The Second Life: A Halloween Doll Pictorial

This is the incredibly true story of how one peculiar doll found a second life. 
Well, it's mostly true...

One damp, dark day while browsing the Goodwill I came across a doll. In truth, I came across many dolls that particular day. But this one was especially sad. It looked as if she had long since expired. Her worn face, her heavy lids and ratted hair showed signs that she had, in fact, been played-with to death.

But there was a store special that day, in which one item below $4 was free. I gently picked up the doll corpse and brought her to the checkout counter, much to the horror of the cashier. 

So the ragged plaything came home with me and sat lifelessly with the other dolls. Until...one mischievous day, she came to life. Imagine my surprise!

In eager anticipation of Halloween, this doll wanted nothing more than to visit the local orchard for some fresh picked apples. 

So off she went, over the hills and through the forrest until she reached a lovely little apple orchard far, far away. 

She reached her tiny outstretched fingers and plucked the very best apples she could find from the tallest trees. Soon the entire basket was filled and she was ready to start her long trek home. 

And with her basket filled with shiny red apples, the determined little doll made it all the way through the dark forrest and down the hill. And as you might imagine, she was quite tired from such a long journey.

So she laid her head down in a pile of crisp autumn leaves and fell fast asleep. Soon it was dark and I was worried where my doll had gone. So I peeked through the curtains from my window. And who did I find peacefully lying in the backyard...but that same thrift store doll.

So, kiddies, the lesson learned is that all items...even the spooky ones...once salvaged from the thrift store, are given a wonderful opportunity for a second life. Happy Halloween! 

Two Looks, Two Seasons And One Small Problem

As you can see, I've managed to assemble two cute, seasonably appropriate outfits thanks to several fruitful trips to the thrift store.

On the left, we have a vibrant orange cotton blend tee with a keyhole accent. I thrifted this quite a while ago, but let it sit in my closet in the hopes of finding something delightful to pair with it. Then along came this brand new Target-designer label Kirna Zabete high-low skirt from Goodwill.  It's bright and breezy, perfect for summer.

And I'm calling this look on the right The Sassy Librarian. A vintage structured polka dot skirt and a brand-new with tags Anne Klein bow tied cardigan. Both from Goodwill--well two different Goodwills, technically. But both cute, cute, cute.

So I've assembled a punchy and light summer look and a dark but delicate outfit for fall. And each set of clothing was under $8!!

There's only one small problem...

Oversized sunglasses: $13. Cross-weave plastic tote: 25 cents. 

Costume pearl necklace with silver mesh bow: $12. 

In both the thrifted summer and fall ensembles, I spent more on the accessories than I did the actual clothing! I am a sucker for cute costume jewelry. I'll be the first to admit it. And what full-figured gal doesn't love an oversized pair of shades? I know I do. 

It's been a while since I've scored any major secondhand accessories, so I've had to improvise. And while spending a measly $12 on a necklace that I love isn't a crime...it's kind of crazy to think that in styling these two outfits I spent a combined $26 bucks (well, $26.25 if you include the thrifted vintage tote). That's $26...on the accessories alone. 

Maybe I'm just in a secondhand slump when it comes to finding thrift store jewelry. But I shouldn't feel guilty about enjoying some time at the mall for a little accessorizing, right? 

What do you think, ladies?