Hi Guys!
So, I asked everyone's opinion on Facebook on what you all would like my next post to be about and, overwhelmingly, you said you wanted to know how to look expensive but, do it on a dime. I decided that, instead of writing one really long post on the subject, I would break it up into a series. So, here is part one...thrift store shopping. :)
I have a secret confession. Almost everything I wear is from a thrift store or consignment shop. Seriously. I LOVE to find cheap little treasures and, with a bit of imagination, make them into something admirable. I do this with furniture as well, but today maybe we should just talk about what goes on our backs.
There are a few tips and tricks to great thrift store shopping. Honestly, you can have almost your whole wardrobe be from a thrift store and, if you do it right, people will still see you as classy or quirky or bohemian or whatever you want them to see. I go for more of a 1960's class, but that's just my taste. Secretly, I adore getting compliments at a party or gathering on an outfit I know I only paid $5 for. And, there is nothing more "green" than wearing an outfit that is recycled, not to mention a lot of thrift stores are tied to charities, so your money is going to a good cause. See? Everybody wins.
Here are all of my tips and tricks. Enjoy!!!
Tip #1- Find a Thrift Store in a Good Area that is Close to a High End Mall.
Most thrift stores near good malls receive their overstock, so a lot of the merchandise is brand new. Ditto a thrift store near a Target. Also, if you shop a thrift store that is in an affluent area, the money still goes to the same charity, but the stock is WAY nicer. And, with the way wealthy women go through clothes, the garments are practically new. I personally don't care what's "so last season", but I'm sure glad they do.
I once saw a legit vintage Dior bag for $50. I didn't get it, but still.
The thrift shop I go to is a normal shop, but in a great area, so I have picked up Benetton dresses for $5, Coach bags, Guess, Banana Republic... it's awesome.
Tip #2- Know What You Can Work With
Wasting $5 on a dress that has bleached out armpits is still a waste of $5, because you will never ever wear it. So, my advice is to know what stains you can get out, what can be altered and what can be repaired by you, yourself. If a dress has a broken zipper or missing button, that's ok because those are easily fixed. If, however, a dress or shirt has a blood stain on it...well, those are notoriously difficult to get out. Also...why does the dress have blood on it??? Ew.
So, know what's actually a good deal and what's just a waste of money. Anything can be taken in or taken up, especially if there is darting in the bodice. However, it's difficult to let clothes out. Also, buying something 2 sizes 2 small because you like it and might fit into it one day is just silly. You might, it's true, but until then it's just cluttering up your life and reminding you how out of shape you feel right now. You don't need that.
Don't buy anything that has frayed edges, holes anywhere but a seam, pit stains, blood stains, makeup stains (except mascara, which is easy to get out), is too small or is moth eaten/ silverfish eaten. Be wary of leather jackets and inspect them for wear and tear.
Tip #3- Go Right When They Open
If you can, try to go to the stores right when they open. In fact, make friends with the staff (you should just be nice anyway, right?) and see if they will tell you when they tend to put new stock on the floor. That way, you have first pick.
Tip #4- Buy Costume Jewelry
You can spice up any simple fitted sheath dress or button down shirt with one cheap trick...vintage jewelery. I have a whole collection of brooches and not one of them is more expensive than $10, but all of them are vintage. Vintage pins and whatnot usually have a lot of artistry to them and a bit of whimsy, so they can add a personal touch to a thrift store find. Go your local vintage mall and have fun. It's great to be complimented on your pin or necklace and be able to say "Why, thanks! It's from the 1950's!"
Tip #5- For the Guys
Guys, thrift store shopping is actually more geared toward men. They have a large variety of jeans, button down shirts, tshirts and shoes. Try to find things in good repair, but shoes, if they are leather, can be repaired for usually very little money. If you find a great pair of dress shoes or boots, know that a quick trip to a shoe repair place can make them look new and disinfect them. Also, if you ARE shopping for tshirts, look for them in an athletic cut, which is less boxy and more tapered at the waist. If you are shopping for jeans, avoid stone wash, tapered legs or anything that hangs on your booty.
