Chic & Thrifty: The Junk Hole Haul

Nestled between a busy road and a small creek notorious for flooding lay a place that I've jocularly referred to as "The Junk Hole" since I was a small girl. The Community Thrift Center is full of junk and it definitely gives off the hole in the wall vibe but it's also a goldmine for buried treasures. It's the ideal spot for scoring found objects, records for pennies and random odds and ends. Over the years, I've spent countless hours shuffling through its shelves and rummaging through the racks.

My family and I have adopted everything from Chanel scarfs to Christmas trees at this charming little establishment. There's not much you can't find at a place like this. The prices are among the best I've seen within the secondhand market in Pittsburgh. The odds are good but the goods are odd. And I like it like that.

Should you find yourself at Community Thrift on Babcock Boulevard in the North Hills, be sure to take note of the sales. It changes daily.  Pop some tags.

MY RECENT HAUL:

Items Purchased:

• Lamarthe Leather Handbag. Made in Italy. French brand. I spotted the craftsmanship on this beauty from a distance away. Upon closer inspection, she was in nearly perfect condition with the dust bag included (love the unicorn logo the brand uses- obviously, check out of the other items I got). When I was in grade school in the 90s, book bag style purses were all the rage. They're apparently making a strong comeback. This particular design isn't something I'd typically go for but for $15 (it was 50% off and retails for hundreds), the quality of the leather and unique designer was too good to pass up. 
• Chico's Exta-Long Wool Sweater Cardigan: This looks like it was never worn. Brand new condition (and it probably originally cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $200). It's difficult to find a really long sweater (this hits at about my calves). This style is perfect to throw on for extra warmth or to pair over leggings. I'm always cold so I get a lot of wear out of things like this around the house or if I'm going somewhere like the movies. I recently joked with some of my girlfriends that I must be getting old because some of the window displays at Chico's are starting to appeal to my style. Find it at the thrift store? All the better. 
• E.O. Brody Glass Co. Vintage Vase/Dish: My Mom has always been a fan of Depression glass and other unique pieces. Her love of this type of thing was definitely passed on to me. I've always had an appreciation for antiques but as I've gotten older, glassware has really stood out to me. I love glass like this for a number of different uses- alone on a shelf or table as a decorative piece, as a candle holder (a la Waverly and Irving), as a vase for floral arrangements or a candy dish. The smoky quartz color of this particular piece really caught my eye. I thought it was a bold neutral that would go nicely with a number of different interiors. 
• Records: For .49 an album, I'm happy to give these a new home. Charlie Rich, Behind Closed Doors (1973), Johnny Mathis, People (1969), Dionne Warwick, Dionne (1976), The Lettermen, A Song for Young Love (1962).
• Party Invitations: I love to have friends over for a movie night and thought these little invites were too cute not to snag. It'll give me an excuse to plan a little viewing party for something fun and use some of the new address labels that I recently got!
• Glowstick Bracelets: Speaking of parties, my birthday is a couple weeks away and I thought these might come in handy. I love a little glowstick action.
• Decorative Owl: Well, I brought this little handmade guy home with the idea in my mind that he was a votive candle holder. Well, my standard-sized votives were too big for his little head and the flame got his body a bit too heated for my liking. The battery operated votives were also too big. I have no idea what he's supposed to be. Maybe I'll store knickknacks in him or just keep him as a figurine. He would have looked so cute lit up. Disappointing. 
• Pittsburgh Magazine: I picked this issue up because it features the best homes of the year in Pittsburgh- notably, my favorite, The Farmhouse! I had all intentions of posting an in-depth blog about this property but never got around to it. Perhaps after reading the article, I'll have more inspiration. I'd love to have a party at this place (it would make for an incredibly romantic wedding reception venue). 
• Journal: I'm constantly jotting down notes- everything from ideas, lyrics, food I ate, to-do lists, and more. I pretty much collect journals. I love them and am quick to get my hands on good ones. Finding such a nice one that's unused and at the thrift store is definitely a score.
• Wine Wars: My Mom found this little game that's supposed to be educational. I thought it would be fun to have a little game night with a few bottles glasses and good times. Wine Parties are always a blast. I love the blind testing games and the conversation.
• Miami Psychic by Regina Milbourne. I love all things paranormal or psychic-inclined. I browsed through this title at the thrift store and admittedly, my first impressions were questionable but I gave it a go anyway. It seems a bit "trashtastic" but who doesn't love a good guilty pleasure read?
• Unicorn Bookends, Takahashi San Francisco: This was by far my favorite find! I was positively giddy when I came across these magical little creatures on a high shelf at the store. I've been on the lookout for ceramic unicorn bookends for the past year. The ones on eBay were a bit overpriced and the sets I saw on sites like One Kings Lane were way too steep. For $6, it wasn't the steal of the century but by comparison it was definitely a bargain and well worth the wait. I've always loved unicorns (for a couple different reasons), so these will be special to me for some time. I can't wait to display them!

