As you know, I was in Los Angeles last week for a taping of Oprah’s post Oscars show and of course I had to get some thrift shopping in. During my last visit to LA, I hit up Out of the Closet and a Goodwill and this time around I ventured to another Goodwill and a little thrift store in Burbank.I was amazed at how many thrift stores are in LA, ranging from the big chains to mom and pop shops. On Magnolia Boulevard alone, my cheap chic eyes saw about a half dozen thrift options.During the first day of my trip we just drove around and to my delight, we spotted a Goodwill and an In-N- Out across the street from one another. Goodwill always makes my eyes light up and I’m a true east coast girl so I was excited to finally try  the burgers at In-N-Out {sidenote: I didn’t think the food was that great. *shrug*}.We checked out the Goodwill {342 San Fernando Road} and it was pretty massive and organized, like most locations. It had tons of clothing, accessories and furniture.The day that I visited, yellow tag items were 50 percent off, so I clearly started looking for pieces with a yellow tag. I didn’t find a ton of stuff until I made my way to the dress rack which was an entire wall of frocks. I found a few pieces and ultimately chose a free flowing Asos dress. I don’t typically like anything with butterflies on them but this backless, halter style is going to be perfect for spring and summer.

{it didn’t have a yellow tag so I paid the “full” price of $7.99.}

WhoWhatWear: DIY disco earrings from P.S. I Made ThisStyleWatch: Michelle Obama rocked a $35 H&M dressGoodwill: Make a donation to Goodwill? Download a donation value guide for your 2010 taxes.InStyle: Get a first look at Brian Atwood's lower price collectionThrift Store Confidential: Video on how-to thrift store shopBudget Travel: Cheap travel destinations around the worldPsst: don't forget to sign up for my weekly newsletter, I'll be sending out weekly updates and special deals and steals...

The weather on the east coast is pretty brutal. Apartment dwelling means I don't have to shovel but with more than a foot of snow, my dilemma is what to wear? I attended a birthday party yesterday and I didn't have to dress up but I didn't want to step in the room wearing clunky snow boots either.I pulled a few wardrobe staples {blazer and pleated skirt} from my closet and wore them in a different way.My striped J. Crew blazer has seen plenty of wear but this time I wanted to button and belt it, something I'd normally never do. I hiked my skirt up a bit so the proportions with the blazer didn't look too off.Since footwear was a major issue {due to massive snow piles}, I threw on my tall Payless boots. They have a slight heel {because Patrice doesn't party in flats, gasp!}, but the rubber sole kept me firmly planted on the ground.It wasn't until I did a final look in the mirror that I realized my whole look (minus accessories) was thrifted.Click more to see the price breakdown and read up on a thrift shopping tidbit.