Frugal Fascinators

In preparation for my eldest sisters' wedding day, we decided to have high tea at The Secret Garden in Kerrisdale. Following in the footsteps of the highly profiled wedding of William and Kate, it was agreed upon that we would all wear fascinators to support the occasion. Being too cheap to spend any more than $10 on an item that I would wear only once however, I decided to make my own!

Birds: $0.99  Purchased from Dressew

Bra Pads: $2
Purchased from Dressew

Purple Cloth: $.25
Purchased from Dressew

Pink Coil: $0.99/metre  Purchased from Dressew

Clip: $2  Purchased from Dressew

Finished Product:
If you look closely at the fascinator, you may notice that it is slightly ghetto and amateurish looking. Lol! But what did you expect? It was my first time making one! I DO like the colour palette of this design however, and I did my best to make it appear as 3-dimensional as possible.

Dress: $14.99  Purchased from Zara
I bought this dress three years ago for a wedding and I am so glad to be able to wear it again! I love the pastel lilac colour and the ruffles in the front. The back is super low-cut, though I don't have a photo to show it. The best part is that this piece is machine washable! I detest washing clothes by hand....

Clutch: $5.99  Purchased from Value Village
Featured in Post: Champagne and Confetti


Frugal Finds Total: $27.21

The Chu sisters at The Secret Garden
<3

True Blue

Skirt: $3.99  Purchased from Value Village
Label: The Children's Place
I found this dress in the girls section of Value Village a couple years back. Since then, I have had few chances to wear it, as it is typically worn in the summer. Looking at it now though, I think I can probably pair it with some boots and a fuzzy cropped sweater to transition this look into fall. I love the royal blue colour of this piece, and the white lace along the hem somehow reminds me of the Austrian convent outfits worn in, "The Sound of Music". Don't know why! The bejeweled buttons along the front also gives it a young and whimsical feel.

Tank Top: $22  Purchased from American Apparel

Necklace: $28  Purchased from Winners
If my obsession with key necklaces weren't apparent before, it should be now! This obsession started way before the rage of Tiffany & Co. key pendants, though this piece is probably a knockoff of their look...at the fraction of the price! I love the thin delicate chain on this piece, and the pendant itself is beautiful.

Ring: $5.80  Purchased from Forever 21
I have to admit that this ring does not belong to me :(
I borrowed it from my friend Jeanie, who wore it the day she helped me take these photos. The bow is adorable, and I can guarantee you that if I had seen this ring in the store, I would have purchased it myself!  ;p

Shoes: $7.99  Purchased from Value Village
Label: Aldo
These shoes are dainty and pretty...but they are uncomfortable as hell! I think I have to throw them out soon. Oh well.... at least it was cheap!

Purse: $5.99  Purchased from Value Village
Label: Y-Leather
Featured in Post: Colour Me Badd



Frugal Finds Total: $73.77

Thrift with Flair

Blouse: $22  Purchased from Front and Company
Label: Antonella
I absolutely LOVE the coral colour of this blouse! It is by far my favourite hue in the entire rainbow spectrum.
I have an inkling that this blouse is relatively old, given that I had to cut the grandma-style shoulder pads off of them. Haha. But besides that, is it a classic silhouette that I can wear with shorts in the summer, and trousers in the winter.

Shorts: $22.80  Purchased from Forever 21
These tweed shorts are adorable. The tiny pleats sewed into the front creates a business casual look. I also like the cuffed bottoms, and the faux leather lining on the edge of the side pockets and back pockets.

Clutch: $3.99  Purchased from Value Village
This clutch is made of a wicker material, similar to that of a basket or patio furniture.  I was drawn to the patterning of black T's and dots on the bag. The lining is black, and there is actually a gold chain hidden inside that can be taken out and worn as a purse. This piece is very simple and casual.

Belt: $4.99  Purchased from Value Village
A metallic gold belt, with a cute bow-shaped clasp in the front.

Necklace: $4.95  Purchased from Forever 21
This is my all time favourite necklace in my entire jewelery collection. I purchased this piece about 8 years ago, and it is still a highly coveted staple of mine. This key necklace has broken in half several times throughout its daily wear and tear, but my brother-in-law has been nice enough to solder it back together for me every time. Thanks Donald!

Shoes: $7.99  Purchased from Value Village
Label: Enzo Angiolini
These nude, round-toed pumps are super comfortable. Plus, with the shoes coming in at $7.99, they are a stellar deal!




Frugal Finds Total: $66.72

Lovin' the Levis

Hat: $8.95  Purchased from H&M
This fedora is perfect for my big head! I like the straw-weaving of the hat, which promotes an overall laid-back, beachy look to any outfit.

