Basics

Tuesday, November 06, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

Today I combined a bunch of "basic" pieces, or "wardrobe staples" as some call them. Wardrobe staples are utilitarian, versatile items in your closet that you use to build an everyday outfit. Basics may include:

1. Dark Wash jeans

2. Blazers in neutral colors

3. T-Shirts

4. Fedoras (for me)

5. Sneakers (or flats or heels, any basic ones you can wear all the time. )

5. Red Lipstick. (Well, I wear red almost everyday.)

Now you take the basic and layer it with other pieces to make ensembles. Try this how-to:

Source: dressinterest.com via Leighleigh on Pinterest

And Viola: You are dressed. Easy right? Today I made two tiny boo-boos. I forgot to fill in my brows, and since I've gone platinum blond, my skin and hair and brows are kinda washed out. I think the lipstick helped. The second boo boo? I forgot a belt. I pulled my pants up all day. Here's my Basic Look:

My basics are: Khaki cords, white t-shirt, black blazer with the sleeves cuffed, and Converse sneakers. Then I added in some sparkle via my jewelry. I wore my beaded blue necklace, my Heart and Key Tiffany necklace,  a gold double chain Banana Republic necklace, some bangles, a brooch, two rings, and some dainty vintage earrings. I also wore this lovely new lipstick. It's a brand called Palladio that they sell at Sally's beauty supply. The color is called Cosmopolitan.

What do you think of my basics look? I think next time I may wear gray trousers, the khakis + my hair makes me seem a little washed out. Agree?

*Next time I'll wear my hair down so you can see how pretty it is. I find it remarkably shiny for being so bleached. I went from California blonde to platinum.

Outfit Breakdown:

Blazer: Dots (same)

T-shirt: Forever 21 (same)

Khaki Cords: Jordache (quite old, try these)

Sneakers: Converse All-Stars via Piperlime. (similar)

Bag: Dooney and Bourke (quite old as well, this one is fab!)

Jewelry: Blue beads via glitter, heart and key necklace via Tiffany & Co. gold chain necklace from Banana Republic via Gap Outlet, Bangles from Tahlia's Imports, Earrings from St.Vincent De Paul)

I can't always link to items I buy because many are bought at vintage stores so IDK where or WHEN they are from. I just so happened to have bought most of this outfit earlier this year, except my bag and pants. When I can show you something similar I will link it for you! :) (If you buy that Dooney Bag, buy one for me too.)

Labels: basics, converse, Dooney n Bourke, platinum hair, red lips, Tiffany and Company, Vintage | 12 comments

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