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

Altered State

We've all heard it that altering your clothes can drastically change the way it looks for the better and it's true!  I've mentioned that I have a pear-shaped body (small on top, larger on bottom) so when it came to dresses/tops the chest would usually fit too big.  I finally decided to give alterations a try with my Love Culture dress for my cousin's wedding and I was sold.  Here are a few pics of my latest alterations:

  

This skirt was only $1.50 at Goodwill so if it didn't look good altered then I didn't spend too much.  I do with I would have had it hemmed an inch shorter, but eh.

This is the dress for my cousin's wedding.  Look at that HUGE difference in the chest! Def. worth it!  It looks like a completely different gown.

Before I had this altered I didn't think the gap in the chest was a big deal but after seeing the finished result, yeah it was.  It fits and feels so much better.  This dress is from Goodwill and was only $6!

I'm going to be taking a sewing class soon so I can learn how to hem my own skirts/dresses instead of paying someone else to do it.  It's all about saving money, right?

-C

Uptown Cheapskate Haul

Like I had promised I'm going to post about my other thrift finds.

I've mentioned before that I LOVE Uptown Cheapskate!  There's only one location in San Antonio and luckily I live in walking distance of it (and it's right next to one of my favorite bars).  The quality and style of the merchandise that they sell is probably the best that I've seen in a consignment shop.  Not to mention the prices are insanely low.  Here are a few of my finds along with some classy and sassy mirror pictures:

I went a little sequin crazy here.  The white with sequin black bow blouse was $4.99, the purple was $5.99, and the jacket was a total steal at $9.99!

I'm absolutely in love with the jacket!  It's Jessica Simpson and totally totally totally cute!  I don't have anywhere to wear it to yet (story of my life) but for $10 I couldn't pass it up.  I know, I know, I know that in one of my previous posts I talked about my shopping addiction and how sometimes I couldn't pass up a good deal BUT this is different, I SWEAR!

The jeans are Celebrity Pink (which I've mentioned on my blog before.  All of my colored pants are this brand due to it's quality) and they were only $5.99!  Score!  The pink peplum was $5.99 from Forever21 and the black peplum was $4.99.  I used to think peplums were ugly but after I finally caved and bought one I fell in love!  For my figure they're quite flattering.  I'm a true pear-shape so my chest is small, waist is small, but boy do I have hips and peplums help to accentuate my svelteness while balancing out my hips.

I'm wearing the Celebrity Pink jeans in these pictures.

I spent about $50 for everything so I'm pretty sure I got the best deal here.  I whole heartedly love clothes, style, fashion, etc. and I do like to have a closet healthy of colors, prints, styles, and patterns but I'm def. on a budget.  Isaac and I have some debt to pay off (word to the wise: do NOT buy two new cars within weeks of each other!) and an upcoming trip to New Mexico but I still need my shopping fix!  I'm just a girl on a budget who wants to look cute.  Is that too much to ask for?

Hope y'all enjoyed this post and if you're in San Antonio or just passing by stop by Uptown Cheapskate!  You'll definitely find something!

Be sure to follow my instagram or snapchat to follow my shenanigans and check out my eBay!

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

Last night was our 3 year anniversary so of course it called for a celebration!  I wore my newest Goodwill find which was a beautiful maxi dress by Moda International. The colors were completely fitting considering it was Fat Tuesday!

Moda International Dress $6

Can you believe that this little baby was only $5.99 at the Goodwill on I10?!  I couldn't either.  I'm not the biggest fan of geometric prints but with this color combo it looked great.  I'm partially biased because purple is one of my favorite colors (my first favorite is orchid and then glitter).  

I'm actually very self-concious about this picture.

I absolutely love this dress.  It's elegant, fun, flowy, and best of all: it's from Goodwill!  I'll always love the thrill of finding that hidden gem inside of a store.  

I'll be posting a few more items on my eBay soon so be sure to check it out!  And don't forget to follow me on instagram to check out my latest finds!  xoxo!