Purse: $39.99  Purchased from Winners
Label: Jessica Simpson
I think that this bag was originally priced at $80 at Winners, which would have been a big rip-off, never mind how much it would have cost retail! But I was lucky enough to buy it after it went on clearance. I had been eyeing this hippie/bohemian print bag for awhile, but wasn't able to justify paying $80. I like this purse because it gives off a Navajo vibe whenever I wear it, so I try to pair it with outfits that are reflective of this semblance.

Sandals: $22  Purchased from Aritzia
Label: Havaianas

Shorts: $4.99  Purchased from Value Village
Label: Levis
I have been inspired to create my own denim cutoff shorts ever since I saw the celebrity fashionista, Alexa Chung, rock a few pairs of her own. So I visited a couple of Value Village stores to see if I could find the perfect jeans to create this look. I knew I wanted a pair of Levis, perhap faded and distressed looking, and a bit high-waisted. I found these jeans in the boys section of the store, and decided to try them on, even though it looked pretty old and mangy on the hanger. Despite being SUPER tight, the fit was pretty good. After I cut the jeans to length, I threw them in the wash and the edges of the cutoffs distressed pretty well on their own after I tumbled it in the dryer!

Belt: $2.99  Purchased from Value Village
A nice and simple, deep-red belt made of leather.

Tank Top: $22  Purchased from American Apparel

Bracelets: $8  Purchased from Forever 21
A collection of knick knack bracelets that my sister brought back for me from her vacation in New York. Although I am sure the Forever 21 store in Vancouver would have sold it as well ;p



Frugal Finds Total: $108.92

Pastel Palette

Shirt: $5.99  Purchased from Value Village
This top is the epitome of a summer shirt! I love all the pastel colours used throughout the flanneling of this design. Actually, now that I think about it, the top reminds me of Easter. Regardless, this button-up shirt is super cute and fun to wear when the hot weather rolls around!

Necklace: $12  Purchased from Aldo
I love all jewelery made with the turquoise pebble. It often reminds me of Mexican-inspired jewelery, in which they often pair it with silver rings or bangles. This stone looks amazing against any black outfit, because it gives it that pop of extra colour. Love it!

Purse: $4.99  Purchased from Value Village

I don't really love this bag, but for some reason, I always carry it wherever I go! As my boyfriend would say, this is my "go-to" bag, because it is always stuck to my hip. I think I use this purse so often because the neutral taupe colour matches almost everything. Plus, I am too lazy to transfer everything out of this bag into another...so I just don't. Perhaps I should invest in one of those transfer purse organizers. But who would want to spend their money on that? I guess I should stop bashing this bag though. We have been through a lot of wears and tears together. Sigh!

Sandals: $22  Purchased from Aritzia

Label: Havaianas

Jeans: $14.99  Purchased from Value Village

Label: 7 for all Mankind

I vividly remember finding these jeans at Value Village 3 years ago. I was raking through the denim selection like I usually do when I stumbled upon them. I was so thrilled because this was during the time when the brand was so popular! Not like it isn't popular anymore...but the fact that they sell it at Army & Navy doesn't really help. Lol. Anyways, a minute later, I also found a pair of Citizens of Humanity jeans. Both in my size! That was definitely a successful Value Village day for me. :)

I recently decided to distress these jeans to give it a more "lived-in" feel. So last week, I took my boyfriends Microplane grater (which he was not too happy to see me grating my jeans with...), and created some holes in the right knee!

Nail Polish: $6.99   Purchased from Wal Mart

Label: Essie

Colour: French Affair

I always give my friend Cynthia so much crap about not wasting her money on nail polish. But then I saw her wearing this colour and had to borrow it! I hope she doesn't read this blog post and use it against me!

Watch: $14.99  Purchased from Value Village

Label: S. Ein

I simply fell in love with this watch when I saw it. I know I say that a lot, but this time I really mean it! The face of this watch is covered in different specks of Opal gemstones, creating a gorgeous mosaic of pink, purple, green and blue hues. I've always loved Opal, so this watch is especially beloved because it is the first piece of the gem I have ever owned. On top of that, the watch is 18 carat plated-gold. Not too shabby a find I must say!

Frugal Finds Total: $81.95

Business Casual

Dress: $4.99  Purchased from Value Village
Label: Lori Ann Petite Collection
There are many aspects of this dress that I adore. First of all, I love the pockets (obviously)! I also like the matching belt to dress combo, though it might be fun to mix it up once in awhile, and pair this piece with a bold-coloured belt instead. I like the fact that this dress is menswear inspired, dramatized by the faux pocket handkerchief as well as the blazer like collar. And just like my previous dress from the post: Red, White and Polka Dots, this dress had huge shoulder pads that I had to remove. Plus, I took off at least a foot of hemming on the bottom to make the outfit more wearable.

