Thrift shopping tips

Thrift shopping tips:

Thrift shopping is great for getting a bargain. Here are some tips to help you make the most of thrift shopping and looking great.

1-Make lists

List what you need to buy so you narrow your search and don't over spend.

2-Buy what you love

If you fall in love with a piece think how much use the item will give you. Putting it back can be risky as it can be sold to another. Remember it could be returned later.

3-Buy what looks good on you

Items look different on hanger than on you. So, try before you buy. Get a friends opinion or ask someone in the shop for a friendly opinion. (best not a shop worker as they just want a sale).

4-Shop Often

Different stock is put out regularly. One day you might find nothing and next week you find 3 pretty outfits. Consider thrift shopping as a fashion treasure hunt.

5-Hoarding?

Consider how the item will take up room in your home. Is there space for another [insert item here].

Do you already have 5 similar to what you are thinking of buying? Maybe swap with friends and family or sell items to make room for this new purchase.

6-Be prepared

Many stores only except cash. Look in hidden places in store like at the back or high up...never know what gem you'll find. Check for sales regularly. Also when trying on lots of clothes, wear something easy to put on and take off. A slip on dress for example with ballet flats and no fiddly buttons and belts or laces. 

7-Customize

You might see a blue plain dress you think gives you great figure but it's not exciting so add some bows or buttons (some personality to it). Make clothing shorter and use cut of fabric for matching bag or headband. Many other ways...some vintage clothes have cute patterns on so you can cut the fabric to turn into other items or for other projects. DIY your finds.

8-Location

Google where shops and markets that sell thrift style items are in your area. Look at car boot sales, markets and stores selling second hand or vintage items (even some antique shops). 

Not just look in highstreet or mall but, in quirky hidden away places. OR TRY A CHARITY SHOP.

9-If in doubt

If you are unsure if you wish to buy it then try it on if it's clothing or try to picture what you'd use it for and how many times you'd use it.

Try to picture the full outfit the new clothing will go with. Or imagine how the furniture will fit the room it will go in.

9-Check quality

Turn items inside out to see if they will last or are fraying for example. Furniture, you should check all draws and hinges to see if it is good condition. 

Look at items from all angles before you buy it. 

10-Haggle

If you're in a market or charity shop or buying a lot of items try to get lower price by using your charm and haggling. 

Retro 1950s swimwear

I know it's not really swimming season but, one can dream and always go to indoor pool.

Anyway I'm here to talk about the oh so nautical retro high rise bathing suit.They are beautiful 1950s trend that is hotting up today. They have a fun mix and match quality about them. Plus the often polkadot, stripe and floral prints are very nautical. Great for boat trips/cruises. 

You can find loads at modcloth.com, Boohoo.com, asos.com and every typical vintage store.

This trend came in big 2012 but is still hot today.Rock a bikini with a slimming high waist and maybe some beautiful button or bow details.

Buttons on the thigh draw the eye up, making legs longer and bodies thinner and more hot. 

Pair with large sunhats and bold sunglasses, wedge sandals or flipflops for a beach vibe. Basically check out the images for ideas.

Here are some people (models) wearing this trend:

 

clip on fringe/bang

Ever felt like you wanted a fringe but not permanently or you are dressing up as a character who has a fringe but you don't? I've found you a solution. Some may say it's crazy or waste of money but what you do with your hair is your business and nobody else's.

Here is how to apply these bangs/fringes:

Hope you enjoy creating wonderful looks with fake bangs.

Dog Tags and the Dog House

 The 'Army' look that includes dogtags and heavy khaki or a green like material for a jacket has been sneaking in and out of the fashion world lately. One year, the army look heavily populated culture and then left. It snuck back once again for a short period and then drifted away. What is up with this style? Something tells me it can only last for a short period of time because nobody can sustain the green colour or the clanging of the silver dog tags which in return, leaves the whole 'army' style in the dog house over and over again.
 I don't quitely prefer the look but may have changed my mind with the pairing of different patterns such as a bright colour or floral pattern. It has become a mystery as though because it just appears to be not fitted with style as often. But, on this blog, you can still look great if you have an old khaki or green jacket laying around. Let's show you some excellent ways to make this look still possible!

A skirt looks great with the jacket as seen the photos above. Try to pair the army jacket with a striped or floral shirt. Bright colours like the blue or even a graphic tee like the one on the left-hand side shown above. A cute, solid coloured belt works fine. These are just a great number of ways to look great and still in style with your army jacket.

Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian style the green army pant.

