Thrift Store Haul

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

Was doing a little thrift store shopping and scored some items that are going to turn into lovely outfits for me and Stylized Wannabe. I decided to take some pictures and post them so you can see that you can get items that are a familiar brand and well-made at places like GoodWill and St.Vincent De Paul. Here's the pics:

Breakdown:
Blue Floral pattern Merona flats: scored New With tags at Goodwill 1/2 off for $3.00.
Mossimo Brand Patterned Wedges: scored New With Tags at Goodwill 1/2 for $7.50.
Navy Tommy Hilfiger Prep Argyle Cardigan: Scored for $3.00 at St.Vincent De Paul.
In the outfit pic: Black silk blend top is Kathy Ireland 1/2 off for $2.00, Red Cheetah patterned is by Lane Bryant & was bought New With Tags 1/2 off for $2, the leather pointy toe flats are by Wanted were bought  1/2 off for $3.00 all at Goodwill. Purple Bell-Sleeve Reaction by Kenneth Cole Peplum Sweater: bought 1/2 for $3.00 at Goodwill. Leopard Print Croft & Barrow Blouse: Another steal on 1/2 off day at Goodwill for a mere $3.00. Various pieces of costume jewelry: $2.00 @ St. Vincent De Paul.

The outfit picture is an ensemble I picked out for my BFF Christin. I was trying to show her how to spot a gem and vintage shop like a champ, and managed to put together a lovely date-night outfit for her too. For under $8. Brands that you have heard of, maybe some you've even forgotten about! (Like the Tommy Hilfiger sweater for me. His clothes were so IN when I was in middle school. I never hear anything about them anymore, but I adore this cardigan!)

Some Tips:

1. Do not buy any item without trying it on. If the store does not allow you to try on items, just leave. You don't want to waste your money.
2. Do not buy an item that does not fit. If it is too big and you KNOW you are going to hem it/take it in/repurpose it, feel free. Otherwise, leave it because Aspirational size shopping is insanity.
3. Never buy something damaged unless you are 100% sure you have the know-how to fix it...and will actually do it!
4. Even if an item is $2.00, it is a WASTE of money if you are NEVER GOING TO WEAR IT. Do not purchase a "maybe" Because they "maybe" in your closet taking up your space for a LONG time!
5. Ignore sizes. If the item is older, it may be too small, or because it was pre-owned, it may have stretched to accommodate a bigger person. Example: I usually take a size large, but in vintage sweaters and cardigans, I always end up in a medium.
6. THINK about it. If you have to buy 4 other items to make an outfit, you don't need it. That is how you end up with too many clothes and very few ensembles. You want versatile pieces that will go with other things you own.
7. And finally, always wash everything after you buy it and before you wear it. If bedbugs are a problem in your city, DRY the item on high heat first, then wash it and dry it. Tie the top of your shopping bag during transport. We don't want little hitchhikers in our cars and homes!    

I hope this post helps you and maybe inspires you to shop used/vintage. You may just find that one special piece that you will give a new, loving home to!
-Ash

Labels: Costume jewelry., goodwill, St. Vincent De Paul, thrift stores, Vintage | 12 comments

Leopard and Stripes and Way Too Warm!

Sunday, October 28, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

I woke up Tuesday  and headed to bloglovin' to find inspiration for getting dressed. I literally looked at the closet and though "I have NOTHING to wear." Came up on this lovely little number.

 Angela posted on her blog, Head to Toe Chic.So I thought to myself, I have leopard...pants... and... a striped...shirt. Surely this will work out! In the comments I told her I would post this whether it worked or not, because fashion is about taking a risk, after all! Here's the look:

I like this look. I don't LOVE it. Here's why: The stripes on my top are big and the leopard spots on my pants are small. They need to be the same size so it is more cohesive. I over accessorized as per usual and I wore a LOT of blush, but I liked that. I feel like my black boots and jacket helped tie it all together but then I stepped outside...and it was 80 degrees. The blazer had to go as soon as the pics were shot. And my striped top is a tank so I had to find another shirt because I had to work. The only other clothing item in my car was a ...leopard shirt! To work! Bam! In a Jersey Tuxedo! 

