Thrifty in White

Literary Crushes & the Fiercest Spectacles on the Block

Before I get into my whole “OMG, you’ve got to check out this site before I self-combust with money-saving excitement,” we have a very, very serious issue on our hand.

My literary crush is in grave danger.

Obviously I’m talking about Peeta Mellark and the impending Hunger Games movie, otherwise known as the only time I plan to camp out in a movie theater line. With candy and spiked hot chocolate and a shirt that has a giant glitter mockingjay on it, naturally.

Long story short, the casting agents wore blindfolds and earmuffs and picked the most random people ever, like Miley Cyrus’s ex-boyfriend. The fact that he is known primarily for dating the Fallen Disney Queen herself just tells you how talented he is in the acting department. Oh, pardon me. He was also in “The Last Song,” which also starred Miss Miley. Of course it did.

But when it comes to my beloved Peeta (which is sort of creepy considering he’s only 16 in the first book), they messed with the wrong lady. And by wrong lady, I mean ME.

 

(Scary Josh Hutcherson in the left photo, handsome Hunter Parrish in the right photo)

If this photo doesn't prove my point, I don't know what does. I would NEVER have a literary crush on the boy kissing the Target dog. Even the Target dog looks horrified.

Peeta just so happens to be a strapping, gentle blond, and the fiercest baker specializing in the prettiest and most delicious icing designs this side of dystopian Panem. In other words, I’ve imagined him to be everything the guy on the left isn’t (although to be fair, I don’t know anything about that guy’s baking skills).

AND, I read online (because everything I read online is true, of course) that the guy on the left HATES TO READ BOOKS.

*Faint*

Now that that’s out of my system (even though it’s really not), let’s get on with the real point of this post, shall we? And that point is if you’re gonna be a bride or groom (or wedding party member, whatev) who wears glasses, do yourself a favor and splurge on some wicked frames.

 

Image via Rock 'n' Roll Bride

 

And by splurge, I mean spend less than $50 for frames and lenses… COMBINED. Teehee! You thought I was going to support overindulgence, didn’t you? Not today, thrifty readers! Save that tax return for a rainy day and spend less on new specs than you spend on lunch in a week.

So if you haven’t met before, it is my pleasure to introduce you to…ZENNIOPTICAL.COM.

 

All deliciousness pictured above from Zenni Optical

 

Feast your eyes on a few of the frames I'm choosing between, some starting at just $6. FOR GLASSES FRAMES. Gone are the days of begging my mom for the super expensive Nickelodeon-brand frames at the eye doctor's because they included an orange blimp-shaped eraser I wanted to show off at school. No, seriously. I did that. 

And at this price, if I get hit in the face with a volleyball and break the frames one week later because I'm convinced junior high tryouts are a good idea, nobody will be out too much money. 

So whether you're going to rock some fierce frames on your wedding day or you're just looking for some reading frames while you hunker down with the Hunger Games trilogy (OMG READ IT), check out Zenni Optical. Because even if you can't afford to do a wedding dress costume change before the reception, you could at least afford a eyeglasses change. And let's get real; that sounds pretty damn great, huh?

*This post wasn't sponsored by Zenni Optical or the Committee to Boycott the Hunger Games Movie Until They Cast Hunter Parrish as Peeta Mallark. 

  

Stay thrifty,
Hollie

Follow us on Twitter: @ThriftyinWhite
And we're finally on Facebook!

 

Oh My, Your Skin Feels So LUSH Today!

My life has been changed, and it all happened by accident.

Being impatient sort of pays off sometimes, and this life-changing thing happened when I was too impatient to wait at the Origins counter at Macy's as my friends purchased their favorite Ginger scrub. 

I wandered right into the arms of LUSH Cosmetics, met by a sales staff who felt like long-lost friends and were all decked out in TOMS. How much time did I really spend hanging out at Lush? So much time that my friends came in to find me, only to become just as obsessed as I. We actually screamed! And the sales staff encouraged it! They even had a Scissor Sisters quote on their wall, and I LOVE THE SCISSOR SISTERS.

See? I'm still screaming.

So here's the truth: I'm not one to buy something because it's vegan or eco-friendly or natural; instead, I buy what I like and don't really consider the impact it has on anyone but me. I was an only child for 13 years, give me a little bit of a break in the selfish department, okay?

But LUSH just so happens to be animal-testing-free and eco-friendly and natural and simultaneously decadent and DELICIOSO-SMELLING, and that, my friends, is how it's changed my life. I love all of those things now because I truly notice a difference in the products. My skin! My hair! My smell! It's all so good, I could hug random strangers to prove the power of these products!

