A Red (B&W) Christmas

I don't know about you but it can be hard at times to figure out what to wear to work everday.  My very old school parents  would say that's because "you have TOO much choice".  I guess this is a ridiculous 1st world probem but nonetheless IT IS A PROBLEM.  Especially when it impacts your ability to get dressed and out the house in a reasonable amount of time. 

I often seek motivation from Pinterest and my favorite Facebook groups such as #thriftingatlanta and #thriftingdivas.  The ladies and gentlemen on these social media platforms are so creative and provide a good  source of inspiration. 

When I find something I like, sometimes I just recreate it over and over.  Right now, I'm loving the pairing of red, black and white (or sometimes blue) in an outfit.  So much so, that I've been wearing these colors to work everyday this month.  I talked about this in my last post. I must say having a theme makes it soooo much easier to narrow down those choices. Another perk is that red seems so festive and appropriate for this time of year.

The one draw back is, it makes it obvious as to what I don't currently have in my closet; which means more shopping.   Ughhh!!- Not shopping!  We all have a LBD that is office appropriate but I just realized I don't own a single red dress nor a white one, much less one that would be work appropriate.  Oh well...two more items for the thriftlist!

Total random thought as I'm typing: I feel like my themed outfits should have  a theme song.  Anywho!!!

What tricks do you use to help get dressed?  Do you ever utilize a theme for a period of time? Am I just crazy?  Is anyone out there?  I'd love to hear from you!!

                      I'm (still) SoRosie in Red!
                            Stay Rosy Y'all!

                          HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

My thrifted items:
Red Cardigan- Eddie Bauer
Black Pencil Skirt - No name
Blue Sweater - Knitwear
Red Pants - Kasper

P.S.  I ended up wearing a pair of black tall boots with the skirt because...Baby it's Cold Outside!

SO Blah(nik)

I stopped in to my local Goodwill last week in search of teacups for the teaparty I'm planning for my kids and their cousins.   It was 7:52pm as I pulled into the parking lot. The store was closing  in 8 mins.  I quickly made my way to the wares section. No luck!  With a few minutes to spare I make my way around the store seeing if I might check any items off my mental thriftlist.  Polka-dot pencil skirt (nope), camouflaged skinny  jeans  (nope), red trench or wool coat (nope); I was striking out  big time. The trip appeared to be a total bust.  Last stop, Shoes.  Taupe  pumps  (better luck next time) Grrrrr!

But wait...eye spy from the corner of my eye.  8 minutes well spent!!!! MANOLO BLAHNIK!

                        @~~~~I'm So Rosie
                             Stay Rosy Y'all

So Color Blocked

I recently had one of those days I've heard thrift addicts speak of, when your vehicle just seems to navigate itself to the nearest thrift store despite your stern objections to the rerouting of your predetermined destination.

Have you had one of those days???  It's ok to admit to it!!!  Just nod slightly or blink two times fast; we've all been there.

See what happened was...Ruby (my car) set off on her own course and rerouted me to the Salvation  Army.  "But Ruby it's not  Wednesday, we won't  find  anything  for 50% off," I challenged to no avail. A challenge to which Ruby responds, "You have arrived. "

So, I begrudgingly walk in and begin to peruse, all the time thinking  "I told you  this was a waste of gas."  Until...I arrive at a section of dresses.  I've  had a long-sleeved dress on my thrift list and now that an artic blast is upon us a long-sleeved dress would be perfect.

I spot black knit long sleeves and make  my way  over, as I slide the other garments to the side a lovely treasure is revealed.   Now, this dress is very much out of my comfort  zone.   If you read my previous  post you know thrifting has caused  me to step outside of that zone.

The dress is $9.99 with a yellow tag...not the color  of the day. (Boooooo)  I try it on anyway and (HOORAY) it fits beautifully.

I don't normally photograph myself for posts, but, this dress makes me want to pose in the nearest  intersection pretending to hail a cab (or catch a snowflake) while Color Blocking traffic!

                   @~~~~I'm So Rosie
                       Stay Rosy Y'all

What do you think about my find?  How would you style this piece? 

100% Thrifted

I've been thrifting for almost a year  now and one of the things I love most about  my new found  passion is how versatile my style  has become.   Most people  who know me know that I never repeat outfits.   I don't  put something  together and then wear it the same way ever.  One reason  being,  I won't  remember  the  combination.  Well then you might be wondering  "how do you know  you haven't  repeated  an outfit?"  Trust  me I just know.  The second  reason is, its just more fun to find news ways to wear an item.  I've been reading  lots of blogs that suggest identifying 3 ways to style a piece before  deciding to buy.   That's a really good tip but honestly  if I'm  thrifting  and I love it I'm  buying it regardless if I can figure out right then and there how to style it in  3 ways.