So, to surmise, I like it, I think I can rework it into something I love. And I matched my lips to my lovely bag again. Can't help it, it's such a pretty color.

Outfit Breakdown:

Blazer: Dots (brand and place I bought it)

Tank: Gap Body

Pants: Sizzle from Dots

Boots: Route 66 from Kmart

Bag: Banana Republic via Gap Outlet

Jewelry: Dainty gold and amethyst necklace was a gift, Mockingjay Pin is from Walmart, Chunky Chain is Express via Laura's Closet

Bangle is from Target like 3 years ago, Dangle earrings are from Kay jewelers, studs are from Target, Cocktail Ring is from Glitter.

*NO one mentioned my pattern mixing at ALL before I changed my top. My Mom thought I was nuts when she took the pictures, and the rest of the world rolled with it. I guess it wasn't as "out there" as I thought?

Labels: boots, headtotoechic, Hunger Games, leopard, stripes | 14 comments

Rescue and Resuscitate

Friday, October 26, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

I bought this top at the plus-size consignment place Laura's closet in Florence Ky. I love polka dots so I had to buy it. It seemed familiar though. I've never consigned there so I couldn't have bought one that I had traded in! Then it hit me, it merely reminded me of Kendi's default pic on her blog.  Not exactly the same shirt, but similar. Mine has a very deep vee that is obscured by the ruffle, thank goodness. I was already wearing jeans on a non-jeans day, I could not push my boss to the limit and show all my cleavage!

Sorry about the pictures. My photographer was busy so I couldn't get this shot till night and I had to be inside, where the lights turn my hair green. You get the idea though.

I LOVE my purse! I rescued him. I was at the Gap Outlet and he was on the shelf with his brown and black leather brothers, sitting forlornly. No one wanted him because his buckle was broken. I wanted him though. He is from Banana Republic and reminds me of this 

tomato-red leather bag Kaylee has over on sidewalkready. I had been looking for a similar one, with the color + shape + gold hardware. He was only $6.99, so I decided to take a chance that I could fix him. I have black, brown and tan leather bags, but no red. I then bought a magnetic purse-closure kit from Walmart and proceeded to very carefully fix my man. It is hard work making those tiny slits exactly where they should go, through the leather! Here's my guy in his original form:

I think I'm going to go buy a large gold tone brooch to place where his clasp was, as he will be complete once he's a little more fancy. What do you think?

Outfit Breakdown:

Top: Charter Club via Laura's Closet

Jeans: Liz&Co. from Burlington Coat Factory

Belt: Came off a shirt I bought at Wet Seal

Flats: Wet Seal

Purse: Banana Republic via Gap Outlet

Jewelry: Dangle Earrings from Forever 21, Studs from Target, Long Necklace was thrifted at Laura's Closet, Heart and Key necklace from Tiffany & Co. Rings are from many places.

What do you think of my rescued and resuscitated Banana Republic purse? Worth the effort?

PS-I matched my lip color to this purse. I just love the perfect POP it gives to my outfits!

Labels: Banana Republic, DIY, forever 21, Kendieveryday inspo, sidewalkready inspo | 9 comments

Shopping Hubby's Closet

Thursday, October 25, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

My fiance does not live with me yet and I will often spend  weekends at his house since it is closer to my job. I can't wait till he moves in because I intensely dislike schlepping my outfits to and fro, more than likely leaving something I really need/want in the process. Anyway, I forgot to grab a shirt for the Sunday shift at work, so I just shopped R's clothes. I pick them all out anyway, so I like most of them. Properly accessorized, this combo is a winner for me. I love the t-shirt thin sweater, so great for layering. I love the colors in the plaid button up. I just wish I had access to my multi chain rhinestone necklace to pop under the collar there but you can't be too picky when you are wearing someone else's clothing. The jewelry items were things I was already wearing or had in the bottom of my purse and the jeans were the same ones I wore in the Saturday Sequins post.

