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

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

HOWL

Up until freshman year of college, I had never watched anime. I may have seen mainstream shows, like Pokemon and Sailor Moon, but I was too little to retain anything that happened. When I shared this with my friend, Mo, he gave me a lot of shit and insisted that I watch a Hayao Miyazaki film. It was the start of Thanksgiving break and campus was secluded, aside from small clusters of international and out-of-state students. The rest of our friends had left and most restaurants were closed, so we ordered Chinese takeout and watched Princess Mononoke.

Miyazaki is known for developing strong female leads, and the protagonist, San, was nothing short of that. As a baby, her parents sacrificed her to wolves, and she grew up to lead the pack. These wolves immersed her into wildlife and raised her to be ruthless and independent. 

I knew I had to be this badass bitch for Halloween, one day, but recreating her look would be difficult. She’s not a character you’d see at Halloween stores, and I didn’t want to design my costume from scratch. Like all of my previous costumes, I wanted it to be an assortment of wearable, everyday clothes.

Being the extra me that I am, I’ve stowed away my faux fur hat for almost five years, for this costume. I’m always keen on stashing good finds for future use. This is when my Pinterest and planner come into play. I’m that person who will start brainstorming for next year, right after Halloween has ended. I purchased this hat while working at Zara, my sophomore year. A customer had returned it several seasons later, so I got a steep discount. It was the closest thing I could find to San’s cape, so I felt obligated to buy it.

For the rest of my look, I tried to thrift as much as I could. My first stop was Goodwill, where I found my dress and shoes. I didn’t own any tan, slouchy boots, like hers, but I wasn’t going to kill myself over a pair of shoes. The sheepskin moccasins were a rare and lucky find and only cost $2.99.

As expected, jewelry was impossible to thrift, so I resulted to ASOS and Romwe. I didn’t want literal duplicates of San’s jewelry, since I couldn’t see myself wearing them, again. Instead of shell earrings, I got white fuzzy hoops to match my fur hat. For the armbands, I could’ve used blue ribbon, but ASOS was conveniently selling a pack of 2 arm cuffs for $2.

The hardest items to look for were the top and necklace. I spent weeks online browsing for anything remotely similar. I substituted her ivory wolf fangs with a layered statement necklace. Its spearheads and moon crescent have the same warrior-like quality that I wanted.

The top was a challenging key term search because I didn’t know what to call it. Slit, side cut, side scoop, muscle tank, and sleeveless sweater were all of the variations I tried, to find the right match. It was none other than Pinterest, that recommended a comparable look, by Pull&Bear. The sweater was sold out on their website, but like most cases, Poshmark came in clutch. I found the exact same one and bargained it down to $5.

It was like a guessing game shopping from different places, but in the end, the pieces gelled really well, together. The essential part is that I love them all (minus the oversized arm cuffs) individually, and I can’t wait to blend them into my everyday wardrobe.

+ Faux Fur Hat | Zara

+ Statement Necklace | ASOS

+ Hoop Earrings | Romwe

+ Arm Cuffs | ASOS

+ Sweater | Pull&Bear (Poshmark)

+ Dress | Merona (Goodwill)

+ Moccasins | Minnetonka (Goodwill) 

Photography | Adam Redfield

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

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)

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+ Pullover | Adidas (Goodwill)

+ Crop Top | Reebok (Goodwill)

+ Leggings | Forever 21

+ Sneakers | Nike (Tiffany Run)

Photography | Adam Redfield

xx

Dana

STUD SPANGLED LEATHER

Black, studs, and leather; these are just a few of my favorite things. My style may change from day-to-day, but the one thing that remains the same is my love for black. Since this is an all-black look, I wanted to play with as many different textures as possible. This outfit includes all sorts of materials, like mesh, velvet, and leather.

I went all out and decided to wear some of the unusual things that have been buried in my closet. Most people don’t know or understand this side of me, but I’ve always been a sucker for dark and edgy styles. A few fashion icons that really inspire me are Rihanna, Rooney Mara, and Eugenie Grey (Feral Creature). I look up to each of these ladies for different reasons, but one thing they all have in common is that they are total badasses. These women don’t give a flying fuck about what other people think. They wear whatever the hell they want, despite how raunchy the look may be.

