Monday, February 7, 2011

Long-awaited spring sun.

Light pink Urban Outfitters (thrifted at Buffalo Exchange) dress, Tan thrifted boater hat, Dark brown thrifted belt, Tawny thrifted bag, Light gray Forever 21 oxfords.

The majority of this outfit is basically thrifted except for the F21 oxfords.  If anyone were to ask me what's my most favorite pastime?  I would instantly say, "thrifting."  It's not only shopping, but an actual hobby for me.  I get more excited for going to a thrift store than any regular clothing store.  It's just the act of trying to find things in such a messy pile (odd I know)..can be seemingly fun!  I don't know why but I just find thrifted clothing to have a bit more character with its past history of belonging to another owner & not only that, the price it has for beautiful and unique pieces.
Few Tips for Thrifting.
I'm no expert at thrifting, but here are a few of my personal tips for those who are unsure of what to do when you arrive at a thrift store.
1) As I wholly agree with Clothes Encounters Blog, go with a friend.  Not only will you have some fun quality time, but you'll also bounce off each others ideas or give opinions of whether or not the clothes you picked out suit you well.
2) Have a lot of patience.  As said previously, the racks can be very daunting and mostly, messy and unorganized.  Take your time going through every rack, usually they are separated either by color or by categories (bottoms, tops, jackets, etc.).
3) Be prepared for clothes not being in their greatest condition, ie. stains, wrinkles, etc.  For this, just know that once you take it home, you can wash, iron, or even sew it to the size you want.  So no worries on their not-so-great condition.
4) Be excited for the lowest prices, everrr! BUT, don't go overboard..just because tops are $5 each, don't end up buying 10 of them, that's already $50! And you came there to save right? I suggest taking your time to look for key distinct and beautiful pieces instead.
5) Lastly, find clothes you feel can be incorporated to your wardrobe.  Think in your head, oh this piece will look great with that skirt I already have, and so forth. And most importantly, HAVE FUN.

Alrighty lovelies, I'm off to get much-needed sleep.  Tuesday is also the BARE Creative Team meeting, very excited to see how things will turn out.  In addition this week, I'm attending on Wednesday the Crossroads Trading Co. Blogger Panel in SF, I'm nervous yet excited :).  
Hope your weeks are starting out well beautifuls!
PS. If I were to make the DIY floral headbands for you (seen in the previous post), would you be interested in buying them?? :)
<3, Kathleen.
Follow Inspirafashion  Follow Kathleencarla on Twitter
Also! Don't forget to enter the Hardcouture Valentine's Day Giveaway for a chance to win a Leopard Chiffon Bandeau and a Cherry Blossom Floral Crown! :) Giveaway runs until this coming Friday, 2/11.

97 comments:

Emma said...

I love this outfit dear, its so soft and pretty! The dress is lovely, I adore your shoes and that hat is perfect! I've wanted a boater hat for so long but can't find the perfect one.
Scrapbook de la Emma

Inspiration exists said...

Love this vintage look!

Gertrude said...

Love the outfit, the back-side of the dress is really cute :) x

Anonymous said...

You look amazing, I love the thrifting tips!

Grace x
secretly styled.

Monika said...

The pictures are beautiful, can tell the weather is changing!
Lovely outfit, I really like that hat on you too!

xox

el club de las manualidades said...

Love everything about your outfit!! the shoes are really cute!
xx

thegirlintheredcorset.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

these thrifting tips are really useful! You look beautiful as always! Love your brogues and the boater hat! That dress look lovely as well! Xx

Veren Lee said...

I love your boater hat so much! :]

dejoiss said...

