This is Why I Thrift: Volume 1-Prada, Zalo and Christian Dior

Prada size 38 neon tasseled ballet flats

Most of my favorite clothes, accessories, and home decor items are second hand/vintage/from a thrift store. 
I hope to share my thrift store buys on the blog as I find them with my tips about how to find the best items.  These three items were purchased at the Red, White, and Blue in Pittsburgh near McKees Rocks last Saturday. 

 

Thrift Tip: Look carefully behind the cash registers.  The "best" items are usually behind the counter.  Don't be afraid to ask to look more closely at something.  

Zalo needlepoint loafers

Christian Dior silk scarf

 Laura xx

Neon and Vintage Mink

Vintage Mink Jacket, Sweatshirt and Jean Shirt: J Crew, Jeans: GAP, Gloves: Primark, Ballet Flats: Prada; Purse: Louis Vuitton; Earrings: House of Harlow

Weekend: sweatshirt, fur, and neon ballet flats. 

Laura x

New Year's Day: Old and New

Sunglasses: Fendi; Dress and Sweater: H&M; Tights: DKNY; Coat: Vintage Aquascutum; Scarf: Burberry; Purse: Vintage Christian Dior; Boots: UGG Australia

 New Year's Day....classic British country brands, pattern tights, last night's hair. 

Laura x

Vintage Fur and Jeans

Jacket: Vintage Oleg Cassini; T-Shirt: Ann Taylor; Jeans: GAP; Loafers: Madewell; Purse: LV

 Jeans (rolled up for a casual twist), loafers, a t-shirt and big fur. 

 My lazy day hair....twist and pin.  Add dry shampoo for texture. 

Bracelets: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Bracelet: Henri Bendel; Silver Bracelet: Links of London

Laura x

Black and Grey in the Winter Sunshine

Sunglasses: Oakleys; Coat: Vintage; Sweater: DKNY; Skirt and T-Shirt: J Crew; Flats: Aldo; Purse: Louis Vuitton

 Shades of black and grey in the winter sun. 

 The muff is made of the sleeves of a vintage rabbit fur coat that I had made into a vest. 

 Laura x

Trend Alert: Leopard Loafers

Trench: J Crew Collection; Scarf: Burberry; Sweater: J Crew; Pants: GAP; Loafers: Madewell

Ballet flats have been overtaken by loafers as the trendiest flats.  I like that these leopard loafers add a more masculine look to the outfit. 

Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Sunglasses: Ray Bans; Earmuffs: UGG Australia

 Laura x

Layered Look in Watkins Glen

Lambswool Jacket: Vintage (my Mom's); Sweater: Abercrombie and Fitch; Dress: Madewell; Boots: Joan of Arctic by Sorel; Purse: LV

 

I re-discovered this Abercrombie and Fitch wool wrapped sweater when I was home for Thanksgiving.  I bought it over 15 years ago when I was loved the Bruce Weber catalog (which was subsequently banned).  Since it is pretty classic, it still works. 

Confession: I love wearing a hooded shirt outside of another jacket.  It looks easily pulled together. 

Laura x

Vintage Lilli Ann Coat

Coat: Vintage Lilli Ann; Sweater: J Crew; Jeans: American Eagle; Boots: Uggs; Purse: Louis Vuitton

Best part of being home....borrowing my Mom's clothes.  Especially in the winter when I can wear coats like this.  Vintage by a brand names Lilli Ann. 

Laura x

How to: Create A Fresh Holiday Centerpiece

I started my blog last year just after Thanksgiving.  We missed some key people at dinner this year, but am thankful for those who were there.  An easy and dramatic way to set the table is to bring elements of the outside inside. 

1. Find a piece of wood to make into a votive holder.  My Step-Dad found this piece of birch wood for me and drilled 4 holes to hold small votive candles.  You could also find small branches, tie them together, and rest candles within the branches. 

2. Add fresh cut pine branches around the main piece. 

3. Incorporate other materials, ex. leftover fresh cranberries in a nice container and an extra candle. 

4. Don't forget vintage seasonal items.....

Enjoy!

Laura x

Leopard Coat and Hudson

Coat: Vintage (faux fur); Beanie: original unknown; Pants: American Eagle; Boots: Frye; Gloves: Primark; Purse: Louis Vuitton

One of my favorite style icons is Kate Moss.  This coat reminds me of something she would wear.  It could be dressed up or dressed down as worn here with my Step-Dad's beanie hat and Frye boots. 

Necklace: Henri Bendel

Laura x

Three Hats You Should Wear this Fall

Vintage Burberry Bucket

Fall hats are a great addition to a wardrobe.  These three shapes of hats are the most classic/versatile.
1. Bucket: popular with fishermen; great for rainy days; perfect for when you want to pretend you don't see someone on the street.  
Tip: When vintage shopping look for labels with "Burberry's."  Anything marked with that label was made prior to 1998 when the house officially changed its name to "Burberry." 

Hat: Vintage; Barn Jacket: Burberry

2. Beanie: Loved by hipsters (male and female alike); embrace your inner 5 year old or French poet; beanies made from angora and/or wool are soft enough that they won't leave a mark in your hair and don't create static. 

 Scala

3. Boho: perfect addition to your Halloween costume as well; not for the shy; not safe to wear when driving!

Laura x

Jean Dress in the Woods

Dress: vintage LL Bean; Scarf: Burberry; Boots: J Crew; Purse: Louis Vuitton

Sometimes even on the weekend a dress is the first thing I grab.  With the re-emergence of 90's style, denim dresses have become relevant again.  To keep my outfit from resembling my Pre-K teacher, I tried to balance things out with a pop of color coat, a great scarf, and a chunky boot.   

Laura x