Thriftanista in the City

You know it's time to clean out your closet when you find a gorgeous 70's elastic waist maxi skirt that you had forgotten you bought. It was buried way back in the dark corner that I never visit unless I'm searching for something in particular.  I didn't know what I would do with it but it was $1. I figured I could find some use in it. Turns out it's perfect for a day at the playground. I can bend and lift with ease and an elastic waist makes it super comfy. Pre Violet, I never thought about elastic waist clothes as an option but after living in maternity jeggings while pregnant, I am converted. I am an old lady. I am ok with that. Slap a belt over the elastic or wear a long top. No one will know. If you wear leggings, you can totally rock elastic waist skirts and pants. Are you convinced? Am I still over here in team elastic waist alone? Mmmkay...on to the color blocking. I'm not sure I've ever combined purple and turquoise ...

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Uncommon. I received a fabulous iPad case in exchange for my opinion. When I received an offer to share information about  Uncommon  -- a personalized iPhone case company, I was super excited. I was able to turn one of Violet's fingerpaintings into a functional work of art. I'm going to speak frankly right now. I am not one of those parents who keep all of her child's artwork.  We have a paper clutter problem as it is. We don't hang V's drawings on the refrigerator or have a storage file neatly organized by year. I toss it. She's 2. We have years and years of artwork we will be seeing from her. We can't keep it all. We don't have a space for all of the paper. Lately, Violet has become quite the fingerpaint artist. It could be the mama love goggles but I am just loving her work right now! I think she's pretty talented. I scanned and uploaded my favorite of all the finger painting s...

I recently found a dope 70's horse pendant necklace, vintage 80's snakeskin clutch, and the dynamite red front pleat maxi skirt. I don't know which one of my new thrift finds I love the most. I am seriously in thrift treasure heaven. The Vegas trip was very fruitful. You know I have quite the fascination with kitschy animal fashion. I almost lost my sh*t when I saw the horse head necklace. It's alot like the wolf earrings and bracelet but it's a friggin horse. It has stripes like a zebra but the color of a horse. There's a similar one on etsy that really does look like a zebra. I wonder if all of the pieces were created my Lee Sands. Must do some research.  Cost: $5 This 80's clutch is from Goodwill. Also, thrifted while in Vegas. According to my Google search, these are one of a kind and no two are alike. Score. I'm trying to scale back on the bags because I have no place for them but I could tell it was special when I picked...

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of White Cloud Diapers. Opinions are my own and I did taste a diaper. Have you ever tasted a dirty diaper to determine its contents? Me neither. Well...that's not entirely true. There was that one time when Violet and I went to a White Cloud Diapers event where I tasted my very first diaper. I think it needed a little salt. :) We were playing a rousing game of dirty diaper. A diaper is passed around and everyone takes a sniff to guess the contents. I decided to give it a taste thus changin' the game and grossing out the other mamas. The half creamy, half chunky concoction turned out to be rice and lentils baby food. It was a fun morning play date for us. Violet played with toys. We ate snacks that weren't served in diapers. I won a cute Petunia Pickle Bottom bag too! I also learned more about White Cloud Diapers. I was not familiar with the brand. Violet has been daytime potty trained about four months...

Greetings and happy Earth Day from sunny (and hot) Vegas! I'm here with my sisters. We're visiting my mom and she's showing us around town. Yesterday she took us to Gordon Biersch Brewery for live jazz and brunch. I had a great time listening to the local band perform old and new classic from Stevie Wonder to Beyonce. I sat and did some toe taps while enjoying what became an afternoon dance party. The crowd was mainly 50+ years of age but the divas and dudes were working the dance floor with a mix of line dancing, stepping, and general GET DOWN! I finally wore my thrifted Diane von Furstenberg shirtdress . It's very comfortable dress with unique, cute puffy sleeves and it has pockets, y'all! I paired them with my magenta pumps to add some punch to the look. I didn't bring a lot of "extra" on this 4 day getaway. I believe in packing light. My only flair is the purple pumps. I did do some thrift shopping so my carryon is a little bi...

Last Saturday, I held a clothing swap at my house. I applied and won a Woolite Washed In-Home Boutique. I received Woolite samples and a $10 gift card.  I don't normally sign up to do such big projects for such a small gift but this was right up my alley. I've been wanting to host an in-home boutique and clothing swap for a while and Crowdtap provided the perfect opportunity to have a party! 

While trying to work one into an outfit this week, I found a great way to wear a scarf. A quick and easy necklace!  I have a small collection of vintage scarves. I can't stop myself from buying them but I don't wear them often. I love the bold colors and patterns.  They're a great way to add a pop of color or a piece of flair. They are also cheap and abundant at the thrift store. First let me tell you about my scarf. It's silk. The colors are amazing. It has antelope on it. WTW? You know I have a thing for kitschy animal jewelry . It doesn't make sense and I love it. I found it at an estate sale last week. There were many beautiful ones available including collector favorite, Sally Gee. I snagged one of those too! I folded it thinking I would wear it kerchief style just tied around my neck and left hanging. It didn't really go with my relaxed sweater though. That works better with a blazer. I tied the scarf in 3 knots (this can ch...

Here's my attempt at forcing Spring. I'm wearing a tee and shorts...and tights, a wool sweater, and boots. Huh? It's springtime in Chi City. I am so ready to put away all things wintry. I decided on bright fun colors including magenta lips! My grey cardigan and grey tight are the reality of the weather situation here. It's been gray, cold and rainy.  I love my purple crossbody hobo. I can stuff so much in it. It's nice and roomy but it's fairly compact. Since the cowboy boots cover a portion of my legs they make me appear shorter so added more "length" by wearing shorts. The more leg I show, the leaner I appear. It's my preferred method of dieting. Standing up straight is another one of my favorite "diets". I'm a sloucher so when I do stand up straight it's instant thin!  I found the turquoise and emerald green pairing to be a little odd so I later switched to the vintage black rain boots creating...

I'm preparing for my clothing swap party being held on Saturday. If you're local come on over and  party  with us. Would love to see you! I haven't worn "real" clothes for a few days. It's rainy and cold outside too. Caftan and thick socks all day while cleaning. Since you're here, feel free to check out some of my reads this week in the land of blog. I haven't spread some link love in quite some time. Multicolor chevron  and a skater skirt? Yes, please! Tori's cute spring  nail designs  are a must try. Another yummy must try for nails, Maegan's  eyeshadow trick . Mind blown. Mrs. Lovebird  met Bob McGrath from Sesame Street. I'm a big fan these days.... A thriftanista on the red carpet. My  favorite style blogger  wore sequins during the day ! I watched Tracee Ellis Ross' super short and adorable movie, A Lipstick Story . What blog posts have you enjoyed this week? FACEBOOK - TWITTER - BLOGLOVIN -...

I love putting together completely thrifted looks especially when the price is under $25!  Great price for a trench coat, DVF boots and CJ by Cookie Johnson jeans. This is a typical everyday mom uniform for me. I'm casual and comfortable but heels and a tucked shirt give me a more pulled together look. I pulled out my favorite trench coat. Any guesses as to why it's my favorite? Yep. It's the color purple. Pastels also happen to be on trend right now so I'm glad to have found it! I like trench coats but the classic shape does nothing for me. I like the full a-line skirt. It hugs at the waist and flows away from the hips. It's long but not too long. It also fits my arms well. Always a good thing when your arms are  freakishly  short. I've had it over a year and this is probably my third time wearing it. It's hard to find the perfect day to wear it in Chicago. It's either too cold or too hot for it.  The granny bag is from a Goodwill haul. I can't tel...