A case for thrifting.

The evolution of this blog post is a bit long winded, but here it goes...it all started with a jacket. Not just any jacket, an adorable cropped denim, moto jacket that I scored for $15 at a local consignment store, Unika. I styled a cute look (see below) around the jacket, and it turned out even better than I had hoped. I was so happy I had pulled the trigger and bought the jacket, and that got me thinking about the reasons why I bought it and what helps me decide when to get pieces when I am thrift shopping. Sometimes thrifting can be overwhelming, there are so many clothes..how do you choose what will actually benefit your wardrobe? I have a few go to tips that help me find and decide what pieces to buy, and I thought I would share them with you guys :) But first, the outfit! I paired the cropped jacket with a high waisted white lace skirt, and it begged for this graphic striped cropped sweater. Something about the sweater made me crave a bold pink lip - such an easy way to make a statement with your makeup. The white, perforated purse had the same cute summer vibe, so it was a perfect addition and then I went for casual comfort in my shoe choice with a neutral leather flat sandal. I loved the result, it's fun and fresh and easy to wear.

Classic Pieces: not a necessity, but I think you get the most bang for your buck with classic pieces, simply because they could be in your wardrobe forever. A blazer, denim jacket, a trench coat - these sort of things will stand the test of time. The denim moto jacket I am wearing in this post, the inspiration for this whole idea, is a perfect example. A moto jacket will always have some place in fashion. It’s iconic. The fact that this one was in denim just gave it a little twist that I loved. And it was 15 dollars, people. Hello.

See with your hands: That sounds totally cheese, but what I am trying to say is…quality clothes will be made with quality fabric and I believe that you can feel the difference. I will touch the clothes on the rack as I scan through. It’s like a little game - when I feel like an item is quality, I check the tag and if it’s a more expensive brand…I win :p This very technique picked me out a gorgeous grey Aritzia wool sweater for $3 and a silk Alice + Olivia dress for $7. 

Shop outside your “size”: Never, I repeat, never shop only in your known size section! For me personally this is most obvious in the jean section. In different brands, my size can fluctuate wildly, from 25-28. In my experience, vintage clothing is usually a size larger than what I would wear currently (ie. I am usually a dress size 2, in something vintage…maybe a 6?)

Patience, my friend, patience. Thrifting is not quite as easy as strolling into a store at the mall: there isn’t multiple sizes in the same piece, not every piece is on trend, you might not find anything you like. Thrifting does involve extra effort - extra time and patience, but when you find that great piece…it’s like winning an exciting treasure hunt!

Do your homework: know the trends before you head out shopping. Unlike stores at the mall, the stuff coming into the thrift store isn't all the latest and greatest and you will need to know what you're looking for as you sort through the masses.

Value Village has a great page on tips for all different aspects of thrifting, from furniture thrifting to how to clean vintage clothing. 

Hope these tips help! Happy thrifting!!

Denim moto jacket: American Eagle (thrifted from Unika) (similar). Striped cropped sweater: Forever 21 (old) (cute). White midi skirt: Forever21 (old) (cute). Tan sandals: Aldo (old) (similar). Purse: Indigo Chapters (on sale!). Sunglasses: Winners (old) (cute). Lips: Wet 'n' Wild in Dollhouse Pink.

Peek-a-boo.

This post was originally going to be all about this high slit tunic top and my struggle to style it (and I will get to that eventually) but after looking at these pictures for my blog post, all I want to talk about is my new hair! I LOVE IT! I've never felt quite this moved after a hair cut. This haircut makes me feel like a new person - a bolder, cooler person :p Heck, maybe it even inspired this bolder fashion choice I made. Right, so back to the top! Where to start...I wasn't quite sold on this high slit trend I had been seeing until I found this piece. Its clean lines and minimalist style appealed to me right away and I could picture layering it for the fall (at this late in the summer, pieces have to be justified by their ability to be worked into my fall wardrobe) but first I had to figure out how I'd wear it in summer. Cue the Pinterest research and this is where we ended up! I quite liked this outfit, especially the little peek of skin on the side. It felt sexy in an understated, not-tryin-too-hard kinda way...just like my hair! Have you guys ever got a haircut that changed your whole attitude about yourself??

Tunic top: Sirens (similar + cute). Shorts: J. Crew (similar). Shoes: GoJane (similar). Tote bag: Indigo (similar). Glasses: haggled for on the streets of Bali (similar). Necklace: Urban Behavior (similar). 

Enjoying the moment.

You know those mornings when you have nothing planned, and all the time in the world to get ready? When you can leisurely put on your makeup, do your hair and put together an outfit? This post is the result of that kinda morning. I love these types of mornings when I can spend the time and really enjoy the process of creating a look, especially doing my makeup. When I get to take my sweet, sweet time doing my makeup...I'm in heaven. But for real, I find it super relaxing. I was introduced to the world of YouTube make-up tutorials by a co-worker, and now I can't imagine my life before this point. There is a HUGE resource of knowledge out there, quality knowledge...I'm talking superstar makeup artists sharing their craft with you FOR FREE. I love the internet. This look was inspired by the makeup and the makeup artist in the video (see link below). The photoshoot was super spontaneous: my husband/photographer suggested it outta the blue after spotting me come out from my room all gussied up. We just walked to a park nearby and snapped photos and had fun. There are so many areas that this blog helps me grow and explore: my makeup, my outfits, my photography and my editing skills. I love looking back and seeing my progress, it gives me hope for the future. This is one of my favorite posts....so far ;) 

Dress: Old Navy (old) (this one's cute). Denim button up: H&M (old) (similar). Vest: Sirens (last seen here) (similar + similar). Shoes: JustFab (these are cool). Purse: Ross (loveeeeee this one). 

Make-up tutorial: Lisa Eldridge

Breezy Blue

 I live for the few sneaky days of sunshine that we are getting teased with! I am so ready to dive into my summer wardrobe. Here I paired some of my all time summer favourites, jean jacket and wedges, with a breezy blue dress in a shape I don't normally sport. I loved the fresh colour and pattern of the dress, but I usually favour dresses with a more defined waistline. The jacket was an easy way to create the definition at the waist I like. Then I just warmed the palette up with some neutral accessories. Oh yah! And I also got my haircut! It's a lot shorter (for me) and I love it so far. What do you think?

My phone would not stop ringing during our photoshoot :)

Jacket: Brody Jeans (last seen here). Blue shift dress: Target Canada. Necklace: Stella & Dot. Shoes: Vianna (ooooold, these are cute). Purse: Michael Kors (old, I like this one).