Thriftanista in the City

As a member of press, I was invited to view Serenbe Playhouse Presents Grease. Opinions are my own. I've seen Grease many times but I've never seen it like this. I am so impressed with Serenbe Playhouse's season opener production of Grease. I ventured out to Chattahoochee Hills in the country for opening weekend of the fully immersive vintage drive in movie theatre performance. I'm sure you know the plot but Grease is the the story of star crossed teenage lovers, Danny and Sandy. They fall in love over the summer and reconnect in the fall at Rydell High. Danny turns out to be a leather jacket wearing chick magnet bad boy and a little different from the Danny that Sandy remembers. Sandy is the syrupy sweet Sandra Dee like new girl in school. I grew up watching the John Travolta / Olivia Newton John Grease movie every year on tv so I'm quite familiar with the story and consider it one of the classics. I was very excited to see it live. Serenbe Playhouse did...

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CreminelliFreshSnacking #CollectiveBias We're a quarter of a way through the new year and I'm still fine tuning what it is I want to accomplish in the new year. I've narrowed it down to a few main goals that are defined by four simple words. To help maintain focus throughout the year, I added them to a diy pineapple print coaster set I made so that I am reminded of them throughout the day.

I'm excited to get into the thrift stores and find some new treasures now that Spring is here. I popped into Goodwill and found great pieces to mix in with my winter clothes and prep me for the heat that is to come. I spent $42 which is kind of steep by thrift store standards but still a pretty good deal considering the pieces I found. I'm trying to tighten up the purse straps and get a little more discerning in my purchases. I made sure I could imagine each piece worn two ways before deciding to buy.

I am never without my phone so my cover is my most used accessory. Naturally, I want something cute that also represents my style. I'm so glad Toast reached out and asked me to give their smartphone covers a try. Toast is a five year old company that started with support from backers on Kickstarter. From that campaign they were able to purchase their first laser and get the endeavor going. In addition to making fabulous covers, they're committed to positive environmental and social action.

I've been waiting to pull out the perfect orange pun forever! My new finds from Goodwill gave me just the right opportunity. The orange blouse and pants are from the same thrift haul and work really well together as a complete look.

Since moving to Atlanta, we've vowed to do more road trips as we are surrounded by great short distance travel destinations. A few weeks ago we took a weekend trip to the coastal town of Savannah, Georgia. It's a three hour drive from Atlanta and makes a great getaway destination. Savannah is known for picturesque antebellum architecture, cobblestone streets and large oak trees covered with Spanish moss. It's a gorgeous city filled with history which may not be a kid's version of a good time but you can sneak it in between kid-friendly activities that are both fun and educational.

There's nothing I love more than using up every last scrap of my beautiful african print fabrics. This time around I made fabric bead earrings because I like to surround myself in the colorful ankara fabric every chance I get. This is a super easy project that you can bang out in under 30 minutes. That includes drying time.

When I heard that one of my favorite Chicago thrift stores was shutting its doors, I started to reminisce about all the good thrift treasure I found there. One of my absolute favorites is the vintage leather Michael Hoban North Beach Leathers peplum trench coat. Useless fact of the day: they're known for being the creators of the very first eight ball jacket.

Thanks to Labels Littles for inviting me over to tour the new store and opening my eyes to the world of kids consignment. I like thrift store charity shops the best when I'm shopping for myself. However, I've run into some obstacles hunting for clothes for Violet. I come across a lot of worn and outdated pieces. Plus she's six now (I know, I can't believe it either). She has her own mind regarding what she will wear. The limited selection at thrift stores hardly ever make the cut.

Sometime I root around in my craft bins looking for inspiration and something to do. Last night, I found a never used Tee Juice fabric marker and a never used afro girl stencil so a new graphic sweatshirt was born.

Slipping into these vintage Ferragamo block heel pumps remind me to hit up some estate sales. Lately, I've been ignoring this amazing way to find secondhand treasures. This pair is one of three I found in a hoarder house estate sale. There were boxes and boxes of new in the box designer shoes.

I finally found a Salvation Army over here.  In Chicago, they were plentiful. Goodwills dominate in Atlanta. One of my thrifted fruits was this magenta coat. It's a great coat to have when you're pretty much going to wear it the whole day. It's warm and not too bulky so I can move around it. I love the big funnel collar that's permanently popped and keeps the chill off of my neck on this very windy day.