FOR THE LOVE OF LEATHER

Everyone has that special item they've always dreamed of having one day. It could be anything from a Gucci bag to a pair of Jordans, or a Canon camera to a Tesla. Being in the fashion industry, there are MANY things that I want, but at the very top of my wishlist was a genuine leather jacket. Initially, I just wanted the perfect motorcycle jacket, regardless of the material, but after owning two pleather jackets, I wanted to try the real deal.

Disclaimer: I do have two genuine leather hand-me-downs from my mom, but they're coats. I wanted something casual that could go with more outfits. The coats are by Bebe and Frenchi, but naturally, my mom thrifted them both. It amazes me how they're still in mint condition after all these years. She owned them for over a decade, but who knows how long the previous owners had them for. In comparison to my pleather jackets, they aged much better.

The first one I had was a Silence + Noise bomber from Urban Outfitters (UO). It cost $128, which is quite expensive for faux leather. My friends, Ann and Angela, ended up splitting the price with me, for Christmas. When I wore it to high school for the first time, I felt a confusing mix of insecurity and fearlessness. It was such a statement, since no other girls were wearing leather at the time. It was a popular trend I saw on Tumblr and Lookbook, but not at my school. I received more compliments than I expected, and it quickly became one of my staple pieces. For the next five years, I wore it until it shred into pieces. 

The last one I got was a motorcycle jacket from YesStyle. Unlike the UO jacket, it was ridiculously affordable. I remember it being no more than $40 with shipping. Most leather jackets are fitted, but this one was thinner and looser. I liked how I could layer sweaters underneath it, but the silhouette was chunkier than I wanted. I didn’t wear it nearly as much as the UO one, but it was cheaper to keep than to ship back to Korea. Even with less wear, it still managed to peel at the collar.

After having two pleather jackets wear down, I asked the Internet if genuine leather has this same issue and it said “no.” Although genuine leather is easily scuffed, it doesn’t crack, as proven with my mom’s old coats. I don’t mind scratches, since they add more edginess and authenticity, but peeling will actually strip away the “leather” detail. It’s also irritating having to constantly clean up tiny black remnants. With all of this information, I convinced myself to invest in genuine leather, especially since I knew I'd wear it so much.

Before I decided to splurge on genuine leather, I already had an elaborate list of what I wanted in the jacket. Over the years, I browsed everywhere, including Asos, Zara, and Urban Outfitters, but I couldn't find any that met my standards. It frustrated me how contemporary leather jackets were mainly cropped and tight-fitted. This is the list of what I was actually looking for:

1. classic motorcycle collars

2. silver hardware

3. regular bottom length

4. regular sleeve length

5. room for a long-sleeved shirt or light sweater

6. no belt along the waist

In the genuine leather market, Acne Studios is the holy grail, but their prices are well over $1,000. The only garment I would ever spend this much on is probably my wedding dress. The next best option is AllSaints, which also has high quality and consistent branding. I've always admired their visual merchandising and dark and industrial style. Their leather jackets are mainly made from lambskin and are in the $500 range. This is about 1/3 of an Acne jacket, but is no doubt, still very expensive.

Leather jacket sizing is very unpredictable, since it heavily fluctuates, depending on the brand. Most tend to run small, but I didn't expect AllSaints to be this farfetched. I went to both their regular and outlet store to compare sizes, prices, and styles. I quickly realized that they're far from being size inclusive. Their jackets stop at size 10, which fit me like a small. I'm usually a size two, so it's insane that I had to upsize by four sizes. After trying on all of the motorcycle jackets they had, I chose the Dalby, which checked off every box on my list.

As I do before most of my purchases, I checked Poshmark to see if it had a better deal. There was only one person selling a size 10 Dalby jacket. It's listed at $450 on AllSaints, but I got this brand new one for $300.

After all these trials, you can say that I'm a tad bit leather crazy. I even have a tattoo of a girl in leather, so this more than just a trend to me. The leather jacket is a timeless design that I really value. This is the most I've spent on any clothing item, but at least it was still thrifted.

+ Lipstick | MAC’s Ruby Woo

+ Choker | Etsy

+ Bandana | Romwe

+ Leather Jacket | AllSaints (Poshmark)

+ T-Shirt | Romwe

+ Jeans | Abercrombie

+ Booties | Forever 21

Photography | Adam Redfield

xx

Dana

DANGEROUS WOMAN

As I was looking through my closet for Halloween ideas, I saw this babydoll dress that reminded me of Ariana Grande. I thrifted it at Goodwill, last year, but still haven’t had the chance to wear it. With this dress, I already completed half of my costume, so it was the perfect piece to build on.

There are certain elements that define Ariana’s signature style. Aside from babydoll dresses, chokers, over-the-knee boots, and sky-high ponytails are also her trademark. Her Dangerous Woman look resonates with me most, since it’s so dark and sultry. For my costume, I wanted to recreate that album cover.

The most iconic part of the cover was definitely her latex bunny mask. Wearing skintight fabric over my head sounded extremely uncomfortable, so I chose this lace one for more breathability. I thought the veil was more fitting for Halloween, and it could also be tucked back if needed. 

Although I do own over-the-knee boots, I opted for these booties, since they elongate my legs more. My over-the-knee boots are flat, whereas these platforms are 2.75” tall.

The choker was the most difficult item to find, since most of the faux diamond chokers I saw were really tacky. Ariana wore a chunky diamond necklace that I would imagine Marilyn Monroe or Audrey Hepburn wearing. I wanted to emulate that classic Hollywood glam, but anything similar was completely out of my budget. Instead, I thrifted this BaubleBar choker for $8 on Poshmark.

For the final touch, I tried my best to do her high ponytail, but it was such a struggle. Doing hair isn’t my forte, even with a simple ponytail, like this. I spent around 30 minutes retying my hair and it still drooped to a regular ass ponytail. My goal is to perfect her hairstyle by Halloween.

This was a fairly easy costume to put together, since most of the garments were things that the average American girl wears. Chokers, stockings and black boots are staple pieces that many of us have. Tying a ponytail is also priceless. If you decide to be Ariana for Halloween, then you’re probably already halfway there.

+ Lipstick | MAC’s Black Knight

+ Mask | Amazon

+ Choker | BaubleBar (Poshmark)

+ Dress | Goodwill

+ Stockings | Romwe

+ Booties | Steve Madden (Poshmark)

Photography | Adam Redfield

xx

Dana

THINK VERTICALLY

I have never owned a jumpsuit, since they never seem to fit me. I’m 5’2”, so most are too long, and I’m too lazy to tailor anything. I randomly found this in the dress section of Goodwill, and I really liked its muted minimal stripes. For a white secondhand garment, I was surprised by how spotless it was. I walked into the fitting room with very low expectations, since my experience with jumpsuits always ended the same. This time it was different, and the jumpsuit fit like a glove. 

