Reusable Threads

thrifting at value village summer look
thrifting at value village summer look
thrifting at value village summer look
thrifting at value village summer look
thrifting at value village summer look
thrifting at value village summer look
thrifting at value village summer look
thrifting at value village summer look
Top, Skirt (Banana Republic), Bag (Forever 21), Scarf c/o Value Village. Shoes, Zara. 

I enjoy thrifting every now and then. Especially when I’m looking for something unique (or when on a limited budget). So when Value Village challenged me to see how far I could stretch $50 at a thrift store like theirs, I was up for the task!


For those of you who may not be familiar with Value Village, their mission is to create a better world by re-using items instead of throwing them in the trash. Through their commitment to sustainability, Value Village has become one of the largest recyclers of used goods in the world. Furthermore, they keep more than 650 million pounds of reusable items from landfills each year.

There are more than 100,000 items on the floor at any time. Value Village carries everything from clothing to accessories, even housewares and electronics. The store itself was very well organized and it was easy to find whatever you were looking for. In addition to that, the racks were fully stocked with about 10,000 items placed on the floor daily.

Initially I was on a mission to find 1 entire outfit within budget. But as I got into it I just kept finding cute items all at super affordable price points that were budget friendly. Until next thing I knew, my rolling basket was overflowing with garments. In the end, I was able to score not only 1 full look (excluding shoes), but 2! The first look as seen here, consists of a Banana Republic skirt with a nameless top that’s got some wicked back crochet detail. I picked up a white Forever 21 quilted purse with gold detailing and studs, and a scarf to complete the look. All great summer staples that I’ll be able to mix with other pieces down the road as well.

Not only was this whole thrifting experience fun, but it left me feeling good. I was able to help the environment and contribute to a great cause. (More on this in the the next post). And speaking of which, stay tuned to see the second look I was able to create all under my $50 budget.

xo

This post was created in collaboration with Value Village.

Into the Blue

blue grecian style asymmetrical dress
blue grecian style asymmetrical dress

blue grecian style asymmetrical dress

blue grecian style asymmetrical dress

blue grecian style asymmetrical dress

blue grecian style asymmetrical dress

blue grecian style asymmetrical dress
 Dress, bebe. Jacket, Old Navy. Shoes, Zara. Purse, Lulus. Ring, Samantha Wills.

 
Here is the story of this blue asymmetrical dress. I bought this dress eons ago when I worked at bebe, with the intention of wearing it for my birthday that year. It wasn’t only the bold azure blue colour that attracted me to it as soon as I saw it on the poster (before the dress even came in the store). But mostly I adored the modern Grecian style. I never did get a chance to wear it that year, and this dress sat dormant in my closet for about a decade.

I wore it out once for a date with my boo a few years ago and then back in the closet it went…until finally last week I remembered it and had the chance to wear it for my birthday. If I had to say, it’s been about 13 years since the intended purpose of the dress was served. And it couldn’t have been on a more perfect night. Sometimes, things are worth the wait.

Free People Twofer Maxi

free people side slit maxi
free people side slit maxi
free people side slit maxi
free people side slit maxi
free people side slit maxi
free people side slit maxi
free people side slit maxi
free people side slit maxi

Dress, Free People. Shorts, Signature 8 (Nasty Gal). Shoes, Pink Martini. Purse, Rebecca Minkoff. Sunglasses, Gucci

Snagged this Free People sleeveless knit mini dress, (or is it a side slit maxi top?) from Saks Off 5th while on the hunt for a fringed bag. Wasn’t too sure at first how I would wear this side slit maxi top. But once I wrapped my head around the concept I realized you can get pretty creative with this piece.  starting with layering it over a pair of denim cutoffs.

What I especially love about this dress is the nomadic feel that this piece gives off. Makes me want to throw on a bikini bottom with doc marten boots and hit a desert somewhere…unfortunately for that dream I live in Canada and that is just not going to happen here. Although I might settle for a deserted beach if I can find one somewhere.

xo