea…creating and revising as I go.

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If you’ve read my blog before you know I love to tie-dye…this was my first experiment in low water immersion dying. I paired it with some dark denim skinnies and my favorite thrifted brandy wedges making this outfit an easy choice for a laid-back afternoon.

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More to come…Til then, keep it thrifty!

Thrifty Fall Fashion: It’s raining menswear!

Trousers!

Suspenders!

Textured sweater vests!

Vests with foxes!

Suspenders…again!

I’m falling for Fall! Autumnal fashion trends abound! Another one I picked up on is: Menswear!

I’ve never been interested in what mall clothing stores offered for this trend, but thrift stores have supplied almost every need! Check it ouuuut!:

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I feel like I’m missing something…some ties perhaps? Or a boxy jacket?…Maybe embracing this trend could also mean to embrace the simplicity of menswear in my own wardrobe.

Such as this fall/winter thrifted outfit that features the rose suspenders for menswear, black skinny pants and boots for the red and black combination trend! Check it ouuut:

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What do you guys think? Do i need simething else to rock this trend? I am always open to suggestions and definitely comments!