Without shoes, the hem touched the ground, but it didn’t my swallow my feet. Everything about it was just so flattering. It has criss-cross straps that completely expose my back, and the high-waisted silhouette lifts and accentuates my butt. There are deep side pockets that can fit my phone, keys, and wallet. The vertical stripes even elongate my figure and make me look taller. The only thing I don’t like about this jumpsuit is how complicated it is to get in and out of it. If you know me, you know that I drink a A LOT of water and that I pee A LOT in result of that. It would be a bitch for me to wear this all day long, so I would only wear it to short outings.

+ Hoop Earrings | Claire’s

+ Jumpsuit | Forever 21 (Goodwill)

+ Heels | MRKT (hand-me-down)

Photography | Adam Redfield

xx

Dana

APRIL THRIFT HAUL

1. STEVE MADDEN BOOTIES

Poshmark

$22

These are the first Steve Madden’s I’ve ever owned and they are so sleek and sexy. It took me a while to find clear-heeled booties because most of them are too high. I’m all about comfort, which is why I always wear wedges and booties for nights out. They add height, but still allow me to walk and dance all night long. The ankle section of these boots are skintight, so I wouldn’t be able to tuck jeans underneath. Even then, I like its modern shape, since it makes me feel like some kind of superhero. 

2. VICTORIA’S SECRET BRA

Poshmark

$5

At 25-years-old, I’ve finally gotten the memo on how to wash bras. My mama never told me not to put my bras in the dryer, so I’ve been doing it wrong my whole life. It took shredding my “everyday” bra and shrinking my sports bra, this month, to realize that. Bras are such delicate little garments, especially since they’re made from fine fabrics, like lace, silk, and satin. Although I rarely wear them, I like owning one, just in case. There are certain clothes and occasions where my pasties won’t do justice. After ruining the one padded bra I own, I bought this one from Poshmark. The velvet and deep jewel tone is what caught my eye, but this secondhand find is nowhere near perfect. It has a tiny hole that the seller conveniently failed to mention. Now that I’m going to start hang drying my bras, hopefully this one will last, even with its hole.

3. ATHLETA LEGGINGS

Poshmark

$15

My boss bought a pair of Athleta leggings, and I was so amazed by how soft they were. For years, I’ve been wearing cheap Forever 21 leggings. I’m on my third black pair, since the $3.90 price tag definitely reflects the durability. These will last one to two years, before they start ripping and I’ll have to replace them again. When I felt my boss’ leggings, I was convinced to invest in a pair of higher quality ones that will last. I’m tired of constantly having to buy replacements, since it’s so bad for the environment. Black leggings are also the bottoms I wear most, so why shouldn’t I buy the very best? I was really excited when I saw these reversible Athleta ones on Poshmark. Athleta leggings are normally in the $100 price range, but I paid $15 for two-in-one. On one side, is a greyscale ombre and on the other, is a solid black. These are by far, the most comfortable leggings I’ve ever owned. I’ve only known Forever 21 leggings, and these are much smoother than any of them.

4. CHEAP MONDAY SKIRT

Asos

$32.50

While writing my blog on Cheap Monday, I browsed what was left of their final collection and saw this skirt. I first saw this style, on Pinterest, and was searching everywhere for it! Most denim skirts have a rectangular silhouette, so I really liked this high-low cut. The Pinterest link led to Tumblr, so I had no idea what brand it was or if it was even available for purchase. It could have been a DIY, for all I know. When I saw this similar version on Asos, I couldn’t believe the odds. I discovered the pin, over a year ago, but had no luck finding the skirt. Now that I was shopping a brand that was closing down, I saw exactly what I wanted. It originally cost $89, but it was marked over 50% off.

5. RUFFLE TODDLER BLANKET

Free Birdees

$26 (for employees only)

My work just launched a line of bamboo kids clothes in January, and our material is ultra soft. Our pajamas don’t come in my size, so I wanted to buy a blanket, since the hand-feel is so amazing. These are toddler blankets, but my boss made them 60” long to accommodate adults. Sometimes my legs get really itchy, at night, and no matter how much lotion I apply, it doesn’t help. Once I take off my pants and cover my legs with the blanket, it immediately soothes my skin. Bamboo is especially good for hot summer weather, since it’s so breathable. Our blankets come in 5 solid colors and 8 prints. I helped design these prints and select our colors, so you should check them out! We actually just released our second collection on Endangered Animals, so there are a lot of fresh products on our website.

6. H&M HOODIE

Poshmark

$8

I had an identical version of this, from Romwe, but I accidentally ripped it this month. I know I have a big ass head, but Romwe’s clothes run very small. Whenever I shop there, it’s either a hit or miss. I bought that sweatshirt over two years ago, in a medium, but it fit like an extra small. The neckline was really tight, so I’ve finally ripped it, while tugging it over my head. I’ve been wanting an upgrade, anyways, since the mesh was so stiff and itchy. This H&M one looks practically the same, but is much softer and stretchier.

7. GYMSHARK CROP TOP

Poshmark

$28.95

I don’t know what it is about me and expensive black crop tops, but this is the second one I’ve bought this year. This one is a lot cheaper than the other one I got, but $30 is still out of my norm. Although I thrifted this on Poshmark, the resale value of Gymshark is barely lower than the retail price. According to the seller, this top was also brand new. I really wanted to try this brand, since I’ve been weightlifting for over two years and it’s very popular amongst weightlifters. I bought the top in a size small, but it fits more like an extra small. It’s stretchy, comfortable, and flattering and will be perfect for hiking and weightlifting. Because of the tight fit, I won’t be able to use it for high intensity workouts, though. Even if I raise my arms to do jumping jacks, the top would rise above my chest…

xx

Dana

RIP

As I was deep cleaning my closet this New Years, I found an old pair of jeans from high school that I was going to sell. These were buried with other clothes I already listed on Poshmark. For years, they had been sitting in a suitcase, while I was in college. My cousin gave them to me for Christmas, but they were too loose and bulky for me back then. Over four years later, I rediscovered them to find that I have finally grown into them. 

These were my first pair of Cheap Mondays, so I was hit with a buttload of nostalgia. My first instinct was to stalk them on Instagram to catch up on what’s new. All I saw was a blank white page with the bio, “R.I.P. Cheap Monday 2004-2019.” Just as I was reminded of an old favorite, I learned that it will be discontinued within the same year.

Although the jeans didn’t fit, at first, this introduced me to a badass lifestyle brand. I was really infatuated by the company’s bold and edgy branding. Even its farewell is cheeky and is consistent with who they are. Just take a look at its last marketing video and what’s left of its website, to see what I mean. 