As for camouflage, there are some cute ways to style that look up too. The camouflage isn't in style at all currently but why let those pants sit away tucked in the corner of your closet? Here are some cute options for that look:

I hope you get inspired by these army looks. They can be cute to wear with some bright colours and maybe perhaps try to wear a chunky necklace with the look. Just play around with everything and maybe share a picture with us by linking it in the comments! Thanks again! :)

The Tip of the Top Hat

What really happened to the Top Hat? We never really see anybody wearing those anymore. Sad. They used to be an eye-catching accessory in fashion culture. If nobody has really known this, you can make a top hat very stylish. You can add embellishments and such. They are truly a statement and that brings us to the Steampunk Fashion Era.
 Make a statement with these hats! The hats are decorated and look so unique. They are really an eye-catching piece now! With these top hats heavily decorated, it adds to being goth a bit. And, there is nothing wrong with that. Just something special! Anyway, back on topic. The tip of the top hat is now the bottom believe it or not.

Back then, yes, in the olden days, the top hats were worn with sophistication. Worn today, they can be a bit vintage and playful.

Steampunk fashion is bringing back the trend of the top hats slowly. We see them coming into view little bits at a time. If we are patient enough, we may see them make a major come back. It would be wonderful to see the tip of the top hat again, instead of the lowly bottom.

'Handy' Jewelry

Jewelry made out of recycled dolls is what we have here. As seen the picture to the left, you might think this is cool however, I think this creepy. No offense! :)

Okay, okay, maybe you can agree with me here. They are creepy. Well, would you like to have those hands dangling near your neck? It almost seems like they are ready to choke you. Scary indeed.

Again, I am not chicken! I just wanted to state that these are not found in every store and are not the current trend but as you can see, someone decided to have some fun and cut dolls apart so we can wear them. Maybe I am sounding too dramatic right now. Oh well!

If you are into this kind of fashion, please do not be scared to state why you like them so much! Don't be shy! If you could, please tell us what would look best with this type of jewelry. Like, a modern look. We love your comments.

You can find other doll parts made into recycled jewelry pieces if you look on Google. The example to the left is a bracelet. It has that modern look to it with the metal in the middle but the hands give it some more unique looks? I don't know. I am just trying to stay honest here! Again, no offense if you like this kind of jewelry. It is unique, I can admit! Very unique! I love recycled fashions. Someone just had this idea and turned into something different and there is nothing wrong with that.

Unique indeed! These pieces of jewelry must be the 'attention-getters!'

If you wish to share your thoughts about these bracelets, please share below! Thank you! :)

How to Look Great in a Pencil Skirt

The Pencil Skirt was a hit a few years ago, but today you can still make the pencil skirt look great! Solid and bright, bold colours make the skirt one to wear today. It is quite a simple look yet it shows positivity and is just calling for some fun!

The Vibrant Pencil Skirt: 1) Cobalt Pencil Skirt, Glamorous; 2) Mint Sequin Pencil Skirt,Topshop; 3) Tomato Leather Zip Detail Skirt, Miss Selfridge; 5) Yellow Asymmetric Peplum Skirt,River Island. For more, visit: www.femside.com

Pencil skirts in vibrant colours are fun to wear! Brighten up any dull office day. Just look at those colours. How bright and fun! 

Unlike the Skater Skirt for 2014, the Pencil Skirt should be styled, 'solid with solid.' Pair a solid top with your solid skirt and add a cute clutch and necklace in addition.

These skirts are really jolly to wear and I can't wait to try one for the spring/summer season! As I figure out a shirt to pair with my skirt, maybe I will link a picture in the comments of myself and my look. So, be sure to stay tuned! 

Have any questions? Need help with anything? Be sure to comment. We would like to help you. Have something you would like to say? We love to hear positive feedback! Thanks. :) 

Styling Skater Skirts

Skater skirts are so much fun! And for 2014, they got even more funner! (Yes, 'funner' is a word!) Because they are so tight, any shirt looks good with them, and you know, they just scream 'girly!' Styling them in 2014 has become simple yet defined. Below are some looks.

Denim has become a trend in the skater skirt. They are simple yet can be styled in so many ways.

Accessories do matter when styling this look, believe it or not! Shoulder bags are great! A necklace works well. Try to play around a bit when styling your skater skirt! Adding just one piece to your look can freshen things up a bit!

You may want to consider wearing a Utilitarian shirt with your skirt; as in the gray shirt on the right.

Darker coloured skirts or denim have really shown up around the skater skirt 'trend-line' recently. Also, for Skater Dresses, lace has become trending as well!

The Skater Skirt Look List for 2014
-Style solids with prints for a bold look!
-A bun in your hair is a great look with the skater skirt. 
-Pair some simple boots with your skater skirt.
-The right pair of sunglasses can be added. 

 Remember for that fun, fresh look, a solid colour should be worn with a print, especially for 2014. Have fun styling this cute and girly look! :)