Showing posts with label The Find. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Find. Show all posts

Monday, January 17, 2011

The Find: Thanks to Goodwill for this lovely coat

Please ignore my serious face, I was trying to look not-excited about my outfit.


The Look: Get away, snow...I'm Paddington Bear.
Label: Gap
Likewise: I don't care, wear anything if it'll keep you warm out there.

Monday, January 3, 2011

The find: Winter pants, summer dreams

I could appear on Mad Men in these high-waisted pants.




The Look: Sailor pants appropriate for winter
Location: Second Time Around, Georgetown
Likewise: Pair this creamy camel with a rich jewel tone, or be bold and wear it with a black top and red shoes. I may have done the latter myself.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

The find: Perfect wedges to go with that holiday party dress



The Look: Red patent wedges with a twist
Label: Rampage
Location: Second Time Around, Georgetown
Likewise: Set off your winter neutrals with these bright wedges. Think outside the gray-black box and pair them with navy, camel, or cream.

When I found these adorable wedges I didn't even try them on. I just snatched them off the "new" table and plunked down the $12 for them at STA. Well worth it. The narrow wedge can lead to some twisted ankles, so be sure to take care when wearing a shoe similar to this one.

So pretty, I wish I could wear them every day.



Monday, October 4, 2010

The Find: The List wears consignment

The author of TBD's The List approached us proudly this morning to show off her blazer acquired from Current Boutique.  





The Look: Plaid, just on schedule for damp fall weather
Label: Juicy Couture
Location: Current Boutique, Arlington (for a reported ~$30)
Likewise: This jacket will easily dress up the jeans + boots combo.

Well done, List. Well done.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

The find: building an outfit from the bottom up

What do you wear when you need to build an outfit from the bottom up due to an injured foot?  Easy: start from the shoes.


Shoes: Crocs.  I know, I know, I know, I KNOW but my foot really hurts and the Crocs are really comfy. Found at the swap.
Skirt:  Ann Taylor. Swapped!
Shirt: A Target staple.
Sweater: Delia's, from the swap.
Jewelry: Forever21, gifts.

Total cost of outfit: probably about $12.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Washington Post guest blogger takes the guesswork out of paying for an internship wardrobe

The Washington post launched "Intern City" this week, a weak attempt at becoming a Post-run Facebook that would have been more relevant three months ago.

But we do give a big thumbs up to Ilana Strauss, a guest the Campus Overload blog who writes about affording a professional wardrobe.

She advises that young professionals have the following in their closets (you'll know which items are for the men versus the ladies):
*Two pairs of business pants
* A business skirt
* One or two business jackets that match the pants
* Four or five professional shirts. For guys, these are generally button-down.
*Three or four ties.
* One or two pairs formal shoes or sandals in black.

Strauss says you can get a starter-professional wardrobe for $50-60 if you shop at Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or other thrift stores.

She's right.

Kudos to this savvy young shopper! What awesome pieces have you found while thrifting for a work wardrobe?

Friday, July 16, 2010

The Find: The Washingtonian names area's best stores

The Washingtonian just posted a brief interview with Brooke Kao, who names the area's best vintage and thrift stores:

Best designer consignment: Second Chance, Bethesda
Best consignment prices: Frugalista, Columbia Heights
Best vintage: PollySue's, Takoma Park
Cheapest prices: Goodwill, Rockville
Largest thrift selection: Unique Thrift Store, Falls Church

Obviously, we've got a lot of catching up to do.  And Brooke, if you're out there reading, let's be friends.

Monday, July 12, 2010

The Find: Well-Suited

The Look: A suit for (almost) all seasons
Label: Banana Republic
Location: Value Village, Adelphi MD
Likewise: This neutral suit can go almost anywhere together or as separates. A simple white or black tee will have you dressed for a long day in the office. Sensible flats are fine, but try a statement necklace to dress up the ensemble.