Love your photos so much, vintage feel, haha. Thanks for follow my blog. Follow you too, looking for your new posting. :) Hmm, I will try my best to post more in my blog and make it better. Welcome to visit my blog again. :)

Dejoiss

xxyy said...

the weather seems amazing. Love your dress and hat.xx

http://www.theprovocativecouture.com/

Sarah said...

lovely outfit! really true about thrifting, you have to look beyond the messy pile of stained/ripped clothes and just think what they would look like after an iron :)

Sarah said...

lovely outfit! really true about thrifting, you have to look beyond the messy pile of stained/ripped clothes and just think what they would look like after an iron :)

Sarah said...

lovely outfit! really true about thrifting, you have to look beyond the messy pile of stained/ripped clothes and just think what they would look like after an iron :)

Anonymous said...

This is such an adorable outfit! You look so pretty x

Miss DeltaG said...

i'm in love with this outfit and with your blog too!<3
ciao ciao!
Eleonora

visit my blog
www.neovecchiostile.it

pancakestacker said...

How was your vintage day on Haight?? You must tell me what you found! These are some great tips. Going with a friend always makes the vintage shopping experience 10x better. I probably would have walked away with some pretty ridiculous buys, had it not been for my companion, haha. Good luck on the blogger panel! Sounds like so much fun :)


http://pancakeSTACKER.blogspot.com

Nettie S. said...

Lovely outfit :) You look really pretty!

Catherine said...

so cute outfit! you are really pretty <3

Monroe Steele said...

great outfit..love everything especially the hat!

xoxo Monroe

Fashion Steele NYC

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sending me sun because it's sunny and warm today :) I share the same "odd" hobbie and you describe it very well !
Your outfit is adorable and your thrifts findings are so beautiful !

sbot said...

Love that bag.

www.baublesandbangles.blogspot.com

www.rosivintage.etsy.com

-Stephanie

Julie Iliana said...

that outfit is TO DIE FOR! I love the effortlessly chic colors and combination's! as for your tips on thrifting, I agree on ALL of them! I think almost each of those things you mentioned while I'm there lol, it helps a lot. however, with the jewelry, I go crazy. who wouldn't right?? haha :)

6roove said...

tha bag is gorgeous!

Xx
Watching the waves

Shevah said...

You look lovely. The cut of the dress is just amazing.






www.shevahh.blogspot.com
xo

Unknown said...

you are just too adorable! love this look!! :) and your diy floral head piece was quite lovely! :)

i worked on the scalloped skirt over the weekend and posted it...

i'll send you an email about it!

:)

- aimee

Joni said...

truly adorable and elegant style girlie.

come visit- i would love your feedback

xo

Unknown said...

looooove this kathleen!! The colors in the photos are amszing, I love how you edited them. and your outfit is so adorable, might be one of my favorite yet! but I can't get over the beautiful sunshine you have <3 it's been pretty cloudy and drizzly here!

xoxo chels

belle said...

spring suits you! i love the outfit especially with the hat!

Viv said...

i am definitely still waiting for some sun haha, you look adorable in these photos, your outfit suits you perfectly ;)


following~

myblissisthisway.blogspot.com

Natalie Suarez said...

these are such beautiful photos! i am in love with them! :)

natalieoffduty.blogspot.com

Kaleido Mind said...

love the look!!! your tips are fabulous as well:)

Mosie said...

Wow ,your pictures are so beautiful and your outfit is amazing !

I love your blog , very pretty ;)
I think I follow you, hope you follow me too or have sometimes a look in my blog :)

http://gismorama.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Flawless outfit, you look so cute, love the shoes and bag, they come from a different era, so lovely!

http://blog.cessoviedo.com

Jacquelyn said...

That dress is so romantic, love it! Those are also great thrifting tips. I'm always afraid to go thrifting because of the old people smell in the stores, but I think I'll go try it out more!


Jacquelyn
www.styleworthwhile.blogspot.com

beryl said...

i love how you layered the dress over that pretty lace top!

xoxo,
welcometodeutschland.blogspot.com

Melissa said...

beautiful dress! looks super cute with the brogues and socks! love the bag!! x

Doganiam Motyle said...

wow cute dress, love it

james said...

pretty dress, pretty smile, pretty everything!!

and i agree with tip #4. i indeed go overboard every single time.
<3 this was a cute post!

