Pinterest Inspired Thrifting

Before I go to Salvation Army (or any thrift store), I like to search Pinterest for current specific trends and outfit ideas. I usually create a Pinterest Board, and then I venture off to the thrift store with these items in mind.

My most recent trip to Salvation Army was a success! I spent about $28 during their 50% off sale and purchased 10 items!

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This lace pencil skirt is Forever 21!

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This sweater from Salvation Army is Banana Republic. It features a slight high-low style, with frontal pockets, and  two different knits on the front and back.

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This might have been the biggest steal of the day! It had the ORIGINAL Nordstrom tag for $89.99 still on it, but was purchased for just $2.50. The brand is a vintage Jeffrey & Dara and therefore can no longer be purchased in retail stores.

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Most people are familiar with the classic Burberry plaid, but its high price is a quick deterrence. This plaid shirt is actually a MEN's shirt, but it has a similar eye-catching plaid pattern with its tan-red-and-black color scheme.

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Free People is pretty notorious for its flowy oversized and worn-looking tee's and sweaters. When this high-low oversized sweater was found in the plus-size* section at Salvation Army, I saw so much potential in it. By belting it mid-waist, it creates an A-line fit.

(I starred plus-size because I want to encourage you to PAY NO ATTENTION TO SIZE NUMBERS or SECTIONS while shopping at thrift stores. Don't let a number throw you off, some items at second-hand stores are so vintage that they may have shrunk, may have been tailored, or can vary in fit depending on brand. Try EVERYTHING on and wear what fits and looks right.)

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Tribal, Aztec, Southwestern – these diverse ethnic prints have risen in popularity for long enough that they aren't considered a fading trend.  This sweater is a great find because of its beautiful multi-colored pattern.

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Army green and studded anything are two trends that are popular apart from each other, but combining them together in ONE LOOK is even better!

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"Overall, I had a great day" -- My favorite thing to say every time I wear a great pair of overalls.

This overall dress is a rare find. It is a vintage look that may not be popular with everyone, but I proudly admit to owning about 6 pairs of overalls all together. They're so comfortable, versatile, and easy to wear!

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Waterfall cardigans are great because they can be thrown over almost any outfit to transform it from something simple to something styled. They are flowy and are perfect for those days you just want to cover-up a little more. This one I purchased is Forever21 brand!

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So, not everyone loves the "School Girl" look, but it can definitely be classy when worn right. I love this Pinterest-inspired outfit. I've been looking for the right plaid jumper for a while, but they are hard to come by. I lucked out when I finally found this one. The cashier checking out my items even complimented my find.

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All together, I was very satisfied with my purchases. After only spending 28.38 on ten items, each one averaged out to $2.84!

Top Four Halloween Costume Ideas for 2014

Halloween can be a fun holiday because it gives you the opportunity to dress up in cool costumes, but just because you’re dressed as a character that you’re not in real life, doesn’t mean you should abandon your standards or dress with different values than you have in real life.

We all have heard the stigma that, "Halloween is the one night a year when girls can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it," as quoted from the movie Mean Girls, but this couldn’t be more FALSE.

This Halloween season we – as ladies of the Top Buttons community – have the potential to change the status quo amongst our peers. In order to make this a more tangible goal, we’ve created a Pinterest board with tons of creative ideas we’ve seen on the internet, but here’s four of our FAVORITES, proving that you can have the look for less money, without having the look of less clothes.

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1. Be FOOD for Halloween!

We all know there’s an endless variety of food choices. Why not wear your favorite food? This gives you the opportunity to be extra creative in expressing your interests. We’ve included a few of our favorite foodie looks!

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2. "You're one in a minion," so why not dress as a Minion?

The Despicable Me movies may be a little old, but their notable Minions are the face of modern cartoons. A minion costume is a simple look to create, and can probably be put together with some items from your closet, the dollar store, or even a thrift store.

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3. Represent a Social Media Site!

This costume idea is so cute because it can represents today’s teen culture AND is good for a group of friends to do together. Purchase some basic colored Tee’s and paint the designs or print them out and apply with an iron-on. These ladies chose to pair their outfits with jean shorts and colored leggings, but you could even spice it up with tutu's!

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4. Save the day and be a Super Hero!

The greatest thing about these costumes is that it can be altered for as few or as many people as you want, because there’s so many heroes to choose from! Super hero shirts can be purchased occasionally at Wal-Mart,  or even made with some paint or iron-ons. Matching tutu’s can be made by buying tulle fabric at your local craft store, cutting it into strips, and tying those strips onto a belt or elastic. (For detailed instructions, check our Pinterest board)

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All in all, this Halloween season is not just about what costume you choose, but the memories made in the process! Post YOUR costume ideas on Instagram and Twitter and don't forget to tag us. We would love to see what you come up with!

