Thrift Finds: Dressed-Down Wingtips

Oxfords: Family Thrift ($5)

Most wingtip oxfords are sort of fancy. They're usually a serious color and material, and that's cool. But sometimes life calls for a comfy tennis shoe alternative, you know?

At Family Thrift, the shoes are a little more expensive than the other thrifts nearby, so I usually skip their shoe section. Luckily, a couple weekends ago, I took a peek to see if there was anything good, and found these! They're brand new and my size. :) I love them!

Have you had any shoe luck at the thrifts lately?

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: Pretty Pretty Prism

Glass Pendant: Goodwill Outlet

I promised awhile ago to show you all a close-up of the glass pendant I found in the Goodwill Outlet bins. Well, here it is! I attached this heavy beauty onto a thrifted leather cord, and voila! A nice necklace. :)

I love getting creative with non-metal jewelry, since I can't wear most metals. Of my favorite materials for allergy-free jewelry, glass is near the top with bakelite and wood. :)

Now, if I could just find the perfect all-wood, or all-bakelite watch, I'd be in heaven!

Always,
Amanda

PS: Speaking of heaven, I forgot one of the things I'm thankful for in my Thanksgiving post: God! I don't usually talk about religion here, but I just wanted to clarify that He definitely belongs on my list.

Thrift Find: Electric Typewriter Madness

Electric Typewriter ($5): Love of Jesus

I was excited to find this working electric typewriter at the Love of Jesus thrift on Saturday. It's a really cute shade of blue/grey, and it's been a long time since I found a cool typewriter worth getting. :)

Unfortunately, while it works mostly fine, it has a small problem I found out the hard way. Every other letter works great, until you reach the 'y' key. Then it's like the typewriter is alive and it's out to get you! The 'y' key will hit the page over and over and over, quickly and crazily, until you turn off the machine.

I tried to ignore it, but it seems that 'y' is a oft-used letter. Unless I think of some way to fix it (any ideas?), it'll sit pretty on a shelf in our room. I guess the moral of this story is: if you get something that seems to work but might not, get one that'll look pretty on a shelf!

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Silver, Black and Blue Jeans

Shirt, Jeans, Flats, Vintage Coach Bag: All Thrifted; Sweater: JCrew Warehouse Sale, gift from hubby

This was my 'celebrating Thanksgiving a day late' outfit. :) My poor hubby had to work Thanksgiving day, so we went over to his family's house to eat on Friday instead. And boy, did we eat!

This was comfy, but a little bit dressed up for the holiday. I, for one, am glad that it's finally almost December! Thanksgiving is super fun, with great food and family, but there's nothing I like more than finding the perfect gifts for everyone!!

Have a great day. :)

Always,
Amanda

Estate Sale Treasure: Pretty Blankets

Vintage Blankets ($1 each), Estate Sale

The estate sale that the hubby and I went to last Sunday had quite a few neat vintage things! Most of the things we got are Christmas presents for my sis-in-law, and I know she'll love them. :)

I scored these blankets for a dollar each for us to keep, though. A thorough washing and drying left them smelling wonderful and feeling cozy. Josh has claimed the mustard yellow one for himself (although I love the color!), and the pink and white one is mine. I love how it's super-soft, but also warm and easy to fold into a travel-size square. :)

Well, I'm off to work this morning, which is strange since I've been off a couple days! But I'm for sure going to the thrifts once I get off!!

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: Cannes Film Festival Wall Art

Wall Art ($2.98): Family Thrift

I was drawn to this wall art because of the night sky/world thing going on. Then I realized it was a Cannes Film Festival poster board! Pretty neat. :)

I assumed, being in hipster Richmond, that it would be out of my price range just because it's cool. Nope, it was less than three bucks! So I obviously got it and put it up in our apartment. :)

Alright, well, have a great day! We're celebrating Thanksgiving today at my in-laws, so I'm about to eat some yummy food!!

Always,
Amanda

Today, I'm Thankful For...

