August "Budget"

Since I shop almost exclusively secondhand, I never spend much on any one item/shopping trip, and I'm sure I don't spend much over the course of any month. Since I'm already frugal AF, I've never recorded my monthly spending, but seeing the monthly Bugeting Blogger posts has encouraged me to follow suit, and see where I stack up.

This month went by pretty fast, without much shopping at all.

Nine West Nude Wedges | $8 | Value Village
3 Bracelet set | $2.50 | Our World Boutique via SassySteals

I also ordered a second bracelet set in brown, but the package arrived with just the green, and no note or explanation. I got a one line email a few days later, which said they had "oversold by one". Seriously? :(
A little personalization would have gone a long way.

Grand Total for August: $10.50

I didn't post my July summary, so I'm including it here as a little comparison:
(sorry no photos... which is why I didn't post in July!)
Black Merona Pencil Skirt | $2 | Value Village
Slate J Crew Shorts | $4 | Value Village
28 items for $14.80 | Goodwill outlet (post)
Yellow Forever 21 Skirt | $4 | Garage Sale
25 items for $13.75 | Goodwill outlet
Jewelry Grab Bag (necklace, bracelet, ring) | $7 | Apple of My Eye
All Who Wander Glasses | Rivet&Sway | $99


July Total: $144.55 ($45.55 if glasses don't count!)

Linking up with Franish for Budgeting Bloggers

Footwear

With thrifting, most people draw the line somewhere.

Underwear is certainly one item that even I, the queen of free, must buy new. (Though I have found some wickedly awesome unique European and Chinese bras at Goodwill.)

Many people won't wear used shoes, but I've found some great boots, heels and flats secondhand. As long as they are in good condition (read: don't look like there were questionable feet inside), then I don't really have a problem with it.

However, I'm having some issues with footwear that unfortunately thrifting may not be able to solve.

I'm a commuter. I ride the bus to work, and I walk a little over half a mile from my stop to the office, and again in the evening from the office to the bus. It's not a long distance, but it forces me to think about the practicality of my shoes over their cuteness. And lets face it, I spend all day at a desk, so who even looks at my feet?

I typically wear sandals or flats to work. I'll wear Converse or Toms with certain pants, and of course boots in the fall/winter, but for the most part I wear flats. Well, I've noticed that my flats are becoming misshapen - the toe area seems to be curving inward like the shoes themselves are pigeon-toed. This must be from the walking. On top of this, and more importantly, the lack of support cannot be good for my feet.

I've tried the classic commuter method of wearing sneakers and switching to other shoes at work. It's a little better for the walk, but I cant stand the frumpy look - even for the commute. And once I'm at work and my rear is parked for 8 straight, why bother swapping the shoes?

What I'm looking for is a slim profile, supportive shoe, somewhere in between a pair of flats and an athletic sneaker. In fact... it looks like Zappos has several options:

 
       Puma Wynne Ballet                         Lacoste Minzoni                  New Balance WW115
           $60.00 $47.99                                $75.00 $59.99                                $54.95
 
Unfortunately, the first two are sold out in my size, but I've signed up for the "in stock" alert, and I'll keep browsing. My few previous experiences buying shoes online have resulted in sizing/fit issues, but with free shipping and free returns, I just might throw down and buy a pair. New.

I'm sure my feet will thank me.

Geometric

I wasn't even thinking about this month's Third Thursday Threads geometric print theme when I grabbed this shirt, which is awesome because when Bri announced the theme I could only think of one item- a dress I'd already featured here. (Since I have such a blog archive....)

The first version is a more typical outfit for me, and is how I initially wore this top to work. The second version is similar in structure, but steps slightly outside my standard method of allowing one piece to be the main focal item, by pairing the patterned top with colored pants.

I typically take outfit photos in the evening when I get home, but I wanted to get a few photos in before these curls went away.  I tried to snap a few during work, in a shady area that doesn't get much traffic. (Also known as by the dumpsters). Well, turns out this area gets more traffic that I expected - several people passed by giving me weird looks as I fiddled with something (my phone/camera) next to a trash bin. Ugh. I'm almost ready to give up on this blogging thing until I (a) get a real camera, (b) get someone to take pics, and maybe (c) get internet at home.

Top: Forever21 | Goodwill by the lb
Jeans: Old Navy | Goodwill | $2
Flats: from Israel | 10₪ ($3)
Bracelet: Estate Sale | $2
Glasses: Rivet&Sway | $99

Jeans: H&M | Buffalo Exchange, $5
Wedges: Nine West | Value Village, $8
Bracelet: self made
Watch: MobStub deal, $17

The pattern of this top keeps an outfit interesting enough without jewelry, but I think a long pendant necklace in a contrasting color would help complete both of these versions. Since I dont have one that would fit the bill, this is something to add to my want list.

casual

I'm kind of terrible at this whole consistency thing. A lot of it has to do with my lack of internet at home, but that's like the "dog ate my homework" of blogging.

Here's an update on the high-waisted jeans I posted about last week: I actually really like them.