Cheap Monday is a Swedish company that actually began as a thrift store. It didn’t start selling jeans until March 10, 2004, which also happened to be my birthday. I had just turned 10, so Cheap Monday was completely out of my radar. H&M then purchased the label in 2008 and turned it into a wholesale business. Many reputable retailers, like Asos, Urban Outfitters, and Opening Ceremony, carried its denim. It initially focused on a niche of skinny jeans, but later expanded to other clothes and accessories. Over the years, wholesaling proved to be difficult and Cheap Monday’s sales exceedingly plummeted. This has forced the brand to close all of its stores and wholesale accounts by June.

I made my first and last real Cheap Monday purchase this week. I’ve owned four pairs of Cheap Mondays, but three had been thrifted. The skull logo is very hard to miss, even at overflowing thrift stores. The ones I’m wearing are mid-rise, medium washed, and straight-legged. I normally go for a skinny fit, so I always roll these up. Otherwise, they look really crinkly at the bottom. Unlike some of my other jeans, I never have to worry about readjusting these. It also has oversized pockets that can fit the largest of wallets and smartphones. 

For many years, Cheap Monday was my premium choice for denim. I rarely have luck shopping for jeans, so I have yet to find that holy grail brand. If you have suggestions for petite, skinny girls, like me, do list them below. Your girl likes her jeans skinny, stretchy, and high-waisted.

+ Lipstick | MAC’s Heroine

+ Earrings | Old Navy

+ Backpack | Wilson’s Leather (Poshmark)

+ Scarf | gift

+ T-Shirt | Mudd (Mervyn’s)

+ Jeans | Cheap Monday (Opening Ceremony)

+ Belt | YesStyle

+ Boots | Dr. Martens (Wasteland)

Photography | Adam Redfield

xx

Dana

LADY LAMB

Nothing is more difficult to thrift than a good quality jacket. Tops? I have so many that I’ve created a selling/donations pile. Bottoms? I’ve collected all sorts, from skirts to shorts to jeans. Dresses? I always end up lugging an armful to the fitting room. Shoes? Your girl is an average size 7, so that’s never an issue.

Outerwear is a tricky category because the ones I see at thrift stores are often too big or too heavy. I want to stay warm, but I don’t want to be weighed down. Most of my coats and jackets are actually hand-me-downs because I can’t bring myself to splurge on them. I rarely find anything in my budget that’s worthwhile, and thrifting has proven to be a challenge.

It took me months, if not a year, to find a jacket, like this. I was infatuated with shearling after seeing my favorite YouTuber, Jenn Im, feature it on her channel. Her jacket is from a Korean brand, called K-styleme, which has unfortunately been discontinued. I got this similar version, from Poshmark, which practically looks the same. They both have biker collars, silver hardware, and all-over white shearling.

My jacket is by UNIF, which is an edgy streetwear label based in Los Angeles. It prides itself on scarcity and limited styles, and its outerwear sells from the mid to high $100 range. When I spotted this on Poshmark, it was already listed below $100, but I bargained it down to $60. The material was in mint condition, so the price was more than reasonable. Still, this is probably the most I’ve spent on a jacket because I’m the stingiest shopper, ever.

This fluffy piece has been with me since fall 2016, and it always keeps me warm and toasty in the winter. Whenever I wear it, I don’t even need to carry a bag because there are enough pockets for all of my essentials. It has two regular side pockets, two upper breast pockets, and a camouflaged bottom pocket that I failed to notice until last month. I like packing light, and this oversized jacket can hold my phone, wallet, keys, and lip balm. It allows me to be hands and hassle free, which I love.

+ Jacket | UNIF (Poshmark)

+ Crop Top | Forever 21

+ Leggings | Forever 21

+ Tote | Leonisa (MAGIC Trade Show)

+ Flats | Urban Outfitters

+ Earrings | Romwe

Photography | Adam Redfield

xx

Dana

NOVEMBER THRIFT HAUL

1. FOREVER 21 JUMPSUIT

Goodwill

$7.99

The short person struggle of finding a jumpsuit is too real. When I grabbed this from the rack, I anticipated disappointment, but it was surprisingly a perfect fit. According to my boyfriend, vertical stripes also make people appear taller. Whoever owned these, must’ve hemmed the legs because it wasn’t cropped online and there’s no way 5’2” is a standard height. This jumpsuit hugs all of the right places and the bare criss-crossed back is very flattering. It even has pockets, which I always appreciate. 

2. TURTLENECK

Poshmark

$7

It’s about time that I own a turtleneck, like this. I’ve been wanting a black mesh one for so long, but had no luck thrifting it, until now. Even though it’s thin and sheer, I’d still wear it on a winter night out. It can be layered, both over and underneath, with undershirts and outerwear. There’re also so many textures that can glam it up, like fur, leather, and metalware. Black can essentially go with anything, so the options are limitless. 

3. ROC RETINOL COREXXION EYE CREAM

Amazon

$15.09

I’m finally popping my eye cream cherry at 24. My mom would always use it and most of my friends swear by it. I was reluctant to add eye cream to my beauty routine, since it’s already expensive, as is. I’ve always had this terrible habit of rubbing my eyes and realized that my crows feet were becoming more prominent. This triggered me into getting eye cream and taking extra care of my skin. Before, I would always forget to moisturize my under eyes, since they’re such awkward and delicate areas. They used to be so dry and crusty, but now they look much brighter and healthier. I actually saw an immediate change and couldn’t stop stroking my under eyes, due to how smooth they’ve gotten.

4. KICKEE PANTS PAJAMA SET

Two Birdees

$41 (wholesale)

If you haven’t tried bamboo clothing, then you’re really missing out, especially if you have kids. I can’t stress, enough, how buttery soft and comfortable this material is. It melts on your skin and cools you down, which is a godsend for babies. My company carries, Kickee Pants, a bamboo clothing brand, that has a big cult following. They’re best known for baby and kids’ pajamas, but also produce a small selection of adult clothes. Because of their eco-friendly manufacturing process, the prices are much steeper. For many moms, the benefits outweigh the costs, since bamboo is so soothing for sensitive skin. Before working at Two Birdees, I was completely unaware of this fiber, but now I want it in every product category, possible. If only adult-sized bamboo pillowcases and bedsheets existed, I’d totally splurge. Everyone wants to feel the utmost comfort, at home, so why not invest in high quality sleepwear? Aside from underwear, these are probably the most religiously worn garments in our closet.

5. ZARA SKIRT

Goodwill

$4.99

This isn’t a style I would typically gear towards, but I thought it would be useful for Halloween, one year. Bright, poofy and glittery are the main ingredients for a fairy or princess costume. It will probably come in good use for other holidays and special occasions, as well. This is a dressy skirt that can elevate any look and match with any color. 

