Hajji Mart Shopping: Aghany Purses!

Okay, so you all know I like different things, right?  During one of my Hajji Mart outtings, I found a new store that I had never shopped in before, which I now refer to as  "the purse store"  for obvious reasons.  Most of these purses will be gifts to some of the my teenagers at church, but a couple of these will be staying with me! (stay tuned for my future What I Wore's).

Just wanted to share a few of my finds with you!  If you notice below, I tagged this post as a "Vintage Finds", and even though these aren't "vintage" they are some once in a lifetime finds for moi!  Also, just to let you all know, I did some great bargaining on these and can't wait to actually wear the ones I'm keeping for myself!  Yay!

I tried to capture the stitching, patterns and details of the different designs, but it was kind of hard with my bedspread as a backdrop and very poor lighting.  Lol, but you kind of get the picture, right? 

So, what do you think of my Afghany Purses?  Leave a comment below!

Make Em Say....Jerve'

Unique. Bold. Innovative. Chic.

These are just some of the expressions to describe exactly what the Say Jerve' Boutique is about. With a mix of new wave designs, affordable vintage and just good ole fashioned creativity, to say that this hot new jewelry site is only inspired by a single entity is shortchanging it by a long shot. Take a peek at what Say Jerve' owner Charise Harper has to say about her brand new & rapidly successful online sensation.

Vintage Finds. Vol 1

So, remember when I went thrifting a couple of weeks ago... well, I've finally gotten around to taking the pictures off my phone and sharing them with you. Just wanted to share a few of my findings with you! That day, I had a budget of 40 dollars, and even though I went over it by about 10 dollars, I did a pretty good job and found some cool stuff!

Sidebar // I didn't feel like doing my hair that day, but I worked that scarf! I've never wrap my scarfs like that either. Don't go laughing at my fat belly either! And just for the record, I really hate seeing the cell phone pics like I did, but hey, what's a girl to do when she's trying to sneak in the dressing room?! LOL!

Here's what I got:

Red Print Skirt

I don't know what it was, but I could have sworn that skirt whispered "buy me" when I walked past it. It literally called my name, so I figured I'd give "red" a try. But really, let's not forget that longer length skirts are in this fall season, too!

Sequin and Beaded Top

As you can see, I was extra excited about this! I spotted this jacket as I was just about to check out! Had to try it on, to avoid wasting money and BAM, it fit! Just $6 for this beauty!

And what I left behind:

Small Polka Dot Top

I mean, it was alright, but I just didn't like the fit.. I could have worn it with a blazer or something, but I didn't think it was worth it. Plus, I think it makes me look top heavy. The shoulder pads didn't do it for me either.

Isaac Mizrahi Black TuTu

Ehh.. how dreadful? Honestly, I think the only reason I even considered this was because it was made by Isaac! Sad. I know. But really, I knew good and well that I am too short and got too much booty to be balleting around town!

Like I said, thrift and vintage shopping can take alot of time. I know I used alot of energy that day! But, I found alot of stuff that day, just didn't take pictures of everything! Not to worry, there's more to come on my next Vintage day! I just found a new store the other day and plan on visiting it very soon!

So what do you think of my finds?? Be sure to let me by commenting below!

Out & About // Quest for Vintage Finds

Today, I went out to do some Vintage/Thrift shopping! I know, I know... you may not be into the world of "hand me downs" but, just in case you're thinking of trying your hand at an occasional vintage/thrift shopping trip, I found you some simple do's and dont's of shopping. I found some pretty cool things too.. pics will be up soon(er or later)!

Yes, of course, I ran across these tips on my favorite site, O.M.O. Writes! I told you I love her site, fellow "Blogger-I-Love," Samantha Smikle has some excellent advise for you newbies to thrift!

1. Pack light and appropriately. Don't bring a big, hunky bag with you. Instead, opt for an across the shoulder bag that allows you to sift through racks among racks effortlessly.
2. Pass up the costumey pieces. You'll never wear them!
3. Stick to colors and patterns that you like. If you find a cool shirt in that vintage burgundy-from- Three's-Company color, your look may come off too vintage for your virgin vintage taste.
4. Focus on what your style is and use vintage as the source for better constructed, one-of-a-kind version!

And, here are a few of my tips, I'd like to add when shopping:

1. Dress comfortably. That's a given.

2. Go alone. You won't have to to worry about being rushed or the kids whining.
3. Make sure you have nothing but time!! There are alot of items and you'll want to examine your clothing before you purchase.

4. Try on clothes. You don't want to buy something to small because then you'll just be throwing away money. You can always shower and wash clothes when you get home (I do)!

Have fun and enjoy!!

Hemmed Up!

As I was logging on to my Yahoo account, I spotted an article on a lady named Marissa that was going on a recession proof plan for the year. Her goal is to shop at thrift stores, yard sales, things of that nature, for clothing that was $1 or less, and take it home to transform it into something new and fabulous. I do NOT know why this triggered my interest, but curiosity took over and I took a gander at what she was creating. And WOW! I've got to show you some before and afters because this chick with needle and thread is amazing!!!

And most of her outfits cost less than $5 to make! I am soooo inspired to get on the good foot and learn to sew and re-use my current clothing in new ways. I always wanted to, but just never got into it (i.e. want to buy my clothing already pre-assembled.) But for real, for real, I plan on getting a flyer from the on-base Arts and Crafts Center and am gonna sign up for the new sewing circle! YASSSSSSS!!!! An added bonus with that is too, when my kids need things patched right up or have a hole in their favorite EXPENSIVE clothing, Mother will be right there with my Singer, saving the day! Oh, the possibilities!!!!!!

Click HERE to check out Marissa's site and dig her recycled threads!