Thrifting has made not repeating outfits  easier on my purse for sure.   So now I find myself purchasing items I ordinarily  wouldn't purchase at retail.  It also makes  trying out a Pinspired outfit  that much more palatable. 

I'm  still new to posting  my ramblings but I hope to one day figure out how to post my pinspirations without  fear of some copyright infringement concerns. I may never get to that stage but if anyone  is reading this just know most my outfit posts  are usually a recreation of some  sort. 

Anyways on to the outfit.   I Thrifted all 3 pieces.  The blazer (100% wool) is so awesome,  when I set eyes on it, I didn't give it a second thought.  The pants are Ann Taylor skinny corduroy.  I hated wearing  corduroy as a kid because  of that noise  they make when your  legs rub together.  You know the noise!  The boots are  Nine West.  I added  a little  sparkle  with a sequins tank and a red necklace  to break up the black.

For some reason  it felt  very  New Years eve(ish)!  I just may repeat  this  one after all !

                      @~~~~I'm So Rosie

                           Stay Rosy Y'all

BAG Lady

I've always been a sucker for a cute but functional bag.  In college, I had a variety of bags to tote all my necessary stuff around New York City; you know my CD player and CDs, my Walkman & cassette tapes (I still have  my Sony Walkman - Dont judge me).  Oh...and my textbooks, of course my textbooks were packed as well.

I was particularly fond of messenger bags and I had a beautiful green leather backpack.  I still have a few of my bags from college.   (I'm not a hoarder or anything, I just take good care of my stuff and I'm pretty sentimental).

Just a few days ago I was reminiscing about my favorite bag from college... a United Colors of Benetton (Whatcha know about that?) tote bag in all the primary colors.  Is that company still around?  Anyways, I think its still at my mom's house. At least I hope it is.

Anyways my love for bags hasn't changed.   But now I look for versatility.   Bags that serve double duty are usually at the top of my list.  It needs to be roomy enough for a baby bottle, a diaper and wipes  Here are a few of the bags recently scored from the Goodwill :

Love the Doone & Bourke it was a Twofer!!!

Salvation Army Soldier

I went marching into my local Salvation Army with my battalion in tow ( my 10y and 8mo. old.) on "Customer Appreciation Day" .  All clothing items 50% off.  

I readied myself for a battle with the crowds... to my relief there were no crowds, no crowds=at ease soldiers.  I was free to peruse at me leisure.  * Well, that is, until baby boy gets fussy and then you know its time to go - and there's mad dash to the register*

I had specific items in mind:
Plaid Shirt
Booties
Polka Dot Pencil Skirt
High Waisted Pants
Camo Pants
China- Tea Cups (really pretty ones, I LOVE tea and so I'm going to have a tea party!!)

I came up short on all these items but I did manage to score a few nice things; including 3 pairs of Aldo shoes.  I left behind a pair of Yves Saint Laurent boots,  a little too worn for my liking.  Some items I'll keep, others I'll give away or sell. 

If anyone is actually reading these post you may recall that I recently took up sewing.  Well, I found a cute little brown (Banana Republic) corduroy skirt during this visit.  The zipper was spoiled so I managed to get it for $.99.  My plan is to use this to learn how to replace a zipper on a garment.   If I do well, this cute skirt will be rocked this fall with printed opaque tights and booties. If not, you may just be picking up a D.I.Y gone wrong from the Goodwill (and saying "WhattheEff").  It may look a little like a tote bag with a crooked zipper!!

              @~~~~I'm So(Sew)Rosie
                       Stay Rosie Y'all

SEW Rosie!

I found a new hobby!!! I'm learning how to sew!  Learning how to sew will be a real compliment to my other new hobby...thrifting!  (Can you tell how excited I am by all the exclamation points?!)

A few months ago, I purchased a sewing machine from Wally's a.k.a Walmart in preparation for a sewing class I registered for a few months ago as well.  I started out with a simple machine, a Singer Simple, to be exact. I paid less than $100 for it.  Although the Goodwill always has sewing machines, I opted to get something new; not being familiar with sewing machines, I had to be certain I got all the parts.