I will steal this and wear it again. Probably with a red button up underneath for the holidays! I also love how it looks very autumnal, most of my clothing tends to be pink, gray and black. By the time I got home from work and posed for pics it was almost too warm for the sweater so we worked quickly. I peeled out of that lovely sweater and unfortunately it's probably in R's floor. 

C'est la vie. 

Outfit Breakdown:

Button up: R's. Pretty sure it's from JCP

Sweater: Gap

Jeans: Gap

Shoes: Converse via Piperlime

Necklaces: Heart w/key from Tiffany & co. Long chain with peacock charm is a DIY that I made from two necklaces that were broken. Charm from one, Chain from the other.

Silver Bracelet: Walmart. (It's real though.)

Wrist brace: By Ace Bandages from Walgreens LOL.

Labels: converse, GAP, husband, peacocks, plaid | 17 comments

Saturday Sequins

Wednesday, October 24, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

This was my outfit for work on Saturday. I opened 9-3 but I had to take my daughter to an audition for a cable TV show at 6 pm. I wanted to look put together to cheer London on! -P.S. She got a call back. It's the same network Miley was on. The show is the once about dancing in Chicago. I'm trying not to name names just in case. Anyway, le outfit:

Don't you love than picture of my ear?  There was not a better way to crop it. I got loads of compliments on this outfit at work. Everyone kept asking why I was "dressed up." Friday, Saturday and Sunday we are allowed to wear jeans and a T-shirt, but I like step it up a bit. I feel like if you are wearing jeans at work, you should be a little dressier on top. It was COLD Saturday so I topped it with this gray ombre striped sweater and a coordinating sparkly scarf in luscious shades of pink silk. 

You may have noticed my lovely wrist brace accessory. I have a couple of stress fractures in my wrist from being clumsy. It hurts a LOT when it's cold out! Thank you for your concern! I dressed it up with a bangle. :)

Outfit Breakdown:

Ombre Striped Sweater: Walmart. IDK the brand. It's from 2010 I believe.

Pink Sequin Top: Deb by Debs Shops

Pink Striped Silk Scarf: Gift, and It's from Mexico.

Jeans: Gap boot cut jeans (hand me down from a pal.)

Boots: Wet Seal. 

Necklace: Banana Republic

Jewelry: Dangle earrings are Disney's Cinderella earrings from Walmart, amethyst studs are from Target, Engagement ring is from Kay Jewelers, Silver rose ring is from Kmart, Bangle is Forever 21.

*photographs courtesy of R and his Iphone. 

Labels: BOGO, boots, Cinderella, cold, hand me downs, scarf | 9 comments

Green M&Ms

Tuesday, October 23, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

When I showed my Mom this outfit she LOVED it. But for some reason she hates these boots. She thought they did not go. She is a little old school, I know in her mind's eye she was replacing my awesome boots with some pumps. I am not against pumps, I just don't own any coordinating ones and also, FALL IS FOR BOOTS! The slouchy calf-high low heeled boots were perfect for work and being comfortable. For the record though, I think my Mama abhors them. Poor boots.

I LOVE this outfit. This is definitely going to be repeated, re-accessorized, and re-worn. It was SO COMFY! ANNNND, all the clothing I am wearing in this post is second hand! Except for my tights. Here's a looksie:

 Did I mention my photographer for the day was my 6 year old niece? I described the shots I wanted and she complied. Aren't they great? I love the one on the wall, My fave! <3 Thank you, Andrea. <3
When my son saw this outfit in the morning he ran his hand up my hosiery-clad thigh and said "I like your chocolate legs Mommy. You look like the green M&M!" Since she is the "sexy" M&M I choose to accept this as a compliment.
Outfit Breakdown:
Top: Banana Republic via Laura's Closet in Florence, Ky (Plus-Sized Consignment)
Skirt:  Florence, Ky Goodwill
Tights: Just My Size from Walmart
Boots: Mossimo/Target via Facebook Yard Sale
Necklace: Express nwt via Laura's closet
Vintage Earrings: Small Blessings Thrift Store in Latonia, Ky
What do you think of my outfit? Total cost (excluding my tights which were bought new) for this outfit? $23.50 including tax. Boo Yeah.

