Tag: vacation

Humble Hippie. Cute Accessories.

Hello Everyone! Just wanted to pass along some great photos I took over the weekend in Ocean Beach. Of course, I stopped by the Humble Hippie on Newport Avenue.

While sipping my Vanilla Latte I couldn’t resist doing a little more than window shopping. So much for my vow to “keep wallet in handbag”.  (I failed….)

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I really loved the cute hats and cozy knit scarves.  Being the thrifty shopper, I was thrilled with the prices– $19 for scarves- heaven!

Especially now with the cooler Fall weather a scarf is great to throw on with a jean jacket or light sweater.  This is the rational I used– you guessed it– I got a new scarf.  If you want to see what it looks like, check out my blog post from earlier this week.  (I paired it with a jacket I got for $31 at Marshall’s)

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If you’re in the market for flirty dresses, there are plenty of these too.  Maybe I’m too much into accessories these days because all I can think about is which scarf and which hat I would wear with that bright dress pictured on the right, above.

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The Humble Hippie was as charming as ever! I had a nice chat with the owner (Wes) this weekend too.  He sent me a couple of really cool photos that I will have to attach to this post a little later.  I’m having a slight snafu with my email tonite.  So I guess you all will have to settle for my lovely iphone-photography for the time being.

Cheers and have a good week everyone. Happy Shopping and keep me posted if any of you out there have made any recent purchases at The Humble Hippie.

My Secret Thrifting Tips

Ever wonder why every time you go thrifting, you end up with a big pile of novelty items and some mom jeans? Check out my secret tips on finding your next major thrifting score.

1. Context:   It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the hideousness that engulfs the racks- you know, like the muumuus, Christmas sweaters and stretched out bicycle shorts. In a hurry to sift through it all, you might accidentally skip over your new favorite piece so try to make a day for thrifting when no one is waiting for you and you can take your time.  That crazy ’80s sweater could look hip with an edgy haircut and designer ankle boots.

2. Consider Alterations:    Don’t abandon the perfect vintage cocktail dress only because it’s a size too big. Maybe you love the color and cut of that blouse, but the sleeves are overwhelmingly puffy? For the $3 you’re probably spending, it could be worth it to visit a tailor.

3. Shop Off-Season:    Think ahead and shop for summer items in winter. You’ll find the best deals and have a better selection. Winter coats are plentiful and purchased for pennies in August. The same would go for vintage sun dresses during January.

4. Find Your Local Thrift Outlet:    Most well-established thrift store “chains” like Goodwill and Salvation Army will have outlets.  This is the magical land where all clothes are $1-$3. The ladies at the Goodwill Outlet told me their clothes only get one week at full-price store racks before they get bundled up and shipped to the outlet. My favorites include Thrift Trader and $2 Thrill— you know where I’m going with this….

5. Wear Your “Thrifting Uniform”:    Be prepared for long fitting room lines (or possibly no fitting rooms) by wearing something that is comfy and easy to try things on over. I like leggings and slip-on flats. Throw a flexible sewing tape in your bag for taking measurements if you are so inclined.

6. Don’t Confine Yourself to only the Women’s Clothing Section:   For petites, check out the kids section for a shrunken blazer look or possibly a dress you can wear as a top. Maybe head over to the men’s section where you can find oversized cardigans or a colorful necktie.  Make a necktie headband.

7. Gravitate Toward Thrift Shops That Are Off the Beaten Path:   Look for thrift stores near ritzy retirement communities and small suburban towns.  This is your best chance to find a hidden gem.

8. Get a Rapport Going With Your Cashier:   Most thrift stores don’t have a set-in-stone pricing structure.  Striking up a conversation with the cashier can’t hurt, especially if you visit on a regular basis. If the employees get to know you, they may be willing to set aside that elusive Kate Spade tote you’ve been on the hunt for.


9. Go Thrifting Off-Hours:    If you don’t thrift on a regularly, you’re just asking to miss out on stuff. Thrift stores get new stock daily, so be vigilant. Better yet, find out which days the “new” merchandise gets put out. Arrive early and be ready for the hunt.

Cheers Everyone & Happy Thrifting! Let me know how you all are doing.   -jody-

Recycled Handbags. “New” to me!

Are you feeling a little short on money? Feeling bored with what you see in your closet every morning? Tired of carrying that same boring handbag?

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Hello Everyone! Believe me, I was feeling the exact same way– completely tired of everything in my closet. And especially bored with the handbag I’ve been carrying every single day for the past 3 months. It was my lucky day last Friday when I went to my mailbox and found a huge box filled with handbags— from my sister.  (Maybe she was reading my mind!?)

