Thrifty Monday

Welcome to a new week friends!!!

I hope you've all had a GREAT weekend. Mine was pretty good. I spent the majority of it with my family, then spend a few hours with my babe thrifting on Saturday. We stopped by to see a few friends, grabbed a bite and were in the house relaxing by 9:30, LOL! Sunday, we went to church and as usual, the message was uplifting and relateable. 

I decided to wear two of my favorite thrifted pieces. My maroon, Coldwater Creek dress ($2.50) was purchased on a thrifting trip in Laurel, MD one weekend. I LOVE the slits in the dress, as well as the fit. It hugs my body just right! The leopard jacket (which is very lightweight) is form 2nd Avenue in Columbia. As you already know, I am a sucker for anything animal print ;-) I added my thrifted necklace and glasses (99 cents) to complete the look. 

My next look is from last weekend. My fiance' and I were asked by our good friends to host their wedding reception. With pleasure, we accepted and I immediately was on a hunt for a lavender/purple dress, per her request. I could not find anything lavender but I remembered I had a purple dress hanging in my closet. I purchased this dress form 2nd Avenue months ago for $3.50 and have been wanting to wear it for quite sometime now. The shoes were $14.99 from Marshalls and the earrings are my moms. Perfect look, huh?

Dress: Thrifted

Shoes: Marshalls

Earrings: Borrowed (Mommy)

Clutch: F21

As always, thanks for reading and I will speak with you soon. My next post is all about my 50,000 view giveaway so STAY TUNED!!! Be blessed! 

PS Don't forget to get your tickets for the upcoming Swap & Shop Event. Plus size clothing  (14-24) will be on sale at the event...hope to see YOU there!!!

(click photo for tickets)

The Weekend & A Big Fat Challenge

Hello everyone!! A Happy Belated Father's Day to all the father's out there. Before I go onto post, I must say that my father is the best that I know. He is always supportive, always loving, always patient, and can always make me laugh---no mater what! I love him so much and I am so blessed to have him in my life...❤❤❤

Now onto today's post....I had one busy weekend and to be quite honest, I am super exhausted. I have a lot going on, personal and work-wise, as well as few events and trips coming up. While I am thankful for these upcoming opportunities, I don't feel that I can go into as much detail on my upcoming posts as much  I'd like. I am a writer and I LOVE to go into detail about my days, weekends, outfits, etc. But sometimes life takes over and you have to step back and prioritize. Therefore, the next few weeks of posting will be more pictures than words and hopefully, more guest features. I'm also in the process of working on 2 upcoming guest features for 2 wonderful blogs; I will be sure to post the link(s). 

In the meantime, the outfit below is what I wore Saturday to run errands and hang with my babe. The sweater is beyond comfortable...I LOVE IT!! To finish the outfit, I piled on the accessories and called it a day ;-) Enjoy the pics/outfit and I will talk to you all soon. As always, thank you for your support...it is MUCH APPRECIATED!! 

PS This look is the my 1st at attempting to do the Big Fat Summer Challenge, inspired by the blogger behind Jasifers Lion Club. This outfit falls under the maxi dress choice. The "challenge outfits" are listed below so feel free to join in on the fun! I am super excited about this :-)

*****

DOUBLE TAKE ;-)

Sweater: American Rag (Macy's)

Maxi Dress: Merona (Target)

Sandals: Target

Rings: Flea Market

Earrings: Ebay

Watch: Thrifted (2nd Avenue)

Necklace: Unknown

The Finale

What's goin' on everyone? I hope you're staying cool because here in MD, it's blazing!! But I can't complain---Friday is almost here and we get a 4 day weekend. Can't beat that!

I am continuing with my "Same Dress" series and sad to say, today is the last post :-( I really enjoyed this series. As previously mentioned, I had so much fun changing little things here and there to make the outfit look different. I must do this more often. It's actually made me look at other items in my closet and figure out ways to style them. You never know what you have in your closet/drawers until you look ;-)

I hope you all have enjoyed the blue and green dress looks (see here and here for the previous green looks). Thanks for your comments and suggestions and etc...you all are so supportive! Have a great day and be sure to check back tomorrow for Facebook Friday!!

