Thrift Finds

Monday was a rare day of it being sunny but not humid. It was a perfect day to ride my bicycle, and you know what I did? I did ride my bicycle. I rode to the post office, around town, and to the Salvation Army. Good thing I went to the post office first. I made out like a bandit.

In the past I've always had good experiences when visiting a thrift store/charity shop on a Monday. I found so much, and I had to deal with transporting it back to my apartment on my bicycle. Unfortunately I still don't have the rear basket(s) on Ole Clem to hold some of my treasures, but I suppose it made for a better work out even though it felt like forever to get home.

I managed to find some things for myself and some stuff for crafts. I had a full backpack and a suitcase strapped over my shoulders filled with STUFF. Here are a few of my absolute favourite finds:


This was priced at $4, but there was some unfortunate accident before I found it causing the glass to break. There was a big pile on the ground and one piece of glass with the price tag on this embroidered/cross stitched piece. The guy at the register gave it to me for 99¢!

This dress was marked at $6, but it had some nasty holes towards the bottom of the dress. I worked my magic and got it for 99¢! I was going to shorten it anyways, so whatever I cut off I can make a belt since it was missing one.

This is a Japanese floral dress. I say Japanese because I couldn't read the tag, and, uh maybe because it also said "100% Cotton Made in Japan" on the fabric. It's definitely a home made dress and it is beautifully made. It's a crying shame that I plan to shorten, but it's just too long for me.

This is probably my favouritest of my favourites of thrifting experience on Monday. Blue whales are one of my favourite animals, and these are blue whales. Blue as in the colour and the species. I love collecting ceramic animal statues. These two sit on my record player.


I did find a suitcase in shape of a cat, which I purchased for my sister. What else did I get? Oh, picture frames, a vintage thermos, milk jug, and Italian coffee pot, and some more dresses (but not for me).

I swear by it. Mondays are the best days for thrifting!

<3 Jenni

You're a pretty sweet tee

So I think t-shirts are one of my favourite articles of clothing to wear, well aside from adorable sun dresses. I found some pretty dang sweet tees on etsy that I just wish I could own.



Fox on a Bike Gold Unisex Shirt by Dark Cycle Clothing - I am bound to get this shirt. It has one of my favourite animals and my mode of transportation. It should match Clementine just nice.


Raptor T-Shirt From Ghost World by Indigofeet - For one of my favourite graphic novels/films.


Amelie Tee by DCartesianos - Another favourite film


Boys pee pee when they see me Tee by Yokoo - I think it's completely silly, but it's completely awesome.


You Are What You Eat Women's Tee by Dressing On The Side - If that's the case then I'm a soy turkey burger.


Joyride T-Shirt Silver by APAK


Sweet Teeth by Cubist Literature


For the love of Flint by Slowshirts - Part of my teenage youth grew up in Flint Town


Pug Skeledog T-Shirt by Skeledog



Aren't tee shirts just plain ole awesome?

<3 Jenni

Etsy Outfit part deux

I was going through my favourites on etsy and I thought to myself "Hey, I could make another outfit." And so I will show you an outfit I would wear if I were to purchase all of these faves.


Pink Kitten Cardigan by Detroit Dollface


Roxy Organic Cotton Sailor Striped Tee by Floremark Shop


Country Girl Vintage 70s Denim Bellbottom Overalls from Tialey Vintage


Handmade Vegan Mary Janes in Navy by The Generation


Vintage 1950s Red Tortoise Eyeglasses Frame from Vintage 50s Eyewear


Now why would I want to wear this in the summer? Yeah, it gets hot and why would I want to wear layers and long things? Well, this past week the temperature has been in the 70s, which has been needed for my bike rides. This whole week it would be okay to wear some long things and not get stared at. Plus, that cardigan with the kitten on it... Who doesn't want to wear a cardigan with a kitten on it? Crazy people, that's who!

If you're curious about the first etsy outfit, you can see it here. Anybody want to be a dear and purchase everything I listed for me? :]

<3 Jenni

Swim Suit Cuteness

The rains have slowed down and it's getting even warmer outside! Do you know what that means? Bathing suit season! My family and I have been living in the Metro-Detroit area for a year now, and I suppose that's some achievement but it makes me miss living in the Flint area and being closer to the pretty beaches on Lake Huron.

