chic.ed // 1

I decided to start this new series for the blog. The whole idea behind chic.ed is thrifty shopping, smart repurposing, and practical redesign. This means I'll be sharing a lot of different things like DIYs, up-cycled pieces, furniture makeovers, repurposed objects, and smart purchases (including thrifted/ second hand items).

These two pieces were definitely smart purchases. I found myself wandering around Hillcrest yesterday while my car was being worked on. I decided to go into Buffalo Exchange. I went in with a good mindset and a game plan: be practical about what I look for and stay within the budget of my gift card. What's practical for me? Look for pieces that I've been wanting for a long time, if possible, stick to good brands I know and love, and make sure that whatever I find will go with a few other things that I already own.

Confession: I unintentionally went outside my gift card budget. I thought I had $40 on my card, but apparently had less than that. I was very surprised when they rang me up, but just paid the difference. Next time I'll check my balance before they ring me up.

top: $8.25

skirt: $11

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total: $19.25

This skirt is originally from H&M and I remember it costing somewhere around $20. It's actually one that I had been wanting for a long time right around Christmas and New Year's. Anytime I was in H&M (which was a lot because I was Christmas shopping) I always looked for it in my size. I never found one, so I just forgot about it. When I saw this yesterday, I snatched it off the rack and was so excited when I discovered it was the right size. What are the odds?!

Although it was the right size, it was still a little too loose. The first thing I did when I got home was take in the waist a little. If I didn't do it then, who knows how long it would have taken me to actually get to it. Because I did it right away, I actually got to wear it last night when we went out to drinks.

I love everything about this sweater: the neutral color, the metallic accents, and those shoulders. How could I say no to those? When I saw that it was $16.50, I wasn't sure if I could bring it home. I know that's not a lot, but there is a noticeable hole right in the center of it near the botom. (Make sure to always inspect clothing  for damages when thrifting or buying second hand. You don't want to be surprised when you discover it at home and it's something you can't fix) Normally, I would never buy something that was damaged like this one was (the hole was in a spot that wasn't fixable), but I really really loved this top. I knew that I would most likely only wear it tucked into a high waisted skirt. I have a lot of those, so I just needed to know what kind of discount I could get for it being damaged. They said they would sell it to me for 50% off. Sold!

Buffalo Exchange is my go to spot when I'm in a shopping mood, but my wallet isn't. Where do you like to shop?  Do you like buying second hand or new?

Anthropologie ♥

My friend Natasha came down to San Diego last weekend. She brought her lovely friend, Katrina, who I quickly learned is awesome just like she is :) One little problem though: Tash had never been to Anthro! We fixed that immediately!

I am usually in Anthropologie AT LEAST once a week. I could stand in there forever! Yes, I love everything they sell, of course. But their displays- TO DIE FOR! I am insanely inspired as soon as I walk in. My usual routine: I walk around the store very slowly looking at every display and touching everything. After I've soaked it all in, I sit on their little wooden chair they have outside their door and scribble down a TON of ideas! It's such a wonderful place.

I found THE PERFECT COUCH! I love this baby! I just thought the shape was so cute. It reminded me of Alyce in Wonderland. I knew it was outrageously expensive, but I was just curious. I asked the sales girl how much it was. "I'm not sure off the top of my head. I know it's more than $1,000". In my head, I heard: "a LITTLE over $1,000" which sounded pretty reasonable. Definitely got my hopes up for a few seconds because she quickly asked her supervisor who told me it was $3,999! NOT REASONABLE! It's ok, it was a fun spot for pictures.

I wasn't too surprised about the couch, I mean, come on- it's Anthro. I usually can't afford anything bigger than a mug. So I never go in expecting to buy something to buy unless I have a gift card. (In which case, the entire time the gift card is on me and I'm not inside an Anthropologie, I'm thinking of what I'll spend it on.)

I am always in love with their kitchen stuff, but never want/ think it's possible to buy a whole set of something, so I don't get too excited. But that night, I found this dining set on this gorgeously decorated table...

We didn't register for a dining set for our wedding. I was SUPER picky about all of them and never found one I liked at either of our registry stores. We actually ended up finding a super cute set at Marshall's that I love. The only problem: they're made very cheaply and the paint isn't holding up very well. You can always tell by how light those dishes are. They just aren't made well. A little over a year later, it's already time for a new set.

You can't tell in these pictures, but in the middle of the ink designs on the plates and bowls there's a mirror like finish. It's hard to explain but it makes it look so rustic and amazing! You can sort of see it in the bowl in the picture above.

I really really want this set! Seriously. I'm buying it. I decided that I'll buy it piece by piece when I have extra money from my sales or tips at work. Also, Christmas is coming up, so that works out pretty nicely. Doesn't it? :)

I had so much fun visiting and shopping with those girls! I was so happy that they decided to take their spontaneous road trip. Maybe I'll get to visit them soon so we can play in the Redwoods in Santa Cruz :)

etsy love.

I've found lots of things on etsy that i'm in love with lately. This first picture made me squeal! I want those mugs so bad! Etsy is basically window shopping from your couch.. it's so dangerous.



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Check out my shop if you haven't lately. I added some new items :) nighty night.