I could go on and on (and on and on, really) about these products. I really could. Instead, I'll share with you some of the key players in my fairytale cosmetic love story, starring LUSH:

This, my possibly hesitant readers, is BUFFY. We like to call her Buffy the Cellulite Slayer, but it is so much more than that. It's a $20 best-friend-like heaven that lasts for 60 amazing and skin-softening uses. It's basically a cube of moisturizing lotion (omigod you guys, the smell...SO GOOOOOD) with exfoliant that completely eliminates the need for lotion after your shower or bath. No, seriously. Your skin comes out lotioned and smoother than a baby's bottom and it lasts all damn day.

Real-life testimonials from my friends who were with me the day I fatefully stumbled into LUSH:

"Dude, that Buffy! I'm asking it to marry me tomorrow!!!!" -My friend Bailey's actual Facebook status

"Buffy is the love of my life!" -My friend Heather's Twitter update

Enough. Said. Moving on!

This is Godiva solid shampoo, and it makes the richest lather I have ever felt in my life and it has the most delicious jasmine scent. Did I know that jasmine is my favorite smell ever? Not until I met this shampoo bar. I can't even talk about it because it gives me the overwhelming urge to wash my hair. OVERWHELMING!

Oh, and the best part: Since using this shampoo bar, I haven't had to douse my hair in conditioner and go through more bottles than a hair salon in a month. Major money saver!

Another all-time favorite item (really, how many all-time favorite items can one have?) is the Aromaco all-natural deodorant, minus the plastic deodorant tube, plus baking soda, witch hazel and PATCHOULI. You heard me right. Hippy pits are happy pits, and mine have never smelled better.

It lasts through my warmest and most awkward and nervous moments, which is incredibly important when you're klutzy and oftentimes find yourself in embarrassing situations.

 

When it comes to LUSH, I splurged like a shopaholic off her meds let loose in a mall with Daddy's credit card, but I don't feel bad because the quality is amazing and the stuff just lasts. In addition to the products I just gabbed about, I also now use a rejuvenating face mask, jasmine-scented body wash, solid jasmine-scented perfume (are we noticing a trend yet?) and some intensely repairing hair lotion. And guess what? I've gotten compliments on both my skin, which is looking fiercely vibrant; and my smell, which is, in my mind, exotic and natural and love-inducing. 

Have you ever wondered what Carmen Sandiego would smell like? I secretly imagine I smell how I think she would smell. Worldy. Mysterious. Perfect for wearing a red trench coat and large-brimmed hat.

---

Be sure to check out LUSH for yourself; word on the street is that they do absolutely no PR or marketing, instead relying on word of mouth and happy customers. And, obviously, blog posts from the aforementioned happy customers. OH, and did I mention everything is handmade? Just one more reason to geek out about LUSH.

Any other fans out there? Have I tempted you to try some for yourself?

*All photos in this post from the LUSH website.

  

Stay thrifty,
Hollie

Follow us on Twitter: @ThriftyinWhite
And we're finally on Facebook!

 

Hurting Feet and a SHOE-volution

I love a picture of a sky-high heel as much as the next bride-to-be, but I've always known one thing about my potential wedding shoe decision: It would never, ever, under any curcumstances, be a heel. EVER.

OK, hang on. We all just got the "I want to see some of these heels you speak of RIGHT NOW"  itch, didn't we? Let's take a little peek at the girliest pair I could find to appease us:

 

Source

 

Ignore the fact that the wearer could possibly go up a half-size or so, and instead look at the flowers and be filled with ooey-gooey thoughts of springtime. Will it ever be here? Will this be the year I miraculously acquire a green thumb? Also ignore the fact that the wearer may or may not teeter as she walks, because HOLYOMG these look treacherous.

Now, back in the day (otherwise known as up until three years ago), I lived in heels. I even had an e-mail address that included the word "Heels." I once spent a a long weekend sightseeing in Washington D.C., and I walked every single day into the wee hours of the morning with nary a flat shoe in sight and I loved it. (In reality, my dogs were barkin' up a storm, but I stood taller! My legs looked longer! They clicked as I dragged my tired feet from one sight to another!)

And suddenly, after years of wearing heels to classes and parties and dates and study sessions alike, I met my match: GLADIATOR SANDALS.

Just like that, my life was forever changed. Gladiator sandals are absolute perfection and total comfort with anything you could possibly wear, and I wear them with EVERYTHING. Why not wear them with a wedding dress, too?

