Teal Statement Vase and Vintage Plate as Butter Dish

The first time I came upon this lovely large vase, I passed on it.  9.99, despite being much lower than the 40ish I’d pay at a first hand store, seemed too high.  The second time apparently it struck me as just right and it went in my shopping cart, then my car, and then home to sit here forever.  Or until I move.  Which will probably be in about 6 months.

Pre-vase, we had these twigs sitting in an empty St. Germain carafe (St. Germain is an elderflower liqueur used in lots of craft cocktails these days).  This was appropriate and very cool in the absence of a nice vase like this, being the bartender that I am, but that now sits empty at the moment on the windowsill and this vase gets center stage.  Deservedly so.

It’s in perfect teal condition, with no marks or scratches.

I also got this lovely ‘butter dish’, for my purposes at least, for .49.  Can’t beat that!  I was having trouble finding an ACTUAL butter dish, you know- in the shape of a stick of butter with a lid to keep those butter eating pests out, preferably from the 1940’s or before.  So I thought what better excuse to look for a cute vintage small plate to use on my counter.  Turns out there aren’t very many fly eating pests, and my butter has been quite safe, and very stylish I might add, sans lid, on my counter.  I haven’t gotten sick yet.  But I have gotten happy.  Every time I catch a glimpse of this dish in my kitchen activities.

Its always fun to think of alternate uses for pretty things in your house.  I am pleased with this one.

Happy thrifting and living,

❤ Jaime

If this is what cheating gets me…

…then I’m sorry, I’m not gonna stop.

Oh, also, I cut all my hair off 🙂

And what more does a pixie cut need than a ponies are pretty shirt. So many p’s in there.

This shirt set me back $3.59. And put me forward a whole lot more.

So cute.

Happy thrifting AND living,

Jaime ❤

Wide leg trouser button front jeans- $6.59.

I’m not gonna lie- I cheated on Goodwill the last couple days with a not so little thrift store down here called ‘The Southern Thrift’. I’m not ashamed, I got some good stuff.

Including these button front (I am and always have been obsessed with this classic button front high, or semi high, waist style) wide leg trousers by Ann Taylor Loft for…$6.59.

I paired these trousers with one of my favorite imitation vintage graphic tees I got for right around 3.48 at Tar-jay clearance a couple years ago. I got another pattern in the same style shirt, pink with a big graphic butterfly, at the same time, but sadly am afraid I got rid of it in one of those silly times I ACTUALLY cleaned out my closet. I won’t let that happen again.

These both were paired with my trusty open toed flats by blowfish that I got for around $20 at DSW probably more than 2 years ago. And I kid you not, I get compliments on EVERY time I wear them. I really don’t get it, but clearly they’re something special. I hope they NEVER DIE, knock on wood, because I wear them year round, get compliments on them, and am not sure what will happen to me if they do. So we just won’t think about it.

Blowfish. Please keep on keepin’ on. Mama’s got ya.

Side side note- clearly I love this blowfish brand- Goodwill blessed me with a pair of perfect little grey booties by blowfish this last year for $3. Love them as well. But my flats always come first. I’m a grounded girl and I like it that way.

I also got a great oversized quilted ‘purse’ that I will use as a brief case of sorts for notebooks and a laptop (my friend’s, mine is still…broken).

The rest of the list includes size appropriate (smaller than a quarter) clip on (fun!) earrings for work, and a shirt that rivals my imitation graphic tee, and that I may make a separate post to share, a tee from AE that says, “Ponies are pretty,” done. Done. Boatneck shortsleeve pink perfection. $3.59. I will share.

’20’s swag purse from Forever 21, whole outfit $31.

Small Forever 21 purse- Goodwill, $3.99
NY&Co jeggings- Goodwill, $7.99
Blowfish Booties- Goodwill, $2.99 at a half off Saturday
Non-Goodwill:
Maroon shirt- Burlington coat factory, $9.98
Black Sheer Cardigan- $5.99

Altogether that is under $31 for everything I’m wearing.

