1/31/2014

Thrifting 101: For Beginners




Hello Everyone,
I’m excited to be sharing this post with you today! It’s been requested several times and I constantly get various questions about thrifting; from how I find my thrift items to what thrift stores are the best to shop at? Before I get into the main course, I’ll share with you my experience with thrifting. I started thrifting about 2 years ago, after I was introduced to it by a friend. Once I became more comfortable with it I started going alone to browse and shop as a hobby that grew into an obsession. If you’re interested in starting but don’t know where to start. Here are 10 general tips for beginners:

1.      Eliminate misconceptions: A lot of people are put off by shopping at thrift stores because of the image of a dingy, dump with piles of grandmothers’ old clothing. However, many thrift stores are clean, well organized, and have various types of clothing in good to brand new condition, including some items from a few seasons ago. Personally, my rule of thumb is, if I enter a store and it looks very untidy, I leave.

2.      Find out where your local thrift stores are: Do a quick internet search to find the locations nearest you. Examples of popular thrift stores are: Value Village (Savers), Goodwill, SalvationArmy, and Talize. I usually find the best items in more affluent areas. You can find many new and unused clothing with tags still attached! Larger cities are also a great place to search too. However, still check stores in other areas just in case.

3.      Have a goal and a budget: Due to the amount of random stuff available at thrift stores; going in with some idea of what you are looking for will make the experience less overwhelming and ensure that you stick to your budget. 

4.      Seek inspiration: Know what your style is and have an idea of what looks good on you. Finding inspiration from blogs, retail stores, or current trends can help you plan what you are looking for.  

5.      If you see something you like, grab it: It’s rare to find multiples of the same items, so grab what you like and sort through it later. 

6.      Find out about sales and special discounts: Thrift stores have sales too, watch out for them, but they can be very hectic. Many stores also have special discounts for members if you sign up or for students and seniors. Some also have loyalty programs. Hint: stores like Savers (also known as Value Village) offer discounts to their club card members. The card can be obtained via their website.

7.      Inspect before you buy!  If there is a stain, tear, or any other defect I will not buy it unless the defect can be fixed easily. However, I have also heard of some people carrying around stain remover pens to test stains.

8.      Be aware of the care instructions: This is what got me when I first started. I would buy this awesome item and then find out that it's dry clean only. Please factor in cleaning costs before purchasing to see if it’s really worth it or look for coupons for dry cleaning services.

9.      Go back often: sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Thrift shopping definitely requires you to make frequent trips.

10.  Wash the items before you wear or use them: This is an important step, machine wash, or dry clean applicable items and wipe down hard surfaces with 99.9% alcohol.

There you have it, 10 basic tips for thrift shopping for beginners! I will definitely be doing many follow up posts on the subject.

If anyone has any tips please share
Until Next time, Sincerely Miss J.

1/23/2014

Leopard Print: My new Black


Hello Everyone, 
I thought I would come back with another outfit of the day. This outfit features two of my favorite items right now, incorporated into one casual outfit!  First, is this leopard print jacket that I scored at the Salvation Army on sale a week ago. It's definitely on my top 10 greatest thrift finds list. I purchased it during the 4 items for $15 sale. Leopard print has always been one of my favourite prints, and with my boring outerwear selection, I knew that it would bring life back into my closet. Tip: a bright colored or a patterned coat really can rejuvenate any simple outfit.Many coats and outerwear items are currently on sale, so act quickly.


Secondly, is this handbag that I received 3 or 4 weeks ago from Express Clothing. Depending on the lighting it looks either blush or beige colored. I have been wearing this handbag every single day since I laid eyes on it, and have received many compliments on it! It's big enough to fit my files for the clinic and my small books for school. It can also transition into Spring when paired with pretty pastels! I accessorized the bag with a Mefie Uk keychain. Tip: accessorizing your  bags is a great way to add a little more visual interest to your simple purses or bags. Watch out for a post on how to do that coming soon!

