30 Day Clothing Challenge~ Day 29: Something That's Your Favorite Brand

Today I'm bringing you this post from our lovely *cough* travel trailer. It's really not awful, but when you're used to a certain way of living (in a house where you don't bump into everyone trying to get around) it's well, it's a bit cramped. But we made it! Right now we're parked in a farm/RV place in Kelowna (a farm that has apple trees scattered around for me to pick at my leisure) as we look for a house to buy/rent. The trip was an interesting one, considering we decided to drive from Florida to British Columbia, and it took seven days. Suffice to say I'm glad to be out of the car. Some highlights from our trip...

• My dad tried to take a shower in the trailer and discovered he didn't quite fit. He had to stick his head in the air vent.
• South Dakota (The Badlands in particular), parts of Wyoming, and Washington are all really pretty. I can't say much about the parts of Minnesota, Iowa, or Illinois we saw, as it was mostly corn. And Georgia was Florida, minus beaches and with more billboards advertising stripper joints.
• One night this huge RV parked next to us. We named it the Death Star and decided it was here to eliminate all inferior RVs. When it started glowing green in the middle of the night we couldn't stop laughing.
• I saw Buffalo!

And of course, since every trip has one disasterous moment, this happened to us not 30 minutes from our final destination. We were so. close. Maybe we drove a little too hard?

Luckily, people are extraordinarily nice here and someone stopped to help.

It's really hard to find time to write right now, so I'm going to finish up the last two days of this clothing challenge before I get back to other things. During the trip I've been wearing more or less the same outfit (a pair of cargo pants and a tanktop) so I'll be using any old pictures I can find. I don't actually have a favorite brand per say. I buy most of my items via thrifting or online shopping and there isn't really one brand that sticks out. Of course, I like brands such as Hell Bunny and Lip service, but I can't say either one is my favorite and I think you've seen all of the clothes I own by those brands . However I constantly find things I like at White House Black Market (even if I normally can't afford it) and I was lucky enough to thrift this jacket a few weeks ago.

It's a really lightweight jacket which means I can wear it even when it's a bit warmer. And I'm absolutely in love with the ruffles on the front. They satisfy my love of fancy, frilly things.  I'm wearing it with the new lacy high-to-low skirt I bought the same day, but I didn't get a picture so that will have to wait until next time ^^

Antique Store and Double Outfit Post

There's a cute little old fashioned town nearby, and while walking around a few weeks ago we found an antique store hidden away. We walked in and I wanted to buy just about everything in there. There were necklaces, rings, brooches, books, records, clothes, furniture and dolls.

I didn't have much money so I didn't buy anything this time, but I took some pictures of the doll collection. I wouldn't want to own any of these simply because dolls creep me out. (The eyes....they just follow you...) However they are awfully pretty.

I can't wait to go back and buy some things. I saw a really gorgeous picture frame in there.
Here's the outfit I wore while out. Something simple and flowy.

In current news, today we visited Liseberg near/in Gothenburg (Goteborg). It's a moderately large theme park with some pretty fun rides. I've always like Baldor and I'm not even a fan of wooden roller coasters. And I believe the AtmosFear is the largest free-fall in Europe. If anyone ever gets to visit I would definitely pay extra for the "haunted house".  It doesn't cost very much and the decor is incredibly well done. I was only scared once (much to my disappointment) but you go in groups and we were in the back. I think it was worth it just to go in and see the work they put into the atmosphere of the place.

Bonus Pic: How I went dressed to the theme park. It was extraordinarily hot, but it's never fun to simply throw on a t-shirt and shorts is it? My solution? Vests! I'm so happy I bought that one in Stockholm and I plan on adding many to my collection for summer.

Oops, I look petrified. Actually, that's concentration ^^

Some weird maneuvering to show you the back

Another tip for theme parks? Sunscreen. I used half a bottle and still have the worst sunburn lines imaginable... And if you plan on riding anything don't expect your hair to defy gravity. I don't care what hairspray you use. It won't work ^^

So now that summer is in full swing (even this far north) anyone have any tips to share on how to beat the heat?

Thrifting Haul + Vampire Diaries Finale

I still don't have a picture of my new hair. Yes, I know, I know! It'll be up next time. Sorry about that :3

But I went thrift shopping with a friend and got a few new amazing things! If anyone out there doesn't thrift, do it. Trust me. You can find so many lovely things out there that no one else will have and it barely costs you anything.

Goodwill

I liked Pretties enough when I read it to add it to my shelf. I mean, what's 99 cents really? And that thing takes plastic surgery to a whole new level.