This post is about my newest item, the cute little purse, that I got yesterday just on a random stop in, not looking for anything in particular, that I can remember.

The night before however, after going to a friends show in East Nashville, and people watching, or style watching I should call it, everyone there, I decided I needed a new small purse for ‘going out’. Just big enough for the essentials- ID, card, phone, lip gloss and chap stick. all fit perfectly. I have a decent small purse I got at a yard sale for $5, that I of course have gotten multiple compliments on ;), but wanted something a little fancier. For not fancy money.

Enter this thin gold chained small quilted pleather circle purse, from Forever 21, for $3.99. In my cart, in my bag, in my house, out to dinner at Mere Bulles.

My friend is moving to fairer temperatures south, and he worked at a nice restaurant and he had a free dinner for two there that he had never used. Lucky me I got to be the plus one. Nothing better than a free filet mignon topped with bleu cheese butter. Accompanied by a nice cabernet blend by Trione. Yup, I just checked, there’s nothing better. It was the perfect place to debut my new sidekick. Although not big enough to stick some free bread in.

I kid I kid :).

The bread wasn’t that impressive.

I also got a bigger purse I’m pretty excited about that I will share in another post soon I’m sure. Not as pretty, but definitely more practical. Hard to be both it seems.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy thrifting and living!:)

-Jaime ❤

New ‘Vintage’ Graphic Tee

Volkswagen imitation vintage graphic tee, 2.14, Target.

I’d like to say this is one of those times that I thought to myself, “I’d like a cool vintage graphic tee”, and I went to Goodwill I found one. But it’s not, unlike many other lucky times, this took a good six months. And it’s still not completely right. I was hoping for a real from the 70s vintage tee with a cool graphic on, it one-of-a-kind. This is cool, from Target not the 70s with a cool graphic on it, not so one-of-a-kind. But for $2.14 (it was half off), I’ll settle, at least the graphic is pretty cool. I mean it’s a Volkswagen.

And it was sitting right on the end of the rack for me, on show, I didn’t have to search for it or anything, And it fits pretty well.

I’m still holding out for a true vintage one sometime, and I have faith it will show up, whenever it’s supposed to, who am I to question the goodwill gods’ timing?:). This is what I am meant to have for now, and I’ll take it, and I’ll wear it, under a nice jean button down, and my new skinny jeans that I’m in love with, designer for $23 from Burlington coat factory. I have two other main pairs I was wearing and it was getting close to bye bye time for them.

Happy thrifting and patience:)
-Jaime ❤

Vintage Suitcase Side Table/Nightstand

You know what Goodwill has a lot of. . .that I have always wanted to buy, but in practicality just really wouldn’t work for me- old suitcases. (Imagine lugging them around the airport?? I’ll take mine with wheels, thanks)

So when I saw this photo on pinterest the other day (yes I am learning to love it!) I was happy to discover another use for them and therefore excuse to now go perusing the endless suitcase thrift supply.

These are very pretty indeed, but I will not put it last Goodwill to have some very pretty ones waiting for me one of the next few times I stop in. Never doubt the Goodwill gods. I may just check one of the other several thrift stores very close to me as well, for such an item(s) as this.

What a cute bedside table idea? Did you also notice the mirror tray on top?

Do you love pinterest? Used any particularly great ideas from it?

-Jaime ❤

Which one are you?

Leather chair- $20 at half off Saturday
Fabric Vintage Chair- $10 at half off Saturday

I’m gonna hope by now, that if you have been reading this blog for a bit, then you know which chair, both great in their own rights, that I chose.

If you picked correctly right away, then you know me better than I know me.

Because clearly, I’m the one that’s been loved and that has character and quirks and is really comfy- but sometimes I think I should be wanting the shiny and new and leather and impressive one (the one on the left). So that’s what I did. I picked that one first. I took the tag off and was gonna buy it, and then did a little soul searching. Did I really want that one? Or was I trying to be impressive to God knows who? It maybe impressive with its stateliness, but I like a little more ‘come sit on me and everything will be alright, I’ve been doing this for awhile’ kinda chair. A chair with experience.