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

Back From Hiatus

So as per usual I've abandoned my blog after I promised myself I would keep up with it.  I only have a few followers so far and if you want to keep up with me I'm always on instagram (cynthiaedee) and sometimes on snapchat (cynthiaedee).

So let's talk about New Year's Goals.  This year I'm committing myself to 3 goals:

1-Be better at "adulting."
Yes, "adulting."  Making and keeping doctor, dentist, and optometrist appointments.  I already went to the dentist (clean bill of health!), next the doctor.  Also be better with keeping my car's information up to date.  I feel like I'm going to struggle with this one a little.  I'm not going to lie.

2-Money/Life Balance.  Most of my free money (money that doesn't go towards bills) goes towards clothes.  I'm a recovering impulse shopper so this year I'm really going to challenge myself to only purchase items that will enhance my wardrobe/style.  Also if I'm going to spend money I want to spend it on experiences, not things.  So with that being said I've already booked my first trip of 2016 which I'm mega excited about.

3-Be BOLD!  In all areas of my life.  Work, personal, fashion, appearance, EVERYTHING!  I can be a firecracker but I can also be very mousy.  Neither of these qualities are bad but I'm going to hone in on their strengths and use them to my advantage in situations.  Also something simple that I've been doing lately is wearing lipstick!  Okay, so I know that sounds like a silly thing to feel "bold" about but I had always hated my lips.  I thought they were too thin, crooked, ugly but starting on NYE I wore lipstick.  Not just any lipstick, but a bright PINK lipstick and you know what I realized?  I actually have kind of cute lips!  I wasted 30 years of my life despising a part of myself for no reason.  Well, this year I'm going to try to not waste a single day on limiting myself due to insecurities, fears, or low self-esteem.

I'm really excited to see myself grow this year and every day, actually.  I'm a firm believer in what you ask for you manifest so I hope that y'all follow me on this journey and I'll try to be better about updating this!

Until then here are some photos of 2016 so far:

NYE in McAllen, Tx.  As you can see my hair is darker than I my usual color (my mistake) but hopefully it'll grow on me.  

Dinner and drinks with Phillip and Ari is always a good time lasting until 4 or 5 in the morning.  If you've seen the show How I Met Your Mother Phillip and Ari are Marshall and Lily and Isaac would be Ted making me the newcomer.  It's hilarious when they share stories of Isaac BC (before Cynthia) they're just an all-around good couple to have within your company.

Adventuring around at the McNay Art Museum here in San Antonio.  It's free every Thursday after 4pm so I had to take advantage!  PS-my dress received a lot of compliments!  It's from Forever21, in case anyone is wondering.

Happiness:))

Updates!

I have been MIA and I apologize!  Between beginning a new job, Halloween, and parents coming to visit I've been one busy girl!

One of my favorite things to do is plan my next vacation.  I'll usually mention 3-5 places and say "This is where I'm going next!" and then the next week I've changed my mind.

I watched a documentary on Netflix on John Denver and decided that in 2016 I will be in the Rocky Mountains during a meteor shower!  Luckily there's one forecasted close to my birthday so maybe that'll be my birthday gift!

I went to New Mexico and Colorado a few times as a teenager but you know how it is going on family vacations.  You have to do what your parents want to do when they want to do it.  So going as an adult will definitely be fun.  Now to do more research on that....

Be sure to follow me on instagram (cynthiaedee) and check out my eBay store! visit me!

Yesterday was my day off thus Goodwill was in my plans.  I went to the one on 281 and Bitters which I typically don't have good luck at but this time I did!  Total scores!

These two blouses are now for sale on eBay shop now!

I'm seriously contemplating keeping this black Laurence Kazar blouse for myself if it doesn't sell.  I have no idea when or where I'd wear it but I can make any excuse to celebrate.  It's online till Sunday so after that we'll see where this little gem ends up.

