Incredibly Thrifty

The world of fashion is always changing. Every season, every year it is something completely different. What was considered "in" 6 months ago might be totally out of style now. For someone like myself, who is still discovering my own personal style, the idea of trying out new trends is exciting! I've learned to embrace being unique and I love expressing my individuality through my clothes. The down side to trying out new trends, is that it can get expensive - quickly. Any given pair of shoes at a mall now a days is probably going to run you about $30 or even more if you are going for designer brands. Tops? Try $20 and up. So imagine spending $50 or more on one or two items, only for them to be dust magnets in your closet in a few months, especially if you're just trying to be on trend and might not even care for it sooner rather than later. Thrifting is the solution to not only build up a versatile wardrobe, but try out those trends we all see! I've never really c...

I've been thrifting since I was about 20. At first, it seemed pretty pointless because I had zero patience. I wasn't used to having to search through racks upon racks on clothing, to maybe find one or two pieces of clothing I liked. I, like most girls that age, was used to walking into a mall, seeing something I liked and knowing they'd probably have my size & boom. Done. The down side to that is while you may find one shirt at a mall for $20, you can find 5 at a Goodwill/other thrift store. You wouldn't believe how much clothing I find that still has the original store tag on it. I've put together some basic tips to make the most out of your experience, remember patience is always key! :) 1.) ASK. Don’t be afraid to ask when new merchandise is going to be brought out, from my experience this can sometimes be hourly. 2.) TAGS. Goodwill has days/weeks that certain color tags mean that particular item is 50% off the already reasonable price. Most of the ...

I try to rotate between the 3 Goodwills in my area so I'm not constantly expecting the same things. I went to a very small Goodwill here in Fredericksburg and got a few things, most of them still had the original store tags on them!  I found these floral shorts for $4.99! Floral print is everywhere this summer so it's right on trend & I love the colors!  This is a long sleeve Express button-up with faux, snake print leather trim on the collar and cuffs. It was only $3.49 & still has the store tag on it. With some dark wash skinny jeans & booties this would make a cute fall/winter outfit!  I love this skirt. I had been searching for a high waisted, leather looking skirt and this is perfect! Only $4.99. You can dress it up with a cute crop top or tuck a vintage tee into it for a more casual look.  These combats boots were only $2.50 from the Goodwill Outlet! If you've never been to a Goodwill Outlet, it's quite an experience. Bins upon bins of clothes and s...

Christian Dior top from Goodwill for $3.49! I'll be pairing this with a high waisted leather skirt come fall. I love the print & single button detail on the neckline. I couldn't believe it when I came across this beauty on the rack!  Until next time,  -Kristen 

Hello again!  There must be something in the air today because my boyfriend & 2 sons came thrifting with me.....& actually let me take my time. I only found a few items but they were great ones!  This is my favorite. I love the heart detail & ruffled bottom, it's so girly. I need to add color to my wardrobe so I'm glad it's pink :) it still has the tags on it, the brand is American Rag & it came from Macy's. Mine for $3.49! Next I found this sweet little dress, also brand new with the tags on it! The print is adorable and the fabric is perfect for those hot summer days. I'll be pairing it with some wedges for sure! The brand is Johnny Martin & it was only $6.99.  My last two finds are two tops, both pink as well - I swear I didn't do that on purpose haha :) The dark pink top has a keyhole back & tiny rhinestone detail along the neckline, the fabric is soft & flowy..perfect for fall. The brand is Must Have & it was only $3.49. The ...

My sweet boyfriend took our kids and I out for some Hibachi tonight, so I thought I'd whip out my new BCBG heels I got over the weekend. It turns out I had the perfect shirt to match them with in my closet already! This top is actually from Goodwill as well, mine for $3.49! I love the flowy, floral pattern of it.  Until next time,  -Kristen 

Happy Friday! :) I woke up this morning only to discover my AC is broke , so what better excuse to get out of the house & go thrifting?! My friend was kind enough to come with me & even brought some Venti Iced Green Tea Lattes! We both found some amazing things. I used to think that having a good "thrifting day" was depending on how much stuff I could find. Today is was the complete opposite. I only found 3 things but I love them all equally & 2 of them are amazing designer brands! Check out the items that I scored all for $16.  Carlos Santana fringed leather bag $3.49. Words can't describe how excited I am about this, I love fringe - loooovvveee it! I definitely have a western vibe to my growing style.  BCBG sandals. The original price was $89 & I got them for $4.99! They are perfect for summer and look hardly worn.  Xhiliration floral dress, $6.99.  Even if I didn't find as much as usual, I love the few things I did find. Keep an eye out & you c...

Hello! As I was laying in bed enjoying a few quiet moments before my youngest son got up this morning, I turned on my Pandora Radio & it was on Luke Bryan. Hearing country music put me in the mood to throw on some boots! I love the bright colors of this peach print top & tucking it in is more flattering to my figure.  Outfit details Top by Charming Charlie's $1.98 Jeans by Levi's $4.99 Boots by S Decree $4.99 All thrifted from Goodwill Until next time,  -Kristen 

Top, $4.99 thrifted from Goodwill Bag, $8.98 thrifted from Goodwill Jeans, $8.99 Ross Shoes, $9.99 Alloy  I love this tribal print top! Prints are definitely in this spring summer & it's an effortless way to make a statement :) I'm usually not even a "flats" person (team booties over here!) but I love the design & gold stud detail of these black flats, they go with everything! What I love most about this outfit is the price though, of course. Venture out to your local thrift store, you never know what you'll find! 

