Clothing Haul!

Hey all! It has been a while since I've posted, but I'm back with a budget haul that I think you'll enjoy! Over the past month, I've been getting rid of a lot of clothes and have had to buy pieces to replace them. I bought quite a few things on a budget, and I wanted to come share them with you guys! The only things that will be difficult to find, if you're interested in purchasing, are the thrift store items, but everything else is in the stores NOW if you want to go pick it up for yourself or a friend! Enjoy ;)

1. Catch Cream Floral Peplum Top (Burlington Coat Factory) $14.99

When I saw this top I couldn't resist! I love the lace detail in the center as well as the fun, coral flowers printed on the top. The gold chain is a cute little additional detail!

2. Rockwood Street Black Peplum (Citi Trends) $10.99

I actually saw this top before the cream one, and I love the cut of the peplum section on it. It adds something a little fun. The sheer strip in the middle is also super cute! It's sexy, but tasteful and not overly revealing.

3. Julie's Closet Leopard Top with Gold Studs (ROSS) $10.99

My leopard print obsession continues! I love the little gold studs on the top and it fits snugly, but not too tightly. The material is very comfortable and good for summer since it's not hot.

4. Double Take Black and Sheer Blouse with Butterfly Print (ROSS) $9.99

I mentally debated for about 15 minutes about whether or not I like this blouse, and eventually decided that I did. Once I tried it on, I fell in love with the loose, comfortable fit that it has without looking baggy or making me look bigger. I love the butterfly print as well.

5. Ava James Hot Pink and Navy Sheer Blouse (Burlington Coat Factory)  $12.98

This blouse was a no-brainer to buy. I love the color combination, sleeves, and the gold buttons and detailing. It feels comfortable to wear and the sheer material is very breathable.

6. Indulge Leopard Print Shift Dress with Gold Details (ROSS) $12.99

I'm in love with this dress! I've worn it 3 times and I love it a little more each time I wear it. It's shorter in the front, right in line with the current trends, and is flattering on my shape without looking too tight.

7. Pinc Black Peplum Dress with Lace Sleeves (ROSS) $12.99

This was actually the dress I got for my birthday! I love a good peplum dress, and I prefer black dresses to any other color, so no surprise here! This is my favorite dress at the moment, hands down.

8. Bobbie Brooks Purple & Lavender Maxi Dress (Thrift Mart) $4.98

I already own too many maxis, but come on $4.98? Who would pass that up! Fits like a glove, love it.

9. Bobbie Brooks Black & White Maxi Dress (Thrift Mart) $4.98

This is my first mainly black maxi dress, and I love it. It's a size larger than the purple one, so incidentally the fit looks a little different, but I can't complain. Love it!

10. D. Jeans Skinny Jeans (Burlington Coat Factory) $19.99

This is the most expensive item out of the bunch, but I'm not surprised since a good pair of jeans will require a bit more money spent. I've needed a new pair of jeans for quite some time, and I didn't want to spend $20 on these...but after trying them on I knew I had to get them. They fit my curves (or lack thereof lol) perfectly and are SUPER comfortable, which is one of the top 3 things I look for in my jeans. Well worth the $20!

Hope you guys enjoyed this haul. I'm going to be doing reviews on new beauty products in the near future! If you find any of the items and like them, let me know how they work out for you! If you have any budget beauty products that you would like for me to review (makeup, skin care, hair care, and related items), please send your request to me at lindsi.green@gmail.com. Looking forward to hearing from you! ;)

8 Tips for Thrift Shopping (Thrifting)

As someone who is on a tight budget, I have to be very cautious about my purchases and the cost of my purchases. Despite this, I love to shop! I like to see new trends and I enjoy finding things that fit my body well and make me feel good and confident. For me, the perfect solution to this is shopping at thrift stores, AKA thrifting. My personal style is a mix of vintage 40's, 50's, and a hint of 90's with a splash of modern flair, and thrift stores suit me perfectly! Over half of my wardrobe consists of thrift store clothing. The prices are amazing, and it's not hard to find quality pieces if you search. I have found quite a few name brand, quality items for ridiculously cheap prices. I have found some of everything in thrift stores, from purses to shoes, and I really enjoy going! Often, I have talked to people who don't enjoy going into thrift stores and shopping there, and I was quite surprised, since I've found so many gems. The biggest problem that they run into is being overwhelmed! Thrift stores have a LOT of items. Some of them are even cluttered with things all over the place. It can definitely be a frustrating process, especially if you're not used to thrifting. I wanted to share a few of my personal tips for thrifting, for those who might be interested. Here they are! They're in no particular order, I'm just typing them as I go. ;)

1. Go thrifting when you have PLENTY of time to browse and search the store.

• Most of the time, it is not wise to try to make a 'quick trip' to the thrift store. It takes time to search racks and familiarize yourself with where items may be, especially if you're new to thrifting. If you're in a hurry, you may want to wait to go until you're not. Also, don't go close to closing time, you will end up feeling rushed, because the workers would like to go home when it's time to close up shop.

2. Look in your closet and make sure you know your size and size range.

• It's so important to know what sizes to look for when you're in a thrift store. Many times, you may not be able to return an item if it doesn't fit properly.

3. Find out the return policy of the store.

• Before you purchase something, it's good to know if you'll be able to bring it back if you don't like it. Most thrift stores, in my experience, will not give money back, only store credit if anything.

4. Walk around the store a few times and get a feel for where everything is.

• Upon entering a store, I walk around a few times and make a mental note of where everything is, so I know where to go once I decide what I am looking for. 

5. If possible, try it on!

• Certain things like jackets, coats, blouses, and shoes, can be tried on in-store. Ask a cashier or worker if they have a dressing room as well. Not many thrift stores have dressing rooms, but there are usually chairs and mirrors where you can sit down (to try on shoes) or stand up and have a good look at the item you're considering purchasing. If you want to try on shoes, wear socks or stockings. Do not try on shoes with bare feet, you don't know where those shoes have been.

6. Carefully examine all the items you've picked up before making your final purchase.

• Be sure to look for rips, tears, stains, discoloration, worn down spots, scuffs, missing buttons, etc. before going up to the register with your items. If you feel like it is an imperfection that you can't deal with, it is not a wise purchase.

7. Find out about discount and restocking days!

• Check into student discounts, military discounts, senior discounts, and whatever else may apply to you. Also inquire about holiday specials and deals. You never know about the great deals you may be missing out on by not asking. Also, find out when the store restocks, so that if you can be there around that time, you can find and pick what you like before everyone else!

8. Don't expect to find something EVERY time, be patient.

• There's no guarantee that you'll find something you'll fall in love with every time you thrift. It's ok to leave empty handed if you don't see anything that strikes you, because there's always next time!

Hope you enjoyed these tips! Here are a few pictures of some of the great things I've found in thrift stores, I'm sure you'll find even more amazing things. ^_^

* If you have any budget beauty products that you would like for me to review (makeup, skin care, hair care, and related items), please send your request to me at lindsi.green@gmail.com. Looking forward to hearing from you! ;)