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*

More Color!

Hey everybody!! So I decided to shake it up a bit. After being featured as the Fashion Bombshell of the Day, (see post HERE) I started thinking about some of the comments. You know how we say, "I don't care what people say or think about me". Well, in a way I don't and in a way I do. I like to get feedback and constructive criticism, just not ignorant and hurtful comments. All that to say, I took a few of the comments to heart and really thought about how I can incorporate more color into my wardrobe. As well as, how to show off my best assets in a tasteful way. 

So I've had this thrifted skirt for a loooong time and I've NEVER worn it. I posted about it HERE ages ago. I went form being able to fit it, to not being able to fit it and now, it fits again! Which means all this working out and changed eating habits is working after all ;-) I added a colorful/floral sweater with it, and topped it off with my new nude pumps. The shoes are like a dream...they feel SO good. I received a lot of compliments on the outfit and the fiance' was LOVING this skirt. So I guess you can say I am in the process of beginning to embrace more color, as well as embracing my curves. I absolutely LOVE the outfit and I plan to wear it to church sometime soon. It's such a transitional outfit---work, date night, church, etc. 

Enjoy the pics, and be blessed!

~Nic

Top: Macy's

Skirt: Thrifted ($4.50)

Watch: Charming Charlie

Shoes: Ellen Tracy 

Earrings & Bracelet: Bakers

Necklace: Gifted

Whirlwind Weekend

Well well! What a weekend. As I mentioned in my last post, I was in Atlanta for the day today and boy was that a quick, but productive, trip. My lil sis attended the IJM Pageant as a guest Queen and my mom and I went with her. Traveling with my girls as I call them was perfect! I love spending time with the two of them, but when I get them both to myself it's even better!

I also had a little time to do some thrifting. I went on this rampage and told myself I was done thritfing until my birthday (August) and I even confessed this to my fiance, and Prissy from Rush our Fashion. While I really do LOVE to thrift, I felt that I was aimlessly thrifting. So, I told myself I was going to go cold turkey. But after talking to my mother and going through my closet, I decided to take a step back , write a list of the items I need, and start there. that way, I will have a purpose to my thrifting. I am in the process of revamping my accessories & jewelry so I can always use some new and unique pieces. And as I build my Spring/Summer wardrobe, I plan to keep my word and only buy what I need. i have it all written and photographed so I think this will be easy for me to do. Also, because I am trying to tone up and drop a few lbs, I feel that me purchasing on my needs will motivate me to work for my ideal shape even more. I LOVE me and I LOVE my curves, but its time to get healthier and its time to get MOVING! I need to get it together and I am on the right track!

All in all, its a domino affect and I am excited to see how I progress. I hope you all enjoy my pics of the weekend and I PROMISE I will expose the details of my giveaway tomorrow. I don't want to crowd this post with too much. Take care, be blessed and speak with you soon!

~Nic

Spring Items: Blazer, Vest, Slacks & a Dress

{2nd Avenue, Salvation Army & Goodwill}

Earrings

{2nd Avenue}

Instagram Wrap Up

{follow me @msnicjames}

1. Sleepy Fiance' ;-)

2. Southern Breakfast (Paschals, ATL)

3. Lil Sis & my Little Princess

4. Starbucks Shooters

Flowers & Sandals

I hope you all have a GREAT weekend!! I am headed to Atlanta for the day on Sunday with my mom and little sister. My lil sis has an appearance to do and we are tagging along. I wish I was going to be there for a longer period of time but, I will be back in the ATL very soon. Tomorrow, I am taking my lil sis to her American Girl Fashion Show dress rehearsal and in between waiting for her, I plan to do lunch with my fiance' and visit my Grandma in Baltimore. So as you can see, my weekend is jam packed! LOL. Its funny because a friend of mine asked if I minded doing all of this for my sister. To be honest, I do not. I would rather be there and be involved than someone else. My parents have trusted me to take her career to the next level and I plan to do just that. I am blessed enough to work for and with my family, and have time to do my own thing(s) on the side. It balances out and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Now onto the outfit...while it wasn't as warm as I thought it was going to be, I still decided to wear my fav pair of sandals today! I LOVE leopard so when I saw these sandals at South Moon Under last summer (also seen, HERE), I had to have them :-) My blouse/cover up is thrifted from Village Thirft Store in Laurel (MD) and the jeans are thrifted as well. I believe they are from the Goodwill.

Enjoy the pics and pray for safe travels for me! Take care and speak with you all soon!! Giveaway details for my 1 year anniversary coming soon....XO :-)

~Nic

Nails: Sally Hansen Stick On's

Watch: Charming Charlie

Bracelet: Gifted

Bangles: Random

Cuff: Bakers

Blouse/Cover Up: Thrifted

Jeans: Goodwill

Sandals: South Moon Under

*worn running errands & working from home*

Bare Legs

Hello there!! Before I go any further, I want to thank my new followers and say HELLO!!! I am so happy and pleased that you've decided to follow little 'ol me. XXOO!!!

As I type this post, I can't help but smile and think about how wonderful the weather was today. It was so nice, I decided to wear my little legs out!! This is how I know it is officially Spring...well, in my mind anyway, LOL. Scanning my closet this morning, I picked out the Old Navy dress. It was perfect; the material is so light and the length is work appropriate. I paired it with my favorite black and gold studded flats, and some vintage/thrifted jewelery. When I went out later, I added a pop of red and wore my red pumps. Simple, and classic!

Enjoy the pics and stay tuned for the next post...giveaway details for my 1year blog anniversary coming :-) AND, don't forget to 'like' my Facebook page. I need 10 more likes and I'm at 100. Once I reach that number, I am hosting my 1st Facebook giveaway. They will both be awesome, PROMISE ;-) Be blessed!

