Swap It. [skirts]

We've got a major cold front headed our way in Cincinnati, OH and I'm dreaming of warm, skirt wearing weather right about now.  Hence this week's swap it focus - skirts.  How cute are these leather mini skirts?!?  New one via ASOS here and vintage skirt found on Etsy, here. 

I'm really liking these lace pencil skirts and what an easy way to work a vintage piece into your closet - they're almost identical!  New skirt on ModCloth here and vintage skirt on Etsy here.

Onto the always dreamy 50's style circle skirts.  The prints on both of these skirts are amazing! New skirt found at Anthropogie here and the authentic 1950's skirt on Etsy here. 

Currently Adoring [black and white]

I can't get enough of this black and white trend; stripes, dots, illustrations - bring it on! Currently, I'm swooning over these striped pants and this styling set up!

And how about this photo from the 60's with their fabulous sunnies and perfect bobs?!?

Loving this striped pasta! And I might have to get this vintage top and the polka dot shoes below.  Everything about that parasol is so perfect; the shape, the stripes, and the handle!

I would love to hang this pair of vintage plates from Finland in my apartment, right above that striped rug.  And I'm thinking about making my own painted leather clutch like this one (I'll share a DIY if it turns out well). 

 Happy Saturday!

Thrifting Tip

I'll be sharing a new thrifting tip each week, or at least until I run out of ideas :)   I've learned a lot about thrift stores over the past 3 1/2 years, when a starting thirfting for a living, like which ones are best for specific eras and types of clothing, when their specials are and how often they put new stuff out.

Most of the goods at my shop comes from the local tri-state area (Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky) thrift stores, estate sales and antique markets.  However, when I get a chance further to travel I always seem to bring back a car full  or at least a bag full of amazing vintage pieces.

On to my first thrifting tip:  PLANNING YOUR ROUTE

Photo via Flickr

I frequent handful of thrift stores weekly and check out some others monthly.  With a need to look through the WHOLE thrift store, I've come up with some routes that make things easier for me to manage.

I get most excited about finding vintage dresses, so I usually beeline to the dress section.  Plus the thought of seeing someone else pick up an amazing vintage dress before me, gives me too much anxiety to look though anything else.

Also, I've realized I like to look for women's clothing more than men's so I'll usually head to the Men's section next to get it out of the way while I'm still feeling peppy.  Sometimes I'm so out of it by the end of a combing session (3-4 hours) that my eyes kind of glaze over and I know I end up missing out on some good stuff.  Next, I head onto the Women's section.  With the items being more familiar to me, it seems to take less time to find the good stuff.

I usually leave the housewares for the last becuase it's a nice break from looking through all the clothing and it's pretty easy to spot the awesome finds when it's all displayed on shelves.

Overall, I recommend knowing what your favorites are and start there or save it until the end as a reward for all your hard work.  I know it seems kind of crazy, but breaking it up into sections and having a plan as opposed to jumping around can make the experience much more manageable.

Good luck on your next outing!

Swap It. [sweaters]

 I know it can be daunting working vintage pieces into your wardrobe, so I recommend starting one piece at a time. Instead of picking up that peplum sweater at Anthropolgie, give the vintage one a shot.

 These striped textured sweaters look so comfy and make an easy swap.  New found here, vintage here.

And lastly, I love the look of these oversize tribal cardigans!  New found here, vintage one here.

Currently Adoring.

I just recently set up a bar cart in my apartment.  I probably had more fun shopping for all the necessities than I should have, but that's okay with me.  Here's some inspiration for you to start your own!  This gorgeous cocktail book found here and classic bar cart here.

I'm loving the black & white stripes on these glasses and pitcher, found here.

Experimenting with liquor and bitters has become a fun, daily activity. Bitters found here and whiskey here. 

And last but not least, some fun vintage bar tools.  Ice bucket found here, set of cocktail tools here, shaker here, and gold tray here. 

Hope you enjoy!