As for my personal finds I scored an adorable dress which I'll feature in a few days when I wear it, a red pencil skirt that I plan to hem, a khaki skirt for work, and this lovely top.

I was on the fence about this top until I tried it on and BAM I was sold!  There was no label on the blouse so unfortunately I can't give credit to any company or designer but isn't it adorable?  It feels like it's 100% cotton which is perfect for this south Texas heat and humidity.  The back of the blouse has a set of larger flowers in the center of the back not photoed but believe me, it's cute.

The top was priced at $3.99 but had the orange tag which is the color of the week this week so guess what...I got it half off!  $2! Holla!  

Seriously if you take the time you can find some pretty awesome things at your local Goodwill.  You have to have patience and perseverance.  Trust me, nothing is going to jump out at you and say HI TAKE ME HOME! I wish.  At times you'll have a lucky day and have to die for finds and other times you'll leave the store empty handed.  

I'll try my best to update photos of my Goodwill finds!

Thanks for reading and don't forget to check out my eBay and follow me on instagram!

-xoxo

C

eBay

Hi all!

I started my first day of work today..well..training and I'm very impressed by the company that I work for.  Everything seems so structured and on point which I LOVE!  I foresee a wonderful future in the horizon.

So while I believe that I need a 50 hour a week job I also have a little side project that gives me much joy and is a stress relief.  Since college I've been eBaying.  Yes, eBaying!

As a college student I worked at J.C. Penney (in men's sportswear) and would eBay anything I could get my hands on.  I would post on Sundays and ship on Tuesdays.  It was my thing and I made some quick cash from it.  After college, though, I put it to rest, though, but moving up to San Antonio and hitting up Goodwills has revamped my love for it.  I'll try to keep the tradition alive and post on Sundays still but with a new work schedule, who knows?!

Either way-I like random, vintage, quirky finds.  Think cute cat mugs, vintage dresses from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, glass sets, and my personal favorite are vintage nightgowns.  I found this one chiffon robe from the 50s that retails around $300 that is still available for purchase.

At times I'll sell my personal items that I don't wear or use anymore in hopes that they'll find a good home.

If you're ever interested check out my eBay!  My inventory right now is kind of low and random because I just sold about 6 items.  My prices are good but my finds are even better.

Till next time!

eBay Link

Click above for my eBay page.  The pink hyperlink doesn't stand out enough.

Outifts

It's been a few weeks since I've updated and there have been a few majorly great changes that have happened since:

The work gods must have heard my whining and I was offered an awesome opportunity last week!  I start my training tomorrow!

My friend Adriana came by to visit and we had plenty of photo shoot times.  It was nice to have her to take pictures of me because I know Isaac isn't keen on it.  Waah, it's because he's a guy and not into photography.

This was my outfit the first night she was here:

This entire look embodies my complete personality.  It's very 70s inspired and a cinch to put together.  The top is a random label that I found at Burlington Coat Factory years ago.  Not pictured are the patches on the elbows.  They are the exact color and material as the skirt. The skirt is from 

Hollister Co.  Old shopping habits die hard.  I was a manager there for so long and I'll admit A&F and Hco have stepped their games up, so kudos to them.  The boots are Nicole and are from Ross.  I've mentioned them before on here.  Purse is Louis Vuitton and watch is Fossil.

This photo was taken at the McNay Museum and I HAD to have a picture with these stairs.  That whole mansion is breath taking and I enjoyed every minute there.  Especially true because we spent 3 hours there without even realizing it!  Def. house goals.

My look again is 70s inspired.  The Star Wars shirt is from Forever 21, flare jeans are from Gap, wedges are Franco Sarto, sunglasses are Ray Ban.

Those wedges are probably my favorite in the whole world.  If you know me then you know that I LOVE mustard yellow.  I can't get enough of it!

Probably my favorite look of the entire weekend.  

On Friday night Isaac and I finally went out to celebrate my new job offer.  We went to Whiskey Cake for the first time and it did not disappoint!  After that we went to the Blue Star District and met up with a few friends for drinks.

