Sunday, July 31, 2011

Outfitted In: Wood, Flowers, and Cats

Sunnies, Bracelets, Bolo, Floral Shirt, Minnetonka Mocs, Cat Bag: All Thrifted; Jeans, Burlington
With huge pink sunnies, my cat bag, and my wooden accessories, this outfit felt very "Quirky Grandma" to me. :) I think that title fits my style and personality pretty well! I'll certainly be a cool sort of grandma one day. (I have quite a few decades until then!)

I really love the accessories I thrifted on my trip to Florida. I was lucky to find so many pieces of non-metal jewelry and other things I'd been searching for for months. :) I'm going to bring this post full-circle and pin my Florida thrift luck on my Grammy. She's definitely a cool sort of grandma!

Always,
Amanda

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Detail Shot Saturday: Saltwater Sandal Love :)

Saltwater Sandals, eBay ($20)
If you've been following since the days of Another's Treasure, you know I've been trying to thrift a pair of Saltwater Sandals for a long time! In the months and months I've searched, I've never found any at the thrift stores. Not even in a different size!

Seeing as this week's Detail Shot features my new Saltwater Sandals, you probably know the end of this story. :) I found some on eBay for a mere $20 with free shipping!! And they're a floral print! I guess you could say that I'm in love.

They are comfy and pretty, and I can't wait to find more in other colors. :) And on that note, have a happy weekend!

Always,
Amanda

Friday, July 29, 2011

Florida Thrift Finds: Awesome Arm Candy

Bracelets, Thrifted ($0.25-$1 each)
I seemed to strike non-metal jewelry gold during my Florida visit! (I think this had something to do with the fact that my awesome Grammy led us to tons of great thrift shops!!)

These bracelets are some of my favorite finds from last Saturday's thrifting expedition. The friendship bracelet is made of super-thick cord, and I love the colors! The two wooden bracelets were both found at a Pensacola Goodwill that had the best jewelry case! I mean, look at the religious bracelet!! So neat. :)

The last bracelet was found at a closeout store that had all sorts of random things. I think it's reminiscent of Roman numerals. (Random, but hey...random is my middle name!)

Happy Friday, everyone!

Always,
Amanda

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Florida Thrift Finds: Vintage Bag Edition!

Vintage Florida Keys Bag ($5); Vintage Cat Tote ($3) Both: Florida Thrift Shops
I have to say, the Florida thrift shops were overflowing with awesome vintage bags!! Unfortunately, I only (just barely) had room to bring back two! These were my favorites, though, by far.

The first is a vintage Florida Keys Handbag, in the same design I've been wanting for ages! I found this exact one at one of our Richmond antique malls priced at a staggering $45! For five bucks in brand-new condition, I couldn't pass this up. :) (If you like the style, I found a pelican design on etsy for about $20 with shipping.)

The second is another type of bag that's been sitting in my etsy wish list for months- a cat bag! This tote is a generous size, which proved perfect for our day of shopping in Foley on Monday. :) (One of the ones that was on my etsy list is here for $28 if you're interested.)

I have to thank my younger brother for the cat tote! He was so nice to get it for me at Waterfront Rescue Mission when he was getting his golf stuff. I have the best brother ever, no joke. :)

Always,
Amanda

PS: To see the review I did last year of Waterfront Rescue Mission, click here! Every location is still awesome- definitely a must-go thrift shop if you're in Pensacola or the surrounding areas. :)

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Outfitted In: Florida Sunshine and Super Shades

Shirt, Sandals, Cat Print Bag, Bracelets: All Thrifted; Jeans, Burlington; Sunnies and Necklace: F21; Scarf, Estate Sale
Hey everyone! I'm back from Florida, and it went by way too fast! I had so much fun hanging out with family. :) We went to a ton of great thrift shops on Saturday and Monday, and I can't wait to show you all what I found!

This outfit is from Monday, when we took a trip to Foley, Alabama, and stopped at some thrift shops and a flea market on our way. It was such a great day. :) I found the hubby some presents at the flea market and thrift shops, and I got a couple pieces of non-metal jewelry that I love. I'll have so much to show you guys throughout the rest of the week!

