Scarf Love

One of the things that keeps me from hating cold weather are beautiful scarves.  I love all kinds. I think my collection borders on obsession.  All of my silk and dress scarves hang on scarf hangers in my closet. All of my pashminas and winter scarves are stored in boxes (four to be exact) in the coat closet.

Part of my scarf collection (just the dressy scarves)

I told you that my collection was a little nuts.  This picture doesn't even show the winter scarves. The obsession is bad because I love everything about them. They keep you warm, they are practical, they look pretty, they are colorful, they are timeless and the list goes on. It's hard to keep from buying more. I'm always drawn to new styles and patterns. Last winter I even started making my own and giving them as gifts. I've included scarves in many posts. I've even written about buying them, tying them and DIY scarf projects.

I rarely leave the house without a scarf in the winter. They keep the chill at bay and look fab in the process. Because of that I'm always looking for new ways to wear the scarves I own.  This past weekend while I was couch surfing in my pj's, I came across this amazing video. It's hands down the coolest scarf tying video ever! I've been tying my scarves in many of these ways for years and didn't even think there was a name associated with the methods. Once it's finished, you can even click on the individual pictures to see more. The video is done by Wendy Nguyen.  She's got a cool You Tube channel. Enjoy!

What is your favorite way to wear a scarf?

Thrifty Vintage Weekends

Over the last couple of weekends I've done some thrift and vintage shopping. On our Memorial Day weekend trip, we hit up a great thrift store in Winchester, VA and an incredible antique shop called GNC Antiques & Collectibles.  Last weekend, on a whim, we visted my favorite Goodwill store in Alexandria, VA and spent the gift certificate that I won in the DC Goodwill Fashionista DIY contest.  I always find something great at that store.

I found so many amazing pieces at GNC Antiques. I had to narrow down my choices based on my budget. I could have gone nuts and bought jewelry, acessories and even furniture. I fell in love with this vintage ostritch fan from the 40's but the price was a bit more than I wanted to pay.


Vintage Ostritch Fan

 Here's the loot I snagged on my shopping trips!

I really love vintage bags but many times they are too small to make them practical for my daily life.  I like big bags and to be honest, tiny bags only work with my curvy girl frame, for a night out.  Otherwise, they can look like I'm carrying a little girl's bag. This one is big.  It fits all of my daily needs and still has that ladies that lunch look.

Vintage jewelry is so much fun. You know that you won't see your jewelry on anyone else. When I'm hunting for costume pieces, I always reach for those that are unique and even a bit quirky. These earrings and pin fit that bill. The earrings are big but they have a clip back.  I love the sparkle. The pin is like nothing I've ever seen. It's funky and the cascading beads make it a statement piece.

Recently the preppy look has returned with a vengeance. For me, preppy always included my Pappagallo (Bermuda) bag. When I was younger, I didn't exactly care for my bags like I should have. My original Pappagallo bit the dust long ago. I found this one at the thrift store in Winchester for only $5 and it included 3 additional covers. In case you aren't familiar with this type of bag, the covers can be attached and removed via the buttons to change up your bag. One of the covers is a rust colored suede. Such a steal! My Honey bought the bag, covers and a great scarf for me.


Barely there sandals are a staple of my summer wardrobe. I love the braided straps of this pair. I'll style these with a sundress or some slim summer pants. I'm even thinking of creating DIY options to change up the look. I'll get back to you.




My scarf collection is ridiculously large but I can't help myself. Silk scarves are truly the best buy at thrift stores, but I've told you that before. They can totally change your outfit and give a basic dress a whole new look. I scored all of the scarves below for $3 or less. The striped one is actually a long belt sash.

Looking beyond an item's original intention is something I do often when thrifting.  I found this watch band. It's stainless steel and I plan to wear it as a funky bracelet instead of a watch band. The buckle on top will look great stacked with some of my other bracelets. It's different and unexpected. I got it for only $1!

Earth Day Eco Fashion

A NOTE ABOUT THIS ENTRY: This post was intended to go up on Earth Day. Due to computer issue or user malfunction, whatever you prefer, it's going up today.

Years ago when I thought of ecological fashion, visions of hemp shirts came to mind.  The idea of eco fashion has changed dramatically over the years.  Vintage has become more popular and people want to save money.  It doesn't mean tattered clothes that no one wants to buy. It means carefully sought gems that have been restyled or upcycled into something new. As a thrift store and vintage shopper and clothing swap attendee, I wear eco fashion constantly.  The items you are reusing aren't ending up in a landfill. They are being recycled, upcycled and reused by you. 

Earlier this week I told you about the fashion show I attended and a local design team that designs and makes upcycled items.  The ladies of Ginger Root Design embody eco fashion.  Their pieces are one of kind designs that have been created from damaged items, vintage clothes or vintage fabric. They create these amazing necklace tie creations fashioned from vintage neckties and in some cases vintage buttons. See a before and after picture below:

You can see more of their items on their facebook page.

I've refashioned a few items. Here are the ones I've shown in previous posts...




DIY Collar
Before                                                                  After                                                                   Outift     



Men's Tie as a Belt

The items I upcycled were picked up at Goodwill for a steal.  I took their basic idea and changed them to make them better, for me.

Spring Picks for the Budget Girl (part 4)

We are at the end of our list. These are the last three items. Keep in mind that I've pulled some suggestions for you but there are so many place to find these items. Discount stores, thrift stores and even street vendors have awesome finds.

TOP SPRING PICKS
1. a solid color flowy maxi skirt
2. wide leg jeans
3. anything 70's inspired
4. biker jacket (leather or faux leather, whatever fits your budget)
5. a sheer sweater (for layering)
6. neutrals in pale tans or blushes (pants or skirt)
7. a Breton striped top
8. bold color tops and bottoms (vary this depending on your life)
9. a pair of neutral booties that can be dressed up or down, heel height is a preference
10. white pants, skirt, or dress

EXTRAS
1. cat eye sunglasses
2. big bangle bracelets
3. anything rose gold
4. obi belts or wide sashes
5. colorful scarves
6. lady like bags


To view the buying information for the options, click on the picture. It will take you to a site where you can click on each item and get the details.

I found some great obi belts on sites like Etsy.  I love those sites because you can get a one of a kind items at a bargain price. A while back, I did a post about Etsy and the wonderful items that can be found on the site.

A scarf is a chic and easy way to jazz up an outfit. I think some of the best scarves can be found at thrift stores for amazing prices. 

It's fun to throw a lady like bag on with a rougher outfit. It adds polish and sophistication.

The next installment will feature a few mix and match tips. Stay tuned my friends.