Gone Thrifting

It has been ages since I took a day off from online shopping and headed over to Goodwill or any other thrift stores that catch my eye.  Naturally, I became overexcited to see what I would encounter.  I was crossing my fingers that I would own a pair of Levi's by the end of the day, but by no means did I expect it.  Goodwill had none that fit me right, but the Zanna Jane's consignment store a few doors down had just one that was miraculously a snug fit on my hips.  They were only $6, which made me love them even more.  The flare style is a bit outdated, though, so I plan on going all DIY cutoffs on this denim.  I glanced at the Louis Vuitton coin purse on the last minute before checking out, and although they aren't the real thing, the condition is great and the cute factor is irresistibly all the same.  I added my own "D" initial charms to personalize and make glam.  Also, it was only $7 and exactly the kind of mini wallet I had been looking for.  Each of the beaded bracelets (my obsession) are colors that could go well together and with multiple outfits.  The green evil eye one is a favorite and is similar to one I already have in blue that my mom got me from Greece.  All of these were each under $4, which is a great deal compared to those you find in boutiques.  Plus, it's all for a good cause, right?   As for the Buddha necklace, it reminds me of an Om necklace I own, and for $3 how could I not snag such a thing?  I feel that every girl needs or wants a turquoise ring, including me, so I finally joined the club.  Last but not least, stripes and crop tops:  no explanation necessary.  I guess now I will check with my good friend, Goodwill before paying for retail.  My expectations might just be found!

Brandy Melville & Tobi.com!!

The top two on my favorite stores list have no doubt blown up so much in the past years.  I remember discovering Tobi.com just over a year ago and being blown away myself.  Why do I shop here more than elsewhere?  Well, first off, they offer 30% off new arrivals.  Not to mention, they add new items daily (except Sundays), items that are either not common or are cheaper than on other sites.  Tobi now offers free returns, but I have yet to become tired of any clothing or accessories I purchased there.  On the down side, since more and more people have become familiar with Tobi, the cutest of the cute usually sell out quick, like within one or a few days.  What I do is, I keep track of how many of the products are in stock, and that way I can prioritize when and which items to get first over others that will have to wait until I get myself unbroke again.  When it comes to Brandy Melville, it's definitely not a shocker as to the immeasurable craze that surrounds this brand.  It is now the store that "defines" everyone's styles, as every girl says, and I hate to say I agree.  Their pieces so simple and prices well within reason tease us females and allow us to incorporate an added touch that alters the comfortable, soft attire into a fun, fashionable outfit.  Although Brandy needs a major ego check with its increased shipping costs, they do fix damaged item issues (in an untimely manner, however) and are sometimes worth the pain.  Check out a few of my personalized outfits assembled from both trending shops to catch the fashion fever yourself:

Floppy Disk Red T-shirt from Zara
Daisies Skirt from Brandy Melville (sold out)

What's Your Nombre Dress from Tobi.com (get it here)
Annette Top - Black from Brandy Melville (sold out)

Annette Top - Haze from  Brandy Melville (sold out)
Melville Denim Shorts - Forest Green from Brandy Melville (get them here)

Caged In Blouse - Mauve from Tobi.com (get it here)
Black Shorts from Forever21
Jewelry from Brandy Melville & Gifts

What's In Your Easter Basket?

I don't usually celebrate Easter (except non-religiously when I was younger and it fell around the time of my birthday), but this year I decided to keep my mind off some stress and get creative with these little eggies.  You don't have to just stick with the coloring dye and paints.  I chose to step outside of the decorating kit box and grabbed simple markers and sharpies to make adorable and detailed designs.  My favorite is the little Despicable Me minion; it warms up my candy filled insides!  Okay, so the infinite love symbol is "inspired" by Brandy Melville, but whatever, I had fun drawing it.  Besides, I gotta represent my favorite store, right?  So this is how I spent my day, and for once, I don't mind that I didn't get to go Easter egg hunting like I used to back in the day.  This little basket is so me.  I guess that's why I was able to let loose and make pretty.  Ah, Spring, I love your vibes.

Free PINK NATION Bandeau

Although this laced bandeau is not bikini top material, it is definitely some sort of sexy.  It makes you feel sexy, that is.  I wore it by the shore because, what the heck, if it got splashed on I could just wash it anyway.  I had no intention on merely hiding it underneath barely sheer attire or loose tanks.  No, this bandeau is a beach top on its own and the hot pink graphic is super loud and beautifully contrasted against the almighty, always trendy black.  Believe it or not, this girly bandeau is FREE with any PINK purchase.  If you want to get the best deal, as I simply must, go for the cute panties so that you only pay around $10 for the underwear, bandeau, AND a secret rewards card which will grant you at least $10 to spend at Victoria's Secret (for a limited time only).  See how much you save?  Go for the free goodies when you have time, for nothing is more satisfying during shopping than feeling smart, wearing sexy, and saving bandeaux and bandeaux of bucks.

PINK NATION Bandeau from Victoria's Secret PINK (free)
Roxy Floral Rhapsody Sweetheart Bikini Pant from 6pm (get it here)

Where's Waldo?

Much like Waldo, I'm all striped out.  And again like Waldo, the beach is my new home! 

Classic Striped Floppy Hat from Forever 21 (now soldout)
Pink Nation Bandeau from Victoria's Secret PINK (free)
Striped Knit Top from Tobi.com (now soldout)
Melville Denim Shorts from Brandy Melville (get them here)

Violet Blouse

Springtime = sheer time.  We can feel the warm wind approaching, especially when we see and show more skin.  I don't know anyone who isn't pumped for the new season.  It can be any time of the year, though, and I will fall in love with every shade of purple, whether it be lilac, lavender, orchid, violet, fuchsia, magenta, or plum.  Since I'm in the process of augmenting more shirts and blouses in all sorts of pigments to my wardrobe, this top was at such a great extent of a must-have that I placed it above my Brandy Melville wishlist (which is quite a big deal).  This sheer violet halfway button up blouse is a bit of a darker shade in person than in my photos (it's closer to the store's image), but it shines through as so under the sun.  However, while you are wearing a necessary purple so pretty, the sun is not the sole source of radiance.  Roses are red, violets are blue, but gleaming the most, is the shade of you!

Mira Blouse - Violet from Necessary Clothing (get it here)

Americana Denim Cutoffs

Whether you're close to the beaches or just preparing for Spring & Summer, now's the time to begin scouting for some new and cute denim shorts.  Normally, I'm not one to advertise the American Flag on my shirts or what have you because I go for more unique designs and styles, but this pair pretty much meets smack in the middle between patriotism and extraordinary.  I unexpectedly stumbled upon these cutoffs on Forever21.com and was iffy on ordering them online due to sizing uncertainty.  Obviously it turned out okay--actually, more than okay--since the color, fit, appeal, and quality were perfection.   Even though I tend to shy away from revealing more of my thighs than necessary, I am not afraid to wear this as a high waisted piece.  If you live in the U.S. or have American pride, I more than recommend this denim essential.  The stars and stripes are calling your name, so go ahead and don't show them up...show them off!!

Americana Denim Cutoffs from Forever 21 (get them here)