Always,
Amanda

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Thrifted, Gifted: Vintage Fishing Reel

Vintage Fishing Reel, Estate Sale
Although I know less than next-to-nothing about fishing equipment, this vintage reel caught my eye at the last estate sale we went to. :) And, well, my grandpa loves fishing. Ah- thrifted, gifted time!

There's nothing I can think of that I love more than finding presents for the people I love. (Okay, maybe spending time with the people I love!)

Always,
Amanda

This is a previously scheduled post! I'm in sunny Florida, and I'm coming home tonight.

Monday, July 25, 2011

A Kitty Cat Kinda Monday :)

Vintage Cat Stuffed Toy, Heritage Antiques ($4)
Moxie giving me the evil eye (Priceless)
I love the little vintage kitty cat I got at Heritage Antiques a couple weeks ago! I think it looks a lot like Moxie- can you see the resemblance? :)

Poor Moxie cat isn't much a fan of cameras. Without the flash, you can barely make her out, she's so dark. And with? Well, you get a picture like the one above! I think she'd win any staring contest by a mile, don't you? :)

Always,
Amanda

This is a previously scheduled post! I'm in sunny Florida!

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Pages From a Vintage Book: The Pictorial Encyclopedia of Fashion


Here's the start of a new series of posts for the blog: Pages From a Vintage Book. I have so many neat old books, and most of them have great pictures and illustrations that I really should share with you guys! (Thanks for the nudge, Chrissy!)

Although I haven't had the time to read through the Pictorial Encyclopedia of Fashion yet, I have looked through the pictures. :) Those shown above are some of my favorites! I especially love the flapper in the last photo- what an awesome bow top!

I hope you guys have a great rest of your weekend!!

Always,
Amanda

This is a previously scheduled post! I'm in sunny Florida!

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Detail Shot Saturday: Pieces of a Weekend

Floral Shirt, Jean Cut-offs, Market Bag: All Thrifted
Have I mentioned how much fun I'm having with the super-macro setting on my camera? 'Cause I so am. These are, I think, my favorite close-ups to date. They seem to capture my summer style pretty well. :)

On another note: I am headed to Florida this morning!! I am so, so, so excited. :) The hubby is holding down the fort (or apartment...whatever) since he has to work and go to class while I'm gone. At least he has the kitty to keep him company! I know I'll miss both of them a ton, though!

Have a great weekend!

Always,
Amanda

Friday, July 22, 2011

Currently Loving: Vintage Keys

Vintage Padlock & Key, Vintage Key Ring & Keys: Estate Sale ($1)
The hubby and I went to one of the coolest estate sales ever this past Sunday. We're talking loads of neat things- for him and for me! Some of my favorite finds were these old keys, which were in the workshop basement of the house. While the padlock with its original key are definitely cool, I'm really loving the leather key chain!

It's the perfect size- not too big to take up tons of room, but not so small that I'm forever digging for my keys. :) Awesome. Other finds from the estate sale? Vintage pipe holders that look like mid-century modern chairs for a dollar, a ruffled umbrella for a buck fifty, and a couple cool presents! Happy Friday, everyone!!!

Always,
Amanda

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Outfitted In: Summer Scarf and Stripes

Shirt, Jeans, Flats, Market Bag: All Thrifted; Scarf, Estate Sale; Sunglasses, Target; Ant Hair Pin, San Fran Chinatown
As you have probably noticed, I've been (unintentionally) doing my version of Kendi's 30 for 30 lately. Except, it's more like 10 for the whole summer! I can't help that I've been living in the same 6 or 7 shirts, and the same couple pairs of pants for the past couple months. :)

When it's hot out, and layering simply isn't an option, I make do with a simple outfit and fun accessories. This estate sale scarf was a major find. It adds a little something extra without any extra heat: a hot-weather must.