So I put the tag happily back, and with a peace in my soul, removed the tag from the other chair (coincidentally saving me $10), and bought that one.

Obviously, I’m not just talking about the chair, I’m talking about life. The goal doesn’t always have to be the shiny new item, and ‘making it’ doesn’t mean possessing these things. If you like old and used and comfy, then go with it, and be happy.

So I did, and now she sits with two throw pillows purchased in past years sitting stop her, making her even more comfy, and pretty, the best combination.

I’m sure that leather one will find a happy home somewhere, but not with me.

And if its with you- that’s fine. If that’s what you want 🙂

Happy thrifting and living…
-Jaime ❤

Lotsa stuff this week and last…Coca-Cola Lady, Anthropologie, J. Crew, Home Decor and more and a Giveaway!!

Where to start.  Me and Goodwill have been busy the last week and a half.  I guess I will just start with the homegoods, and then move on to the good stuff.  The clothing.

Her:

Vintage coca-cola tray, 1.99

Who doesn’t want this lady sitting on their coffee table, drink in hand, ready to hang out.

dresser for a troll.  Or jewelry, $4.99

No, I don’t have a troll moving in.  It will be interesting to see what a mini dresser will look like sitting on an exact same version of a larger dresser.  ‘Twill be nteresting.

brooms for witches.  Or to sit in my hallway or hang in my kitchen and be decorative, 1.99 for a set of 3.

Apparently I have a fairy tale theme going on so far.  Trolls and witches galore.

Ceramic flower vase, 4.99

This is just pretty.  that’s all I have to say about that.

Light brown pillar candle holder, 4.99

toy chest/future DIY project/Window seat, 5.99

A little paint, maybe some stencils, and some pillows thrown on top, and this will be sitting in front of my front window.  Hopefully to be my dog’s new resting place, instead of the couch that me and my friends hang out on.

Last, but certainly not least,

large brown box, 19.99

Kidding!

Manhattan desk, new in box from target.com, 19.99

List price online, 129.99

I like 19.99.

Sometimes Goodwill scares me.  It’s like someone (God…?) puts exactly what I am looking for and what I need there when I come in.  It’s weird.

I was looking for a desk today, and knew I probably couldn’t fit an already put together one in my Civic, but I went in hoping anyway.  Is that what faith is?? 🙂  And lo and behold, here is one all boxed up and ready to be taken away in my Civic.

Scary.

I see productivity in my future.  Can’t wait.  Many good things will go down at this desk.

And now, on to the good stuff.

Cloooothing.

Chelsea & Violet shirt, sold at Anthropologie, half off for 2.25!

I love the drapey style of this shirt.  It’s a size small, so I bought it with the intent of maybe reselling it beacause it is a great brand.  But after getting home, I couldn’t help trying it on, and voila!  It fits.  It’s not going anywhere now.  Except out into the world on MY back.

Warm weather wear was not forgotten…Fall IS my favorite season…

J. Crew light weight off-white sweater, 3 buttons on each shoulder, 5.99

Annalee + Hope chunky burnt yellow sweater, 5.99

I’m not sure who annalee and hope are, but I think I would like them and want them to be my friend.  This sweater is great.

My favorite part of it, other than the burnt yellow amazingness (that is pretty much my favorite clothing color of the moment) and the fact that it apparently likes to say the plege of allegiance, is the shorter in front than the back style.  It makes what could be a shapeless unstyled chunky sweater somewhat stylish and fun.  And still warm.  Stylish and warm.  Golden!

Brown Old Navy wrap sweater/cardigan, 5.99

I love the fitted ribbed sleeves and the way you can leave it open or wrap yourself up in it nice and warm and cozy.  ‘Twill come in handy.  ‘Twill is definitely one of my new favorite words.  Using it ALL the time.  ‘Twill.

