Hot in Burlington

Sunglasses: Charlotte Russe, Blouse: H&M (via The Clothes Exchange), Belt: Goodwill, Skirt: Kohl’s, Snakeskin Heels: Target, Ring: GILT, Assorted BanglesTrying to look cool, crisp, and collected when you’re sweating like Nixon during the 1960’s presidential debates is close to impossible. Luckily I had the foresight to snap these pictures before my walk home… how it was still in the 90’s at 6:30pm is beyond me.

For days when the heat in Burlington is oppressive and I feel like I’m melting a la Alex Mack style I stick with light colors, fluttery fabrics, and simple silhouettes. I don’t like anything close to clingy when it’s this warm so a linen blouse and light weight skirt were perfect and breezy.

How do you stay cool and fresh in the summer heat?

Are These Pockets?

Dollar Store Sunglasses, Blazer: Silence + Noise (via Urban Outfitters),  Silk Shirtdress: The Clothes Exchange, Belt: Forver 21, Heels: TJ Maxx Party Parot – Iris Apfel for MACI’m not sure what’s going on with the err… pockets. They’re drapey, right over my boobs, and with the vertical stripes look somewhat like eyes. I’m not sure how to explain them or their purpose but they’re growing on me… sort of.

While I’m still figuring out how to best accessorize these odd pockets I’m loving the night shirt type cut and comfort offered by this 100% silk shirtdress. I found it at the Clothes Exchange shop first event last month and decided to try it on just for laughs, but once I had it on I realized it didn’t look as bizarre as I’d expected. The boob pockets still don’t make sense to me but I like the fit of the dress so I’m willing to take a chance and figure it out as I go.

What pieces in your wardrobe are you still figuring out? How would address these particular pockets?

Cupcakes and Lace at The Clothes Exchange Sweet-up

Blouse: Battery Street Jeans, Lace Pants: UO, Heart Ring: Forever 21, Cupcake Ring: My Little Cupcake, Heels: Michael Antonio (via Endless) I took these new pants for a test drive yesterday at The Clothes Exchange’s Sweet-up, Tweet-up at My Little Cupcake in Burlington. I’m usually timid when it comes to trying out new styles but when my gaze fell on these cropped lace pants in the clearance section at Urban Outfitters it was love at first sight. It also didn’t hurt that they’d been marked down $70 making them a whopping $9!

The cropped length is perfect with heels or flats and I love the tiered lace detailing on the waistband. I was worried the silhouette wouldn’t work on me but I was pleasantly surprised when I tried them on (never judge a piece until you try it on!) They were baggy where they need to be and form fitting in all the right places. The only minor issue I had was with the fit was in the calves. I guess walking close to three miles a day is paying off because my calve muscles are flipping huge, especially when I’m in wearing heels.

I have a feeling you’re going to be seeing a lot of these pants this spring and summer. I love the idea of pairing them with sky-high wedges and a printed cropped top for a night out or with cute flats and a vintage bandeau for a sweet daytime look.

What new silhouettes are you trying out this spring?

Civically Chic; Wore Out and The Clothes Exchange!

You know those exciting projects I’ve been alluding to for past few weeks?

I am delighted and honored to be the featured guest blogger for The Clothes Exchange!  This time last year I was getting ready for Shop First, my very first Clothes Exchange Event (read all about it here)! I highly recommend attending The Clothes Exchange Shop First event if you can. Only a limited number of tickets are sold so you are assured a crowd free shopping experience and of course you get first dibs on insanely discounted pieces from amazing local and national retailers!

Head over to The Clothes Exchange site to read my full post and learn more about this civically chic event and make sure to stop by My Little Cupcake in Burlington tomorrow (April 5th) between 12:30 – 2pm for the The Clothes Exchange’s  “Sweet-up” Tweet-up! I’d love to see you!

