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? 

Stepping Into Spring...Sort Of

Spring has officially sprung. While the sun has been shining,  the contradictory chill in the air is quite deceiving. I'm not convinced that this whole spring thing isn't a total sham. 

Believe it or not, we're expecting a bit of snow this afternoon here in Philadelphia. It's a pity too. I was just getting hyped for prepping my garden,  breaking a sweat on an afternoon power walk and scavenging through mounds of flea market treasures on Saturday mornings. 

I suppose I have some time to anticipate the spring weather I've so sorely missed. Perhaps this time would be best served considering a few things I'd like to accomplish this season.

• I will take more pleasure in the little things in life. A good cup of coffee, a smile from a stranger who passes me by, leisurely reading.
• Speaking of leisurely reading, I must make more space on my bookshelves for my list of to-reads that I hope to serendipitously find at the thrift. Time to donate! 
• I would really love to assemble a respectable spring wardrobe. While this will take time and patience in piecing together thrifted finds, I think I can make it happen.
• Make some kind of summer vacation plan happen. I am a fan of the budget vacation and would be happy with just a few day trips here and there. But my dream vacation would involve me and my likeminded friends in a VW minibus traversing the annals of roadside Americana. The biggest ball of string. Rundown wax museums from decades past. Hokey traveling carnivals. You get the picture.
• I am making it a point of cooking something nutritious every day. Too much of my so-called diet consists of boxed, bagged, frozen or canned convenience meals. And no matter how lean these foods claim to be, nothing beats something fresh and homemade. 

Believe me. I could make a list that could include all of the personal, if not completely trivial things that I need to do....but no one needs to know that I have to organize my sock drawer. So, I better get cracking. The impending warmth of spring will soon lure me outdoors, never to been seen in the workplace again. If only.

Oh, and as for enjoying the little things, I bet you are wondering what's going on with that photo. Isn't that just the sweetest? This was a DIY tabletop decor from the baby shower of a green-centric friend who had the thrifty idea to use tiny secondhand children's shoes as planters. So adorable! I had to bring one home as a souvenir. That's little and I enjoyed it greatly. Can I cross that off the list? 

What would put more spring into your step this season?