My favorite tree outside our apartment. :)

• Pretty trees with pretty leaves.
• A day off to relax!
• Of course, my family. :)
• Included in my family, but also deserving of his own line, my amazing husband!
• My sweet kitty Moxie, and how she makes me laugh.
• Rediscovering old books, like A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
• Green. Bean. Casserole. !!!!
• Christmas Eve is only a month away. :) 

 Have a great day, everyone!

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Blue and Grey...and Kitties!

Scarf, Jeans, Flats, Bag, Bracelets: All Thrifted; Sweatshirt: F21

This kitty bag was one of my finds from my trip to Pensacola this summer. I believe I promised my Grammy that I wouldn't use this silly bag as a purse...whoops! I just love it, though. :)

Speaking of love, I can't wait to go back to Pensacola in December! I'll get to see lots of family, and we'll hit up some great thrift spots! Win, win, win. :)

Also, this scarf is the softest thing ever. I've been on the hunt for super cozy scarves that can double as a blanket on the plane.

Can you tell I can't wait for Christmas?! Lol. :) At least I'll have tomorrow, Friday and Sunday off this week! (I'll probably start packing for my trip...)

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: Green Converse

Converse: Goodwill Outlet ($2.50)

I was super excited to find these Converse All-Stars...especially in green and in my size.

Me and Converse go way back, about 10 years, actually! When I was 15, there was nothing I wanted more for Christmas than some All-Stars. I saw them as something that made you cool and fun, and I wore my black ones all the time back then.

I think these green ones are even cooler! And when you can get some awesome shoes for less than three bucks, I think that makes them even more awesome. Don't you agree?

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: Vintage Cat Eye Sunnies

Vintage Cat Eye Sunglasses: Family Thrift ($2)

When I spotted these cool sunnies in the boutique section of Family Thrift, I knew I had to get them! They remind me of the much more expensive Super sunglasses. :)

I don't usually go to Family Thrift because it's always packed, but I really scored this time! Three of the best things I thrifted this week came from there, all for great prices. :)

I hope you have a happy Monday!

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Velvet and Mustard

Shirt, Jacket, Shoes, Bag, Necklace: All Thrifted; Jeans, Burlington

Yesterday was bright and sunny, and a bit cold! It seems like Fall is almost over, with leaves mostly on the ground and the cool bite to the air...

Enough about the weather, though! I had a pretty good day of thrifting yesterday, with a couple finds both for presents and for myself. I was most lucky in the shoe department, scoring two pairs of awesome ones!

I can't wait to show you my finds this week. :) In the meantime, enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Always,
Amanda

Detail Shot Saturday: Vintage Ray Bans

Vintage Ray Bans: eBay ($20)

These are the vintage Ray Bans I got on eBay to match the blue ones I got for the hubby. Unfortunately, mine are a bit more worn down than his perfect ones!

I used my favorite trick to fix dullness on old frames: clear nail polish. With a coat of it over the pink parts of my sunnies, they were looking almost new! The only thing I can't really fix is the nick in one of the glass lenses. But they're fun to wear anyway. :)

I hope you have a great weekend!! I'm looking forward to thrifting and relaxing!

Always,
Amanda

To Keep or To Gift?

Basket: Goodwill Outlet (<$1)

I found this awesome basket/bag with leather handles in the basket box at Goodwill Outlet. I really love it, but I was thinking of someone else when I got it.

It's the perfect size for a beach bag, or a bag for your car to keep random things in, or to hold magazines. It really could be used for a bunch of different things. And it's nice- leather handles and a sturdy construction!

The question I'm still trying to answer is...should I keep it or gift it?

What would you do?

Always,
Amanda

Thrifted DIY: Easy Backpack Fix

Backpack: Goodwill Outlet ($2); Floral Fabric: Estate Sale ($1)

This cute, roomy backpack was waiting in the Goodwill Outlet bins for me, probably because it had a company logo embroidered on it.

I saw it and immediately thought 'easy DIY!'. (I blame Pinterest for this recent DIY obsession...)

Thankfully, it was a super simple fix. Just some craft glue, scissors, and fabric...and it's as good as new! I think this pretty backpack will be going with me to Florida at Christmas. :) The padded straps will make it comfy to lug across a couple of airports!

