Thriftanista in the City

Thanks to Pinterest for introducing me to a whole new world of diy cocktails. It was because of them, I discovered Skittles flavored vodka. Apparently this was common college "fancy" drank but sadly I missed that part of my collegiate career.  Wine is my beverage of choice most nights. One glass. Red. It's healthy, right? When I'm having a night in (or the rare out) with mom friends, I like sugary sweet brightly hued beverages to accompany the gab fest.

This shop has been compensated by #CollectiveBias and Walmart Family Mobile . All opinions are mine alone. #MobileMemories Instead of lugging the big camera with me on our trip to Kenya and Uganda, I relied on my very compact Samsung Galaxy S4 and Walmart Family Mobile's 4G LTE unlimited talk, text, and data/web to keep our family and friends updated. Now I'm putting those wonderful mobile memories together to create a mini photo book using Instagram pictures.

It's the unofficial first day of summer and just like that we can all wear white again without fear of persecution. As a rule breaking thriftanista, I bet you've been wearing your whites year around. If you've been waiting though and ready to thrift score some summer whites, I have tips for you.

Ta-da! I finally sewed a little something last night. Actually, I started the project about a month ago but time got away from me. Since my sewing mojo has been dormant the last few years, I'm very proud to have knocked out an african print crop top!

This shop has been compensated by #CollectiveBias and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #V8EnergyBoost Instead of making just one smoothie, I assemble an entire week's worth for a quick post lunch snack or a light meal on the go. What makes my smoothie prep even quicker is the addition of V8 V-Fusion+Energy . Plus, I get a nice "zing" for when that afternoon slump kicks in.

Sometimes I can't find a place for certain thrift finds in my wardrobe and end up not wearing them very much. This midi skirt is at the other end of the spectrum. I wore it often last summer and plan to repeat this summer. It has so much going for it plus it's easy to throw on and go without ironing. Who can see the wrinkles in all that print?

This post is sponsored by Dryel . All opinions are my own. With every thrift haul, there is the exciting ritual of removing staples, construction paper and plastic hang tags from our treasures and then the big decision on how to clean and care for all of our new finds. In addition to sharing my post thrift shopping ritual, costume designer, Dan Lawson will be sharing tips as well!

Ever get super excited over something in the thrift store and bring it home and have it morph into something you wouldn't wear? That would be the situation with this vintage maxi dress. I realize now that it was the print that blinded me to the fact that it's too constricting in the chest area and the wintry turtleneck like mandarin collar without sleeves isn't working for me. Because the print is still so fabulous to me, I gave it a quick makeover instead of recycling.

Sunday was Mother's Day and I felt very sharp in a little pleated mini skirt thrifted from Goodwill . I'm a month away from 41 and whenever I slip into my short skirt, I always think about the "no mini over 40" rule. Who thought up such a thing? Thirty-nine is ok but at 40 you should go ahead and toss them out?

This post has been compensated by L'eggs . All opinions are my own.  On Mother's Day, I'd like a day of pampering while having complete control of the remote as I pop sushi in my mouth and drink from my bottomless glass of mimosa. Not too much to ask, right? I may have to go with plan B though -- a 5 minute spa using homemade body butter and my gifted L'eggs tights. I'm the only one on board with plan A as it stands right now.

Find the perfect words to sign off a greeting card with my tips sponsored by Hallmark . All opinions are my own. You know the great thing about greeting cards? They pretty much say exactly what's in your heart. You just have to find the right card. When it's time to sign the card though, I tend to get writer's block. My favorite moms deserve more than my sloppy signature. It's nice to close with a personal touch and make the card as special as the fab gifts and Mother's Day brunch. With a proper sign off, you can create something to be cherished as a keepsake.

The winner in the best cropped pants for short people category is...Lilly Pulitzer capris! I never have any luck cropped pants at the thrift that don't look like ill fitting regular length pants. The pintuck down the pant leg on these helps with lengthening the leg too. Double score.

I spent $60 and left with a thrift haul worth over $500. A few of my favorites in this haul are the Loeffler Randall sandals, J. Crew skirt, and a winter coat too "dahling" to pass up. This haul has a little bit of everything - designer, vintage, and even faux fur!