Labels: Banana Republic, Express, Green MnMs, Target, Thrifted | 8 comments

J.Crew Sweater/Day off

Monday, October 22, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

I put together this outfit specifically to wear my awesome thrifted J.Crew sweater. I was off last Monday and     did not want to leave the house except I wanted to wear this and photograph it for the blog. I love it. It is so, so soft and comfy. I added boyfriend jeans tucked into some Mossimo boots I got from Facebook Yardsale and a green basic tee and styled it up with my Coach suede patchwork bag and a bit of jewelry. My hair is one day dirty. I wear it in a wrapped bun when I got to sleep at night. It gives it a little wave and body. Then Before I left the house I had it in a side braid for about 6 hours. I sprayed dry shampoo in and fluffed it with my fingers, twisted and pinned my bangs back and viola: good hair day for me. Here are the pics. I'm trying this new collage thing. Let me know what you think!

Outfit Breakdown:
Grandpa Sweater: J.Crew via the Florence, Kentucky Goodwill
Basic Tee: Hanes from Walmart
Jeans: GAP 1969 Boyfriend jeans from the Gap Outlet in Hebron, Kentucky
Boots: Mossimo for Target via Northern Kentucky Facebook Yardsale (you probably have a group like this for your city on FB, just check)
Bag: COACH
Earrings: Glitter ($1 Accessories store at the mall) Necklaces: Heart w/Key Tiffany & Co. Tassel from Body Central. Cuff Bracelet: Dots. Hunger Games Mockingjay Pin (it's pinned on my bracelet): Walmart. Rings: Various.

Labels: boots, day off, Hunger Games, thrifting | 5 comments

From Weddings to Dress Codes

Friday, October 19, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

Today is Friday! Whew! I am so ready for the weekend. Alas, I work the entire weekend. My next day off is NEXT Friday. But then, I am off for FOUR DAYS! I can sense you asking why I am off four days in a row. Well, I shall tell you. I am getting married the 27th of October! I will be Mrs. McElfresh! After EIGHT. YEARS. OF. DATING. And FYI we've been engaged for FIVE of those years. This is a LONG time coming! R is my high school sweetheart. We met in our senior year when we were both aides. He played baseball and was short, stocky, and muscular. He wore his hair on the longer side with huge side burns, then he shaved his head and grew a goatee for our prom. IMHO He was definitely the most handsome guy in our school. I loved him then, but I love him more in better, greater ways now. Wanna see our prom picture? Here ya go:

 

So tiny! So stylin' lol. Those shoes had butterflies and shortly after my dog ate them :(. I still have that dress though. Any way, onto outfits!

How do you feel about animal prints? I love them. I will wear them in any form of clothing. Shirt, pants, dress, cardigan, whatever. Today's animal action was this leopard print cardi I got at DOTS. I wore it over a purple basic Tee with my boyfriend jeans and my black moto boots and some saucy red lipstick.

 

My full body shot and a close up when I was setting the self timer. The lipstick is actually an orange Wet N Wild lippy called persimmon with Baby Lips over it in the grape shade. Together, they made red. I like it.

Outfit breakdown:

Cardigan: Dots

T Shirt: Faded Glory from Walmart

Jeans: GAP 1969 Boyfriend jeans

Boots: Route 66 from Kmart

Necklace: Banana Republic

Earrings: Walmart

Rings: Various.

I was having a great hair day here! Little bit of body in that shiz. Did you notice the boots have star shaped studs on the heel? Also, I got in trouble for wearing these jeans to work. We can only wear jeans Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I wore them Wednesday. Also, I'm behind a counter where no one could even see my jeans, and though I was wearing them I was still the most professionally dressed person at work. I hate dress codes! What do you dislike about your work dress code?