I opened the box this past weekend on the morning of my lesson.   I saw no point in opening it any sooner as I hadn't the first clue how to even thread my new gadget and I certainly didn't want to break it. 

Well duh! Of course I could've read the instructions!  (I know that's what you were thinking) I find I learn best by practical application (by doing) not by following incomprehensible diagrams.  Have you ever tried putting together a piece of Ikea furniture???  But I digress.

My sewing 101 lesson was great and I'm super excited to get sewing.  Pretty soon I'll be able alter all those great thrift finds I usually walk away from because they were too big or too short.  Not to mention  too expensive to get tailored.  Tailoring can cost a grip and in the words of Ms. Sweet Brown herself "Ain't Nobody Got Time For That!"

Ambitious... I know.  But sewing is in my blood my uncle was a tailor, my mom's first cousin is a seamstress and my mom assisted her in making wedding dresses.

Osmosis!?!- NOT!

I've already borrowed a bunch of sewing books from the library.   I thrifted a super cool book from Goodwill and a coworker whose mother recently passed away gave me a bunch of his mom's sewing books.   Apparently, his mother was a skilled seamstress who made all her own stuff.   I feel honored to receive these gifts and pray that an ounce of her talent rubs off on me.  (Rest in peace Ms. F)

I'll be taking my 102 lesson soon. Stay for tuned more updates on my journey.

    @~~~~I'm So "SEW" Rosie!
              Stay Rosy Y'all

Week 3: Giving Back

Today I heard a wonderful testimony of perseverance.  A story of triumph in the face of adversity.   A story of a person who received a hand up when he was man down.

That hand up came via the United Way.  Hearing this story made me feel good about my donation and pledge of support to help others in my community.  I fought back tears but I was smiling on the inside because know I'm doing my part.

It's week 3 and I'm still rocking my jeans @ work thanks to my donation.  I'm also proud that my pledge will go towards helping victims of domestic violence, a topic that is near and dear to my heart.

How do you give back to your community?

Giving Back - Dressing For A Cause

I'm rockin' denim this month for a good cause!  It's not very often I get the opportunity to wear jeans to work.  So I'm thrilled to be doing so this month in support of the United Way, via my company's Jeans Day campaign.  

A win win for everyone!  I get to wear jeans and do my philanthropic duties, my community benefits from my individual contribution and hopefully my company has a successful campaign.

There are rules, of course, about the type of jeans that can be worn. Obviously, they must be clean, nothing skin tight, NO HOLES, etc.

Wait a minute have the rule makers been shopping lately?  It is dang near impossible to find a pair of jeans that don't look like they're about to fall apart.   Everything is distressed, ripped, frayed and just plain ole' holey. 

This is going to be quite a challenge.  Well, I accept your challenge and raise you 20 outfits styled with work appropriate jeans. Side note: big shout out to Pinterest and all the pinners for inspiration.

How does thrifting fit into this you may ask?  Luckily, during my adventures in thrifting I've picked up a few jeans and accessories to create office appropriate looks that are casual but professional. 

I'm 3 days in and here's what I've pulled together so far.  I've gotten a lot of compliments; in part, because people still can't believe I just had a baby.  *I guess that's a good thing- color me flattered*

I fully plan to put my blazer collection to good use during this challenge, but, I have a few thrifted chambray shirts, denim dresses and even a denim skirt that I plan to wear.

If you have any suggestions I would love to see or hear them.  I'd especially like to hear about how you've dressed for a cause.

@~~~~ I'm So Rosie
Stay rosy y'all.

The Joy of Thrifting...Ummm I Mean Cooking

The joys of thrifting continue to be revealed.  Thrifting has made me a better cook!  Go figure.

Ever since I picked up this very handy, dandy book at the Goodwill and this super heavy cast iron skillet; I've been cooking up some delicious Asian inspired meals.

I usually go to a wonderful Chinese restaurant...hmmm, they wont be seeing me for a while.   MO' Money for thrifting! Score!

The stool in the pic below was thrifted too! 

YUM!!!!

@~~~~I'm SoRosie

Stay Rosy Y'all!

Road Trip

I spent part of my day laying out outfits in anticipation of my upcoming road trip.  I'm REALLY looking forward to some me time.  After all I haven't taken a vacation this year with the arrival of the baby and all.

With the pending season change, I'm thinking I should be ready for temperature swings.  Warm days and cool nights.

Luckily, I picked up a few pieces over the summer and during my ready for fall haul, that will transition well into the fall. I'm still working on my club look, but, I think I have most of my activities covered. 