Hey there! So when I first came across a negative calorie soup recipe, my first thought was "yeahhhh right" shortly followed by "ew nobody likes vegetables that much!" The whole point of the soup is that the vegetables in it take more calories to digest than the calories that are in the vegetables themselves. I am still stuck between that awkward "not skinny but not fat" stage of losing my baby weight. I gained 36lbs and have about 12 lbs to lose, but that's okay because I'm doing it one step/healthy meal at a time! :) I've gotta say, this soup is actually pretty damn tasty & even though I don't weigh myself too often, I can definitely tell that I've lost a lot of bloat & I feel great! I add whole wheat noodles & shredded chicken to it for lunch to make it more nutrient dense and then have the soup alone for dinner. You can make it three ways: Using tomato juice & water(equal ratios) Chicken or beef stock Dry...

Being a stay at home mom of 2 to a 5 year old and almost one year old, I'm constantly trying to find ways to eat something nutritious that doesn't take a lot of time to make. I came across this canned salad idea on Pinterest & I love it! It's quick, healthy & you can make endless salad combinations. For my first round of canned salads I kept it simple. These are light ranch, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots & romaine lettuce. Just make sure to keep your dressing on the bottom on and whatever greens for your salad on top. I picked up a 12 pack of jars at WalMart for under $8. The rest I can use for drinking glasses(yes, I was raised in the south if you can't tell) :D the prep for 5 jars only took about 30 minutes, just add some grilled chicken or turkey pepperoni & you've got a delicious lunch on the go! 

I think every woman can agree, there is no such thing as having too many handbags. The problem with that is where do we put all of them? Until recently I stored my purses in my closet on a top shelf, but since they were "out of sight, out of mind" I hardly switched bags because of the hassle(I'm only 5 ft. tall so I literally need a step stool to reach). I came across this very sturdy, gold what seems to be a coat rack, maybe? For $5 from Goodwill & about 10 minutes of my time to screw into my wall I now have my lovely handbag collection on display! All of these came from Goodwill for $2.99 a piece, except for one!  Until next time,  -Kristen

Hello there! As I said yesterday I went to an adorable consignment shop called Happily Ever After & then a Goodwill close by! There are 3 Goodwills that I rotate between here in Fredericksburg, VA so I don't get too tired of the same one. Today my family & I ventured out to DC & went to a Goodwill there! All I have to say is...wowwwwww. Every other brand I came across was Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Ann Taylor, Gap, Ralph Lauren, etc.! All though the prices are a little bit more expensive than Virginia we still got a heck of a deal on what we bought. I'm proud to say that this girl is turning her boyfriend into a thrifter :D He's actually excited about going now & I really enjoy the opportunity to dress him! Here are pictures from my weekend thrifting adventures... Happily Ever After Consignment. Super clean & organized with reasonable prices for children's clothing! I got my son Krystian a Chaps button up($4.95) & a Super Mario shirt for $2.9...

It's Friday! Oh wait, I'm a mom...so that doesn't mean anything because we are on the clock 24/7. Totally worth it though! :) Today started with Starbucks, that's always a good start right? I went thrifting with my dear friend here in VA & she showed me an awesome consignment shop called "Happily Ever After". I love exploring new places to thrift and we found some awesome items for our babies! After that it was off to my stomping grounds...*drum roll please*...Goodwill! It was my friends first time coming with me, so I was really happy she found some cool things that she liked :) I stayed a little longer to search through all of the racks & I made out like a bandit! I got some things for my soon to be kindergartener's wardrobe - all $1.99 a piece. For myself I got a pair of American Eagle jeans, Calvin Klein colored jeans, Merona Loafers, Ralph Lauren Striped tee & more! That's the beauty of thrifting - never knowing what you'll find. H...

I love earthy, neutral tones. They go with everything and you can always add a pop of color or fun print to spice it up! I love the bright blood orange color in this striped tee. It's a high-low style so it's super loose & flowy but still flattering. The sheer panel gives it a touch of "girly" too! Definitely one of my favorite finds from Goodwill lately. The key is to look! Through every...single..rack(in your size of course). You never know what you will find between your grandmothers ugly Christmas sweater & that really awkward Hawaiian print button up.  Outfit details Top, DKNY: $3.49 thrifted from Goodwill Bag, Kim Rogers: $2.99 thrifted from Goodwill Boots, Charlotte Russe: $10 in actual store

Sometimes I want to feel girly, but not sacrifice being comfortable. It can still get cool at night in the summertime in VA, so the cardigan is optional. The bright colors of this floral dress scream feminine, but the boots add that not-so-girly western vibe. Not to mention they are way more comfortable than your standard high heel!  Completely thrifted outfit of the day, from none other than Goodwill! :)  Dress, Xhiliration: $6.99 Cardigan, Mossimo: $3.49 Boots, Unknown: $4.99 Until next time,  Kristen

Details, details, details. In this case, buckle details. Even though we are just beginning the heat/humidity battle here in VA, I know this handbag/booties combo will be a big fashion staple in my wardrobe come fall/winter season. I love having pieces that I can dress up, or go completely casual with. This look pictured below is relaxed, but still put together. Just add a black infinity scarf & your favorite skinny jeans! Wanna dress it up? A fitted long sleeve dress & tights would go perfectly. Maybe a deep blue color with a statement necklace? The possibilities are endless & that's always a fashion win in my book!  Outfit Details Top, Ann Taylor Loft: $3.49 Shoes, Mossimo: $4.99 Bag, Liz Claiborne: $2.99 Completely thrifted from Goodwill. Just call me a frugalista? :) Until next time,  Kristen