6. WTF PLANNER

Hadron Epoch

$22.50

It’s November, which means the year is almost finished, along with my planner. I’ve always preferred writing down dates and plans, instead of typing them onto my phone or computer. This way, I retain the information better. It’s also very satisfying when I fill up every page and get a fresh start at the beginning of each year. Similar to the idea of a journal, I love being able to look back on old memories and accomplishments. For next year, I chose a simple grey planner that looks like a classic library book. It has everything I need and then some. What I look for, in a planner, are both monthly and weekly sections. I use the monthly calendar for main events and special occasions, and the weekly pages are for my daily schedule. The special thing about this planner is that it has a financial planning organizer. I’ve been using Google Sheets for budgeting, so it’ll be convenient to have one designated place for all record keeping. The cutest perks, of all, are the checklists for “Places to Go” and “Movies & TV Shows to Watch.” This must be every Type A’s dream.

7. GOJANE JERSEY

Poshmark

$5

I must admit, I bought this jersey just so I could wear it to Disneyland, one day. Being that it’s located in Los Angeles, I thought it would be fitting to wear this, there. I even own black mouse ears to go with it. The mesh material is incredibly breathable, which will be beneficial against LA’s heat. With a black tube top and denim shorts, I’ll be ready to walk in the sun, all day.

8. GAP VEST

Goodwill

$3.99

I’m always surprised when I thrift sportswear, in mint condition, especially if it’s white. This crisp and clean vest, I found, is entirely spotless. It has mesh, low-cut armholes that has just the right amount of “peek-a-boo.” My black Nike sports bra, in contrast with this stark white vest, would create the ideal sporty look. It’s sleek, modern and monochrome.

9. LOU & GREY T-SHIRT DRESS

Goodwill

$6.99

The minimal stripes are what caught my eye, but the touch of the fabric is what sold me. Lou & Grey is a women’s clothing brand that prides itself on softness. Their “soft” is quite different from Kickee Pants “soft,” though. Kickee Pants is made entirely from bamboo, which has a smooth and cool texture. The Lou & Grey dress I bought is a rayon and spandex blend, which feels heavier, yet cozier than bamboo. It’s actually one size too big, for me, so I plan on wearing it as a nightdress.

10. KICKEE PANTS BOXERS

Two Birdees

$10 (wholesale)

Men’s boxers are the best alternative for pajama shorts. Not only do I like boxer prints and colors more, but the prices are also significantly lower. I don’t normally like colorful products, but I couldn’t resist this beautiful koinobori print, by Kickee Pants. The design is like a work of art, and the color palette gives me a retro 60s vibe. My boss actually gave me a KP pajama set, a year ago, and it instantly became my favorite. I always find myself reaching for those pajama shorts, first. As I mentioned before, nothing can compete with the comfort of bamboo fabric. I can only imagine these boxers being just as loose and weightless, if not more, because of its baggy silhouette.

xx

Dana

JUNE HAUL

1. CALVIN KLEIN BRA

Poshmark

$9

This basic bra was selling for $28, but I luckily found it, on Poshmark, for a third of that price. I never see this black on black version and was very excited when I saw it. I’m used to seeing the ones, with white elastic bands, circulating the internet. With my wardrobe, the more black, the better, so this was an easy selection. Although it’s a bralette, this won’t stop be from wearing it out, with a sheer top or set of overalls.

2. LAVENDER VIDA LOCA SOAP

LUSH

$7.95

I got this soap bar as a free sample with my purchase. For the past month, I have been taking a break from body wash, to use it. I have had LUSH samples, before, but not in this generous amount. The employees cut me a chunk of soap that has lasted me, weeks. I was never a big lavender lover, but this has a very settle and soothing scent. It may not have a creamy, hydrating formula, but it gets the job done. Most organic, hand-made products lack that nourishing lather that many of us are accustomed to. This is a likely compromise if you want something healthier for the environment and your skin.

3. REBELS REFINERY LIP BALM SET

Target

$9.99

Having dry lips is such an irritating feeling, so I can not leave the house without chapstick. I was running low on lip balm, and I wanted to try this skull-shaped one I saw on Facebook. Its packaging really reflects my style, since I am obsessed with skulls and the color, black. I got the three-pack, which comes with a mint, vanilla, and passion fruit flavor. They all smell good, but passion fruit was, by far, the most unique and refreshing scent. This set will probably last an entire year, and I can even use it as home decor, once the lip balm runs out.

4. AERIE ONE-PIECE SWIMSUIT

Poshmark

$18

I have been looking for a classic black bodysuit for so long. There are many different variations, so it was hard for me to find this exact silhouette, at an affordable price. This is actually a bathing suit, but I will mainly be wearing it as a bodysuit. It has a deep, low-cut back, along with plunged armholes that reveal a little side boob. This piece is very versatile, and I can’t wait to pair it with different styles, like maxi skirts or high-waisted denim shorts.

5. R+CO DRY SHAMPOO

Neiman Marcus

$17 (Travel Size)

Now that I'm blond, I wash my hair every two days, instead of every other day. The bleach has dried it up, which makes the shampooing and brushing process really tedious. The only time I ever tried dry shampoo was when I was in middle or high school. Not only did I use a cheap Walmart brand, but I did not apply it properly, either. This defeated its purpose and made my hair even greasier than before. I heard about R+Co’s dry shampoo from my favorite YouTuber, Jenn Im. She raved about how it absorbs oil really well and does not leave any white powdery casts. This review, along with the bottle’s beautiful packaging, convinced me to give dry shampoo a second chance. So far, I have used it, once, on day two hair. The formula removed any sign of oiliness and kept my scalp itch-free. Normally, my head gets really itchy, at this point, but the spray prevented any usual discomfort and irritation.

6. ENZO ANGIOLINI PLATFORMS

Goodwill

$8.99

I like Doc Marten’s infamous platforms, but certainly not its price point. I have always wanted shoes that resemble Creepers, so this cheap, toned down pair will do. They add extra height with zero ounces of pain and match nearly any outfit.

7. MARBLE-PRINT BEACH TOWEL

Society6

$29.24

I have had the same beach towel for six years, so it was time for an upgrade. Spending $30 on a towel may sound crazy, but I put that shit into good use. Summer calls for more poolsides, beaches, and traveling. I saw this while Googling “beach towel graphics,” for work, and was in awe. I love its color palette, marble textures, and geometric shapes. I have always had a radar on Society6, but was overwhelmed by its endless pages of graphics. The website has a plethora of unique prints by independent artists. Anyone can create an account and upload their work. Their designs can then be printed onto anything, from mugs and posters to bedding and cell phone covers. This is a great way to discover new art and to support talented people.

