Recycle

I remember when I was little, my Grandma would take me out on the weekends to thrift stores, garage sales and flea markets. I remember thinking that Value Village was stinky and not loving it so much.

When I was pregnant, I started checking out those stores since many of the baby clothes were almost new and cheaper than at the consignment stores. I found my lil' guy some really cute items; good quailty, name brands and in great condition. Soon after, I started browsing the Woman's clothing, and with some searching I've found some great pieces.

My first attraction was the Vintage section. I bought some cool retro tops for much less than I'd paid at vintage shops downtown. Next it was denim, I've found several pairs of jeans that retail for around $200. The last bug to hit me was shoes. I have to admit, I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so I was hesistant. All I do now is use a cotton ball with alcohol to sanitize the insides when I get home.

For me, thrift shopping can be a source of leisure and enjoyment. The thrill of the find is addictive, so I do limit how often I go and how much I can take home. I will say that lately the prices have been increasing drastically at the larger chain stores, so be sure to check out the smaller ones.

Here is a look at what I stumbled upon a couple of days ago at a Thrift Store. The only thing I bought were the J-Brand jeans (below-right, for a LOT less than the $200 or so they cost new).

Leather Woven Oxfords

Vintage Leather Platforms



Perfect for hipsters ;)

Leather Nine West Ankle Boots

Bootie Love

Last Spring I was checking out the sale section of Urban Outfitters when I came across a pair of Fornarina suede booties (pic below). I was shocked when I saw that they were on sale for only $39, so I bought them immediately. I wasn't too sure if I'd get much use out of such a light coloured shoe, but I've acutally worn them so much! They work well with skinny jeans, cuffed jeans, leggings and even skirts. Kate Bosworth constantly wears her Isabel Marant booties and it's great to see her mixing them into so many different outfits.

I have been on the lookout for similar styles since I'm considering going for a black pair as well. Aldo and Zara have some great versions available for as low as $41.99. I have seen some cheap faux-suede pairs, but unfortunately they look like they sound :(. I will keep an eye out and tell you if I find more options though.

Inspiration:

Isabel Marant Forbes Boot

Isabel Marant Dicker Boot

Reality:

Fornarina Booties I have, orignally
$219 US at UO. Currently on sale at
www.shopstyle.com for $89 US

Love these Aldo Quelette's
Currently on sale for $41.99!

Aldo Qualheim $100

Aldo Almos in 'Rust',
on sale $74.98

Aldo Almos in Black,
reg price $100

Zara Cowboy Ankle Boot $99

Steve Madden Pembrook $99.98, plus 25% off
and free shipping *this weekend only

Groundwork

Thanks to Lesley Chang from www.twitter.com/BestJobsInVan for sending me her question about good foundations that aren't as pricey as the Bobbi Brown Stick Foundation she's currently using.

I do usually tell my clients that there are certain products that you can buy cheaper without a worry (mascara, eyeliner, many lip products), but foundation is one I'm very weary of. I do have somewhat dry, sensitive skin, so bad foundation can go very wrong on me. Also, foundation does last quite awhile, so I do see decent foundation as an investment.

More important than foundation, is your skin and how you take care of it. Any foundation looks best on moist, hydrated, plump skin. So make sure to exfoliate regularly and moisturize morning and night.

My personal faves are MAC Face and Body and Bobbi Brown Moisturizing for a dewy look, or Make Up Forever HD and MAC Matchmaster for a satin (semi-matte) finish. Chanel and Giorgio Armani make gorgeous foundations, but they cost a little more than I'd like to pay.

However, here some that stand out to me at the drugstore level.

Dewier look (good for normal to dry skin):

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation
Feels quite silky, easy to blend,
good range of colour.

Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse
Really does give a somewhat "airbrushed"
finish. Looks like a second layer of
skin, decent coverage.

Satin/Semi-Matte Look (good for normal to oily skin):

Revlon Photo Ready
Good coverage, somewhat similar
to Make Up Forever HD

L'Oreal True Match
An 'In-Style' Best Beauty Buy
for years, even a top Vancouver
Make Up Artist I met said she
keeps it in her kit alongside
a very expensive foundation.

Cotton Candy

While watching last season of "Kourtney and Kim Take New York", I fell in love with Kourtney's pink, cropped shag jacket. I've been on the lookout for something with a similar feel and just recently I finally spotted a great deal from Forever 21 (see pic below).

I went for the coat since I'm always cold and it seems like the perfect jacket to wear outside or in. However, F21 also has the cutest little pink feather vest available on the US site (which usually means it will be on the Canadian site soon). Here are those and some other sweet-looking pieces.

Inspiration:

Love Kourtney's shaggy coat

Michael Kors

The Row

Valentino

Haute Hippie $595

Reality...

Forever 21 Feather Vest
in 'Dusty Pink' $38.50 US 

Forever 21 Feather Vest
in 'Cream' $38.50 US

Forever 21 Cropped Shag
$35.50 (this is the
one I purchased)

Asos Sale $108.71

Asos Sale $115

Holiday

Here's some perfect holiday party dresses, ranging from $12.95- $120.00. The cheaper ones (like the fuschia Joe Fresh shift dress) can be "dressed up" with the right shoes and accesories.

Zara $59

Forever 21  $27.80

Topshop $88 

H&M Conscious
Collection $12.95

H&M Conscious
Collection $12.95

Joe Fresh $39

H&M $49.95

Zara $119

H&M $59.95

Pump It

It's been challenging to find the perfect pair of affordable pumps; a pair that looks modern, yet classic. I've noticed that the point should be slightly shorter than the ones I used to rock in 2004. Kate Moss and Rachel Bilson know a classic, and favour the Louboutin "Pigalle". I have to admit, nothing I've seen can beat these, so sexy yet understated... but totally out of my budget.

I'm also feeling red pumps with a pair of black leather pants, cuffed jeans or a mini (á la Isabel Marant/Balmain).

Chinese Laundry $79.95

Sascha London $100

Spring Frilamy (in Velvet)
On Sale for $39.98

Chinese Laundry $79.95

Zara $79.98

Steve Madden Lennaa $79.95

Forever 21 $17.95
(Least fave, but 
so affordable) 

Gel

Recently I tried the Maybelline "Lasting Drama" Gel Liner and it's amazing! The formula was equal, if not better than Bobbi Brown Gel Liner or MAC Fluidline. It seemed to last longer as well. For only around $10, who would know the difference? Plus, the more expensive types don't include a brush (which is actually brilliant to use). Now that's value!