Purse: $7.99  Purchased from Value Village
Although the label of this purse says Salvatore Ferragamo, I question whether or not this holds true! Would an authentic Ferragamo bag really be sold at Value Village? Yes....but not likely. Regardless of its authenticity, I really enjoy the overall look of this piece. I like the simply detailings of the gold and black tassel, as well as the bow-shaped emblem on the front of the bag. The cross-hatching design throughout the purse is quite pretty, and I like the fact that I can fit everything I need into it, without making it a game of jigsaw puzzle, where every item has to be specifically placed in one spot so that it would all fit! I know you know what I mean!

Necklace: $19.99  Purchased from Ardene Accessories
Featured in Posts: Its a Spring Thing, and Autumn Leaves, Cardigans Arrive

Shoes: $49.99  Purchased from Hangers (in Park Royal)
Label: Seychelles
I've worn these heels once to my sisters wedding, but haven't had the chance to wear them again till now. For many years now, I have been on a crazed hunt for a pair of pretty, antique gold-coloured heels! Have any of you seen any??? Although these Seychelles have a bit of antique gold on it...it is still not enough to satisfy my need. For now however, they shall tide me over until I find a pair that I absolutely love! Besides...I can't complain. These shoes were half-price when I purchased them on Boxing day, plus they are really comfortable. And at the end of the day, isn't that what is most important?   :)

Earrings: $4.99  Purchased from Legends
Featured in Post: Champagne and Confetti

Frugal Finds Total:  $87.95

Red, White and Polka Dots

Dress: $9.99  Purchased from Value Village
Ever since I saw Mary-Kate Olsen (or was it Ashley?) wearing a white and navy blue polka dot dress in one of their interviews, I've wanted one for myself! So when I saw this dress at Value Village, I kept praying that it would fit. lol! This dress originally came with a longer hem, and huge shoulder pads which I removed to refrain from looking like a football player. I love the gold detailing of the buttons, as well as the pleated skirt. I also like how the longer sleeves counteract the shortness of the skirt.

Hat: Free!
I found this hat in the closet of my boyfriend's mom. And then I decided to keep it for myself....She told me that I can take whatever I want from her house, except for her diamonds... darn it!

Belt: $2.99  Purchased from Value Village
Label: Bianco
This white leather belt is very cute and chic. I usually like to offset the belt with darker coloured outfits to really showcase the piece, and then accessorize with other golden knick knacks of the same hue.

Purse: $19.99  Purchased from Richmond Night Market
I bought this red and gold quilted bag from the Night Market last summer. Shopping at the night market, I figured I would try to exercise my haggling skills with the seller and try to get a cheaper deal on the purse. Although I tried to convince him that I was not willing to pay more than $15 for the item, the seller was firm on his original price! Unfortunately my bargaining "savvy" was no match against his, and I ended up paying full price for the bag. I think I should just stick to shopping at secondhand stores from now on....

Shoes: $59.95  Purchased from Zara
I bought these patent-red shoes from Zara several years ago, and they are the MOST comfortable heels I have ever owned! I love the little bow accents on the side of the shoes. Everytime I wear them, I imagine myself clicking my heels 3 times and saying, "There's no place like home...there's no place like home.." I'm not joking... haha

Watch: $9.99
Purchased from Value Village
Label: Seiko
Featured in Posts: Paisley in Print & Colour Me Badd



Frugal Finds Total: $102.91

Its a Spring Thing

Camisole: $18.95  Purchased from Forever 21
I bought this top from Forever 21 when the stores were still exclusive to the United States, so I was really excited to own a "semi-unique" item! Haha. Now that Forever 21 has arrived in Vancouver however, their clothing has become more mainstream. I like the lace detailing of this camisole. It softens the look of the whole outfit, and gives a plain white top something to talk about!

Skirt: $12.50  Purchased from Forever 21
This skirt is part of Forever 21's new spring line and I love it! First of all, the price is cheap! Furthermore, the floral colours of white, navy blue and magenta brightens up the entire outfit.

Cardigan: $18  Purchased from Front and Company
Label: Wilfred
This cardigan is sold at Aritzia and typically retails for over $50. I was lucky to find it at Front and Company however, consigned for less than half its original price. This cardigan is super soft, and has sizable pockets to keep your hands cozy.

