Thrifting Guidelines

A lot of people are getting curious about thrifting, and so I thought I'd share some tips on how to make it work for you.

Thrifting Guide #1: Don’t thrift just for the sake of it

My university friend has been really intrigued by the fact that a lot of my wardrobe is second-hand. She marvels at my custom-tailored pants, oversized Grandma cardigans, and other vintage finds so much that she’s been asking me to tag along. We don’t have similar styles at all, but eventually I did take her to Value Village to get a quick taste of thrifting.

My favourite finds: a Nine West purse that doubles as a wallet (I seriously wear it everywhere); knit over-sized cardigans; cowboy boots, loafers and hiking boots; floral print slacks I tailored into harem pants and high-waisted '90s "Mom" jeans

I must say, thrifting just because it is a trend is not going to do you any benefit. For those of us dying to be unique or have a particular item that is not currently in style, thrifting is an awesome option. But for every printed blazer, striped slacks or woven leather shoes I pointed out, my friend snarled and scrunched her face at my poor taste. The pieces she was more into included solid blazers, which she did not like because they weren’t cut like the ones in stores—“They’re from the ‘80s!” I pointed out.

One of the best things to buy secondhand are accessories--bags, to be specific! Backpacks, handbags, satchels and clutches are all available in styles you never even knew you'd like.

The newest addition to my collection of bags: a floral print, leather lined handbag; Value Village, 2.99.

So here is my point: I think a lot of people like the price behind second-hand shopping, but not quite the style or having to search for items. The best way to combat this is to do your shopping at affordable chain stores (XXI, H&M, Winners, TJ Maxx, etc) then only resort to thrifting when you have a specific item in mind. Don’t thrift just because you want to say you did—you’ll only waste your money!

Posted by Ojo

Bow-tied!

Everyone seems to be loving bow-ties these days! From the guys...

To the ladies...

And even the dogs? =p

There are so many different and unique styles out there. A bow-tie can spice up a casual outfit or add a touch of class. It all depends on how you choose to rock it. They're funky, cute, and have made a comeback, showing up in more places than just on the traditional penguin tail tuxedo. Try one out for yourself!

The colours... *drools*

That clutch, ugh, love it. Yellow's my favourite colour and THAT is in fact my favourite shade of yellow. Someone find it for me! ^_^

Point blank, I'd kill for these shoes. That is all. 

Ripped Tights: Yay or Nay?

As the ‘90s grunge look slowly crabwalks eerily back into fashion, you have to ask yourself which pieces of the Kurt Cobain/Courtney Love-inspired look you’ll be picking up. I find it difficult, figuring out what I can wear without looking like an angsty fourteen-year old, but there’s something about torn tights that has me intrigued. A rip in your stockings used to mean a straight trip to the garbage bin, but today it’s become a necessity for some styles. Here are some outfits that I think use the ripped tights trend well, without completely sacrificing class for trash.

Virgin Mistress: The overly ripped tights are contrasted with a white virginal peasant dress, soft colours, and classy accessories.

Cosby Grunge: The midnight tights are paired with a daytime Grandpa sweater that can easily be found at any thrift store. The bold, vintage patterns add a playfulness to the seductive tights.

Subtle Tears: The slight tears in the knees offer a casual feel to the class the leather shorts and suede booties bring.

DIY Projects - Deathly Hallows Shirt

For many of us over the age of fifteen, our childhoods officially ended this weekend as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 was released. This meant nothing more to look forward to with respect to the stories we’ve grown up reading and watching. But just because the series is having its last run on the big screen, why should the fun have to stop? Pictured here is a DIY Deathly Hallows crop top, which is simple to make and will keep your Harry Potter passion alive.

You’ll need:

• An oversized, plain cotton T-shirt in any colour (I’ve chosen black),
• White acrylic paint (again, you can choose whatever colour you like),
• A paintbrush (it’s easiest when the brush is the thickness you want your lines to be), 
• A pencil, white gel pen or pen that will show up on the shirt,
• And scissors

Step 1: Make it a crop top 

Every step is entirely optional. If you rather not snip your shirt, then don’t. But try it out, as it adds an extra bit of style and originality to your shirt. Lay your shirt on a flat surface. Using your pen, roughly outline where you would like to snip your shirt. A dome shape works best, leaving your shirt longer on its sides. Cut a couple centimetres around the neckline to get a looser fit. If you would like a sleeveless shirt, simply cut about a centimetre along the seam. Try it on and adjust it as you need to.

Step 2: Draw on your symbol

Using your pen, draw on your Deathly Hallows symbol. It’s just a rough outline so you don’t paint it lopsided!

Step 3: Paint it!

It takes a few coats to get it right, but paint along your rough outline, using the width of your paintbrush as a guide so the thickness is uniform. Repeat until the paint is opaque and let it dry.

And of course, all steps are optional and it’s always best to experiment. You can try other symbols or cuts and get the look that you want.

We may be saying goodbye to the moving staircases and talking portraits of Hogwarts, but now every time you look in your closet you can get back in the Potter mood!

This DIY project has been brought to you by Ojo Evelyn of VBD.

To turban or not to turban?

I don't know how you feel about turbans, head wraps, and headbands, but I think they're great. having a bad hair day or maybe you just wanna up the ante on a slightly simple outfit...a turban might be the way to go. I have yet to attempt the turban or head wrap look, I'm kind of skeptical about if it'd suit me or not. None-the-less, I'm more than willing to give it a try and I think their reappearance in today's fashion is definitely a PLUS. Patterened, colourful or neutral & plain, their a good look in my books!

Tribal's EVERYWHERE

Tribal prints have become a huge trend in fashion recently. Whether it's shoes, jewellery, hair accessories, nails, purses, menswear OR women's, tribal print is taking over.
I ain't even mad doe! =p
I'm SUCH a fan of tribal prints, so I just hope this trend is in for a while!

Style Sense

Just a few looks I happen to reaaallyy like.