Tips & Tricks to Find Your Summer Wardrobe on A Budget

Shopping for the perfect summer wardrobe is very important, but in many places summer is such a short season that it comes and goes before we even get to wear our favorite pieces. Included in this article are a few tips that will help you make purchases that are both affordable and versatile enough to wear for seasons to come.

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1. Tip #1: Shop the clearance rack at stores like Target. When there's a shift of seasons, what's left from last season goes on sale. Specifically look for DRESSES! Practically any dress can be fashioned in the summertime. Alexis found these on the 70% off rack, and depending on the occasion she can find somewhere to wear each of these dresses.
2. Tip #2: Buy a pair of nude sandal wedges! They are a must-have!! Although Alexis found the ones below brand new at Goodwill, they were originally from Target! The boots were an added bonus find, and were so cheap because they were purchased in the off season. Sometimes a purchase now can save you money in the long-run. (Note: Only buy thrifted shoes if they are new or gently used.)

   

3. Tip #3: One-piece swimsuits are cheaper, more comfortable, and provide more coverage! Instead of trying to buy two separate pieces with the added cost of each piece, why not pay one price? Plus, when you're out and about with friends at the pool or beach, you won't have to worry about adjusting your suit. Alexis found a red halter one-piece with ruffles across the bust for $15 at Bealls Outlet. Other affordable one-piece suits can be found at Target, H&M, and even Charlotte Russe.
4. Tip #4: Buy thrifted florals!! They will surely be in style for summer, and pop when you where them in the fall. If you want to make a statement, raid the racks of your local thrift store for some floral finds. Floral print is one of those trends that never fades, so there's always lots of options at the thrift store, PLUS you'll be sure to get something that NO ONE else has. [divider_line]

We hope you enjoyed these tips, and we look forward to seeing your rock your summer style on a budget! From comfy dresses, to shoe essentials, to modest swimwear, and even to floral prints - there's so many ways to put together an affordable summer wardrobe that will carry into next season.

Be sure to tag us (@topbuttons) in your trendy Instagram posts!

Thrifty Thursday: Three Church Outfits on a Budget

[blockquote]It's always important to look your best and present yourself with class -- and that most certainly shouldn't change just because you're going to church. You don't have to wear a dress that goes down to your ankles or clunky penny-loafers to be presentable for church either. Check out these three different -- yet modest and cute -- outfits on a budget![/blockquote] (To see where we found each item of clothing for sale, click on the smaller pictures.)

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[blockquote]Part of shopping on a budget and finding good deals means that you compare prices and weigh out your options. Do a Google shopping search to find items at different prices and stores that look alike. Then, check the ratings of the product and site. If you need more tips, feel free to email alexis@topbuttons.org.[/blockquote]

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[blockquote]When you are replicating a look, make sure to make it your own. That's why we selected a shirt that's different, but still very inspired. Think about what items in an outfit really stand out to you and WHY! If you really like Carrie's shoes, then find similar ones and create your own outfits centered around that piece.[/blockquote]

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[blockquote]This last look can be pulled together from so many basic items in your wardrobe, and since all of the pieces are neutral colors in black, white, and gold, they would be an investment to purchase because you'll be able to wear them again and again. [/blockquote][divider_line]

If you enjoyed this article, give us some FEEDBACK, and check out our similar Fashion Cents articles by Alexis.

5 Steps To Finding Your Personal Style

Personal style is a journey. It always changes and evolves with you and your lifestyle. One season you may lean toward classic styles and the next you may love bohemian prints and silhouettes! Your fashion choices can change from day to day. That is the fun of fashion; it is self-expression and it is meant to be fun. Here are some tips to help you a long the way as you find your personal style:

What is style? It is an effortless confidence in being yourself, it is a way of putting yourself together according to what you want to project.  -DVF

1. Create a Pinterest account and start pinning images of outfits that you like. This will help you to identify your likes and dislikes. It will also help to train your eye in how to put together a complete look. The images should also serve as an inspiration for mixing patterns and colors.

2. Gather your favorite fashion magazines and tear out pictures of outfits that you like.

3. Take these images with you when you go shopping and look for similar pieces. Try them on and see if the style works on you.

4. Know your body type. Once you know what styles and silhouettes work for you, it will make shopping so much easier.

5. If you get stuck, enlist the help of a friend. Think of someone whose style you admire and ask them to go shopping with you. Having a second opinion can be extremely helpful.

 After all, style is something each of us already has-all we need to do is find it. -DVF

The key to finding your style is first gathering inspiration; whether it is from fashion magazines or from friends that you admire. The next step is to know your body type. Inspiration and knowledge are the seedbeds to creativity.

Photos via Pinterest: ( 1| 2 | 3 )