Thrifted: What We Need Wednesday

In order to slow and restrict (HA!) some of our thrifting, we occasionally pick certain days and create rules for ourselves. This week, it was "What We Need Wednesday". Of course, the random thing or two--or five or six--got thrown in there, but for the most part, we were able to stick to what we were looking for going into Savers. Featured in this post are some of our favorite finds from our trip, all unique in their own way and all now honored in their own place in our closets. From higher end designers to simple, but intriguing, department store brands, to name brands we'd never heard of--they're all pictured here!

If this doesn't prove that thrifting is awesome (and cheap!) then I don't know what will! 

*All clothes and accessories pictured were 30% off*

Katie's Haul

Wish off the shoulder ruffled shirt, NWT

$6.99, retail: $69.96

I initially wasn't sure about this one--until I saw it on Linda (our mannequin). I've never
really seen anything like it, and it gives off that Native American, but summery vibe. I love
the feathers and beads--I can't wait to accessorize it and pair it with my corals.

I Love H81 Key dress with keyhole back cutout and plunging back line

$6.99, retail: $18

This has got to be one of my favorite dresses. I've been trying to stay away from grays, but
with such unique detail and that back cutout, how can you say no!

LOVE.

Out of Print Charlotte's Web tee, NWT

After doing a little research on these Out of Print tees, I found out that by purchasing this shirt, one book gets sent to a community in need. Out of Print supports children's literacy and I thought that was wonderful. When I looked up this particular shirt, this is what I found on their site: "White's 1952 classic is one of the bestselling children's paperbacks of all time - and this is "some shirt" to celebrate it. From the first edition cover by Garth Williams." I love this, because it's such an amazing mission, and such a great way of using art to benefit that. Everyone should check them out, they have everything from jewelry to tote bags to clothing, all book-themed.

$5.59, retail: $28

It's finds like these that make me love what we do. I was shocked to find this NWT, because
it's such a gorgeous shirt for such a wonderful book that is so reminiscent of my childhood.
This tee will most definitely be worn with the pride of a bookworm!

The library card addition is almost just too
perfect.

Brand unknown hot pink and black lace dress

$5.59

Tess found this one, and what caught my attention was the lace. Everyone knows I'm a sucker for it!

The sleeves, too!

It's really just a stunning back detail

Aeropostale Floral dress

$6.99, retail: $32.70

Sometimes a girl just needs a cute summer dress!

It's all in the details…again. What can I say, I love
simple but pretty things. The colors are also
gorgeous--and bright!

American Rag dress, NWT, and maroon American Eagle flats

Dress $10.49, retail: $55

Shoes $3.49, retail: $29.99

Another one I was shocked to see NWT--it's such a flattering and colorful dress.

Front bows are great for hiding or evening out hourglass
body shapes, as is a tight bodice--this one is elastic,
cleverly blended in with the material. Ruffle sleeves also
hide any imperfections! This dress was a great find, and
something I wasn't sure would look right on me. It's safe
to say that I love American Rag now!

A little sparkle never hurts...

Myth NYC Ruffled satin dress

$9.09, retail: unknown

I recently discovered that ruffles along the neckline are fantastic for making your top half look less….
Well…
busty. Therefore, this dress found its way into my wardrobe. Crazy colors and all, I love it! The elastic around
the bodice really helps accentuate a tiny waist while the ruffles do their job up top.

The flash showed the true colors of this dress. Vibrant is the word that comes to mind. But hey, that's what coloring Katie's closet is all about!

Forever 21 polka dot dress AND Gap lace up red floral wedges

Dress $6.99, retail: $14.80

Shoes $6.99, retail: $59.95

I added the belt to this (the furthest I go in refashion at the moment)--when I found it, there were holes for a smaller belt, but unfortunately it was missing. Luckily
for me, I love wider belts anyway, and a black belt really plays off of the black polka dots. The shoes contrast in
pattern--but I like wearing something a little unexpected. Who says you always have to match? 

The more I look at this dress, the more in
love with it I become.

Keyhole with one tiny, cute button

Cute cute cute! 

Rachel Rachel Roy anchor dress and Peace Clutch Wallet

Dress $10.49, retail: $129

Wallet $1.39

This dress is my pride and joy. My favorite thrifted dress. It fits to perfection, and after finally being happy with how I look, I love myself in this dress. Nautical seems to be rocking this year, and it just seems so appropriate for a South Shore girl! For the record, I initially saw this dress, held it up, thought twice, and still wasn't sure about it. I wasn't sure about it all the way home until I put it on and realized all of the neat details it had. Hopefully this will inspire some of you to get out there and far out of your comfort zone--the worst that can happen is you hate something and refashion it! Try new things!

Peace sign clutch wallet pictured at the right--HAD to.

