wardrobe updates

I realized this week that I reached a milestone.  That milestone is (drumroll please) ... I can now fit into all of my pre-pregnancy pants!!  Woohoo!!  I can't tell you how excited I am to fit into my old clothes and start looking halfway decent again instead of feeling like a frumpdog millionaire.  


Along with my newfound ability to jump into my old wardrobe came the rebirth of a little hobby of mine: thrift storing.  Since we do not have piles of money in the bank, nor will we anytime soon, I really like to hunt for trendy items at the thrift store.  It's fun, but tricky, so here are a few rules I like to stick to: 


1. Enter the store with a plan, i.e. know what you're searching for.  I have a few places where I like to look for inspiration (specifically here, here, and here), so I am able to go to the thrift store with a picture in my mind (or out of a magazine, catalog, etc.) of what I'd like to attempt to find.  It's really fun what you can snag for just a few dollars!


2.  Most thrift stores (at least the ones I go to) don't have fitting rooms so I don't buy anything that has a questionable fit.  Pants are usually out for me.


3.  My favorite things to look for: tops, belts, purses, shoes, scarves, and jewelry.  You can usually spend pennies but totally update an old outfit.  


4.  Don't buy anything that needs hemming, altering, button-sewing-on, etc.  History has shown that it never actually happens.  At least for me.  This might change if you know your way around a sewing machine, but I don't.  


5.  Don't buy something unless you are 100% sure you love it and will wear it.  There are some super cute vintage-type dresses, tops, etc. that looks really great on some people, but I can't seem to figure out how to wear them without looking like a bag lady.  Even though you might only spend a few dollars, many mistakes like this can add up.  I know from experience, unfortunately.  


Anyway, those are my suggestions in a nutshell.  If you don't have a large budget but are looking to update your wardrobe, I would seriously consider going to your neighborhood thrift store; you never know what goodies you might find!  


Here are some of my most recent finds:

short-sleeved sweater: $2.98
floral scarf: $1.99
brown gladiators: $3.98


Happy Thrift-Storing!