Thrift This Look: 5 Trends for F/W 2015

We get a lot of questions about our closets because we’re always looking to wear things that are just a little different. Our secret: thrifting. We love vintage stores, and the price point is almost always preferable to buying “the latest thing.” So today, I’m starting the “Thrift This Look” series where I’ll share elements you can find used to really dress up your duds. To kick things off, here are 5 trends for F/W 2015 that you can find at your local thrift store.

The School Uniform

This trend is basically the cousin of the sexy Catholic School girl–the prudish cousin that may have resting bitch face. The skirts this season are just a bit longer but the patterns are bigger and bolder than ever!

Look for: Plaid skirts.

Note: Be sure to check any wools and tweeds for moth holes. Finding these in mint condition at thrift are rare, but you may be able to use any wear to talk down the price!

The Dancing Queen

If you listen to a lot of Abba and can drop into “Superstar” stance (Mary Catherine Gallagher fans out there?) at a moment’s notice, this look is for you. I mean, let’s just say it: there are not enough opportunities to wear sequins as an adult. Shine on like the star you are, baby!

Look for: Sequins that are at least the size of nickels.

Bohemian Honey

My mother’s closet in the 70s was basically this look. (Luckily she saved at least one dress that is now in my closet!) Lay in the grass, put on a little post-Beatles John Lennon (peace, love, etc.), and wear something long and flowy. The best part? You don’t have to worry about fixing your hair.

Look for: Crimson florals on silky fabrics.

Put a Bow on It

This feels like a Portlandia sketch, but I promise it isn’t. Feminine collars that tie into neat little bows are something I remember from my earliest childhood. I feel like you’d need to have a tendency toward granny and perhaps a little amish to really pull this off, but why not?

Look for: Blouses that are feminine and collars that tie.

Comfy Chic

A big shout-out to Lenny Kravitz for this timeless mental image. This look may be as easy as an extra phone call to your grandmother. But, if you aren’t so lucky, it’s time for a trip to the wool section.

Look for: Chunky knits

Note: Thrifted sweaters often carry the eau de antique. To get rid of the vintage stench for good, check out this post. 

There you go: 5 trends to thrift for Fall! Which one is your favorite?

If you care to pop over the HGTV’s Dreams Happen blog, today I’ll be sharing my best tips for thrifting.

 

Gift Guide for the Black Sheep

To the black sheep of the Internet: this gift guide is for you! While I may be a sparkly, falala-ing jingle belle this time of year, even I have grown tired of Blog Land’s shiny, monogrammed gift guides. Is it just me or do they all start to look the same after a while? Sure Kate Spade, minimergency kits, and cable-knit pom pom hats will always be a fab choice but, in my humble opinion, gift guide season has turned my blog feed into an indistinguishable sea of pretty pink lipstick and bubblegum. So today, I offer  an alternative for your snarkier friends and lovers–those with a little bit of punk in their soul and just enough of a rebellious streak to endear them to your heart forever.

Gift Guide for the Black Sheep | Hannah & Husband

Sex Pistols’ Spunk, 1977 :: “I am an anarchist.”

Jonathan Adler’s  White Lies Canister

Terrapin Moo-Hoo Chocolate Milk Stout :: Looking for a dark brew? My friends and I are absolutely in love this seasonal milk stout.

Cards Against Humanity

Onyx surrounded by pearls :: Ok, yes it is stunning and super femme, but there’s something about onyx that I’ve always found fixating. This ring from Tiffany & Co. is no exception.

I Wear the Black Hat :: Read Husband’s review here.

The Book of Vice: Very Naughty Things (and How to Do Them)  by Peter Sagal

“Coal Rice Krispy Treats” :: As a side note, these will definitely be on my holiday party table this weekend. OMGyouguys.

Holy Blues Brothers Prayer Candles :: “Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration, don’t fail me now.” – Elwood

In all seriousness, if you need more ideas, here are my favorite gift guides this year:

Joanna Goddard of A Cup of Jo always has the best ideas, and her descriptions for the recipients are perfect!

Esquire’s 10 Best Gifts for Foodies is pretty killer.

And if you want the pretty blogger land list, Carly’s “A to Z Gifts” is absolutely fabulous!

 

This Used Book Inscription

There are times when I see things at vintage shops and used book stores that I simply must have. Yesterday, just such a thing happened at the used book store where I was scouring the shelves for Jen Lancaster‘s book Such a Pretty Fat. (I fell in love with Jen the moment my friend Beth sent me the link for The Tao of Martha.) Anyway, when I opened the book, I saw this message written on the inside.

Inscription in the copy of Jen Lancaster's "Such a Pretty Fat" that I bought at the used book store yesterday.

This should make you LOL while reading it.
I hope you enjoy this and please quit taking yourself so seriously.
I love you just the way you are.
Just be healthy!

I Love You!
Mom
8-30-08

You know, sometimes you just need some maternal wisdom–even if it’s not from your own mother! So your message (and mine) for today is this: Stop taking yourself so seriously! Try your best, and then trust that you’re enough. You! Just the way you are.

And also, maybe pick up a Jen Lancaster book. It really will make you “LOL.”