My dress is a total TOTAL steal!  It was $8.99 at Uptown Cheapskate!  And it's Steve Madden!!  You can't tell from the picture but there are birds all over the dress.  It was the perfect cut, shape, color, print, style, EVERYTHING!  My necklace is Lauren Conrad, dress is Steve Madden, shoes are from Aldo.

I highly recommend stopping by any Uptown Cheapskate if you can.  I feel like the style of clothes that they rebuy from people is way more my style than any other consignment shop that I've found.  And their prices are great!  I have another dress from there that I'll update on here soon.

So that's it!  I loved my outfits these past few days and I'm happy that my friend got to be here in SA with me for a while.  

Till next time!

Classified: WFJ

Classified: WFJ

Woman for job.

I've been job free for almost one month now and as fun as it's been to sleep in a little bit, get my apartment nice and sparkly clean, and be able to have dinner waiting at home for my husband when he gets out of work I'm ready to go back in to the working world.  And you know what...it's a lot like dating!

Ahhh, dating.  The tricky sticky dance of "do I even like him?" "does he like me?" "why isn't she calling back?" "did they lose interest?" "is there someone else who's better than me?!"  Those questions and more are exactly what it's like going in to the job interview world.

"Swipe Right, Swipe Left/It's A Match!"
First you come across a job posting online and think to yourself, "hmmmm...this could be a fun place to work." So you apply and a few days later GASP! a phone call asking for an interview!  Oh how your heart flutters as you start wondering how are you going to do your hair and make up and what are you going to wear?!  Then the pang of "Do I really want to work there?" settles in but you push that aside and chalk it up to nerves.  Sounds like the beginning of online dating.

"I Drive Myself Crazy"
Then comes to actual day of the "date", oh I mean interview.  You look better than you have in days.  Your outfit is on point and your confidence is through the roof.  And slowly butterflies start to creep in to your stomach as you anticipate all the upcoming scenarios.  What will your interviewer look like in person?  Shake hands firmly but not too firmly and wipe your sweaty palms first!  Turn your cell phone off, put some lip gloss on and make sure your teeth are clean.  Smile but don't smile too much. Etc. Etc.  Then you arrive at your destination.

"Hi Nice to Meet You"
As you wait in the lobby waiting for your interviewer, do you look at your phone? No that looks tacky.  Don't check your watch too many times.  Sit straight, they might be looking at you.  Every person that walks by you you can't help but make eye contact and a slight smile thinking this might be your call.  Then finally the initial meeting.  First impressions, racing pulse, pumping heart, go!  You get greeted by your first name and stand up trying to put your best foot forward.  They probably apologize for having you wait and you act oh so casual with a passive answer like, "Oh not a problem at all."  The lead you to the interview room and it's time to get this show on the road.

"What's Your Sign?"
Then you sit there and get asked the same "get-to-know-you" questions.  "Tell me a little about yourself." "What made you want to work here?" "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" And the parade of questions goes on and on.  Some "dates" are over before they started and you can feel it, and they can feel it, but the "date" painstakingly goes on either way. Some "dates" start off rough but have potential to turn around.  Some, if you're lucky, go amazingly well.  Those are the worst.  

"I Can Hear Wedding Bells"
The ones where you can actually see your future together.  You can see yourself waking up every morning to go to this job.  Can see yourself having lunch there, furthering your career, making friends, Christmas parties.  Oh how you can just see it!  And then it's time to go.

As you walk out you try to hold on to every moment and make as many lasting impressions as you can with those sacred last moments.  They tell you they'll be in touch and you shake their hands and walk away.

"Waiting Game"
And then you wait.
And you wait.
And you wait.
And you wait.

Why aren't they calling?  Did you say something wrong?  Did you do something wrong?  You felt so confident..what's wrong?  Maybe they lost your number.  Maybe they just need one more day?  Maybe they're just at lunch and they'll call you after that.  So many maybes.  