8. MOSSIMO LACE-UP FLATS

Goodwill

$8.99

I had a black pair of flats, just like these, but they were entirely ruined by sand and water. My boyfriend has this habit of taking me places at short notice. This leaves me poorly dressed for the occasion, and for this particular incident, he had us rock climbing along the beach. We live a bridge apart from each other, so if he doesn’t tell me what we’re doing over the weekend, I can’t just go home and grab different clothes. Suede lace-up flats are definitely not ideal for the beach, but at least I found a brown version, at Goodwill. This saved me from spending another $30 on the original GAP ones.

9. BUNNY EYESHADE

Miniso

gift

My boss went on a business trip to Shanghai and brought me back this soft, fuzzy eye mask. This has been on my shopping list, for a while, but all of the ones I liked were unavailable. I normally use these when I’m waken up by early lawnmowers or garbage trucks, throughout the week. Once I wake up during daylight, even at 6 or 7am, I have trouble falling back asleep. I’m super sensitive to light and sound, and the blinds in my bedroom are also broken. This mask has saved me a lot of sleep, and it will be very useful for traveling, as well.

10. THERMOFLASK WATER BOTTLE

Cosco

$24.99 (2-Pack)

For two years I had been using a large Voss bottle as my refillable water bottle. It worked, but the glass was very clunky and fragile. My brother bought us these 40 oz hydro flasks, since Cosco was selling two for $24.99. I drink a lot of water and would drink one to two refills of the Voss container, a day. My new flask is nearly double its size, so this encourages me to drink even more water than usual. I have never owned a stainless steal bottle, so it’s also been a luxury having long lasting cold water.

xx

Dana

FADED

Going from black to blond hair is not easy. Believe me, I have had my share of fuck-ups. On both attempts of going lavender, my hair turned blue because it was not platinum enough. I love experimenting with color, but before going for round three of pastels, I wanted to perfect blond, first. It took me two sessions to achieve this shade, but there are still touch-ups that need to be done. This is my transition from brunette to blond, along with what hair routine works for me.

PHASE I

Last summer, I dyed my hair dark brown and continued lightening it, using Sun-In hairspray. This is what it looked like hours before my first appointment.

PHASE II

The first session took 5.5 hours, and three were dedicated to bleaching. After the foil started heating up, my stylist shampooed my hair with No Yellow Fanola. This turned the brassy color into a dirty, ash blond. She then applied toner to reduce any unevenness. There was a thirty minute wait, followed by a second set of shampoo and conditioning. She left my roots unbleached, since I wanted them to gradually blend to blond. This will save me from needing any touch ups, once they grow.

I did like the finished look, but it had zero resemblance to the picture I sent. Instead of an overall blond, I had a series of highlights. I wanted to trust my stylist’s judgement, and I knew that first sessions were never flawless. Even though I prefer having a grey tone over a golden one, I still expected the blond to be more prominent. The color was also uneven, but that’s typically the case in the beginning.

PHASE III

Three months later, I finally booked my second appointment. I wanted to get this done much earlier, but my schedule didn’t line up with my stylist’s. She repeated the same exact steps, but this time it took 4.5 hours. I’m very satisfied with the result, but my roots still need to be toned. Right now, the top portion is brassy, but a few washes with purple shampoo should fix this. The most important thing is that my hair isn’t dead and still looks healthy.

GOING BLOND // DO'S AND DON'TS

RESEARCH

Choosing the right stylist is critical, especially with Asian hair. I don’t recommend going to a white salon because the employees are probably not as familiar with dying black hair. Ours is much trickier to work with than blonds’ and brunettes’. I was referred to, Lan, by my friend, Angela. Her pricing is more affordable than other colorists’, who also specialize in Asian hair. In the Bay Area, there are many options in San Jose, but most of those stylists charge over $400 for one session. This is more than what I paid for both of mine, combined. I went to Precision 8, in San Anselmo, which is in Marin County. If you schedule an appointment, here, be sure to contact Lan, for coloring, since that’s her expertise.

PATIENCE

In the past, I found ways to squeeze a long and expensive process into one to two sessions. Consequently, I chose damaged hair over a damaged wallet. When going blond, you must accept the fact that it can’t happen in one day. For the first few weeks you will have to endure orange or yellow brassiness. Take this time to moisturize and condition your hair before bleaching it, again. The first time I bleached mine, I tried going lavender in one sitting. Not only was this unhealthy, but it was impossible, to begin with. After baking my hair for over ten hours, it turned extremely slimy, and I lost a lot of strands, that day. Those that remained, completely fried up. This is what happens if you rush the many stages, so don’t make the same mistake I did.

CONDITION

I’m sure there are fancy conditioners designed for dyed hair, but my priority is just to condition. I don’t think it matters which brand you buy, as long as you use it after every wash. When I have lightened hair, I apply a little more, and I let it stay longer than usual. The bleach will dry up your hair, so it’s essential to nourish it, as much as possible.

NO YELLOW FANOLA

In order to avoid brassy hair, I use No Yellow Fanola shampoo, just like my stylist did. Fanola is a pricey brand, but its hair products really work. As the name suggests, it prevents yellow tints by using cool tones to lift your color. The shampoo is a deep violet and is ideal for grey, blond, and purple hair. Similar to conditioner, the product should sit in your hair for five to ten minutes before being rinsed. I like to mix a drop of the purple shampoo with regular shampoo. The purple shampoo, alone, does not have that hydrating, foamy lather.

HAIR TREATMENT

I use Biosilk’s Silk Therapy to soften my hair, since bleach causes knots, split ends, and course hair. This treatment makes brushing a lot easier, since the oil helps loosen tangles. After showering, I rub a nickel-sized amount into my ends, and it leaves my hair with a really nice scent. This brand can be found nearly anywhere, including CVS, Ulta, Amazon, and Marshalls.

+ Hoop Earrings | Claire’s

+ Stud Earrings | Old Navy

+ Crop Top | Forever 21

+ Sweatpants | Missguided

xx

Dana

MARCH BIRTHDAY HAUL

1. CLEMENTINE KIDS ZOOLOGY SWADDLE

Two Birdees

$9

I work at an organic, online kidswear company, called Two Birdees. We carry over 30 brands, and sell clothing, accessories, and toys. There are certain brands we have that make such cute prints, I wish they would design clothes in my size, too. Clementine Kids is the newest addition to our family, and they sell swaddles, which are basically baby blankets. They have so many beautiful, quirky prints, that I couldn’t resist buying one. I am planning on wearing it as a scarf or using it as home decor. One of the perks of being an employee is that I get to buy products at wholesale price, so it was 50% off.

2. ROSE GOLD HANGERS (30-PACK)

Amazon

$32.90

I have been using these hangers for years, but my brother got me more for my birthday. They were much needed because every time I plan an outfit, I end up piling my clothes onto “that one chair.” I have been using a dresser to store most of my wardrobe, but folded clothes quickly turn into a tossed-around mess. I am slowly switching everything to hangers, since it eliminates wrinkles and makes finding things so much easier.

