Crossbody Bag Search and Reveal

Hi Friends!

Long time no post. I can only blame it on our recent move and the inability to find anything. Once I find my tripod, there will be some new outfit posts. Whenever that is...

I've been on the search for a smaller crossbody bag for awhile now. Initially, I was interested in the LV Saumur 30, but wasn't too fond of getting another monogram print crossbody bag (the Speedy B is too similar). It is a very functional and practical bag, and maybe if it ever comes out in Damier Ebene I will reconsider.

Photo c/o fmasarovic

The Chanel Half Moon WOC seems like the perfect bag. I was trying to stay away from black and almost all the pre-owned options I found within my budget were black. So I eventually just gave up after a year or so. I could have bought a metallic one in new condition, but the frugal gal in me just couldn't pull the trigger.

Photo c/o Malleries

So I pretty much gave up and would infrequently pop into my favorite pre-owned sites to browse around. Also, because of the few shopping diets I took this year, my shopping habits had changed and I became overly critical of the quality and value of luxury goods. In addition, we bought our first home and the expenses associated with that definitely helped curb my spending for a few months. Plus it's so fun decorating and improving your first home.

Sleepy eyed this morning, I was browsing the usual morning emails and saw this New Arrival from Malleries.

I clicked and it was love at first sight. I wouldn't call it an impulse purchase, more a "I know what I've been looking for forever and here it finally is" purchase.

So here's the irresistible red lady....a (vintage?) Chanel Mini Classic Flap in lambskin leather from Garo. I like its rectangular rectangular shape vs. the square shape of more recent minis. Soon (when I find the tripod) I will post some outfit pics with this bag.

Photos c/o Garo

I am so glad I waited, as I just know this is exactly what I was looking for. It's not black like all my other Cocos and it will add a pop of color to any plain outfit. Thanks for letting me share my small crossbody search story. Have you ever looked for something for so long that once you find it, you know it's exactly what you've been looking for?

*Disclaimer: Post created with mobile app. Thanks for excusing any formatting errors.

Burberry Hobo Reveal + The Real Real Review

Try saying "The Real Real Reveal" 3 times fast.  ROR...raff out roud!
My friend introduced me to The Real Real a little over 2 months ago when I mentioned being a fan of pre-loved luxury goods.  If you can imagine a site like Malleries in a flash sale format like Rue La La...that's pretty much what The Real Real is.  They have daily sales of only pre-owned/new luxury clothing and accessories.  They gather many items from estate sales and celebrities. 
The popular items go pretty quickly, so I was surprised to see this Burberry Hobo about 4 hours into the sale.  I closely read the description and reviewed the pictures they provided.  The flaws I could live with.  The price was a steal.  So I decided to make my 1st purchase from The Real Real.
PROS:- Great prices.  I haven't done any direct comparisons, but they seem lower than Malleries, Bella Bag, Portero, etc.- Most of the items I've seen have been in Excellent to Near New condition.- Constant rotations of luxury brands.- Shipment arrived overnight.  Seems the origin is in SF, which is huge plus!- Descriptions and photos are accurate.- New coupon codes every month for $25 off.
CONS:- My bag was not thoroughly cleaned.  I went through about 4 facial wipes to "refresh" the bag.-  Many unsold items are repeatedly listed.  Which is OK, but I'd rather see new merchandise.
Bottom line, The Real Real is a nice change from the usual pre-owned shopping sites.  The prices are great, delivery is prompt, descriptions are accurate, and they have coupon codes!  I'm a fan and give The Real Real a thumbs up!

Lessons From a Thrifting Newbie

When I started blogging last year, I started thrifting for the first time in my life. I enjoyed it so much, I found myself thrifting almost every weekend. This skirt ($12) was found at the local Goodwill during my first thrifting trip ever. After getting it altered, it fit perfectly and has forever instilled the value of thrifting in my brain.

When I don't have enough spare time on the weekends, I take my thrifting to Etsy. Here are a few of my favorite vintage shops on Etsy:

Dolls and Robots VTG
Sam and Milly
Heirloom Attire
Thrush Vintage
I Love Vintage Stuff
Really Truly
Maggies Farmm
Definitely Different (jewelry)
Adorable You Vintage

I found myself not only embracing thrift shopping, but also vintage jewelry and accessory shopping. Soon I was looking for pre-loved vintage treasures and found some in great condition.