Shoving off

Sunglasses: Dollar Store, Coat: Clothes Exchange, Scarf: Gifted, Bag: ALDO Knit Poncho: TJ Maxx, Gingham Shirt: Goodwill, Jeans: Plato’s Closet Moccasins: Land’s EndA week ago, while the lovely Sammy was guest blogging for me, I was in New York City Harbor waiting to set sail on vacation. I knew it was going to chilly so I made sure to wear layers. My “Sherpa” coat (as D calls it) was a steal for $15 at last year’s Clothes Exchange. It was an XL but after trying it on I realized that if I had the buttons moved and the shoulders taken in a bit that it would fit. The poncho from TJ Maxx was perfect for watching the boat set sail but it was great over my swim suit and cut off shorts after a day of sailing and snorkeling.

I used pops of warm colors to keep this layered look from looking too heavy. These moccasins are one of my favorite pairs of traveling shoes and I love how they worked with my orange ALDO bag and the beautiful scarf from my lovely pen pal Lyndsey!

I have a ton of email and photo uploads to catch up on so stay tuned!

What colors inspired your wardrobe today?

My Catamount Coat

Jacket: Clothes Exchange, Vest: Battery Street Jeans, Jeans: H&M, Necklace: Thrifted, Button up: LL Bean, Rabbit Ring: Downtown Threads, Stackable Rings: H&M, Booties: Forever 21, Bag: ALDO w/ thrifted scarf

This past weekend D (a University of Vermont Alum) took me to the UVM Men’s basketball home opener.  On our way through campus he snapped these pictures of me in front of UVM’s Royall Tyler Theater. We had a lot of fun and the best part is that the Catamount’s won the game with a buzzer beater! My alma mater (Champlain College) didn’t have an athletics program but we did have one a kick-ass mascot, Chauncy the Beaver.

I picked up this coat at the Burlington Clothes Exchange and I’ve been wearing it a lot this fall. I usually stay away from red but I loved the bell sleeves and black rose buttons so much that I took a chance on it. I kept the rest of the look casual with dark high waisted jeans and a simple white button up. I’m  in love with the silver hare ring that I found at Downtown Threads a few weeks ago. It adds the perfect amount of whimsy to this otherwise conservative casual look.

What pieces do you use to make an outfit your own?

Pop-Up Shop Alert!

Just a little FYI Burlington area ladies… (and ladies willing to travel for ah-mazing designer discount shopping)

   

This time next week get yourself to The Clothes Exchange‘s Pop-Up Shop at 152 Cherry Street in downtown Burlington, Vermont (aka the former OGE location). The Clothes Exchange Pop-Up Shop will be open Saturday & Sunday, October 15 & 16th, from 11am – 7pm.

Committed to helping Intervale Farmer’s after the devastating affects of Hurricane Irene the Clothes Exchange partnered with retailers like Stella, Marc Jacobs, Sweet Lady Jane and Flashbags, creating an event where members of the community can help those in need simply by shopping. The pop-up shop will offer new and gently used name brand clothing for sale at deep discounts with 100% of the proceeds going to the Intervale Center Farmers’ Recovery Fund.

This past April I posted about attending my first Clothes Exchange event. I had a ball and scored some wonderful pieces at wildly low prices, all while raising money for Spectrum Youth & Family Services, an amazing local organization. These grey platforms…$15! The white H&M tank I wore all summer… $8, the blanket coat I’m excited to wear as it get colder… all of these were purchased at the Clothes Exchange. So mark it on your calendars October 14 & 15th, get ready to shop great deals for an even greater cause.

Get Ready to Shop!

It’s finally here!

I’ve been looking forward to The Clothes Exchange since I bought my tickets in early April and now it’s finally here! This will be my first time attending and I couldn’t be more excited.

This year marks the 10 year anniversary of the Clothes Exchange and to celebrate their giving back even more!  “Proceeds from the 2011 Clothes Exchange will primarily benefit Spectrum Youth & Family Services. In recognition of The Clothes Exchange’s 10th anniversary, a portion of proceeds raised at the May sale will be divided among the past beneficiaries of Clothes Exchange events, since 2001.”

D volunteered at the event last year and after hearing him talk about lines of women with arm loads of clothes I opted to  purchase a shop first ticket (now sold out). Only a limited number of shop first tickets are sold so I wont have to worry about fighting my way through a crowd and since the shop first event is held the night before the main event I’ll get first dibs on all the goodies! Oh yeah and they provide complimentary glass of wine, hors d’oeuvres and a personal shopper!