I snagged this suit on my most recent trip to the Village for $15 bucks—minus my 25-percent discount. I didn't even try it on. But my haste caused some extra spending. The pants were too short, but I know there was plenty of room to let out the hem. So I stopped by my local tailor and $12 later, I was good to go. I won't be wearing any four-inch heels with this suit, but I'm kitten-heel ready.


Extra hem length before the official mend







Friday, June 25, 2010

The Find: Seersucker and Shoulder Pads

The Look: Seersucker for a preppy casual Friday
Label: Kate Hill
Location: MoCo Thrift, Bethesda
Likewise: A slightly boxy blazer can provide a nice contrast to a pair of skinny jeans. Or wear it over a simple dress for an extra layer in air-conditioned offices or restaurants.

My new balcony gets awfully sunny at 8 a.m.

Hello, buttons.

It just so happened to be nametag day at work.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

The Find: Mom's Closet

My mom came to visit last month, and as she gazed at the vintage goodies hanging from my rowing machine, she mumbled something about letting me take things from her closet the next time I was home. I didn't even have to use any of Sammy D's tips for raiding a family member's wardrobe!

One weekend later, I jumped into the catch-all family closet.  Our hall closet has everything from my sister's prom dress to old Girl Scout handbooks.  It's a pretty eclectic place.

I pretty much grabbed everything except the beloved fuschia prom dress and brought it back to DC for evaluation.  In the stock were my mom's prom dress, her wedding dress (Not white or traditional at all, sorry wedding enthusiasts), and a variety of dressing belonging to either my sister or my mom.

I immediately wore this green maxi dress to work, and got heaps of compliments throughout the day.  I don't usually take photos in the office bathroom, but it was the best full-length option I had going for me that day.




I have not done the proper research, so while I suspect my mom might have made this dress in the '70s, I can't guarantee that.  All I know is that I am even more of a spitting image of my mother when I'm wearing some of her clothing that fits like it was made for me.  Family ties, I guess!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

The Find: Woman of Many Hats

The roommate and I had a yard sale this past holiday weekend, and as you might suspect, not everything flew off the lawn as we had hoped.  So we loaded up the trunk, drove over to Value Village, and dropped off a sizable donation of stuff.  It felt good to unload, knowing that what was random, totally-not-useful stuff to us could become useful to someone else for mere pennies.  (Okay, maybe quarters.)

But since we were there...we figured we might as well stop in for a look-see.  I had been hoping to find a box to keep on my desk for business cards and other things I picked up along the course of the work day and wanted to save.  (Green file box, $3.43, by the way.  Score.)  We checked out a bunch of shoes (no nude pumps...someone keeps getting to them before me!) and found ourselves in the hat section.

And there was this veil, you see.

And it was gorgeous.

And I was sweaty and hot and gross, and there was dirt all over my lovely new TBD shirt.  (Hey, I was trying to cross-promote at the yard sale.)  

But I had to try on that veil.



So I did.  And we giggled, and talked about how it was in great shape, and wondered aloud in the aisle about how old it might have been.  I considered spending the few bucks on it--something to put away for later, perhaps--but honestly, you've gotta get a dress before you pick out a hairpiece of any sort, right brides?

I reluctantly put it back on the rack but was quickly distracted by a hideous, pale yellow headband (lower left).  Now, I am a woman who cannot wear many hats because my head is so damn big.  We've gone over this before, I know you're aware.  But this headband slipped right on and wouldn't you know, it looked like I was wearing a pineapple on my head.  Its beauty was only enhanced by the price tag sticking off the top like some sort of birthday candle.

At this point we began attracting the attention of the others in the aisle.  I heard a voice behind me.  "No, no, don't get that.  This is the one for you."  I turned to see a woman approaching me with a white hat (lower right).  I enthusiastically took it to try on and thanked her.  It was an awesome looking hat, if only I had the right occasion for it.  As I tried to ram it onto my giant dome, she said to the back of my head, "When's the date?"

