Thrift Store Shopping

I went thrift store shopping a couple days ago. As I have said before thrift is a good way to shop especially when you are on a budget. I spent a couple hours shopping and I only bought a really cute top (I'll post pics soon) which is pretty normal for me. I thought I'd post a few tips for those of you that are new to thrifting.

• If you like something and it doesn't quite fit, buy it anyways chances are you know someone with the skills to tailor it for you. If not there are lots of tailors that will take something in or out, fix hemline, and more for a small fee. Even if you do have to pay to get it tailored you will probably still save more than buying the same item retail.
• Only buy something if you are sure you are going to wear or use it in some way, even if it is cheap. There is nothing like having a closest full of clothes you can't or don't wear!! Worst of all you won't have room for new clothes that you love!
• Don't get discouraged if you do not find something you like right off. You might spend the whole day shopping and only buy one thing. Once you get the hang of it and find out which stores carry things you like, thrift store shopping well become a lot easier.
• Most of all have Fun!!!
  

Fashion Fails: Beyonce

It is sad to say but, every fashionista has her fail moment; Beyonce is not excluded. Upsetting I know!! I am a big fan however; I cannot condone this look at all. What’s happening Bey? She has been kind of hit and miss lately.

Want this look but done right? Try pairing an oversized tee with a pair of skinny jeans and a sexy pump. Remember if you go for a bold tee keep the rest of your outfit simple, dark skinny jeans and a close toe shoe should do the trick. However, if you decided to wear those new pair of bold shoes you just bought or those rip jeans you've been waiting to wear, pair them with a pastel tee maybe robin’s egg blue or baby pink. You can also try cutting or reconstructing your tee for a more unique look there are lots of tutorials online to help you get the look you want.

Tutorial On T-Shirt Reconstruction

Shopping Guide: Summer Colors

I am a big fan of color, the more the better! I know a lot of you get discouraged about wearing bright colors and bold prints because the “rules of fashion” say that plus size women shouldn’t. Well I say the hell with that I am going to wear what I want! Fashion should be inspired by you and not influenced by anyone’s idea of what it should be or look like. Wear what you want and more importantly be who you want. Do what makes happy. If you want to wear a neon yellow sheath dress do it!! Confidence is key!

Below is a summer look with lots color and bold prints. Remember this is just a guide on how to mix and match different colors. Shop around at different thrift stores and catch some yard sales during the weekend. You will be surprised what you can get on a modest budget. Live in area where there aren't many thrift stores or yard sales? Feel free to shop online, it may be a little overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of online shopping it will feel just like shopping in person without all the lines!!!

There are lots of online blogs with guides to thrift store shopping and plus size fashion two of my favorites are young fat and fabulous and corazonesrojos



Happy Shopping,
Minnie

Today's Pick Me Up

Life is a challenge not a competition. You can still smell the roses and be on a mission. Just take a moment to get in touch with your heart. Sometimes you feel like you’ve got something to prove. Remind yourself that there’s only one you. Just take a moment to give thanks of who you are." - India Arie

What I am Listening to this week.

• Fireworks by Drake ft Alicia Keys: I love this song. If you haven’t purchased Drake’s new cd "Thank Me Later" it is definitely worth it.

Daydreamer by Adele: Yes I know this is an older song but to me it is timeless. Adele is such a crazy talented young lady. When I bought her cd "19" I literally listened to it on repeat for like a week.

While I was out...

This piece is one of my favorite works out of many in downtown Charlotte. I took this picture during a walk to the Mint Museum (another must if you are visiting Charlotte). The statue was built to signify the bright future of the city. I particularly love how the organic lines of the woman and her child really work well with the straight geometrical lines of the buildings in the surrounding the statue.

Want to see it for yourself? This statue can be found on the corner of Trade St and Tryon St in Charlotte NC, along with three other sculptures that represent the city’s industry, commerce, and transportation.

There is a handy guide to uptown Charlotte's public arts on Charlotte-Mecklenburg Arts & Science Council's Web site Arts & Science Council. Follow the link then from the home page click on the Programs & Services tab, click "Public Art" and then "Walking Tour."