Metallics and Floral

Being invited to an intimate event is and honor and a privilege.  I was ecstatic when my friend Donna invited me to her son's baptism.  Immediately was excited to see familiar faces (and one new one since this would be my first time meeting Manolo!) and to witness a special and sacred moment.

The day of the baptism literally could not have been more perfect.  Don't get me wrong, it was still hot hot hot, but there were big fluffy clouds in the sky and even a light drizzle to help cool things down (and surprisingly didn't ruin my hair).

 Even though baby Manolo was totally over taking picture in this photo I still absolutely love this shot!  Funny story-Roli and Donna were only boyfriend/girlfriend at my wedding.  Coincidently (or by fate) Donna caught the bouquet and Roli caught the garter.  Major foreshadowing!


So let's talk outfit:  

I knew that whatever I wore had to be appropriate for church and yet I still wanted it to be stylish and fun.

I was getting a little stressed and desperate to find the right outfit when BAM!  I realized that I had a few pieces in my closet that might work together!

Unfortunately this mirror pic is the only full shot I got of the outfit (minus the shoes).  Everything photoed was found at Goodwill at various times.  The blouse is Lafayette 148, the skirt was NWT ____ label, the belt is something I've had for years.

The clutch was a total find at Uptown Cheapskate.  It's originally from J. Crew but I snagged it for only $10!  And the laser cut out hearts?!  I die!

I didn't take a lot of pictures this day because I was so caught up in the moment of being with decade old friends in Austin...but here's one more before I sign off:

Fiesta Fashion pt. 2

Fiesta Fashion entry part 2!

Accessories can be the most fun part of an entire outfit!  Keeping with the festive and colorful theme I found the most vibrant items at Goodwill.

Now these high heels would def. be good for Fiesta AND non-Fiesta related events.  My personal favorite was the studded pair on the right but they weren't my size.  That's a pretty typical scenario for me when it comes to shoes at Goodwill or thrift shopping.  I'll find a pair that I love (see my instagram ((CynthiaEdee)) for those adorable Zara flats) and it's the total opposite of a Cinderella story.  Sigh!

These Yellow Box jeweled t-strap sandals are perfect if heels aren't your thing.  I LOVE candy jewels and these were perfect!  I could see them paired with a maxi dress/skirt and when you walk the jewels catch the light.

Lastly: this belt. I'm kind of regretting not buying it as I'm writing about it but oh well. The colors scream Fiesta! I'm envisioning it being worn with a basic white top, flare cut jeans, colorful wedges, and a flower crown with matching colors!  Seriously, I'm beginning to regret not purchasing it. 

If y'all are in the San Antonio area be sure to look up any Fiesta related events that you can catch!  If you take super duper cute pictures hashtag #fromthrifttothrill so I can check it out and gain more inspiration!  Also stop by any Goodwill in SATX and purchase your Fiesta Medal.  Along with the one I bought for myself I also got one for my mom, sister, and friend Victor.  Support Goodwill!

Hope y'all liked my Fiesta finds!  Be sure to follow my other social media outlets located at the top of my page! 

-C

Fiesta Fashions pt. 1

I'm One word: FIESTA!!!!

Fiesta is about to kick off here in good ol' San Antonio which means parades, colorful outfits, Fiesta Medals, and lots and lots of FOOD!  This will be my first year going to Fiesta so I'm totally excited!  Not to mention that I'm the festive type so today I challenged myself to find an outfit and accessories for NIOSA (Night In Old San Antonio) at where else, Goodwill!

Goodwill has so many options to choose from so I'm going to dedicate TWO blogs to possible Fiesta ideas for my readers.  Sizes, colors, styles all varied and each screamed FIESTA!

So for this first entry I wanted to focus on the outfit portion of a fun and festive Fiesta/NIOSA ensemble.  

When I hear the words "festive" "fun" "fiesta" I think of pops of color, sparkles, and the gaudier the better!  

The first item I stumbled upon was this racerback tank from Express size large (price 14.99).  What I love the most about it is that the sequins are just as dramatic in the back as in the front.  I personally prefer any adornment done to an article of clothing to be "complete" in that sense that the pizazz and flare flows to the back instead of kind of just ending at the side seams in the front.  This would make a great tank for someone who's looking to sparkle and stand out and still be cool and fresh outside (hey, South Texas heat is no joke!) 

This Charlotte Russe (size medium, price $4.29) spaghetti string tank was another item that caught my eye that could be Fiesta-ish.  It's full of color, patterns, and has that gorgeous embellishment on the bust.  