Through Violet Eyes is something I've never read before. The summary states that there are people with violet eyes (Ok, who saw that coming?) who can expose the face of a murderer and someone is killing them off. Oh, what the hell. *Throws in cart*

Unwind was also pretty enjoyable. Abortion has been outlawed, but when teens turn a certain age their parents can have them "unwound" (taken apart for your organs) and it's not considered murder because the organs "live on" through the people that need them. Yeah, that makes sense.

I also found The Silence of the Lambs which is one of my all time favorite books, but I already lent it out to someone so no picture.

This bow tie belt was $1.99! and it's got SPIKES. :D

This bracelet was actually hidden deep in the purse bin. Alexis and I had ransacked everything else and decided to dig around. Normally I would be all like "The pink! The pink! It BURNS!" but it was really cute and only $1.99.

I don't actually know what this is supposed to be...but I saw polka dots and snatched it up for 99 cents. I need another blazer, one with a chest pocket, preferably red or black. Once I locate one I think I'll stick this in the pocket.

Plato's Closet

Crappy picture. Sorry :/

This dress. is. AMAZING. I nearly left it on the rack but Alexis forced persuaded me to try it on and I grabbed it because it was only $10.


Dots

Ok, Dots isn't really a thrift store, but we raided it so it's going on the list. This pretty scarf was $5.

 I left behind a red blazer and now I'm beating myself up over it. I thought I should put the money to another scarf, tie, and necklace, but now that I have that polka dot thing...*sigh* I'm a miser and it was $20...but....WHY DIDN'T I BUY IT?? It made me feel like a ringmaster. <3

 I'm going to jump onto the "popular vampires" bandwagon and admit that I absolutely loooove the Vampire Diaries. It's one of my guilty pleasures. The finale was beyond what I would have expected and here are some of my thoughts. Warning: spoilers and possible fangirling ahead.

• Elena is a complete bitch to Damon. The poor guy loves her and is obviously the superior choice...

• Stefan should crawl in a hold and die. He's seriously pathetic. GET AWAY FROM ELENA. SHE DOESN'T NEED MORE ANGST.

• Didn't we just get rid of Klaus last episode? Is he seriously back already?

• Oops, Elena's a vampire. Well, that sucks.

• Elijah is back! Oh how I've missed him and his fancy clothes. I miss his old, oddly endearing haircut...

I loved that floppy hair...

It's Ok, we forgive you. You still look good ;)

Anyone else notice how much they LOVE to kill characters off in that show?

Feeling Thrifty

When people hear the words "thrift store" there's generally two reactions. There are people like my mom, who shudder at the thought and completely refuse to consider shopping there. And then the people like my dad, who jump at the chance to find something interesting. Honestly, I love the fact that you can find so many unique pieces in thrift stores. I mean, please don't go to the smelly, crowded little shop with the moth eaten clothes. You probably won't find anything there. Seriously. 

But then there are places like Dechoes in Orlando. Extremely 80s and filled with clothing either completely hideous or absolutely amazing. I could spend hours in there going through every single piece of clothing they have. (My dad certainly wouldn't complain. They have a DJ playing music and he gets free drinks.) This shop is the right kind of thrift/vintage store. It's affordable and you're guaranteed to find something you like there.

And here's what I found while digging around yesterday...

A fabulous tartan skirt~ $7

 

and an amazing jacket~ $5

please excuse the boxes....we're renovating...

my house doesn't exactly resemble a house at the moment.

I also managed to find this pretty flowy skirt with a gorgeous lace detail but I need to get a hold of some black dye. White isn't exactly my color...

Some tips for thrift shopping

1) If you know what you're looking for you'll have a much easier time. A good store will have their merchandise sorted by type and size, maybe even color. Having a plan will keep you from feeling overwhelmed by the sea of clothes.

2) Don't feel limited by the color of the clothing or a minor flaw. There's always dye (granted, make sure the fabric can be dyed) and to fix a small tear you don't have to be adept at sewing. Ugly adornments can be easily removed and zippers can be replaced.

3) Don't just shop in the size you normally are. Clothes vary. Especially vintage ones. I'm a small sometimes and sometimes I'm an extra large. 

4) Try everything on. Even if you only like it a little. You never know what might surprise you. I've tried several things on I wasn't sure about on the rack and ended up loving them on. 

5) Bring a someone with you. Sometimes a second opinion is nice to have. You don't want to end up buying something you thought you liked only to hate it when you get home and try it on again.

I hope that helps. Now get out there and shop.