Please Visit me at the Too Cheap Blondes Blog!

As you can probably see, there has been no activity over on this blog since last year.  It's not that I haven't been busy blogging, it's just that I've been completely focused on Too Cheap Blondes, a joint effort between myself and my blogging partner, Pippa.

So, without further ado, please hop on over to www.TooCheapBlondes.com for more great thrift shopping tips and finds!

Thanks!

Jen

$5 Thrifted Soup Tureen to Fabulous Planter!

I know you usually expect to see thrifted fashion from me, but I'm an equal opportunity thrifter so today I'm going to show you an awesome planter I found!  I picked up this gorgeous pedestal soup tureen from Goodwill the other day for $5.  I first passed this gem up because it was missing its ladle and lid.  After making another pass though, it hit me.  This would make a great planter for my succulents!

So, $5 later and 5 minutes of replanting time and I have this gorgeous centerpiece for my patio table.

Just another reason to think outside the box when you're thrifting!

True Treasure Hunting at Goodwill Today!

I ran across an awesome score at Goodwill today!  I found this amazing, hand-colored print from a steel engraving, circa 1845!  The print itself is in fabulous condition although it needs new matting and glass.  For $7, I think it qualifies as a major score!

By the way, this is the EXACT style my house is decorated in so it's going to look fabulous once I get it repaired!

“The Fabulous THRIFT SHOP Challenge!!!!!!!” ”O” MAGAZINE ~ vs ~ TOO CHEAP BLONDES Maxi Skirt

“O” Magazine Thrift Shop Challenge ~ Maxi Skirt is $895.00 Retail vs $6.99 Thrift Store Style

Once again, Jen and I are pushing ourselves to recreate looks from “O” MAGAZINE at a local Goodwill store.  We printed up several looks and set out for one of our hardest challenges yet!

We found this MAXI SKIRT for only $6.99 (plus at this price you can afford to throw in the chartreuse blouse priced at only $4.99)!

From "O" Magazine:

• Wearing a maxi for day is a very fashion-forward look. But the skirt needs to be long enough—it should be no shorter than half an inch from  the bottom of your shoe. How to Wear It: Choose a style that is  streamlined but has some movement, and pair it with knits and booties or  menswear-inspired flats. If You’re Short: It may seem  counterintuitive, but a long skirt can make you look taller. Make sure the hem  of your top doesn’t hit much lower than your natural waistline. If You’re  Tall: Experiment with layered tops, like a sweater and vest or loose,  diaphanous tees. What to Avoid: Pointy stilettos, knee-high boots, or  anything too dressy. “Rugged shoe styles are fresher,”. Sweater, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, $325. Blouse,  Marciano, $168. Skirt, Moschino, $895. Belt, Longchamp.

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/style/Skirts-for-Fall-How-to-Wear-the-Latest-Skirts/5#ixzz2ecbXMFvJ

Remember to Always Donate and Pay it Forward! 

Jen and Pippa are virtual volunteers working to promote non-profit Thrift Stores in the Houston area.

www.shopjenscloset.com

www.shopwithpippa.com

"The Fabulous THRIFT SHOP Challenge!!!!!" "O" Magazine ~vs~ Too Cheap Blondes Chambray and Lace

Jen and I have decided to do our own personal challenge, recreate an outfit all from a thrift store!

Maybe that sounds easier than it is, but we only went to one store!

Today we printed up several looks from “O Magazine” and went into a thrift store to style a similar look.  This DEFINITELY pushed both of us out of our comfort zone … we thought outside of the box and didn’t quite hit the mark on a few looks but we will show you the ones that we are quite proud of!

 

O Magazine ~ Turn lace into a daytime look!

$258 Retail vs $12.98 Thrift Store Style

Pencil Skirt

Even in a va-va-voom shade, this pencil skirt is more casual than cocktail  party: Flats, a scarf, and a rolled denim shirt complete the weekend look.
(Shirt, Talula for  Artizia, $70. Skirt, Joie, $188)

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/style/Daytime-Lace-Spring-2013-Trends#ixzz2ecdH4y7s

At a local Goodwill Store we found a boys XL chambray shirt for $3.99 and a red lace skirt for $6.99!   At these prices we can be generous and throw in the scarf $1.99 and belt $2.99 for a complete look priced at only $17.96!

Remember to Always Donate and Pay it Forward!

Jen and Pippa are virtual volunteers working to promote non-profit thrift stores in the Houston area.

www.shopjenscloset.com

www.shopwithpippa.com

The Women's Home reNew and reDux Fashion Show

Pippa and I were so excited to attend The Women's Home's reNew and reDux Fashion Show on August 21st.  I've wanted to attend this event for the last couple of years and for one reason or another have been unable to.  I'm so glad I made it this year!

Envision this, a New York Fashion Week-quality runway show featuring the latest fashion trends.  After the gorgeous models finish walking the catwalk, their couture outfits hit a clothing rack that is then rolled out into the audience.  Next, it's first come, first served to grab the coveted pieces, most ranging from $30 to $150.  Hold the presses...Chanel, Prada, and St. John (many with tags still attached) for less than $150?  You read that right.  This isn't your average fashion show, it's like walking into your favorite thrift shop, fully stocked with gorgeous, high-end items, and having a catwalk right in the middle of the store!  I think that I may have cried a little I was so happy.

I can't express how much it warms my heart to see women in their high-end cocktail dresses and Christian Louboutin's thrifting!

What a fun evening that in the end raised money for a great cause, supporting the operations of The Women's Home.  The bonus, Pippa and I scored some beautiful pieces such as the Tory Burch tunic and brand new Oscar de la Renta dress below!

photo from Houstoniamag.com

I can't wait until next year! 

Goodwill Houston Gift Card Giveaway!!

Exciting news!  TooCheapBlondes.com, a joint blog between Shop Jens Closet and Shop With Pippa, is proud to announce our first giveaway!  We can't think of a better prize than a $50 Goodwill Industries of Houston gift card (good for Houston-area stores only)!

In order to enter, follow these simple steps:

1.  Go to Facebook and "like" Goodwill Industries of Houston's Facebook page.  Click here.

2.  Come back here and enter your name and contact information into the drawing by clicking here.

That's it!  Contest ends August 12th at midnight. 

Skeptical about what you can buy for $50 at Goodwill?  Check out some of our favorite finds!

Brand new Ash boots for $9.99!

Four brand new Billy Reid men's shirts for $5.99 each!

Mary Ching evening gown, $9.99!

  Good luck!