So, I did something crazy this weekend. Um, especially crazy considering I don't even have a wedding dress.

I. BOUGHT. WEDDING. SHOES.

Behold my even-better-in-real-life dreamshoes:

 

Elizabeth & James E-Stint gladiator sandals, photo source

  

    

First of all let me say that even though I'm a budgeted gal through and through, I am seriously infatuated with two things: Designer clothes and the Olsen twins as style icons. I guess that's technically three things, but you get my drift.

  

I also happen to love everything MK+A design for their fashion lines, so how fliptastically happy was I this weekend as I perused my local Nordstrom Rack and happened upon these suede Elizabeth & James gladiators? Hello, something blue. And an even bigger hello, shoes originally priced at $255 for just $30, which I would have bought even if I wasn't planning on wearing as part of my wedding day look.

  

And even though it's cold and icy outside, I've been wearing the wedding sandals around the house non-stop since I bought them. Perfection! Comfort! Style! You guys, it's like my ultimate gladiator sandal crawled out of my imagination and onto my feet.

  

I cannot WAIT until this wedding is over so I can wear a little piece of my big day look everywhere, and I absolutely plan to wear holes in them...it certainly wouldn't be the first time.

  

Anybody else out there rock some gladiators on their wedding day? Or do you rock gladiators every other day of your life because they are the best shoe style known to modern man? And if you agree with the majority of my friends and think gladiators are the fugliest shoe style known to man...did you at least find a bargain shoe and rock it out post-wedding? It's a real shame that most people don't wear their wedding shoes after the big day, agreed?

  

  

Stay thrifty,
Hollie

Follow us on Twitter: @ThriftyinWhite
And we're finally on Facebook!

 

Dear BHLDN: I'm Just Not That Into You

If you follow the wedding industry at all, you've probably heard of BHLDN. Apparently that stands for "Beholden," which clearly shows someone's distaste for vowels on a quest to stand out in the wedding world. "Do we hate vowels? Not really...but let's take them out and make everyone wonder how the hell to pronounce our brand's name!"

And that brand is the wedding-related, highly anticipated, cooing baby of Urban Outfitters/Anthropologie/a few other places I didn't hear about until I saw press releases. And? It debuted today. But I don't understand the reason for the hype today, because we've been seeing teasers and product pictures everywhere in the wedding blogosphere for the last few weeks. 

To be honest, I was kind of excited about BHLDN because I thought it would be innovative and bring fresh ideas to the industry. Plus I love going to my local Urban Outfitters, because they're notorious for marking things lower than they should be and then honoring the marked price. Leather ankle boots that were originally several-hundred dollars accidentally marked for $19.99? Thank you, retail karma. Anthropologie is the more-expensive, less-edgy cousin (sister?) to Urban, but it's usually way over my budget. And coming from a girl who has sale-radar, I mean way over my budget.

But their wedding line? I was hopeful. Key word: WAS.

“We’ll attract a bride who is looking to reflect her vision,” said [Kristin Norris, Bhldn’s managing director]. “She may be a more mature or sophisticated bride. Our customer skews slightly older, but she’s still under 30.”  (via WWD)
   

Mature or sophisticated and looking to reflect her vision, huh? Clearly (at least according to their intended demographic), I am none of that.

First of all, the models. I just can't.

 

Image via BHLDN, $1000 dress

 

I understand that fashion-minded people think clothes are best displayed on models who weigh as much as one plastic hanger*, but come on. COME ON. What about real women with BOOBS? And thighs? And arms that don't resemble pencils? People have been touting the fact that BHLDN is going to show videos on their site of the dresses' movement, but how about showing us what they will look like one a gal who rocks a size 6? Or 12? (But no larger than that, because it seems that's as high as their sizes go.)

And you know what dress I would love to see on a more average-sized lady?

 

Image via BHLDN, $3,600 dress 

  
This one. Because all of those ghastly pleats almost make the model look like she has a average-sized body, but one peek at her arms and we know that's not the case.

There are other cases of huge, fluffy flowers and cascading fabric across the belly-regions, which believe it or not, does nothing less than accentuate the areas I wouldn't want to accentuate. May as well sell a flashing red arrow that screams, "Look at my belly and know that I didn't diet like I said I would before this wedding!"

Not saying we all need to diet, but you know what I mean. I wanted to work on my arms and I still have yet to lift a weight, so I'm simultaneously guilty and unashamed. I still wouldn't want that flashing red arrow accentuating the areas that make me self conscious.