This gives a whole new meaning to the slogan “shopping in your own closet.” Pictured above is a cute Kate Spade bag with red handles which will be perfect to use on the weekend running errands. Its sturdy construction will hold up well for me since I tend to over-fill my handbag. (you guessed it, this is the one I’m using now)

Pictured below is a dark blue leather handbag from Banana Republic. This one should work well with jeans and sweaters in the Fall.  I usually like something a little more structured but since this one is a freebie I’m willing to think outside the box and give the “unstructured” look a try.

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Passing things on we don’t use any longer is a great way to reduce, re-use and re-cycle.  Whether we pass items on to friends, family or co-workers it doesn’t matter.  Maybe that spare handbag gathering dust in your closet could be a treasure for someone you know.

Anyone else out there sharing clothes? Handbags? Furniture?  Let me know!

Bella Moda Boutiques. More shopping in beautiful Encinitas

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Hope everyone is having a fabulous week!  A few weeks ago I visited Bella Moda Boutique is Encinitas– I know, I’m a little late getting this post out. As you can see, lots of great clothes in a cozy location.  I actually visited this particular shop with my 17-year old son in tow.  While I was gushing over the scarves, earrings and handbags– my son was looking for the exit.  (I did my best to make it a quick trip…)

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I like the flowers- pictured above– and especially this bright scarf pictured below.  (I’m trying to stop myself from wearing so much black)

I didn’t end up buying anything but will likely go back for a repeat visit– this time for some serious shopping and trying-on.

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Located in The Lumberyard Shopping Center in Encinitas,  Bella Moda offers the latest trends from dozens of designer brands, many exclusively from Los Angeles, including Hudson, Joe’s Jeans, Tag, Ed Hardy and True Religion. You can schedule an after-hours appointment and gift certificates are available.

  • Bella Moda Boutiques
  • 967 S. Coast Highway 101
  • Encinitas, CA  92024
  • Phone: (760) 479-9879
  • Web: www.Shopbellamoda.com

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Here’s a picture of all the scarves I was talking about. Lots of different styles for sure.

Soulscape. Discover your soul

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I’ve been finding that Encinitas is a great place to “discover your soul.”  Lots of pretty beaches and many places to meditate after a long day at the office. I’d been looking for one of those Himalayan salt lamps for quite a while and lucky me– I found one at a shop called Soulscape in Encinitas.

About these salt lamps: Himalayan Salt Lamps use a low-wattage light bulb to disburse negative ions emanating from the salt crystals. Place a Himalayan Salt Lamp in your bedroom to help clear sinuses during the night when the body is most relaxed and receptive and to help  intensify your sleep experience.  Install  one in the room where you relax — family room, living room, den–to freshen  the air and make time at home more pleasurable. Enjoy  reduced fatigue–especially during that 3 p.m. slump–by putting a Himalayan  Salt Lamp to work in your office. You’ll transform the air you breath and reduce the amount of electro-magnetic pollution you absorb from office equipment.

Yeah– I love my new salt lamp! I have it near my desk/sleeping area so it also kinda doubles as a “night-light” (bear in mind that I live in a studio apartment).  I can’t confirm that my salt lamp has made me any healthier but it has a nice glow in the evenings especially now with the days getting shorter– and oh by the way– I’m one of the few people I know who hasn’t gotten the summer cold being passed around at my office recently.  Shine on Himalayan Salt Lamp!

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Flip Flops: Made for Transit Thru History

Happy Flip-Flop Friday everyone! Flip flops are a $2 Billion per year industry in the United States. You’d be hard pressed to walk down any street in America and not see at least one person sporting a pair of flip-flops.

Flip flops have been around for at least six thousand years. As a point of comparison, primitive shoes are shown in rock paintings dating from the late Paleolithic (Stone Age) period some 15,000 years ago. There are depictions of flip-flops in ancient Egyptian murals on tombs and temples from about 4,000 B.C. Styles too varied with the differing placement of the toe strap, as subsequent civilizations preferred using different toes. The Greeks for example made use of the big toe; the Romans, the second toe; and the Mesopotamians, the third toe.

Flip flops are a type of open-toed footwear typically worn in casual situations, such as outside or at the beach. They consist of a flat sole held loosely on the foot by a Y-shaped strap that passes between the first and second toes and around either side of the foot.  Thong sandals have been worn for thousands of years, dating back to pictures of them in Egyptian murals from 4,000 B.C. These early versions of flip-flops were made from a wide variety of materials including rawhide, wood, papyrus and palm leaves to name a few.  The modern flip-flop became popular in the United States as soldiers returning from World War II brought Japanese zōri with them. They quickly became popular because of convenience and comfort, and were popular in beach-themed stores and as summer shoes. During the 1960s, flip-flops became associated with the beachy lifestyle of California. They were promoted as an accessory, typically worn with shorts or swimwear. Beginning in 1962, the Brazilian company, Alpargatas, marketed a version of flip-flops known as Havaianas. These quickly become some of the most popular in the world: By 2010, more than 150 million pairs were produced every year.