I've also been accessorizing with lipstick lately. (I'm sure my mom will be proud of this!) I've gotten a couple different shades, and I'm really loving them. :) The one I wore Sunday, when this outfit photo was taken, is a Hard Candy lipstick in dark burgundy. It's supposed to be for nighttime, but I liked it enough to wear it during the day too. :)

I hope your week is going well! Mine is going by pretty fast, which is great. :) In two days, I'll be in Pensacola with family, and I'm super excited!!!

Always,
Amanda

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Goodwill Outlet Vintage Haul

All: Goodwill Outlet (~$5)
I almost couldn't believe the bins at Goodwill Outlet this past Saturday! It was like someone had scoured every local antique shop, bought about $100 worth of vintage goodies, and then dropped it all in the bins.

The vintage items I scored for about five bucks: A market bag, a 70s flag bag, a 30s humor book, a 40s fashion book, a 70s doll couch, an 80s silk scarf, an old tin kazoo, a Raggedy Ann, a pair of Luxxotica frames, an 80s hair clip, a floral metal Thermos, an old metal toy trailer, a Chinese fan, an amber-colored glass jar, and a kaleidoscope!

Whew! I don't think I've ever found that many vintage things that I could afford to buy at once. :) About half of my haul will end up as presents over the coming months, and I'm in the middle of the humor book right now. :)

I hope your week is breezing by!

Always,
Amanda

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Thrift Find: Kaleidoscope Cool

Vintage Kaleidoscope, Goodwill Outlet (<$1)
 Is anyone else a fan of kaleidoscopes? I just think they are so neat! My favorite thing to do with them is to take photos of the images they create. :)

My very favorite kaleidoscope was one that I thrifted way back when I had an etsy shop. I listed it for ten bucks, and it sold almost instantly! I haven't found one quite as neat since, but this vintage kid's one is pretty cool. I like the animals on it, and it makes for pretty pictures. For comparison, here are some of the photos I took looking through the one I sold:


Neat, right? I think they resemble colorful X-rays! Do you have any cool kaleidoscope photos or thrifted finds?

Always,
Amanda

Monday, July 18, 2011

Thrift Find: Grand 'Ol Flag

Vintage Bicentennial Purse, Goodwill Outlet ($2)
It seems that I just can't shake my fourth of July fixation: Check out this awesome bicentennial purse!!! The other side has the Liberty Bell. :) This would have been the perfect bag for the holiday, but I'm okay rocking it throughout the year. You don't have to wait until a holiday to show that you love your country, and appreciate those who've sacrificed so much so that we can live here, right?

Have a great Monday, everyone! (If there ever was such a thing ;) )

Always,
Amanda

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Outfitted In: Floral, Denim, Khaki

Floral Shirt, Cut-offs, Minnetonka Mocs, D&B Bag: All Thrifted; Lapis Pendant, eBay
Oh, summer. When the temperatures start to rise, sometimes it calls for something other than my beloved long pants. Unfortunately, I'm not a huge fan of dresses, skirts, or shorts, which leaves me without many options.  These are my sole pair of cut-offs that I DIY'd one hot day last summer and promptly forgot about until yesterday. While I'm still not a major fan of these, I did feel a lot cooler. Temperature-wise, at least!

I am still a fan of this lightweight floral shirt that was my total favorite last year. :) It's breeziness makes it perfect for summer, and I can see myself getting tons more use out of it. Not bad for a cheap thrifted shirt!

I hope your weekend is going well so far. :) I'm so ready to relax and enjoy my Sunday with my hubby!

Always,
Amanda

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Detail Shot Saturday: Peaches and Cream, Cont'd

Details: Lapis Pendant, eBay ($2); Vintage Scarf, Estate Sale ($0.50); Dooney & Bourke Bag, Goodwill Outlet ($2)

I loved this outfit from last Sunday, but this is the only close-up we got of everything! This vintage scarf has been a summer favorite- it's lightweight and the perfect sorbet colors. I especially love it as a belt. :) And man I am loving this D&B bag!! It fits everything I could ever possibly need, but is still comfortable because of the sturdy crocodile leather strap. Ahhh, two dollar luxury. Heck yes.

Happy weekend, everyone! I know I will be enjoying every minute of mine, and you do too!