Labels: dress codes, high school, husbands, jeans, leopard, red lips, weddings | 2 comments

Something Old, Something New

Thursday, October 18, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

I have wanted to start a fashion blog for a very LONG time. For the past year or so I have been logging outfit photos on my personal Facebook for my legions of fans on there to kind of test the waters-so to speak. (By legions of fans I mean my mom. She likes and comments every photo. Good Mommy!) So I have been using photos (except when London guest posted for me) from there to build my blog up in it's inaugural week so that the outfits I photograph this week will have time to be edited and such (thanks for the recommendations of picsa) and will be posted NEXT week. This way, if I am sick or on vacation I have about a week's worth of pictures in reserve to post for you. This is also why the quality of some of these first pictures = not so great, they were taken by me with my Blackberry or my tablet. I'm still learning, but the best part is we can learn and grow together! This week I am learning HTML (a little) and how to edit my pictures, and after that I will be taking a photography class so I can do a lot more with my camera. That was the old. This is the something new! (ESH)

Sharon, my coworker, wanted me to dress up for her birthday. I wore my favorite dress, a black blazer, a LOT of costume jewelry, sky-high heels (not pictured) and a lovely little fascinator. The effect was very cute but a little like Minnie Mouse! I think it could also have used a belt but I love the look and I have worn variations on it since.

Outfit Breakdown:
Dress: Forever 21
Blazer: Body Central (it's fully lined, 98% cotton and 2% stretch. Pretty Good for the price which was like $12)
Shoes (not pictured): DEB
Jewelry: All forever 21! Minus my engagement ring, of course.
Fascinator: Forever 21 strikes again!
Glass: Cover Girl from 2010
Side note: I bought a similar fascinator for my upcoming nuptials. It also came from Forever 21. Score for me because the wedding places charge like $80 and UP for them, but they were $3 each at Forever 21!

Labels: blazer, dress up, fascinator, forever 21, polka dots, sky high heels, work | 2 comments

A face mask trial and an oath sworn.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

Today I am trying a new face mask. It contains oranges and bergamot and it smells AMAZING. It is supposed to make my face luminous and soothe my irritated skin. I will post a review after using it for a week and let you know how it goes. I want my skin soft and blemish-free for my upcoming nuptials to my beloved, R.

That was the face mask. Now for the oath. I am swearing an oath that I, Ashleigh Sanders future McElfresh, am no longer purchasing new items online or in-store for myself. I am only going to thrift shop from now till my birthday, February 20th. (I will continue if it proves to be a success.) I LOVE thrifting and I am also great at shopping a sale, but I spend WAY too much money on clothing and costume jewelry in particular. If I score an amazing deal, you will hear it. If I absolutely need something (brown flats) that I cannot find in any of the local thrift stores I will break down and buy it, but only if it is a necessity. There are several Goodwills, St. Vincent De Pauls, and other thrift stores in my area as well as MANY consignment shops. I am allowing myself to put consignment shops, flea markets, yard sales and trades/swaps in my "thrifting" category. The only thing I will not buy used are sneakers.

Now for a gratuitous shot of me and my famous leopard print pants. The people I work with say they abhor these pants, but I think they secretly wish they had the confidence to try trends as I do. Though I am hesitant to call them a trend as leopard is a timeless print, and I want to wear these pants long into my elderly years and hopefully be as fabulous as Iris Apfel. Don't know who Iris is? Google her. She's FABULOUS.

My Pants:

Yes, I know you can't see the full shot. I took this with the self-timed camera on my tablet. My good camera arrives this weekend. Thank Goodness.

Do you want to join my shopping challenge? Leave a comment. Let's be comrades.

Outfit breakdown:

Black Tee: Basic from Walmart

Vest: from Dots circa 2009

Leopard pants: Dots (on sale BOGO!)

Necklace: Dots!

Shoes: Converse All Stars via Piperlime

Labels: black is slimming, duck face, good hair, leopard pants, statement necklace, vest | 8 comments

Guest Blogger...London!

Monday, October 15, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

 My guest blogger today is my very stylish 6 year old, London. London loves to have her picture taken and she loves clothes/make up/shoes -just like her Mom! Today she has no school, so we had a little photo shoot in my Mom's rustic backyard. It is a lovely spot for pics! Check out my stylish gal:

Aren't these distressed boyfriend jeans so cute when cuffed and showing off her little glittery flats? I think so. Thank you to London's cousin/BFF Andrea for the jeans.

 A little close up action of her (mine actually!) necklace.