3. MACRAME HANGING PLANTER

Amazon

$16.98

My boyfriend got me a Christmas Cactus last year, for Valentine’s Day, and it has begun blooming. Its branches can grow super long, depending on the size of its pot. Because it’s so unpredictable, I wanted to hang it from my ceiling, so that it can bloom, freely. I got this simple planter in a medium, but it comes in various sizes and styles on Amazon.

4. NUDE OFF-THE-SHOULDER SWEATSHIRT

Poshmark

$7

I love it when designers tweak basic staple pieces by adding a new, refreshing quality. All of the sweatshirts I own have an unusual twist, and this one has a single shoulder strap. The silhouette is off-the-shoulder, which slightly reveals my tattoo. It’s always nice getting to show off a little skin and ink. 

5. SETTLERS OF CATAN EXTENSION PACK

Amazon

$25.60

My friends and I often have game nights, and Settlers of Catan is one of our go-to's. We all wanted an extension pack, so my best friend, Ann, got me the Explorers and Pirates one, as a birthday present. I really enjoy strategy games, so I will definitely continue to build my collection and buy other extension packs.

6. URBAN OUTFITTERS LACE-UP SHIRT

Poshmark 

$6

I specially bought this shirt for my birthday, but I have been looking for something like it, for a while. Lace-up and cut-out clothes are two of my favorite styles. This top was listed at $8, on Poshmark, which is cheap as is. The seller then offered me an additional discount, and sold it at $6. With that money, I could probably just afford an accessory at Urban Outfitters, so this was such a good deal.

7. FENTY BEAUTY TROPHY WIFE HIGHLIGHTER

Sephora

$34

I only wear make up when I go out, and this consists of eyeliner, concealer, and lipstick. I don’t know jack about make up trends, so I never add anything extra, like contour or highlighter. After seeing raving reviews and pictures of Rihanna’s gold highlighter, I was convinced to change things up. I wanted that extra glow, and Ann treated me, once again, by getting this for my birthday.

8. CAT DISPOSABLE CAMERA

Urban Outfitters

Gift

All of my friends know that I am a crazy cat lady, so it’s inevitable that I would get something cat-related. My friend, Tony, gifted me this camera that comes with different cat graphics on each frame. The last time I used a disposable camera was either in elementary or middle school. Lately, I have been using my polaroid or Shutterfly account to print photographs. This is such a sweet and nostalgic present, and I am kind of intimated to use it. Hopefully I won’t waste any frames on bad pictures…

9. BRA(LETTE)

Poshmark

$13

I am all about freeing the nipple and refuse to wear a bra the majority of the time. Now that I have a full-time job, it would unfortunately be “unprofessional” for me to go braless. Most of my bras were extremely worn out, so I was left with a lot of bralettes. The best part about this bra is that it comes with removable pads. It has the appearance of a bralette, but can be worn as a regular, padded bra, when necessary. After surviving on pasties for months, this has become my new it-bra.

10. SEAMLESS UNDIES

UNIQLO

$7.50

I have finally found an alternative to thongs. Thanks to YouTuber, Weylie, I discovered that thongs are not the only option for hiding underwear lines. UNIQLO’s AIRism underwear are so thin, that no lines are visible. They are extremely stretchy and comfortable, and I hope that the company will produce more colors.

xx

Dana

RISKY BUSINESS

I’m guilty of stealing my boyfriend’s clothes all the time, but this isn’t one of those occasions. I actually found this shirt in the men’s section of Goodwill. Since Valentine’s Day is coming up, I wanted to pay homage to the classic boyfriend shirt. The term, “boyfriend,” isn’t meant to be taken literally, though. The fashion industry has turned it into another adjective for “oversized.” I’ve always had a thing for oversized shirts and sweaters, since they’re so comfy and casual. Sometimes, they even turn out as decent dresses.

I’m sure you’re familiar with the iconic Risky Business scene, where Tom Cruise dances in nothing, but socks and a button-up. This 1983 movie really inspired women to wear oversized dress shirts. Many girls dress down in this disheveled look, for Halloween, but the boyfriend shirt has become a major street style trend, as well.

Slipping on a boyfriend shirt alludes to ease and carelessness. It gives you that “just rolled out of bed” appeal, and specifically his, for that matter. As the online newsletter, Racked, explained, it’s about “clothing that was left on the floor” and “a reminder of a private space in public." The idea is borderline risqué, but enough to remain publicly “appropriate.” 

As Valentine’s Day creeps up, there’s no problem with wearing your heart on your sleeve. After dressing up for date night, borrowing a simple shirt the next day is a refreshing option.

+ Lipstick | MAC’s Paramount 

+ Glasses | Borough Market (London)

+ Necklace | Forever 21

+ Earrings | Old Navy

+ Button-Up | GAP (Goodwill)

+ T-Shirt | Mudd

+ Jeggings | DL 1961 (Buffalo Exchange)

+ Socks | Forever 21

+ Shoes | Forever 21

Photography | Adam Redfield

xx

Dana

FIT FOR A FANCY FEAST

Holiday season is finally here, so I put together a thrifted, high-end look that’s fit for a Christmas or New Years party. This is a formal, yet minimal outfit. People tend to think of red, green, and shimmering sparkles for the Holidays, but you can never go wrong with a classic black and white combo.

For this look, I paired an off-the-shoulder crop top with an A-line midi skirt. Together, they reveal a little bit of skin, while still remaining classy. The flowy, high-waisted skirt balances the short and tight fit of my blouse. I found this skirt at Salvation Army with the original tag attached. It’s designed by Ellen Tracy and was selling for $378, but I got it for $5.99. I can’t imagine spending that much on an outfit, let alone on one item of clothing.

The same thing goes for jewelry. I can care less about authentic gold and diamond, and will opt for custom jewelry, any day. Since my look is on the dressier side, I accessorized it with dainty jewelry. I really wanted Are You Am I’s Clasp Choker, but $139 is still not ideal. Thanks to Etsy, I found a similar version for $13.50. I kept my other accessories just as simple and piled on more black.

The highlight of this look is definitely the Tadashi Shoji crop top. I bought this top at Goodwill in high school, and it was one of the first few designer pieces I thrifted. Its draping and ruching has a fancy appeal, but the garment is effortlessly wearable. The tulle material is stretchy and breathable, and within one zip, everything stays in place. I never have to worry about adjusting my sleeves, as I do with most off-the-shoulder tops.

These silhouettes and proportions give off an old-fashioned vibe, and make me feel very elegant. Sometimes, the key to making a statement is by wearing no color at all. Why blend in with the Christmas decorations, when you can stand out? 

