21 Aug

Posted at 03:00h in How To, shopping, Thrift by
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Thrift collage
When you head out to your favorite thrift store, you're typically thinking of all the goodies you're going to score. But you should really take a few minutes to pack your purse with essential items that can ensure you'll have an optimal shopping experience.
They're all compact and take up just a teeny bit of space in your cross body bag, but they can affect everything from the way you try on clothes to how you lug your items around the store. Below are my five pics for items you should have in your thrift shopping arsenal. You might not need all five, but you certainly need a few...

19 Aug

Posted at 03:00h in Deals & Steals, Fab Under $50, Style Guide by
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What: Gifted Apparel tank tops and t-shirts
Why: Everyone needs items like tanks and tees, but it's easy to up the style factor of such staples with the right hues and prints. And that's exactly what Gifted Apparel provides. From canary yellows and fire engine reds and cheeky statements, the shirts play well with practically anything in your closet.
Oh, and the brand just received a major stamp of approval when Beyonce wore their $25 "Name Brand" crop top.

16 Aug

Posted at 03:00h in Fab, Fit and Frugal by
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Fab Fit and Frugal, looking fly on a dime
Like most people, I'm stressed. And lately I seem to be really stressed. Between running the site, freelance writing and launching a few projects, my time and patience is stretched thin. A few years ago I went on an amazing 10-day meditation retreat, but when I can't get away, it's important for me to find blissful moments wherever I am.
Lately, I've found bliss at my desk. I know, that's a bit ironic seeing as how work has been stressing me out, but a few key pieces make all the difference.

14 Aug

Posted at 03:00h in Fab Under $50, shopping, Thrift, Thrifty Threads 365 by
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how to wear accessories, how to wear florals

I have a confession: I love cheap jewelry. Well, I don't specifically seek out cheap-y pieces, but when I stumble upon a hole in the wall store or random shop in SoHo, I love walking away with a ton of accessories for next to nothing. And more importantly, I love finding ways to incorporate them in my wardrobe in a fun way. Whether it's a funky hat or bold necklace, accessories can transform any and every look.
A few weeks ago I found a cute floral romper from the Salvation Army. I went there on Wednesday when most items are half off. Though this piece wasn't half off, at $6, I still felt it was necessary in my closet. Florals can come off a bit juvenile and even matronly {you don't want to look like your grandma's couch!}, but when paired with the right accessories, they're grown up and chic.

12 Aug

Posted at 03:00h in DIY, Home Decor by
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 patrice j. williams host of home savvy

As you guys know, I'm the new host of Madame Noire's Home Savvy show. And for the latest episode, I was able to incorporate my love of thrifting in to the online show. Though I usually just buy clothes and even books from secondhand shops, these places can also be great for furniture. I've scored tons of pieces from my favorite thrift stores, including these leopard chairs and ombre lamp I bought at the Salvation Army.
These pieces were in perfect condition, but what do you do when thrifted furniture needs a little TLC? Well, it's easier than you think to clean up a piece of furniture and even add fun elements so it has a one of a kind look.