I realized that she had been there for the whole veil exchange and my face went red.  "Oh, there's no date," I admitted, biting my tongue before I added, "yet."  "I just like to find the bargains as they come."

But she was right—the hat would have been amazing for an elegant wedding.  If only I were actually getting married and had a smaller head.

While we terrorized the hat and accessories aisle, I also ran across a few wigs—one of them being a straight-up mullet wig.  I actually hollered, "Dude this is like a mullet wig!" before realizing it was probably part of a Halloween costume.

The hat fairy then bestowed upon us a good piece of advice: Never try on a wig in a thrift store.  She said that lice is very unlikely to live on hats and scarves, but could be alive and well in a wig.  We got the heebie jeebies and scampered out of there before you could say, "Git 'er done."

Bonus points: You may know that Value Village offers 25 percent off the entire store on Mondays.  This weekend, I learned that on Memorial Day, everything in the store was FIFTY PERCENT OFF.  It's worth yelling about.  I am pretty sure this discount was available because it was a Monday holiday, so they just doubled the discount.  Columbus Day, MLK Day, I'm looking at you.  I am onto your discount tricks.




Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Find: The Gift of Vintage

This weekend, we finally met vintage queen Sammy D in the flesh!  More photos from our little adventure soon, but for now, to highlight a beautiful gift she brought for me!

On-the-spot Twitpic until I can upload a better photo!


Sammy picked up a few of these fantastic belts when she got to raid the closet of a former Eastern Shore resident.  She knows we're a sucker for all things nautical, and who wouldn't love having these whales to keep them company?  The thin red belt is adjustable and I can't wait to wear it with navy blue this summer.  Sammy herself was wearing a similar belt with a crab buckle.  We are nautical belt twins!

Thanks Sammy!  I love it!

Monday, April 19, 2010

The Find: First Day of School Edition

Every year, the approach of the first day of school means new clothes for children.  Now that I'm all grown up, I find that starting a new job is a great time to revamp the wardrobe.  I'm back in a newsroom, and while it's a casual environment, well...let's just say my last employer was even more casual.  And I loved it.

But it's time for a little change.  So I wandered over to Value Village and stocked up.  I'm not kidding when I say I stocked up.  If you're wondering how far you can get at a thrift store on $50, check out this score:
4 skirts
2 tops
2 belts

That yellow skirt in the foreground of the photo?  Yeah, it's a Lilly Pulitzer with a $178 tag.  It cost $20 at the Village, but I say it's well worth it for a cute summer skirt that goes from office to picnic and has pockets.  Definitely the best bargain I've found in a while.

I hope my grab bag provides a little inspiration if you're worried about sprucing up your wardrobe for spring or a new direction.

Speaking of a new direction, expect light posting for a few days until I get used to my new work schedule!  Thanks for your e-mails, and welcome to new Twitter followers!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

The Find: The Red Dress

Last fall, MC invited me to accompany him to a DC society-types event that had a nautical theme. Those who know me know I love a good nautical theme and even have a nautical tattoo. The "black tie recommended" note made me nervous. I didn't have anything remotely nautical in my closet that was remotely black tie-appropriate.

Off to Value Village I went. I happened to choose the Silver Spring location that has a Unique Thrift Store attached to it. Double your inventory...double the options. Seeing nothing on the Value Village side, I wandered over to the Unique side and started rifling through the dresses. I considered a short gold number, but I couldn't get it zipped. The bonus of this location is that is has fitting rooms, so there was no guessing game with any options I picked up.


Then it was almost as if it found me: a long, red Bill Levkoff gown with pleated shoulders, a boat neck, and a tiny fishtail train. I clutched it close to me as I scampered over to the fitting room. The attendant had to zip it up for me, but then turned me around and smiled and murmured something in Spanish about how nice I looked.

It was the one. And it was $14.99. Thank you, discount card.

I brought it home and hid it from MC for two weeks until the day of the event, when I hauled it downtown hanging in an elaborate trash-bag set-up. (I have since obtained a garment bag, promise.)

