FLOWERS AND SCORPIONS

Oh hey! We are finally in the new place, and it's wonderful! We have so much more room (including a music and art studio!), the location is right off downtown and the neighbors are friendly. I'm debating whether or not to dedicate a blog post to a house tour - a lot of our things are thrifted or second hand, so technically it's still within the thrifty theme. ;)

Everything about this teaching outfit makes me really happy, and each piece has its own backstory. I spotted this unusual flower blouse in a Tucson Goodwill, and I had no idea I would love it as much as I do (enough to paint its likeness with my gorgeous friend Danielle.) 

While I find actual scorpions terrifying, this braided leather scorpion is pretty amazing. This belt was actually given to my brother, but it kept finding its way into my wardrobe and eventually he graciously conceded.

I'm not sure I would call this color straight up orange, but whatever the shade, it's perfect. This skirt originally belonged to a lovely friend, and she passed it along to me. I love clothes that remind me of people, and I can't help but channel Rachel's positive energy whenever I don it. Also: pockets and pleats! Yes please. 

Earrings are from a shop in Flagstaff, Birkenstocks were a gift from my mother.

So when I unearthed this shirt from Goodwill two weeks ago, I was a tad apprehensive... and yet I couldn't quite leave it behind, so here it is, in all its lacy fringe-y goodness.

The shorts however were an easy decision at the Thrift Giant in Denton. Denim, stripes, high waist. Why not?

YOU BETCHA!

Oh hello there! This last week has been fairly busy – I taught lessons, a masterclass and marching sectionals, as well as gearing up for a move to a different place. Two of these outfits are from teaching, one of them is inspired from binge watching a certain TV show…

When it’s this hot and practice rooms are this unforgiving, my teaching outfits have to be super light. I was so happy to score this long black skirt at Goodwill because it’s incredibly thin while still opaque, and there are pockets! The blouse is a few years old, and never disappoints. My mom was shopping with me when I got it, and her comment was, “it’s an Alice shirt.” I love when you find something (especially while thrifting) that is exactly “you.” I’ll be very sad when I have to retire it.

So, I have three of these dresses. All thrifted. They are originally from Land’s End, which I generally associate with my grandparent’s aesthetic, but that’s exactly why you have to keep an open mind while thrifting. As a seasoned thrifter, you learn that LABELS DO NOT MATTER. It’s all equal playing ground, and most of the time it’s all pretty much the same price point whether it’s high end or fast fashion. I choose items based on style, fit and quality, and because of that I have discovered some great brands that I might have otherwise not bothered with. –End of Thrift Sermon-

While these shoes are not thrifted (!?!) I certainly have gotten my money’s worth. I believe they are from a JCPenny sale. Super comfy and can go casual or a little gussied up. These bad boys even went to Europe with me. 

It’s hot as heck, don’t cha know. While sorting things and starting the packing process (only a week away and I CANNOT WAIT) I definitely needed something easy to move around and sweat in. Thrifted this kid’s t shirt in Minnesota last summer and now that I’m watching Fargo the TV series, it’s even more perfect. If you haven’t watched it, I highly suggest it. Dark humor and beautiful cinematography make for a great pair. I’ve been living in these shorts since I bought them back in Tucson, and we’re still going steady.

Still trying to figure out what my posts are going to be like – more outfits, or just one with lots of pictures? More writing on my life? Thanks for sticking around for the experimenting, and comment if you have suggestions!

PRINT EDITION

If you took a peak in my crazy closet, the one consistent variable is my love for pattern and print. I love all things interesting, unusual and colorful. I might have one or two plain colored items in my closet, but they are few and far between.

 

  

   I used some “soft” tailoring in both outfits – instead of hemming or otherwise cutting up clothes (mostly due to lack of sewing skills and patience) folding, belting, and tucking are my main ways of adjusting the fit of clothing. Sometimes it looks a little less pristine than if it were to be professionally altered, but hey, I’m not really going for perfection. When thrifting, don’t be afraid to shop through bigger clothing sizes. You’d be surprised what you can make work for you!

I found this top and skirt in a Tucson Goodwill. The fabric is very thin and soft, which makes it wearable in the heat, but I’ll probably end up wearing it more in the colder months. I chose to fold the shirt into a slight crop top to break up the print. I’ve never seen a print quite like it, which is what drew me in in the first place. Reminiscent of marble, with a swirl of warriors on horses and camels… I just happen to think it’s pretty cool. 

  Hieroglyphs on a dress? I could hardly contain my joy when I spotted this in a Texas thrift earlier this year.  My favorite section of the Metropolitan Museum was the Egyptian artifacts, and I love reading about all of the fascinating history and burial rituals. When I die I want to become a mummy. But until then, I’ll settle for wearing this dress!

This dress hits about mid-calf and is very billowy. I like to belt it and pull some of the fabric upwards to shorten it a tad. 

 I bought this necklace a few years ago at a Buffalo Exchange. I’m pretty particular about my jewelry, so I tend to wear the same pieces over and over, and mmmaybe buy something once or twice a year. I really like how the intricate lace detail worked with the dress print. 

Until next time!