~Nic

*worn to work*

Dress: Old Navy

Flats: Macy's (Old)

Red Pumps: Marc Fisher, Macy's

Scarf: Target

Purse: Borrowed

Sunglasses: Goodwill

Watch & Earrings: Thrifted

Necklace: Georgetown Flea Market
Cuff: Bakers

Seeing Purple

Hey there! So according to the title, I guess you can say  I've gone crazy for purple lately. I've never really 'liked' the color but interestingly enough, I've been wearing it a lot lately without even realizing. Isn't it funny how that happens?? Well, I must say I am a purple believer! I think I've found yet another color that I will be wearing this Spring. Also as a Ravens fan, it's only right that I rock my hometown color ;-)

What color have you been wearing a lot lately??

~Nic

Blazer: Thrifted ($3.45, with 50% off)

*worn to work/church*

Shoes: Karen Scott (Macy's)

Purse: Thrifted (seen, HERE)

Top: Thrifted ($3.50)

Oxfords: Target (also seen, HERE)

*My EBay purchase came and they are SOO comfortable!!!*

Weekend Floral

So, picking up where I left off...the rest of the weekend was pretty busy. However, I did have my babe snap a few pics of my outfit. I planned to wear something different but when I got up, I changed my mind. Don't we all have those days? I've been wanting to show this sweater for a while now but every time I wear it, I forget to snap a pic. So with the great weather, today was the day to show you all! The sweater is just perfect!---it's not too heavy, not too light. I purchased it on sale from Marshall's and I am happy to finally share it with you all. The pink (thrifted) blazer was a last minute addition.

I wore this outfit to Georgetown for my lil sisters 1st appearance as a Maryland Princess ;-) We went to Signature boutique to try on and look at gowns for the National Pageant (held in FL in July). Let me just tell you that the boutique has some gorgeous gowns, shoes, and other pieces. I can't wait to go back! Not that I need anything but, LOL, just to be around pretty close and look was fun! The whole area (Georgetown) is so quaint and cute and I can't wait to go back. I have a few pics of some items I liked from Signature and I will post them on my Facebook page.

Sidenote: We also stopped by the Georgetown Flea Market and I picked up some really nice pieces. I will definitly be going back there as well. It's like a mega thrift store. Some prices are high, some low...it's a treasure hunt, but it's fun finding good stuff ;-) I will post those findings on my Facebook as well.

All in all, it was a GREAT day and weekend---I hope you can all say the same :-) Have a wonderful evening and have a happy Monday!

Sweater: Marshall's

Blazer: Thrifted (Goodwill)

Shoes: EBay (BCBG)

Purse: Borrowed (Mommy)

Slacks: Marshall's

My "Dream Dress" Weekend

I hope everyone had a good weekend! Mine was great :-) I spent it doing my hair, cleaning up my room, went to dinner with a friend, and then church Sunday with my fiance'. I also have the best news---Sunday afternoon, my family and I went dress shopping and I found my dream dress. I cried like a baby when I put it on and saw myself in the mirror. I knew I HAD TO HAVE IT! I'd been dreaming about that dress since the first time I saw it. So I knew it had to be THE ONE. I never thought I would get emotional over a dress but, you never know until you are in the moment.

With that huge purchase out of the way, I can breathe a bit easier and focus on the little things that will go into the wedding. Finding my dress was the highlight of my weekend and I must say my family (mom, dad, grandma and little sis) were so supportive. They sat there as I tried on gown after gown. I have the best family, ever. I cannot wait until my wedding day *blushing*

I also saw my girl Cortnie from, Style Lust pages this weekend. I picked up an order for myself, as well as a few other clutches for Christmas gifts. She has two new bags on her Etsy site. To see them, click HERE or HERE. She is such a sweetheart :-)

Below are pics I wore to church, as well as Sunday afternoon to go dress hunting. Enjoy!

Blessings :-)

~Nic

  Dress: INC {Macy's}

Boots: Bakers

Clutch: Thrifted

Earrings: Charming Charlie

Blouse: Thrifted

Jeans: Thrifted {Old Navy}

Flats: Nordstrom

Suede Jacket: Thrifted

Clutch: Thrifted

Favorite "Things" at the Moment

Well needless to say it is raining cats and dogs here in MD. I was going to snap some pics of my outfit but yea; that rain had me in the house and in some sweats quick, fast and in a hurry!! However, I still wanted to share with you all some of my favorite things at the moment. i am thinking about making this a weekly or monthly post. I have so much I want to share, sometimes I am just consumed with "real life" and I can't post as much as I would like. That's why I have my Facebook page. I updater on there like crazy so feel free to check it out.

Anywho, below are my favorite things be it music, clothes, accessories, books, whatever. I hope you enjoy and thanks as always for reading. You ALL have really made me a happy girl ;-) I am now at 102 followers and as promised, I am doing my 2nd give away. On Friday, I will be posting the giveaway and the instructions so check back. I am so excited to be giving away something; I am such a gift/card giver for any and every occasion. I always say, everything deserves a celebration. Life is too short.

Be blessed and I will talk to you soon!

~Nic

{Organizer for my desk at work from, Marshalls}

{Ashtray from, Goodwill---using it for my 'daily' jewelry}

{Black Leather Clutch from, Goodwill}

{Gold Watch from, Goodwill}

{My first "crackle" manicure done myself}

{Robin Thicke, Love after War}

{Bakers Boots; see HERE}

{Kris Jenners Latest Book---I have a fascination with autobiographies/memoirs}

{I have a love and passion for poetry (that's how I started writing) & this is one of my favorite collections}