This is the point of the dating interview world I'm at.  Been on a few dates.  Some good, some bad, but still in the waiting game of it all.  There should be a support group for people who keep interviewing with no luck yet.  But luck always changes.

If you'd like go ahead and share your worst interview experience.  I'll share mine:

I was interviewing for an HR Assistant position in Shertz and my interviewer was monotone, boring, and rude!  He kept reiterating how I didn't have the experience he wanted but he never ended the interview.  Just kind of kept going with how I was drastically under qualified for the position.  I finally had remind him that HE personally called ME for an interview while he had my resume in his hand so if he felt that my interviewing was a waste of time then he only had himself to blame.  Let's just say I didn't get that job.

Either way-here's to hoping that in October I'll land my dream job!  And if you're out there looking for your career path share your story!

Hobbies

There are many things and activities that interest me and one that fills be with pleasure is Goodwill hunting! Goodwills (GW) are an awesome go-to place to find interesting items and thanks to outlets such as pinterest.com and etsy.com crafty DIYers are able to share ideas and inspirations and, of course, do a little bragging on creativity and talent.

When I first moved to San Antonio last year I was at GWs at least once a week.  SATX has a few GW establishments that I loved to hit up and it was very hit or miss, luckily mostly hits.  A lot of great finds were waiting for me and I still have all of them.  Pictures of my prior GW finds are on my old phone so they're probably gone forever and that's okay because now I can use Brunette Moxie to post my NEW finds!  However with life getting busier and busier I hadn't visited my friends at the GW in a few months so with this being my FIRST Labor Day weekend not working I decided it was time to go back!

Isaac was great today and took me to a few GW around town and after we had lunch at Babe's Burgers (YUM!) I dropped him off and continued my hunting.

So here we GO!:

Wood Finds:
Total Price (without tax): $12.98



After placing these two items together it looks like I found them as a set but NOPE! I found the heart shaped desk at the GW on 281 in the Stone Oak area for $7.99 which, to me, was a little pricey but I saw major potential with it. The shelf storage item was found at the GW in Live Oak by Rolling Oaks mall and was priced at $4.99.  I was very iffy about it and even when I was checking out contemplated not taking it, but for that price I could find something to do with it.

I have a few ideas floating around in my head on what to do with these bad boys.  I was thinking painting the desk red and making the bottom of it into a pet bed for my cats by removing the panels.  And for the shelf, painting it robin's egg blue and using stencils to make it more creative.  I also have a lot of chalkboard paint left over so maybe use that instead of the stencils.  Options are a great thing to be able to have!

Brass Finds:
Total price (without tax): $3.98



It's a funny thing when GW hunting; items are placed throughout the store and are amidst things that you might consider "junk" and they don't look special.  But if you set them aside and really look at them for a moment, you begin to see them in a whole new light.  This is exactly what happened with these candle holders.  Normally I dislike brass to no avail.  It reminds me of poor choices in the 80s but seeing these at the GW by Rolling Oaks mall for $1.99 each-I was willing to set aside my prejudices and take them!

I debated for a while if I should paint these or not.  Going back to my statement earlier I very much dislike brass but could not think of a suitable color for these that wouldn't ruin them.  I searched for replicas of these on google.com and saw that they are selling online for $10!  Confirmed that I definitely made a smart choice to purchase them at two bucks a piece! I found an image of these exact candle holders painted baby blue and total mind changer about painting them.

So as I was sitting in my bedroom tonight listening to Lana Del Rey station on pandora.com I looked around the room trying to grab inspirations and ideas and BINGO! I knew exactly what to do with the coloring dilemma (dramatic much?): NOTHING!  I let the brass be.



Sorry the picture is blurry but anyway- The brass color that I was so against worked perfectly with my Gustav Klimt painting!  BTW-this painting was also found at a GW off of Bulverde here in SATX.  The colors all tie in together and now my wall isn't as bare.  So it all worked out great!

The wood painting projects will be more time consuming but as soon as I complete them I'll post pics!