Other than the skinny models and the dresses that really don't do much for me, they offer lingerie (that wouldn't seem to be suitable under clothing or for girls with, ahem, a less-than-perky chest region and hip bones comfortably lying under a few layers of what we will call warmth); jewelry that is borderline yawn-worthy and far less thrilling than what you could unearth in cool local boutiques or antique shops (and it costs way more to boot); and hair accessories that you could find cheaper on Etsy or at local craft fairs.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Hair flower should not cost an arm and a leg. Unfortunately, the cheapest on their site is $58...and they range up to $825. FOR A FEATHER?!

BHLDN, I don't know why the wedding world is so smitten with you, while lots of us realize we could get the same stuff (or, honestly, better) on Etsy or eBay for a fraction of the price. And the fact that they promote their use of vintage fabrics and details? I just bought gloves almost identical to this at an estate sale for $2 last month. No estate sales near you? A quick online search just proved to me that there are an abundance to be found...for about $5-$10. 

And, um, that's a $50 savings.

What do you think, thrifty readers? Are you digging BHLDN? Do you have hostility toward vowels and an affinity for overpriced wedding accessories? Let's be honest with each other, and feel free to disagree: Do you think the collection is stunning and I'm just being a snarky crab?

Oh, and one more question: Would YOU rock this wedding day 'do?

 

 Image via BHLDN, $128 headband

    
Yeah, neither would I. Unless I was getting married in a field with wind gusts and I had no control over it. Or a wind tunnel.

Stay thrifty,
Hollie

Follow us on Twitter: @ThriftyinWhite
And we're finally on Facebook!

 

*When I chastise BHLDN for their use of thin models, I clearly don't mean skinny people aren't real people, because I know they are. And if you're a size-0 Thrifty in White reader, I realize you might look a lot like this in your wedding dress. But would it be so difficult to show models who are 6 or 8 or 10 sizes larger than that? Yes, BHLDN...we're looking at you.

MONEY-SAVING MAVENS Part 2: Ooooh, I've Got a Crush On Your Estate Sale

(Sing post title to the tune of "Crush" by Mandy Moore and enjoy having that song in your head for the rest of the day. Can we also take a minute and lol over that whole "Love always...MANDY" part in her song "Candy?" Seriously though, my friends and I still say that. Just a little 1999 throwback to kick this devilishly good post into high-gear.)

So I never really explained the whole thought process behind the whole MONEY-SAVING MAVENS series title, other than I am truly obsessed with getting faboo stuff on the cheap-end of the spectrum. Let's delve a bit more into it, shall we?

Obviously we know what MONEY-SAVING means. And MAVEN: [mey-vuhn] - noun, Someone who is dazzlingly skilled. It's perfect, right? Dazzlingly skilled at saving money? Seriously, who wouldn't want to be in that clique?

So here we are on the second part of the series...ESTATE SALES. The joy of my Saturday mornings (and if I'm lucky, Friday nights). A serious treasure hunt for the nosy people who like to dig through other people's stuff...which is still set up in their houses.

That's right, estate sales are a lot different than garage sales (in a much better way, trust me). So here's the know-how to score some totally amazing--and totally valuable--finds.

 
 

 
PHOTO: Old trunk from a sale ($15) in lovely condition including inside partitions with leather strappage still in place.
The original owner's last name was FUNK & I like it. (And MillieDog!)

   

WHAT TO EXPECT

It's a Full House So You Better Get To Diggin': Estate sales are generally held when the person living in the house passes away or is no longer able to live at home. It's kinda-sorta like a moving sale, but way (WAY) better, and generally a lot busier than garage sales. Don't be surprised if you have to wait in a little line outside and follow the whole "one in, one out" rule; it just helps them keep an eye on potential thievery and shenanigans. 

Although it is very stressful when you see people walking out with arms positively full of great bargains, and you are so nervous and excited and anxious that you may just pee your pants right there on the sidewalk.

Most of the time, estate sales are organized, priced, set up, everything'd by an outside company whose main objective is to get everything the heck out while still making a few bucks for the owner or family members to pay some leftover bills. That, my friends, is golden news for you, because they are usually much more willing to negotiate and they have zero emotional attachment to the old Christmas tree you're trying to haggle down to $5.

At the very first estate sale Mr. Thrifty and I ever went to, the worker at the door said (and I will never forget this), "Everything is for sale and nothing is marked. Let me know if you see something you like, and I'll make sure you leave with it."