So what do you think of leopard print? Would you rock this look? Do you own anything leopard print?
 Don't forget to keep connected,


Leopard Print

Outfit Information:
Jacket: Thrifted (Salvation Army)
Handbag: c/o Express (similar here) or try in stores
Key chain: c/o Mefie UK
Faux fur scarf: Urban Behaviour (old)
Sweater: Thrifted
Blouse: ModeStar (old)
Cargo Pants: Zara (old)
Boots: Thrifted
Ring: Suzy Shier, Red bracelet: c/o  Joseph Nogucci, rest of the bracelets: China town 

1/16/2014

Winter Maxi skirt and Mefie UK Collaboration

Hello all my lovely people
I'm back with another outfit post. I know, I have been gone since last thursday, but I have good news! I will be posting more often. Nothing, has really changed in my daily activities, however the blog has become more of a therapeutic stress relief. Without it, I don't get the short vacations that are well needed  from work and school.

Maxi skirt
Maxi skirt

Maxi Skirt

Today's thrift style challenge was maxi skirts. For those living in areas where it's currently cold, me included,your probably thinking, "so not appropriate for this weather". However, you will be surprised how much layers you can hide under your long skirt, and keep warm with. I brought this skirt some time ago and was drawn to it by its unconventional color combo. I decided to keep it simple and pair it with a black sweater, a leather jacket and a luxury leather clutch with a funky print.
The clutch is by Mefie UK , a company that began in 2012, as a lifestyle brand that focused on handbags and housewares using African prints and weaves.  The company’s vision is to create a brand that showcases the beauty of African crafts in a way that can be appreciated worldwide and to celebrate the individuals that make them. 
I personally got to speak and meet with the designer who was visiting from London and was in awe with her fashion sense, vision, and the quality of her bags. I also liked that she was creating jobs in countries such as Madagascar and Ghana. 
I have so many favourite bags and pillows that I saw on her site. I loved the netural color and how the print popped against the navy blue in this particular bag. I also loved that it was made of a soft leather that felt like butter. The clutch can be used during a day out or night out.
Want to see more of her beautiful handcrafted bags and housewares items? Connect with her via:
 Website /Twitter / Facebook

What do you think of the look? What do you think of maxi skirts?

 Please also check out the other participants of Thrift style Thursday and see how they styled their maxi skirts
Spoolish // Being Zhenya // Sandpaper Kisses // Buttonsandbirdcages // The two cent chick //
Outfit Information
Sweater: Dynamite (old)
Leather Jacket: Guess (old)
Maxi Skirt (thrifted)
Clutch: Mefie UK  

Don`t forget to keep connected,

1/09/2014

Sparkle On- Black Sequin Leggings





Well hello there, its been a while..
I hope everyone is doing well and ready for the New Year! 
The hustle and bustle of the holidays is final over, and I'm slowly returning to my regular routines. January also marks the anniversary of when I first started this blog, as my 2011 New Year's resolution. However, I fell off the wagon in 2012, but bounced back and went hard in 2013. I have seen what putting a bit more effort into something can do, and setting goals. I want to continue to make this corner of the internet, a place where you can visit, get inspired and realize that style is not dependent on the amount of money you have, who you know, and what you get. It’s all about creativity, vision, and confidence.  Please, look out for more personal style posts, but also beauty reviews, contests, and collaborations. For 2014, I will definitely be taking more risks. Thank you for the support guys!!


For special occasions, sequins and glitter are usually the dress code of choice. However, why not extend the glamour beyond a special occasion. Why not sparkle on, any time of the year. I paired this black sequin leggings/pants with my favourite Smartset peplum top and added a statement necklace. You can make this look more causal or more dressy and wear it anytime and any day.

Today is also Thrift style Thursday, and the theme is leather.  So, today I'm featuring these fab leather heels. This picture was taken back when the weather was a bit warmer, hence why I'm wearing open toed heels. I was driving, so it was not a problem, but with the recent temperature drop to beyond freezing, I would not try the open toed look now. A nice pair of black ankle boots is another good option.  I also opted for clear nail polish, with a pink flower painted on the toe, all that effort and it was not even captured in the pictures, oh well.
So what do you think, would you rock sequins or sparkles during the day?

black sequin leggings
black sequin leggings

black sequin leggings
black sequin leggings

 Please check out the other participants of Thrift style Thursday and see how they rocked leather



Outfit Information:

Blazer: Thrifted

Peplum Top: c/o Smart Set (still available in stores)

White shirt: Urban Behaviour 
Necklace: SuzyShier

Sequin leggings (old): Winners, similar here

Shoes: Thrifted

Bag: Thrifted 

Connect with Me

@smissjblog