****

Dress: Marshalls

Blazer: Thrifted

Shoes: Aldo

Necklace: Thrifted

Watch: Thrifted (2nd Avenue)

Which Green Dress look is your fave???

(click on pic for original post)

Blue Dress, Part III

Hey there!! I hope your weekend was LOVELY!! I still can't believe how fast the weekend has gone by...where does the time go???

The following are a few snaps of one of my weekend looks. In keeping with the "Same Dress" theme from my previous post (HERE), I paired the dress with my Dad's denim shirt, bold jewelry and my fave summer sandals from Target. This outfit is so simple and comfy and has become a weekend staple look for me. Its perfect for a cool summer day, dontcha think??

Enjoy and talk to ya soon! My weekend recap post will be up next :-) Also, be sure to check HERE tomorrow for my latest thrift find from the weekend!

Dress: Marshalls

Denim Shirt: My Dad's

Necklace: Purchased this years ago...can't remember ;-)

Sandals: Target

Watch: Thrifted (2nd Avenue)

Simple & Sweet Weekend

Monday again, huh? LOL...hey loves and welcome to a new week! How was the weekend? Mine was just as the title says; simple and sweet. The fiance' and I spent Saturday in DE for his God-sisters baby shower. It's always nice to share a special occasion with loved ones. Especially when there's collard greens, mac n cheese and cupcakes involved! LOL...when there's good food at event, I'm happy. Doesn't take much to put a smile on this face! I wish I took my camera with me because the decor was so cute. All the centerpieces were wrapped gift boxes (covered in blue and yellow wrapping paper), and the cake/dessert table was SO pretty, and tasty ;-)

On Sunday, me & mom went with lil sis to her photo-shoot. She needed some head-shots and a few other photos for some upcoming events/ventures. She did so well and just ate the camera up! Below are a few of my favorite shots form the day.

I also went to 2nd Avenue with the fiance' to find him a few things. While there, I picked up a pair of sunglasses for 96 cents. They automatically became my new fave thrifted glasses. They are SO chic and I cannot wait to wear them. I also picked up some Bandolino wedges for work for $4.90. I was really just there to shop with him but it wouldn't be me if I walked out of a thrift store with nothing ;-) The glasses and other weekend pics, including outfits I wore, are below. 

Take care and don't forget to enter the Mother's Day Giveaway (click title for link). Contest ends Wednesday so hurry and enter ;-) 

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O's T-shirt: Thrifted (Reppin' for my hometown...B-more!)

Jeans: Lane Bryant

Converses: Off Broadway Shoes

Maxi Dress: Target

Blazer: INC

Necklace: E bay

*got my nails done too ;-)*

According to Nic: Thrifting 101

Hey there! I am really excited about this post because its about a topic I am very passionate about...THRIFTING!!! It's funny because as a young girl, I remember my Fafa (grandfather) always talked about the Goodwill and Salvation Army. I didn't get why he would go there to get clothes that once belonged to other people. In my young little mind, I thought the idea was gross. I didn't see it as an art. Fast forward years later, I am beginning to follow in his footsteps more and more! I now appreciate thrifting and I really feel that it's the best way to find/add unique pieces to your wardrobe.

I know many people thrift and find it to be a great experience. For example, I am completely taken by the dedication and skills that Mr. Goodwill Hunting, Looking Fly on a Dime, and Virtuous Styls (just to name a few) encompass when it comes to thrifting. They have, in my opinion, taken thrifitng to a new level and they've really made me examine my thrifting techniques. They've also made thrifting 'cool' to other bloggers.

So what can I bring to the thrifting table?? Well, just some basic tips that I use before, during and after my thrifting excursions. Below are my 5 easy tips, a few of my fave thrifted looks, as well as the links to some thrift stores in the MD area. I hope you find this helpful and I hope to have opened your eyes to the great world of thrifting ;-) Feedback on this post would be GREAT so feel free to leave a comment/message. I really hope this can help someone and maybe urge others to get out there and try thrifting :-) Be blessed and take care!

