Thrift Shopping WIth My Sista'

Last week I had the luxury of spending the day and night at my sister-in-law's place at the beach.  When I go there,  it is like spending the night in a 5 star luxury hotel.  She is such a gracious host, has impeccable taste, and the sheets are even freshly ironed!  She is single and has the luxury of having complete control of the environment in her house and it is beautiful.  It is quite a stark contrast to my world of sweaty socks in every corner and ESPN on every television.  (I am surrounded by men LOL!)   I would love to show pictures but I want to respect her privacy.

Our plan was to go thrift shopping together.  The "Goodwill" in Huntington Beach was huge, very well kept, and clean.  We spent a few hours there prowling for bargains.  My find of the day was from Banana Republic.  It appeared as yet  unworn, and it is beautifully made.  I tried to take a picture of the fabric which is a  brown cotton sateen.  The chevron pattern is created by rows of ribbon that create an hombre pattern.  It is impeccably made and all of the seams match perfectly.  A great find! 

Sorry this is sideways :/  Can someone tell me how to flip?

Little ribbons sewn to create an hombre chevron

We  also had to go downtown to get a surfboard sock for my son which created a perfect set up for us to visit BJ's Brewery for margarita's on the rocks and a little  ahi-poke, my favorite appetizer.  Check out my pictures it will make you want some too!

Happy Shopping!.....Mary

My first "Outfit of the Day"

The Necklace

My Purse

My Shirt (formerly a men's XL polo)

Putting it all together (Don't laugh at the picture quality now!) I need to search out the light...

I know he has only been gone for a few days but after all, today is his birthday!  Moving your first child in the college dorm was a crazy emotional experience.  I am very proud of Ryan and excited for what he has in front of him.   He moved in the dorms on Tuesday, and today (Saturday) we are going to take him out to eat for his birthday.

Of course I dressed and accessorized for the occasion.  I want my son to be proud of me.  (Ok I dressed for my husband too)  I  chose my white "Not Your Daughter's Jeans," B.O.C. sandals,  and one of my recent thrift shop refashioned tops.  The purse was a long ago purchase made by Liz Claiborne.  The necklace was made by a friend.  The centerpiece of it is a piece of abalone with a painted and sealed picture of a flower  As for my shoes, I will spare you pictures of my feet until my next pedicure!   This picture is dark, but my fifteen year old son was behind the lens.  I need to find someone who knows how to work with the camera!

Just Finished! New Canvas Purse

This one cost me no more than $15.  That seems to be the magic number!  This one will go great with the new maroon and oxblood colors for fall.  I am now addicted to making and refashioning my own
clothing!

This post has been a while in coming.  I have been busy moving my first born son into college.  This week has been a life changing experience for us both!

Over the next few weeks I will have to get some pictures posted of  the outfits I have been making out of my creations, but my adventures finding them as well!

School is starting on Monday and my classroom is on it's way to being ready.  I am "ready or not" to get back to work.  Third grade here we come!

Later!

Mary

"Just Bitten" Lipstain-By Revlon

As an elementary school teacher and busy mom, my day can be quite hectic to say the least.  As a result,  I rarely have time to check, double check, or re-apply my make-up.  This little product is a secret weapon for me to make sure the color is not fading from my face.  It does exactly what it claims to do.  It stains your lips kind of like berries and colored candy did when you where a kid, only this time around you have the control of the color.  It provides a  natural look which I like.  On the other side is some lip balm to give your lips a little shine.  The color stays all day!

It is available in any drugstore and quite affordable! Give it a try.  If you are on the go like me, it will save you time, money, and keep you looking fabulous all day long. 'Til later...Mary

Thrifty Makeover With a Rocker Vibe

AFTER!

Love this print

Yesterday I was starting to run out of projects that I was excited about.  So, I took a quick trip to Goodwill and came back with inspiration.  I was drawn to it because of the print.  It had a neat rocker vibe that I was drawn to.  In addition,  the original shirt was laid out, centered, and matched very well.  See the side, back, and before views below.

I only knew I liked the print so I brought it home for $5.  The minute I put it on the form I knew what to do.  It pleated so well and took on a cool sculptural quality because it matched so evenly from side to side.

As a result, I was able to make a little peplum style that is very age appropriate for me at 53. When I tried it on, it gave me a cute shape not to mention the print and peplum hide a multitude of sins.

Make sure you scroll all the way down to see all of the views.  Especially the awful before YUK!

This blog also helped me with my photography skills.  I found out that keeping the flash off shows the details of the garments much better.

Stay tuned as very soon I think I will be brave enough to actually model my creations and show how I will accessorize them.  Really!

I would love to hear your comments...

Side

BACK

The awful BEFORE!

Figuring Things Out

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Ok!

This post is dedicated to how inept I feel at trying to figure out this whole process.  I have fumbled my way through so far but I understand I must publish this post with the code in order to get a bloglovin button.  Crossing my fingers and hoping it works...can't wait 'til I can afford some tech help.  Just so you won't be too bored I will post a picture of my first design (totally mine) in years.

I am starting to remember all of those lessons I learned in design school,  and learning some new things thanks to the net.  Here is the dress!

Retro Rescue!

This is the aftermath.  This will go well with some 3/4 leggings and ballet flats.  I think a black pair with a white crop toe might be very nice.  Tried to add some pictures of both to this blog but my computer was acting a little wonky.  This top would also pair nicely with my black skiny jeans and heels for a night out !



This thrifty resucue was so much fun!  The finished project has a retro vibe that I really like.  My adorable husband thinks it looks like a pregnancy top  but I think he is crazy! As you can see it lies flat over the stomach and pulls away from the body on the sides and back.  The original product was from the Dana Buchman "Diva" label, from her line on QVC. If you check out the "before" below you can see this was quite the grandma top.  Nevertheless, the fabric and construction were good.
When I saw it, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it!  At a price of $5 from the thrift shop it was worth a try.

Before: UGH!

Step 1: Cut off the sleeves, shape and sew the sides and armholes

. The back is a mirror image of the front.

Step 2:  I added contrasting buttons and some baby ric-rac to highlight the cute placket.  Before this it all blended together.

Thrifty find+ Not Your Daughter's Jeans!

It is frustrating that my camera doesn't show the nice details on this blouse.  It has beautiful pintucks, and covered buttons and loops.  I just didn't like the long sleeves and an ugly drawstring.  The fabric is a nice quality chiffon.  Let me tell you this picture doesn't do it justice but I had to rescue it from the racks of Goodwill for $3.  I cut off the sleeves and added a loose elastic.  In addition I added some elastic instead of the drawsting.  Ideally I would add the jeans and shoes shown below and I would be good to go!

BEFORE  

                                        AFTER!

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