But by then, a sinus infection had knocked MC out so hard that he couldn't fathom going to the event. I had my heart set on wearing that dress around DC's "in" crowd, but I couldn't argue with a sick boy. I pouted a little and eventually got over it.

The dress is still in my closet. covered by a trash bag. Waiting for nautical-black-tie-recommended bliss.






Monday, March 1, 2010

The Find: A Little Spinach for Myself

Ms. Spinach has a recap of her first pop-up sale, but we've got a few photos to share, too!

Sign-making 101 with your guide, Ms. Spinach. I'm definitely keeping this little sign in mind when/if I ever have a similar sale of my own!

The rest are going under a cut, to save us all a little space!

Monday, February 22, 2010

The Find: The Best Seven Dollars I ever Spent

Last winter, a colleague asked me to participate in a date auction for charity.  I said I'd do it if my friend signed up as well, and we dove in head-first.  Everyone up for auction needed to wear a red dress, but since red isn't exactly my color, I didn't already have one I could wear.

Two stops at Value Village later, and I was set.  I found a Nicole Miller* dress for a whopping $6.95.  Add that to the $10 clutch I got from Payless and the $11 shoes from Target that happened to match, and I was ready for the auction.

A year later, I'm still dating the guy who bought me, a stranger who took a chance on the first girl up for bid.

No matter how often I purge my closet, I don't think I'll be getting rid of this dress for a long time. 

*That little number is most certainly backless.  Double-sided tape is required for any public appearance.  And yes, my hair was short.  And I was that happy that MC bought me.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

The Find: Cabin Fever Edition

We'd love to go thrift shopping right now.  We'd also love to go check out some great shops in the area.

But unless you've been living under a very warm rock, you're aware that it looks like this outside:

So nothing's really open.

Cabin fever is setting in, as there are eBay packages to send, errands to be done, and we can only lay in bed with this guy for so long:


His marathon napping makes us sleepy.

Since venturing out is verboten, it's time to take a look back at one of my favorite finds:


I found this little black dress toward the end of the summer and knew it would be perfect to hold onto until the fall.  Remember when there weren't piles of snow on the ground and we could go out with bare shoulders?  Those were the days.  My favorite accessory to complete this outfit is a bobby pin with a black satin bow attached to it.  The finishing touch!  The dress looks horribly wrinkled in this photo, but a little smoothing and good posture fixes that right up.

The Look: Little Black Dress
Label: Bebe
Location: Value Village, Hyattsville
Likewise: Anything goes.  I tend to stick with a sparkly silver bag and shoes (they match, holy cow), but don't be afraid to add some satiny color to complete the look!

A few more DC snowpocalypse photos after the jump, then it's back to shoveling for us!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

The Find: Risky Vintage


The other day I got dressed for work and immediately said to myself, "What the heck am I wearing?" But I buttoned up my coat, complete with scarf, hat, and mittens, and leapt out the door to embrace the joy of the morning.

Sort of kidding about that last part.

Really, though, I took a big risk by wearing a vintage piece that I'm not entirely comfortable with. I'm not sure how old this jacket is, but it's a bit awkward. The collar is thin, causing me to check it throughout the day to make sure it's not all over the place. The sleeves are short, and I'm not sure if my sleeves are the problem, or my arms. And after a few hours, I realized I'm missing two buttons at the bottom. And the fake pockets, ohhh the fake pocket flaps. So awkward.

The tag says it's a 9/10. In modern sizing, there is no chance this is a 9/10.

I can't even tell you when or where I got this jacket. I'm hoping it cost about a dollar. But I like the pattern (which is black and cream, if the photo makes you wonder), and thrown over a black t-shirt it's just the thing to get me through any day that's not dubbed "casual."

And if you ask me, you can never have too many jackets.

Look: Old-school prep
Label: Queen Casuals
Likewise: I last wore it with a black tee, skinny jeans, and bright pink flats. Add a statement necklace to draw attention away from any missing buttons you haven't yet repaired.