So this blue tank stood out to me the minute I laid eyes on it.  I love that shade of blue (reminds me of a peacock) and then with those gold sequins YAS!  The brand is Star City (never heard of it) and it's a size Medium.  This ended up being something that I purchased for myself at a whopping $4.29!  It's definitely a contender to be my blouse for NIOSA.  

Truth be told this white with gold sequin blouse is a line for girls but hey it fit!  I broke my own rule on this one about the drama and flare of the blouse ending in the front but since it was so cute I was willing to let it slide.  The brand is Dreampop and it was $4.29.

I also came across this super duper colorful skirt size XXL for $4.29 also.  On the right person I could totally see this at Fiesta!  It's loud, colorful, and whimsical.  Festivals are all about being comfortable and whoever wears this would definitely be able to walk around, dance, eat, and drink without feeling uncomfortable.

Lastly-if the sequins and loud skirt isn't your cup of tea then you can't go wrong with colorful pants and Goodwill has a slew of them!  On one of my previous blogs I showcased a pair of pink floral jeans I purchased for less than $5.  The key is to just try things on.  

Don't forget to get your Fiesta Medal at any of the Goodwills around town!  Only $7!  This is my first official Fiesta Medal and it couldn't have been more suiting that it was a Goodwill one!

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for Fiesta Fashions pt. 2!  Be sure to follow my instagram (CynthiaEdee) and my snapchat (CynthiaEdee) for more updates on my daily shenanigans!

-C

Texas Feelings

The Hi all!  The weather in San Antonio was a crisp 75-80 degrees last weekend which called for me to finally bust out my J. Crew dress that I found at the Salvation Army on 281 and Stone Oak.

Thanks to my Instagram husband!

The best part about this dress (besides being able to support the Salvation Army...and that it's J. Crew...and that it was only $2.50...) is that is has pockets!!!  

Pockets = Amazing!

I love the flutter sleeves! So feminine.

The backside

The weather in Texas has been beautiful lately.  I had to snap a picture of this cotton candy sky the other day.  Texas does everything better, don't you agree?

Beautiful Texas sunrises.

Blue bonnets are the official flower of Texas

Thanks for stopping by!  Be sure to follow my instagram and snapchat (both are named CynthiaEdee) to keep up with my thrifting adventures!

Lately I've been thinking about opening up for a thrifting challenge.  Readers could privately message me on certain items they'd like for me to find for them and off I'd go.  What do y'all think?

-C

Like A Kid Again

Hi all!

I love a good vintage quilted handbag.  I've had one since about 2008 and I loved it, but alas, it's been falling apart.  Lately I've been looking for a replacement bag and finally found one at the Salvation Army on 281 and Stone Oak for a whopping $2!

This new handbag is a little big larger, has a gold capped tassel, and has a side pocket on the back of the bag.  Just like my original quilted handbag I couldn't leave this one untouched.  As pretty as it was the way I purchased it the purse needed a little pizazz.  Cue my mini-bedazzler!

I feel like a kid again!

This little baby can help take small accessories/accents to a new level.  If you follow my snapchat (CynthiaEdee) I put a few pictures of my bedazzling process on my story.  As you can see from the photo it makes a pretty impactful difference on the look and style of my handbag.

New!

This was my original vintage quilted purse.  As you can see the studs were falling off left and right. 

Just another example of the potential your local Salvation Army/thrift store can have.  The key to is to have an open mind and be able to see past the stigma of "thrifting."

-C

Flea Market Success

First off Happy Easter to all my readers who celebrated this holiday today!  This was my first Easter in San Antonio where I didn't have to work!  Isaac and I started off the day with homemade cinnamon rolls, grapefruit mimosas, and horrible 90s movies and then we set out for downtown San Antonio.  After we did our touristy-though-we're-not-tourists thing downtown we decided to see if Bussey's Flea Market was open and it was!  So we hip hopped ourselves on over and here are a few on the items we found:

I thought this was a pretty unique piece and would go great where we have all of Isaac's liquor displayed.  It was priced at $15 but luckily I was able to have them drop it down to $13.  Hey $2 is $2!

Okay, this was too adorable to not have!  And only $3!!!  It's hand made which makes it all the better!

So this wasn't found at Bussey's.  It's from the Goodwill on 281 in Stone Oak but since I'm keeping this a decor themed entry I'm throwing it in here.  I'd had my eye on this mirror for over a week but it was priced higher than I wanted to pay at $19.99.  I finally caved and bought it a few days ago and I'm happy I did.  I love the vintage look it brings and it's in perfect condition with the exception of a few little scratches but it adds character.

This is what I'm really excited about from today!  It's an elaborate brass candle holder that looks like it's from the 70s or 80s.  I instantly fell in love with it when I saw it.  I thought it was going to be at least $30-$40 because of how heavy it was and in perfect condition but nope! Only $20.  SOLD!

