Power Suit Steal

The goods:
• tank from American Apparel
• vintage blazer from Salvation Army
• denim from Forever21
• pumps from Aldo
• vintage watch and earrings from Modern Vintage Sale
• bracelets from J.Crew, Forever21

I'm always on the hunt for that rare designer treasure at flea markets or vintage shops (past scores include these red shoes, and this amazing skirt). But nothing beats uncovering a piece that I could have for the amount of change in the bottom of my purse. I found this vintage Giorgio Armani blazer jammed into the racks of old suit separates at my local Salvation Army, marked at a mere $3.50! I love the 1980's power suit silhouette with shoulder pads and extra long cut - I just keep it current with slim jeans and simple accessory styling. It's perfect outerwear for crisp fall days ... which decided to make a spring appearance today.

Homage to Mid Century

The goods:
• tshirt from Nordstrom
• vintage jacket from Salvation Army
• dark denim from Forever21
• pumps from Aldo
• vintage earrings from rummage sale
• vintage clutch from McShane's Exchange
• bangle from Coach

As my own tribute to the mavens of Mad Men, I'm adding a modern spin to a few vintage finds. I'm donning this vintage swing jacket that I scored at Salvation Army for $3, and throwing in some accessories inspired by Betty and Joan, like these clip-on baubles and a sleek portfolio clutch. Pairing these items with skinny jeans and a clean ponytail keeps the look current instead of costume. I'm looking forward to pulling more inspiration (and getting my Don Draper fix!) during Sunday's premiere!

Cheap and Chic

The goods:

• vintage white blouse from Salvation Army

• black pants from Forever21

• black and gold belt from Forever21

• vintage leather handbag from Village Thrift Shop, Antioch

• black and leopard booties from Vince Camuto

I found this blouse on sale at Salvation Army — and when Salvation Army has a sale, you can practically pay in coins. It was originally marked $2.75, the colored price tag meant it was half off (I would pay more for the pretty gold buttons alone!). A quick trip to the dry cleaners (always, and I love that it usually costs more than the garment) and the blouse is as good as new. Another a fab find was this black leather purse. I spotted it dangling from chest of drawers in a thrift shop (it always pays to check out thrift and vintage outside of the city ... a bag in this great condition surely would have been snapped up around here). It is beautiful, soft leather, and at only $9, I didn't think twice! I had one of the leather tabs holding the handle replaced and it was just like new. My entire outfit cost less than $30 (except for my $100 booties) ... I think that is a personal best.

Secondhand Style

The goods:
• vintage white sheer blouse from Salvation Army
• leggy denim from J.Crew
• tan booties from Zara
• gold bangles from Banana Republic, J.Crew, IGWT, Barneys

Last year Steve and I waited until the very last minute to get our Halloween costumes. Since we weren't going to find anything in stock at costume shops, and we didn't feel like spending too much, we walked to our nearby Salvation Army to see what we could find. Steve went as Jarret the Goblin King from Labyrinth (his look turned out perfect - and hilarious!) and I was the female lead, Sarah. I needed her seriously 80's blouse/vest/jeans combo, all of which I was able to score there for just under $10! I grabbed this over-sized cream colored blouse for $2, and later realized, hey, it's kinda cool! The unfortunate vest and jeans, however, didn't fare so well.

Haute Halloween

photo of Coco Chanel from Pinterest

I rarely shop for my Halloween costume, opting instead to create one from pieces I already own. This year I paid homage to the ever-classy Coco Chanel. All I added were these two toned pumps for $4, and the quilted leather bag with chain strap for $15, both found at the Salvation Army! Of course, the brown wig (on hand from past costumes), black hat and fake cigarette were key in completing my Coco costume. Happy Halloween!

The goods:
• tweed jacket with pearl trim from T.J.Maxx
• black sweater with white piping from H&M, with added black satin bow
• Mark Jacobs pencil skirt, found on sale for $45 at Bloomingdales
• vintage gold belt, pearl necklace and pearl bracelet from rummage sale
• black hat and pearl beads from Doolin's Party Supplies
• vintage gold cocktail ring from Vintage Underground
• quilted leather handbag and two-toned pumps from Salvation Army 
• vintage gold bangle and earrings, family heirlooms

Cozy Cashmere Tuesday

The goods:
• vintage cashmere sweater from Salvation Army
• Gap 1969 jeans from Gap
• beige flower slingbacks by Bandolino
• initial necklace from Stitch Chicago


When vintage shopping, I always check the garment labels for brand, material, and cleaning instructions, finding an occasional big name designer but mostly no-name treasures. I found this sweater for a mere $3 at Salvation Army in perfect condition. It's made from thick, ultra soft cashmere and the over-sized fit is so cozy! When I checked the label I was surprised to find an original Abercrombie & Fitch tag. I knew A&F used to be a legitimate outfitter — purveyor to the "sporting elite" from the early 1900s until the mid 60s, selling everything from fishing poles to guns, hiking boots to camping gear — but I had never seen a piece for myself. The quality is superior to anything I've purchased recently and this sweater has quickly become my staple for chilly fall days like today. 

Thanks to Mr. Abercrombie and Mr. Fitch for establishing such a fine brand (and thanks for nothing, The Limited Inc., for not continuing your legacy of quality and sophistication).