Always,
Amanda

Friday, July 15, 2011

Currently Loving: Red, White, Blue

This is the start of a new Friday blog series: Currently Loving. It will feature recently thrifted/antiqued/etsy'd/ebayed items that I can't get enough of! This week, my favorites happen to be red, white, and blue. (Perhaps it's just the lack of 4th of July fireworks that has got me hanging on to the holiday!) In any case, here's what I'm currently loving:
Lapis Lazuli Pendants, eBay (around $2 each)
Vintage Sparklers, Heritage Antiques ($4)
 You've seen the lapis lazuli pendants in outfit photos, but here's my new little ebayed collection up close! I've bought a length of black leather cord and made some of them into necklaces. :) There's something so pretty about them- they remind me of starry nights, I think.

And the vintage sparklers? Well, they are actually still in the box, and they work!! I cautiously took one on our balcony with a bucket of water and the hubby's supervision, and it worked just like a charm! There are still a couple in the box, and I'm going to try to have the hubby take my picture with one. :) I really, really love sparklers!!

Have a great Friday, everyone. :) Is everyone else as ready for the weekend as I am? :)

Always,
Amanda

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Thrift Finds: Seashells and Tackle Boxes

Seashell Night Light, Goodwill Outlet (<$1)
 And now for the random two items I thrifted on Saturday: A night light and a vintage mustard yellow tackle box! I wasn't sure if the night light would work, but it does. :) It looks pretty cool lit up- I'll definitely have to remember to take a picture of it.

Vintage Tackle Box, Goodwill Outlet (~$1)
I really love two things about this old metal tackle box: The color, and that it reminds me of my Grandpa. :) I plan to clean it up and keep special little things in it.

I hope you are having a great week! I'm excited for the weekend!!

Always,
Amanda

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Outfitted In: Peaches and Cream

Lace Top, Jeans, Floral Flats, Bag: All Thrifted; Scarf, Estate Sale; Lapis Pendant, eBay
This outfit was a total steal! With a $2 shirt, $4 jeans, $2.50 shoes, $2 bag, $2 pendant, $0.50 scarf...that's only, what, thirteen bucks?? :) Pretty sweet, if you ask me!  

These are the bell bottoms I thrifted way back in October and wore with my hippie costume. Lately, they've become a total wardrobe staple- flares are nice and breezy in the summer heat! 

This was my outfit this past Sunday, for a relaxed day of estate sale shopping, Horrible Bosses watching, and antiquing with the hubby. :) I feel like I say it every week, but I really love Sundays! How about we just fast forward to Sunday again?

Always,
Amanda

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Thrift Finds: Doc Boots and Longchamp!

Doc Martin Boots, Goodwill Outlet ($2.50)
Patent Leather Longchamp Bag, Goodwill Outlet ($2)
Here are my other two couldn't-believe-it purchases from Saturday: Doc Martin boots in my size, and a patent leather authentic Longchamp bag! I think the reason that these two scores were still in the bins was the lack of brand recognition by the other thrifters.

Longchamp I can understand, since it's a luxury brand that I wouldn't recognize if I didn't read fashion magazines. But when I was trying on the Doc boots, a man came up to me and asked if they were Timberlands! When I told him the real brand, he had never even heard of Doc Martins! No matter. :) I'm just happy they were there when I got there, since I'd never be able to afford either in a regular shop!

The one bummer thing is that there are a couple tiny pen marks on the patent leather of the bag, which I totally don't mind. For two bucks, thrifters can't be choosers!!