Moving into a new place has my decorating feels through the roof but my bank account loudly tells me, "calm down!" What's a girl to do?

-C

Lucky Day

Whew, work and the move have kept me busy but now I'm all settled in and back on my thrifting game.  Be expecting more thrifting updates on the new home decor I'm finding at thrift stores but until then enjoy my clothing posts!

I went to the Goodwill on 281 and Stone Oak today and success!  

This is a dress by Mustard Seed and it's so classy and stylish and a total steal at only $9.99!  It was in the Julia's Attic section which I typically avoid because of their higher prices but today I gave it a shot and BAM! There was this little number waiting for me.  I have no idea where I'm going to wear it yet.  Maybe for my birthday dinner next month???

The white sheer tank top was on my "maybe" list.  This morning as I was picking out my outfit I was thinking how I wanted to track down a white tank with a bow on it to jazz up an average tank.  I spotting this tunic tank on the rack and saw potential but still needed to try it on.  I'm not a fan of the elastic drop waist on it but when it's tucked in to a skirt it looks great!  It even has subtle beading on it.  Not bad for only $4.29!

I didn't do a special photo sesh for the taupe blouse but I plan to pair it with my other high waisted skirts.

Hope y'all are having a great day!  I'll be posting my finds from Uptown Cheapskate soon 

Burberry Please!

Guys,

I'm totally excited about my latest find! 

Seriously!  How cute is this fuchsia quilted Burberry jacket / coat?! The size tags were cut off but the jacket would easily fit a medium/large. I believe this style is circa 2011(?) but Burberry's style is classic!  

 It's in perfect condition and ready to find an amazing home!  I have it for sale on my eBay so go check it out!

Sorry for the quick post but updating on my phone is a drag and I have a lot of packing to do!  My move is on Saturday and I'm nowhere close to ready.  Ugh.

-C

Valley Weddings

Hi All!

I haven't been able to blog about my thrifting finds lately because I've been swamped with work, packing for my move, and heading to my hometown for my cousin's wedding.

Dressing up for a wedding is so fun!  I love the thrill of finding the right dress, right shoes, thinking about how you'll wear your hair..and that's because I'm not the bride anymore!  But seriously, I love any excuse to get dolled up.

My dress was a total steal at a whopping $14 from a store called Love Culture.  It can be perceived as risqué because of how open the chest is but since I'm have a small bust I knew it wouldn't be offensive.  Plus it has two slits int he front that give it an extra oomph.

This dress is proof of how alterations make a HUGE difference in how a dress looks and feels.  Again, going back to my having a smaller chest I had to get the dress altered.  If I hadn't I would have been self conscious all night.  The collage above shows the impact it makes to have your dresses (skirts, suits, pants, anything) customized to your body.

I received a few compliments on the dress (which let's face it, it's what all of us fashion bloggers are going for) and I loved being able to tell people I snagged it for less than $15!

Here are a  few pics from the wedding!  Be sure to follow me on instagram (CynthiaEdee) and check out my eBay for new finds!

-C

The left is pre-alterations and right is post-alterations. BIG difference!

Out of the 50 pictures I took this was the only one I could stomach

Black and White

Black and white is classic, timeless, and chic.  Here are a few of my latest items for sale on eBay.  Be sure to check them out!

BeBe dress size 2/ for sale on eBay

BCBG XS skirt/for sale on eBay

Lane Bryant skirt sz 16/18-for sale on eBay

The BR Skirt

I absolutely love this skirt and this whole look.  A printed chambray shirt key to easy mix-and-matching success. 

I'm currently selling this Banana Republic skirt (size 2) on my eBay for $19.99 and will also be accepting any best offers.  Seriously, this skirt is just too cute.  It's a bright pink with thin white stripes.  I'm a huge advocate for stripes but don't like when the alternating colors are the same size as each other.  I like for there to be one main color and the second (or third or fourth or even fifth) color is the accent.  

Anyway-this skirt could be used for work, casual, or play.  All depends on how you want to dress it up.  

I'm trying to upload as much as I can on my eBay so bare with me!  Go check it out!  

Thanks for stopping by everyone!  Leave me pretty comments and be sure to follow me on instagram (cynthiaedee)!

Learning

After donating over 4 trash bags full of my clothes I realized a few things:

• I wasted A LOT of money (I mean thousands of dollars) over the past few years making impulse purchases.