Belt: $1.99  Purchased from Value Village
This light-brown leather belt is a versatile accessory for any outfit. And the price isn't bad either!

Necklace: $19.99  Purchased from Ardene Accessories
Featured in post: Autumn Leaves, Cardigans Arrive

Hat: $14.99  Purchased from Zara
I bought this fedora-style hat last year at the end of summer, so this was the sale price. I think the original price was $30? The hat came from the Men's Accessories department, because they have slightly larger hats for my big head! I like the dark green, faded hue of this straw hat. It is more casual than a typical wool or felt-made fedora, which may be too hot to wear for the summer season which is just around the corner!

Clogs: $19.95  Purchased from Urban Behaviour
I know a lot of people are on the fence about Clogs, but i LOVE them! They are super comfortable and I find them pretty cute. I love the camel colour of these shoes. There is some understated studding around front, and the straps at the back give a lot of support when walking. So watch out world! Clogs are making a comeback!

Frugal Finds Total: $106.37

Paisley in Print

Trench Coat: $19.99  Purchased from Value Village
Label: Iuro
I was instantly attracted to this trench coat when I saw it at Value Village. I liked the vibrancy of the turquoise-blue color, and the jacket really stood out amongst the sea of blacks and greys in the Coat aisle. Then I noticed that it had a satin, Paisley print lining on the inside, which made it really fabulous when I rolled up the sleeves! I like the high collar of the neck, and it was a nice fit overall. I will definitely be wearing this jacket more often when spring arrives!

Top: $23.80  Purchased from Forever 21
I have owned this forest green halter for many years, but have worn it only a few times. Don't get me wrong, I really like this shirt! But I simply never had the right occasion to wear it...until now.  :)

Watch: $9.99  Purchased from Value Village
Label: Seiko
This is another vintage watch that I found at Value Village, and lucky for me, it works! Regardless of this fact however, I was informed by a Value Village employee the other day that they accept returns for watches that don't work, so now I don't have to be as concerned about purchasing them! I love this piece because it reminds me of the watches my grandma used to wear. I didn't really appreciate the dainty style of these timepieces before, but it has really grown on me throughout the past couple of years. Plus, it makes me think of my grandma every time I put one on.

Necklace: $7.80  Purchased from Forever 21
Although I am not a fan of birds, I am a fan of feather accessories. This necklace caught my eye because of the pink-purple coloured ombre of the feather. It also has some faux diamonds and opals on the chain, making it a fun and playful accessory.

Tights: $14.99  Purchased from Urban Outfitters

Shoes: $39.99  Purchased from Banana Republic
Featured in Post: Autumn Leaves, Cardigans Arrive






Frugal Finds Total: $116.56

Sale Season

The moment I've been waiting for has finally arrived! On Monday February 7th, 2011, Value Village is having their 50% off sale. All used clothing, shoes, accessories, and bed & bath items are half-price!
Personal Tips:
1) If you do plan on shopping at Value Village that day, keep in mind that the earlier you go, the better the items you can snag. I predict it will be a ZOO in there later in the day.
2) Be prepared to elbow your way through the racks because the shoppers in there can get vicious on sale days. I am one of them...jk!
3) Try to wear sandals or flats, so you can easily slip them off when trying on clothes.
4) Wearing a tank top is also a good option, so you can slip shirts and sweaters over it.
5) Have an open mind. You can always alter any pieces that may not fit to your liking!
Have fun and merry hunting! :)

Plaid Fad

Toque: $5.99  Purchased from Value Village
I've been looking for a cozy, Cowichan knit hat for awhile, and I was so excited when I found this one at Value Village! The thick wool keeps my head super warm, and I love the little pom pom at the top. Don't worry, I made sure to wash this hat with super HOT water before I wore it :p

Tank top: $2.99  Purchased from Value Village

Plaid top: $50  Purchased from Aritzia
Label: TNA
I received this shirt as a secret santa gift a couple years back, and I must admit that I have gotten plenty of wears out of it. One of my male friends actually chose this top, and he swears he picked it out all by himself. I guess I can believe it though...since he loves plaid shirts. And anyway, how can you ever go wrong with shopping at Aritzia?

Jeans: $19.99  Purchased from Sirens
Label: Seductions
I was a bit iffy buying pants from Sirens, since the quality of their clothing is usually sub-par. But I was pleasantly surprised to see that these jeans have remained in excellent condition. And if you have an SPC or Sirens card, that means you can get an additional 10% off their clothing. Saving money any chance you get is always a good thing!

Boots: $9.99  Purchased from Value Village
These boots were one of my first shoe purchases from Value Village. Unfortunately, I have worn these shoes so often that they are starting to wear out. What do you think my chances are of finding another pair just like it?