Rihanna is known for her eclectic hairstyles and outfits, and she’s one of those rare people who, I’m sure, can make a trash bag look good. For those of you who don’t know Rooney Mara or Eugenie Grey, Mara was the lead in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Grey is a fashion and lifestyle blogger. Both share my habit of hoarding a monochrome wardrobe, but Mara is famous for her red carpet gowns and Grey is known for her lingerie and street style.

I wanted to channel these ladies’ daring sense of style, so I pulled together a goth-inspired look. This shoot was all about going out of my comfort zone and expressing another layer that people never see. This is obviously not an average everyday look that I would leave the house in, but the fearlessness it takes to rock something like this is what I want to remember. My goal is to apply these women’s attitude to my daily routine when getting dressed every morning. It’s easy to talk yourself down and to worry about being too flashy, too overdressed, or too risqué, but everyone has the right to decorate their body as they wish.

+ Lipstick | MAC's Cyber

+ Choker | Forever 21

+ Bra | Haight-Ashbury St

+ Vest | Lilith (Goodwill)

+ Leggings | Walmart

+ Booties | Forever 21

Photography | Roberto Salmon

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

GOBBLE UP

In preparation for Thanksgiving, we all want to have as much space in our pants to fit the highly anticipated food baby. It’s that time of year where it’s socially acceptable to stuff your belly with whatever and however much food you want. There’s no need to compensate comfort for style, so here are four different looks you can choose from, for a long day of eating and drinking. They’re all so comfy that you can literally wear them in a food coma. 

ONE

One can never go wrong with a chunky knit sweater or sweater dress for Thanksgiving. This is probably the comfiest you could get. Oversized sweaters are usually flowy, so you could eat as much as you want and still have plenty of breathing room. I layered my sweater dress with tights and over-the-knee socks to stay warm and cozy. This is a nice, effortless look for a more casual get-together, like Friendsgiving.

+ Sweater Dress | Free People (Philly Aids Thrift)

+ Tights | Forever 21

+ Socks | Forever 21

+ Booties | Jessica Simpson (Philly Aids Thrift)

TWO

Dresses are always good go-to’s for special occasions. They require such little effort, while making you look more formal. Slipping on a dress takes less than one minute, and it’s also so comfortable to sit in. Dresses with interesting prints, like this tie-dye one, can create an optical illusion, and show no signs of bloating. For an extra touch of fall, I added some dangly leaf earrings to the outfit.

+ Earrings | Claire’s

+ Necklace | Forever 21

+ Ring Set | Old Navy

+ Ring Band | Laney Flea Market

+ Midi Dress | Rabbit (Philly Aids Thrift)

+ Flats | GAP Outlet

THREE

If you decide to wear pants for Thanksgiving, then I suggest anything stretchy, like leggings. The thought of wearing jeans just sounds so painful and uncomfortable. I for one, get extremely bloated after a big meal, so any bottom buttons usually come undone, anyways. For this outfit I wore all black underneath, since it’s such a slimming color. I gave it a more fall vibe by wearing a leaf-printed scarf. This is also another good option for a casual Thanksgiving dinner.

+ Hoop Earrings | Claire’s

+ Statement Ring | Forever 21

+ Ring Band | Laney Flea Market

+ Scarf | hand-me-down

+ Tank | American Rag (Macy’s)

+ Leggings | Forever 21

+ Cardigan | Forever 21

+ Booties | Jessica Simpson (Philly Aids Thrift)

FOUR

If you’re like me, and normally hate wearing color, you can still wear all black errytang and make it “fall-friendly.” For this look I’m wearing a floral printed midi-dress. Even though floral is typically associated with spring, I feel like muted florals and leaf prints are perfect for fall. This is the most formal look out of them all, so it could be a good option if you’re having Thanksgiving at your significant other’s house. 