Definitely paid full price (at Goodwill) for fabulous for all these sweaters, but at a full price of 5.99 it’s still pretty darn randy.

GIVEAWAY PART!!!!-

Lastly, I had some luck last Wednesday on .99 day in my area.  Meaning the half-off color of the week is sold for just .99!  Some pretty good stuff falls through the cracks and makes it to these racks somehow.

For example….

the items below:

 

–Old Navy striped top, ruffle tuxedo detailing

– Xhilaration polka dot top puffed sleeve tee

– Forever XXI plaid babydoll tank shirt/dress

-Xhilaration spaghetti strap flower dress, cupped bra top

As I said, pretty good week for Goodwill and me.

One of these items is an XS.

The polka dot Xhilaration top to be particular.  I am not an XS.  Small at best.

But it was .99 for a whole lot of cuteness and I couldn’t say no.

SO,

I will be doing a giveaway.

If you would like this shirt and will fit in it, or just want to have it to stare at, whatever floats your boat, simply comment by next Friday,October 4!  l will count the number of comments and pick that number out of a hat, and that number commenter is the lucky winner of this great t-shirt!

Happy thrifting and living!  Have you been having as much luck lately as I have???  I hope so!

-Jaime

If at first you don’t succeed…A little cameo and owl earring action

So if the other day was SOMEWHAT of a thrifting fail…yesterday was a thrifting WIN. And at Salvation Army for a change. I haven’t shopped there much, but the few times I have haven’t yielded much luck.

But did you SEE that cameo ring and beyond adorable owl studs??

Luck.

The ring was a mere $1.99 and the earrings set me back twice that at $3.99…but I couldn’t put those adorable guys back.

I could stare at those owls forever. So cute and relaxed. Unfortunately I won’t be able to. They’ll be on my ears. Physically impossible. But I’ll let other people. And try and remember that that is why someone may or may not be staring at me and try not to get too freaked out. Thems owls is cute.

Now lets talk about the cameo. I’ve been wanting a cameo piece of jewelry for awhile, and how I haven’t found one yet is beyond me, they are so popular, but clearly I hadn’t found one yet cause I didn’t have one! But now I do. And it’s on top of a pretty pink stone. On top of a ring. On my hand. I like. And it will go well with most of my clothing items too. Which is good.

I wore both jewelry items out the door of the store, in addition to the $4 gold bangle I got and $2 purplish pink sunglasses. If I could have drank out of the two earth toned oversized ceramic mugs that I got also, I feel like I probably would have used them too:). They just weren’t serving coffee at the exit of the store that day ;).

I was glad I got a good thrifting trip in while I was still hanging with my Mom. She enjoys good finds as much as I do, and joy loves company just as much as misery does I have found. So her company was appreciated. She bought a dress I liked and said she’d mail it to me after wearing it a few times. We’ll see. It may work as TN stays warmer a little longer than CT does. Now I’ll have a dress share going on as well as the shoe share I am supposed to be doing with my friend in Utah.

Happy thrifting and vacationing and living! I can’t wait to get back to my Nashville home base today, as much as I have enjoyed vacation, it’s always good to go home. And to see my puppy son 🙂

-Jaime

Coffee Date & Pendant Necklace

Wore this oldie but goodie from Goodwill that I got for $2.99 a few years ago to grab coffee with a new friend and get some music advice and good steps to take.

Oh, and I curled my hair. And that’s always exciting 😉

Gonna add some advice in here. Pursuing a career in music is no small thing, and can be, trust me very overwhelming when you (I) think of all I have to and should do. So on the way to coffee, this nugget of wisdom dawned on me-

“When there are many things to do, do one.”

Seems obvious right? But at least tomorrow, that one thing, or that 1/10 of one thing will be done. And in a couple weeks, it may be completely done. And we’ve got a lot of couple weeks in our lifetime. So think of all that can be done.

Oh the possibilities. :). Especially when you’re wearing an awesome thrifted necklace, from Goodwill or elsewhere.