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! :)