Now Playing: "I Will Be Back One Day" by Lord Huron

Chic & Thrifty: Chanel Spring 2012 Nail Polish for Less!

TOP ROW: Chanel Spring 2012 Collection. April, May, June ($25).

BOTTOM ROW: Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Wonder, Sinful Colors Pink Forever, Revlon Peach Nectar (< $5).

It has been so long since I posted a Chic & Thrifty blog that I forgot what I called the series. I was inspired to share some affordable alternatives to Chanel's Spring nail polish collection. I found these options within my own stash. I think it's important to know what you have before investing in something that is practically identical. These colors aren't exactly "dupes" (albeit April looks close enough to me) but they are amazing alternatives. I love Chanel just as much if not more than the next girl but I can attest that its formula is not superior to the products I have mentioned. Chanel polishes are $25 USD whereas my alternatives were all under $5. I picked up both the Sally Hansen and Revlon polishes at Big Lots for a buck or two. At the drug store they would run around $4-5. Sinful Colors can also be found at the drug store for $1.99. It's a great option if you're looking to have a large collection and various options without having to spend a lot of money. I really encourage every girl to know what she has and to research the market before investing in something that could be duped for less. There are plenty of resources online and great websites to familiarize yourself with. Two of my favorite nail polish sites that include a wide variety of information on collection releases, swatches and more:

All Laquered Up

The Polish Aholic



Now Playing: "Sunday Morning" by Maroon 5

Chic & Thrifty

I got out of work early today, so I was able to get a few of my Saturday errands out of the way! I made a quick stop at one of my favorite thrift stores but it didn't have any decor, clothing or jewelry that caught my eye. To cheer me up, I made my way to the music section and grabbed a few records. Orange tags were 50% off, so I snagged these for a couple bucks each. Not too shabby. I met a really nice father and son when I picked up The Supremes' Greatest Hits. They were fans. Who isn't?! :)

I buy so much online that I sometimes forget how nice it is to browse at an actual store. I need to venture to a few different shops this summer. Because Pittsburgh has such a massive amount of older residents who eventually pass away, there are some amazing things that end up at thrift shops. I'm always ready, willing and able to search for the good stuff and provide it with a new, loving home.







Now Playing: Lollapalooza Live Stream!

Chic & Thrifty

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Actress Zoe Saldana was spotted in April sporting this casual & trendy ensemble. Zoe is absolutely beautiful and could make a burlap sack look good. But if you're trying to reacreate Zoe's outfit, there are plenty of affordable options out there. This is a very accessible look! Chic doesn't not have to cost thousands of dollars. The pieces I put together totaled under $130 bucks- that's less than Zoe's sunglasses alone. In case you are wondering, here is what Miss Saldana is wearing:

AG Adriano Goldschmeid Top & Jeans
Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses
Brian Atwood Shoes
Miu Miu Crossbody Bag




Now Playing: "Blue Skies Again" by Jessica Lea Mayfield

Chic & Thrifty!

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Former reality TV star, author and fashion designer, Whitney Port, is known for her eclectic sense of style. She is pictured above attending a fall/winter 2011 fashion show. I really like this look with the exception of the shoes. I think the silver sandals were an interesting choice but it's not exactly something I would pick out. Nevertheless, I think Whitney pulled off this look very nicely. She is wearing Muubaa leather pants, a 3.1 Phillip Lim gray t-shirt, Jimmy Choo sandals, Mawi London necklace and a blazer from her own line, Whitney Eve. I estimate the cost of these items to be around $3,000. Gasp- that's a fraction of what I make in a year! But have no fear, you can always be chic and thrifty!

Even though it's late Spring in my part of the world, I believe it's never too early to start thinking about what to wear for the upcoming fall/winter season. It's also a good time to get great deals from the "leftovers" from the previous one. Where I live, what was in style in 2010 will generally still be going strong the following year- just a bit more accessible. The thought of purchasing an entire new wardrobe each year is enough to make my skin crawl. Do people actually live like that?

I was able to find a fabulous blazer at 50% off on Sears.com (yes, Sears has some decent Sunday bests) as well as some nice alternatives to Whitney's look from places like Urban Outfitters, Target, Forever 21 and Aldo. With a bit of patience and some luck, you too can find similar pieces (probably for even less than $200). So let your hair flow loose, stick to neutral makeup and you could pass for Whitney Port's doppelganger! Your wallet will thank you!




Now Playing: "Hang You From the Heavens" by The Dead Weather