I hope to eat, drink, party and thrift like a rockstar in my destination city.

All the pieces below were thrifted with the exception of the Camo jacket and the blue shirt.  The Camo jacket from Old Navy was originally $39.95, I paid about $17 after using all my rewards.  I had a Camo jacket long ago that I would "borrow" from my brother.   It eventually went missing.   Hmmmm....

Do you go thrifting when you visit a new city?  How do you go about locating the best thrift spots?

@~~~~I'm SoRosie

Stay Rosy y'all.

What I Wore to Work (9.4.14): Accordion Pleats

I don't know about you, but when I shop I don't shop for an outfit.  I shop for pieces I love or like a LOT. Then, I take my find(s) and see how I can use it with pieces I already own or recently purchased.

Ever since I began thrifting I've been keeping stock of my outfits trying to see at what point I've created a look that was 100% thrifted.  Is that weird?

Anyways, I got pretty darn close with this one.  All the pieces were thrifted with the exception of the cardigan, but, I got it from an outlet so that counts, right? I'm quite sure I didn't pay a lot for it.

Normally I jot down where, when and what I scored on my thrifting sprees but for some reason I could only find my notes on the shoes.  Time for a new system!

Here's what I wore:
Cardigan (Gap) Outlet
Shell(The Limited) Thrifted
Skirt (I.N.C) Thrifted
Shoes (Nine West) Thrifted-Goodwill

I love this accordion skirt.  I thought it would wrinkle and not wear well throughout the day.  Boy oh boy was I wrong, those pleats have some serious bounce back.

@~~~~ I'm So Rosie
Stay Rosy y'all.

My system!

Polka(dot) Anyone

I don't know how to Polka but I'm quite familiar with the Polka dot.  I've been obsessed with polka dots lately.  Big ones, small ones, colorful ones, you name it I'm hooked.

For the past two weeks I've been rocking the Polka real hard. I had/have a quite a few polka dot items on my Thrift List and I've been checking them off slowly but surely.   If only I could get my hands on a polka dot pencil skirt (sigh).  A cream colored skirt with blue dots or blue with cream dots would be my dream come true.  Well really at this point I would take any color I could find.  The hunt continues!!  Let me know if you come across one...pretty please (preferably in a size 6)!!!!

My thrifted polka dot items below:

B&W draw string shirt

Black & cream dress

B&W skirt

Blue & cream silk pencil skirt

Blue and White dress

B&W sheer button up shirt

Still on my Polka dot Thriftlist:

Gray Sweater w/White Dots

Light blue jeans w/White or Blue Dots

Polka dot Pumps

Polka dot pencil skirt (see up top)

These boots were made for SPLASHING!

Rain, rain please don't go away.  Every time I think I'll get the chance to wear a pair of rain boots the sky clears up as soon as I put them on.  Today was no exception, it rained early A.M, and by the time I left out the sun was shining brighty. Sigh.

My luck hasn't kept me from wanting to add another pair to my closet.  I already own a pair of Hunter boots that I purchased prior to becoming a fan of thrifting.  Now that I'm wise to the ways of the Thrift Life,  I've had a pair of short rain boots on my mental ThriftList for some time now.  

Recently my wish came true; I found this cute pair on a recent outing.  They're a little hippie and teenie bopperish.  But, I think they'll look great with colorful leggings, skinny jeans or a denim skirt.

Are you experiencing rainy weather in your city?  Do you wear your rainboots all day rain or shine?

So Long Summer

I don't know about you but with school back in session I'm feeling like the summer is unofficially over.  

Each year, I hate to say goodbye to the sweet summer breezes, freedom from elementary school homework, the abundance of delectable fruits and most of all my requisite trips to the beach.   But as much as I hate saying so long to summer; I welcome the cool temps of the fall.

Looking back over the summer I recall my favorite outfit.  It's my favorite for 2 reasons:

(1) It makes me to reminisce on my trip to Savannah, GA. If you haven't been you should totally go; and if you currently live there...lucky you!
(2) I wore my favorite thrifted item of the season with this outfit   This darling mint necklace was my favorite jewelry find so far.  The denim jacket was a thrift find as well from the Salvation Army.

Another thing I like about this outfit is I can easily transition it into the fall with a quick change of accessories. 

What was your favorite outfit of the summer?  I'd love to see it and hear why it was your fave.  Do you have any outfits you plan to transition between seasons?