Rules of Engagement

Skirt: Free  Purchased from: Paul's mom closet
Label: Casual Connection
During my semi-annual rummage through the closet of my fiancé's mom, I discovered this lovely skirt. It has a really exquisite pattern on it, and the deep reds and teal give it an autumnal feel. The swirls actually start to look psychedelic if you stare at it for too long!   The buttons running down the entire length of the skirt helps break up the pattern, and gives it a youthful look. When I showed Paul's mom the skirt I "borrowed" from her, she vaguely remembered it, stating she must've had it for over 20 years. I guess you can say its a generational article of clothing. I wonder if it'll still be in style in another 20 years...

Tank top: $14  Purchased from Zara

Cardigan: $19  Purchased from Forever 21
This cardigan is very comfortable! I usually wear it at home over my pajamas, but decided to let it out for the day.   The beige colour of the sweater highlights the beige found throughout the skirt.

Necklace: $14  Purchased from Aldo
Turquoise and gold are perfect colour complements! So is silver and turquoise.... Lets just say that turquoise is an awesome colour. Plus it goes great with all skin tones. Especially tanned skin!

Sandals: $89.99              Purchased at Stoneridge
Label: Matiko
Pretty expensive for a pair of summer sandals...but at least I've gotten many wears out of it!








Frugal Finds Total: $47
Broke the Bank Finds: $89.99 Matiko Sandals





Unbeknownst to me, my boyfriend of 11.5 years proposed to me on the day this photo was taken. All I have to say is, good thing I didn't wear the Lululemon pants and runners I had originally intended to wear!

Summer Fling

Dress: $5.99  Purchased from Value Village
Label: Mercury
I recently went to a bridal shower and the theme was, "Garden Tea Party". The dress code required flower dresses and hats. Luckily for me, I was able to recycle the fascinator I made for my sister's bridal shower last year. Didn't think I'd ever get to wear that again!

Purse: $2.99  Purchased from Value Village
Label: Calrelli
As seen in Post: I Heart Pink

Sandals:
$27.90 
Purchased from Love Culture
There are 4 reasons why I bought these shoes. First off, they were cheap! Secondly, it came in my favorite colour, Coral. Thirdly, I needed a new pair of wedges (I have come to the realization that my Aldo wedges dating back to 2006, are apparently...no longer cool). And last but not least, they are so COMFORTABLE!!!

Nail Polish: $9.99 
Label: Essie
Colour: Muy Caliente

Belt: $1.99  Purchased from Value Village
As seen in Post: I Heart Pink







Frugal Finds Total: $48.86

Hands Down Hippie

Cardigan: $29.50  Purchased from Forever 21
The main reason I bought this crocheted cardigan was because I was inspired by all those cute Japanese girls who wear sweaters such as these in their fashion magazines! You can layer it over girly floral dresses, or simply wear it over a tank top and denim cutoffs. This cardigan is completely versatile, and the 'fall-off-the shoulder' look is fun as well.

Headpiece: $4.99  Purchased from Claire's Accessories
I am usually weary about wearing headpieces such as these, simply because they are a bit fussy and tends to shift with every movement of your head. But the look is perfect for summer, and I like the combination of the turquoise beading with the peacock feathers.

Boots: $6.99  Purchased from Value Village
Label: Leather Uppers
One of my scores from Value Village on their 50% off days. When I first tried these boots on, they were a little snug. But I really liked the cognac colour of them, as well as the built-in socks look (I've washed them thoroughly by the way!). While I was debating whether or not to purchase them in the lineup, I overheard 2 girls behind me discussing if they should pay me for them! That was all the affirmation I needed to keep them for myself! Though I COULD have made a few bucks instead of spending it.....


Tank Top: $22  Purchased from American Apparel
I have this tank top in 4 other colours (as seen in Post: 'Lovin' the Levis'). But when I like something, especially staple items like tank tops, I usually end up buying several at a time :p

Purse: $19.99  Purchased from Value Village
Yes, I know that $20 is pretty hefty for a bag from Value Village, but I really like it! I've always wanted a genuine Mexican leather handbag and this one seems pretty authentic. Am I sure? No. But who would duplicate a knock off version of this? Come to think of it, the price of the purse would've probably been cheaper if I had actually purchased it in Mexico. Oh well, perhaps on my next getaway :)

Shorts: $21.90
Purchased from Forever 21
Faded denim shorts. Love it!





Frugal Finds Total: $105.37

Crazy for Cowichans

Cowichan Sweater: $7.99  Purchased from Value Village
Possibly THE warmest jacket from my closet, I love this Cowichan sweater! About six years ago, I began my hunt for a Cowichan. I knew that I could have purchased one from a 'mintage' store, or somewhere on Main Street, but I didn't want to spend the $50+ they were being sold for. One day, my sister came home with a surprise she bought for me from Value Village. It was a Cowichan sweater! (not the one shown in the photo) However, the sweater was 8 sizes too big, and even after I tried hand washing it in hot water (which was no easy task), and throwing it in the dryer for endless hours...it barely shrunk. Shortly afterwards I found this sweater from Value Village myself. I love the eagles and Aztec-like patterning around it. I also like the warm and cozy material. But most of all, I liked the fact that I didn't have to wash and dry it a million times to make it fit!

Necklace: $4.80  Purchased from Forever 21
I wouldn't call myself religious, I just like the shiny bling of the cross :)

Sweater: $14.90  Purchased from Forever 21



Purse: $5.99  Purchased from Value Village
Label: Y-Leather
Feature in posts: Colour Me Badd, True Blue


Pants: $19.99  Purchased from Sirens
Label: Seductions
Surprisingly good quality and fit on these skinnies!



Watch: $9.99  Purchased from Value Village
Label: Timex
Featured in posts: Cougar Town,Up Close and Personal

Shoes: $269  Purchased from Gravity Pope
Label: John Fluevog
One of the biggest splurges I have ever made in my history of shopping! How can you resist the style and quality of Fluevogs though right? Admittedly, my boyfriend and I have the exact same shoes. He wants it to be made known that it was HE, who purchased the boots first. In my defense however, I've always loved the boots. I just didn't want to spend close to $300 on them! I finally caved in when Gravity Pope was having their 20% off summer sale. So at least it was like not having to pay taxes...if that is any consolation at all.

Scarf: Free
A Christmas gift from my work mommy.

Frugal Finds Total: $63.66


Broke the Bank Find: $269 John Fluevog boots

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