Personally, I love my Havaianas!  They are the perfect “shoe” to throw on when I run down to get the mail or pop out the door for errands on a busy weekend.

Cheers– and happy Flip Flop Friday!!

From Trash to Treasure… to my living room…

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Look what I found sitting in the alley recently– this cute table!  I really felt like it had potential to become a “treasure” and couldn’t resist the urge to rescue it. Plus, I found a recipe for chalk paint and wanted to try that out. And what better way to experiment than with a free piece of furniture salvaged from the trash, right?  As you can see, my little table needed some rehab–it was nothing some sandpaper and a bit of paint couldn’t fix.

I started my project by hand-sanding the table. About 15 minutes into it I was really wishing I would have busted out the power sander (as you can imagine).  All things considered, the sanding part was pretty easy- it’s a small table.  I’d been doing a lot of research on chalk paint and wanted to try it out to see what all the hype was about. Price-wise the “real thing” is a shade on the expensive side so I decided to make my own version. Here is the recipe I used:

Chalk Paint

  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1/2 cup plaster of paris
  • 1 1/2 cups satin latex paint

Combine hot water and plaster of paris. Whisk. Add to satin latex paint. Mix well.

I bought my paint at Lowe’s– I got a small-sized sample container of paint for approximately $2.50.  This paint was easy to mix up and extremely user-friendly. It coated the table well– in this case I used 2 coats of paint. Luckily it dries fast so I was able to finish the project all at once.  I had some leftover paint mixture and was pleased to find out that you can save it in an airtight container and it works just fine the next day (I saved some for touch ups).

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I distressed the edges slightly with sandpaper and I’m still thinking about putting small tiles or maybe glass on top.  I’d also like to put a sealant over it to prevent watermarks and protect the wood.  Considering this is a piece of furniture that I “rescued” from the trash it turned out pretty cute.  Part of me wants to sell this and part of me wants to keep it…..  any offers out there??!

Cheers!

Right now I’m using this as a side table by the sofa to catch my overflow of magazines and books and computers. It’s a great place to rest my ipad.

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It’s all about Fab.com!!

When I went home for lunch today I had a wonderful surprise waiting for me– my shipment arrived from Fab.com.  What a nice way to start the week….

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Check out the fun Birdy Blue design.  I’m not usually a big fan of “birds” but thiswispy scarf was too cute to pass up!

This should look good with a light sweater once the weather cools off.  This was my first order from Fab.com so I wasn’t sure what to expect.  My order arrived within 8 days of placement– I was originally quoted 14 days for delivery– always better to under promise and over-deliver I suppose.  As far as quality is concerned– I just ordered a scarf and you really can’t mess up something that simple. Would I order from this site again– YES!

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By the way, I loved the “thx” card enclosed with my order. Even though it was stamped out with a generic pre-worded message– a nice thought nonetheless.  A company can’t really go wrong thanking customers!  Cheers and Happy Monday everyone….

….until next time….   -jody-

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Fab.com – A fun way to shop online!

Pan Am Explorer $66

How fabulous is this vintage travel bag? I heard about this cool site from my hairdresser earlier this week and just can’t stop myself from shopping– from the comfort of my couch and wearing my pajamas and no make-up.

Fab.com is fashion on a budget.  The site features a daily mix of designers, exclusive designs, limited edition pieces and amazing offers up to 60% off retail.  The site has limited free membership and I was able to set up my “account” with the usual email address and password type thing. Very easy.

Birdy Blue by Printed Village $14.50

Just to let you know… it has taken me well over an hour to write this post because I keep SHOPPING…. yikes. I keep coming back to these scarves– so, you guessed it. I’m buying! Will keep you posted on shipping and quality.

Cheers!

Brighton Collectibles – Great Products & Amazing Customer Service

Okay, my post tonite has nothing to do with thrift shopping. In search of a case for my iPad, I found myself cruising thru the mall.  No luck at the Apple store, Brookstone and Macy’s. It was my lucky night when I walked in the Brighton store. This was my first time shopping in this particular shop– and I went in out of desperation fairly sure I was going to strike out again anyway.  Check out the funky and practical travel case I found for the iPad. It has plenty of padding and a few extra pockets inside.

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While I was there I couldn’t resist the urge to pick out a pair of small earrings. Priced at $18 and with a 1-year guarantee… excellent!

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While shopping at Brighton Collectibles, I experienced the most amazing customer care. Sales Partner “Laura” helped me choose my items and gave me an entire background on the company and the jewelry designers. Better yet, the merchandise gets registered when you purchase and has a 1-year guarantee.  When I was in there the woman behind me in line told me her Mom “collects” Brighton stuff and has been wearing it for years. She actually showed me a few things she has that still looked great. It’s always a good sign when not only the store salespeople are excited but the store customers are excited too.  For sure, I will be back for more at Brighton.  (I have my eye on some pretty hoop earrings and maybe a watch).  Cheers!

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