Vintage LV Clutch

Vintage gold chain bracelet

Vintage LV Travel Bag

Vintage Chanel Jumbo Flap

Vintage Escada Skirt

Vintage French Blue Skirt

This navy polka-dot blouse was too cute to pass up. Although not my size, I grabbed it in hopes of selling it on eBay. But then I saw Cori from La Vie Petite (one of my favorite bloggers!) looking for this exact style, so I passed it on to her and it looks fab on her!
And if you're looking for thrifting inspiration, there are a slew of bloggers out there making miracles happen on a dime. One of my favorites, in addition to La Vie Petite (mentioned above). is My Thrifty Closet. Mongs is a super-star thrifter.

My Thrifty Closet

Please share some of your favorite thrifting bloggers below- I'd love to follow along and see how they make vintage into "new."

Lace Blouse With Thrifted French Blue Skirt

White.  A color I should enjoy wearing before we have kids.  

I've been looking for a shirt with unfinished lace edges and was immediately drawn to this when shopping on Hautelook.  I added lace trim to my wedding dress because it's one of my favorite looks.  Something about a scalloped lace edge makes anything look feminine and classic.

My wedding dress

I found this skirt at my local Goodwill during the first thrifting trip of my life.  From that day on, I was hooked.  Later this week I will be writing a post about my thrifting journey and I hope you find it interesting.

SHOP:   lace blouse Hautelook (similar)   /  skirt thrifted Goodwill (similar)  /   pumps Cole Haan (similar)   /   bracelets Hautelook  /   necklace JCrew (similar)   

Anthro Tweed Shorts and Insanely Chunky Cowl Scarf

Between this insanely ginormous scarf that pratically ate me alive and these crotch bunching shorts, I was a bit at war with this outfit today.   I swear these tweed shorts from Anthro fit comfortably and I don't have a camel toe.  (Yea, pretend like you didn't notice)  But I suppose if I have to do some convincing then we have a problem here.




What I do love is the color palette.  Through all my 20's my closet was filled with black and gray.  It was easy for work and it matched with everything.  So when I started re-working my closet to incorporate more colors I swore off gray.  I shouldn't do that.  It's too pretty of a color. 
SHOP:   blazer thrifted, $12 (similar)   /   shorts Anthro $118 $22 (similar)   /   tights and top UO   /   shoes ASOS (similar)   /   bag Chanel   /   biggest cowl scarf ever Hautelook (similar)

Ends 12midnight 02/24/12

Loving Thrifting!

I'm sure I just broke some law of English by using two "ings" back to back.  But I had to...it's the only way to express my new found love of thrifting!

Have I ever bought anything from a thrift/ second hand store prior to starting this blog?

- Sadly, the answer is no.

But the good news is I have sooooo much to discover and share with you here.  This past weekend I made stops at Goodwill and neighborhood thrift/consignment stores.  I am more than excited to share some of the great finds here.

These tops were just waiting for me to take them home.  

Magenta blouse: $6

Navy polka dot blouse: $7

I love, love, love the various scarves I found and can't wait to incorporate these into my wardrobe.

Scarves: $4-$8 each

Brought to you by

silk bright scarf at Beso.com

I saw this skirt just last year at Anthropologie and here it is!  I'm not sure if it came with a belt, but that's A-OK with me, because I love incorporating my own belts.

Odille A-Line skirt: $16

 How in the world was I (a first time thrifter) lucky enough to find a Burberry Trench?  I have no idea, nor do I want to question my luck.

Burberry Trench: $97

 It even comes with a removable wool liner:

Purchasing classic/timeless pieces is a goal of mine.  I think I did well with this navy skirt.

Ralph Lauren Wool Skirt: $10

This gorgeous french blue babe was just screaming my name.  Can you imagine pairing it with some crisp whites and neutrals?

High-waist vintage straight skirt: $12

Naturally, all the above will get dry cleaned and undergo some "nip/tuck" (alterations).  When they return, I will post some pics here!

Brought to you by

burberry trench at Beso.com