Before There Were Toms

I don't know about other states, but I see people wearing TOMS all the time in Southern CA.  I have yet to buy a pair because I rarely buy anything new for myself and after having kids, I couldn't bring myself to shell out $50 for a pair of shoes.  (Not judging others that do, fyi.)

Espadrilles have been around for much longer than TOMS, which was established in 2006.  Before there were TOMS, there were these gold woven pair of espadrilles from the 1970s I found at a thrift store.  I was going to list these pair of shiny delightful shoes for the shop.  I tried these on to model them, but once they were on me, I knew that I was not going to give these up.  I've been on the look out for some flashy flats and I have finally found what I've been looking for!  What's even better is they're extremely comfortable and cushiony, so I will definitely be wearing a lot of this pair once the weather warms up.

Do you guys own any flashy flats or espadrilles? Do share and have a great weekend!

Summer Uniform

 

This summer in SoCal has been one of the hottest that I can remember.  I recycle about 2-3 of the same outfits every week.  My outfits must keep me somewhat cool and allow me to bend over to play with my kids.  This maxi dress I thrifted is strapless, so it keeps me somewhat cool, but is long, which prevents me from worrying about revealing too much while playing with the little ones. 

 

Also, this picture was taken by my little son.  He likes to take pictures and so I asked him to take one of me.  Not bad, right?

 

Outfit details:

Maxi Dress: thrifted

Coach Purse: thrifted

White strappy sandals: Cathy Jean

 

Anyone have a summer outfit they've worn repeatedly?  I think I may wear this one again tonight.  We're going to a baseball game, but it's still over 80 degrees.  Have a great and cool weekend!

Find of the Week

Another post dedicated to why I love thrifting.  A couple of ladies were shopping next to me, and they pulled out the following dress for me and stated, "You'd look so cute in this."  These ladies were my mom's age and must have been expert thrifters because they had quite an eye.  Or, maybe I looked homely in my thrift hunting get up on a Saturday afternoon.  Anyhow, I'm sure glad they passed the dress to me.  It was $3 after the 75% off sale.  I love when thrift stores have sales.  This gorgeous dress has it's original Neiman Marcus tag and is raw silk and it actually fits my bust without falling!  Score!

I will hopefully post up some outfit posts with this amazing dress if my husband and I ever can go somewhere nice.  Or, I may just wear it to the movies just because I want to wear the dress and will not have any other chance to wear it.  Did you thrift anything fun and exciting this week?

Entirely Thrifted

I've recently fallen in love with saddlebag purses, especially because I noticed all the lead actresses in the korean dramas wearing this particular accessory.  Of course when I flip through my issue of Lucky, they list several options, all of which cost well over couple hundred dollars.

So, this is why I love thrifting.  I found the purse I wanted for insanely cheap and it is mine.  There are 4 little compartments inside, which keep me organized!  I never have to be afraid of anything falling out when I bend over to pick up my baby or anything she dropped.  It is practical, stylish, and I am delighted with my find.  May I add, my entire outfit is thrifted and mommy friendly, which is an added bonus. 

Paisley Print Dress: thrifted

Vintage Belt: thrifted

Vintage 1970s Blue Flats: thrifted

Black vintage saddlebag purse: thrifted

Thrifting allows me to have the little "splurges" on myself without feeling guilty. I don't know about the other moms out there, but ever since I've had kids, I rarely spend any money on buying clothing for myself and if I do, I feel bad. I really started thrifting about 3 years ago, after I stopped teaching, and it's been really fun and I think my style has evolved for the better. I mean it when I say I really do love thrifting and love that it's part of my "job." 

Anyone else have some great thrift scores as of late? Would love to hear about them!

What I Wore on Valentine's Day

As many of you know, going out on Valentine's Day is insane and takes much effort, patience, and cash.  Instead, the hubs and I spent an evening at home where he made me dinner and brought me beautiful roses. I wanted to be a bit festive, but not decked out in all red or pink since we were just eating dinner at home.  So, I just wore the following and I must say, I really do like all the colors and I always receive compliments on the bow belt, which is from Simply Audrey here.

I didn't wear the shoes inside the house, but I wore them out shopping.  I have to say they're my favorite thrifted pair to date. 

vintage 70s pink mohair sweater- thrifted

white t-shirt underneath- h&m

vintage 80s blue pencil skirt- thrifted

steve madden strappy platform sandals- thrifted!

bow belt- Simply Audrey

And here are the gorgeous flowers and meal from my husband.  I must say, I felt very loved!

How was everyone else's valentine's?  Did you go out or stay in?

Quick Thinking

If you haven't noticed across Twitter, Instagram, and whatever networking site there is, Southern California has been having gorgeous near 80 degree weather for the past couple of weeks.  So, silly old me thought I'd wear this dress from Simply Audrey with my favorite summer platforms from Blowfish Shoes and go thrifting at this hip little place while my husband stayed home with the napping kiddos. 

I had a great thrifting experience and finally found some dark jeans that fit!  As I walked to my car to finish the rest of my errands, post office and Costco, I realized how cold it had gotten in an hour.  I had not brought a jacket or a sweater, and the thought of entering Costco's frozen section in my little dress gave me more of the chills.  So, I sat in the car in Costco's parking lot and not so discreetly put on my just purchased skinny jeans and it saved my a**.  Literally. I just tucked my dress in and made it a blouse. So, thank you thrifting, once again, for a lovely and cheap purchase.  Now I have two outfits in one! 

Which outfit do you like more- the dress used as a dress or as a blouse?