Stefany said...

I love this outfit, it's so feminine! You are so cute! :)

The Fancy Teacup said...

You look so darling, can't believe most of those adorable finds are thrifted! Have fun and good luck with the meetings/panels dear!

www.TheFancyTeacup.com
much love.

ATW said...

aw why is it always so sunny when you're taking all these pictures?!
the hat is great :)
xxx

http://pulcinellata.blogspot.com/

Karen In Style said...

Fabulous! I like the photos! Thanks also for sharing the tips, Kathleen.

Anonymous said...

Your summer outfit is so cute, Kathleen. I love it. And the summer-y weather in Berkeley has been a good breath of fresh air. I hope it stays that way. And I LOVE Clothes Encounters - their video logs and thrifting tips are so good. We should go thrifting together sometime - teach me your ways ;)
I'll be at the Creative Team meeting this Tues, as well, so I'll see you there!

xo Sherrie

Chyrel Gomez said...

really gorgeous outfit, kathleen! :)

Anonymous said...

I love this outfit, Kathleen! :)
I love the pale pink of the dress and you look so cute!

Rizza Lana said...

love your oxfords and your bag! :)

Erika said...

First: You look absolutely incredible, as always! You are such a beauty.

Second: Those are wonderful thrifting tips!

P.S. Thank you very very much for the kind words! You are such an inspiration to me. So coming from you, it really means a lot! :)


xoxo,
Erika

Unknown said...

yes make the DIY floral headband, because I'd probably want to buy one since I can't make it myself lol.
see you at BARE tomorrow!

Madeline Veenstra said...

Aww your comment was so so sweet! I know an awesome blog when I see one x

Loving your latest outfit, it's so pretty. We'll actually be in the US in April and will be organizing a few meets, would love for you to come to the one in California?

Jammie said...

I really love your look, and especially your Straw hats, soo pretty..
Please checkout my blog too, and I'm following your blog now..God bless you!
Xoxo,
Http://spyonmefashion.blogspot.com

Tonya said...

I love this so much! So perfect, and very well put together.

www.themoptop.com

Nnenna said...

I love the vintagey look of these photos! =) Also, these are great thrifting tips- I haven't been in a while and I'm really hoping to go again soon!

This Charming Style said...

This is stunning, Kathleen! The most perfect spring outfit ever. i love it! You are such a beauty! And i would be interested in buying a floral headband, but i would be scared in case it didn't suit me. I would probably wear one like yours but maybe smaller flowers? Although it looks gorgeous on you! x

lori ke said...

Hey there :), i just posted a blog entry regarding your giveaway! Def. an awesome giveaway, and love your outfit here. You look amazing as always.

-lori

Marella said...

Gorgeous pics and lovely outfit!

Your blog is amazing! Following! Follow back? <3

Julischen said...

BEAUTIFUL Blog :)
You are so pretty!
Following now.
Please have a look at my blog. julischenloves.blogspot.com

I'm happy about every reader, really :)

xx

said...

You are very pretty ;o

Chelsea Talks Smack said...

This is so fierce, just gorgeous.

Daniela Skeyki said...

you look so stylish and vintage
LOVE IT!


www.danielask.blogspot.com
xx

Jardin de la Mode said...

Another lovely look dear! Love your lipstick, that color looks great on you!
x

eugenialejos said...

love your dress! oh great outfit girl!!kisses from porto:)

Ramona said...

Gorgeous Kathleen!! You look so lovely in this look and sun do love You , because You look so gorgeous in these photos!
I'm thinking to buy floral headband and little bit udating it with some DIY. I hope.
And Thank You hun for so great tips! I should go and try them ;)

xoxo Ra

Rebecca Maureen said...

even more impressive than the outfit is the sheer amount of deals you score on these things. heading to goodwill to shop for the first time on thurs :)

Izzy said...

I love your satchel! Hope you visit back :)
www.swmapedinflowers.blogspot.com

Anisa said...