Yes, the high rise is still unflattering, but as long as I don't tuck my shirt in like a 90's mom, you can't tell the difference. And what this rise really has going for it is the prevention/elimination of exposed back, butt crack, or underwear. A big plus!

I wore these to work last week, paired with a bright button-up top to offset the casual-ness of the distressed rips. Even though I don't think anyone cares what I wear, I do try to keep some degree of professionalism, even if it's minimal. Though the jeans have rips, the dark wash and perfect skinny fit makes them still appropriate enough for a casual, artsy workplace.




Top: Ann Taylor | Goodwill | $3-4
Jeans: H&M | Goodwill by the pound
Shoes: Dexter | Goodwill | $3-4
Bracelet: Estate Sale | $2

Actually, this outfit is still dressy for my office! Graphic tees and jeans are the norm, and today being casual Friday and all, I got tired of wearing skirts all week. I'm currently wearing an oktoberfest tee, lighter wash jeans, and Toms. :)

One Piece Many Ways: Leopard Tank

I thought that this link up challenge was a good one for me, since I have so many pieces of clothing that I tend to wear the same way each time.

I actually switched pieces 3 or 4 times before settling on something that was versatile without being generic. I know we aren't reinventing the wheel here, but remixing a chambray button up or striped tee felt like a regurgitation of what we've all learned from other bloggers in the first place!

So what I finally settled on was this leopard spotted tank top that I have only worn once or twice. 

 

  My "norm" would be to wear it with a neutral cardigan and jeans or shorts - with the animal print be the loudest item. In this case, I structured my outfits around the 4 seasons, and gravitated toward bolder and brighter pieces.

All: tank kirra (buffalo exchange, $3)
1. sweater goodwill | scarf goodwill outlet | jeggings goodwill outlet | boots buffalo exchange $20
2. sweater JCrew (Goodwill) | jeans prvcy (gifted) | shoes steve madden (free pile)
3. blazer boys suit jacket (vintage store, $5) | necklace from dad | skirt H&M (buffalo exchange, $1) | flats Dexter (Goodwill, $3)
4. shorts JCrew (value village, $4) | belt H&M (goodwill, $2) | flip flops old navy $2
5. jacket sister's | jeans goodwill outlet | heels $15 online

The morning that I took these photos, my cat had woken me up around 5 - as he does nearly every morning. I often am able to fall back asleep until my alarm wakes me for work or I get up naturally. But this particular morning I was so sore and stiff from my Ultimate Frisbee game the night before, that I couldn't go back to sleep. After laying around a bit, I figured I might as well get up and do something productive. So pardon my sleep deprived faces. 

Plus I got to explore both indoor and outdoor early morning lighting for photos!

H&M "Regular" Waist Jeans

During my most recent Goodwill outlet trip, I found these H&M jeans in my size.

The label and website call them "Regular" waisted jeans, but these are by no means a regular waist. These are the highest waisted jeans I have ever worn - and I lived through the 90's.

In general, I am not a big fan of high waists coming back into fashion. (Aside from skirts)

I think high-waisted jeans are unflattering on most people, and in particular when paired with very short cutoffs, the result just horrendous. One's fly length should not be 3 times as long as their inseam. I find that the combination of butt cheeks peeking out of the cutoffs and a tight, high waist produces this weird emphasis on your crotch and rear areas, almost like a jeans bikini.

But I digress.

For the most part, I do like these jeans. The fit is tight - definitely the "skinniest" jeans I own, but they are also very stretchy. I love the dark wash, and while the shapes and placement of the holes are a little funny, I like their casual edginess. And they have ankle zippers!

But this high waist, man...
I feel like I'm wearing Mom jeans.
Aside from the various fashion associations of high rise pants, this look is not doing my body any favors. I think this style makes me appear heavier than I am, and even worse is it makes my butt look long and flat.

So I think I will only be wearing these with tops that are long enough to cover most of the high waist and hit at my hip or below... basically hiding the fact that they are high waisted.

What are your opinions on high-waisted pants, particularly in regards to your body type?

Third Thirsday Threads : Stripes

I'm joining up with Bri at Work Clothes, I Suppose for Third Thursday Threads - my first blogger link up!

Sweater: Mossimo | Goodwill by the pound
Tank: Target | Buffalo Exchange | ($3/ I traded so it was free)
Pants: Gap Cropped Trousers | Goodwill by the pound
Shoes: Steve Madden | Free pile
Bracelet: Estate Sale | $2
Necklace: From Dad
Earrings: jewelry grab bag | $15 total for 4 items 
Glasses: Guess

I realized I have a lot of stripes in my closet! I especially love the colors in this top, and how the stripes aren't uniform. Though I could pair it with any number of cardigans, this neutral beige is my go-to. 

I'm also happy to say I have found my new photo-taking spots! There's a fence with a nice ledge on the side of my house that is perfect for setting up the auto timer. So say goodbye to the dark indoor photos and messy pile next to my front door that has sat there since moving in over a month ago!