How do I begin?
1. Scan your closet (what do you have / what do you need??)


2. Make a list (needs/wants)


3. Decide on a budget
-it is so easy to overspend b/c thrifted items are inexpensive; however, budgeting is key...decide what you really need based on season, event, etc.


4. Have a plan (a good thrifting trip for me takes anywhere from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours... depending on the size of the store and the size of my list, LOL)
-when you enter the thrift store, do a walk through...make a note of where everything is before you start to shop; this will help increase implosive spending too ;-)


5. GRAB IT & TRY IT! (once you get in the store, it's every man.woman for themselves, LOL) 
-if you see something that you like, grab it! try it on over your clothes, if possible, then decide...i usually wear something comfy while thrifting so i won't have to go in the dressing room to try things on...saves a lot of time1


Nic's Top 5 Thrifting Staple Items
1. Handbags & Clutches


2. (Seasonal) Jackets & Capes


3. Blazers


4. ACCESSORIES (my fave!)


5. Vintage dresses (perfect for special events, or to wear just b/c!)


Purchased some great items...Now what???
1. Dry Clean (certain items) and wash the clothes (READ THE LABELS)


2. Tailor certain items
-you're only spending a few bucks on the item anyway; if its a little too big, buy it anyway and have it tailored to fit you body!


3. Sanitize Accessories & Handbags 
-when purchasing jewelry, i usually use alcohol to wipe them down, or i freeze the items (a tip i learned form Looking Fly on a Dime on the Nate Berkus show)
-with handbags, i use a Lysol wipe to wipe the inside (depending on the material), and i use alcohol to wipe off the hardware on the bag (i.e. zipper, buttons, studs, etc.)
-when i purchase shoes, i do the same thing... Lysol wipes (depending on the material)/or alcohol...i even use foot powder or something like that (LOL)


Other Helpful/Fun tips
-Find & clip inspirational items from Magazines and take them with you!

-Use the Pintrest app on your phone and have it handy when thrifting---it's great!
-Go with friends!---everything is better with your girlfriends :-)
-Plan your visits (bi-weekly, monthly, seasonally) depending on what you need and your budget!
-HAVE FUN :-)

My fave Thrift Stores in MD

(click on store name for information)

1. 2nd Avenue (Columbia, MD)

2. The Goodwill Super Store (Jessup, MD)

3. Village thrift Store (Laurel, MD)

4. The Goodwill (Rockville, MD)

5. The Goodwill of Greater Washington 

(haven't been here yet but i've heard nothing but GREAT things!)

Some of my Fave Thrifty Finds 

(click on pictures for the blog link)

*thrifted suit, eBay (BCBG) heels*

*thrifted tunic (so soft & comfortable)*

*blazer & sheer cardigan type thing, LOL*

*thrifted dress, free booties (from  a shop & swap event)*

*thrifted purse*

*brand new, thrifted men's shoes*

*all thrifted accessories*

*thrifted necklace*

*sun and the moon*

*accessories, make-up bag & jacket*

*clothes form goodwill & salvation army*

Turquoise & Black

Short and sweet post today! I hope all of you had a great day and HAPPY MAY 1st ;-) Can you believe its May already??? Jeeze....Anyway, here in MD, the weather was a bit warm so instead of a sundress, I wore my cropped Salvation Army pants (also seen, HERE). I am in love with these pants. They are so soft and they move right along with my body; they're the best! My accessories are really what (I think) made my outfit. All of which are thrifted or from Ebay. Enjoy the pics and ttys!!! 

PS I'm submitting this look to, Work it Wednesday. See other looks and even enter your own, HERE!

Necklace: Ebay 

Express Flats: Ebay

Watch & Braclet: Thrifted (2nd Avenue)

Purse: Gifted

*always laughing at something my babe is saying*

Pants: Salvation Army

Shirt: Old Navy

Blazer: I.N.C.