At my old house we had an in ground pool, but I hardly used it. I like the idea of swimming in something that is clean and doesn't have fish to nibble on my toes, but for some reason I find pools to be really boring.

I really want to get another vintage inspired bathing suit. I can't really go to the beach right now (especially considering I don't have a car to take me to one) but I can run through the sprinkler.

This is the last time I went to the beach, which was back in 2007. Port Huron Beach.

I found this pink one piece at Target.
Or was this the last time I went to the same beach?

My hair is longer in this photo, so this has to be the last time I went to the beach with my friends.

I'm one of those one piece kind of girls. I like two pieces too, but I don't like exposing a lot of skin. That's only because more skin means more surface for sun burns. Dun dun dun. Plus there are parts of me I just don't like showing off. I'm sure I'm not the only girl like that.


Reverse Tankini by ClareBare


Summer Nostalgic Bikini from Anthropologie


Skipper Bikini Top and Bottoms (sold separately) by Fables by Barrie


Kimchi Blue Striped Sailor Suit One Piece from Urban Outfitters


Beach blanket Bingo Two Piece in Red from Modcloth


Natalie One-Piece from Anthropologie


I wish I had more reason to wear these pretty bathing suits. I'd really like to go to the beach right now. Sigh.

<3 J.Loo

Etsy Outfit

I was going over my favourites on etsy, and I noticed that with some of the clothing on the list could make a complete outfit. Now, what I'm going to share one of the which is already sold, but that doesn't mean that I have to stop favourite-ing it (among other sold pieces of clothing). If I could make an outfit, this is how it would look.

Braided Maiden Headband/Earwarmers in Mint from YesJess

Organic Cotton Sailor Long Sleeve Top from econica

Brown 1970s High Waisted Wide Leg Dress Pants from Love Charles Vintage
(by the way, this is my best friend modeling these pants)

Vintage Etienne Aigner Oxford Flats from OfficerSweetheart (sold)

Embellished Bag - Bow from showpony

It's kind of sailor-esque, huh? I figure this outfit is good for a sunny day that's 65°F or so. If you're wondering about the mint and red stripe, check out a colour wheel or try inverting red in a photo/art editing program. Green is actually the opposite of red, and so it makes it quite complementary, also if mixed together (like paint) they make brown!

Earlier today I managed to go to the Salvation Army in Ann Arbor. I believe I haven't been able to shop there since late October early November. I always find the best stuff there (other than the one in Flint). I'll photograph my findings and share them with you tomorrow.

<3 J.Loo

Spring Fashions, I Long to Wear Thee

It's a little sunnier and a little nicer in the Mitten and I am so so so so ready for skirts/dresses, less layers, and lighter coats. Not too long ago I made a trip to Joann Fabrics to stock up on fabric to finally tackle a few patterns I've acquired in the past. I've made two skirts last week and I have a couple more I've made months ago. Next is a Built By Wendy dress and then a Built By Wendy tunic. I started the skirts to keep me motivated while sewing. Start out easy, makes sense right?

I have a feeling that this Spring is going to be good (despite my allergies). My wardrobe will be updated (with more dresses that I already have enough of), my Winter Blues will be gone, the weather will be warmer, and I'm a soon-to-be 21 year old that will be able to go out more. Pretty dang exciting. I'm just so excited for a little warmer weather and wearing dresses. Check out these bad boys girls that I adore:

1.
Vintage 1970s Mint Day Dress from Thrush Vintage

2.
Vintage Rayon Pastel Floral Sleeveless Shirtdress from mellowdayss -- I'm not a huge fan of floral prints, but what I love about this is the colours and for the fact that this is a floral print that doesn't scream out floral print. Do you know what I mean?

3.
(currently out of stock but still lovely!) Savenger Hunt Dress from ModCloth

4.
Alexa Chung for Madewell -- perfect for those cooler/windy days

5.
Vintage 1970's strappy sandals size 6 1/2 from Thrush Vintage -- They are sold out, but I think they are just so cute and simple. Plus they would fit me just right, well, they are slightly too big for me. I guess I'll have to settle looking for a similar pair.