Most of the clothes are gently worn but local and major retailers also donated brand new items too. I’ve been on a spending freeze in preparation and I’m bursting at the seems with excitement, I can’t wait to shop till I drop! What could be more fashionable than a shopping spree that benefits amazing local charities? I can’t wait to share all the details with you later this week!

Are you going to The Clothes Exchange? Does your community sponsor a similar event(s)?

Friday Finery & Frivolities; BTV Thrifty Fashionista Update

This week felt like a marathon! I started the week off with a nasty head cold and some organic outfit inspiration. I wore two floral inspired looks one subtle and one bold and then struggled with a case of fashion déjà vu. I’m so glad it’s almost the weekend!

Spring has finally found it’s way to Burlington and the sunshine has brought the city back to life! Carolyn of Fig Dreams Clothing & Design who made these shorts and styled these looks stopped by the shop last night and she was wearing one of her amazing outfits (as usual).

She’s wearing: thrifted romper, vintage hat, heart shaped sunnies from Downtown Threads, amazing DIY necklace, assorted glass rings, vintage Adidas, and a thrifted tee. 

Carolyn always has the best accessories

I can’t wait to copy Carolyn’s open romper look! I love how fearless her style is. I think one of the reasons everything always looks so good on Carolyn is becuase she carries herself with such confidence.

Carolyn is an expert thrifter and had some great tips on how to make the most out of this time of year. With three colleges in Burlington (including my Alma mater Champlain College) and two other colleges only minutes from the heart of downtown this time of year is always hectic. Most apartments in Burlington go from June 1 to May 31st, making these next few weeks prime time for thrifting, consigning, upcycling and yard saleing.

If you’re in the Burlington area here are some of the best places to score some sweet swag on the cheap in the next few weeks!

May 18-19, The Clothes Exchange: With all proceeds benefiting a local charity this is one swap you wont want to miss. Last year the Clothes Exchange raised $70,000 for the King Street Youth center! Want to beat the crowd and get first dibs? Buy your tickets for the shop first event here (I’ll be there!)

May 25, Spring Move Out Project (SMOP): Carolyn has had some amazing finds at this event in the past and this year they’ve expanded! From 11am to 3pm on May 25th Loomis St. and Bradley St. in Burlington will become one large free yard sale. It’s free to drop stuff off and to take stuff away. Bring items to drop off, come to shop or do both. Just don’t miss it!

Sat & Sun (April – Mid October) Charlotte Flea Market: Only 10 miles south of Burlington this outdoor flea market boosts upwards of 40 dealers with everything from new and vintage clothing to antiques it’s the perfect way to spend a sunny weekend morning.

Goodwill (Williston & South Burlington): I’ve already dropped off two huge garbage bags full of clothes and the donations are coming in faster than ever as everyone tries to slim down their closets before moving. Shop often as they are always procesing clothes and their stock changes daily.

ReSource VT: Formerly Recycle North this amazing organization is entering its busiest time of the year. Looking to decorate your apartment on the cheap? They’ve got everything; shabby chic dishes, curios and vintage furniture all on the cheap! Make sure you bring your game face if you plan on going in the next few weeks, it’s going to be packed with people and with new donations!

Consignment more your thing? These places all accept consignment and offer a whole lot more…

Battery Street Jeans: Looking for vintage Levi’s, funky accessories, and gently used gems? BSJ has em in spades. Just make sure you call first as their hours tend to… fluctuate…

Dirt Chic: This newer consignment shop always has great bags and hats, and don’t miss their epic sale rack out front it’s always freshly stocked with great deals.

Downtown Threads: If you follow Wore Out then you know that Downtown Threads is my first stop when I’m looking for anything. They’ve got amazing vintage, the hottest sunglasses, friendliest staff… don’t get me started. Just go and see for yourself!

For the most up to date tag, yard, porch, and garage sale listings head on over to craigslist or hop on your neighborhood’s front porch forum.

Are you planning on hitting up any of the event listed above? What are your thrifting tips? Did I miss something? What would you add to the list?