She poses so perfectly! My little model! This post was actually supposed to be written BY London as that is what Guest Bloggers do but we are at her Nana's-my Mom's and she is playing with her cousin/BFF so you get me! Don't act so disappointed.

 A full body shot. I love how her bright pink flower and pink shoes and necklace tie into the big pink star on her blouse.

I think I like this pouty look too. She was ready for the pictures to end.
Outfit breakdown on London:
Blouse: JCP
Jeans: Hand-me-down Gap Distressed Boyfriend jeans.
Glitter Flats: Faded Glory via Walmart.
Necklace: Glitter ($1 jewelry store at the mall.)
Pink Rose Hair bow: ????????
Purse: Selena Gomez for Kmart.

Mommy and Daughter model combo!
Do you ever take an over abundance of duck-face photos of you and your children like I do? Discuss.
Happy Monday!

Labels: boyfriend jeans, children's fashion, cuffed pants, glitte flats, mommy and me, rose hair clip, selena gomez, statement necklace | 6 comments

A little Cobalt, if you please.

Sunday, October 14, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

I'm blond. Not by nature but totally by choice. I also am very pale. Do you know what this means? It means I look really good in Cobalt blue. Actually, any shade of blue. Don't believe me? Check me out:

This is me sexing up my workday style. I often wear heels at work since there's no reason not to, we basically sit around all day in the office. The closet my job gets to fancy is when we get items for lunch that require the use of flatware to eat with instead of our hands.  However, being the stylish one (or clothing obsessed crazy one) I decided to step up my game and wear not only a sheer shirt, but a short skirt, it's actually a "micro mini" skirt but as I am VERY short it is longer on me and therefor work appropriate. Esh. 

I also rocked sexy snakeskin heels. Can you say hot mama? Here are my fabulous shoes:

My Lovie bought them for me as a 24th birthday present in 2010. I love them. I love most animal prints and I think the only good use for snakes is making shoes and belts. Just kidding PETA they are faux. Do you ever just feel like dressing it up for work just to get some use out of all the sexy outfits in your closet?

Tank: Old Navy. Sheer blouse: Dots. Skirt: Body Central. Shoes: Chinese Laundry from DSW. Necklace is a BFF necklace. Earrings: Cato. Rings: Various jewelry stores. 

Labels: anke bracelet, cobalt, cone heels, duck face, sheer, short skirt, snakeskin heels | 4 comments

Numero Uno

Thursday, October 11, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

Welcome to my first fashion blog post! My name is Ashleigh. I am 26 with two children, a kitten, and a fiance that I want to murder (lovingly) most of the time. I work 55 hours a week. I have a lot of style and not a lot of free time. Most of these outfits will be things I wear to work, along with the occasional dress up outfit or a pic of my weekend style. Maybe the occasional post of what my stylish 6 year old daughter is wearing. I do not have any new musings on what will be hot or in, I just know what I like on me. I like to take risks with clothes. I love loud prints like big polka dots, leopard, argyle. I wear a lot of hats and tons of jewelry.

Most of the items you will see here are frugally found via aggressive sales shopping. I do own some very special, well cared for designer pieces, most of them gifted or thrifted. I LOVE designer items like Coach and Louis Vuitton bags, Ralph Lauren cashmere sweaters and Ralph Lauren leather riding boots, I just do not have a lot of money for them. But when I do get something that special and fabulous you will see it! I will do my best to try and tell you when and where items were purchased but I like shopping at thrift stores and boutiques so it is not always possible.

This outfit is actually one of my favorites. It is essentially my work uniform: Dress, Add a belt at the waist for some shape, flats for comfort, bangles and bracelets and a hat. You will also regularly see my work key around my neck :( it's not by choice believe me.You will see this polka dotted dress A LOT, it is one of my favorites. I also wear my glasses every day. Me=contacts=NO.

Dress and Earrings: Forever 21. Flats: Wet Seal. Hat, Teal bangle and Orange bracelet: Dots. Belt: Came with a shirt I bought at Wet Seal.

Labels: bangles, belts, crimped hair, fedoras, flats, polka dots, poses, smiles | 3 comments