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: My Favorite Fall Sweater

Shirt, Bag, Flats: All Thrifted; Jeans, Burlington; Vintage Ray Bans, eBay; Sweater, JCrew Warehouse Sale from Hubby

This is my favorite sweater that I re-discovered the other day! The hubby got it for me last October, when the JCrew Warehouse Sale was in town. :) I love the moto-jacket look with the coziness of a sweater.

I thought I'd go the black route for Sunday's outfit, with my zebra shirt and vintage dark Ray Bans. Of course, I always seem to add a pop of color or two!

Hope your week's going well!

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Finds: Little Mustard

Vintage Beaded Purse: Goodwill Outlet ($2)

I just love mustard-colored things, especially when it comes to clothing and accessories! This little beaded bag is perfect:  cross-body and not super-heavy. :)

I have another beaded bag similar to this that I never use because it weighs more than any other bag I have! I'm usually not willing to forgo comfort for cuteness...I prefer both together when possible. :)

Speaking of comfort, I somehow hurt the ball of my foot this weekend. It may or may not have had something to do with trying on super-high shoes, even though I couldn't walk in them. Hopefully it starts feeling better soon!

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: Son of a Gun!

Vintage Son of a Gun Dryer: Family Thrift ($2)

This really needs no explanation. I needed a hair dryer, this one has the best name ever...that's pretty much it!

Oh, and it works really great, too, that Son of a Gun. :)

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: An Awesome Little Desk!

Vintage Typing Desk: Love of Jesus ($2)

I got this adorable vintage typing desk at Love of Jesus on Friday. :) I am sincerely in love with it! Not only is it small enough for my little desk corner, but it's such a pretty sea green, it has a drawer, and it cost two bucks!!!

Another bonus: it was small enough to easily fit in the back seat of my little car!

I had been looking for a little enough desk for quite awhile, so this was a super exciting find for me. (Can you tell? :))
 
Hope you're having a great weekend. :)

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Cozy Colors

Sweatshirt, F21; Jeans, Burlington; Vintage Ray Bans, eBay; Scarf, Vintage Coach Bag, Flats: All Thrifted

It was a sunny and beautiful Veteran's Day yesterday. :) It was also a little bit cold and windy, but my comfy sweatshirt and scarf kept me warm!

It was so nice to have the day off to thrift, clean, and just relax. Three day weekends are my favorite!

Plus, I found some pretty great things, one of which I've had on my thrift list for a long time. :) Can't wait to show you my finds!

Always,
Amanda

I Love Fall :)

I have the day off work, so I am off to the thrifts. :)


As for the leaf:
1. I have no more thrift finds to show you- hopefully I'll have more luck today!
2. I love Fall, for real.
3. I wish my Mom was here to see the pretty leaves, since she loves them. :) Love you, Mom!

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Finds: Black Patent Leather

Flats, Goodwill Outlet ($2.50)

These shiny black flats are a recent Goodwill Outlet find. The good: they were brand new and less than three bucks! The bad: they still need to be broken in a bit.

Nevertheless, they are cute! Any ideas for softening patent shoes so they don't rub?


Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Jeans and Cream

Shirt, Cardigan, Bag, Shoes, Necklace: All Thrifted; Jeans, Burlington

We went to a semi-fancy restaurant for brunch on Sunday, so I went for my sort of dressy: dark jeans and a little sparkle.

This shirt is actually a super-shiny gold, and the necklace is a crazy pink glass prism! (I definitely need to take a close-up of it- it's crazy. :))

The bag was a recent Goodwill Outlet score- it's B. Makowsky brand, which I always see at TJMaxx for over a hundred bucks! Yay for two dollar pretty leather bags. :)

Always,
Amanda

(The Hubby's) Outfitted In: Black and Blue

Cardigan and Jeans, Thrifted; Shirt, from 2001; Shoes, Target; Vintage Ray Bans, eBay

This is Josh's 'serious blogger pose'. :) I love it! He picked out this outfit to match his vintage Ray Bans I gave him for Christmas (way early, I know).