+ Choker | Etsy

+ Ring | Old Navy

+ Clutch | Clemente (hand-me-down)

+ Crop Top | Tadashi Shoji (Goodwill)

+ Skirt | Ellen Tracy (Salvation Army)

+ Heels | Urban Outfitters

Photography | Adam Redfield

xx

Dana

SHINING, SHIMMERING SPLENDID

The last time I was a Disney Princess, I was probably seven. Now, I tend to choose zombies and villains over princesses. Looking back at the past two Halloweens, I was Wednesday Addams and The Corpse Bride. Pretty and pure isn’t my likely go-to, but, this year, I wanted to coordinate a costume from items I already owned. 

I had mint green harem pants and a green gem choker, so Princess Jasmine, it was. I got my harem pants, years ago, from a flea market in Vietnam. They’re very loose and lightweight, so I mainly used them as pajama bottoms. The choker is from Forever 21, but I received it as a Christmas gift. Based on these two pieces, I began to build my costume.

When shopping for Halloween costumes, I try to purchase clothes that I’d wear again. The main thing I was missing from my ensemble was a green crop top. As most of you know, I rarely wear color, and my closet is dominated by neutrals. Looking for a wearable green top was a struggle, so I ended up thrifting a sports bra. My favorite part about the bra is the back cutout and the way it exposes my back tattoo. It only cost $9, and activewear always comes in handy.

For the accessories, I didn’t want it to look like cheap, Halloween props, so I opted for delicate, minimal pieces. In the movie, Princess Jasmine wore a teal, jeweled headband and gold chunky statement jewelry. I knew that I’d never wear a teal headband again, so I searched for a gold hair chain with turquoise accents, instead. I found mine for $7 on Poshmark, but there’re many other variations on Etsy. For an extra touch, I added a gold body chain to my outfit. This was another $7 Poshmark find, but other styles are sold on Etsy, as well.

There’re so many interpretations you can create from Princess Jasmine’s look, but as long as you have a blue or green clothing set, people should get the point. The key is color coordination. Just make sure that your garments are cool tones and your bling bling is gold.

+ Headpiece | Wet Seal (Poshmark)

+ Choker | Forever 21

+ Body Chain | Poshmark

+ Sports Bra | Jo+Jax (Poshmark)

+ Harem Pants | Vietnam

Photography | Adam Redfield

xx

Dana

SWEAT IT OUT

LOOK ONE

LOOK TWO

Yeah, I know that thrifting sportswear may sound gross. The thought of someone else profusely sweating in it might come to mind. That didn’t stop me from giving it a chance, though. I mean, think about all of those (including me) who frequently lounge and run errands in sportswear, instead of exercising in them. Maybe this is why I can actually find decent, secondhand "workout clothes."

Nearly everything I’m wearing was from Goodwill, and all items were in great condition. After years of exercising in them, this still holds true. With sportswear, I always make sure to inspect the garments carefully. I never purchase anything smelly, stained, or worn out. It’s very transparent if something has been heavily used. For instance, the smell of B.O. or the discoloration of underarm sweat stains are easy giveaways.

When I first began thrift shopping I was surprised to find such a plethora of sportswear. At this point I have collected several Nike, Reebok, and Adidas gear. The best part is that I roughly spend $5 on each item, which I doubt, can even get me a pair of socks at Nike. Sportswear can get really expensive if you’re shopping for quality construction that won’t wear and tear when working out. I can’t imagine how much all of my sportswear would cost if I bought them brand new, but I’m content with keeping it that way.

+ Sunglasses | Forever 21

+ Jacket | Nike (Buffalo Exchange)

+ Sports Bra | Nike

+ Racerback | Adidas (Goodwill)

+ Shorts | Nike (Goodwill)

-

+ Pullover | Adidas (Goodwill)

+ Crop Top | Reebok (Goodwill)

+ Leggings | Forever 21

+ Sneakers | Nike (Tiffany Run)

Photography | Adam Redfield

xx

Dana

FELT LIKE SUMMER

Last weekend my friends and I planned a last-minute road trip to Southern California. This was my first time doing a SoCal trip with friends and actually getting to explore San Diego and Los Angeles. As a kid I traveled south to go to Disneyland or visit family, but I never got to shop, go to beaches, or do site seeing. The main focus of this trip was beautiful views and lots and lots of good food.

The hills and beaches in SoCal are so breathtaking, and one of the highlights of San Diego was catching the sunset on a Torrey Pines cliff. I wish we had an actual hike or beach day there, but due to limited time, we just drove to the top of the hill. The other San Diego beach we visited was La Jolla Beach, which was in an affluent neighborhood surrounded by trendy shops and tasty eateries. 

For day two we drove up to LA and spent most of the day at Venice Beach. While La Jolla had many high-end shops, like Ralph Lauren and White House Black Market, Venice had unique art stores and fashion labels. The atmosphere also felt more young and vibrant, since it was filled with music, graffiti, and street artists. Unfortunately, we had to leave mid-day for the long drive back, so we only got to walk the beach and drive through the shopping strip.

It was bittersweet that the trip only lasted two days, but the 20 hours of driving was well worth it. We jam-packed as many people and places into our schedule as possible, so it was a very fulfilling trip. We caught up with many old high school friends, and I also got to meet some of my friend’s San Jose State friends. Most importantly, we ate a lot during our stay, and I was not disappointed by any of the food we tried. In case you need help planning a SoCal getaway, below is a list I compiled of all the cafes and restaurants we visited.

-

SAN DIEGO

Tacos el Gordo – You can’t go wrong with authentic Mexican food. If you need something cheap and fast, then I highly recommend going here. This restaurant is popular for its wide selection of tacos. Depending on the day, it’s open until 2 or 4am, so it’s perfect for midnight munchies.

Bobboi Natural Gelato – This gelato shop is on a strip along La Jolla Beach. It’s a mom and pop store that sells unusual, organic flavors, like cacti, rosewater, and vanilla charcoal. The shop has rustic vibes with wood, cacti, and chalkboard decorations, and there is also nice outdoor seating.

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters – Here I ordered the iced latte and tried some of my friend’s cold brew. Unlike some other coffee shops, like Starbucks and Peets, this place sells quality coffee that isn’t overly sweet or watered down. The store has plenty of space for getting work done, and there is a lot of interesting artwork along the walls.

Kogi BBQ – Like all Korean barbecue joints, this stuff will fill you up, so come with an empty stomach. Also make sure to go with someone who knows their shit because I had no idea how to order or prepare the meat. I’m not a huge meat eater, but their meat was so fresh and juicy. Even their side dishes, like egg soup and cheesy corn, were really good.

Kung Fu Tea – Most bubble tea places I go to don’t have a public restroom or a lot of seating, but this place has both. This is a good hangout spot for friends, since it has a bunch of tables that can seat large groups of people. The menu also has so many flavors to choose from, so there’s always something new to try.

