23 Oct Casual Wear to Cocktail Affairs

My love affair of thrifting began as a sophomore in college. I had an induction ceremony to attend but nothing to wear and an empty wallet. I hit up a local thrift store in Philly and an hour later I walked out with a $5 ensemble. After that moment, I realized thrift stores weren’t just for a pair of jeans, but for any occasion, from casual to cocktail.

Here are a few of my favorite looks (all of the pieces are $2 or less):

I’d wear this grocery shopping or to the airport. Laid back, simple and versatile. I can dress it up with pumps or slip on flats for a day of errands.

Blazer: Ann Taylor
Top: Banana Republic
Jeans: Citizens of Humanity
Scarf: unknown

I work in a creative field so I’m not obligated to wear stuffy business suits or blah outfits, but I would feel comfortable wearing this. A classy, work appropriate skirt paired with the polka dot top makes it a fun look.

Top: Zara
Skirt: Brooks Brothers

Work, date, social gathering, there isn’t anywhere I wouldn’t wear this. I’m a true girly girl (lace, ruffles, ribbons, bows, you name it) but I wanted to break up the cutesy-ness of the flirty dress by adding a leather jacket.

Jacket: Old Navy
Dress: unknown

Click more for a show-stopping cocktail dress!

I can’t tell you how much I adore this bad boy. I always thought of leather skirts as being a little too va-va-voom, but I made it work by adding a simple, loose top to counter the sexiness of the skirt. I think I’ll wear this to work next week!

Top: New York & Co.
Skirt: Express

Cocktails, anyone?: Ah, just take in the beauty of this dress. I think I let out a squeal when I found this jewel at the Housing Works warehouse sale. Well, I didn’t find it, the woman next to me did. She was an older lady and the dress clearly wasn’t her style so she asked if I wanted it. Peacock design, sweetheart neckline and satin sash, hell yeah I wanted it! I’ll have to get the bodice taken in a bit but otherwise it fits like a glove.

Dress: unknown