Honestly, for you guys, it's less about what you wear and more about good grooming. Lucky you!
Tip #6- Shoes for Women
I personally don't tend to buy shoes at thrift stores, because women tend to not have any barrier between their feet and the inside of the shoe. However, the same rules apply if you do. If they are leather, they can be repaired. Know what you are willing to spend on that and plan accordingly. Personally, I just try to find really good deals on super cute shoes at regular stores. I actually have a few pairs of decent shoes that are shiny or bright or completely nude and I wear them with everything.
I think that's it so far. If I think of any more, I fill post them asap. If not, my next post will be about shopping at thrift stores for home furnishings. :)
Warmth and Peace,
The Thrift Store Barbie
Friday, October 21, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Cheap and Effective Products
Hi Guys!
I know it's been a while since my last post, but this Thrift Store Diva has been pretty busy lately. I've had it called to my attention that my blog has some pretty steady followers (yay!), so I will try to keep up with it a little bit better.
Today I wanted to post some cheap, but effective, recipes to clear your skin, calm your skin, smooth your hands over night and condition your hair. Right now, my skin is a total train wreck. (I blame stress and falling asleep with my makeup on), so I am not the poster child for these recipes working at this very moment. However, I promise they do work. Happy Grooming!
Mask for Acne
What you need:
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay- about $7 for one pound of powdered clay at Sprouts, Mother's, Whole Foods and Henry's (But, you can usually find it on sale)
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar- about $4 at any of those stores. Make sure it is unfiltered, which means it is cloudy on the bottom. That's called the "mother". I use Braggs brand.
Directions:
First, cleanse your skin and stand over a bowl of hot water with a towel covering your head and the bowl, like a tent, for 10 minutes to steam open your pores. Then, in a bowl, combine equal parts of apple cider vinegar and clay (I do a tablespoon of clay to a little less than a tablespoon of vinegar). Make sure neither the bowl, nor the stirring utensil, is metal. It reacts with the clay. Stir it up until it's smooth (it will fizz, too, which is kind of cool) and then spread it evenly all over your face, or just where you get acne. As it dries, your skin will feel like it's "pulsing". Leave it on for about 10-20 minutes, unless your skin is sensitive, in which case try for 5-10 min at first to check your tolerance. Lay a hot (but not burning hot) , wet washcloth over your face and wipe off the mask. Rinse off completely. Your face will be pretty red, which is normal and goes away quickly, so do this at night when you don't have to be anywhere.
The benefits: This mask literally sucks the gunk out of your pores. You will most likely actually SEE the pore clogs sitting on top of your skin. Because it is so deep cleansing, the first few times you do this, your skin may "purge" (which is a fancy way of saying the deep down gunk will come to the surface and cause pimples). This will stop happening after a few times.
If $7 for a pound of clay seems like a lot to you, remember that you only use a tablespoon at a time and only do this once or twice a week. My jar has lasted me 2 years.
The Soothing Face Mask
What you need:
some honey (raw is best)
5 drops of lemon juice (not the kind with lemon oil in it. Straight lemon juice.)
Directions:
In a bowl, mix together ingredients and smear it on your cleansed, steamed face. Wait 20 minutes and rinse. This mask is pretty drippy, so I put a towel down over my pillow and just lay there. Sometimes, because I have acne scarring, I add a pinch or two of turmeric to the mixture, which fades acne marks and hyperpigmentation. Honey is naturally antibacterial and conditioning and lemon is acidic, so this mask does wonders for your skin.
Soft Hands Over Night
What you need:
Vaseline (I use the Alba Un-Petroleum, which you can get at any of the above stores, but Vaseline works and is much cheaper)
Cotton gloves- $4 or so at CVS, Walgreens...wherever. They are usually called moisturizing gloves and can be found by the eye masks and loofahs.
Directions:
Before bed, smear some jelly on your hands. Put on the gloves. In the morning, take of the gloves and rinse your hands. Your skin will be super soft.