LOS ANGELES

Café Collage – This is a small café one block away from Venice Beach. The dark roast cold brew was the only thing I tried, but it was definitely one of the best cold brews I’ve ever had. Although I didn't order any food, there was a lot of sandwich and salad options, and their pastry cases were filled with gourmet desserts. 

Photography | John Tran + Dana Nguyen

xx

Dana

LAZY DAY

Now that it’s getting colder, it’s time to layer up. For my trip to New York I did a sweater-on-sweater look, and wore an oversized cardigan over my sweater dress. I usually pair sweater dresses with tights, but since it’s chillier on the East Coast, I opted for jeggings. Sweater weather also calls for soft and cozy textures, so this Abercrombie & Fitch cardigan is one of my fall staple pieces. I wanted to go for an effortless and comfortable look because New York always involves a lot of walking. What I love about this outfit is that it’s casual enough to wear out, but comfortable enough to sleep and lounge in. Every item, aside from the sneakers and beanie, were thrifted. I found the A&F cardigan at Goodwill, for less than $10, and the Urban Outfitters sweater dress at Philly Aids Thrift, for about $5. Now that the winter holidays are coming up, I’m hoping to thrift for more sweaters, especially ugly Christmas ones. 

+ Lipstick | MAC’s Paramount

+ Beanie | Zara Kids

+ Sweater Dress | Silence + Noise (Philly Aids Thrift)

+ Cardigan | Abercrombie & Fitch (Goodwill)

+ Jeggings | DL1961 (Buffalo Exchange)

+ Sneakers | Nike

Photography | Anand Patel + Dana Nguyen

xx

Dana

PUT ON YOUR BIG GIRL PANTS

You know that feeling when you see a killer garment that you can’t picture yourself wearing? Well thanks to thrift shopping, I slowly overcame that fear and now take way more fashion risks than I would have if I only shopped fast fashion or department stores. When shopping retail chains, I’m always more cautious with my spending and never want to splurge on any over-the-top garments. These tend to be out of my budget and then I get buyer’s remorse once they wind up lying in my closet for most of the year.

The perk of discovering one-of-a-kind items at thrift stores is that they are normally dirt cheap. I found these J. Marco bellbottoms at Goodwill for about $10, and knew that I couldn’t pass them up. I’ve never seen anything like them, and they are great conversation starters for special occasions. The hemline is so wide that I have to wear four-inch heels to keep myself from tripping, but I ain’t even mad. These pants have so much volume from all of the intricate pleating. It literally feels like I’m wearing a slinky with every step that I take.

Don’t be afraid to try new and daring looks. Fuck the rules, fuck the seasons and fuck the trends. Thrift shopping has helped me eliminate all of the "fashion rules." Ever since I started shopping secondhand, I don’t always shop for practical clothes anymore. Sometimes I come across garments, like these, that are so rare, they basically become a collector’s item to me. I think that’s the art of shopping at thrift, consignment and antique stores. There’s always a plethora of interesting finds, so you can discover unique, vintage and designer garments at incredible prices. It won’t hurt your bank account, and you’ll be one of the few, if not the only person, to own such garments.

+ Lipstick | MAC's Black Knight

+ Sunglasses | Forever 21

+ Hoop Earrings | Forever 21

+ Choker | Forever 21

+ Crop Top | Boohoo

+ Trousers | J. Marco (Goodwill)

+ Booties | Forever 21

Photography | Roberto Salmon

xx

Dana

PLEATS, PLEASE

Within the four years I lived in Philly, Buffalo Exchange and Philly Aids Thrift were the only two stores that I would thrift shop at. It’s sad how in a bustling city, the only true thrift store I knew of was Philly Aids. Other than that, I would occasionally thrift shop at Phila Flea Markets. Every other option was a consignment store, that preselected and overpriced top name brands and trends. For this look, the sheer cover-up is one of the many items that I bought from Philly Aids. What I love about this store is not only its cheap prices and frequent sales, but also the fact that my money is going toward a good cause. A portion of its proceeds is donated to local organizations that help fight against HIV/AIDS. Because it takes in every donation, shopping there takes more digging and sorting to go through, but, for me, that process is always my favorite part.

+ Necklace | hand-crafted

+ Glasses | Borough Market

+ Dress | Stylenanda (dumpster dived)

+ Cover-Up | Urban Outfitters (Philly Aids Thrift)

+ Skirt | Goodwill

+ Shoes | Forever 21 (hand-me-down)

Photography | LB Photograhy

xx

Dana

BACK TO BASICS

Everyone’s got to love a basic white tee. Sometimes you’re feeling lazy, but you still want to look decent, so that’s what they’re there for. I truly think that thrift stores are the best places to shop for basics, like tank tops and t-shirts. There’s no point in spending over $5 for something so simple. My favorite is when I find a basic with unique details, like this Very J t-shirt that I got from Buffalo Exchange. The neckline and seams are lined with black leather, which gives it an edgy touch.

Other summer basics that I have been relying on are my reflective sunglasses, black high-wasted shorts and Birkenstocks. What I love about each of these items is how comfortable they are and how they easily match with anything. Basically everything I’m wearing was thrifted, aside from my necklace. With thrift shopping, you’ll never know what you’ll find, but basics are the number one things that any thrift store will have. Purchasing basics secondhand and investing more money on special, brand new pieces will definitely be worth your while.

+ Lipstick | MAC’s Rebel

+ Sunglasses | Buffalo Exchange

+ Necklace | Forever 21

+ T-shirt | Very J (Buffalo Exchange)

+ Shorts | Ci Sono (Goodwill)

+ Sandals | Birkenstock (Poshmark)

+ Satchel | Laney Flea Market

Photography | LB Photography

xx

Dana

BLACK + TAN

I carry a little piece of my mom with me everywhere I go. There isn’t a day where I’m not wearing at least one of her clothing items. My mom was the one who got me into thrift shopping, and, like me, most of the clothes that she owned was secondhand. Growing up, I would always browse through her closet and borrow her clothes. Once I reached high school, we were practically the same size, so it gave me an even greater excuse to do so. After she passed away, I inherited a lot of her clothes and accessories. The tribal printed vest I’m wearing is one of the many garments that I inherited from her. When I was little, I used to always give my mom shit for wearing too much black and brown. These are ironically two of my favorite colors to wear now, and I hate anything that’s too bold or bright.

This month I also got another tattoo that pays homage to her. I got a dainty tattoo of my mom’s signature on my finger. Whether it’s through art or fashion, I’m constantly finding new ways to keep her memory alive.

+ Lipstick | MAC’s Paramount

+ Necklace | New Look

+ Vest | hand-me-down

+ Dress | Stylenanda (dumpster dived)

+ Shoes | Forever 21 (hand-me-down)

Photography | LB Photography

xx

Dana