Always,
Amanda

Monday, July 11, 2011

Thrift Finds: Crocodile and Florals

Dooney & Bourke Bag, Goodwill Outlet ($2)
You see the fairly unassuming bag above? I guess the other thrifters didn't look closely at it, because it's a new Dooney & Bourke bag with a real Crocodile handle! I almost couldn't believe it was still in the bins waiting for me- but there it was in all its big, quietly fancy, lovely summer bag glory. :)

Vintage Floral Toetables Flats, Goodwill Outlet ($2.50)
And then what do I find in the next bin? These adorable, floral, leather, brand-new flats in my size! They are so summery and comfortable...aka: perfect. I wore these all day yesterday, and my feet never even hinted at hurting! :)

The best part is that these aren't my only super-awesome finds from Saturday! I have more to come. :)

Always,
Amanda

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Outfitted In: A Boater and Stripes

Boater, Shirt, Bag, Sandals: All Thrifted; Cat-Eye Sunnies, Target; Jeans, Rugged Wearhouse; Lapis Lazuli Pendant, eBay
This outfit was perfect for yesterday's sunny, mid-80s weather! :) I especially loved wearing the lapis lazuli pendant that I scored on eBay for a couple bucks and sporting my boater hat again. Also new to this outfit are my cat-eye sunnies from Target and my newly thrifted striped button-up. I have to say, I am loving both. :)

On the thrifting front, I was highly successful yesterday! I almost couldn't believe my finds from the bins- they are that good. :) I'll definitely be sharing those this week!!

Well, I'm off to enjoy the day with my wonderful hubby. :) We're going to see Horrible Bosses today, and I'm so excited for it! (Jason Bateman is definitely a favorite of ours...so funny.)

Always,
Amanda

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Detail Shot Saturday: Peachy Beads

Beaded Bracelet, Goodwill Outlet (<$1)
I love finding non-metal bracelets and necklaces at the thrift store! When I can score them at Goodwill Outlet, it's even better. :) This cute little peach bead bracelet was scored there a couple weeks ago, and it's quickly become a new favorite!

I can't wait to hit up my favorite thrifts this morning! Then I have to get some chores done... like cleaning the apartment and my car, etc. And I have to start packing for my upcoming short trip to Pensacola, too. :) That I'm excited about!

Always,
Amanda

Friday, July 8, 2011

Thrifted Favorites: Vintage Boater Hat

Vintage Boater Hat, Thrifted
I was looking back at what I thrifted this week in 2010, and it was my favorite boater hat!! I absolutely love hats, and this one is particularly amazing. I wore it a lot when my hair was really short (see first photo, taken by my mom in October), but I think it's about time to pull it out again! Perhaps tomorrow? :)

I hope you have a great Friday, and an awesome weekend!!

Always,
Amanda

PS: HAPPY 23rd BIRTHDAY, ANDREW!!!!!! :) I can't wait to see you in a couple weeks!!

My 'little' brother and I at Thanksgiving :)

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Thrift Find: Kitty Cup

Kitty Mug, Family Thrift ($0.49)
I mentioned the other day how I am slowly but surely turning into a cat lady... Well, I think with the ownership of this mug, the transformation is complete! If only the kitty was black and brown, this kitty cup would be perfect. :)

Let's just hope I never veer into "crazy cat lady" territory, right? ;)

Always,
Amanda

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Antique Shop Find: Footballers

Vintage Football Player Print Quilt, Heritage Antiques ($8)
When I saw this adorable vintage little boy's quilt at Heritage Antiques this past weekend, I had to grab it! I mean, vintage football players? Soft quilt? Eight bucks? Yes, yes, and yes!!! There are even little 'plays' near the players' feet! So cute.

This quilt reminds me of my younger brother, who is in grad school at Florida. (I get to see him in a couple weeks, though! Yay!) Growing up, we'd challenge all the other neighborhood kids to a game of football, and we'd usually win. He was the quarterback and I was the receiver, and it was always so much fun!

Always,
Amanda

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Outfitted In: Feathers and Flowers

Feather Shirt & Leather Necklace: F21; Jeans, Doc Martins, Floral Bag: Thrifted
Man was it hot in Richmond this weekend! This is the outfit I wore on Sunday to run errands and go to the antique shop with the hubby, when it was in the mid-90s out. Whew! Then Sunday night, we had a big thunderstorm, and our power went out...which is a bummer when it's so hot! We spent the 4th with the hubby's family, grilling out and staying cool. Luckily, when we got back from the in-laws yesterday evening, the power came back on. :)

How was your weekend?

Always,
Amanda