Shiny, Silky Hair
What You Need:
An egg yolk
2 Tablespoons each of- olive oil, grape seed oil and rum
A cheap shower cap
Directions:
Mix everything together in a bowl. Apply it to DRY hair. Put on the shower cap. Keep the mixture on for at least 30 minutes. Rinse out. Your hair will be soft and shiny.
I have very long, very thick hair, so I double this recipe.
That's it for today! Thanks for reading and I hope these recipes work out great for you.
Warmth and Peace,
The Thrift Store Barbie
I know it's been a while since my last post, but this Thrift Store Diva has been pretty busy lately. I've had it called to my attention that my blog has some pretty steady followers (yay!), so I will try to keep up with it a little bit better.
Today I wanted to post some cheap, but effective, recipes to clear your skin, calm your skin, smooth your hands over night and condition your hair. Right now, my skin is a total train wreck. (I blame stress and falling asleep with my makeup on), so I am not the poster child for these recipes working at this very moment. However, I promise they do work. Happy Grooming!
Mask for Acne
What you need:
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay- about $7 for one pound of powdered clay at Sprouts, Mother's, Whole Foods and Henry's (But, you can usually find it on sale)
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar- about $4 at any of those stores. Make sure it is unfiltered, which means it is cloudy on the bottom. That's called the "mother". I use Braggs brand.
Directions:
First, cleanse your skin and stand over a bowl of hot water with a towel covering your head and the bowl, like a tent, for 10 minutes to steam open your pores. Then, in a bowl, combine equal parts of apple cider vinegar and clay (I do a tablespoon of clay to a little less than a tablespoon of vinegar). Make sure neither the bowl, nor the stirring utensil, is metal. It reacts with the clay. Stir it up until it's smooth (it will fizz, too, which is kind of cool) and then spread it evenly all over your face, or just where you get acne. As it dries, your skin will feel like it's "pulsing". Leave it on for about 10-20 minutes, unless your skin is sensitive, in which case try for 5-10 min at first to check your tolerance. Lay a hot (but not burning hot) , wet washcloth over your face and wipe off the mask. Rinse off completely. Your face will be pretty red, which is normal and goes away quickly, so do this at night when you don't have to be anywhere.
The benefits: This mask literally sucks the gunk out of your pores. You will most likely actually SEE the pore clogs sitting on top of your skin. Because it is so deep cleansing, the first few times you do this, your skin may "purge" (which is a fancy way of saying the deep down gunk will come to the surface and cause pimples). This will stop happening after a few times.
If $7 for a pound of clay seems like a lot to you, remember that you only use a tablespoon at a time and only do this once or twice a week. My jar has lasted me 2 years.
The Soothing Face Mask
What you need:
some honey (raw is best)
5 drops of lemon juice (not the kind with lemon oil in it. Straight lemon juice.)
Directions:
In a bowl, mix together ingredients and smear it on your cleansed, steamed face. Wait 20 minutes and rinse. This mask is pretty drippy, so I put a towel down over my pillow and just lay there. Sometimes, because I have acne scarring, I add a pinch or two of turmeric to the mixture, which fades acne marks and hyperpigmentation. Honey is naturally antibacterial and conditioning and lemon is acidic, so this mask does wonders for your skin.
Soft Hands Over Night
What you need:
Vaseline (I use the Alba Un-Petroleum, which you can get at any of the above stores, but Vaseline works and is much cheaper)
Cotton gloves- $4 or so at CVS, Walgreens...wherever. They are usually called moisturizing gloves and can be found by the eye masks and loofahs.
Directions:
Before bed, smear some jelly on your hands. Put on the gloves. In the morning, take of the gloves and rinse your hands. Your skin will be super soft.
Shiny, Silky Hair
What You Need:
An egg yolk
2 Tablespoons each of- olive oil, grape seed oil and rum
A cheap shower cap
Directions:
Mix everything together in a bowl. Apply it to DRY hair. Put on the shower cap. Keep the mixture on for at least 30 minutes. Rinse out. Your hair will be soft and shiny.
I have very long, very thick hair, so I double this recipe.
That's it for today! Thanks for reading and I hope these recipes work out great for you.
Warmth and Peace,
The Thrift Store Barbie
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