Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Summer Delights

I'm not entirely sure why but I've been having good luck shopping.  Since I go at discount- and thrift-stores, selections are always hit-or-miss.  Despite that, I seem to be finding more attractive pieces than in the past.  Perhaps my "shopping eye" is getting trained to spot better clothes.

Did your shopping improve with practice?  What do you do to increase the odds of finding something good?

I've always wanted sandals for Summer but never found any that work with my feet.  Yesterday, at Nordstrom Rack (one of the few places that carry size 12), I saw a cute pair from Franco Sarto ($49).  On my feet, they look better than usual.  They're very comfortable (wedges feel so good) and I plan to wear them a lot.

Also, last Saturday I bought a nice top at my favorite tween boutique.  The design of the top is quite unusual and neon trim is exciting.  I don't think I've ever seen anyone wear vertical trim like this.  It was on sale for $15.

To complete an outfit, I picked up a skirt on sale at Marshall's for $10 which adds to the top without distracting from it.  Here is the total ensemble.  Thoughts?


 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

35 comments:

  1. Pretty pairing - the top and skirt look like a dress to me. The neon yellow trim is fun and those shoes are beautiful!
    I try to pop into the thrift store/discount stores on different days, even if I only have 10 or 15 minutes to take a quick look around. I think that gives me a better chance of finding something great!

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  2. Fabulous. I'm so happy you've had good luck with shopping lately. The shoes suit you so well and the colour is amazing. Loving the skirt and the neon feature of the top. This is such a well put together outfit.

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  3. Oh I wish my legs looked as fab as yours do. They're a bruised scabby mess at the moment! My thoughts are how well you have matched the accessories to the top and the wedges are really nice! That top looks perfect for this hot weather too- nice open sleeves!x

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  4. I was fascinated when I found a vertical ruffled shirt similar to that one (though I think the ruffle was the same colour as the rest of the shirt) and didnt' buy it because... whoa, man, that's just weird". Five, six years and a blog later, I likely would have tried it on! Great find!

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  5. I think those shoes are incredible!! Love the striped skirt too. Such a necessary basic in any girl's closet.

    As for shopping, I do visit several times a month for increased "luck". I also make sure to do a second sweep of the store. I rarely ever come out with the stuff I grab on the first go around. I miss things, things wind up getting shuffled as I shop.

    Also I look in sizes larger and smaller than I usually wear. Sometimes sizes get stuck in the wrong place or something can be mislabeled.

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  6. The sandals are fantastic! I really like the mix of the top and the striped skirt - that last picture is awesome.

    When I thrift, I look for colour and I feel for good fabric (once you've felt wool, silk and cashmere, it's easier to train your fingers). Like Megan, I ignore sizing completely. I always check all size racks if I have time.

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  7. I love that last picture of you! And your sandals. They remind me of my Nordstrom Rack Franco Sarto sandals (great minds, I guess).

    I think you *are* getting better at shopping because you're doing it more. One of the reasons I'm so good at thrifting is because I do it all the time.

    Also, Megan's tip to look in different sizes for mislabeled items is especially great in thrift stores!

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    1. It sounds cliché to say we improve with practice but I think you're right: the biggest reason I'm getting better at shopping is because I'm doing it more. And enjoying that beyond description.

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  8. This outfit goes so well together. Great job! Wedges are a great alternative to heels and I love the yellow pair you got.

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  9. Love those wedge sandals - the yellow is fab and the regular straps must make them comfortable to walk in too. I've just treated myself to some new wedge sandals too, hope they look as good in real life as they did on the internet when I chose them!

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  10. love the stripe skirt! the top makes it look edgy, I am a total sucker for wedges too although I am totally out of heel wearing practise right now - I also take no notice of sizing (I recently bought a dress for my 10 year old which was a UK size 16! it was teeny!) x

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  11. The new shoes are ADORABLE!!!
    Love the outfit--the top is very 80's flashdance!!
    I'm shopping better these days at the thrifts--I know more what works, what I like, and what brands to "lok" for!!