I'll admit it-I do have an addiction to shopping.  It's difficult for me to walk in to a store, any store, and walk out empty handed.  It gives me a rush to make a purchase, even if it's just a pack of gum.  I've known this about myself for a long time but didn't really see the impact it's made on my wallet until those 4 trash bags.  That moment was eye-opening as to how I figuratively have thrown thousands of dollars away on clothes!  Instead of forking that money over to retailers I could and should have been saving OR putting that money towards experiences.  

• A lot of the items in my closet were identical styles, colors, fabrics.

White sheer tops, striped shirts, fit and flare dresses.  I must have had at least a minimum of three of each of these styles in my closet and out of those three I would only wear one of each.  Why? Because that one was my favorite.  Now when I'm out shopping or online window browsing I'm asking myself "Do I already own something like this?"  and you know what, it's been working!  I catch myself gravitating towards the sheer tops, stripes, and dresses constantly and after I ask myself that question I immediately (and reluctantly) put the items back.

• I was purchasing certain things bc of the price.  For example I had a a few dresses and blouses that I only bought because I thought the price was a steal.

Working in retail it's easy to be lured in by the deals and steals.  Especially when you're the first one to know that an item you're kind of in to has gone on mega clearance.  I'm having to train myself that just because something seems like a good price doesn't mean that it will add value in to my closet.  Case in point: today at Plato's Closet there was a red dress that had bicycles printed on it.  It was adorable and only $6.  When I tried it on it wasn't very flattering but hey, it was only $6!  As I started rationalizing with myself over it that's when I decided to put it back.  The items in my closet should make me excited to wear them, not convinced. 

• I was buying things that weren't 100% my style.

One word: scarves.  As cute and fun as I think they are scarves are not my style.  I must have easily spent close to $100 on purchasing scarves that literally just sat in a drawer.  Again-see my first bullet point detailing what I should have been doing with that money.

• Most of the stuff I was giving away were items I hadn't worn in a long time.

That classic rule of "if you haven't worn it in a year get rid of it" is TRUE!  Within one year you have gone through YOUR closet.  And by YOUR closet I mean your real closet like the clothes that you actually wear.  This ties in to my second bullet point of saying that I was making repeat purchases.  Example: I had at least six striped shirts and out of those six I've only been wearing ONE!  So the other five were a waste of money and closet space.  I've gotten rid of the other five and you know what, I don' even miss them.  

As difficult and anxiety-filled as it was to part with my collection of clothes I definitely feel the benefits of it.  I love my closet now.  I love the clothes that are in there and making an outfit is a lot easier.  Plus I have space to actually see my clothes instead of only getting a small glimpse of them.  

I'm getting better about not throwing money away on clothes and my bank account is thanking me for it.  Now don't go thinking I haven't bought anything lately.  I just purchased a pair of heart printed jeans online (if they don't fit I'll put them on my eBay).  However before I make my purchases I ask myself these questions:

1. Do I already own something like this?
2. Will this add value in to my wardrobe?
3. Is this 100% my style?

If I answer no to question 1 and yes to the other two then I make my purchase.  If I can't do that then no matter how badly I want the item I put it back.

Hope y'all enjoyed this long blog and be sure to check out my instagram (cynthiaedee) and eBay on the link below!

my eBay

Back on eBay!

Whew, what a whirlwind things have been!  Isaac and I had to make a highly unexpected trip to the valley and all I can say is I'm glad that everything has been going okay!

I've been off of my eBay game for a while now due to working a lot, having printer issues, and having to file a claim against the post office but to everyone's delight I'm on an upswing!

The RGV is home to some real gems and you know what, the Goodwills here ain't too shabby!  These are just a sample of my finds from today but I'm totally excited to list them!  

These are two H&M dresses size 2 and they're seriously too cute.  Th ice pink lace one looks perfect for festivals and the floral one would be great for day-to-day activities. 

So this little gem was actually found at the Goodwill on Bulverde in SA and it's so classy and sexy.  It's by a vintage brand called OLGA and it would make the perfect Valentine's day gift!

Tomorrow I plan to go back out and hit up the other Goodwills I missed today.  I uploaded about 6 new items today so go check them out on the link below!

My eBay

"In A World of My Own"

Alice said it best when she described a world of her own.  Today I was talking to Isaac about what my "dream world" would have and after saying it out loud I had two thoughts:
1-Wow, that was really weird.
2-But wouldn't it be cool?!

A few things my world would have are unicorns, mermaids, and talking animals.

I absolutely love the idea of mermaids and unicorns.  I used to be embarrassed about this but with this whole being bold thing I'm doing I've decided to not care what other people think about it.  Here are a few of my favorite images of these things:








These things can definitely teeter on the childish side but I think in moderation and done tastefully unicorns and mermaids are actually quite posh.  What do you think?