+ Lipstick | MAC’s Paramount

+ Statement Ring | Old Navy

+ Ring Set | Old Navy

+ Ring Band | Laney Flea Market

+ Hoop Earrings | Claire’s

+ Midi Dress | Harold’s (Goodwill)

+ Flats | GAP Outlet

Please let me know which look was your favorite in the comment box below! I expect you all to eat your asses off this Thursday, and I truly hope you skip those skinny jeans. Believe me, your stomach will thank you. 

Photography | Roberto Salmon

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

FREE CLOTHES // FREE SPIRIT

My favorite part about this outfit is that it was basically free! Everything aside from my accessories was throwaway items that I either found or inherited. Move out season is what I look forward to at the end of the school year. This is the time when people are forced to start cleaning their closets. My friends had so many bags of clothes that I got to rummage through, so I snatched a lot of great finds. The high-low dress and booties I’m wearing are both garments that I inherited from my friend. The slip underneath is a dress that I found in the trash room of my old apartment. People throw away so much good shit at the end of the year; you just need to look for them.

After searching through my friends’ piles of donations, I added over 10 new clothing items to my closet. This further emphasized how shopping for brand new clothes is so unnecessary for my lifestyle. Most people find digging through people’s old clothes disgusting, time-consuming, or just plain awkward. I don’t see what’s the harm in asking though because I always walk away with good labels at absolutely no cost. This saves my wallet so much money, while still updating my wardrobe. Between picking through people’s “trash” and thrift shopping, I’ll have enough clothes to last me a lifetime. 

+ Lipstick | MAC’s Paramount

+ Sunglasses | Buffalo Exchange

+ Necklace | Forever 21

+ Dress | H&M (hand-me-down)

+ Slip | Stylenanda (dumpster dived)

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

Photography | LB Photography

xx

Dana

YOUNG, WILD, AND FREE

For Fourth of July weekend I crossed having an East Coast beach day off of my bucket list. My friends and I drove from Philadelphia to New Jersey to spend the day at Wildwood Beach. Let’s be real, the beach was not nearly as nice as West Coast ones, but that didn’t stop us from having fun. We sipped on fruity alcohol and splashed through the waves before strolling down the boardwalk. Everything about the trip felt effortless, and it was relaxing just to escape the city and be lazy beach bums for a day. 

My ultimate goal whenever I go to the beach is to pack light. This is one of the few places where you have an excuse to basically be naked in public. I wanted to take full advantage of that, and I also wanted to be as comfortable as possible for the long car ride. I decided on a lightweight halter dress that was very loose and flowy. This is yet another dumpster find that I snagged, and it’s an Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue dress. Everything else I’m wearing is also secondhand, aside from my Zinke bikini, which I bought from an online Australian retailer.

+ Sunglasses | Buffalo Exchange

+ Earrings | Laney Flea Market

+ Dress | Urban Outfitters (dumpster dived)

+ Bikini | Zinke

Photography | Dana Nguyen + Alex Yang

xx

Dana

OCEAN OMBRE

This week I was in heaven and spent Spring Break in Orlando, Florida. I got to be a lazy beach bum for a day, and just threw on a swimsuit, a dress and a cardigan. My beach day was at Cocoa Beach, which is a one-hour drive from Orlando. The weather was warm, the sand was spotless and the sky and ocean was clear blue.

The one-piece and Birkenstock sandals I’m wearing are great steals I got from Poshmark. If you’ve never used Poshmark before, then I highly recommend trying it. This is an easy smartphone app for selling, buying and trading clothes and accessories. It’s basically like an eBay, but specifically for women's fashion. Other secondhand items I’m wearing are my midi dress and iridescent sunglasses, which are both from Buffalo Exchange.

For my beach day outfit, I wanted to stay as comfortable as possible, so I layered on flowy silhouettes. My color palette had neutrals, like creams and blues, to match the environment, and to keep up with the beach vibes I wore tie-dye and fish scale prints.

+ Sunglasses | Buffalo Exchange

+ Hat | Camden Market

+ Cardigan | Forever 21

+ Dress | Vasna Desire (Buffalo Exchange)

+ Swimsuit | Poshmark

+ Sandals | Birkenstock (Poshmark)

Photography | Anand Patel

xx

Dana