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  12. The top suits you perfectly. As for the shoes I can see myself wearing them! They are very beautiful!
    xo
    Anastasia
    Wish my mum Happy Birthday!!

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  13. I think that not only were the shopping fairies on your side but also your eye gets better with practice in finding items. - I think you did an amazing job here Ally, i love this outfit and you look so happy. I like to see that you are happy-

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  14. First off, those sandals are fantastic. Second, I'm so happy that you've got a favorite shop and place you feel safe and welcomed. :D :D :D

    It's true I think that we get better with practice- we learn which cuts or styles we like, how to eyeball things for fit, and get faster at sorting through crowded thrift racks. ;D

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  15. I absolutely love the sandals you found! Yellow is such a happy color! The entire ensemble is very fun!

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  16. I think having luck shopping comes in waves, sometimes you find a ton of good stuff (and it's hard to narrow down what you'll buy) other times (like when you desperately need a dress for a wedding) the stores have nothing you like!

    I like your outfit, it's fun with the neon and I have a similar skirt in my closet! Plus I think over time our "shopping eye" gets better at noticing stuff that will work for us.

    Em


    Win a pair of Manitobah Moccasins!

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  17. What a great top! Shopping definitely does get better/easier with practice!
    xo
    styleontheside.com

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  18. Can I steal your wardrobe?

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    1. Yes. I'll leave the door to my closet unlocked. :)

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  19. The skirt length is great, it really features your legs and says "summer". The sandals also work well with your leg design.

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  20. you look lovely in yellow and this top is such a find!

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  21. I'd totally wear this whole look ! I love the top ! I agree shopping improves with practice...I sometimes joke about black belt at Zara store, since I always find good stuff and some friends of mine can never find the right things, LOL ! Hugs

    Fashion and Cookies

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  22. I dig the vertical trim! And wedges are the best.

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  23. The skirt looks gorgeous, I haven't had much luck when I've gone through the sales section of Marshall's. You are looking slimmer in this outfit : ) great finds.
    Btw I'm back to blogging again : )

    -Jaz
    http://summerlilacs.blogspot.com

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  24. Isn't it fun when outfits wonderfully come together? Love those yellow sandals. A wedge is so much more comfortable for me than a heel too.

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  25. I'm follwing you on Blog lovin' too <3

    Cheers!
    -Jaz
    http://summerlilacs.blogspot.com

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  26. nicely done...one of my favorite outfits thus far!

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  27. Gorgeous gams! Yes, this outfit is fantastic. I am in love with your last photo - nothing like new shoes to bring on a sense of celebration. My shopping trick is to frequent my fave thrift shops as often as possible. When I get to know the stock I'm quick to find the new pieces and snap up my faves.

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  28. You're definitely on a roll, dear Ally! That's fantastic! I've had a few periods over the years like that as well. It's so fun to get on a great winning streak on the fashion front.

    I absolutely adore your strappy yellow sandals! I would sport those in a New York minute!!!

    Have a stellar weekend!
    ♥ Jessica

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  29. I love your style. Perfect combinations all the time! And quite jealous of those gorgeous sandals.

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  30. LOVE those sandals ... I have the same problem as you with finding shoes that are the right size and comfortable ~ Thankfully today it is freezing in Johannesburg so my feet feel quite comfortable in the shoes I had huge problems with last week when it wasnt quite so cold! The trials and tribulations of having big feet!!!

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  31. Oh I quite like this! Neon is trendy and you pull it off wonderfully. Your shoes are super cute and the wedges are so comfy too. I feel like you do get better at shopping with practice. You start to gravitate toward items that fit you and your style quicker and you start to have a better idea on what works.
    -Jamie
    ChatterBlossom

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  32. SO cute! It's really trendy and put together too. I adore the wedges. They look really comfortable yet so stylish too. I too have trouble shopping. I get stuck in a rut of buying the same stuff over and over. My husband goes with me and helps me think outside the box. I really appreciate that!

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