Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Formal Wear? Not a Problem

Thrifting does not stop at casual wear. Formal wear too can be purchased at a thrift store. However, this task can be daunting on some. At first glance, a thrift store's formal wear section can often look like something out of your grandma's closet. But have no fear! There may just be something worthwhile a midst all those shoulder pads and poofy sleeves.

Let me prove it to you. I have bought a number of formal dresses for dirt cheap using my thrifting skills. Not only are they cute and affordable, but they are unique! Take a look and see.


Dress (I.N. San Francisco)- $7 at New2You

This is a picture from my first high school dance. When I posted this picture on facebook I got comments like "wow. ruth. I looovvvveeee your dress!" and "dang Ruth cute dress!" Little did they know where I bought it.

My next two years I either borrowed dresses from friends or used a dress my sister had previously worn. For one dress I did splurge and get a new dress, but my dad paid for it so that doesn't really even count.

Next I want to show you a picture from my final high school dance.


Dress (city triangles) - $7 at New2You

This is probably one of my best finds at a thrift store ever. I love this dress. It fit me perfectly and it was the perfect color. The key to finding this dress was buying it waaay in advance. I believe I bought this dress over 6 months before the dance. 

So here's my secret. Always keep your eye out for something you may not think you need at the time. If you wait until when you need it, it might not be there. So be willing to buy a dress before you are even asked to a dance. Or buy a sweater during the summer. Or a tank top in the winter. Whatever it is, be willing to buy out of season. It may just come in handy later.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Introduction: Senior Pictures

What first comes to your mind when you hear "thrift store." Dirty? Second-hand? Cheap? To me, when I hear "thrift store" I think "GOLD MINE!!"

I first started thrift store shopping when I was in middle school. I volunteered at my school's thrift store and started to find a lot of cute things coming in. Since then, thrift store shopping has become second nature to me. I don't see the sense in paying full price for something at a regular department store when you can get something just as cute for waaaay cheaper.

Now I know what your thinking. This chick probably has no sense of fashion and doesn't know what's cute at all. Well...I'll have you know that people will often ask me "Where did you get that?" and 9 times out of 10, I will answer with "good will" or some other thrift store. Don't believe me? Well I guess you'll just have to wait and see. Through this blog I hope to prove that you CAN be stylish without completely blowing your budget.

The idea for this blog was born shortly after I got my senior pictures taken. It was then I realized that almost every piece of clothing I wore in my senior pictures was bought at a thrift store. I couldn't believe it. My cutest outfits that I chose to wear were made up of pieces that I got for less than $10 each! Pretty hard to believe. Well check it out. Here are a few of my senior pictures. Below each picture I have included where each item is originally from and how much I purchased them for.


Shirt (Originally from Old Navy) - $2 at New2You
Pants (Forever 21) - $1 at Spree
Shoes (Not in photo) - $9 at Target

Yes I know. Target is not a thrift store. But part of being a good thrifter is being able to spot a good deal in regular stores too. Trust me. The clearance rack is your best friend.


Blouse (Worthington) - $3 at New2You
Skirt (Old Navy) - FREE! (Hand-me-down)
Shoes - $30 at Kicks

Once again, I know I kind of cheated on the shoes. These were dance shoes that I had to buy for a play I was in. Otherwise, I would usually NEVER pay that much money for a pair of shoes.


Shirt (Arizona) - FREE (Hand-me-down)
Cardigan (American Eagle) - $3 at New2You
Jeggings (BDG) - $1 at Spree
Boots - $8 at Goodwill
Scarf - $3 at Charlotte Russe

This is a great example of why it pays off to keep an eye out for good deals at "regular" stores. I found this scarf on clearance at Charlotte Russe for only $3.

Well that's about it for my first blog post. Stay tuned for some of my thrift store shopping tricks and tips.

Photo Credit: Charissa Townsend - CST Photography