Girly, why are you SO pretty?! AHH! I really love your new photos, the vintage feel suits you very well I must say! I can see were both a HUGE fan of neutrals now, yay! It's just so lovely and versatile, perfect for any occasions. Can't wait to see you tonight ;) It'll be an interesting meeting, hopefully! Also, good luck at your Blogger Panel on Weds! You're going to do great! :)

xxAnisa

Isabel Hendrix said...

aah yes thrifting is amazing and so rewarding! I love your outfit.. your dress is super lovely :)

http://iflyastarship.blogspot.com/

Swedish Fashionista said...

I really like your style, it suits you so well!
You got yourself a new follower and I would love you to to the same if you like my blog!

// Swedish Fashionista

cryskay said...

gorgeous! cant believe the pieces are from thrifting! you have a great eye. xo

Unknown said...

cute! love the details of the dress!

www.littlefashionnotes.blogspot.com

Our Youth said...

what a lovely outfit <3

thank you for following me xxx

Unknown said...

Nice. :)

Unknown said...

I love this outfit. I wish the weather in England was sunny so I could wear more things like this!!

www.fashionsyourfriend.blogspot.com

Tasha xx

Senita said...

Aw I like this outfit! Especially your shoes haha :D

Henar said...

Aaww, this is beautiful!!
I love it!!
xx

Henar
... OH MY VOGUE!

Brittany said...

yes to the floral headbands!!! haha I love your thrifting tips...and I love that bag, I've been on the hunt for a similar one :)

zs closet said...

looove your hat!!I need one like that!xx

www.zscloset.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

You are so so darling! I love your blog as well! New follower!

http://60smodfox.blogspot.com/

Marcella said...

Utterly adorable look! You have accessorised it to perfection too. Gorgeous :)

Anonymous said...

You are too cute!! Flowers in your hair really suit you.

Francesca said...

perfect spring outfit much!? love it! your hat is awesomee

F. (opinionslave.blogspot.com) x

Janelle Haskin said...

Oh my! That outfit is perfect!!

xo
Janelle

www.janellehaskin.etsy.com

Hanna said...

Awesome outfit! Just a perfect combination!!


Don't forget to enter my Apothica give-away!

Jazzy E (Hivenn) said...

beautifu. x hivennn

Nells said...

Just discovered your amazing blog. Following!you look gorgeous!!love your outfits!!
keep it up!hope u can visit me as well!a big kiss from greece!

Mary Lee said...

omg i absolutely LOVE your outfit, it is pure perfection. Love your blog, it's so amazing!!! definately following

hope you'll follow/viist
www.marylee31.blogspot.com

Chelsea Love said...

i really love this outfit!

check my blog sweetie.
www.littlemissglamourous.blogspot.com

Rona S. said...

great outfit! ps. i love your hair

Anonymous said...

Love this outfit, and the sun looks so refreshing.
xx
http://thehausofblog.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

I would LOVE to buy a floral headband!! Please do sell them!

drinkcitra said...

Hi! I just wanted to thank you as well for following my blog :) I'm so glad I came across your blog! You're fashion style and outfits are beautiful <3

Catherine said...

I really love this, and by really, I mean I want to replicate this right now. Alas, it's far too cold here.

xox

Katherine said...

I was already going to rave about your dusty pink dress, and then I saw the BACK, and it's even better! These pictures just exude warm weather. I think people would definitely buy your headbands!


La Petite Marmoset

Izzy said...

Following back! Thanks for the sweet sweet comment, hope you visit back :) Love the post as ever :D
www.swampedinflowers.blogspot.com

Angelica Ng said...

Love all the soft pastel colours mixed with yummy leather accessories! And man, I really do need to discover thrift shopping!

http://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/

I Live For It said...

Beautiful! Another Cali girl! Following you now! ;)

XO, Liza and Jewls
I LIVE FOR IT

Unknown said...

i love this hat on you! it looks so perfect! I want a straw hat now hehe

Eline said...

I really love this outfit!
The dress and brogues are so cute. :)