Ring: $5.80  Purchased from Forever 21

Jacket: $49.80  Purchased from Urban Behavior
This faux-leather jacket is such a good deal. I love the combination of the navy blue shell with the attached grey sweater. It is super cute and comfortable, and any jacket with a hood is always a bonus in my books!




Frugal Finds Total: $94.56
I didn't include the TNA plaid top because it was a gift! :)


Please check me out on TheStyleSpy! I am Girl of the Week!
Thanks again to Nicole for choosing me. Please check out her blog at Le Mode du Jour.

Color Me Badd

Dress: $14.99  Purchased from Urban Outfitters
Label: Ecote
This dress reminds me of a paint palette with its many splashes of colours. The darker hues also help transition this dress from a summer item to a winter appropriate piece. The original price of this dress was $78, but I found it on the sale rack for $29.99 which I thought was a pretty good deal. THEN I realized that all sale items were an additional 50% off! Score! Bonus, this dress has pockets on it, which I love love love.

Scarf: $19.95  Purchased from Le Chateau
I've had this pashmina scarf for many years now and it is a wardrobe staple for me. It is both practical and versatile...which is probably why I have it in 4 other colours as well...

Purse: $5.99  Purchased from Value Village
Label: Y-Leather
My sister was the first to take notice of this purse in the accessories section of Value Village. Luckily she passed it on to me because she felt the strap was too short for her. This bag is the perfect size for carrying my cell phone, keys and wallet.

Cardigan: $19.99  Purchased from Urban Behavior
This sweater is super comfortable. Surprisingly, it also holds it shape very well after it is machine washed. And just like my pashminas, I liked this cardigan so much that I also bought it in a light pink and navy blue.  :p

Belt: Free!
With the purchase of a dress from Forever 21

Boots: $79.99  Purchased from Gia Shoes
Label: Roberto Vianni
I have been searching for over-the-knee boots since last year, but I either couldn't find a style that I liked, or the boots just didn't sit right. Either it was wayyyy too high above my knees, or I found it too bunchy around the ankles. When I saw these boots a few months ago, I really liked them, but I wasn't able to swallow the $200 price-tag. In December, I bit the bullet and told myself that I was gonna to splurge on those boots! When I went into the store, I was pleasantly surprised to find that they were on sale for $160. And just like my Ecote dress, they were an additional 50% off!
P.S. These boots were the last pair in my size. I think they were meant to be...Don't you? lol


Frugal Finds Total: $140.91

Champagne and Confetti

Dress: $45.90  Purchased from Urban Behavior
This dress was perfect for the New Years event I attended at the Mariott Hotel! It was a fun and flirty ensemble that also happened to be in my favorite colour. I was also surprised by how well it matched my shoes! For weeks I had been searching for a new years dress, but nothing really wowed me. I eventually gave up all hope of finding something at the mall and was about to resort to wearing one of my old dresses when lo and behold, this caught my eye as I was leaving the store. It was the last one in my size too. Yay!

Clutch: $5.99 Purchased from Value Village
This vintage clutch is entirely covered with silver beading. It also has a detachable metal strap you can clip on to convert it into a purse.

Shoes: $69.95  Purchased from Zara
Featured in post: I Heart Pink

Watch: $14.99  Purchased from Value Village
Label: Pulsar
This piece of jewelery is quite small in size, encrusted with jewels around the faceplate and can easily pass as a bracelet. I love this watch, and it looks as new as when I first purchased it. Currently, I am on the hunt for a larger men's/boyfriend watch. Does anyone have any good suggestions as to where to find one? Preferably cheap?

Earrings: $4.99  Purchased from Legends
(a secondhand/vintage store previously located on Main St., now the home of Woo Vintage Clothing)

Admittedly, these earrings are clip-ons...lol. I am unable to wear most earrings that are not at least 14K gold, so clip-ons are a good alternative to purchasing the authentic stuff. Regardless, I love costume jewelery and these earrings were too cute to pass up.

Frugal Finds Total: $71.87

Broke the Bank Find: $69.95 Zara shoes

Look at who I ran into on New Years? Amy from aFabricofSociety! Lets take a look at her outfit of choice that night.

Dress: $35.80  Purchased from Forever 21
Adorable lace detailing on the dress. The gold belt adds a nice touch to the outfit as well!

Shoes: $79.99  Purchased from Aldo
How can you go wrong with rounded, patent nude pumps?

Rings: $6.80, $5.80, $16.00  Purchased from Forever 21



Frugal Finds Total: $144.39