Front, with ties in the front (to create the
illusion of a tied crop top, creating a
keyhole

Back

Triangular keyhole cutouts on both sides
of the dress

Peace clutch wallet. Colors, colors, colors

Tess's Haul
Uh huh, all absolutely necessary for Summer '14. Good thing we got extra moving boxes....on with the show...
Black Lace Contempo layered skirt and Qupid open toe booties
Skirt:  $3.95, retail: unknown, vintage
Booties:  $5.27, retail: similar $40
Seriously, who doesn't need a lace skirt?  It's a decent length for women of  "a certain age", and can be dressed up or down. Apparently Linda wanted to highlight only the skirt. Someone should have thrown a shirt on her.  I should wear it and enjoy it quick before it disappears from my closet. Because I know it will.

Gorgeous lace detail!

Two layers add length for women "of a certain age"

Love love love the detail in these shoes AND the open toes for summer!

Forever 21 dress, Awesome, quirky bag, brand unknown

Dress: $5.27, retail similar $24.80

Bag: $2.63, retail unknown

Love the detail at the top of this dress, the sheer neckline. It's like wearing strapless without wearing strapless. What's more awesome than that at my age!  AND...extra added bonus, the bag goes with it perfectly! That was totally unintentional. And I walked around for a minute with that bag debating...and made the right choice bringing it home with me.

Love the colors, and the sheer neck area, so cool for summer!

This absolutely does not show this bag in its full glory. It's sort

 of a greenish-gold sort of tone, with lots of shimmer....

And rosettes!

BCBG Max Azria Skirt and Steve Madden Flats

Skirt: $5.27, retail $178 similar

Flats: $5.27, retail 460 

It's well knows that I wear mostly skirts or dresses in summer. Women "of  a certain age" can NEVER have too many of either. Trust me on this. I lost count long ago. This skirt, the simplicity of it, love love love!  Perfect for an evening stroll or the office. Oh. Wait. I work from home. Scratch that office thing. And Steve Madden. Can one EVER have too much Madden?? I think not. If you don't believe me, check my closet.

Drindle cut, love the zig zag design, draws the eye up, lengthens the legs. Katie will say that's the last thing *I* need. Sigh.

Cool cotton for summer months. Perfect with a tank or a tee

Nude patent flats. Steve Madden. Sooooooooo comfy!

City Triangles Dress
Dress: $8.57, retail similar $69

Can we just talk about this dress for a sec here?  I. Do. Not. Like. Polka. Dots. I dare anyone to tell me what possessed me to fall in love with this dress! Satiny black with white and cobalt blue dots. Was it the shiny material? The ultimate summer look of it? The fit? Because I know...I KNOW it was not the dots!

LOVE the tulle underskirt, maybe THAT was it!

back with invisible zipper, another favorite feature!

Candie's Halter Dress

Dress:  $8.57, retail similar $58

This. This was not my fault. At. All. There I was looking at, you know, normal dresses for women "of a certain age",  and the I see this one. IT WAS FOR KATIE!  It was TOTALLY for Katie. That was my intent. she CONNED me into getting it for me. I think I'll sneak it into her closet. Maybe if I do she won't steal the black lace skirt. 

Polyester and wallflowers, vintage look and feel. Perfection!

That said, are you SEEING these colors? How absolutely summer is this screaming to you! Summer and wallflowers! (that was for the older readers who actually remember the 60's - as for myself I only BARELY remember. Right.) I might be warming up to the whole coral is the new black thing. Provided it's the right shade of coral.

And...le back!

City Triangles Sundress and Style & Co. Bag
Dress: $8.57, retail similar $69
Bag:  $3.95, Retail similar $80
This. This dress. FABULOUS!  The print. The design. The style. This is THE perfect summer dress. Wait, let me go dig out my floppy straw hat and red heels and I'm ready for a lawn party. Seriously. Get me a mint julep stat!
I find that I gravitate towards certain brands. Nine West, Steve Madden, and this, Style & Co. bag. I don't think I had one in this particular shade of red yet, so naturally, you know, to go with the dress, I had to. And it really will match the Steve Madden heels. Which are packed in a box....somewhere....

Clean, crisp lines, so very feminine and summery!

Back details, ribbon sash, so. cute.

Ruching at the yoke accentuates and gives a softer look

Nine & Co. bag, in a lovely shade of red...making me wish the red pumps weren't already packed!

Liz Claiborne Dress

Dress: $8.57, retail similar $80

There are few things I like better than a flowy, flirty summer dress. You can't really tell by the photos,  this is sheer chiffon, fully lined with black, and positively floats when in motion. And again, invisible side zipper.

Tiers add fullness

Rear view....

Side tie gives a '20's feel

Shoulder detail gives some definition to the neckline

Any favorites?  And what will YOU be wearing this summer?
Katie & Tess