Because it was a little chilly on Sunday, I suggested he borrow my vintage cardigan, and it went perfectly with his look. While on some guys a cardigan may read too 'hipster', on Josh it just looks cool. :) (Okay, I admit I may be a bit biased on that one. :))

Here's a closer photo of his new sunnies:

Cool, right? I scored them on eBay for a great price, and then scored a pair of pink ones for me!! We're so taking his-and-hers matching Ray Ban photos. Christmas card idea?

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: Vintage Zippo

Vintage Zippo Lighter, Goodwill Outlet (<$1)

This Zippo lighter, which I picked up at Goodwill Outlet for the hubby, is pretty neat. Not only is it dated 1973, but it has the school crest of the kid who owned it!

The hubby was happy to get it, because usually older Zippos (and heck, even new ones!) cost more than some pocket change. :)

I also gave in and gave Josh his Christmas present. I know, already. But I got him these super-awesome 80s Ray Bans, and I couldn't wait for him to have them! (He loved them so much, he put an outfit together to match...You'll definitely see it tomorrow!)

Have a great day. :)

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Sunshine and Scarves

Shirt, Vest, Bag, Scarf, Bangle: All Thrifted; Jeans, Gift; Missoni for Target Flats

I realize this isn't the clearest photo ever, but at least the sun was pretty!

As for the outfit, I loved pairing my pink thrifted polka dot scarf with my dark green shirt. :)

I didn't thrift a lot yesterday, but it was still a good afternoon. A little girl at Goodwill Outlet stopped me to tell me she liked my hair! It was so sweet- definitely just as good as thrifting a bunch of cool things. :)


Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: Bicycle Art

Vintage String and Nail Bike Art: Goodwill Outlet (~$1)

I love the colors, the style, and the subject of this vintage art! I'm a big fan of bicycles (I especially love the way vintage ones look!) so this was right up my alley. :)

I was a little surprised to find all the vintage things I got last Saturday- usually cool old things are snatched up quickly. Hopefully this afternoon I'll have even better luck!

Always,
Amanda

Thrifted DIY: Easy Tie Wreath

 Last weekend, I went on a bit of a DIY spree. Some things didn't turn out like I planned (dyed jeans), but a couple of them were great and easy!

This tie wreath DIY I saw while browsing the archives of A Beautiful Mess, and it looked doable. Here's the step-by-step:

Step 1: Gather supplies: foam circle, push pins, scissors, adorable ties.

Step 2: Cut the larger ends of ties off, making them long enough to layer. Pin them on as shown below, covering up the rough edges:

Step 3: Keep going around the circle until it's all covered. Pin the skinny end of a tie to the top as a hanger. You're done!!

Have a great Friday!

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Floral and Blues

Shirt, Bag, Necklace: All Thrifted; Shoes, Plato's Closet; Trench, F21; Jeans, Target Clearance

This was this past Sunday's outfit, perfect for a cool but sunny day. I recently found this trench jacket I got for cheap at F21 last year, and it's great for the Fall chill.

Also: these green shoes are my new favorite. I put these crazy memory foam insoles in them, and they are as comfy as they are cute.

That's all I have for now, since this week has been pretty exhausting. But you can bet on Saturday afternoon I'll be at my fave thrifts!!

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Finds: Purple and Red

Polaroid Camera; Heart Pillows: Goodwill Outlet (~$1)

 I've been searching for a cool-colored Polaroid camera ever since seeing one on A Beautiful Mess. :) This purple one looks so cute with my little collection of cameras! 

I couldn't resist these adorable heart-shaped pillows, either. I have a thing for tiny pillows, and it doesn't get much better than heart ones! (Well, maybe cat-shaped ones...)

I hope you're having a great week. :) 

Always,

Amanda

Thrift Finds: Moose-y

'Stuffed' Moose Head, Goodwill ($2)

Alright, I know this probably won't be everyone's cup of tea, but I LOVE this 'stuffed' moose!! When I spotted it on the top shelf at my local Goodwill, I did a little happy dance. :)

When I brought it to the register to check out, the Goodwill worker was disappointed that he hadn't seen it first!

Unsurprisingly, the hubby is also a fan of my new moose friend. And I think it gives our plain white wall a little bit of character!

Always,
Amanda