6.
Repurposed Tulip Floral Print Sundress from SalvagedThreads -- By the looks of this adorable dress I don't know if I would be able to fit in it with my ladybits. The measurements say otherwise, but I don't know if I could suck it in without looking silly. It's meant to be for some teenier girl than I. It's still inspiring though.

7.
Spring/Summer 2010 striped Shirt darkblue from eleanorrot -- I like open back tops, but I'm one of those modest kind of girls and I think this is appropriately the best of both worlds.

8.
The Nautical Wheat Dress from jessjamesjake -- I believe the colour may wash out with my pale skin, but I am just in love with the neckline and the silhouette of this simple dress.

9.
Floral Cotton Shorts from daileedose -- I know for a fact that I can't get away wearing a pair of these in public with my hips and on the larger side bum, but they are just so darling, and I think they would be comfy/great to wear around the house.

10.
Olga blouse in organic cotton from FloremarkShop -- I've always had a thing for Peter Pan colars, and I think this blouse is just darlin' with the rick-rack and buttons. I could wear Peter Pan tops every day.

I hope this has helped spark some ideas for your Spring wardrobe.

<3 J.Loo

A Li'L Inspiration

Since Christmas I have been using my new sewing machine sparingly. I REALLY love using it, but the problem is that I do not know what to sew. There are so many new materials and tools that I want to buy, but money is super tight for me right now. The Joann Fabrics and Michaels ads tempt me so. Everything is super cheap right now, and if not I can use a coupon. Even so, I cannot shop. I would want to get everything in one visit! Even thrifting I'm not allowed to do. Pretty much all of my bedroom decor and wardrobe is thrifted. I even get some of craft supplies at the Salvation Army in Flint/Ann Arbor. If it's not a need, I can't buy it. Sigh.

What I'm trying to do is use up what I currently have and HOPE that my next paycheck is going to be a big one. Oh, and to sell something on etsy. I don't have many ideas of what to do with my fabric, and with the fabric I do have I don't have the rest of the materials. So what I'm getting at is that I've been looking at a lot of photographs for inspiration. Clothes/fashion. Craft spaces. Home accessories.

1.
by wikstenmade


2.
This dress is from the pattern Built By Wendy 3964 that I wish to have. I already have BBW 3835 that needs to be worked on.

3.
liebemarlene has the prettiest ensembles and photographs -- it inspires me to thrift and attempt to make some of the skirts she wears.

4.
Even this embroidered dress is pretty!

5.
I would love to find something like this at a thrift store. All I've found was two oversized sweatshirts, one with two giant kittehs on it and the other is the map of Michigan.

6.
I adore this "Gretel" button down skirt by Dainty June. Their Fall/Holiday 2009 collection is too stinkin' adorable, feminine, and fun. I would love to make my own version of this. I would gladly buy this and support their business, but for a girl with no money, I think I could thrift a skirt and customize a version of this.

7.
Also, Dainty June's "The Little Lamb" summer dress. The winter in Michigan has been pretty mild, and so it's got me thinking of summer already.

8.
I really admire Yokoo's style, work, and success (I wish I didn't have to worry about a day job). I especially like this photograph because it reminds me of the cowl scarf that I just finished crocheting an hour ago.

9.
I really want to crochet another blanket. I have the pattern in mind, but I don't have the yarns I want/need!

10.
I also need to get to gettin' with my first quilt. I have a lot of fabric to use up, but I don't know what kind of quilt I want to make, plus none of my fabrics really work together. Sigh.

11.
I just love everything in this room. I have the fabric that the curtains are made of, and funny that they are curtains when I plan to make curtains with the stash that I have.

12.
Okay, how many more adorable dresses can I find that I really want to make? I just simply adore Zooey Deschanel and I'm going to make a couple dresses she owns as soon as I figure them out. This looks easy, right?

13.
I wish I had more space for my craft supplies/tools, and a peg board. How awesome is this space?

I think I found enough photographs to make me really want to sew...even though I do not have all of the materials. I think I just made it worse? Oh bother.

<3 J.Loo