And that right there is why I love estate sales. That "Make any offer and I probably won't refuse" mentality is so refreshing. And dangerous, because I tend to clean them--and my wallet--out.
 

Mink Coat? Vintage Designer Handbag? Diamond Wedding Jewelry?: You will also have a much, much better chance finding antiques, valuable jewelry, and all-around better quality treats at estate sales because they are in such a rush to get rid of everything. I know that a lot of places say they consider each item and decide its worth beforehand, but really, who can do that for a house full of treasures? Talk about a mission impossible.
 

One More Tidbit of Yummy Info: A lot of times when you hit up an estate sale the day after it started (i.e. go on Saturday when it opened on Friday) or arrive later than the Early Bird rush (a la 11 a.m. or noon), not only will sellers throw out lower numbers to get the dealios rolling, but items that are marked will be severely discounted.

Considering that most of what isn't sold is usually donated to charity once the sale is over, the sellers are desperate to make any money on the remaining items still hanging around. Take advantage! You could also leave your information with the seller asking that they contact you when the sale is over and you can come over and take one more look, potentially enabling you to walk away with even more stuff at a ridiculously low price.
 

 
PHOTO: My $10 enamel-top table (you saw it here first!) that is hands-down my FAVorite estate sale find.
Dug it out from under a pile of crappola in their basement, and now it waits to be cleaned up and brought inside.
We've got big plans for this guy.

  
  

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

Eat 'Yer Wheaties and Pump That Iron: You're going to need to wear comfortable shoes, clothes and bring your muscles in a big way. I never realized this was such a necessity until Mr. Thrifty and I carried a so-heavy-it-still-hurts-me antique trunk down from the attic of an historical home as I wore gladiator sandals and a sundress in 90-degree heat with no air. Holy.

Trust this gal when I say you need to wear comfy kicks, old clothes, and get ready to get dirty when you're digging in the attic and basement (which naturally has the best finds).
 

A Few More Deets: Remember that Garage Sale Survival Kit I told you about yesterday? You're going to need it again. Now that I'm remembering how dirty some of the things I hauled away were, you might also want to throw some baby wipes and hand sanitizer into the kit.

Also follow yesterday's rules regarding cash, handbags, and car storage (take it, leave it, need it, in that order).
 

 
PHOTO: Pair of lamps ($5 for both) that I picked up and fell in love with.
No bulbs, shades, or an idea where to put them, but they are so cute it's CRAZY. Fixed both wires
for a few bucks and like 30 seconds of work = so worth it.

  
   

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE SALES

What Time Is It? Game Time, HUH!: Going back to yesterday's tips about the ultimate plan of attack, you're going to need to integrate estate sales into the mix. Keep in mind what days and times the sales start and which have items that match what you're looking for.

Remember to utilize Craigslist, local papers and bulletin boards, Google hits, and my all-time favorite resource, EstateSales.net. OMG you guys, I would marry this site if I could. It even shows pictures of future goodies at sales, telling you a lot about what kind of feasts (or famines!) await you inside.

Once you figure out which places you want to hit up, rank them in order of importance and visit them in the order you ranked them. Listen, there is a killer turquoise and silver lamp advertised for this Saturday. I'm stopping there first (even though it's so far out of my way I will get a tour of the whole city) because it will seriously put a damper on the rest of my thrifty day if I don't at least look at it. It's just so perfect, I can't help myself.
 

PHOTO: My HUGE summer project, which currently resides in the "furniture-that-needs-to-be-restored-graveyard,"
a.k.a. the garage porch. This is my 1800's love seat from the East coast that I got for a whopping $10. Needs a total
makeover, but it's worth it because we heard the original owners rubbed elbows with the Kennedys. So chic. 

   
 

Estate Sale Wedding Goods: Vintage weddings are incredibly chic, but I'm preeetty sure we know that by looking at the wedding blogosphere at any given time. What better way to channel your own vintage diva than with an expensive-looking, luxe fur stole, antique apothecary glasses for centerpieces, a set of Tiffany's silver...that you got for just a few bucks?! Seriously, it's just that good and just that darned thrifty.

  .

So what's the verdict? Don't estate sales at least sound more exciting than garage sales? Do you agree, or agree to disagree? Ever found any treasures at one? Let's talk thrifty and swap stories.

Coming up tomorrow...GARBAGE PICKING. You may turn your nose up now, but don't knock it until you've tried it. Seriously, your minds will be blown and you won't know what to do about it.

 
 
Until tomorrow,
Hollie

Follow us on Twitter: @ThriftyinWhite
And we're finally on Facebook!